Arpa-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy) is a program within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The agency was established in 2007 and has since been active in advancing high-risk, high reward research projects that have the potential to significantly reduce energy use and emissions while creating new economic opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and businesses.
The program focuses on transforming how energy is generated, transmitted, used and stored through research into innovative technologies such as advanced materials, manufacturing processes or systems analysis approaches to maximize efficiency gains throughout the entire energy lifecycle. Arpa-E supports scientists working on wide range of topics covering generation (solar photovoltaics), transmission (smart grids), storage (batteries) and end use applications including buildings (energy efficient lighting).
The goal of Arpa-E is to identify potentially transformational energy technology ideas with significant near term commercial potential. To achieve this objective it provides financial support for early stage development activities ranging from laboratory experiments to full scale prototype demonstrations in order to move an idea closer toward commercialization readiness. The program also works closely with industry partners who provide expertise needed for successful deployment of these technologies at scale once they are ready for market entry.
Arpa-E has awarded over $1 billion towards more than 500 different projects since its inception in 2007. Examples include: developing low cost storage solutions which could help integrate renewable electricity sources into existing power grids; developing ultraefficient cooling systems based on nanotechnology; improving the efficiency of electric motors; increasing solar cell efficiencies by using novel material structures; engineering bacteria that can convert sunlight directly into liquid fuels; designing batteries capable of providing long duration electricity storage at very low cost etc.. By supporting cutting edge research across many disciplines Arpa-E hopes not only solve current day challenges but also enable us anticipate future needs as well as create entirely new industries through its investments today .