Request for Information (RFI) on Enabling and Transformative Technologies for Superhot Geothermal Power | DE FOA 0003448

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this ARPA-E opportunity (DE-FOA-0003448)?

This notice is a Request for Information (RFI) from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) titled "Enabling and Transformative Technologies for Superhot Geothermal Power" (Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0003448). It is an information-gathering request intended to collect ideas, technical feedback, and perspectives that could inform ARPA-E thinking about potential future activities.

Is this an open grant or funding solicitation?

No. The notice is strictly an RFI and is not a grant or funding solicitation. It does not function as a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA).

Can I submit an application or proposal for funding under this notice?

No. This RFI does not accept applications and does not solicit proposals for financial support.

Does ARPA-E plan to make awards under this notice?

No. The administrative information indicates an award ceiling of $0 and expected awards of 0, reinforcing that no awards are being made under this RFI.

Does this RFI provide any financial assistance?

No. ARPA-E states that this is an information-gathering notice and it does not offer financial assistance.

What is ARPA-E trying to accomplish with this RFI?

ARPA-E is using the RFI to collect ideas, technical feedback, and perspectives that could shape or inspire a future competitive funding program. No such program has been announced yet, but the RFI is meant to help ARPA-E understand promising technical pathways, identify the biggest gaps, and consider what a well-designed future program might target for meaningful impact.

What technical area is this RFI focused on?

The RFI focuses on "superhot" geothermal power and enabling or transformative technologies that could make it faster, more reliable, or more economical to access and use geothermal resources in extreme subsurface conditions.

How does the notice define "superhot" geothermal?

In this notice, "superhot" geothermal is defined as temperatures at or above 375 degrees C, with associated pressures around 22 megapascals (MPa).

Does the RFI include supercritical water conditions?

Yes. The notice indicates that this regime can include conditions where water becomes supercritical, meaning it behaves neither like a typical liquid nor a typical gas and can carry heat and dissolve materials in unusual ways.

What kinds of geothermal approaches is ARPA-E interested in for this RFI?

ARPA-E is interested in enhanced geothermal approaches that can reach and operate in superhot and potentially supercritical subsurface environments, with the aim of supporting electricity generation and potentially other end uses.

What types of ideas or input is ARPA-E looking for?

The RFI seeks input on enabling and potentially transformative technologies that address major challenges in superhot geothermal development. The framing points to solutions that could accelerate well construction in high-temperature, high-pressure environments, improve durability and performance of downhole systems, and overcome practical barriers that limit drilling, completion, and long-term operation under these conditions.

Are specific topic areas listed in the short description?

No. The short description does not list detailed topic areas, but it emphasizes technologies and concepts that could improve drilling, completion, durability, performance, and sustained operation in superhot geothermal settings.

Who is encouraged to respond to the RFI?

ARPA-E is explicitly seeking input from a wide range of researchers and technologists across multiple fields and disciplines. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, reflecting an intent to gather broad input rather than limit participation.

Is eligibility restricted to certain organization types?

No. The eligibility is described as unrestricted in the notice, consistent with the goal of gathering input from a broad community.

What is the deadline for submitting information in response to this RFI?

The notice shows an original closing date of September 30, 2024. For an RFI, this functions as the deadline for submitting information and comments rather than proposals.

When was this RFI created?

The RFI was created on August 26, 2024.

Where can I find the full RFI and any submission instructions?

The notice states that the full RFI and any submission instructions are available through ARPA-E's FOA site at https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov.

Why does the listing mention a "cooperative agreement" if this is not funding?

The listing shows the funding instrument type as a cooperative agreement, but the notice also indicates $0 award ceiling and 0 expected awards. The description notes that cooperative agreement is a common placeholder format in federal systems even when no awards are being made.

What does it mean that the opportunity is categorized as "discretionary"?

The notice includes an administrative classification of "discretionary." Based on the information provided, this is part of the listing details and does not change the fact that the notice is an RFI and not a funding solicitation.

Does responding to the RFI guarantee future funding or selection?

No. The RFI is for information gathering only and is intended to inform ARPA-E. The notice indicates that a future competitive funding program has not been announced.

What is the practical takeaway for organizations interested in superhot geothermal funding?

The notice should be read as an early signal of ARPA-E interest in advancing superhot geothermal as a potentially high-impact clean energy option. The immediate action is to provide technical insights and perspectives that could help shape a possible future program, rather than submitting a funding application.