The United States Department of Energy (DoE) is a cabinet-level department of the United States government focused on developing technology for more efficient energy sources, as well as energy education.
The organization is led by the United States Secretary of Energy and its headquarters are located in James V. Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, Southwest, Washington, D.C.
History of the United States Department of Energy
On August 4, 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed the Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 into law. This act created the Department of Energy.
It began its operations on October 1, 1977, and combined major federal energy functions such as the Federal Energy Administration and the Energy Research and Development Administration into one agency.
The Department of Energy was created to resolve the energy crisis at that time. Efforts to conserve energy and develop alternative energy sources have been the main focus of the department in recent years.
Functions of the United States Department of Energy
Some of the responsibilities of the Department of Energy include the following:
Developing Energy Sources
The department is responsible for the development of sustainable and low-cost energy supplies. These are critical to national security, economic growth, environmental protection, and current and future prosperity.
Protecting Nuclear Materials
The DoE works on ensuring that nuclear weapons do not fall into the hands of terrorists while also ensuring that weapon materials are protected from natural disasters or attacks by other nations or individuals.
Securing the Supply of Energy for the Future
It is responsible for promoting energy security and technology development by increasing the diversity of energy sources, enhancing energy transmission systems, and improving the ability to respond to disruptions in oil supplies.
Increasing the Use of Clean Renewable Fuels
The DoE works towards increased use of cleaner and less expensive non-carbon and carbon-free renewable/clean sources of energy like solar power, wind power, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen fuel cells, and low-emission coal with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Improving the Overall Energy Efficiency
New technologies that promote energy efficiency and conservation of clean and renewable energy sources have been developed by the department to help with this objective. Some strategies that support this objective include:
- clean and efficient vehicles,
- energy technologies (lighting, appliances, buildings), and
- information technology.
Mission of the United States Department of Energy
The mission of the U.S. Department of Energy is:
“to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.”
Energy
America's energy sources include solar, wind, water, nuclear materials, and bioenergy. Energy is also released from chemical fuels such as coal and natural gas.
The Department of Energy endeavors for efficient use of these energy sources. It also aims to transform the country's energy system to secure future energy, economic prosperity, and the nation's leadership in energy technologies.
Science and Innovation
The department strives to develop new clean energy technologies, work on scientific breakthroughs, and form a strong scientific workforce to sustain the nation's leadership in science and technology.
Nuclear Safety and Security
Maintaining a safe and effective nuclear arsenal and promoting international nuclear safety are among the department's other concerns. In addition, it works towards strengthening the security of radioactive materials against terrorist or other threats.
Management and Operational Excellence
The department assures the effective management and operations of its facilities, laboratories, and projects by effectively managing technology transfer, financial operations, human capital management, procurement processes, and contracting.
Organizational Structure of the United States Department of Energy
Appointed by the President of the United States, the Secretary of Energy controls and supervises the entire agency.
Jennifer M. Granholm is the current Secretary of Energy. She is the 16th Secretary of Energy and the second woman to lead the agency.
A Deputy Secretary assists the Secretary in the management of the agency. He is likewise an appointee of the President and performs the duties of the secretary in the secretary's absence. David M. Turk is the present Deputy Secretary of the agency. He led the launching of Mission Innovation which is a global effort to increase resources and breakthroughs for clean energy innovation.
The department is further divided into three offices, each having its undersecretary who looks after the section's major operations and activities. These offices are:
- the Office of the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security (S5) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA),
- the Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Innovation (S4), and
- the Office of the Under Secretary for Infrastructure (S3).
The President further appoints seven officials who act as Assistant Secretaries of Energy and they function as the primary overseers of the major organizational elements of the department.
The Bottom Line
The Department of Energy is an executive department that oversees the country's efforts to guarantee future energy, economic prosperity, and even security.
It also provides information on new clean energy technologies, and advances in science and technology.
It ensures effective management and operations of its facilities, implements strategies for managing financial operations, and human capital management.
It upholds its leadership in energy technologies by strengthening security from threats like terrorism.
FAQs
1. What is the Department of Energy responsible for?
The Department of Energy's responsibility lies in developing new clean energy technologies, creating breakthroughs in science and technology, providing information on new energy technologies, implementing strategies to manage financial operations, human capital management, etc.
2. What are some of the initiatives taken by the department in regards to energy technologies?
Some of the initiatives taken by the department include clean energy technologies, advanced vehicles, alternative fuels, nuclear plant safety, radioactive waste management, reduction of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel energies, etc.
3. What is Mission Innovation?
Mission Innovation is a global effort to increase resources for clean energy innovation. The initiative was announced during the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference which took place in Paris on November 30th, 2015 by US President Barack Obama along with many other countries.
4. What are the functions of the Secretary of Energy?
The Secretary of Energy assists the President in formulating policies related to energy, nuclear weapons, and other scientific matters. The secretary is also responsible for supervising the department's operations, managing its budget, and acting as an adviser to the President.
5. What are the functions of the Deputy Secretary?
The Deputy Secretary assists the Secretary in managing and supervising the department's operations, budgeting matters, and assisting the Secretary on various scientific and energy-related matters. They work hand in hand to ensure the advancement of clean energy, nuclear security and reliability, science, technology, and innovation. He takes over the role of the Secretary in the Secretary's absence.
