US energy R&D spending forecast up 23% for 2012
Energy-related research and development (R&D) from US manufacturers and technology providers will reach nearly $6.7 billion in 2012, up 23.1% from 2011, according to a forecast from research firm Battelle.
Further reflecting the trend, global spending by energy-related companies is expected to grow by 7.8% to reach $17.9 billion in 2012, the firm said.
A review panel commissioned by the US Department of Energy (DOE) identified key R&D areas where DOE program and investment can play a significant development role, including several in which the DOE historically has underinvested.
The areas address both energy supply and demand and relate to both stationary power (deploying clean electricity, modernizing the grid and increasing building/industrial efficiency) and transport power (deploying alternative hydrocarbon fuels, electrifying the vehicle fleet, and increasing vehicle efficiency).
The panel calls on DOE to maintain a mix of analytic, assessment and fundamental engineering research capabilities in a broad set of energy-technology areas while seeking to balance assured activities against higher-risk transformational work.
At the same time, the report acknowledges that the efforts must be relevant to the private sector.
There is a tension between supporting work that industry doesn't - the long-term nature of basic research - and the urgency of the nation's energy challenge.
Battelle’s full global R&D funding forecast, which includes other sectors besides energy, can be read by clicking here.
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