The White House announced Friday the nomination of Arun Majumdar, UC Berkeley professor of mechanical engineering, as the first director of a new U.S. Department of Energy agency devoted to reducing the nation's dependence on foreign energy supplies.

In his new post as director of the department's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, Majumdar would oversee the development of "high-risk, high-payoff technologies" that officials said will redefine national energy policy, according to a statement from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where Majumdar currently serves as the associate laboratory director for energy and environmental sciences.

The agency will also research ways to cut down on the nation's greenhouse emissions and increase energy efficiency.

Majumdar was unavailable for comment due to instructions from the Obama administration to not discuss the nomination prior to his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate, according to Lab Spokesperson Lynn Yarris.

If confirmed, Majumdar would report to former Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Director Steven Chu who now serves as secretary of energy in the administration.

Ashok Gadgil, Majamdar's deputy director for strategic planning would replace him if he joins the administration, according to the statement.

Chu said at his Senate confirmation hearing Jan. 13 that developing alternative energy sources to overcome current economic challenges would be a priority in the department.

Majumdar has a wide scope of expertise, ranging from energy efficiency to nanotechnology, that qualifies him for serving under Chu, colleagues close to Majumdar said on Monday.

"It is a great manifestation of the importance of good scientific research and excellent administrative skills," said Costas Grigoropoulos, a UC Berkeley professor of mechanical engineering, of Majumdar's nomination. "He has consistently demonstrated in his career the ability to define pioneering research in nanotechnology and nanoengineering."

Students who have worked with Majumdar on campus added that his diversity of skills and understanding of energy issues have made him a leader in current energy issues.

"He is very knowledgeable in the scientific community in multiple areas and very well equipped to take on this big challenge," said Dusan Coso, a UC Berkeley doctoral student of mechanical engineering who has worked under Majumdar the past three years.