EERE Network News
September 01, 2004
News and Events
Colorado Utility Seeks 500 Megawatts of Renewable Energy
Xcel Energy intends to add up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy to its energy supply in Colorado. The utility issued a request for proposals on August 17th that seeks power generated from wind, solar, biomass, or geothermal energy, as well as from waste sources or from small hydropower.
After 20 Years, California Solar Project Reaches 3.2 Megawatts
A solar power array near Sacramento reached 3.2 megawatts in capacity with the dedication of new solar arrays in late August. The oldest solar arrays at the site are part of a one- megawatt system called "PV1" that was installed back in 1984 and is still operating at 80 percent of its original performance.
Arizona Utilities Expand Solar Energy Incentives
Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services are now offering incentives of up to $3,000 per kilowatt of rated direct-current capacity for a limited number of solar power systems. The utilities claim that the solar power systems may also qualify for up to $1,000 in state tax credits.
Solar Car Sets Record Distance, but Tragedy Mars Related Tour
Solar car enthusiasts from Canada's University of Waterloo have crossed Canada and much of the United States on a journey that has beat the official long-distance record. Sadly, a solar car on another solar tour in Canada met with tragedy, as its driver, Andrew Frow, was killed in a crash.
UPS Deploys Three Fuel-Cell-Powered Delivery Trucks
UPS is placing three fuel-cell-powered delivery trucks in service in the Calfornia cities of Los Angeles and Sacramento and in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The medium-duty trucks achieve a range of 155 miles, match the acceleration of current UPS vehicles, and have 10 percent more cargo capacity.
California Hydrogen Highway Network Gains Momentum
With a new hydrogen fueling station open in southern California, and plans for three more underway, the California Hydrogen Highway Network is making headway. The initiative was launched by executive order of Governor Schwarzenegger in April.
Energy Connections
EIA Examines the Long-Term Longevity of Petroleum
Using the mean value of estimated oil reserves from a U.S. Geological Service study, and applying an average annual growth in oil demand of 2 percent per year, a recent EIA report concludes that oil production from conventional sources will peak around 2037.
