EERE Network News
December 19, 2007
News and Events
Negotiators in Bali Agree to Work Toward New Climate Agreement
The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia, resulted in a new "Bali Roadmap" that provides a framework for negotiations leading up to a new international climate change agreement. The conference also led to new agreements relating to clean energy technologies.
U.S. and China to Cooperate on Biomass Research and Development
DOE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China, kicking off an agreement to work together to develop and promote biomass resources.
Nellis Air Force Base Hosts the Largest U.S. Solar PV System
A new 14-megawatt solar power system built at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada, is the largest solar photovoltaic system in North America. The system is expected to supply 25% of the electricity used on the base.
Report: States Falling Short on Interconnection and Net Metering
A new report has concluded that all 50 states are failing to provide easy access to the electrical grid for home-grown renewable energy systems. Only four states earned an "A" rating for their net-metering regulations, which provide the system owners with credit for energy fed into the grid.
New York City Orders 850 Hybrid Buses, Switches to Hybrid Cabs
New York City has ordered 850 diesel-electric hybrid transit buses which, when they arrive in 2010, will result in a fuel economy improvement of as much as 30%. The city also passed a new regulation that is expected to result in replacing all taxicabs with hybrid-electric vehicles by 2012.
DOE and GM Launch EcoCAR Competition to Follow Challenge X
DOE and General Motors Corporation (GM) are sponsoring the "EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge" competition, in which university teams will re-engineer a GM vehicle to boost its fuel efficiency and cut its emissions. The new competition will succeed the Challenge X, which concludes in May 2008.
Energy Connections
Renewable Energy Growth Boosted in New "Annual Energy Outlook"
The DOE's Energy Information Administration has announced in its latest "Annual Energy Outlook" that renewable energy may experience 23% faster growth between now and 2030 than previously anticipated. Grid-connected solar power should grow the fastest, experiencing a 73-fold increase.
