Mission and Functions
The mission of the Golden Field Office is to support
DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE) through
research and development (R&D) partnerships, outreach to stakeholders
nationwide to further the use of EE technologies, and laboratory
contract administration.
In carrying out its mission, Golden works in partnership
with industry and DOE's national laboratories on joint R&D projects
in such areas as photovoltaics (solar cells), wind energy, biomass,
hydrogen, and industrial energy efficiency. Golden also helps implement
the State Energy Program and Weatherization Assistance Program and
supports EE with technology deployment activities. To accomplish
all this, Golden works in close partnership with DOE's National
Energy Technology Laboratory, with implementation of EE's programs
roughly split between the two. Together, they comprise the Project
Management Center, a unique organizational structure that brings
the best available skills and resources together in a virtually-integrated
organization, all working toward the same goals.
Finally, Golden administers the management and operating
contract for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the
only national laboratory dedicated to researching and developing
renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Budget/Staff
The fiscal year 2008 funding for Golden's personnel and projects was $577 million. Golden is also accountable for funds expended under the NREL contract. NREL's funding for fiscal year 2008 was $324 million (included roughly $100 million in construction funding)
Golden's federal staff numbers roughly 150 and includes specialists in engineering, scientific research, project management, procurement, finance, information systems, environmental protection, safety, law and human resource management. A support service contract staff of more than 60 provides Golden with additional capabilities in many of these areas.
What Golden Offers
Golden offers a culture of customer-service and innovation,
but understanding the world of business and the challenges companies
face is Golden's primary strength. For companies, this means assistance
with project development, partnership building and project management.
For DOE, it means a greater change of project success and more efficient
use of taxpayer dollars.
Where We've Been
The Golden Field Office was established in October
1978 as the Solar Energy Research Institute Site Office. Golden
was designated a field office in December 1992 to provide EE with
enhanced capability to develop and commercialize renewable energy
and energy efficiency technologies. Since then, in an effort to
focus EE's resources more effectively, much of EE's field work has
been consolidated at Golden.
Where We're Going
As concern increases for protection of the environment
and the world seeks clean energy alternatives, Golden's importance
will grow. The work Golden performs is helping DOE pave the way
to a cleaner environment, a sustainable energy for our nation, an
improved balance of trade for America, well-paying jobs for Americans,
and abundant energy for an energy-starved world.
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