Energy Innovation

Energy Innovation

New energy technologies are key to a clean power future as decarbonization of the economy is a high priority for the U.S. federal government. Advancements in water, wind, geothermal, and solar technologies including, but not limited to, new marine energy and hydropower systems, energy storage, new materials for stronger and lighter weight generation, and related environmental improvements which lower the impact of deployment and operations are key to achieving this objective.

Government funding provides an important signal and incentive for small and large businesses, non-profit organizations, universities, and other groups to focus on solving complex technical issues in this area. The Department of Energy (DoE), in particular, has played a key role in funding R&D of these advanced energy technologies. In addition, the Department of Defense (DoD) is aggressively funding applied R&D to integrate these technologies into microgrids and forward-deployed energy production systems. R&D funding to develop these technologies is expected to grow significantly in the near term. In addition, the Biden Administration’s efforts to establish domestic supply chains for manufacturing new clean energy technologies is creating multi-billion-dollar opportunities for grants, tax incentives, and low-interest loans to establish manufacturing facilities in the United States.

SMI has a proven track record of success supporting development and deployment of innovative energy generation, storage, and related technologies for renewable power and buildings, manufacturing, and sustainable transportation applications. We help create and shape future funding opportunities for our clients to foster research, testing, validation, and demonstration activities. We also engage in policy development in Congress and with the Executive Branch on issues including tax incentives, clean/renewable energy programs, and climate action.

SMI’s Energy Innovation team includes policy experts, lobbyists, and former DoE and DoD officials who managed R&D programs in their role as government program managers. They each have extensive experience helping clients maximize their chances of winning awards in their current roles at SMI.