If private companies were pursuing this for money I would say fine, but the government is sponsoring this with my money and I call BS. Same as embryonic stem cell research, I don't want it and don't want to pay for it.
There are private companies doing research. There are companies in both MA and CA selling photovoltaic solar collectors. They have been expensive up to this point, but the sale of their more expsnsive products is providing the money to continue the research to make it more affordable with each successive generation of collectors. As with many new technologies, the government is on the leading edge, but as it becomes feasible, private companies will come in and carry it through. I think this is a good use of government money; look at all the everyday technology that has come from the space program.
Alot of the government money is in the form of military research grants. It gives us better weapons systems and guarantees the technology is available for our military.
Definatly mixed emotions on my part.