DOE Issues Call for Nanotechnology Research Partnerships (posted 4/23/08) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a research call on Nanomanufacturing for Energy Efficiency research and development, intended for the DOE national laboratories with industry participation. The U.S. government’s $8.3 billion investment in nanotechnology research over the past seven years has yielded impressive scientific discoveries. However, to realize the economic and social benefits of nanotechnology, these scientific discoveries must be translated into commercial processes and products.

The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) will initiate a Nanomanufacturing for Energy Efficiency program in fiscal year 2008. Research in nanomanufacturing is vitally important in closing the gaps between nanoscience discoveries and nanotechnology products; it offers the promise of breakthroughs that will use energy more efficiently (e.g., much lighter and stronger materials for use in cars, high-performance nanocatalysts for producing clean fuels and chemicals), and convert, store, and deliver energy more effectively. These new technologies will transform the fundamental understanding of nanoscale materials into useful structures, devices and systems that can contribute to the DOE’s energy security and affordability goals.

Visit www.eere.energy.gov for more information.