EERE Network News
December 17, 2003
News and Events
Planned 30-Megawatt Wind Power Plant will be Nebraska's Largest
The Nebraska Public Power District plans to build at least a 30- megawatt wind energy facility, and may even choose to build a 75-megawatt wind power plant. Wind energy is also posting gains in Ohio, Minnesota, and Vermont.
Utah BLM Completes First Geothermal Lease Sale Since 1988
The Utah Bureau of Land Management leased nearly 6,600 acres of public land to geothermal energy companies in December, heralding new progress on geothermal energy development in the state.
Scientists Decode Genome of Energy-Producing Bacterium
"Geobacter Sulfurreducens" is able to convert organic matter into electricity, and now scientists that are studying its DNA know why.
Solar Cell Companies Aim to Cut Costs by Cutting it Thin
Thin is in for crystalline silicon solar cells, as Origin Energy is building a manufacturing plant for its 70-microns- thick "Sliver" solar cells. Meanwhile, German researchers have produced a 37-micron-thick cell, and MSK in Japan is manufacturing 200-micron-thick cells at a record pace.
Fuel Cell Vehicles Proliferate on Land and Take to Sea
With a growing number of automakers developing fuel-cell- powered cars, the technology is also being applied to a pickup truck, a locomotive, a mine loader, a forklift, and even a water taxi.
Are Renewables and Energy Efficiency on Your Holiday Shopping List?
The American Wind Energy Association and the DOE/EPA Energy Star program provide some holiday shopping tips, while San Francisco tries a trade-in offer to promote LED holiday lights.
Site News
EERE Regional Office Web Sites Launch a Consistent New Look
Just in time for the new year, DOE's six Regional Offices—part of DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)—have updated their Web sites with a new look and feel.
Energy Connections
Natural Gas Outlook for 2025: Higher Costs, Reduced Demand
The "Annual Outlook 2004" foresees a 50 percent price increase for natural gas by 2025, leading to a 55 percent increase in renewable energy use and a 57 percent increase in power production from coal. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) will meet much of the increased demand for natural gas.
