To stimulate discussion of potentials for and mechanisms of technology transfer from the US to developing nations, this paper draws upon two bodies of experience at ORNL: (1) a wide variety of technical assistance activities supported by the US Agency for International Development (AID), helping AID-assisted developing nations improve their energy planning, policy formulation, and applications of fossil and renewable energy options; and (2) a wide variety of technology transfer related activities, ranging from (1) assistance to buildings energy conservation programs of the US Department of Energy in improving the transfer of new technologies from the nation's R and D system to commercial users to (2) research to improve the general understanding of the technology transfer process, especially from R and D institutions to commercial developers. Using three energy options of current interest to AID as examples (carbonized coal briquettes to meet residential and commercial sector energy needs, wood gasification to power stationary internal combustion engines, and rural electrification), the paper illustrates the importance of several dimensions often neglected in engineering-economic analysis, such as institutional requirements and a relatively detailed understanding of market segments. Unless such dimensions are incorporated effectively into technology transfer efforts by US developers, relatively little success should be expected either in expanding markets for US technology or in helping developing nations meet their energy needs.