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What’s Next for DOE’s CLIMR 2025 Lab Call

Jonas Muthoni

Published · 2 min read

After June 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is entering a new phase of the Core Laboratory Infrastructure for Market Readiness (CLIMR) Lab Call. This phase focuses on reviewing full proposals, selecting winners, and starting project implementation.

Review of Full Applications

In July and August 2025, DOE experts are reviewing full proposals submitted in March. These proposals come from national labs and sites that want to improve clean energy infrastructure and technology transfer.

Review steps include:

  • Checking if proposals match CLIMR’s goals
  • Reviewing technical strength and market impact
  • Scoring based on clear evaluation criteria
  • Final recommendations for funding

Funding Awards Announcement

In September 2025, DOE plans to announce the labs that will receive funding. This is an exciting milestone because it will show which projects the government believes can turn clean energy research into real products and jobs.

TimelineActivity
July – August 2025DOE reviews full applications from labs
September 2025Funding decisions and public announcement
October – November 2025Projects begin early-stage setup

What Will the Projects Do?

Starting in October 2025, selected labs will begin building or improving their infrastructure. The goal is to help clean energy ideas get ready for the market faster.

Projects may include:

  • Setting up testbeds for clean energy tech
  • Improving software or data tools for licensing
  • Creating new systems for startups to work with labs
  • Linking lab experts with investors and companies

DOE Monitoring and Check-ins

From November 2025 onward, DOE will begin early monitoring of funded projects. Each lab team must report progress and show how funds are being used.

DOE oversight includes:

  • Regular check-ins with project teams
  • Review of early milestones
  • Help with solving problems or delays

Expected Impact by End of 2025

By the end of 2025, the first results of CLIMR-funded projects may start to appear. While many projects will run into 2026 and beyond, early wins can include:

  • Faster licensing of clean tech patents
  • New partnerships with private companies
  • Job creation at local lab sites
  • Better pathways from lab research to market-ready products

Stay Updated

To keep track of announcements and project updates, visit the official DOE portal at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.

For questions or help:

  • Email DOE at TCF@hq.doe.gov
  • Join future DOE webinars and Q&A sessions
  • Watch for reports from funded labs on progress

Conclusion

After June 2025, the DOE’s CLIMR program is moving from planning to action. The second half of the year is all about choosing the best ideas, starting real work, and supporting clean energy growth. These efforts are key to building a stronger, greener future for America.

 

Jonas Muthoni

Jonas Muthoni

Jonas Muthoni is Editor-in-Chief of Microgrid Media, where he oversees reporting and analysis on microgrids, energy storage, distributed energy resources, data center power demand, grid modernization, resilience, renewable energy, and electricity policy and markets. His work focuses on the infrastructure, technologies, and regulatory developments reshaping the power system. As Editor-in-Chief, Jonas leads Microgrid Media’s editorial strategy and standards, including story selection, source verification, technical accuracy, and the development of original reporting and analysis. His coverage draws on regulatory filings, government records, utility and company disclosures, technical documentation, and independent industry sources to explain significant developments across the evolving energy system.