The current United States energy “crisis,” involving disruption of the delivery of electricity to California and other western states, demonstrates the urgent need to develop a more diverse supply of energy resources for power and fuel production. On the other hand, increased public awareness of climate-change issues has warranted greater concern that use of these sources may create undesirable levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Balancing these concerns will require a national energy strategy that includes a wide mix of sources and region-specific solutions, including alternative energy and more efficient energy-production technology. This article explores the types of energy projects in which the United States government provides project financing support. It describes how the U.S. Department of Energy is involved with private developers and how it helps finance the development and demonstration of new technologies in fuel and power production.