Nurturing energy infants and orphans: One full-time director is responsible for the DOE´s Division of Advanced Energy Projects, overseeing its $10 million budget and caring for projects that no one else wants

The US Department of Energy´s Division of Advanced Energy Projects is discussed. This department provides government money for extremely high risk, high reward research projects. It has a $10 million budget, a full time professional director and is entirely devoted to civilian projects. The origin of the Division is described, its operation is examined, and the types of projects receiving funds are discussed. The problems and prospects of the Division are briefly stated.