DOE, an energy innovation to launch hub for critical materials research

The Department of energy announced its 31 May until to $ 120 million over five years in a new energy innovation invest hub to identify the problems and to develop solutions during the entire lifecycle of critical materials. Rare-earth elements and other critical materials have the unique chemical and physical properties - including magnetic, catalytic and luminous properties - are important for a growing number of energy technologies. These critical materials are also at a risk of supply disruptions. The new hub, financed by up to $20 million in the fiscal year 2012, will conduct, research activities both on a reliable supply of the U.S. rare earths and other critical materials, as well as search for efficiency and alternatives to reduce the critical materials, that are needed. The work is to U.S. leadership in energy-related production, including the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, efficient lighting and other products ahead.

Universities, laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and private companies are allowed to compete and are called on partnerships, when submitting their proposals. The award selection is expected in the autumn. The fifth energy innovation hub be established for 2010 by the Energy Department. Find the press release energy Department, the energy innovation hubs Web site, and the funding opportunity announcement.

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