MAKE IT Prize Facilities Track

Yes, but it’s quick and easy. Just click the “Solve this Challenge” button on this page and follow the instructions to complete your registration. All you need to provide is your name and email address.

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• A single competitor may submit only one statement of intent per technology component as the lead but may be part of the team or otherwise be included in other submissions. A single competitor can submit more than one statement of intent as the lead if submissions are for different technology components. See Section 1.3 and Appendix B for a complete list of eligible technology components. 

• If competitors are interested in pursuing multiple technologies, they must submit a separate statement of intent for each technology. Competitors must include the technology component in which they are interested in their statement of intent. 

• Competitors must be U.S. persons (citizens or resident aliens) or entities incorporated in the United States and maintain a primary place of business in the United States. The prize administrator and DOE will review statements of intent for eligibility based on the list of allowable technology components for this track and the type of entity submitting the statement of intent.

Manufacturing and/or recycling of components for production, processing, delivery, and storage, of clean hydrogen and/or hydrogen fuel cells 

The production, processing, delivery, storage, and end use of clean hydrogen, including innovative uses in the industrial and transportation sector, are crucial to DOE’s strategy for achieving the goal of a 100% clean electric grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.37 The entire clean hydrogen supply chain must scale rapidly, representing a significant opportunity as domestic and international markets mature. The following critical components are eligible for this prize:

• Facilities to extract and process raw materials for electrolyzer and hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing: 

To meet the demands of a growing hydrogen market, large increases in the extraction and refining of many materials will be needed. Electrolyzers for hydrogen production and fuel cells for heavy-duty transportation require raw materials, which are currently primarily provided by imports. Activities in support of facilities, components, or processes to extract and/or process raw materials for electrolyzers and hydrogen fuel cells are eligible for this prize. Applicants that are focused on raw material extraction and processing only should provide sufficient evidence that their manufacturing will improve the supply chain for electrolyzers and/or fuel cells. This could include a commitment from an electrolyzer, fuel cell, or electrolyzer-component manufacturer to purchase your future product.

•  Precision manufactured subcomponents for electrolyzers and fuel cells and facilities for electrolyzer and fuel cell assembly: 

The demand for electrolyzer components is likely to significantly exceed global supply until electrolyzer production expands. To enable the deployment of approximately 100 GW of operational electrolyzers by 2030, domestic production must scale from 4 GW of publicly announced capacity with target commercial operation dates to as much as approximately 20–25 GW per year by 2030. Additionally, the use of fuel cells in the transportation sector, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles, will increase over the next decade, and demand for more precision manufacturing is required. The manufacturers of any type of electrolyzer, hydrogen fuel cell, or relevant components are eligible to compete in this prize; preference is given toward electrolyzers, fuel cells, or components that represent new capabilities, designs, or significant performance or cost savings relative to current commercially produced products. 

• Optimized balance-of-plant components for electrolyzers:

 There is a significant need for balance-of-plant components for electrolyzer systems, specifically hydrogen compressors and power electronics. Hydrogen compression is essential for the transportation and storage of hydrogen. Power electronics, while widely available for many other uses, are a key need due to the lack of systems optimized for electrolyzers. Compressors or power electronics specifically manufactured for use with electrolyzers are eligible for this prize. 

• Production capacity for hydrogen-specific infrastructure:

 Hydrogen delivery via pressurized tube trailers and cryogenic liquid tankers will likely represent most hydrogen distribution pathways in the near- and mid-term for distributed end uses, such as transportation. On the other hand, power sector and industrial applications are more likely to be co-located with hydrogen production sites or connected via pipelines and are thus likely to have lower delivery costs. For more distributed use cases, U.S. tube trailer manufacturing is currently in the low 100 units per year, with lead times exceeding a year. Manufacturing efforts addressing issues with the cost of carbon fibers used in new tube trailers and supplies for hydrogen storage and distribution systems, as well as novel manufacturing techniques (e.g., for high-quality carbon fiber composites and storage tanks with the ability to duty-cycle many times per day) are eligible for this prize. Midstream systems for hydrogen-specific equipment, including liquefiers, valves, and hoses, must scale rapidly to meet the demand of the growing hydrogen industry, particularly components for heavy-duty vehicle fueling. Facilities manufacturing new designs emphasizing reliability, durability, and cost reductions at scale for these components are eligible to compete in this prize.

Manufacturing of components related to electric grid upgrades and LDES
The U.S. energy sector industrial base will require radical transformations to decarbonize by 2050, including renewable energy generation and transportation from carbon-neutral sources, combined with storage of that energy. LDES systems—10 or more hours in duration—can enhance the capabilities of customers and communities to more effectively integrate grid storage into their energy mix. Many critical components supporting the power grid have limited to no domestic manufacturing capacity and face
complex challenges in supporting a rapid expansion of the grid to meet multiple objectives, including decarbonization goals. In addition, the LDES supply chain is nascent- <1 GW of LDES were deployed as of 2022, excluding pumped storage hydropower. For LDES to be a viable component of the net-zero equation, annual manufacturing and deployment capacity must approach 10–15 GW/year by 2035 and 30 GW/year by 2040. An updated electric grid infrastructure and cheaper LDES technologies can increase local control of the power system, build resilience for communities, minimize power grid disruptions, and help reach the goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. This prize will focus on the following critical components: 

• Components for distribution and large power transformers:

Transformers are used both at the transmission and distribution level to step up voltage to decrease the power losses from electricity transmission and to step down voltage for distribution at lower, more usable voltage levels. There is a current shortage in the United States of distribution transformers, and the average age of installed large power transformers is approximately 40 years, which is the end of their expected lifetime. This fact combined with potential bottlenecks to rapid grid expansion raise concerns about the vulnerability of the domestic electric grid. Within the distribution and transmission transformer supply chain, grainoriented electrical steel (GOES), continuously transposed conduction copper wire, and insulating materials have a significant influence on final component availability and price. Manufacturing facilities for distribution and large power transformers as well as GOES are eligible for this prize. 

• Components for HVDC transmission:

HVDC transmission provides an alternative electrical transmission system to conventional alternating current (AC), which increases the power grid’s capacity to receive, transmit, and deliver large amounts of energy. HVDC technology is more cost-effective than HVAC for longer transmission distances. In addition, this technology improves grid resilience, security, and operation flexibility, and it accommodates the integration of renewable energy transmission into the existing grid to reach the nation’s goal of carbon neutrality. The manufacturers of the four main HVDC components, as well as their subcomponents, are eligible for this prize. The main components are:

Converters 

DC switchgear (breakers)

DC filters 

AC switchyards

Eligible subcomponents include insulated-gate bipolar transistors, capacitors, inductors, arrestors, AC switches, resistors, and distribution transformers.

• Manufacturing and assembly of LDES components and systems:

LDES technologies encompass a broad variety of technologies and approaches that share the goal of storing energy for long periods of time for future dispatch. Within this prize, “long duration” is defined as 10 or more hours (intraday, multiday, and seasonal storage). Facilities to manufacture components related to any technological approach to LDES are eligible to compete in this prize if there is a clear path to commercial offtake as soon as construction of the facility is expected to be completed. In particular, the manufacturing and assembling of metal anode and flow batteries is of particular interest. Extracting and processing raw materials (especially nickel and vanadium from secure mines) and manufacturing and assembling for metal anode and flow batteries are priorities for multiday/week LDES.

Manufacturing of components related to carbon capture and storage

Carbon capture technologies are designed to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, cost, emissions reductions, and environmental performance of coal and natural gas use, including in manufacturing and industrial facilities. A typical carbon capture hub will integrate capture, transport, and storage infrastructure that can be deployed at fossil energy power plants and major industrial sources of carbon dioxide, such as cement, pulp and paper, iron and steel, and certain types of chemical production facilities. In an aggressive infrastructure deployment scenario, the likely upper bound of carbon capture and storage capacity for the United States is 1.7 Gt per annum by 2050. The critical facilities needed to recycle solvents, sorbents, membranes, drilling mud, and other components used during the carbon capture and storage process are eligible for this prize:

• Carbon capture solvent, sorbents, and membrane recovery facilities:

It is expected that the United States will build extensive infrastructure to operate a 2 Gt/year system of carbon capture and storage by 2050. Part of the success of this new industry is the ability to recycle and, whenever possible, recover critical components and materials that would otherwise be disposed in a landfill. Facilities aiming at recycling and/or recovering solvents, sorbents, membranes, and any other material used in a typical carbon capture and storage facility are eligible to compete in this prize.

Innovation is about making ideas happen. The American-Made Network will accelerate and sustain clean energy innovation through a diverse and powerful network that includes national laboratories, energy incubators, facilities, and other valuable industry partners from across the U.S. who will engage, connect, mentor, and boost the efforts of Community Clean Energy Coalition competitors.

See who is in the network.

Power Connector organizations are a core group of Connectors that will work alongside NREL to implement parts of the program and secure additional resources and partners.

Discover who they are and how they will help innovators succeed.

https://americanmadechallenges.org/power_connectors

If you encounter an issue when attempting to submit an entry to the challenge, you may need to contact HeroX or the Prize Administrator.

You may try to connect with HeroX using the online form which appears in the bottom right corner of your browser window, it says Leave a Message.

You may also send a message to the Prize Administrator inbox at MAKEITPrize@nrel.gov.

Please allow at least 1 business day for a response.

All of your files are uploaded as part of the submission form, access this by clicking the Begin Entry button.  The submission form contains an upload option for each of the required file entries.  Only PDF files will be accepted for upload.

In the MAKE IT Prize, prize award money is not allocated to each timeline separately. Instead, there is a total amount of prize award money that will be awarded to the strongest submissions on a first-come first-served basis for each phase. Therefore, competitors should be aware that there is no guarantee that prize money will be available in the Secondary timeline, as there is a possibility that all prize money could be awarded during the Primary timeline.

Our company is planning to build/expand a factory focused on producing __________ components. Is this eligible for the prize? 

Any questions about component eligibility should refer to Appendix B (page 34) of the official rules. The prize team cannot provide specific feedback about technology types. 

Does manufacturing of components for ____________ sector apply for this prize? 

Any questions about component eligibility should refer to Appendix B (page 34) of the official rules. The prize team cannot provide specific feedback about technology types. 

Is the number of Phase 1 winners based on the number of applicants? Or based on the number of those deemed eligible? 

The number of Phase 1 winners will be determined based on the number of meritorious submissions until funds are exhausted, not the number of competitors. 

If we are not successful in the Primary timeline, would we be able to submit in the Secondary timeline? 

Yes, competitors may submit, but are strongly encouraged to consider the feedback that they receive prior to resubmitting. 

Does the Strategies Track follow this same Primary and Secondary timeline? 

No. The Strategies Track has a different timeline, please refer to the rules of the Strategy Track. 

Is there any benefit to submitting before February 1^st for Phase 1 in the Primary Timeline? 

Submissions will not be reviewed prior to the submission deadline. However, we do recommend that you submit early to avoid any last-minute technical difficulties. 

Is it accurate to say that awards will be rolling, such that money could be running out even while submissions are still coming in? 

While a phase is open, no submissions will be reviewed until the deadline has been reached. At that point, it is possible that enough meritorious submissions could receive prize awards resulting in no available funding for the Secondary Timeline. 

If your Statement of Intent is rejected in the Primary Timeline, will feedback be given so that an improved submission can be made in the Secondary Timeline? 

Yes, feedback will be provided. 

If an organization wants to submit multiple entries for different technologies, do we need to create multiple HeroX accounts? 

No, you may use the same HeroX account to apply multiple times. As a reminder the technology category must be different for each submission. 

How much flexibility is there on specific location of the facility if plans change? Does the application need to be location-specific, if two different states are in the running for strategic reasons? 

Location of the proposed facility is not requested as part of the Statement of Intent. As part of Phase 1 submission, we ask to list all possible locations being considered for the manufacturing plant. However, additional information must be included for each location, so we advise to include only the shortlist of realistic options under consideration. At the time of Phase 2 submission, one specific location must have been identified and confirmed in order to be able to submit the required documents and information. 

What is the expected template/contents of the Statement of Intent? 

Please see the official rules document for a list of what needs to be included in the submission and how the submission will be assessed. 

Are new pilot manufacturing facilities eligible, assuming the technology component is derisked? 

Submissions for pilot manufacturing facilities are eligible, as long as they are related to one of the technology components listed in Appendix B of the prize rules and comply with the other prize requirements. Competitors should keep in mind that RD&D work should not be part of a submission to this prize. Note that the review criteria include the technology’s readiness level, any technology or adoption risks, and impact of the proposed facility (among other factors), and competitors should make clear how their proposed pilot manufacturing line meets these criteria. In particular, competitors should make clear the difference in performance, throughput, and cost between the proposed pilot line and a manufacturing facility at scale for the same component. 

What can we spend the Phase 2 money on? 

This is a prize competition, with cash prizes awarded for work completed. Competitors may use prize funds in the manner that best suits their organization. No reporting of use of prize funds is required. 

When we say brownfield sites, are we trying to find brownfield sites that were used in other energy industry applications? Or any brownfield site? 

Any brownfield site is eligible. 

When you say financing is in place for shovel-ready, does this mean that the project has to be able to proceed whether or not it wins the prize? 

The goal of this prize is to stimulate activity toward building manufacturing facilities on specific technology component with an accelerated timeline according to the prize timeline. This program is meant to give a cash award to facilities that will be shovel-ready by the end of the competition. The prize amount is not sufficient for what is typically expected to build such facilities. We expect competitors be able to secure the funding necessary for construction from a private or public source as part of the competition.  

Does having marketing announcements on expansion plans lower chances for getting the prize? 

No, however we expect that the competitor will complete most of the work necessary to put together a strong submission within the prize timeline. 

Once awarded, when is money distributed to winners, and on what basis? 

When teams are notified that they have been selected as winners, instructions will be included for how to receive prize money. The submission form requires teams to list who will be paid if a prize is won. That individual or entity will need to provide a W-9 and banking information. Once that information is received, the payment process can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. 

Is the focus on U.S. manufacturing for supply to the U.S., or are exporters also welcome? 

As long as the manufacturing facility is based in the U.S. and the competitor complies with the prize rules, including those related to eligibility, it is fine if exporting the final product is part of the facility’s plan. 

Does carbon capture include direct air capture? 

Not for this prize. Please refer to Appendix B of the prize rules for additional information. 

Can a company be based in the U.S. and in a different country as well? 

Please refer to the eligibility criteria listed in the prize rules – including but not limited to section 1.4: “Competitors must be U.S. persons (citizens or resident aliens) or entities incorporated in the United States and maintain a primary place of business in the United States.” 

Can an applicant be a U.S.-based division (with work done by U.S. citizens) of a larger company that is based outside the U.S.? 

In general, yes. The correct answer will depend on the specific situation. Please refer to the eligibility criteria listed in the prize rules – including but not limited to section 1.4: “Competitors must be U.S. persons (citizens or resident aliens) or entities incorporated in the United States and maintain a primary place of business in the United States.” 

A technology for hydrogen distribution where hydrogen plants are co-located within an industrial application can be eligible to compete to this prize. However, the competitor should define the specific component they are intending to manufacture and clarify how that component will be part of the infrastructure to enable hydrogen production capacity.

Are there any Phase I prizes left or were 12 given in the primary timeline? 

As of this webinar, the Primary Timeline Phase 1 has not closed, and no prizes have been awarded.  

For saying a clear part, do you have to have a part number?  I don't understand the primary round rejection saying we hadn't identified the component sufficiently.  "Components to be manufactured need to be expressly identified." 

A specific part number is not required, but a specific component must be identified. The component must align with an eligible technology component listed in Appendix B of the Official Rules. If you are producing more than one component, separate applications are required for each component to be manufactured.  

Is there a required or recommended template for financial model? 

Though there is no template for the Working Financial Model and Identification of Resources, the suggested content for this section is included in the Official Rules document.  

Why does this require identification of the specific address?  What happens if the planned location changes?  Because if you don't have the permits it may become apparent that the location must be changed. 

At Phase 1 the Official Rules ask for “List of potential site(s) being considered for construction” and does not require one final site to be determined.  

Are there alternative sources from OCED?  We are shovel ready now. 

DOE manages a variety of solicitations (funding opportunities, prizes, requests for proposals, tax credits…) supporting manufacturing of critical components for clean energy supply chain. Among the different DOE offices working in this space, we encourage you to look at the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains. We cannot advise on specific programs. 

We did list which parts to be manufactured.  Is the problem that we listed multiple parts? 

If you are producing more than one component, separate applications are required for each component to be manufactured. Only components listed in Appendix B of the rules document are eligible.  

With regards to the timeline overall. We had submitted an LOI for the Primary timeline and were successful. Are we able to submit for a Phase 1: Scope for the secondary timeline? Instead of submitting Feb 1 for Phase 1 Scope, instead submitting in May? 

If your Statement of Intent was deemed eligible in the Primary Timeline, you are allowed to submit your Phase 1 submission at either the Primary Phase 1 or Secondary Phase 1. If you submit to the Secondary Phase 1, you do not need to resubmit your Statement of Intent.  

DOE expects competitors to have a clear understanding of total project cost range and estimate for near-term preliminary design cost with good accuracy. Based on AACE recommendations, competitors should be at Class 4 (or Class 3 for more advanced submissions) of cost estimate maturity: 

• Maturity level of project definition deliverables: 20%-30% 
• End usage: Feasibility study or Budget authorization or control 
• Methodology: Equipment factored, parametric models, or semi-detailed unit costs 
• Accuracy range: 
  • Low range: -15% to –30% 
  • High range: +20% to +50%

Please use the following table for reference: