January 12, 2018 Since 2009, ARPA-E has developed more than 40 focused technology programs to push the boundaries of science and technology and fundamentally change how we get, store, and use energy. As a complement to its focused programs, ARPA-E periodically releases “open” funding solicitations. These programs identify high-potential projects that address the full range of energy-related technologies—from next generation wind turbines to novel battery chemistries. The OPEN 2009, OPEN 2012, and OPEN 2015 programs have accelerated the development of more than 100 innovative advanced…

In one sentence, can you tell us what the SHIELD program is? SHIELD is a portfolio of research projects seeking to solve the massive problem of inefficient and uncomfortable single-pane windows. Why is ARPA-E interested in better windows? What’s the big deal? Most modern windows incorporate double pane units that have two planes of glass separated by about half an inch. But every year, American building owners and renters pay utility bills that include about $20 billion for the heat that flows out of old school, single-pane windows. This is an average of about $60 per person. Of…

Originally published October 17, 2017. This blog was updated January 8, 2018. Dr. Michael Ohadi discusses his background, how he came to ARPA-E, and how high efficiency, compact power systems could be a game changer for a range of industries. Tell us a little about your background. How does your previous experience provide insight into your work at ARPA-E? Mike: My focus at ARPA-E includes heat/mass transfer enhancement and process intensification using innovative designs, materials, and manufacturing techniques. Currently, I am on leave from my role as a professor of…

October 2, 2017 High Efficiency Hybrid Systems: Exploring New Ways to Move with Drs. Chris Atkinson and Grigorii Soloveichik Drs. Atkinson and Soloveichik discuss their backgrounds, why they came to ARPA-E, and how a new approach to powertrains could boost transportation efficiency.    1. Tell us a little about your backgrounds. How does your previous experience provide insight into your work at ARPA-E? Chris: My position at ARPA-E represents a third career for me—over the past 26 years, I have been an academic, a consultant and now a Program Director at ARPA-E. I…

August 16, 2017 Safe, Secure, and Affordable: Redesigning Nuclear Power Behind the Scenes with Drs. Rachel Slaybaugh and JC Zhao Drs. Slaybaugh and Zhao discuss their backgrounds, why they came to ARPA-E, and how novel plant designs could transform nuclear power for the 21st century. Dr. Rachel Slaybauch and Dr. JC Zhao at the 2017 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit 1. Tell us a little about your backgrounds. How does your previous experience provide insight into your work at ARPA-E? Rachel: I’ve been working in nuclear engineering for almost 15 years. I’m currently splitting…

July 19, 2017 Better Together: Fuel Cell & Engine Hybrid Systems Behind the Scenes with Dr. David Tew, Program Director at ARPA-E Dr. David Tew discusses his background, why he came to ARPA-E, and what it's like to work on a new technical area. Dr. David Tew delivering his Fast Pitch entitled "Better Together: Fuel Cell & Engine Hybrid Systems" at the 2017 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit.  1. Tell us a little about your background. How does your previous experience provide insight into your work at ARPA-E? I joined ARPA-E after a nearly 20-year career at…

Americans use a lot of energy to move themselves and their stuff. Over one quarter of all the energy consumed in the United States goes directly to transportation, equivalent to about 4.8 billion barrels of oil per year. Of course, where there is lots of energy being used, there are opportunities to make big improvements.  Many ARPA-E programs seek to boost transportation efficiency and diversify energy sources—through better fuels, new batteries, or high-powered electronics. Moreover, increasingly available connected and automated vehicles (CAV) present incredible opportunities to…

May 22, 2017 At ARPA-E, we’re committed to identifying and advancing transformational technologies that can fundamentally change the way we generate, store, and use energy. We focus on guiding a broad portfolio of early-stage energy technologies on a path toward the marketplace. Our wide-ranging portfolio demands that we engage a diverse group of potential customers – from vehicle manufacturers and electric utilities to semiconductor manufacturers and the U.S. military.  On Saturday, we celebrated Armed Forces Day to recognize the extraordinary men and women who serve in our nation…

April 28, 2017  This month, ARPA-E turns eight. To mark the occasion, we’re sitting down with ARPA-E’s Deputy Director for Commercialization, David Henshall, to chat about the lessons he and his team have learned while guiding early-stage energy technologies on a path toward the marketplace.  1. How does ARPA-E identify and then support early-stage technologies?  Energy is essential to our economy, global competitiveness, and quality of life, and early stage energy technology development is a critical component of the innovation pipeline. The National Academy of…

Three weeks ago, nearly 2,000 energy innovators, investors, and policymakers gathered at the eighth annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit to discuss cutting-edge energy technologies and the future of energy innovation. During the three-day program, attendees from across the U.S. and 25 other countries heard from industry and government leaders, networked at focused receptions and panel discussions, and saw first-hand more than 280 technologies featured in ARPA-E’s Technology Showcase.  Highlights from the 2017 ARPA-E Summit include: • 15 mainstage speakers, including U.S.…