The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) have issued a Request for Information (RFI) for input on critical gaps in oil and natural gas technology that must be addressed through scientific research.

Specifically, this RFI seeks input on research needs in five broad areas:

Unconventional oil and natural gas resource development Beneficial reuse of water produced from oil and natural gas wells Offshore spill prevention Natural gas conversion Carbon dioxide storage and enhanced oil recovery (CO2 EOR)

The five areas also include multiple individual categories where specific information is being sought.

The objective of this RFI is to support DOE’s mission to lead research and technology development that promotes the prudent development of oil and gas resources and reduces the environmental footprint of oil and gas activities. This includes efforts to ensure that promising technologies progress through subsequent technology readiness levels (TRL) in order to further ensure safe and environmentally sustainable oil and gas resource development. The DOE will accomplish this mission in cooperation with the private sector, academia, and other stakeholders.

To review the RFI, please click here.  Responses may be submitted here under Reference Number DE-FOA-0001693.   Submissions are due by December 16, 2016.

The Office of Fossil Energy funds research, development and demonstration projects to reduce the risk and cost of advanced carbon technologies and further the sustainable use of the Nation’s fossil resources. To learn more about the programs within the Office of Fossil Energy, visit our website or sign up for FE news announcements.  To learn more about the Office of Fossil Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, visit the NETL website.