SUBCHAPTER V—ACCELERATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Part A—Solar Energy
§17171. Thermal energy storage research and development program
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a program of research and development to provide lower cost and more viable thermal energy storage technologies to enable the shifting of electric power loads on demand and extend the operating time of concentrating solar power electric generating plants.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
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Short Title
This part known as the "Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007", see Short Title note set out under
§17172. Solar energy curriculum development and certification grants
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish in the Office of Solar Energy Technologies a competitive grant program to create and strengthen solar industry workforce training and internship programs in installation, operation, and maintenance of solar energy products. The goal of this program is to ensure a supply of well-trained individuals to support the expansion of the solar energy industry.
(b) Authorized activities
Grant funds may be used to support the following activities:
(1) Creation and development of a solar energy curriculum appropriate for the local educational, entrepreneurial, and environmental conditions, including curriculum for community colleges.
(2) Support of certification programs for individual solar energy system installers, instructors, and training programs.
(3) Internship programs that provide hands-on participation by students in commercial applications.
(4) Activities required to obtain certification of training programs and facilities by an industry-accepted quality-control certification program.
(5) Incorporation of solar-specific learning modules into traditional occupational training and internship programs for construction-related trades.
(6) The purchase of equipment necessary to carry out activities under this section.
(7) Support of programs that provide guidance and updates to solar energy curriculum instructors.
(c) Administration of grants
Grants may be awarded under this section for up to 3 years. The Secretary shall award grants to ensure sufficient geographic distribution of training programs nationally. Grants shall only be awarded for programs certified by an industry-accepted quality-control certification institution, or for new and growing programs with a credible path to certification. Due consideration shall be given to women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities.
(d) Report
The Secretary shall make public, on the website of the Department or upon request, information on the name and institution for all grants awarded under this section, including a brief description of the project as well as the grant award amount.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
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§17173. Daylighting systems and direct solar light pipe technology
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a program of research and development to provide assistance in the demonstration and commercial application of direct solar renewable energy sources to provide alternatives to traditional power generation for lighting and illumination, including light pipe technology, and to promote greater energy conservation and improved efficiency. All direct solar renewable energy devices supported under this program shall have the capability to provide measurable data on the amount of kilowatt-hours saved over the traditionally powered light sources they have replaced.
(b) Reporting
The Secretary shall transmit to Congress an annual report assessing the measurable data derived from each project in the direct solar renewable energy sources program and the energy savings resulting from its use.
(c) Definitions
For purposes of this section—
(1) the term "direct solar renewable energy" means energy from a device that converts sunlight into useable light within a building, tunnel, or other enclosed structure, replacing artificial light generated by a light fixture and doing so without the conversion of the sunlight into another form of energy; and
(2) the term "light pipe" means a device designed to transport visible solar radiation from its collection point to the interior of a building while excluding interior heat gain in the nonheating season.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $3,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
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§17174. Solar air conditioning research and development program
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a research, development, and demonstration program to promote less costly and more reliable decentralized distributed solar-powered air conditioning for individuals and businesses.
(b) Authorized activities
Grants made available under this section may be used to support the following activities:
(1) Advancing solar thermal collectors, including concentrating solar thermal and electric systems, flat plate and evacuated tube collector performance.
(2) Achieving technical and economic integration of solar-powered distributed air-conditioning systems with existing hot water and storage systems for residential applications.
(3) Designing and demonstrating mass manufacturing capability to reduce costs of modular standardized solar-powered distributed air conditioning systems and components.
(4) Improving the efficiency of solar-powered distributed air-conditioning to increase the effectiveness of solar-powered absorption chillers, solar-driven compressors and condensors,1 and cost-effective precooling approaches.
(5) Researching and comparing performance of solar-powered distributed air conditioning systems in different regions of the country, including potential integration with other onsite systems, such as solar, biogas, geothermal heat pumps, and propane assist or combined propane fuel cells, with a goal to develop site-specific energy production and management systems that ease fuel and peak utility loading.
(c) Cost sharing
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $2,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
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§17175. Photovoltaic demonstration program
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish a program of grants to States to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology.
(b) Requirements
(1) Ability to meet requirements
To receive funding under the program under this section, a State must submit a proposal that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that the State will meet the requirements of subsection (f).
(2) Compliance with requirements
If a State has received funding under this section for the preceding year, the State must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that it complied with the requirements of subsection (f) in carrying out the program during that preceding year, and that it will do so in the future, before it can receive further funding under this section.
(c) Competition
The Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis to the States with the proposals the Secretary considers most likely to encourage the widespread adoption of photovoltaic technologies. The Secretary shall take into consideration the geographic distribution of awards.
(d) Proposals
Not later than 6 months after December 19, 2007, and in each subsequent fiscal year for the life of the program, the Secretary shall solicit proposals from the States to participate in the program under this section.
(e) Competitive criteria
In awarding funds in a competitive allocation under subsection (c), the Secretary shall consider—
(1) the likelihood of a proposal to encourage the demonstration of, or lower the costs of, advanced photovoltaic technologies; and
(2) the extent to which a proposal is likely to—
(A) maximize the amount of photovoltaics demonstrated;
(B) maximize the proportion of non-Federal cost share; and
(C) limit State administrative costs.
(f) State program
A program operated by a State with funding under this section shall provide competitive awards for the demonstration of advanced photovoltaic technologies. Each State program shall—
(1) require a contribution of at least 60 percent per award from non-Federal sources, which may include any combination of State, local, and private funds, except that at least 10 percent of the funding must be supplied by the State;
(2) endeavor to fund recipients in the commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, and residential sectors;
(3) limit State administrative costs to no more than 10 percent of the grant;
(4) report annually to the Secretary on—
(A) the amount of funds disbursed;
(B) the amount of photovoltaics purchased; and
(C) the results of the monitoring under paragraph (5);
(5) provide for measurement and verification of the output of a representative sample of the photovoltaics systems demonstrated throughout the average working life of the systems, or at least 20 years; and
(6) require that applicant buildings must have received an independent energy efficiency audit during the 6-month period preceding the filing of the application.
(g) Unexpended funds
If a State fails to expend any funds received under this section within 3 years of receipt, such remaining funds shall be returned to the Treasury.
(h) Reports
The Secretary shall report to Congress 5 years after funds are first distributed to the States under this section—
(1) the amount of photovoltaics demonstrated;
(2) the number of projects undertaken;
(3) the administrative costs of the program;
(4) the results of the monitoring under subsection (f)(5); and
(5) the total amount of funds distributed, including a breakdown by State.
(i) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the purposes of carrying out this section—
(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(2) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(3) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(4) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
(5) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
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Part B—Geothermal Energy
§17191. Definitions
For purposes of this part:
(1) Engineered
When referring to enhanced geothermal systems, the term "engineered" means subjected to intervention, including intervention to address one or more of the following issues:
(A) Lack of effective permeability or porosity or open fracture connectivity within the reservoir.
(B) Insufficient contained geofluid in the reservoir.
(C) A low average geothermal gradient, which necessitates deeper drilling.
(2) Enhanced geothermal systems
The term "enhanced geothermal systems" means geothermal reservoir systems that are engineered, as opposed to occurring naturally.
(3) Geofluid
The term "geofluid" means any fluid used to extract thermal energy from the Earth which is transported to the surface for direct use or electric power generation, except that such term shall not include oil or natural gas.
(4) Geopressured resources
The term "geopressured resources" mean geothermal deposits found in sedimentary rocks under higher than normal pressure and saturated with gas or methane.
(5) Geothermal
The term "geothermal" refers to heat energy stored in the Earth's crust that can be accessed for direct use or electric power generation.
(6) Hydrothermal
The term "hydrothermal" refers to naturally occurring subsurface reservoirs of hot water or steam.
(7) Systems approach
The term "systems approach" means an approach to solving problems or designing systems that attempts to optimize the performance of the overall system, rather than a particular component of the system.
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Short Title
This part known as the "Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007", see Short Title note set out under
§17192. Hydrothermal research and development
(a) In general
The Secretary shall support programs of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to expand the use of geothermal energy production from hydrothermal systems, including the programs described in subsection (b).
(b) Programs
(1) Advanced hydrothermal resource tools
The Secretary, in consultation with other appropriate agencies, shall support a program to develop advanced geophysical, geochemical, and geologic tools to assist in locating hidden hydrothermal resources, and to increase the reliability of site characterization before, during, and after initial drilling. The program shall develop new prospecting techniques to assist in prioritization of targets for characterization. The program shall include a field component.
(2) Industry coupled exploratory drilling
The Secretary shall support a program of cost-shared field demonstration programs, to be pursued, simultaneously and independently, in collaboration with industry partners, for the demonstration of advanced technologies and techniques of siting and exploratory drilling for undiscovered resources in a variety of geologic settings. The program shall include incentives to encourage the use of advanced technologies and techniques.
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§17193. General geothermal systems research and development
(a) Subsurface components and systems
The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of components and systems capable of withstanding extreme geothermal environments and necessary to cost-effectively develop, produce, and monitor geothermal reservoirs and produce geothermal energy. These components and systems shall include advanced casing systems (expandable tubular casing, low-clearance casing designs, and others), high-temperature cements, high-temperature submersible pumps, and high-temperature packers, as well as technologies for under-reaming, multilateral completions, high-temperature and high-pressure logging, logging while drilling, deep fracture stimulation, and reservoir system diagnostics.
(b) Reservoir performance modeling
The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of models of geothermal reservoir performance, with an emphasis on accurately modeling performance over time. Models shall be developed to assist both in the development of geothermal reservoirs and to more accurately account for stress-related effects in stimulated hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal systems production environments.
(c) Environmental impacts
The Secretary shall—
(1) support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technologies and practices designed to mitigate or preclude potential adverse environmental impacts of geothermal energy development, production or use, and seek to ensure that geothermal energy development is consistent with the highest practicable standards of environmental stewardship;
(2) in conjunction with the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development at the Environmental Protection Agency, support a research program to identify potential environmental impacts of geothermal energy development, production, and use, and ensure that the program described in paragraph (1) addresses such impacts, including effects on groundwater and local hydrology; and
(3) support a program of research to compare the potential environmental impacts identified as part of the development, production, and use of geothermal energy with the potential emission reductions of greenhouse gases gained by geothermal energy development, production, and use.
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§17194. Enhanced geothermal systems research and development
(a) In general
The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for enhanced geothermal systems, including the programs described in subsection (b).
(b) Programs
(1) Enhanced geothermal systems technologies
The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of the technologies and knowledge necessary for enhanced geothermal systems to advance to a state of commercial readiness, including advances in—
(A) reservoir stimulation;
(B) reservoir characterization, monitoring, and modeling;
(C) stress mapping;
(D) tracer development;
(E) three-dimensional tomography; and
(F) understanding seismic effects of reservoir engineering and stimulation.
(2) Enhanced geothermal systems reservoir stimulation
(A) Program
In collaboration with industry partners, the Secretary shall support a program of research, development, and demonstration of enhanced geothermal systems reservoir stimulation technologies and techniques. A minimum of 4 sites shall be selected in locations that show particular promise for enhanced geothermal systems development. Each site shall—
(i) represent a different class of subsurface geologic environments; and
(ii) take advantage of an existing site where subsurface characterization has been conducted or existing drill holes can be utilized, if possible.
(B) Consideration of existing site
The Desert Peak, Nevada, site, where a Department of Energy and industry cooperative enhanced geothermal systems project is already underway, may be considered for inclusion among the sites selected under subparagraph (A).
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§17195. Geothermal energy production from oil and gas fields and recovery and production of geopressured gas resources
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to support development of geothermal energy production from oil and gas fields and production and recovery of energy, including electricity, from geopressured resources. In addition, the Secretary shall conduct such supporting activities including research, resource characterization, and technology development as necessary.
(b) Geothermal energy production from oil and gas fields
The Secretary shall implement a grant program in support of geothermal energy production from oil and gas fields. The program shall include grants for a total of not less than three demonstration projects of the use of geothermal techniques such as advanced organic rankine cycle systems at marginal, unproductive, and productive oil and gas wells. The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable and in the public interest, make awards that—
(1) include not less than five oil or gas well sites per project award;
(2) use a range of oil or gas well hot water source temperatures from 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 300 degrees Fahrenheit;
(3) cover a range of sizes up to one megawatt;
(4) are located at a range of sites;
(5) can be replicated at a wide range of sites;
(6) facilitate identification of optimum techniques among competing alternatives;
(7) include business commercialization plans that have the potential for production of equipment at high volumes and operation and support at a large number of sites; and
(8) satisfy other criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program and collect necessary data and information.
The Secretary shall give preference to assessments that address multiple elements contained in paragraphs (1) through (8).
(c) Grant awards
Each grant award for demonstration of geothermal technology such as advanced organic rankine cycle systems at oil and gas wells made by the Secretary under subsection (b) shall include—
(1) necessary and appropriate site engineering study;
(2) detailed economic assessment of site specific conditions;
(3) appropriate feasibility studies to determine whether the demonstration can be replicated;
(4) design or adaptation of existing technology for site specific circumstances or conditions;
(5) installation of equipment, service, and support;
(6) operation for a minimum of 1 year and monitoring for the duration of the demonstration; and
(7) validation of technical and economic assumptions and documentation of lessons learned.
(d) Geopressured gas resource recovery and production
(1) The Secretary shall implement a program to support the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of cost-effective techniques to produce energy from geopressured resources.
(2) The Secretary shall solicit preliminary engineering designs for geopressured resources production and recovery facilities.
(3) Based upon a review of the preliminary designs, the Secretary shall award grants, which may be cost-shared, to support the detailed development and completion of engineering, architectural and technical plans needed to support construction of new designs.
(4) Based upon a review of the final design plans above, the Secretary shall award cost-shared development and construction grants for demonstration geopressured production facilities that show potential for economic recovery of the heat, kinetic energy and gas resources from geopressured resources.
(e) Competitive grant selection
Not less than 90 days after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall conduct a national solicitation for applications for grants under the programs outlined in subsections (b) and (d). Grant recipients shall be selected on a competitive basis based on criteria in the respective subsection.
(f) Well drilling
No funds may be used under this section for the purpose of drilling new wells.
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§17196. Cost sharing and proposal evaluation
(a) Federal share
The Federal share of costs of projects funded under this part shall be in accordance with
(b) Organization and administration of programs
Programs under this part shall incorporate the following elements:
(1) The Secretary shall coordinate with, and where appropriate may provide funds in furtherance of the purposes of this part to, other Department of Energy research and development programs focused on drilling, subsurface characterization, and other related technologies.
(2) In evaluating proposals, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that demonstrate clear evidence of employing a systems approach.
(3) The Secretary shall coordinate and consult with the appropriate Federal land management agencies in selecting proposals for funding under this part.
(4) Nothing in this part shall be construed to alter or affect any law relating to the management or protection of Federal lands.
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§17197. Center for Geothermal Technology Transfer
(a) In general
The Secretary shall award to an institution of higher education (or consortium thereof) a grant to establish a Center for Geothermal Technology Transfer (referred to in this section as the "Center").
(b) Duties
The Center shall—
(1) serve as an information clearinghouse for the geothermal industry by collecting and disseminating information on best practices in all areas relating to developing and utilizing geothermal resources;
(2) make data collected by the Center available to the public; and
(3) seek opportunities to coordinate efforts and share information with domestic and international partners engaged in research and development of geothermal systems and related technology.
(c) Selection criteria
In awarding the grant under subsection (a) the Secretary shall select an institution of higher education (or consortium thereof) best suited to provide national leadership on geothermal related issues and perform the duties enumerated under subsection (b).
(d) Duration of grant
A grant made under subsection (a)—
(1) shall be for an initial period of 5 years; and
(2) may be renewed for additional 5-year periods on the basis of—
(A) satisfactory performance in meeting the duties outlined in subsection (b); and
(B) any other requirements specified by the Secretary.
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§17198. GeoPowering America
The Secretary shall expand the Department of Energy's GeoPowering the West program to extend its geothermal technology transfer activities throughout the entire United States. The program shall be renamed "GeoPowering America". The program shall continue to be based in the Department of Energy office in Golden, Colorado.
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§17199. Educational pilot program
The Secretary shall seek to award grant funding, on a competitive basis, to an institution of higher education for a geothermal-powered energy generation facility on the institution's campus. The purpose of the facility shall be to provide electricity and space heating. The facility shall also serve as an educational resource to students in relevant fields of study, and the data generated by the facility shall be available to students and the general public. The total funding award shall not exceed $2,000,000.
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§17200. Reports
(a) Reports on advanced uses of geothermal energy
Not later than 3 years and 5 years after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall report to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate on advanced concepts and technologies to maximize the geothermal resource potential of the United States. The reports shall include—
(1) the use of carbon dioxide as an alternative geofluid with potential carbon sequestration benefits;
(2) mineral recovery from geofluids;
(3) use of geothermal energy to produce hydrogen;
(4) use of geothermal energy to produce biofuels;
(5) use of geothermal heat for oil recovery from oil shales and tar sands; and
(6) other advanced geothermal technologies, including advanced drilling technologies and advanced power conversion technologies.
(b) Progress reports
(1) Not later than 36 months after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate an interim report describing the progress made under this part. At the end of 60 months, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the results of projects undertaken under this part and other such information the Secretary considers appropriate.
(2) As necessary, the Secretary shall report to the Congress on any legal, regulatory, or other barriers encountered that hinder economic development of these resources, and provide recommendations on legislative or other actions needed to address such impediments.
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§17201. Applicability of other laws
Nothing in this part shall be construed as waiving, modifying, or superseding the applicability of any requirement under any environmental or other Federal or State law. To the extent that activities authorized in this part take place in coastal and ocean areas, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, regarding the potential marine environmental impacts and measures to address such impacts.
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§17202. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this part $90,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012, of which $10,000,000 for each fiscal year shall be for carrying out
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§17203. International geothermal energy development
(a) In general
The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other appropriate Federal and multilateral agencies (including the United States Agency for International Development) shall support international collaborative efforts to promote the research, development, and deployment of geothermal technologies used to develop hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal system resources, including as partners (as appropriate) the African Rift Geothermal Development Facility, Australia, China, France, the Republic of Iceland, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
(b) United States Trade and Development Agency
The Director of the United States Trade and Development Agency may—
(1) encourage participation by United States firms in actions taken to carry out subsection (a); and
(2) provide grants and other financial support for feasibility and resource assessment studies conducted in, or intended to benefit, less developed countries.
(c) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
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§17204. High cost region geothermal energy grant program
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" means—
(A) a utility;
(B) an electric cooperative;
(C) a State;
(D) a political subdivision of a State;
(E) an Indian tribe; or
(F) a Native corporation.
(2) High-cost region
The term "high-cost region" means a region in which the average cost of electrical power exceeds 150 percent of the national average retail cost, as determined by the Secretary.
(b) Program
The Secretary shall use amounts made available to carry out this section to make grants to eligible entities for activities described in subsection (c).
(c) Eligible activities
An eligible entity may use grant funds under this section, with respect to a geothermal energy project in a high-cost region, only—
(1) to conduct a feasibility study, including a study of exploration, geochemical testing, geomagnetic surveys, geologic information gathering, baseline environmental studies, well drilling, resource characterization, permitting, and economic analysis;
(2) for design and engineering costs, relating to the project; and
(3) to demonstrate and promote commercial application of technologies related to geothermal energy as part of the project.
(d) Cost sharing
The cost-sharing requirements of
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
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Part C—Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Technologies
§17211. Definition
For purposes of this part, the term "marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy" means electrical energy from—
(1) waves, tides, and currents in oceans, estuaries, and tidal areas;
(2) free flowing water in rivers, lakes, and streams;
(3) free flowing water in man-made channels; and
(4) differentials in ocean temperature (ocean thermal energy conversion).
The term "marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy" does not include energy from any source that uses a dam, diversionary structure, or impoundment for electric power purposes.
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Short Title
This part known as the "Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Research and Development Act", see Short Title note set out under
§17212. Marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy research and development
(a) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to expand marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy production, including programs to—
(1) study and compare existing marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies;
(2) research, develop, and demonstrate marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems and technologies;
(3) reduce the manufacturing and operation costs of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies;
(4) investigate efficient and reliable integration with the utility grid and intermittency issues;
(5) advance wave forecasting technologies;
(6) conduct experimental and numerical modeling for optimization of marine energy conversion devices and arrays;
(7) increase the reliability and survivability of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies, including development of corrosive-resistant materials;
(8) identify, in conjunction with the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and other Federal agencies as appropriate, the potential environmental impacts, including potential impacts on fisheries and other marine resources, of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies, measures to prevent adverse impacts, and technologies and other means available for monitoring and determining environmental impacts;
(9) identify, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Department in which the United States Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, the potential navigational impacts of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies and measures to prevent adverse impacts on navigation;
(10) develop power measurement standards for marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy;
(11) develop identification standards for marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy devices;
(12) address standards development, demonstration, and technology transfer for advanced systems engineering and system integration methods to identify critical interfaces;
(13) identifying 1 opportunities for cross fertilization and development of economies of scale between other renewable sources and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy sources; and
(14) providing 2 public information and opportunity for public comment concerning all technologies.
(b) Report
Not later than 18 months after December 19, 2007, the Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and the Secretary of the Interior, shall provide to the Congress a report that addresses—
(1) the potential environmental impacts, including impacts to fisheries and marine resources, of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies;
(2) options to prevent adverse environmental impacts;
(3) the potential role of monitoring and adaptive management in identifying and addressing any adverse environmental impacts; and
(4) the necessary components of such an adaptive management program.
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1 So in original. Probably should be "identify".
2 So in original. Probably should be "provide".
§17213. National Marine Renewable Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Centers
(a) Centers
The Secretary shall award grants to institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) for the establishment of 1 or more National Marine Renewable Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Centers. In selecting locations for Centers, the Secretary shall consider sites that meet one of the following criteria:
(1) Hosts an existing marine renewable energy research and development program in coordination with an engineering program at an institution of higher education.
(2) Has proven expertise to support environmental and policy-related issues associated with harnessing of energy in the marine environment.
(3) Has access to and utilizes the marine resources in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, or the Pacific Ocean.
The Secretary may give special consideration to historically black colleges and universities and land grant universities that also meet one of these criteria. In establishing criteria for the selection of the Centers, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, on the criteria related to ocean waves, tides, and currents including those for advancing wave forecasting technologies, ocean temperature differences, and studying the compatibility of marine renewable energy technologies and systems with the environment, fisheries, and other marine resources.
(b) Purposes
The Centers shall advance research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of marine renewable energy, and shall serve as an information clearinghouse for the marine renewable energy industry, collecting and disseminating information on best practices in all areas related to developing and managing enhanced marine renewable energy systems resources.
(c) Demonstration of need
When applying for a grant under this section, an applicant shall include a description of why Federal support is necessary for the Center, including evidence that the research of the Center will not be conducted in the absence of Federal support.
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§17214. Applicability of other laws
Nothing in this part shall be construed as waiving, modifying, or superseding the applicability of any requirement under any environmental or other Federal or State law.
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§17215. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this part $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012, except that no funds shall be appropriated under this section for activities that are receiving funds under
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Part D—Energy Storage for Transportation and Electric Power
§17231. Energy storage competitiveness
(a) Short title
This section may be cited as the "United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007".
(b) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Council
The term "Council" means the Energy Storage Advisory Council established under subsection (e).
(2) Compressed air energy storage
The term "compressed air energy storage" means, in the case of an electricity grid application, the storage of energy through the compression of air.
(3) Electric drive vehicle
The term "electric drive vehicle" means—
(A) a vehicle that uses an electric motor for all or part of the motive power of the vehicle, including battery electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and plug-in fuel cell vehicles and rail transportation vehicles; or
(B) mobile equipment that uses an electric motor to replace an internal combustion engine for all or part of the work of the equipment.
(4) Islanding
The term "islanding" means a distributed generator or energy storage device continuing to power a location in the absence of electric power from the primary source.
(5) Flywheel
The term "flywheel" means, in the case of an electricity grid application, a device used to store rotational kinetic energy.
(6) Microgrid
The term "microgrid" means an integrated energy system consisting of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources (including generators and energy storage devices), which as an integrated system can operate in parallel with the utility grid or in an intentional islanding mode.
(7) Self-healing grid
The term "self-healing grid" means a grid that is capable of automatically anticipating and responding to power system disturbances (including the isolation of failed sections and components), while optimizing the performance and service of the grid to customers.
(8) Spinning reserve services
The term "spinning reserve services" means a quantity of electric generating capacity in excess of the quantity needed to meet peak electric demand.
(9) Ultracapacitor
The term "ultracapacitor" means an energy storage device that has a power density comparable to a conventional capacitor but is capable of exceeding the energy density of a conventional capacitor by several orders of magnitude.
(c) Program
The Secretary shall carry out a research, development, and demonstration program to support the ability of the United States to remain globally competitive in energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution.
(d) Coordination
In carrying out the activities of this section, the Secretary shall coordinate relevant efforts with appropriate Federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation.
(e) Energy Storage Advisory Council
(1) Establishment
Not later than 90 days after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall establish an Energy Storage Advisory Council.
(2) Composition
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Council shall consist of not less than 15 individuals appointed by the Secretary, based on recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences.
(B) Energy storage industry
The Council shall consist primarily of representatives of the energy storage industry of the United States.
(C) Chairperson
The Secretary shall select a Chairperson for the Council from among the members appointed under subparagraph (A).
(3) Meetings
(A) In general
The Council shall meet not less than once a year.
(B) Federal Advisory Committee Act
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to a meeting of the Council.
(4) Plans
No later than 1 year after December 19, 2007, and every 5 years thereafter, the Council, in conjunction with the Secretary, shall develop a 5-year plan for integrating basic and applied research so that the United States retains a globally competitive domestic energy storage industry for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution.
(5) Review
The Council shall—
(A) assess, every 2 years, the performance of the Department in meeting the goals of the plans developed under paragraph (4); and
(B) make specific recommendations to the Secretary on programs or activities that should be established or terminated to meet those goals.
(f) Basic research program
(1) Basic research
The Secretary shall conduct a basic research program on energy storage systems to support electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution, including—
(A) materials design;
(B) materials synthesis and characterization;
(C) electrode-active materials, including electrolytes and bioelectrolytes;
(D) surface and interface dynamics;
(E) modeling and simulation; and
(F) thermal behavior and life degradation mechanisms.
(2) Nanoscience centers
The Secretary, in cooperation with the Council, shall coordinate the activities of the nanoscience centers of the Department to help the energy storage research centers of the Department maintain a globally competitive posture in energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution.
(3) Funding
For activities carried out under this subsection, in addition to funding activities at National Laboratories, the Secretary shall award funds to, and coordinate activities with, a range of stakeholders including the public, private, and academic sectors.
(g) Applied research program
(1) In general
The Secretary shall conduct an applied research program on energy storage systems to support electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution technologies, including—
(A) ultracapacitors;
(B) flywheels;
(C) batteries and battery systems (including flow batteries);
(D) compressed air energy systems;
(E) power conditioning electronics;
(F) manufacturing technologies for energy storage systems;
(G) thermal management systems; and
(H) hydrogen as an energy storage medium.
(2) Funding
For activities carried out under this subsection, in addition to funding activities at National Laboratories, the Secretary shall provide funds to, and coordinate activities with, a range of stakeholders, including the public, private, and academic sectors.
(h) Energy storage research centers
(1) In general
The Secretary shall establish, through competitive bids, not more than 4 energy storage research centers to translate basic research into applied technologies to advance the capability of the United States to maintain a globally competitive posture in energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution.
(2) Program management
The centers shall be managed by the Under Secretary for Science of the Department.
(3) Participation agreements
As a condition of participating in a center, a participant shall enter into a participation agreement with the center that requires that activities conducted by the participant for the center promote the goal of enabling the United States to compete successfully in global energy storage markets.
(4) Plans
A center shall conduct activities that promote the achievement of the goals of the plans of the Council under subsection (e)(4).
(5) National laboratories
A national laboratory (as defined in
(6) Disclosure
(7) Intellectual property
In accordance with
(A) if an industrial participant is active in a 1 energy storage research center established under this subsection relating to the advancement of energy storage technologies carried out, in whole or in part, with Federal funding, the industrial participant be granted the first option to negotiate with the invention owner, at least in the field of energy storage technologies, nonexclusive licenses, and royalties on terms that are reasonable, as determined by the Secretary;
(B) if 1 or more industry participants are active in a center, during a 2-year period beginning on the date on which an invention is made—
(i) the patent holder shall not negotiate any license or royalty agreement with any entity that is not an industrial participant under this subsection; and
(ii) the patent holder shall negotiate nonexclusive licenses and royalties in good faith with any interested industrial participant under this subsection; and
(C) the new invention be developed under such other terms as the Secretary determines to be necessary to promote the accelerated commercialization of inventions made under this subsection to advance the capability of the United States to successfully compete in global energy storage markets.
(i) Energy storage systems demonstrations
(1) In general
The Secretary shall carry out a program of new demonstrations of advanced energy storage systems.
(2) Scope
The demonstrations shall—
(A) be regionally diversified; and
(B) expand on the existing technology demonstration program of the Department.
(3) Stakeholders
In carrying out the demonstrations, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include the participation of a range of stakeholders, including—
(A) rural electric cooperatives;
(B) investor owned utilities;
(C) municipally owned electric utilities;
(D) energy storage systems manufacturers;
(E) electric drive vehicle manufacturers;
(F) the renewable energy production industry;
(G) State or local energy offices;
(H) the fuel cell industry; and
(I) institutions of higher education.
(4) Objectives
Each of the demonstrations shall include 1 or more of the following:
(A) Energy storage to improve the feasibility of microgrids or islanding, or transmission and distribution capability, to improve reliability in rural areas.
(B) Integration of an energy storage system with a self-healing grid.
(C) Use of energy storage to improve security to emergency response infrastructure and ensure availability of emergency backup power for consumers.
(D) Integration with a renewable energy production source, at the source or away from the source.
(E) Use of energy storage to provide ancillary services, such as spinning reserve services, for grid management.
(F) Advancement of power conversion systems to make the systems smarter, more efficient, able to communicate with other inverters, and able to control voltage.
(G) Use of energy storage to optimize transmission and distribution operation and power quality, which could address overloaded lines and maintenance of transformers and substations.
(H) Use of advanced energy storage for peak load management of homes, businesses, and the grid.
(I) Use of energy storage devices to store energy during nonpeak generation periods to make better use of existing grid assets.
(j) Vehicle energy storage demonstration
(1) In general
The Secretary shall carry out a program of electric drive vehicle energy storage technology demonstrations.
(2) Consortia
The technology demonstrations shall be conducted through consortia, which may include—
(A) energy storage systems manufacturers and suppliers of the manufacturers;
(B) electric drive vehicle manufacturers;
(C) rural electric cooperatives;
(D) investor owned utilities;
(E) municipal and rural electric utilities;
(F) State and local governments;
(G) metropolitan transportation authorities; and
(H) institutions of higher education.
(3) Objectives
The program shall demonstrate 1 or more of the following:
(A) Novel, high capacity, high efficiency energy storage, charging, and control systems, along with the collection of data on performance characteristics, such as battery life, energy storage capacity, and power delivery capacity.
(B) Advanced onboard energy management systems and highly efficient battery cooling systems.
(C) Integration of those systems on a prototype vehicular platform, including with drivetrain systems for passenger, commercial, and nonroad electric drive vehicles.
(D) New technologies and processes that reduce manufacturing costs.
(E) Integration of advanced vehicle technologies with electricity distribution system and smart metering technology.
(F) Control systems that minimize emissions profiles in cases in which clean diesel engines are part of a plug-in hybrid drive system.
(k) Secondary applications and disposal of electric drive vehicle batteries
The Secretary shall carry out a program of research, development, and demonstration of—
(1) secondary applications of energy storage devices following service in electric drive vehicles; and
(2) technologies and processes for final recycling and disposal of the devices.
(l) Cost sharing
The Secretary shall carry out the programs established under this section in accordance with
(m) Merit review of proposals
The Secretary shall carry out the programs established under subsections (i), (j), and (k) in accordance with
(n) Coordination and nonduplication
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall coordinate activities under this section with other programs and laboratories of the Department and other Federal research programs.
(o) Review by National Academy of Sciences
On the business day that is 5 years after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall offer to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to assess the performance of the Department in carrying out this section.
(p) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out—
(1) the basic research program under subsection (f) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018;
(2) the applied research program under subsection (g) $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018; and; 2
(3) the energy storage research center program under subsection (h) $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018;
(4) the energy storage systems demonstration program under subsection (i) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018;
(5) the vehicle energy storage demonstration program under subsection (j) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018; and
(6) the secondary applications and disposal of electric drive vehicle batteries program under subsection (k) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018.
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References in Text
The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(3)(B), is
1 So in original. Probably should be "an".
Part E—Miscellaneous Provisions
§17241. Lightweight materials research and development
(a) In general
As soon as practicable after December 19, 2007, the Secretary of Energy shall establish a program to determine ways in which the weight of motor vehicles could be reduced to improve fuel efficiency without compromising passenger safety by conducting research, development, and demonstration relating to—
(1) the development of new materials (including cast metal composite materials formed by autocombustion synthesis) and material processes that yield a higher strength-to-weight ratio or other properties that reduce vehicle weight; and
(2) reducing the cost of—
(A) lightweight materials (including high-strength steel alloys, aluminum, magnesium, metal composites, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites) with the properties required for construction of lighter-weight vehicles; and
(B) materials processing, automated manufacturing, joining, and recycling lightweight materials for high-volume applications.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $80,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
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§17242. Commercial insulation demonstration program
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Advanced insulation
The term "advanced insulation" means insulation that has an R value of not less than R35 per inch.
(2) Covered refrigeration unit
The term "covered refrigeration unit" means any—
(A) commercial refrigerated truck;
(B) commercial refrigerated trailer; or
(C) commercial refrigerator, freezer, or refrigerator-freezer described in
(b) Report
Not later than 90 days after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes an evaluation of—
(1) the state of technological advancement of advanced insulation; and
(2) the projected amount of cost savings that would be generated by implementing advanced insulation into covered refrigeration units.
(c) Demonstration program
(1) Establishment
If the Secretary determines in the report described in subsection (b) that the implementation of advanced insulation into covered refrigeration units would generate an economically justifiable amount of cost savings, the Secretary, in cooperation with manufacturers of covered refrigeration units, shall establish a demonstration program under which the Secretary shall demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of advanced insulation.
(2) Disclosure
The Secretary may, for a period of up to 5 years after an award is granted under the demonstration program, exempt from mandatory disclosure under
(3) Cost-sharing
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $8,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2014.
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§17243. Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prizes
(a) Establishment
Not later than 1 year after December 19, 2007, as part of the program carried out under
(b) Prize specifications
(1) 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp Prize
The Secretary shall award a 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp Prize to an entrant that produces a solid-state-light package simultaneously capable of—
(A) producing a luminous flux greater than 900 lumens;
(B) consuming less than or equal to 10 watts;
(C) having an efficiency greater than 90 lumens per watt;
(D) having a color rendering index greater than 90;
(E) having a correlated color temperature of not less than 2,750, and not more than 3,000, degrees Kelvin;
(F) having 70 percent of the lumen value under subparagraph (A) exceeding 25,000 hours under typical conditions expected in residential use;
(G) having a light distribution pattern similar to a soft 60-watt incandescent A19 bulb;
(H) having a size and shape that fits within the maximum dimensions of an A19 bulb in accordance with American National Standards Institute standard C78.20–2003, figure C78.20–211;
(I) using a single contact medium screw socket; and
(J) mass production for a competitive sales commercial market satisfied by producing commercially accepted quality control lots of such units equal to or exceeding the criteria described in subparagraphs (A) through (I).
(2) PAR Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize
The Secretary shall award a Parabolic Aluminized Reflector Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize (referred to in this section as the "PAR Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize") to an entrant that produces a solid-state-light package simultaneously capable of—
(A) producing a luminous flux greater than or equal to 1,350 lumens;
(B) consuming less than or equal to 11 watts;
(C) having an efficiency greater than 123 lumens per watt;
(D) having a color rendering index greater than or equal to 90;
(E) having a correlated color coordinate temperature of not less than 2,750, and not more than 3,000, degrees Kelvin;
(F) having 70 percent of the lumen value under subparagraph (A) exceeding 25,000 hours under typical conditions expected in residential use;
(G) having a light distribution pattern similar to a PAR 38 halogen lamp;
(H) having a size and shape that fits within the maximum dimensions of a PAR 38 halogen lamp in accordance with American National Standards Institute standard C78–21–2003, figure C78.21–238;
(I) using a single contact medium screw socket; and
(J) mass production for a competitive sales commercial market satisfied by producing commercially accepted quality control lots of such units equal to or exceeding the criteria described in subparagraphs (A) through (I).
(3) Twenty-First Century Lamp Prize
The Secretary shall award a Twenty-First Century Lamp Prize to an entrant that produces a solid-state-light-light 1 capable of—
(A) producing a light output greater than 1,200 lumens;
(B) having an efficiency greater than 150 lumens per watt;
(C) having a color rendering index greater than 90;
(D) having a color coordinate temperature between 2,800 and 3,000 degrees Kelvin; and
(E) having a lifetime exceeding 25,000 hours.
(c) Private funds
(1) In general
Subject to paragraph (2), and notwithstanding
(A) without further appropriation; and
(B) without fiscal year limitation.
(2) Prize competition
A private source of funding may not participate in the competition for prizes awarded under this section.
(d) Technical review
The Secretary shall establish a technical review committee composed of non-Federal officers to review entrant data submitted under this section to determine whether the data meets the prize specifications described in subsection (b).
(e) Third party administration
The Secretary may competitively select a third party to administer awards under this section.
(f) Eligibility for prizes
To be eligible to be awarded a prize under this section—
(1) in the case of a private entity, the entity shall be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States; and
(2) in the case of an individual (whether participating as a single individual or in a group), the individual shall be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
(g) Award amounts
Subject to the availability of funds to carry out this section, the amount of—
(1) the 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp Prize described in subsection (b)(1) shall be $10,000,000;
(2) the PAR Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize described in subsection (b)(2) shall be $5,000,000; and
(3) the Twenty-First Century Lamp Prize described in subsection (b)(3) shall be $5,000,000.
(h) Federal procurement of solid-state-lights
(1) 60-watt incandescent replacement
Subject to paragraph (3), as soon as practicable after the successful award of the 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp Prize under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary (in consultation with the Administrator of General Services) shall develop governmentwide Federal purchase guidelines with a goal of replacing the use of 60-watt incandescent lamps in Federal Government buildings with a solid-state-light package described in subsection (b)(1) by not later than the date that is 5 years after the date the award is made.
(2) PAR 38 halogen replacement lamp replacement 1
Subject to paragraph (3), as soon as practicable after the successful award of the PAR Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary (in consultation with the Administrator of General Services) shall develop governmentwide Federal purchase guidelines with the goal of replacing the use of PAR 38 halogen lamps in Federal Government buildings with a solid-state-light package described in subsection (b)(2) by not later than the date that is 5 years after the date the award is made.
(3) Waivers
(A) In general
The Secretary or the Administrator of General Services may waive the application of paragraph (1) or (2) if the Secretary or Administrator determines that the return on investment from the purchase of a solid-state-light package described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b), respectively, is cost prohibitive.
(B) Report of waiver
If the Secretary or Administrator waives the application of paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary or Administrator, respectively, shall submit to Congress an annual report that describes the waiver and provides a detailed justification for the waiver.
(i) Report
Not later than 2 years after December 19, 2007, and annually thereafter, the Administrator of General Services shall submit to the Energy Information Agency a report describing the quantity, type, and cost of each lighting product purchased by the Federal Government.
(j) Bright Tomorrow Lighting Award Fund
(1) Establishment
There is established in the United States Treasury a Bright Tomorrow Lighting permanent fund without fiscal year limitation to award prizes under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (b).
(2) Sources of funding
The fund established under paragraph (1) shall accept—
(A) fiscal year appropriations; and
(B) private contributions authorized under subsection (c).
(k) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
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§17244. Renewable Energy Innovation Manufacturing Partnership
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall carry out a program, to be known as the Renewable Energy Innovation Manufacturing Partnership Program (referred to in this section as the "Program"), to make assistance awards to eligible entities for use in carrying out research, development, and demonstration relating to the manufacturing of renewable energy technologies.
(b) Solicitation
To carry out the Program, the Secretary shall annually conduct a competitive solicitation for assistance awards for an eligible project described in subsection (e).
(c) Program purposes
The purposes of the Program are—
(1) to develop, or aid in the development of, advanced manufacturing processes, materials, and infrastructure;
(2) to increase the domestic production of renewable energy technology and components; and
(3) to better coordinate Federal, State, and private resources to meet regional and national renewable energy goals through advanced manufacturing partnerships.
(d) Eligible entities
An entity shall be eligible to receive an assistance award under the Program to carry out an eligible project described in subsection (e) if the entity is composed of—
(1) 1 or more public or private nonprofit institutions or national laboratories engaged in research, development, demonstration, or technology transfer, that would participate substantially in the project; and
(2) 1 or more private entities engaged in the manufacturing or development of renewable energy system components (including solar energy, wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy, energy storage, or fuel cells).
(e) Eligible projects
An eligible entity may use an assistance award provided under this section to carry out a project relating to—
(1) the conduct of studies of market opportunities for component manufacturing of renewable energy systems;
(2) the conduct of multiyear applied research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects for advanced manufacturing processes, materials, and infrastructure for renewable energy systems; and
(3) other similar ventures, as approved by the Secretary, that promote advanced manufacturing of renewable technologies.
(f) Criteria and guidelines
The Secretary shall establish criteria and guidelines for the submission, evaluation, and funding of proposed projects under the Program.
(g) Cost sharing
(h) Disclosure
The Secretary may, for a period of up to 5 years after an award is granted under this section, exempt from mandatory disclosure under
(i) Sense of the Congress
It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should ensure that small businesses engaged in renewable manufacturing be given priority consideration for the assistance awards provided under this section.
(j) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated out of funds already authorized to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended.
(