MNN - Mother Nature Network

The US Department of Energy has selected three research groups to make up the $125m US-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center. The three groups, headed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the University of Florida and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, will bring together experts from national laboratories, universities, and industry in both the U.S. and India.
The three American groups have partnered with three lead Indian institutions – the Indian Institute of Science-Bangalore, the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology-Hyderabad, and CEPT University-Ahmedabad.
The partners' researchers will leverage their expertise and resources in solar technology, advanced biofuels, and building efficiency to unlock the huge potential of clean energy technologies that can reduce energy use, cut dependence on foreign oil, and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources.
This innovative research program will help promote clean energy, create green jobs, and open export opportunities for U.S. business," said David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs.
As part of a planned five-year initiative, the DOE will make $5 million available this year, and will ask Congress for an additional $20 million over the next four years. The Indian Government also committed to funding $25 million over five years. In addition, U.S. and Indian group members have pledged over $75 million in matching funds, for a combined funding total of more than $125 million.
The Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center is part of the U.S.-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy. As two of the world’s largest economies, the United States and India have a special role to play in addressing global energy and environmental sustainability challenges.