An Energy Technology Corporation Will Improve the Federal Government’s Efforts to Accelerate Energy Innovation

Released: May 2011 • Discussion Paper

Related Topics: Energy & Environment, Technology & Innovation

Authors:

• John M. Deutch • Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Energy innovation is critical to solving many of the energy and environmental challenges we face today, from reducing the risks of climate change to lowering the costs of alternative energy sources. While there is no shortage of ideas that could be a part of our energy future, a major obstacle stands in the way of implementation: proving that these good ideas actually work and are, therefore, worth an investment. The private sector underinvests in technology demonstration because of the expense and uncertainties involved; at the same time, previous demonstration programs carried out by the Department of Energy have met with mixed results. This paper proposes a series of best practices for government support of U.S. technology demonstration and a new institution, the Energy Technology Corporation, that would be responsible for managing and selecting technology demonstration projects. A well-designed technology demonstration program carried out by an organization with the appropriate authority, tools, and expertise would go a long way toward accelerating the process of energy innovation.

Downloads & Links

An Energy Technology Corporation Will Improve the Federal Government’s Efforts to Accelerate Energy: Policy Brief

An Energy Technology Corporation Will Improve the Federal Government’s Efforts to Accelerate Energy: Discussion Paper

An Energy Technology Corporation Will Improve the Federal Government’s Efforts to Accelerate Energy: John M. Deutch Presentation

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