The Department of Energy is offering $52 million in funding for clean manufacturing research and development, according to a Jan. 5 press release.

The new funding opportunity will focus on three key areas — next generation materials and manufacturing, sustainable materials and energy technology manufacturing.  

Next generation funding, supported in part by the Office of Electricity will focus on improving materials and processes that can maintain high performance and conductivity under extreme conditions. 

Funding for secure and sustainable materials will target research, development and demonstration to support the establishment of a circular economy. Research priorities will include material and product design, recycling technology and reverse supply chain logistics, according to the release. 

Finally, energy technology manufacturing funding will be backed in part by the Building Technologies Office and focus on improving the performance of clean energy production technologies.

The estimated period of performance for the funding is two to three years, according to the department. Applications are due April 7, with awards expected to be announced in August. 

The Department of Energy has been providing more funding for the U.S.’s push toward clean energy and manufacturing over the past year. In December, the department announced it will spend $72 million to expand its clean energy workforce training program, as well as create a new work program.

In November, the Energy Department announced plans to fund projects at four nuclear plants in the U.S. to demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen.