A bill authorizing $2.25 billion for solar research over the next five years, passed through a key House subcommittee.
Introduced by U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona), the Solar Technology Roadmap Act would require the U.S. Department of Energy to appoint a group of
experts to create a long-term plan to guide solar energy research and
its transition into commercial uses.
“This legislation will help take solar research and development in the United States to a new level,” the Arizona lawmaker said. “It is rooted in the common sense belief that we need a detailed plan in place to tackle the energy technology challenges confronting our nation.”
The bill was approved with bipartisan support in a voice vote by the Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology. It now goes to the full committee for consideration.
Republican Rep. Vernon Ehlers of Michigan said, “Much more needs to be done to increase the use of renewable energy sources, and solar energy is one of the most promising,” he said. “We should encourage more investment in solar technology so that it is more efficient and available.”
Establishment of an 11-member Solar Roadmap Committee to create a roadmap for solar technology research is the centerpiece of the bill. It would identify research and development that needs to occur to help improve the performance and reliability of solar technologies, decrease cost, reduce water use and mitigate any negative environmental impacts. It would be subject to a comprehensive revision every three years to keep it current.
The Department of Energy’s solar technology program includes research in photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, solar hot water, solar space heating and cooling, solar lighting, solar manufacturing and integration of solar technology in buildings.
“This legislation is aimed at charting the course for federally funded solar research, development and demonstration projects,” Giffords said. “It will help the Department of Energy to allocate research and development funds wisely, thereby helping to advance emerging solar technologies quickly and effectively.”
Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association, said his organization strongly supports Giffords’ bill. If enacted, he said the bill “would have significant economic, energy and environmental benefits” and “send a message that it is time to diversify our energy portfolio and expand the clean energy future for our country.”
In Related News…
Europe is launching a campaign to triple funding for energy research to 8 billion euros ($11.7 billion) in an effort to compete with with Japan and the United States. Solar power is expected to get 16 billion euros over the next decade and up to 30 "Smart Cities" are planned. Read the full report at the link below.
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