Secretary Chu Addresses the Future of Clean Energy

Clean Energy: A Sputnik Moment to Win the Future

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu held a town hall meeting on Jan. 26, 2011, following a theme from President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address. Chu’s opening remarks urged for a modern-day “Sputnik moment” for the current generation’s clean energy development. The town hall meeting was the first of a series held at the Department of Energy (DOE) and was streamed live online. The meeting shed light on Obama’s goals for the future of clean energy, and on the role the DOE can play to make the United States more competitive in what was described as this era’s worldwide technological race.

Chu began by saying that “we [Americans] are no longer the technological leaders in all the sectors of innovation that we would like to be. We have lost the lead in some instances, many of them having to do with energy.” Despite this slump, however, Chu reiterated Obama’s key point that the United States has “the greatest innovation machine in the world” and “given the right direction” can use it to be competitive on a global scale.

“We are in a race,” Chu said; a race to make clean energy sources more competitive against fossil fuels, and to create innovative technologies the world will demand. According to Chu, the winners of this economic competition also will win the international market.

The Apollo Project of Our Time

Acknowledging the current challenges facing this generation, Obama’s speech set the progressive goal of generating 80 percent of U.S. electricity from clean energy sources, including nuclear and coal, with carbon capture by 2035. Chu admitted that this is an ambitious goal. But when asked whether the goal is over the top, Chu said “we can achieve that,” and stressed it would have to be a cooperative venture with Congress. This goal, among other advances in energy technology, will prove to be part of the “Apollo projects of our time.”

Chu also highlighted Obama’s proposal to more than double investments for energy efficiency research and development, including doubling the number of Energy Innovation Hubs as another essential element of the “Apollo projects.” These hubs are designed to fuel innovation from scientists and engineers under the same roof, “marching towards a common goal.” The hubs will help advance energy research and technology, creating projects that can be picked up by the private sector and commercialized in the marketplace.

Fielding Questions from the Public

In true town hall style, Chu left ample time for questions from the live audience as well as web viewers – through Facebook, DOE.com and Twitter – covering a broad spectrum of clean energy issues.

Notably, one audience member asked what the biggest clean energy technology impact of 2011 will be. Citing baseball great Yogi Berra, Chu said “predictions are difficult, especially about the future.” Chu added that while “we have no homerun that we know about for sure,” there are game-changing programs guaranteed to get the United States to “at least third base.” In energy efficiency, these programs include “bringing down the cost of retrofits and providing low-cost, long-term loans for energy efficiency… that can increase the quality of life and increase jobs.”  Chu also noted that “if these pilot programs work it will have tremendous impact” because money saved by conserving energy “needs no government support except for information transfer” in the long run.

A representative from Alliance Associate OPOWER asked Chu how energy efficiency can factor into the 2035 plan and what can be done on a federal level when many of the regulatory environments are created on a state level.  Chu answered that DOE is developing mechanisms for deploying known technologies designed to advance energy efficiency. Currently, DOE is working to provide the public with information to access low-cost capital for energy efficiency projects. One example includes the DOE’s call for proposals to create a contractor seal of approval program for home weatherization. The program would approve contractors to help streamline the home energy audit process, driving down the overall cost of home energy efficiency improvements and increasing consumer confidence. Chu also identified the opportunities for small business loans to allow businesses to become more efficient and competitive without having to incur additional expenses. 

Living Efficiently with Secretary Chu

When it comes to energy efficiency improvements, even Chu is doing his part – sealing leaks in his house by using “innovative” insulation techniques such as placing a quilt around his mailbox slot. His aside on insulation came in response to a question asked about the most cost-effective thing a homeowner can do to save energy; Chu repeatedly cited energy efficiency improvements as a solution.

As is apparent from Chu’s answers and examples, energy efficiency will play a major role in winning the future as the United States advances upon the “Sputnik moment” of today.