Next-Generation Lighting Initiative at the U.S. Department of Energy: Catalyzing Science Into the Marketplace

Solid-state lighting (SSL) is a pivotal emerging technology that promises to fundamentally alter and improve lighting systems—and buildings—of the future, significantly lowering energy use and costs and enhancing the quality of our building environments. No other lighting technology offers our nation so much potential to conserve electricity, at a time when our nation needs bold solutions to achieve greater energy independence. Major research and market introduction challenges must be addressed before the full promise of SSL is realized. This paper discusses the role of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a catalyst in accelerating SSL technology advances, as it works in partnership with industry, research and academic organizations, and market transformation partners. Through a series of ongoing, interactive workshops, DOE and its partners have developed an extensive plan designed to ensure that DOE funds the appropriate research and development (R&D) topics and commercialization support strategies to help our nation's best and brightest lighting experts move SSL from the laboratory into the marketplace.