EERE Network News
July 14, 2004
News and Events
DaimlerChrysler and Ford Acquire Fuel-Cell Unit from Ballard
DaimlerChrysler AG and Ford Motor Company are acquiring Ballard Power System's vehicular fuel cell unit, Ballard AG (formerly XCELLSIS). The companies are also providing up to $58 million in funding to Ballard for its work on an electric drive system and vehicular fuel cells.
Political Conventions to Use Clean Power and Mass Transit
This year's approaching political party conventions will employ clean energy sources and mass transit. The Democratic convention will buy renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions credits and use a fuel cell, while the Republican convention will promote mass transit.
Massachusetts Offshore Wind Plant Clears Regulatory Hurdle
Cape Wind Associates, LLC cleared a regulatory hurdle when it received tentative approval to build from Massachusetts to build transmission lines to connect its proposed 420-megawatt offshore wind plant to the electrical grid. The proposed plant would be located five miles off the coast of Cape Cod.
New 20-Megawatt Geothermal Plant Slated for Nevada
A subsidiary of ORMAT Technologies, Inc. is planning to build a 20-megawatt geothermal power plant near Steamboat, Nevada, and may also have plans to build two 20.2-megawatt geothermal plants near Desert Peak. Meanwhile, new progress is being made on a hot dry rock project in Australia.
Marathon Ashland Sells Ethanol Fuel at 14 Fuel Terminals
The availability of E85—an ethanol-gasoline blend consisting of 85 percent ethanol—just increased dramatically in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio, as Marathon Ashland Petroleum, LLC is now offering the fuel at 14 fuel terminals in those six states.
Californians Burn Through Energy Efficiency Rebate Funds
California's largest utilities are running out of funds for this year's energy efficiency rebates, thanks to a high level of participation from the state's homeowners. Pacific Gas and Electric Company has stopped accepting applications, and San Diego Gas and Electric is closing several of its rebates.
Site News
DOE's Regional Offices Change Their Names and Web Addresses
The six Regional Offices of DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy have changed their names to better reflect the regions they serve: they are now the Central, Mid- Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Western Regional Offices. Their Web addresses changed accordingly.
Energy Connections
EIA: Gasoline and Oil Prices will Stay High Through 2005
Low petroleum inventories and increasing demand is likely to hold crude oil and gasoline prices near current levels through 2005, according to the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook from DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA).
