Developing Advanced Energy Technologies

Figure: DOE’s Budget Authority for Renewable, Fossil, and Nuclear R&D, Fiscal Years 1978-2008

Source: GAO analysis of DOE data

Today, the United States is heavily reliant upon conventional fossil fuels—with oil, natural gas, and coal providing most of our energy.

This lack of diversification in the nation’s energy portfolio does not easily provide alternatives in the face of concerns about the cost, supply, and environmental implications of fossil fuels.
Advanced energy technologies offer the promise of alternatives to our current energy portfolio. DOE has funded research and development in advanced renewable, fossil, and nuclear energy technologies since the 1970s.
However, while DOE has spent about $57 billion over the past 30 years for research and development (R&D) on these technologies, the nation’s energy portfolio has not dramatically changed. For example, conventional fossil energy in 1973 provided 93 percent of the nation’s energy; after 30 plus years, it still provides 85 percent of our energy.
It is clear that DOE energy R&D funding alone will not be enough to deploy advanced energy technologies and other actions will be needed, including

coordinating DOE energy R&D with other federal energy R&D programs and energy policies, incentives, standards and mandates; and
involving state and local governments, as well as other nations and the worldwide private sector.

Given limited federal research dollars, it is important to target federal spending toward specific and measurable goals, with a clear federal role and benefits that make advanced energy technologies cost competitive and environmentally sound, so that their deployment will be sustainable in the marketplace.
Highlights of GAO-08-556T (PDF)

^ Back to topWhat Needs to Be Done

DOE can improve the implementation of the new loan guarantee program for innovative energy technologies by putting into place adequate management and internal controls for the program before DOE proceeds with reviewing any applications for guarantees.
Highlights of GAO-08-750 (PDF)
In addition, given DOE’s record of giving low priority to efforts that would further program management effectiveness and accountability, Congress should consider limiting the amount of loan guarantee commitments the department can make until it has put adequate management and internal controls into place.
Highlights of GAO-08-750 (PDF)