Request for Sponsored Research Application: Carbon Capture and Storage Research for Project Jupiter and New Mexico

1. Purpose and Background

Oracle invites qualified academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and research partners to submit applications for sponsored research on carbon capture, utilization, transport, and storage (CCS) in connection with Project Jupiter and in New Mexico.

The core purpose of this initiative is to evaluate whether carbon capture from fuel-cell exhaust could become a technically feasible, economically viable, environmentally responsible emissions-management option for Project Jupiter and for similar applications in New Mexico.

Oracle intends to provide up to $1 million in aggregate research funding through this Sponsored Research Request for Application (RFA). Oracle may select one or multiple applications based on quality, scope, relevance, and potential contribution to the objectives described below.

The research should substantively address the carbon capture potential across multiple questions, detailed below, but may also assess complementary decarbonization pathways—including low-methane natural gas, renewable natural gas, offsite direct air capture with durable storage, and other integrated solutions —that help compare options, identify integrated solutions, or clarify accounting and implementation considerations.

The main deliverable is a report that examines the technical and economic feasibility of CCS at Project Jupiter, the potential to scale CCS in New Mexico, and additional complementary decarbonization pathways.

2. Research Objectives and Scope

Oracle is seeking research that addresses three overarching questions, outlined below. Applications may address all three questions or focus deeply on one or more areas where the applicant has expertise. Oracle is not seeking research on CCS capabilities or how the technology operates; applications should focus on practical applications.

2.1. Technical and Economic Viability

To what extent is CCS technically and economically viable in connection with Project Jupiter and in New Mexico?

2.2 Scalability Potential

What is the potential scale and impact of CCS deployment in New Mexico and beyond? What geological, infrastructural, supply chain, regulatory, environmental, community, or other limitations affect that potential?

2.3 Complementary Decarbonization Pathways

How could complementary decarbonization pathways interact with carbon capture?

3. Expected Research Deliverables

Research shall include:

• Research plan and methodology identifying key research questions, assumptions, data sources, analytical methods, milestones, and timelines.
• Interim briefs summarizing preliminary findings and any significant issues identified during the research.
• Final research report documenting methodology, findings, limitations, and recommendations.
• Executive summary of major conclusions and actionable findings for policymakers, business leaders, and other nontechnical audiences.
• Final presentation of findings to Oracle and invited stakeholders.

Research shall distinguish:

• Technical feasibility of CCS, transport and storage options, and project concepts and design.
• Economic considerations such as supply chain considerations for specialized equipment, availability of suitable storage locations, applicability of tax credits and other economic incentives in various scenarios, etc.
• Direct emissions reductions, supply-chain emissions reductions, atmospheric carbon removals, water produced as a by-product and contractual environmental attributes.
• Physical delivery of gas or CO2-management services from contractual or certificate-based environmental attributes.
• Established findings from assumptions, including estimates, scenarios, as well as areas requiring further study. Publication and intellectual property terms will be addressed in the applicable award agreement.

4. Eligibility and Qualifications

Eligible applicants include accredited colleges and universities, academic and research institutions, and qualified nonprofit organizations with demonstrated CCS expertise.

Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience in areas such as carbon capture technology, subsurface geology and sequestration, CO2 transportation, energy systems, environmental science, engineering, economics, public policy, regulation, community engagement, or related fields. Collaborative and interdisciplinary applications are encouraged.

Applicants must disclose any material financial, commercial, or organizational interests that could reasonably be perceived as affecting the independence of the proposed research.

5. Funding, Timing, and Award Structure

Oracle expects to make available up to $1 million in aggregate funding under this RFA. Applicants should request funding commensurate with proposed scope and provide a detailed budget and justification. Oracle may fund a single comprehensive application, multiple complementary applications, or a combination of focused research projects. Funding applications greater than $1 million will be reviewed and may be considered based on the quality of the application and need for further funding.

Applicants should propose a research period of approximately 6–12 months, although alternative schedules may be considered if justified by the research plan. Final awards will be subject to mutually acceptable agreements addressing funding, deliverables, confidentiality where applicable, publication, intellectual property, compliance, and other terms.

6. Application Requirements

• Executive Summary: Research objectives, proposed approach, requested funding, and expected outcomes.
• Research Questions and Scope: Specific questions to be addressed and relevance to this RFA.
• Methodology: Analytical methods, data sources, modeling, field research, stakeholder engagement, or other methods.
• Deliverables and Timeline: Major workstreams, milestones, deliverables, and anticipated completion dates.
• Team Qualifications: Relevant expertise and experience of lead organization, principal investigators, key personnel, and partners.
• Budget: Total requested funding with major expense categories, and budget justification.
• Independence and Conflicts Disclosure: Relevant financial, commercial, organizational, or other interests that could create an actual or perceived conflict.

Applications should not exceed 10 pages, excluding resumes/CVs, references, and supporting appendices.

7. Submission Process

Applications must be submitted electronically to CCSResearch_mb@oracle.com by 21:00PM Pacific Time on Monday, November 1, 2026. Questions should be submitted to CCSResearch_mb@oracle.com by 23:59 Pacific time on October 16, 2026. Oracle may make responses to material questions available to all prospective applicants.

Oracle reserves the right to modify or cancel this RFA, request additional information, reject any or all applications, select multiple recipients, negotiate scope or funding, or make no award. Participation does not create any obligation for Oracle to reimburse applicants for application preparation or other costs.

This initiative does not constitute a commitment by Oracle to change fuel supply, deploy carbon-capture equipment, purchase environmental attributes or carbon credits, develop CO2 infrastructure, seek permits, or adopt any recommendation resulting from the research.