The Department of Energy (DOE) released its Draft Advanced Fossil Energy Solicitation, outlining a proposed loan guarantee solicitation for innovative and advanced fossil energy technologies that avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The program would provide up to $8 billion in loan guarantees. This program is part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, which includes actions designed to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions. The Draft Advanced Fossil Energy Solicitation offers loans for projects and facilities that employ new or significantly improved technologies compared to current U.S. practices.

The draft lists four main areas for funding consideration: Advanced Resource Development, which includes projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with developing fossil fuels. Carbon Capture, which seeks projects to enhance carbon capture technologies at a variety of points during production. Low-Carbon Power Systems, which will include projects that utilize ideas such areas as hydrogen turbines, chemical looping, and coal or natural gas oxycombustion that can integrate with CO2 storage or beneficial reuse. The last area, Efficiency Improvements, seeks projects that will improve the efficiency of fossil-based systems while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

A series of public meetings will be held to receive comments on the draft. The public meetings will be held at DOE's Forrestal Building.