A new report on the U.S clean energy innovation ecosystem identifies the technologies that have the greatest potential for breakthrough, while offering insight on how different areas of society can work together to maintain global competitiveness. The paper, titled “Advancing the Landscape of Clean Energy Innovation” was headed by former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Energy Futures Initiative founder, Ernest J. Moniz and IHS Markit vice chairman Daniel Yergin, two leading experts on energy.
Moniz and Yergin detail 10 important clean energy innovation areas that the U.S should focus on including solar energy, storage and battery technologies, carbon management, and hydrogen. The report identifies the pathways on how the U.S can maintain its leadership by “aligning the policies, players and programs” that will spur important breakthrough technologies.
The report advocates for the U.S to capitalize on its resources by increasing public investments into areas of innovation, such as fundamental research, creating a research and investment portfolio embracing multiple technology options, and including states, cities, and tribal governments in the innovation process.
While companies are constantly working towards accelerated innovation, the report notes clean energy systems and technology companies must work together to create a stronger ecosystem.
“We are now undergoing rapid change in the global competitive environment, challenging America’s preeminent position but also offering immense opportunity for shaping the inevitable low-carbon global energy future,” said Moniz in a press statement. “Today our leadership position is now under threat as our economic rivals pursue their own modernization programs. These technologies provide an actionable framework for prioritizing public resources and inspiring private innovation.”
