Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585

MAY 12 1998 .

Mr. William Thomas
PO Box 27217
Washington, D. C. 2003 8

Dear Mr. Thomas:

Let me take this opportunity to thank you for participating in the Comprehensive National Energy Strategy (CNES) hearings in Washington. During your presentation the Secretary committed to a response to your questions about the Department's investigation of Zero Point Energy (ZPE).

Department of Energy scientists and others, (Dr. Hal Puthoff of the Institute for Advanced Studies, in Austin, Texas) have investigated zero point energy sciences and are still in the stage of demonstrating scientific feasibility. Thus far, results clearly show that there is a net residual energy even at the zero absolute temperature, under vacuum conditions.

A number of technical papers have been published in respected journals stating that, theoretically, zero point energy can be extracted from electromagnetic fluctuations of the vacuum. Additionally, eight patents have been issued on zero point energy, including one issued to the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory.

Presently, scientific feasibility studies are in the beginning stages and the development of a technology for energy production from ZPE may be decades away.

More information about ZPE is attached for your use. I hope this information and the enclosure are helpful. If you have further questions, please contact Ehsan Khan of the Office of Energy Research at (202) 586-4785.

Sincerely,

(signed) Robert W. Gee
Robert W. Gee
Assistant Secretary
Office of Policy and International Affairs

Attachments:
Casimir Effect -------------------------- CNES Transcript