The advanced research projects agency for energy (ARPA-E) will make US$30 million available for new solar research programmes.
The US department of energy (DOE) announced the funding to aid American scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to develop new cost-efficient solar technologies.
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The project, called Full-spectrum optimised conversion and utilisation of sunlight (FOCUS) will concentrate on developing new hybrid solar energy converters and hybrid energy storage systems.
“ARPA-E’s new programme will leverage the ingenuity of America’s best and brightest to develop technologies that are critical to the continued growth of the solar industry,” said energy secretary Ernest Moniz. “As the President made clear in his plan to cut carbon pollution, energy innovations like these are a critical contribution to ensuring America’s future national, economic, and environmental security.”
ARPA-E also announced US$145 million in 2013 for funding opportunities to improve vehicle manufacturing techniques, biologically convert natural gas to liquids, develop robust battery chemistries and architectures for electric vehicles, and create innovative semiconductor materials for improved power conversion.
ARPA-E launched in 2009 and has funded 285 projects, across 33 states, with US$770 million in funding.