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American-Made Challenges

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MAKE IT Prize Facilities Track

Catalyzing domestic manufacturing of critical clean energy technology components.

This challenge is closed

stage:
Judging Closed
prize:
$24,000,000

This challenge is closed

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Summary
Timeline
Updates33
Forum41
Teams578
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Summary

Overview

The Manufacture of Advanced Key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (MAKE IT) Prize aims to catalyze domestic manufacturing of critical clean energy technology components, moving manufacturing facilities from planning to shovel-ready and enabling strategies for vibrant manufacturing activities in communities. This prize, developed by the Office of Technology Transitions in partnership with the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, and administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, has a prize pool of approximately $30 million spread across two tracks: Facilities and Strategies. 

The Facilities Track accelerates clean energy technology manufacturing plant development and helps support establishing a robust, secure domestic supply chain for components deemed critical for the commercialization of clean energy technologies. This track invites U.S.-based entities with demonstrated commitment and capabilities in domestic manufacturing to complete and submit the work necessary for a shovel-ready manufacturing facility for specific clean energy technology components, including components related to hydrogen, the electric grid, long-duration energy storage, and carbon capture.  

This page outlines the eligibility and track structure for the Facilities Track. More information on the Facilities Track and instructions for competing can be found in the official rules document

For information on the Strategies Track, where competitors work to attract manufacturing to their regions, please visit the Strategies Track HeroX page.

 

Competitor Eligibility

U.S.-based entities interested in establishing a manufacturing plant for an eligible clean energy technology may submit a statement of intent for the Facilities Track. Eligible components include:

  • Manufacturing and/or recycling of components for production, processing, delivery, and storage, of clean hydrogen and/or hydrogen fuel cells:
    • Facilities to extract and process raw materials for electrolyzer and hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing
    • Precision manufactured subcomponents for electrolyzers and fuel cells and facilities for electrolyzer and fuel cell assembly
    • Optimized balance-of-plant components for electrolyzers
    • Production capacity for hydrogen-specific infrastructure.
  • Manufacturing of components related to electric grid upgrades and long-duration energy storage:
    • Components for distribution and large power transformers
    • Components for high-voltage direct current transmission
    • Manufacturing and assembly of long-duration energy storage components and systems.
  • Manufacturing of components related to carbon capture and storage:
    • Carbon capture solvent, sorbent, and membrane recovery facilities.

More information on competitor eligibility and the eligible components can be found in the official rules document

 

Track Structure

The Facilities Track includes submission of a statement of intent and two phases.

  • Statement of Intent: Competitors submit a letter of intent describing their team and the clean energy technology to be manufactured. Competitors will be notified if their statement is deemed eligible to compete in Phase 1: Scope. 
  • Phase 1: Scope: Competitors submit a plan to establish a manufacturing facility for their identified clean energy technology. Approximately 12 winners will be awarded $500,000 each and will advance to the Phase 2: Shovel-Ready.
  • Phase 2: Shovel-Ready: Competitors will demonstrate they are “shovel-ready” for the construction of a manufacturing facility including control of a site, permits, financing, and proof of community engagement. Up to four winners will be awarded $4.5 million each.

There are two opportunities to compete in the Facilities Track: through the Primary Timeline or the Secondary Timeline. Competitors who submit a statement of intent that is deemed eligible during the Primary Timeline may submit subsequent materials by either the Primary or Secondary Timeline deadlines, but are encouraged to submit as soon as they are ready, as a limited number of prizes are available and the competition will close once all funds are awarded.

Timeline

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More information can be found in the official rules document.

 

Upcoming Dates

Key Dates (estimated, subject to change)

 Primary timelineSecondary timeline
Informational webinar

Aug. 15, 2023

Aug. 15, 2023

Statement of Intent Deadline

0ct 18, 2023

Feb 1, 2024

Phase 1: Scope deadline

Feb 1, 2024

May 15, 2024

Phase 2: Shovel-Ready 

First Opportunity to Submit

August 2024

Phase 2: Shovel-Ready 

Second Opportunity to Submit

November 2024

Phase 2: Shovel-Ready 

Third Opportunity to Submit

February 2025

Phase 2: Shovel-Ready 

Fourth Opportunity to Submit

May 2025

 

All Dates (estimated, subject to change)

  • Informational Webinar #1: August 15, 2023
  • Statement of Intent Primary Deadline: October 18, 2023
  • Statement of Intent Primary Decision Notification (anticipated): November 2023
  • Phase 1: Scope Submission Primary Deadline: February 1, 2024
  • Statement of Intent Secondary Deadline: February 1, 2024
  • Statement of Intent Secondary Decision Notification (anticipated): February 2024
  • Phase 1: Scope Primary Winner Announcement: Approximately 60 days after deadline
  • Phase 1: Scope Submission Secondary Deadline: May 1, 2024
  • Phase 1: Scope Secondary Winner Announcement: Approximately 60 days after deadline

 

  • Phase 2: Shovel-Ready First Opportunity to Submit Deadline: Approximately August 2024
  • Phase 2: Shovel-Ready Second Opportunity to Submit Deadline: Approximately November 2024
  • Phase 2: Shovel-Ready Third Opportunity to Submit Deadline: Approximately February 2025
  • Phase 2: Shovel-Ready Fourth Opportunity to Submit Deadline: Approximately May 2025

 

Informational Webinar

The MAKE IT Prize Facilities Track informational webinar recording gives an overview of the Facilities Track and its phases, timelines, and submission requirements. Watch the webinar recording to learn more

 

Challenge Guidelines

The official rules document contains the complete application process and instructions for competing.

Follow the challenge page to receive the latest updates. For any questions, please use the contact feature on the HeroX platform or message us directly at .


 

 


Guidelines

Please review the official rules for the complete application process and instructions for competing.

Follow the challenge page to receive the latest updates. For any questions, please use the contact feature on the HeroX platform or message us directly at .

Timeline
Updates33

Challenge Updates

Reminder: Next Submission Deadline for Facilities Track Phase 2 is Nov. 5

Oct. 16, 2024, 7:36 a.m. PDT by NREL Prize Administrator

This is a friendly reminder of the upcoming deadline for Phase 2 of the Facilities Track: November 5. This deadline is available to all remaining Phase 1 winning teams. 

Please see the Official Rules for full submission requirements and the assessment criteria. DOE awarded three Phase 2 prizes last month - according to the rules, we anticipate one remaining Phase 2 prize. 

Power Connector yet2 is available to help answer questions and provide submission materials feedback. 

Your submissions are greatly anticipated, and we can’t wait to see your plans! 


Facilities Phase 2 Winners Announced!

Sept. 30, 2024, 9:04 a.m. PDT by NREL Prize Administrator

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced three winners of Phase 2 in the Facilities Track of the Manufacture of Advanced Key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (MAKE IT) Prize! These winners have each been awarded a total of $5 million for demonstrating they are ready to build a manufacturing facility that will produce critical clean energy components.  

 

These teams have demonstrated deep experience in clean energy technology development, working with partners and their communities to better utilize existing local infrastructure, create new jobs, and help to more efficiently store and utilize energy in the grid.  

 

Congratulations to the Facilities Track Phase 2 winners announced today: 

 

Stryten Energy, facility to be located in Augusta, GA  

Switched Source, LLC, facility to be located in Chicago, IL 

Urban Electric Power, facility to be located in Kingston, NY 

 

Read the full story and meet the winning teams on energy.gov.


Livestream Cancelled due to Unforeseen Circumstances

Sept. 30, 2024, 7:08 a.m. PDT by NREL Prize Administrator

Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the previously scheduled Livestream has been cancelled. Please stay tuned for a posted announcement later today instead.

We apologize for the last-minute change! 


Upcoming Livestream Announcement Sept. 30

Sept. 24, 2024, 9:03 a.m. PDT by NREL Prize Administrator

Thank you to all of the MAKE IT Facilities Track Phase 2 competitors that submitted at the first Phase 2 deadline opportunity! 

 

An exciting Phase 2 announcement will take place next Monday, Sept. 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET. All followers of the MAKE IT Prize are invited to tune in for a livestream of the announcement at that time.  


MAKE IT Facilities Track Phase 2 - First of Four Submission Deadlines on Aug 1

July 30, 2024, 9:30 a.m. PDT by NREL Prize Administrator

The first submission deadline for MAKE IT Facilities Track Phase 2: Shovel-Ready is August 1 at 5 p.m. ET!  

Phase 1 winners planning to submit materials should include all the submission requirements noted in the Phase 2 Submission Checklist. Competitors can reach out to Yet2, the Power Connector supporting this prize, for helpful expertise and insight! 

As a reminder, this will be the first of up to four submission deadlines in Phase 2, and up to four teams can win a $4.5 million prize each. Please note that future submission deadlines will only be available if cash prizes remain, and once the four winners are awarded the Facilities Track will conclude. 

We look forward to seeing the progress our Phase 1 winners have made. Good luck to the competitors! 


Forum41
Teams578
Resources
FAQ