Could a new “Manhattan Project” produce radically new energy sources?

the Congressional Research Service provides an invaluable starting place: “The Manhattan Project, the Apollo Program, and Federal Energy Technology R&D Programs: A Comparative Analysis“, Deborah D. Stine, 30 June 2009. She compares the Manhattan and Apollo projects in both absolute terms (constant dollars) and relative to the US economy at that time, and compares those to our energy research since 1975.

* The Manhattan Project was intense (in terms of GDP), small in dollars, and brief. It was an unqualifed success
* The Apollo Program was intense, large in dollars, and long. Apollo met its narrow goal, but was a near-total failure in larger terms (producing no space infrastructure or long-term national benefits).
* Energy research has been a low fraction of GDP, but massive in dollars and sustained for almost 2 generations. With few useful results.

We’re one for three. Not a happy record. We’ll have to do better in the future if we’re to prosper — or even survive.

fabiusmaximus