US DOE announces $60m in funding for 22 projects to reduce emissions

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) (ARPA-E) has announced a funding of $60m for 22 new projects to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency.

These projects, intended for detection and measurement of methane emissions, will develop localized thermal management systems, which will cut down the energy required to heat and cool buildings.

The developments are funded through ARPA-E’s two new programs, Methane Observation Networks with Innovative Technology to Obtain Reductions (MONITOR) and Delivering Efficient Local Thermal Amenities (DELTA).

MONITOR program focuses on reducing methane emissions associated with energy production. The program plans to offer $30m support to 11 project teams for the development of new systems, which can identify and measure methane related to the production and transportation of oil and natural gas.

On the other hand, DELTA program will develop localized heating and cooling systems and devices to widen temperature ranges within buildings. This program plans to offer provide $30m support to 11 project teams for the development of technologies, which can regulate temperatures focused on a building’s occupants and not the complete facility.

US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: "These new projects highlight the Department of Energy’s commitment to developing a broad range of disruptive technologies to ensure a secure, affordable and sustainable American energy future.

"Investments in innovative methane detection and thermal management technologies demonstrate ARPA-E’s role in catalyzing energy research and development by leveraging our top scientists and engineers from across the country."