Dear Stakeholders,

In May 2014, the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) conducted a review of our technology research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects. Periodic peer reviews are required by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to enhance program planning. Over the course of two days, we received valuable stakeholder feedback on what works and what we can do better. The review was critical to baseline program activities for comparison over time and to ensure the continued maximum relevancy and impact of AMO investments.

For AMO’s peer review, over 100 representatives from the industrial, academic, and research communities gathered in Washington, D.C., to hear presentations on our project portfolio of ongoing and recently completed RD&D efforts. Team leads for each RD&D project gave a brief presentation, followed by a question and answer period. An independent, four-member expert panel formally reviewed the portfolio and is preparing a forthcoming report on their findings and recommendations. Peer review participants had the opportunity to hear additional updates from AMO’s Facilities and Technical Assistance teams, though these activities were not subject to formal review. By hosting the peer review concurrently with the inaugural Better Buildings Summit, we also enabled further collaboration between our complementary sets of RD&D and technical assistance stakeholders.

Manufacturing is the most diverse sector of the economy in terms of its energy sources, technologies employed, and products produced. The peer review process helps AMO to continuously improve as we work to advance innovative, energy-efficient technologies and practices in U.S. manufacturing. Our investments can have an outsize impact by saving energy and enhancing U.S. global competitiveness.

I’d like to express my gratitude to all the peer review participants for helping AMO become a more effective innovation driver and partner for industry, small business, universities, and other stakeholders.

Sincerely,
Mark Johnson, Director – Advanced Manufacturing Office