EERE Network News
July 22, 2009
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News and Events
United States Signs Agreement with China on Building Energy Efficiency
Representing the U.S. government, DOE has signed an agreement with China to collaborate on energy-efficient buildings and sustainable communities, possibly including a shared demonstration project in China. The two countries are also establishing the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center.
DOE Offers $52.5 Million for Concentrating Solar Power Research
DOE is offering $52.5 million for research, development, and demonstration of concentrating solar power systems that use energy storage to operate at least 18 hours a day. Concentrating solar power systems focus the sun's heat and convert it into electricity.
DOE Awards $162 Million for Clean Energy in Six States and Puerto Rico
Under DOE's State Energy Program, the agency awarded $162 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds on July 20 to Colorado, Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. The funds will support new energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
DOE Awards $13.8 Million to 28 New Wind Energy Projects
Drawing mainly on Recovery Act funds, DOE is providing support to 14 projects focused on wind turbine research and testing and to another 14 projects that will examine better ways to integrate wind power into the power grid. DOE also released its annual report on the U.S. market for wind power.
DOE Offers $21.45 Million for Community Renewable Energy Projects
Up to four U.S. communities will have the opportunity to demonstrate the use of utility-scale renewable energy systems, thanks to $21.45 million in Recovery Act funds that are currently being offered by DOE.
DOE Delivers $63 Million for Weatherization in Indiana and New Mexico
DOE delivered more than $63 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to Indiana and New Mexico on July 21. The new spending will help the states achieve their collective goal of weatherizing 22,400 homes of low-income families.
DOE Awards $47 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Smart Grids
Recovery Act funds are accelerating projects in Colorado, Hawaii, and Illinois to integrate clean energy technologies and distributed energy resources into the power grid, including an effort to use self-sufficient power networks called microgrids. DOE has also issued a new report and is setting up an information clearinghouse.
Energy Connections
At Half-Way Point, 2009 is the Fifth Warmest Year on Record
The first six months of 2009 rank as the fifth warmest half-year on record, tying with 2004 and falling just 0.09°C below the 1998 record. The second half of the year is expected to be even warmer, however, as an El Niño event officially started in June.