The Department of Energy plays an important and unique role in the U.S. science and technology community. The Departments missions and programs are designed to bring the best scientific minds and capabilities to bear on important problems. It is an integrator, bringing together diverse scientists and engineers from national laboratories, academia, and the private sector in multidisciplinary teams, striving to find solutions to the most complex and pressing challenges. This Strategic Plan lays out the Departments leadership role in transforming the energy economy through investments in research, development of new technologies, and deployment of innovative approaches.