EERE Network News
May 20, 2009
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News and Events
President Obama Announces a Comprehensive National Fuel Economy Policy
Reducing our nation's dependence on oil imports will rely in part on improved fuel economy, while addressing climate change requires less greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. A new national policy addresses both issues at the same time.
DOE Raises Award Ceilings for Smart Grid Projects
DOE is preparing to offer nearly $4 billion in Recovery Act funds for Smart Grid projects and has significantly raised the maximum awards for Smart Grid demonstration projects. DOE and the U.S. Department of Commerce have also announced the first set of proposed Smart Grid standards.
EPA Sets Energy Star Specifications for Computer Servers
Some computer servers will soon carry the Energy Star label, and on average they'll be 30% more energy efficient than standard servers. But that raises a question: do semiconductors and their use in electronic gadgets help or hinder energy efficiency? Two new reports take opposing views.
U.S. Wind Power Industry Marks Strong First-Quarter Growth
The amount of wind power capacity installed in the first quarter of 2009 was greater than the average quarterly growth in 2008 but far less than the growth in the fourth quarter. Despite an uncertain outlook, wind turbine manufacturers clearly see the potential for greater future growth, as they keep building new U.S. factories.
World's Biggest Solar Power Tower now Producing Power in Spain
A 20-megawatt solar power tower began commercial operation near Seville, Spain, in late April. The facility is the second commercial solar power tower and the largest in the world. Spain is currently the world leader for solar power towers, but several companies plan to bring the technology to the United States.
Energy Connections
MIT Finds Increased Warming Threat if Greenhouse Gases Stay Unchecked
If the world does nothing to address global emissions of greenhouse gases, the most likely outcome is a global temperature increase of 5.2°C by 2010, with a 90% probability of a temperature increase between 3.5°C and 7.4°C, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).