DOE explains goals of new Office of Technology Transitions

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently issued a statement on Energy.gov detailing the agency's new Office of Technology Transitions (OTT).

DOE said the main purpose of the office is to facilitate cooperation between scientists within the national laboratory system and entrepreneurs and others interested in investing in technology research and development.

DOE cited an initiative between Smart Truck Systems and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in which the lab's supercomputers helped visualize air flow around semi trucks, aiding research into improving vehicle efficiency and allowing the company to develop components that increased the aerodynamic qualities of the vehicle, with fuel efficiency boosted by approximately 12 percent.

One particular area of focus for the OTT will be climate-change mitigation technology. Through the office, information will be easily accessible to facilitate collaboration between laboratory staff and investors and businesses. The Clean Energy Investment Center also has been established through OTT to foster clean-technology development.

The DOE said that in 2014, approximately 2,400 agreements were established between the department and private industry, resulting in 800 patents and 482 new pieces of technology being licensed.