Sec. 221. Regional Energy Innovation Centers
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In this section: The term advanced energy technology means— an innovative technology— that produces energy from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, tidal, wave, ocean, or other renewable energy resources; that produces nuclear energy; for carbon capture and sequestration; that enables advanced vehicles, vehicle components, and related technologies that result in significant energy savings; that generates, transmits, distributes, uses, or stores energy more efficiently than conventional technologies, including through Smart Grid technologies; or that enhances the energy independence and security of the United States by enabling improved or expanded supply and production of domestic energy resources, including coal, oil, and natural gas; a research, development, demonstration, or commercial application activity necessary to ensure the long-term, secure, and sustainable supply of an energy critical element; or any other innovative energy technology area identified by the Secretary.
The term qualifying entity means— an institution of higher education; an appropriate State or Federal entity, including a federally funded research and development center of the Department; a nonprofit research institution; a multi-institutional collaboration; or any other relevant entity the Secretary determines appropriate. The Secretary shall carry out a program to enhance the economic, environmental, and energy security of the United States by establishing and operating Regional Energy Innovation Centers in diverse regions of the United States, in order to provide, to the maximum extent practicable, one centralized location for multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development, and demonstration of advanced energy technologies most suited to commercial application in each region of the United States.
In establishing the centers authorized in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the diverse natural resources available throughout the United States, and maximize the opportunities for cooperation between institutes of higher education, industry, State and local governments, and nonprofit research institutions with shared areas of energy expertise. The Secretary shall designate for each center a unique advanced energy technology or basic research focus. In establishing focus areas for each center, the Secretary shall consider the energy needs, resources, and expertise available in each region of the United States.
The Secretary shall ensure the coordination of, and avoid unnecessary duplication of, the activities of each center with the activities of— other research entities of the Department, including the National Laboratories, the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy, Energy Innovation Hubs, and Energy Frontier Research Centers; and industry. To be eligible to receive an award for the establishment and operation of a center established under subsection (b)(1)(A), a consortium shall— be composed of not fewer than two qualifying entities; operate subject to a binding agreement, entered into by each member of the consortium, that documents— the proposed partnership agreement, including the governance and management structure of the center; measures the consortium will undertake to enable cost-effective implementation of activities under the program described in subsection (b)(1); and a proposed budget, including financial contributions from non-Federal sources; and operate as a nonprofit organization.
The Secretary shall consider applications from qualifying entities, and select centers authorized under subsection (b)(1)(A) on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis. A center established under this section shall receive support for a period of not more than 5 years, subject to the availability of appropriations. Upon the expiration of any period of support of a center under this section, the Director may renew support for the center, on a merit-reviewed basis, for a period of not more than 5 years.
Consistent with the existing authorities of the Department, the Director may terminate an underperforming center for cause during the performance period. Each center shall conduct or provide for multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development, demonstration of advanced energy technologies within the technology development focus designated under subsection (b)(2). Each center shall— encourage collaboration and communication among the member qualifying entities of the consortium and awardees; develop and make publicly available proposed plans and programs; and submit an annual report to the Department summarizing the activities of the center, including— detailing organizational expenditures; and describing each project undertaken by the center.
Each center shall maintain conflict of interest procedures, consistent with the conflict of interest procedures of the Department. Except as provided in subparagraph (B)— no funds provided under this section may be used for construction of new buildings or facilities for centers; and construction of new buildings or facilities shall not be considered as part of the non-Federal share of a Hub cost-sharing agreement. Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the use of funds provided under this section or non-Federal cost share funds for the construction of a test bed or renovations to existing user facilities if the Secretary determines such facilities are necessary and applicable to conduct research within the focus areas identified for each center.