Managing Public Sector Technology Development in a Dynamic Energy Environment

The task of managing energy technology development within a public sector research organization presents special challenges. In addition to the issues faced by private sector managers such as a rapidly changing technology landscape and the ups and downs of the economy, managers of public R&D organizations must also address the need to respond to multiple levels of oversight and direction, changing Administration and Congressional priorities and the constant need to balance short term and long term research needs within the context of uncertain funding levels.

The DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory maintains a robust portfolio of projects focused on a range of topics that include: (1) improving the level of recovery of oil and natural gas from “unconventional” reservoirs, (2) enhancing oil recovery from conventional reservoirs, (3) reducing methane emissions and (4) accelerating the development of domestic oil and natural gas resources. Managing this portfolio of projects over multiple year timelines requires flexibility, planning for change and special attention to stakeholder communication.