Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives
Funding Agency:
- Department of Energy
The Department of Energy (DOE) Fusion Energy Science (FES) program is embarking on a transformative initiative aimed at creating a fusion innovation ecosystem, the “Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE)”, by forming virtual, centrally managed teams called “Collaboratives”, that have a collective goal of bridging FES’s basic science research programs and growing fusion industries, including the activities supported under the FES milestone-based fusion development program.
At its core, FIRE represents a departure from traditional science programs. It is structured as a framework comprised of Collaboratives with the purpose of bridging the gap between foundational science and practical application. These Collaboratives are envisioned as dynamic hubs of innovation, driving advancements in fusion energy research in collaboration with both public and private entities.
FES envisions the ecosystem surrounding the Collaboratives as a facilitator for collaboration and coordination with the basic science research program and other stakeholders, creating an engine for innovation. FIRE hopes to foster synergy and alignment of goals, accelerating progress towards the realization of fusion energy as a clean, sustainable power source. Moreover, this
initiative aims to create new economic opportunities, bolster US-based manufacturing and supply chains, and enable the development of technologies crucial for national security, energy security, and defense.
Through the concerted efforts of the Collaboratives within FIRE, FES aims to de-risk Fusion Materials and Technology (FM&T) gaps, connecting the three science drivers of Fusion Science and Technology (FS&T)—Sustain a Burning Plasma, Engineer for Extreme Conditions, and Harness Fusion Energy—FES is poised to accelerate the transition of fusion energy from theory to reality.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in FES’ commitment to advancing fusion energy research and development, ultimately benefiting society with a clean, sustainable energy source, and fostering economic growth and national security.
Award Ceiling: $20,000,000
$180,000,000
Submission Deadline for Pre-Applications: July 9, 2024, at 5 pm ET
August 27, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET
All technical questions should be directed to fes.fire@science.doe.gov. For purposes of fairness, a FAQ document will be made available on the same date the FOA opens. It will be updated with new questions and responses as FES receives them. The FAQ and other details will be posted at https://science.osti.gov/fes/Funding-Opportunities.