Staff Reports
The Department of Energy (DOE) involves a scientist from an Iranian university linked to the country’s nuclear program in funded energy research. The DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office funded a study on advanced technology for green power grids. Mohammad Hasan Ravanji, a professor at Iran’s Sharif University of Technology, is one of the researchers on the study. The university has been sanctioned for its ties to Iran’s nuclear program and military.
Biden admin funded study involving researcher from Iranian university linked to nuclear program https://t.co/3NvIHqG2n9
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) April 19, 2024
The study, published in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers’ Power and Energy Magazine, explores grid-forming technology for renewable power systems. Critics, including United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), raised concerns about the collaboration with a sanctioned university. They worry about the potential misuse of the research for Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Ravanji worked at STU and Monash University before returning to STU as an assistant professor. STU has faced sanctions from the U.S., EU, UK, and Canada for its involvement in Iran’s nuclear program. Critics view STU as a key player in advancing Iran’s nuclear capabilities. UANI expressed concerns to Energy Secretary Granholm and NREL President Keller about funding linked to SUT.
Republican Senator Joni Erst questioned Granholm about taxpayer grants supporting researchers from sanctioned institutions. Granholm acknowledged the issue and agreed to address it further. Erst sponsors the TRACKS Act to track federal funds to adversarial nations like China, Iran, and Russia. Despite requests for comment, DOE, the White House, SUT, and Ravanji did not respond.
This situation highlights the importance of thorough oversight of taxpayer-funded research efforts. The potential misuse of funds to support entities linked to hostile regimes poses national security risks. It is crucial to ensure that federal grants do not inadvertently aid adversaries in advancing their dangerous agendas. Efforts like the TRACKS Act can help increase transparency and accountability in funding distribution to prevent such lapses in the future.
