WILMINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) today joined University of Delaware President Patrick Harker and U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary for Science Steven Koonin for a meeting on campus Friday to discuss the University’s innovative research into alternative energy.
“Delaware has always been on the cutting edge of research into renewable energy innovations,” Senator Coons said. “President Harker, Dr. Koonin and I had a really thoughtful, productive conversation about some of that research and about the role the University of Delaware can continue to play in making the nation more globally competitive.”
The three met on the Newark campus of the University of Delaware on Friday afternoon. Dr. Koonin was in Delaware to learn more about some of the state’s high-tech scientific facilities.
"We had a stimulating conversation about the future of energy in the United States, and the few simple steps we agreed will be essential to address our energy security, economic, and environmental challenges. The research agenda at the University of Delaware, including what we support from the DOE, will help us continue to lead in innovation,” said Under Secretary Koonin.
“The University of Delaware has many signature energy programs that bring together intellectual resources and technologies,” said President Patrick Harker. “We are very pleased with the support expressed by Senator Coons and Under Secretary Koonin for our vision of establishing UD as a world-class research and education institution. Our ability to build on the expertise of our faculty and research staff will support a vibrant, sustainable economy for the state, region and nation fueled by discovery, invention and innovation.”
In 2010, the University of Delaware received nearly $4 million from the Department of Energy Office of Science for a variety of energy-related research. The Advanced Research Projects Agency at DOE has also granted $4.5 million to another University of Delaware project involving hybrid vehicles and nearly $9 million to DuPont to research bio-fuels.
“Scientific leadership in the federal government – especially in the Department of Energy – is so important to making sure our nation continues to innovate,” Senator Coons said. “It was great to talk with Under Secretary Koonin about some of the promising advancements in green chemistry, solar power, fuel cells, catalysis, and wind energy to which our state has been home.”
The House Republican Study Committee has targeted the Department of Energy’s applied research efforts with a proposed cut of $1.25 billion a year – gutting the Advanced Research Projects Agency at a time when the nation needs innovative energy solutions more than effort.
“The President has called on Americans to ‘win the future,’” Senator Coons said. “We need ARPA-E to help us do that.”
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