13 Electrifying Fun Facts About the Department of Energy You Never Knew!

1. Birth of the Department of Energy

Who needs caffeine when you've got an energy crisis on your hands? Put away that espresso machine and make way for the Department of Energy: born in 1977 out of an energy crisis frenzy, this powerhouse of a department tackles long-term research and development of energy, federal power marketing, energy conservation, nuclear weapons program, energy regulatory programs, and serves as the top bean counter for all things energy data collection and analysis.
Source => energy.gov

2. NCSA Mosaic: The Browser Revolution

In a world where scientists and hackers once reigned supreme, one browser dared to open the gates of the internet to the common folk: Enter NCSA Mosaic, a brainchild of the Department of Energy-supported NCSA, which changed the game in 1993 by becoming the first browser to display pictures with text and ultimately catapulting the internet into a cultural phenomenon enjoyed by the masses.
Source => ncsa.illinois.edu

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=> Fun Facts about Renewable-Energy

3. Nuclear Weapons & Renewable Energy Guardians

From safeguarding mankind's apocalypse toys to nurturing Mother Earth's gentle whispers of renewable energy, the Department of Energy has its hands full: It not only oversees the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile through the National Nuclear Security Administration, but also promotes sustainable energy research, like wind, solar, and hydropower, and works tirelessly to abate carbon emissions via energy efficiency initiatives.
Source => energy.gov

4. Unplugging 1-Watt Appliances for Savings

Get your "invisi-plugs" ready, folks – we're about to shave off some energy costs: The U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that consistently unplugging hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, and other dormant 1-watt appliances can save up to $100-200 a year on energy bills, with additional savings from fixing leaks and insulation in lieu of space heaters! Don those energy-saving capes and remember to seek out ENERGY STAR-rated appliances for even more savings with every heroic swoop.
Source => energy.gov

5. Turning Plant Waste into Biofuels

Where there's smoke, there's biomass! Unraveling the mystery of turning your lawn clippings into a joyride: The Department of Energy supports research on advanced biofuels derived from non-food plant biomass through their bioenergy research centers, which are on a mission to transform plant materials into sustainable green fuel sources, much like a horticultural Willy Wonka factory for futuristic fuels.
Source => energy.gov

6. Renewable Rockstars: EERE's Technology Offices

If solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower enthusiasts were a band, they'd call themselves the "Renewable Rockstars": The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has four technology offices dedicated to advancing research, development, and demonstration of these renewable energy sources, playing a key role in modernizing the nation's grid and promoting clean energy access for all.
Source => energy.gov

7. NARAC: Radioactive Lemonade Makers

When life inadvertently hands the Department of Energy radioactive lemons: they make lemonade with the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC). Providing scientific expertise in cleaning up hazardous spills, NARAC has leapt to the rescue in major disasters like Chernobyl, Fukushima Daiichi, and even volcanic eruptions, mapping the spread of materials and helping make informed decisions to keep the public safe.
Source => energy.gov

8. Fermilab: Master of Neutrino Beams

Rev your engines and hold on to your protons: the Department of Energy's Fermilab Accelerator Complex boasts the world's most powerful high-energy neutrino beam. This bad boy utilizes its Main Injector accelerator to ramp up proton beams and churn out intense neutrino beams for experiments like the NOvA, Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility, and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, all while advancing fundamental physics research and accelerator-based applications.
Source => fnal.gov

9. Recycling Nuclear Fuel for Climate Change

In a bid to outshine even the most extravagant of light shows, the U.S. Department of Energy flips the switch by turning used nuclear fuel into a limited-edition spectacular: they recently announced $38 million in funding for 12 projects aimed at reducing the impact of light-water reactor used nuclear fuel disposal. These projects will develop advanced technologies for UNF recycling, reducing high-level waste volume, and creating safe domestic reactor fuel stocks, in line with President Biden's goals of battling climate change and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels through clean energy.
Source => energy.gov

10. Maximizing Solar Energy Efficiency

Ever wondered why sunburns only power our regrets and never our homes? It’s all about efficiency, folks: The Department of Energy works tirelessly on research and development to boost the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) cells, making solar energy more cost-competitive with conventional power sources by optimizing factors like wavelength, recombination, temperature, and reflection.
Source => energy.gov

11. Knowing Where the Energy Goes

Hold on to your protons, folks: The Department of Energy in the United States plays a power-packed role by keeping tabs on the annual energy production and consumption for the whole nation, even breaking it down by different sectors like transportation and industry. They really know how to put the "charge" in "in charge"!
Source => eia.gov

12. CESER: Protector of Energy Grid Functionality

When cyber ne'er-do-wells and Mother Nature's tantrums threaten our energy grid, who you gonna call? The Department of Energy's own knight in shining armor: The Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER)! Daring to put the "fun" back in "functionality", CESER leads emergency preparedness and response efforts to disruptions in the energy sector, be it from physical and cyber-attacks or natural and human-caused events – always at the ready to energize our lives once more.
Source => energy.gov

13. Underwater VIP Parties in Marine Monuments

Ahoy, ocean-lovers! Ever wonder where Nemo, Dory, and their aquatic pals would host their swanky shindigs? We've got the VIP list: The stunning National Wildlife Refuge System boasts five exclusive marine national monuments, house parties at four in the Pacific – Papahānaumokuākea, Pacific Remote Islands, Rose Atoll, and Mariana Trench – and one in the Atlantic – Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. These underwater wonderlands are the prime hotspots for corals, whales, sea turtles, and fish making waves in the marine ecosystem.
Source => fws.gov