Energy is, quite simply, the lifeblood of both the world and domestic economies. The quest for more affordable and efficient sources of energy has never been more important. This quest also has massive ramifications for a planet that is currently warming at an alarming rate, especially when adoption of clean energy technologies is not happening on a wide enough scale to offset the environmental damage that comes with fossil fuel consumption. As the U.S. Department of Energy grapples with these challenges, it is also the largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences and acts as a major supporter of research in key scientific fields such as materials science, computing, and chemistry.
Against this backdrop, FAS works to support more efficient commercialization of energy decarbonization technologies, innovative research, and more effective deployment of smart energy policy. We also aim to help the agency source high-skilled talent and find more flexible ways to partner with the private sector.
Dr. Pierre-Clément Simon and Dr. Casey Icenhour come from different backgrounds, but share similar passions: for driving forward progress in fusion energy and mentoring early career scientists.
As emerging clean energy technologies move along the innovation pipeline from first concept to commercialization, they encounter hurdles that can prove to be a death knell for young startups.
As ‘Friends of FESI’ we want to see this new foundation set up from day one to successfully fulfill the promise of its large impact.
The Administration has continued to push for further clean energy investments, but faces a difficult fiscal environment in Congress – which has meant shortfalls for many priority areas like funding for CHIPS and Science.
