This marks the 30th year the DoE has offered its annual University Coal Research Competition (UCR), which makes a maximum of $300,000 available to institutions for initiatives up to 36 months in length.

All projects must fall under one of three areas:

Computational Energy Sciences – Including multiphase flow research that will work together with ongoing NETL-funded modelling research as well as efforts to develop process/equipment co-simulations of highly efficient, near-zero-emission fossil energy plants;

Material Science – Including new materials ideas and concepts beyond current applications in the area of fossil energy. Additionally, the DoE is looking for computational tools and simulations to reliably predict fossil energy material property for systems before fabrication; and

Novel Materials for Sensing or Monitoring in Extreme Environments of Fossil Energy Systems – Including the development of novel sensor materials/devices for measuring process parameters in corrosive, high-temperature and high-pressure areas.

According to the agency, more than 1700 students have worked to develop innovations as part of the initiative that focuses on the long-term utilisation of clean, efficient coal use.

Those schools wishing to submit proposals must do so by June 10, 2008. The National Energy Technology Laboratory will name the winners in December.