Washington, D.C. - As part of the Partnership to Advance Clean Energy announced by President Obama and Prime Minister Singh of India last November, the Department of Energy has committed $25 million over the next five years to support the U.S.-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center (JCERDC).

This first-of-a-kind effort is a key component of the U.S. and India's commitment to improve energy access and promote low-carbon growth by facilitating joint research and development of clean energy technologies. Teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and India will initially focus on research in three priority areas - building energy efficiency, second-generation biofuels and solar energy.

"Developing and investing in new technologies is a key component to meeting the goals of a clean energy future," said Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. "This innovative approach to collaborative research is a testament to the special relationship shared by the two countries. By working with our partners in India and sharing a strong commitment to building a clean energy economy, we can get further, faster, than by working alone."

The Department of Energy will provide awards under each of the JCERDC's three initial priority areas.  Universities, national labs, private companies and others are eligible to apply.  Applications are due by August 16, 2011, with selections expected later this fall.  Review the full Funding Opportunity Announcement.

Funding from the Department of Energy will be matched by U.S. grantees to support $50 million in U.S. research. The Indian Ministry of Science and Technology will provide an additional $50 million in Indian public and private funding to support research in India. The JCERDC will be located in existing facilities in both countries and funding from the U.S. government will only be used to support work conducted by U.S. institutions and individuals.