Improved Oil and Gas Recovery and Produced Water Management Technologies
This grant funds research and field testing of new technologies to boost oil and gas recovery from unconventional reservoirs and improve treatment of produced water, aiming for greater efficiency and environmental safety.
Funder: National Energy Technology Laboratory
Due Dates: September 8, 2026 (Full application deadline, 5:00 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: Up to $150 million total program funding; typical award size varies by topic area, ranging from $12M–$20M federal funds per project, with a 20% minimum cost share; project periods up to 5 years.
Summary: Supports R&D projects to improve recovery from unconventional oil and gas reservoirs and advance treatment of produced water from oil and natural gas operations.
Key Information: 20% minimum cost share required; industry partner letter(s) of intent required at submission.
Description
This funding opportunity seeks innovative research and development (R&D) projects to enhance oil and natural gas recovery from unconventional reservoirs and to develop advanced technologies for the treatment and beneficial reuse of flowback and produced water from oil and gas production. The program aims to accelerate the deployment of novel technologies, improve resource recovery efficiency, and address produced water management challenges, including alternatives to deep well injection. Projects must include field deployment and validation, with an emphasis on industry collaboration and measurable impact.
The opportunity is divided into four topic areas:
- Enhanced recovery from unconventional oil and gas reservoirs
- Advanced characterization of fracture propagation, proppant behavior, and well diagnostics
- Enhanced recovery using CO₂
- Advanced field-testing of produced water treatment technologies
Applicants must demonstrate access to relevant field sites and provide industry partner letter(s) of intent at the time of application.
