DOE to publish Emissions Value Request Process for 45Z

In Washington, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provided notice of intent to publish the Emissions Value Request Process in support of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s (Treasury) and Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) administration of the clean fuel production credit. Additionally, DOE invites public comment on a proposed collection of information that DOE is developing for submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Written comments must be received by September 22, 2025.

The DOE has initially determined that a FEED study completed based on an Association for Advanced Cost Engineering (AACE) Class 3 Cost Estimate is necessary to sufficiently indicate commercial project maturity for robust emissions analysis. DOE seeks comments on whether alternative appropriate methods for demonstrating project readiness exist.

In order to request an emissions value from the DOE for a given fuel, DOE is considering a requirement for applicants to submit the following information to the DOE: (1) specific sections of the FEED study, as described in the DOE’s section 45Z Emissions Value Request process instructions (Instructions; discussed in Section III of this document); and (2) a completed section 45Z Emissions Value Request Form, as described in the Instructions. Additionally, the Emissions Value Request may contain any additional information that may be beneficial to DOE in completing a lifecycle GHG analysis of the fuel for which the applicant is requesting an emissions value. Such additional information would be optional, and the applicant’s Emissions Value Request would be considered complete regardless of whether any additional information is provided.