Robert A. Bell on power and energy: Uncertainties and perceptions of risk bold back energy technology exploitation

The continuing loss of momentum of energy-related research, along with its many long-term strategic implications, continues to be a disturbing trend in the United States. Significant reductions in Federally supported short-term research programs have placed many new burdens on industry's already strained resources. Directions of energy research seem to reflect the turbulence resulting from an important shift away from the goal of energy independence. Nevertheless many admirable projects are under way: fuel cells, fluidized-bed coal combustion, magnetohydrodynamics, nuclear fusion, and photovoltaics are examples; and important progress is being made.