Energy Department provides $100 million for energy research centers

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will provide $100 million in funding for 42 Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to accelerate the scientific breakthroughs in energy.

The EFRC program, established by DOE’s Office of Science in 2009, brings together researchers from universities, national laboratories, and nonprofit organizations to develop innovative ideas and solutions in energy.

“America’s continued energy security and global competitiveness will depend vitally on a sustained effort in science and discovery,” DOE Secretary Rick Perry said. “By mobilizing the talents of our nation’s top scientists and forging them into powerful, pro-active teams, the EFRC program will help ensure America’s leadership in the development of critical energy technologies and innovations.”

Of the 42 EFRC centers receiving funding, 22 are new centers. The centers will receive on average approximately $2 million to $4 million per year. The centers will help to accelerate scientific understanding in energy-relevant fields.

This research will lay the scientific groundwork for future advances in solar energy, nuclear energy, energy conversion, and storage, among other areas.

The EFRCs have produced over ten thousand peer-reviewed scientific publications and generated hundreds of inventions. The work done by the centers has led to new technologies that have benefitted multiple private sector companies, both large and small.