EERE Network News
April 14, 2004
News and Events
Assistant Secretary Garman Dedicates Fuel Cell at Florida School
Assistant Secretary of Energy David Garman visited Florida's North Point High School on April 8th, marking the nation's first project to combine a 5-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell with a hydrogen energy curriculum. DOE designed the hydrogen curriculum, which will be implemented at ten pilot schools.
State Energy Collaboration Funds Hydrogen Learning Centers
The DOE-funded State Technologies Advancement Collaborative is awarding nearly $447,000 to three projects that will advance hydrogen energy education in California, Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and the Southeast.
Ford Announces Plans for Third Hybrid Vehicle as Hybrid Escape Debuts
Ford Motor Company is planning to build a hybrid-electric version of its Mercury Mariner SUV for the 2007 model year, making it the third hybrid vehicle planned by Ford. Meanwhile, the Ford Hybrid Escape debuted in New York City, wowing Manhattan by traveling 576 miles on a tank of gas.
California County to Add 1.11 Megawatts of Solar Power
Alameda County—home to the city of Oakland—has committed to installing six new solar power arrays that will total 1.11 megawatts in capacity. Meanwhile, San Diego's Kyocera Solar will use its products to supply its own facilities with 251 kilowatts of solar power.
PG&E to Launch Clean Energy Business Incubator in California
California's Pacific Gas and Electric Company is back from bankruptcy, and has committed to establishing a non-profit clean energy business incubator as part of its settlement. PG&E will provide $15 million over the next five years for the new organization.
Awards Recognize Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies
Energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies ranked high in recent awards for engineering and technology. Hydropower, landfill gas, and building energy projects won awards in March, as did companies that produce building cooling technologies and biomass products.
Site News
DOE Geothermal Technologies Program Upgrades Its Web Site
The Geothermal Technologies Program, one of 11 energy programs in the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), has generated a new Web site that provides simple, intuitive access to information about the program.
Energy Connections
EIA: Gasoline Prices to Remain High All Summer
DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that tight supplies, high demand, and more stringent gasoline specifications will hold gasoline prices at record highs this summer. The retail price for regular grade gasoline is expected to average $1.76 per gallon.
