summary
Introduced
04/16/2015
04/16/2015
In Committee
08/18/2015
08/18/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
To authorize Energy Innovation Hubs. This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a grant program to enhance the nation's economic, environmental, and energy security by making awards to consortia for establishing and operating Energy Innovation Hubs to conduct and support multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of advanced energy technologies. Advanced energy technologies are innovative technologies or research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities necessary to ensure the long-term, secure, and sustainable supply of energy critical elements. These elements have a high risk of a supply disruption and are critical to new, energy-related technologies in that a shortage of the element would significantly inhibit large-scale deployment of technologies that produce, transmit, store, or conserve energy. Examples of advanced energy technology include an innovative technology that: produces energy from renewable energy resources; produces nuclear energy; includes carbon capture and sequestration; enables advanced vehicles, vehicle components, and related technologies that result in significant energy savings; generates, transmits, distributes, utilizes, or stores energy more efficiently than conventional technologies; and enhances the energy independence and security of the United States by enabling improved or expanded supply and production of domestic energy resources. DOE must designate a unique advanced energy technology focus for each Hub. Grants may not be used for constructing new buildings or facilities for Hubs. Further, construction of new buildings or facilities may not be considered as part of the non-federal share of a Hub cost-sharing agreement. Grants and non-federal cost share funds may be used for research or for the construction of a test bed or renovations to existing buildings or facilities for the purposes of research.
AI Summary
This bill authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish and operate Energy Innovation Hubs, which are consortia of at least two qualifying entities (like universities, government entities, or non-profits) focused on developing and commercializing "advanced energy technologies." These technologies are defined broadly to include renewable energy, nuclear energy, carbon capture, advanced vehicles, energy efficiency improvements, and technologies that enhance domestic energy production, as well as research and development related to "energy critical elements." Energy critical elements are defined as materials with a high risk of supply disruption that are essential for new energy technologies. Each Hub will have a unique technology focus, and the DOE Secretary will select consortia through a competitive process, with awards not exceeding five years and subject to renewal after merit review. While grants cannot be used for constructing new buildings or facilities, they can be used for research, building test beds, or renovating existing facilities for research purposes. Hubs must coordinate their activities to avoid duplication, report annually on their progress, and maintain conflict of interest procedures, with the possibility of termination for underperformance.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy. (on 08/18/2015)
Official Document
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