Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (AFFO) leads research, development, and demonstration initiatives to accelerate commercialization of alternative fuels, fertilizers, chemicals, and feedstocks. These efforts aim to improve energy network security and reliability while reducing consumer costs, as detailed on the office's webpage and announcements.
The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), part of AFFO, conducts a competition engaging students from middle school through graduate level. The competition challenges participants to develop innovative technologies for the commercial algae value chain.
The Geothermal Technologies Office focuses on low-temperature geothermal resources for electricity, heating, cooling, and other uses. The office also advances economic direct lithium extraction (DLE) from geothermal brines, supporting domestic lithium supplies.
In support, the GeoFlight Initiative—a joint project between the Office of Geothermal and the U.S. Geological Survey—collects surface and near-surface geologic data to identify new geothermal prospects and potential critical mineral areas.
The Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program assists entrepreneurs by connecting their inventions with scientists and facilities at U.S. National Laboratories, supporting the commercialization of new energy technologies.