Labs central to energy future, Chu says

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The country's national laboratories will retain a nuclear-weapons mission although there will be a definite shift toward work on energy issues and helping the economy, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Friday in Albuquerque.

The secretary, wrapping up a tour of New Mexico's labs, delivered that news during a speech at Sandia National Laboratories. It was his first major address since President Obama tapped him to lead the diverse agency that oversees the national labs.

For workers in the audience and listening in from labs across America, it was comforting news that the Obama administration is not advocating a shutdown of nuclear weapons work when so many rogue nations pose a threat.

"It is even more important that the scientific talent and the scientific infrastructure of these nuclear security labs is maintained," Chu told Sandia workers.

There is, though, a plan to specifically target energy woes.

"The computational capabilities of the people and of their machines can be used to do other things that are in the national interest for our energy security," Chu said while touring the lab.

One suggestion for research note 40 percent of U.S. energy is used by buildings. Computerized environmental controls that 'tune up' conditions minute by minute could help cut energy use by 90 percent in new buildings, according to Chu.

As he did at Los Alamos on Thursday, Chu looked over some of Sandia's showcase non-weapons work already underway.

To help speed the development of energy solutions, the secretary encouraged scientists to propose 'fast-track' and 'bold' research.

"Some of the most revolutionary things are done by taking bolder chances," Chu said. "That means you have to accept failure."

The secretary suggested formation of what he called "lablets," focused efforts with members from many labs and universities targeting specific areas like biofuels.

Chu said the Obama administration feels the effort to perfect alternative fuels and improve energy efficiencies will be a key part of improving America's overall economy.

(To watch Chu's hour-long speech in its entirety, click here .)