Trump Administration Shifts Energy Focus: Renewables Cut, Fusion Promoted

Department of Energy Reorganization Under the Trump Administration

A revised organizational structure for the Department of Energy (DOE) was unveiled this week by the Trump administration.

This restructuring involves the removal of several offices dedicated to renewable energy initiatives, while simultaneously increasing the prominence of fusion energy research.

Offices Eliminated in the Reorganization

The following offices have been eliminated as part of the departmental shakeup:

• Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
• Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED)
• Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains
• Office of State and Community Energy Programs
• Grid Deployment Office
• Office of Federal Energy Management programs

These changes represent a significant shift in the DOE’s priorities.

New Offices and Mergers

Conversely, the DOE has established a new Office of Fusion.

Furthermore, geothermal energy programs have been integrated with fossil fuel initiatives under a newly formed Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office.

Potential Legal Challenges

It is anticipated that some of these alterations may face legal opposition.

Specifically, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), which was impacted by the reorganization, received authorization and funding from Congress through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“The power of Cabinet secretaries to reallocate significant functions and offices is constrained, particularly when these offices were created and financed through congressional legislation,” explained Donald Kettl, a professor emeritus at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, to E&E News.

“Congress has imposed strict limitations on reorganizations, typically requiring either congressional consent or a period for congressional review.”

Focus on Fusion Commercialization

The establishment of the Office of Fusion is largely intended to accelerate the commercialization of this technology.

Previously, fusion energy research was conducted under the purview of the Office of Science, whose primary focus is basic research rather than the development of commercial applications.