U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently announced nearly $15 million to support eight new research and development projects that will accelerate the development and deployment of high-efficiency solid-state lighting technologies like light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

LEDs and OLEDs have the potential to be 10 times more energy-efficient than conventional incandescent lighting and can last up to 25 times as long. The recently selected projects are located in four states across the country and are focused on advancing core R&D goals, developing new products, and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity to help the U.S. remain competitive in this growing technology market.

“These investments in cutting-edge lighting technologies will support American innovation, create new manufacturing jobs for U.S. workers, and help ensure that the United States leads the world in this rapidly evolving industry,” said Chu. “These next-generation lighting technologies have the potential to transform the way we light our homes and businesses and generate enormous energy and cost savings for families and businesses across the country.”

For additional details, visitwww.eere.energy.gov/pdfs/ssl_2010_selections_project_summaries.pdf.