EERE Network News
January 14, 2004
News and Events
U.S. and Japan to Cooperate on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research
DOE and Japan's ministry of economy, trade, and industry will work together to research and develop hydrogen and fuel cell technologies under an agreement signed on January 9th.
Honda Reveals 2005 Hybrid Accord Plans at Detroit Auto Show
The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid, to be released later this year, combines a V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management technology and Honda's hybrid electric system. Honda has also developed its own cold-starting fuel cell stack, to be used in its FCX fuel cell vehicle.
Jeep Displays "Treo" Fuel-Cell Vehicle at Detroit Auto Show
While Jeep displayed its latest fuel-cell vehicle, high- performance cars from several manufacturers featured aluminum and carbon-fiber bodies. But the answer to fuel efficiency from Mercedes-Benz is a high-tech diesel engine with electronic fuel injection.
DOE and China to Bring Clean Energy to the 2008 Olympic Games
The Green Olympic Protocol, signed in Beijing on January 12th, is a legally binding international agreement for the U.S. to work with China to bring clean energy technologies to the 2008 Olympic Games.
New Solar Power Systems in California and Nevada Break Records
A one-megawatt photovoltaic system in California will be the largest installed at a community college, while a 214.5- kilowatt system in Nevada is the state's largest. But not all is rosy for the solar power industry: AstroPower is laying off 10 percent of its employees, its second layoff in six months.
United Kingdom Approves Leases for 15 Offshore Wind Power Projects
Fifteen offshore wind energy projects proposed for the United Kingdom took a step closer to reality in December, when the Crown Estate accepted their bids for leases on the offshore properties. If all are built, the projects could have a total generating capacity as large as 7,200 megawatts.
Energy Connections
Government Study Finds All Routes to Gasoline Savings Costly
A study released by the Congressional Budget Office in December finds that improved fuel economy standards would cost between $184 and $228 per new vehicle sold. Gasoline taxes could achieve the same benefit at about the same cost to society.
