42 U.S.C. § 9003 — Research and development

(a) Initiation of research. The Secretary must start, or speed up, research wherever a lack of knowledge is slowing the development of ocean thermal energy conversion systems, in order to meet this chapter's goals. (b) Evaluations, tests, and dissemination of information, data, and materials. The Secretary must evaluate, arrange tests, and share information, data, and materials that developers need to support the design work required by section 9004. This must include, but is not limited to: (1) how the platform and cold water pipe connect; (2) ways to deploy the cold water pipe; (3) heat exchangers; (4) simulating the control system; (5) requirements for keeping the platform in place; and (6) systems for delivering energy, like electric cable or transporting energy products. (c) Consideration of new or improved technologies. To carry out the Secretary's duties under this chapter, the Secretary must ask for proposals and evaluate any reasonable new or improved technology that is described to the Secretary in writing and could help develop this technology.