For decades, the nation has benefited from relatively inexpensive energy, in the process growing heavily reliant on conventional fossil fuels-oil, natural gas, and coal. However, in the current wake of higher energy costs and environmental concerns about fossil fuel emissions, renewed attention is turning to the development of advanced energy technologies as alternatives. In the United States, the Department of Energy (DOE) has long conducted research, development, and demonstration (R&D) on advanced renewable, fossil, and nuclear energy technologies. DOE's Office of Science has also funded basic energy-related research.

This testimony addresses:
(1) funding trends for DOE's renewable, fossil, and nuclear energy R&D programs and its Office of Science and

(2) key challenges in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies.

It is based on GAO's December 2006 report entitled Department of Energy: Key Challenges Remain for Developing and Deploying Advanced Energy Technologies to Meet Future Needs (GAO-07-106). In doing that work, GAO reviewed DOE's R&D budget data and strategic plans and obtained the views of experts in DOE, industry, and academia, as well as state and foreign government officials.

Web link: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08556t.pdf

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