2.08 DOE Diverse Energy Portfolio Aims to Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil : Budget Supports Lithium-ion Batteries, Plug-in Hybrids and Solar.

At a request of $3.2 billion, $623 million above the FY 2008 enacted appropriation of $2.5 billion, the President's AEI will continue to improve the nation's energy security and aims to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. AEI supports a diverse energy portfolio designed to meet the energy challenges of the 21st century by promoting the licensing of new nuclear power plants and conducting research on an advanced nuclear fuel cycle; furthering a robust vehicle technology program by developing lithium-ion batteries, plug-in hybrids, and drive-train electrification; and investing to make solar power cost-competitive with conventional sources of electricity by 2015.