An attractive fusion energy source will require the development of superconducting magnets and materials as well as technologies that can withstand the high levels of surface heat flux and neutron wall loads expected for the in-vessel components of future fusion energy systems. These technologies and materials will need to be substantially advanced relative to today's capabilities in order to achieve safe, reliable, economic, and environmentally-benign operation of fusion energy systems

An attractive fusion energy source will require the development of superconducting magnets and materials as well as technologies that can withstand the high levels of surface heat flux and neutron wall loads expected for the in-vessel components of future fusion energy systems.

The Department of Energy sponsors fusion science and technology research as a valuable investment in the clean energy future of the nation and the world, as well as to sustain a field of scientific research - plasma physics - that is important in its own right and has produced insights and techniques applicable in other fields of science and industry.

Design of structural components for FE power plant components that operate in the creep regime of mechanical behavior (high applied stress and temperatures above about 40% of the alloy melting point in absolute temperature units) is normally done on the basis of a minimum 300,000 hours operating life.

Applications are sought to develop electrochemical energy storage technologies which support commercialization of micro, mild, and full HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs.

Magnetocaloric materials (MCMs) have great potential to lower the energy consumption and carbon footprint of technologies used in building cooling, refrigeration, and gas liquefaction (e.g. in the liquefaction of hydrogen or natural gas).

The DOE has estimated that advancing energy efficient electric lighting in U.S. buildings could conserve more than 50% of lighting energy with corresponding savings in electricity costs to building operators. These technologies also could reduce utility generation costs with reductions in load, especially during peak consumption. Although SSL sales increase annually, industry stakeholders generally acknowledge that even higher rates of growth and attendant energy conservation are possible by developing and promoting advanced SSL luminaire designs, components, controls and systems that take full advantage of the unique performance capabilities of emerging SSL technology. This is the subject of the present technical topic.

The Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) (www1.eere.energy.gov/manufacturing/) partners with industry, small business, universities, and other stakeholders to identify and invest in emerging technologies with the potential to create high-quality domestic manufacturing jobs and enhance the global competitiveness of the United States.