Halo was honored to host Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL)‘s call for proposals among researchers in its statewide research consortium. As one of ten regional innovation engines funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, FUEL is designed to accelerate energy innovation and drive inclusive economic growth in Louisiana. Backed by up to $160 million in federal funding and $67.5 million from Louisiana Economic Development, it represents one of the largest place-based innovation efforts in the country.
In its second round of use-inspired R&D investments, FUEL awarded six projects across five energy focus areas, including hydrogen production and carbon dioxide conversion into high-value products. Through the Halo platform, researchers from across Louisiana submitted bold, collaborative proposals that position the state as a leader in next-generation energy solutions.
These awards reflect our commitment to advancing technologies with real-world impact. By supporting research that spans hydrogen production to carbon conversion, FUEL is building the foundation for energy solutions that are not only innovative, but also investable and scalable across Louisiana’s growing energy ecosystem.
Dr. Ashwith Chilvery, Director of Use-Inspired Research and Development at FUEL
Please join us in congratulating the awardees on the following projects. These funded collaborations reflect the strength of Louisiana’s research community and the value of cross-sector partnerships in advancing practical, science-driven solutions for the future of energy.
Project: Conversion of CO₂ into Higher Value Products using Microwave-Driven Plasma
Awarded Team: Dorin Boldor (Louisiana State University Agricultural Center); Abha Verma (Xavier University of Louisiana)
Industry Partner: Encore CO₂ (Baton Rouge, LA)
Award Amount: $207,833
This project supports the development of a microwave-based system that transforms carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, into valuable products like acetic acid and methanol. The work offers both environmental and economic benefits by turning emissions into useful resources.
Project: CO₂ Monitoring via an Integrated Robotic and Sparse Sensor System
Awarded Team: Lingxiao Wang (Louisiana Tech University); Vasanth Iyer (Grambling State University)
Industry Partner: Parish Controls LLC (Ruston, LA)
Award Amount: $124,799
This project supports the development of a new system that combines sensors and robotic technology to detect carbon dioxide leaks underground. The approach reduces costs while maintaining accurate monitoring, making it easier to ensure the safety and effectiveness of carbon storage efforts.
Project: Room Temperature Production of H₂ from H₂S using Lithium-cycling Strategy
Awarded Team: Shengnian Wang (Louisiana Tech University); Haeyeon Yang (Grambling State University)
Industry Partner: PolyKala Technologies LLC (Pasco, WA)
Award Amount: $149,918
This project supports the development of a more efficient method to produce hydrogen from hydrogen sulfide, a toxic byproduct of industrial processes. By operating at room temperature, the approach could lower production costs and expand access to clean hydrogen fuel.
Project: Technology for Mitigation of Hydrogen Embrittlement
Awarded Team: Michael Khonsari (Louisiana State University); Congyuan Zeng (Southern University at Baton Rouge)
Industry Partner: Baker Hughes (Louisiana)
Award Amount: $200,000
This project supports the development of stronger stainless steel materials for storing and transporting hydrogen. Using advanced manufacturing techniques, the team aims to improve durability and prevent damage caused by hydrogen exposure, helping to make hydrogen infrastructure safer and more reliable.
Project: Direct Air Capture (DAC) of CO₂ via Microalgal-based Photosynthetic Mechanisms
Awarded Team: Mark Zappi (University of Louisiana at Lafayette); Caroline Telles (Southern University at Baton Rouge)
Industry Partner: H2O (Lafayette, LA)
Award Amount: $213,408
This project supports research into using algae to capture carbon dioxide from the air released by wastewater treatment facilities. By mimicking natural photosynthesis, the approach offers a cost-effective and sustainable method for reducing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.
Project: Techno-economics of Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) in Louisiana
Awarded Team: Anurag Mandalika, Joanna Walker, Greg Upton (Louisiana State University); Lutfu Sagbansua (Southern University at Baton Rouge); Dan Groft (McNeese State University)
Industry Partner: Gulf Coast Sequestration (Lake Charles, LA)
Award Amount: $165,863
This project evaluates the economic and policy implications of capturing and storing carbon dioxide underground in Louisiana. The goal is to understand how CCS can help reduce emissions while supporting jobs, competitiveness, and sustainability.
These projects highlight the type of bold, use-inspired research that drives long-term energy innovation. Halo is proud to support efforts like FUEL that advance scientific discovery and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems. We look forward to seeing the impact of this work in shaping the future of energy and enabling new opportunities for collaboration.
To stay informed about future FUEL opportunities and other industry calls for research, innovators can create a free Halo account. Halo connects researchers with companies seeking collaborative solutions and provides early access to new funding and partnership opportunities.
