US Department Of Energy To Award $175M For New Clean Energy Projects

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has officially announced a new initiative to award US$175 million to 68 research and development projects serving up original ideas to strengthen the nation’s push towards clean energy.

According to the agency, the OPEN 2021 program will prioritize “high-impact, high-risk technologies that support novel approaches to clean energy challenges.” 

It will span 22 states and taps on universities, laboratories, and private companies to come up with solutions for a wide array of sectors, including electric vehicles, offshore wind turbines, storage, and nuclear recycling.

“DOE’s investments show our commitment to empowering innovators to develop bold plans to help America achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, create clean energy good-paying jobs, and strengthen our energy independence,” said US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm. 

Carnegie Mellon University, Hinetics, and Makai Ocean Engineering are examples of teams taking part in this year’s program. 

They’ve been awarded US$3 million, US$5 million, and US$800,000 respectively to work on subjects such as more efficient fuel cells for vehicles, electrified aircraft propulsion systems, and new mooring and anchoring methods. 

To view the full list of selectees and their project descriptions, head here.

[via US Department of Energy, cover image via Sompong Sriphet | Dreamstime.com]