Prospective Evaluation of Applied Energy Research and Development at DOE (Phase Two) (2007)
Over the past several years, federal agencies-largely at the direction of Congress-have expanded efforts to measure the performance of their activities. Through the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and other mandates, the agencies have developed indicators of program performance. At the request of Congress, the NRC has undertaken a series of studies using quantitative indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of applied energy R&D at DOE. This is the third report in the series and presents the results of the application of benefits evaluation methodology, which was developed in the 2005 study, to six R&D programs within DOE. These programs are carbon sequestration; integrated gasification combined cycle technology R&D; natural gas exploration and production; distributed energy resources; light-duty vehicle hybrid technologies, and the industrial technologies program, with a focus on chemicals. The report also includes descriptions of enhancements of the methodology in the form of new indicators for environmental and security benefits, as well as refinements of the evaluation process based on experience with these six programs. Finally, the report’s appendix contains a detailed analysis of each program.
