EERE Network News
January 21, 2004
News and Events
U.S. and Philippines Join Forces on Sustainable Energy Projects
DOE has agreed to help strengthen the Sustainable Energy Development Program in the Philippines, including efforts to expand the use of cleaner alternative fuels. A related project will use solar-powered battery chargers to bring electric light to 160 remote villages by December.
International Builders Show Showcases Energy-Efficient Homes
The "New American Home" and the "2004 NextGen Demonstration Home" are two energy-efficient model homes now being showcased at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Companies Examine New Ways to Keep Buildings Cool
Some of the latest ideas for keeping buildings cool include new electronically dimming windows; cooling systems that draw on cold, deep water systems; and high-efficiency coolers based on an innovative thermodynamic process called the "Maisotsenko Cycle."
Manhattan Skyscraper Owner Makes Large Green Power Purchase
The Durst Organization is now New York State's largest commercial buyer of wind power, joining such other recent green power buyers as DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Connecticut College, and Pennsylvania's Eastern University.
BPA Draws on Hydropower to Make Wind Energy More Attractive
The Bonneville Power Administration has launched a new service that will make wind power more attractive to utilities throughout the Northwest. BPA recently sold two megawatts of wind power to a utility in Longview, Washington, using its new service.
Altamont Wind Plants Sued for Failing to Prevent Bird Deaths
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a federal lawsuit on January 12th against FPL Group, Inc. and NEG Micon A/S, claiming that the two companies have failed to prevent bird deaths at their wind power facilities in California's Altamont Pass.
Energy Connections
2003 and 2002 Tied as Second-Warmest Years on Record
In terms of the average global temperatures, 2003 tied with 2002 as the second-warmest years on record, while 1998 still holds the title for warmest year on record.
