Rep. Chu Applauds Federal Support for Caltech Clean Energy Project

Today, President Obama announced the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) will receive federal support as one of eleven clean energy projects, which are to be funded by the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The program, called the Micro-scale Optimized Solar-cell Arrays with Integrated Concentration (MOSAIC), seeks to develop new solar technologies that are both cost-effective and high-performance. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), whose district includes Caltech, released the following statement:

“I am so proud that Caltech is once again being recognized as one of our country’s preeminent research institutions. Along with the other distinguished research institutions the President named today, Caltech is leading the way in making a long-term, sustainable difference in the energy field. The MOSAIC project will not only contribute to the economy in Southern California, it will make important strides towards a more sustainable energy policy.

“Programs with bipartisan support like the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E are so important because it allows the government to fund and develop a much needed industry, like clean energy technology, when the private sector will not. By doing so, we can look beyond the horizon and foster a better future with new jobs, more exports, and greater energy independence.”

The MOSAIC program’s award of $3,000,000 to Caltech was announced alongside the ten other recipients of grant money at the Clean Energy Summit by President Obama and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.