About

Entrepreneurs can accelerate the clean energy revolution. American competitiveness and economic growth depend on our strength in the clean energy economy, and overcoming existing impediments to high-impact energy entrepreneurship will require a continuum of linkages among researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, buyers, and decision-makers. The Energy Innovation Network will help:

  • Entrepreneurs look for researchers who can develop new technologies.
  • Startups to connect with a lead customer.
  • Large private sector corporations seek state policies that make financial sense of investments in renewable energy.
  • States to enact policies that will encourage economic development.
  • Regions to scale state-level innovation strategies.

The Energy Innovation Network accelerates energy innovation by connecting the dots between technology, entrepreneurship, finance, and policy, making the pathway for entrepreneurs more transparent.

Energy can be the next big thing for entrepreneurs. If you have ideas, contact us at info@energyinnovationnetwork.org.

Background

We need an energy innovation network of researchers, entrepreneurs, buyers, investors, and decision-makers to support high-growth energy businesses. Research and development are necessary components to any innovation strategy, but the current innovation strategy mistakes research and development for innovation. While there may be an energy innovation imperative, there is no energy innovation mechanism. And this is a shame, because:

  • The Pew Institute reports that between 1998 and 2007, the clean energy economy grew at a national rate of 9.1 percent while job growth in traditional sectors grew by only 3.7 percent. Read more.
  • The International Energy Outlook 2009 predicts a 44 percent increase in total world demand for energy from 2006 to 2030. Read more.
  • According to the New York Times, China is currently the world’s largest maker of wind turbines and solar panels. Read more.

Help shape the Energy Innovation Network. Tell us what you need. Meanwhile, learn more about why we need a network.

The Energy Innovation Imperative
Before he became the Presidential Science Advisor, John Holdren wrote about the need to address oil dependence, climate change, and other 21st century energy challenges.

Using Stimulus Dollars to Push Energy Innovation
ARPA-E has received $400 million to fund high-risk research.

The U.S. stimulus bill includes more than $80 billion for clean energy efforts, according to http://www.recovery.gov.

China Leading Global Race to Make Clean Energy
Chinese efforts in renewable energy technologies are cause for concern that the U.S. is falling behind.

Jobs Impact of a National Renewable Electricity Standard
Navigant Consulting finds that a 25 percent renewable energy standard by 2025 would result in 274,000 more renewable energy jobs.

Drive. Private Sector Demand for Sustainable Energy Solutions
The Council for Competitiveness reports that the development of sustainable energy products and services could create millions of new American jobs in the 21st century.