Energy Department Announces Selections for U.S.-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center

The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the selections for three consortia that will make up the $125 million U.S.-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center (JCERDC). These consortia – led in the U.S. by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the University of Florida, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) – will bring together experts from national laboratories, universities, and industry in both the U.S. and India. Consortia researchers will leverage their expertise and resources in solar technology, advanced biofuels, and building efficiency to unlock the huge potential of clean energy technologies that can reduce energy use, cut dependence on foreign oil, and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources.

"This innovative research program will help promote clean energy, create jobs, and open export opportunities for U.S. business," said David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs. "By bringing some of our best scientific and technical minds together, we can strengthen both our great nations.” 

The three lead U.S. institutions have partnered with three lead Indian institutions – the Indian Institute of Science-Bangalore, the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology-Hyderabad, and CEPT University-Ahmedabad.

As part of a planned five-year initiative, the Energy Department will make $5 million available in fiscal year 2012. The Department plans to make additional requests to Congress for up to $20 million over the next four years, subject to available appropriations, that will be used to support work conducted by U.S. institutions and individuals. The Indian Government also committed to funding $25 million over five years that will be used to support work by Indian institutions and individuals. In addition, U.S. and Indian consortia members have pledged over $75 million in matching funds, for a combined funding total of more than $125 million for joint research and development in solar energy, advanced biofuels, and building energy efficiency.

The Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center is part of the U.S.-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy. As two of the world’s largest economies, the United States and India have a special role to play in addressing global energy and environmental sustainability challenges.

President Obama and Prime Minister Singh launched the U.S.-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE) in November 2009 to accelerate the transition to high performing, low emissions, and energy secure economies. The Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center is included in the partnership’s Research and Development track (PACE-R). The Deployment track (PACE-D) includes a Clean Energy Finance Center, the public-private Energy Cooperation Program, and a range of bilateral cooperative activities. Since its inception, PACE has mobilized more than $1 billion dollars towards clean energy projects, including smart grid development; energy efficiency in buildings, appliances, and industries; and a wide range of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and advanced biofuels.