Our Mission

The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. Learn more. 

Our Leadership

As United States Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry leads an agency tasked with maintaining a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent and reducing the threat of nuclear proliferation, overseeing the United States’ energy supply, carrying out the environmental clean-up from the Cold War nuclear mission, and the 17 National Laboratories. Learn more. 

Our History

The Department of Energy has one of the richest and most diverse histories in the Federal Government. Although only in existence since 1977, the Department traces its lineage to the Manhattan Project effort to develop the atomic bomb during World War II, and to the various energy-related programs that previously had been dispersed throughout various Federal agencies. Learn more.

Budget & Performance

The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Budget Requests to Congress, Strategic Plan,  Agency Financial Report, and Annual Performance Plan/Reports provide information on DOE’s strategic goals and objectives, funding requested to achieve these goals and objectives, and details of DOE’s financial management and performance.

Working With Us

The Energy Department’s mission speaks to all sectors of the economy. Whether your expertise is in science, technology, engineering, national security, international affairs or business, the Energy Department offers challenging and innovative work environments. Learn more. 

Energy Department Policies

The Energy Department is working to ensure America’s Energy Future, Scientific & Technological Leadership, Nuclear Security and to resolve the environmental legacy of the cold war. Learn more about Energy Department Directives, Orders & Policies. 

Contact Us

By E-mail:     You can send an email to the Secretary of Energy at The.Secretary@hq.doe.gov

By Phone:     202-586-5000 (Main Switchboard) or use the National Phone Directory
                       For Hearing and/or Speech Impaired: Telephone Communication

By Fax:          202-586-4403

*By Mail:      U.S. Department of Energy
                     1000 Independence Ave., SW
                     Washington, DC 20585

*Please note: mail may take up to 3 weeks to arrive.  As such, we strongly encourage you to use the email address provided above or our Contact Us form.

Science and Innovation

As a science agency, the Energy Department plays an important role in the innovation economy. The Department catalyzes the transformative growth of basic and applied scientific research, the discovery and development of new clean energy technologies and prioritizes scientific innovation as a cornerstone of US economic prosperity.

Through initiatives like the Loan Programs Office and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the Department funds cutting-edge research and the deployment of innovative clean energy technologies. The Department also encourages collaboration and cooperation between industry, academia and government to create a vibrant scientific ecosystem. 

In addition, the Energy Department’s 17 National Laboratories are a system of intellectual assets unique among world scientific institutions and serve as regional engines of economic growth for states and communities across the country.

Clean Energy

clean energy revolution is taking place across America, underscored by the steady expansion of the U.S. renewable energy sector.

The clean energy industry generates hundreds of billions in economic activity, and is expected to continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. There is tremendous economic opportunity for the countries that invent, manufacture and export clean energy technologies.

Responsible development of all of America’s rich energy resources — including solarwindwatergeothermalbioenergy & nuclear — will help ensure America’s continued leadership in clean energy. Moving forward, the Energy Department will continue to drive strategic investments in the transition to a cleaner, domestic and more secure energy future.

Climate Change

Addressing the effects of climate change is a top priority of the Energy Department. As global temperatures rise, wildfires, drought, and high electricity demand put stress on the nation’s energy infrastructure. And severe weather — the leading cause of power outages and fuel supply disruption in the United States — is projected to worsen, with eight of the 10 most destructive hurricanes of all time having happened in the last 10 years.

To fight climate change, the Energy Department supports research and innovation that makes fossil energy technologies cleaner and less harmful to the people and the environment. We’re taking responsible steps to cut carbon pollution, develop domestic renewable energy production and win the global race for clean energy innovation. We’re also working to dramatically increase the efficiency of applianceshomesbusinesses and vehicles .

Energy Sources

Primary energy sources take many forms, including nuclear energyfossil energy — like oilcoal and natural gas — and renewable sources like windsolargeothermal and hydropower. These primary sources are converted to electricity, a secondary energy source, which flows through power lines and other transmission infrastructure to your home and business.

Learn more about America’s energy sources: fossilnuclearrenewables and electricity.