EERE Network News
May 12, 2004
News and Events
USDA Offers $22.8 Million for Energy Efficiency and Renewables
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering $22.8 million in grants to support energy efficiency improvements at farms, ranches, and rural small businesses. This is the second year the USDA is offering the grants, thanks to a program created as part of the 2002 Farm Bill.
Massachusetts to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has committed the state to a comprehensive Climate Protection Plan that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions through such measures as energy efficiency and renewable energy. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010.
Colorado Utility Plans to Add 500 Megawatts of Renewables
Xcel Energy's least-cost plan for Colorado includes up to 500 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity in the state, predominantly from wind power. Although the plan also includes new fossil-fueled plants, the utility intends to pursue the new wind power first, by requesting proposals in July.
Nevada Adopts Solar Energy Incentives, Awards First to Washoe Tribe
Nevada's Public Utility Commission has adopted new incentives for solar power in the state, offering $5 per watt this year. The first participant in the new program will be the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, which will install a 7.5-kilowatt solar power system.
Geothermal Power Projects Under Development in Nevada and Idaho
A new test well at a proposed geothermal energy site in northern Nevada has yielded encouraging preliminary results for the company that wants to develop a 30-megawatt power plant there, while efforts to use existing geothermal wells in northern Idaho could yield the state's first geothermal plant.
New System Generates 4.5 Megawatts from Gas Turbine Exhaust
ORMAT has adapted its binary-cycle power technology, which it has applied at a number of geothermal power plants, to instead recover waste heat from gas turbines. A new system at a natural gas processing plant in Louisiana has been generating up to 4.5 megawatts of power since February.
Site News
Distributed Energy Forum
The Distributed Energy Forum is a Web site provided by the Consumer Energy Council of America.
Energy Connections
Despite a Rough Spring, California Expects No Power Problems this Summer
California's grid operator expects to have adequate power sources to meet its peak power demands this summer, despite having two power emergencies this spring.
