Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office Announces Up To $10.75 Million To Support University Training and Research for Subsurface Energy Development

WASHINGTON- The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) today announced up to $10.75 million in federal funding to support novel, early-stage research and development (R&D) projects at eligible U.S. colleges and universities. The funding opportunity is offered through HGEO's University Training and Research (UTR) Program, which aims to train the next generation of engineers and scientists for careers in energy-related research to help ensure affordable, reliable, and secure energy for all Americans.

"Continuing to increase domestic energy production from our vast coal, oil, gas, and geothermal resources requires a workforce of trained, qualified professionals to advance innovative subsurface energy technologies," said DOE Acting Assistant Secretary of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office Curt Coccodrilli. "By investing in skills-based training that emphasizes industry-driven strategies, we will help meet the needs of our evolving energy economy while strengthening America's energy leadership and independence."

Funding awarded under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is intended to increase R&D opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Relevant academic disciplines include, but are not limited to engineering, chemistry, physics, mining, geosciences, computer science and education.

Selected projects will support one topic area-Innovative Research and Training for Subsurface Energy Production.This topic area seeks university-led R&D proposals focused on accelerating innovative energy technologies toward commercial viability while simultaneously developing a skilled workforce for the evolving energy sector. The topic area is split into three subtopics focused on coal, oil and gas, and geothermal energy, respectively, ensuring that projects awarded through the UTR Program complement the R&D investments from HGEO's Office of Subsurface Energy.

Projects will address critical workforce skill gaps by integrating student participation directly into the R&D process and developing training modules that will have a lasting impact on student training beyond the awarded project. In addition, projects must include a non-academic partner to ensure research relevance and provide critical workforce experience for students.

Read more details about this NOFO here and view the pre-recorded informational webinar here . The NOFO is designed as an annual recurring opportunity. As such, the NOFO will remain open for a period of approximately three years. During this open period, applicants may submit Letters of Intent and Full Applications during one of the three application submission periods, the first of which will close on October 16, 2026. To be eligible to submit a Full Application during the first submission period, applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by October 1, 2026.

HGEO is also seeking individuals to review funding opportunities from the UTR Program, including this NOFO. For more information, click here .

Learn more about HGEO's Workforce Programs .