Obama Administration launches Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), establishes offshore renewables development framework

 

Major announcements came from Washington regarding new advanced projects energy research funding and rules for offshore development.

The Administration announced the launch of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which was authorized by Congress in 2007 and funded through the $400 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

ARPA-E will develop new energy technologies that offer significant progress toward reducing imported energy; reducing energy-related emissions, including greenhouse gases; and improving energy efficiency. DOE will offer individual awards of $500,000 to $20 million based on eight-page “concept papers” that briefly outline the technical concept, which would lead to grants, cooperative agreements, or Technology Investment Agreements, with the latter two most likely because of the need for substantial interaction between ARPA-E and the awardees. Concept papers can be submitted to DOE from May 12 through June 2. The full solicitation is here with a reference number DE-FOA-0000065.

Finally, the Administration established a framework for development of renewable energy projects on the US outer continental shelf.

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