Robert Rozansky

Demonstrating the commercial viability of new technologies for deep decarbonization requires federal funding. But the government’s past record is decidedly mixed. So Congress should increase funding for demonstration projects while reforming how they are administered.

Geothermal energy has yet to follow the trajectory of rapidly expanding, cheap renewables like wind and solar. To unlock the enormous potential of this clean, reliable source of energy, the federal government can drive innovation and address barriers to adoption.

To realize their full potential, small start-up companies must cross the so-called “valley of death”—that precarious stage when their technologies are not yet perfected, investors are still skittish, and customers are scarce. There is a federal program devoted to helping them make this passage: the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee have released a framework for legislation that sets the bold goal of transitioning to net-zero emissions by 2050, taking a much-needed comprehensive approach to all sources of emissions within the committee’s jurisdiction. It is imperative that Congress now take additional steps to accelerate innovation in new clean energy technologies.

The National Science Foundation’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focuses on high-growth startups and commercializing federally funded research and development (R&D). Other federal agencies should consider emulating this model.