DOE has extended the RFI response deadline to April 10, 2016.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) has issued a request for information (RFI) to obtain feedback and opinions from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on technical and economic barriers for fuel cell-related technologies.

In particular, FCTO seeks information regarding research and development needs to improve performance and reduce cost of bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, and ways to lower the high cost of hydrogen refueling stations. These high costs for hydrogen refueling stations may be caused by extensive installation and permitting effort or low equipment utilization. This RFI asks for feedback on concepts like co-location of hydrogen stations with existing compressed natural gas stations and mobile hydrogen refueling delivery service. FCTO is specifically interested in information on cost avoidance and its effect on fuel cost to the consumer.

Also, an open topic is included to solicit innovative research that may be outside of FCTO’s current roadmap, but still relevant to the mission and objectives.

For details, see the RFI announcement DE-FOA-0001510 or email questions about the RFI to FY16FCTONeedsandStrategies@ee.doe.gov with "question" in the subject line. RFI responses must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on March 25, 2016. This RFI is not a funding opportunity announcement; therefore, DOE is not accepting applications for funding regarding this topic at this time.