Enhancing Energy Efficiency
ORISE Reviews and Evaluates Technologies that Advance Energy Efficiency
In addition to renewable energy and changes in individual behavior, energy efficiency is generally achieved through the development of more efficient technologies. Buildings are being constructed with more energy efficient systems, fluorescent light bulbs are replacing incandescent lights, and new vehicle technologies are enabling America to use less petroleum.
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education (ORISE) realizes that energy efficiency encompasses a wide spectrum of industries and supports the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in its mission to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.
EERE—Evaluating Vehicle Technologies and Fuel Cell Programs
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy
ORISE’s role: ORISE worked with federal clients and multiple contractors to coordinate a combined annual merit and peer review evaluation of DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Vehicle Technologies and Fuel Cell Programs. The Vehicle Technologies Program works to bring clean, reliable and affordable energy technologies to the marketplace, while the Fuel Cell Technologies Program advances the development and use of fuel cells.
Results: Over a five-day period, ORISE managed a 16-panel review of more than 300 reviewers for the evaluation of nearly 600 research projects, the results of which helped to determine the progress of the two programs. Afterward, ORISE was tasked with the development and implementation of a Web-based participant survey, which will help guide the review planning team in applying improvements for the 2010 review.