Hydrofluorocarbon Reclaim and Innovative Destruction Grants

Background
This Notice of Funding Opportunity announces the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible entities to develop projects for hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) reclamation and innovative destruction technologies. Enacted in 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act authorizes the EPA to address climate-damaging greenhouse gases (GHGs) called HFCs by: phasing down their production and consumption, maximizing reclamation and minimizing releases from equipment, and facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions on HFCs. HFCs are potent GHGs commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, as well as foams and many other applications.

Grant Details
The objectives of the HFC Reclaim and Innovative Destruction Grants are to support and contribute to addressing HFCs under the AIM Act by funding three project areas:
(1) Reclaim Technologies – pilot projects for new/better technologies to increase the reclamation of HFCs by expanding access to reclamation and improving the reclamation process;
(2) Reclaim Market Dynamics – programs or pilot projects for innovative strategies that address market dynamics to increase HFC reclamation by lowering barriers; or
(3) Innovative Destruction Technologies – pilot projects for innovative technologies or innovative deployment of technologies to destroy unusable and/or unwanted HFCs. The EPA anticipates approximately four to nine awards under this opportunity with funding ranging from $450,000 to $5 million, depending on the type of project and subject to the availability of funds, the quality of proposals received, and other applicable considerations.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, Predominately Black Institutions, other minority serving institutions, state governments, local governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and state controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other nonprofits organizations exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3), small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses.

Grant Value
$14.25 million is available for competitive grants under this opportunity. The EPA anticipates approximately four to nine awards under this opportunity with funding ranging from $450,000 to $5 million.