Reported by Ann Rascalli

ITN Energy Systems (ITNES), a clean energy and technology incubator based in Littleton, has been awarded $4.9 million as part of the Department of Energy ARPA-E grant program. According to the company, the primary goal for this project is to develop solid-state electrochromic film on plastic substrates by using ITN’s proprietary roll-to-roll production process to substantially reduce the cost of electrically controlled smart windows for net-zero energy buildings.

These windows when installed and in use will reduce heating and cooling loads and minimize overhead lighting use. ITNES will serve as the prime contractor on the award and is supported by MAG Industrial Automation Systems, EPRI, Southern California Edison and the Colorado School of Mines.

Late last month the U.S. Department of Energy officially announced the awards. In the DOE press release issued, Steven Chu, United States Secretary of Energy stated, “After President Obama announced this effort in April; we received a stunning level of interest – nearly 3,700 submissions. We invited about 300 of those to put together full proposals. Today we are funding 37 projects – 1 percent of the submissions.”

Dr. Mohan Misra Founder & Chief Executive Officer of ITN Energy Systems stated, “We commend Secretary Chu and the Department of Energy for their foresight in creating ARPA-E and swiftly creating grant opportunities to continually foster innovation for clean technologies. This grant reflects our 15 year old heritage of success at ITNES in leading the development of clean technologies in the areas of energy generation, energy storage and energy efficiency.”

After working for more than 20 years in aerospace industry, Dr. Misra founded ITN Energy Systems, Inc.  in 1994 to bring aerospace know-how to the commercial marketplace. The company says that its primary mission is to identify, develop and commercialize emerging technologies for defense and commercial markets by establishing successful spin-offs, joint ventures or licensing arrangements.