Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)

The Energy Department’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. The projects funded by ARPA-E are developing entirely new ways to generate, store, and use energy. Early-stage technologies supported by ARPA-E have the potential to support energy independence, reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and our economy, bolster national security, and improve the resiliency and reliability of our grid.

As a funding and technology agency, ARPA-E looks for ways to spur disruptive technologies that will create new markets and disrupt learning curves. ARPA-E also takes a portfolio approach, which means funding a variety of technologies across focused programs that all have the shared goal of meeting our nation’s energy goals. The Agency’s streamlined awards process enables ARPA-E to act quickly in cutting-edge areas of energy research. Projects receive funding over a defined period of time, and must meet clearly defined metrics and milestones. ARPA-E supports projects to the point where they can secure follow-on funding so that they can further develop their technologies and then ultimately deploy game-changing energy technologies.