( Matt Ortega )

Bay Area firms conducting energy-related research, collectively, awarded $15.1 million in federal funding from the stimulus package announced by the Department of Energy. The firms were selected, with over thirty others, from thousands of concept papers and hundreds of full applications for the funds. These dollars are an investment in a clean, efficient energy future that will produce an ROI several fold in the long run as well as the short-term with job creation.

Envia Systems of Hayward received $4 million to pursue Lithium-ion batteries that will have three times better energy density than current batteries. Such batteries could lower the cost and speed the widespread use of plug-in hybrid and electric cars.

Porifera Inc. of Hayward received $1,077,992 to research carbon nanotubes — molecular cylinders with extraordinary strength, unique electrical properties and efficient heat conduction — integrated into polymer membranes to increase the flux of carbon-dioxide capture membranes, a technology that could enable much less expensive carbon.

NanOasis Technologies of Richmond received $2,031,252, also for carbon nanotube research — here, for reverse osmosis membranes requiring less energy which could dramatically reduce costs of water desalination for agriculture and other uses.

Stanford University was awarded $4,992,651 for research on sensors, software, and controls to track and improve energy use patterns, which could lead to reductions in building energy use by changing human behavior through timely information and usable controls.

And PAX Streamline of San Rafael was awarded $3 million for research on a new, far cheaper version of “blown wing” technology for wind turbines, a method that creates a virtual airfoil by jetting compressed air along a wing.

Tags: Economy, Energy