EERE Network News
June 09, 2004
News and Events
World Governments Commit to Increase Renewable Energy Use
The 154 governments attending the International Conference for Renewable Energies in Bonn approved a declaration that renewable energy should supply an increasing portion of the world's energy needs. The conference resulted in 165 commitments, some of which were significant.
New Reports Note Challenges and Opportunities for Renewables
A report from the Worldwatch Institute says renewable energy is moving into the mainstream, and notes five key policy elements that help contribute to its growth, but an International Energy Agency report says renewable energy still has a long way to go.
World Leaders Trade Limos for Electric Vehicles at G8 Summit
The world leaders attending the G8 summit on Sea Island, Georgia, have left their limos behind in favor of electric vehicles. The summit runs from June 8th to the 10th, and the outcomes are expected to include a new partnership to capture waste methane and use it as an energy source.
Maryland and Hawaii Set New Renewable Energy Requirements
Maryland is the fifteenth state to require its utilities to draw on renewable energy for a set percentage of their electricity supply. A law signed on May 26th requires utilties to draw on renewables for 7.5 percent of their electricity by 2014. A similar new law in Hawaii sets a goal of 20 percent by 2020.
Maine Approves a 50-Megawatt Wind Power Plant
Maine has approved construction of the state's first wind power project, the 50-megawatt Mars Hill Wind Power Project. Meanwhile, plans are underway for a 300-megawatt wind plant in upstate New York and construction is underway at a 27-megawatt wind plant in Tennessee.
Navajo Utility Installs 63 Solar and Wind Power Systems
With more than 18,000 homes in the Navajo Nation located in areas too remote to reach with power lines, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority has begun addressing the problem by providing renewable energy systems to 63 remote households.
Site News
DriveClean.ca.gov
The DriveClean Web site provide useful information about fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles.
Energy Connections
Short-Term Energy Outlook Reflects Uncertain Oil Markets
The good news: Gasoline prices are finally on their way down, and are expected to average $1.82 for the second half of 2004. The bad news: A great amount of uncertainty in the oil and gasoline markets makes any price projections difficult, and any disruptions could cause a spike in gasoline prices.
