; (v) fuel cell technologies for low-cost, high-efficiency, fuel-flexible modular power systems; (vi) advanced gasification systems; (vii) thermal cycling technologies; and (viii) any other technology the Secretary recognizes as transformational technology. (b) Coal and natural gas technology program (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a coal and natural gas technology program to ensure the continued use of the abundant domestic coal and natural gas resources of the United States through the development of technologies that will significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, costs, and environmental performance of coal and natural gas use. (2) Requirements The program shall include— (A) a research and development program; (B) large-scale pilot projects; (C) demonstration projects; and (D) a front-end engineering and design program. (3) Program goals and objectives In consultation with the interested entities described in paragraph (5)(C), the Secretary shall develop goals and objectives for the program to be applied to the technologies developed within the program, taking into consideration the following: (A) Increasing the performance of coal and natural gas plants, including by— (i) ensuring reliable, low-cost power from new and existing coal and natural gas plants; (ii) achieving high conversion efficiencies; (iii) addressing emissions of carbon dioxide through high-efficiency platforms; (iv) developing small-scale and modular technologies to support incremental capacity additions and load following generation, in addition to large-scale generation technologies; (v) supporting dispatchable operations for new and existing applications of coal and natural gas generation