New DOE Office Aims to Coordinate Critical and Emerging Technology Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recently declared the creation of the Office of Critical and Emerging Technology, with the aim of consolidating the Department’s skills and resources in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and semiconductors. This initiative is intended to expedite progress in these pivotal sectors and affirm the United States’ position as a leader in technological innovation.

The integration of critical and emerging technologies (CET) into various DOE initiatives, including clean energy, national defense, and pandemic preparedness, underscores the potential impact of these advancements on the economy and national security. However, it also recognizes the associated risks. The new office will concentrate on leveraging the Department’s capabilities to address important scientific, energy, and security challenges while mitigating probable risks.

U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, has emphasized the pivotal role of DOE’s National Laboratories in propelling scientific and technological advancement, stressing the necessity for the United States to spearhead the exploration of new technological frontiers. The establishment of the Office of Critical and Emerging Technology is regarded as a strategic maneuver to harness the expertise of DOE’s scientists and technical capabilities for the benefit of American security and competitiveness.

Helena Fu, a seasoned expert with prior experience at the National Security Council, has been designated as the director of the new office. Fu will also assume the role of DOE’s Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, with responsibilities that include coordinating the Department’s use of AI, managing associated risks, and nurturing innovation, in alignment with President Biden’s executive order on AI.

President Biden’s executive order has tasked DOE with establishing the new office as part of the Department’s efforts to fortify the nation’s resilience against climate change impacts and to build an equitable clean energy economy for the future.

The Office of Critical and Emerging Technology will operate under the supervision of the Under Secretary for Science and Innovation and will amalgamate efforts across the Department, including its 17 National Laboratories and various university research and development programs. Its function as a central point of contact for CET initiatives aims to ensure that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the private sector and academia, maintains its position at the forefront of research, development, and deployment of key innovations that impact U.S. competitiveness and security.

Leadership in critical and emerging technologies is deemed essential for driving economic growth, enhancing national security, and delivering social benefits to the American populace. The United States’ advantage in these areas underpins access to well-paying jobs and dependable, affordable electricity.

The DOE possesses extensive expertise and capabilities in critical and emerging technology areas, spanning across its National Laboratories and program offices, such as the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the National Nuclear Security Administration, and various other specialized offices dedicated to cybersecurity, energy security, renewable energy, and more.

The establishment of the Office of Critical and Emerging Technology marks a significant milestone in the Department’s commitment to advancing technological innovation and harnessing its expertise to address critical challenges while maintaining a competitive edge in an ever-evolving global landscape.