WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government announced Thursday 37 million U.S. dollars in funding to help small businesses' clean energy technology research and job creation.

    Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the investment from the Recovery Act will be made available to qualified small businesses through the Department's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

eSolar's first commercial solar power plant in the desert city of Lancaster, California is seen on its opening day August 5, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    This funding emphasizes the Department's commitment to developing near-term, clean energy technologies while allowing small businesses take part in the new industrial revolution that the sustainable energy economy will bring.

    "Small businesses are engines of job creation and innovation, and we need their ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit to drive a clean energy economy," said Secretary Chu. "By helping small businesses bring clean technologies to market, we can create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce carbon pollution."

    DOE's SBIR/STTR programs target U.S. companies with fewer than 500 employees. Small businesses with strong research capabilities in science or engineering are encouraged to apply.

    Applications are currently being accepted for topic areas related to improving energy efficiency including advanced building air conditioning and refrigeration, thermal load shifting, and cool roofs, water usage in electric power generation and industrial processes, power plant cooling, and other related technologies.

A demonstrator for clean energy holds up a sign during a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington March 2, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>