New technologies can demonstrate that economic growth and carbon reductions can go hand in hand, and can allow developing countries to “leapfrog” past dirtier stages of energy and industrial development.

To help bring this about, the Foundation seeks to (1) bolster scientific and political support for a U.S. energy policy that moves beyond old, polarized debates; (2) significantly increase federal R&D funding for energy efficiency and renewable technologies; and (3) promote policies to encourage clean-technology investment.

In partnership with four other national foundations, the Hewlett Foundation has formed the National Commission on Energy Policy. Composed of some of the nation’s most respected leaders on energy, the Commission is a bipartisan group of leading energy experts who have come together to develop a long-term U.S. energy strategy that promotes national security, economic prosperity, and environmental safety and health.  The Commission will issue several interim studies and release its final recommendations in early 2005. Recent news on the Commission can be seen here.  

The Hewlett Foundation is also supporting the Energy Foundation so it can expand its grants on national energy strategy.

Because of these two commitments, the Hewlett Foundation is not accepting proposals for national energy policy work. Applicants may contact the Energy Foundation at www.ef.org for its guidelines.