The Department of Energy (DOE) is dealing with disputes over the federal government’s control of scientific discoveries by startup companies, according to several sources. The Department for Energy has been in talks with eight fusion technology companies vying for federal grants. The companies were selected in a “milestone” program in May, which requires a company to meet engineering and scientific benchmarks before designing a pilot fusion reactor. However, no technology investment agreements have been announced so far. The delay is not significant as commercial fusion power is likely decades away. The failure to resolve these issues could impact future development of the fusion industry. The challenge is to protect U.S.-funded fusion secrets and prevent China from dominating the science and technology race.
Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating
