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Paul Dickerson in New Energy World Network article, "Clean Energy Outlook for US"
01/27/2009

Clean Energy Veteran Paul Dickerson on the Clean Energy Outlook for the US
New Energy World Network

As former COO at the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy within the US Department of Energy, Paul Dickerson oversaw the US’ programme for renewables and efficiency, with a budget of $1.8bn.

Dickerson maintains an optimistic approach for clean energy, particularly as an opportunity for venture capital and private equity investors. ‘I see tremendous opportunity on the cleantech front. For businesses and investors in this tight credit market conscious of good returns on investment, energy efficiency offers an appealing outlook,’ he said. ‘Biofuels offer vast opportunities for investment, specifically with the crop of algae companies. And of course the solar space remains vibrant.’

Dickerson is keen to address the challenges the US faces in its move towards clean energy and technologies.

‘As a nation we have to face three major challenges: Financing the scale-up of green technologies, addressing problems with our electricity grid, and tackling the growing issue of energy storage. President Obama and his team will need to tackle these challenges early.

‘As an outgoing member of the Bush administration, I am very excited about the Obama administration and their focus on clean energy technologies. I was heartened by the nomination of Dr Steven Chu as Secretary of Energy because this indicates a continued push for alternative energy solutions. I expect continued recognition of the importance of R&D for cleantech solutions, with a continued push for commercialisation,’ added Dickerson.

Article excerpted from New Energy World Network.