In his new seat, Der will oversee office operations and manage the review of Fossil Energy’s Research and Development program and the US Petroleum Reserves in support of the assistant secretary.

Der was previously the agency’s assistant secretary for clean coal. He also served as director of the Office of Clean Energy Systems, which directed large-scale demonstration programs such as the Clean Coal Technology Demonstration program, the Power Plant Improvement Initiative, Clean Coal Power Initiative and FutureGen.

“Victor Der has played a vital role in developing and implementing initiatives in the Office of Fossil Energy," said DOE acting assistant secretary James Slutz.

“His years of experience and knowledge will continue to ensure our fossil energy programs realise their full potential."

Der holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland.