Energy Department Announces New Awards to Small Businesses to Accelerate Commercialization of Clean Energy Technologies

Editor's Note: This progress alert was originally posted on The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's website

The Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy today announced new awards totaling nearly $11 million to help small businesses in nine states develop innovative ideas that could cut carbon pollution, reduce our reliance on imported oil, and boost energy efficiency.

As part of the Energy Department's efforts to support innovative small businesses and bring new clean energy technologies to market faster, these projects will focus on developing clean energy technologies with a strong potential for commercialization and job creation. Technologies among the 11 projects receiving awards include:

A project led by Applied Spectra, Inc. to develop an optical sensor for in-vehicle, real-time measurements of battery materials and chemistry to enable optimum performance and extend the life of lithium-ion batteries.
A project led by Cool Energy, Inc. that will test a high efficiency, low temperature geothermal power technology that could help develop geothermal energy resources across most of the United States.
A project led by Proton OnSite to reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of systems that produce hydrogen fuel from renewable energy sources.

Funded by Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy through the Energy Department's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, these awards are for Phase II projects to further develop Phase I projects and produce a prototype or equivalent within two years. Ten awards are for SBIR projects, and one is for an STTR project.

The Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy accelerates development and facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality. For more information visit the Energy Department's SBIR/STTR website.