EERE Network News
October 06, 2004
News and Events
Ford Begins Production of Fuel-Cell-Powered Fleet
The first Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle rolled off the production line in September, as Ford gears up to deploy demonstration fleets in five cities worldwide. Demonstration fleets in Florida, California, and Michigan are part of a DOE demonstration project, with BP providing the hydrogen fuel infrastructure.
Toyota Doubles U.S. Deliveries of the Prius Hybrid
Toyota plans to sell 100,000 Prius hybrid-electric vehicles in the United States in 2005, as many as the company has sold since mid-2000. Globally, Toyota has sold more than a quarter-million hybrid vehicles since it began selling the Prius in Japan in December 1997.
Hawaii and Minnesota to Boost Ethanol Use
By April 2006, most of Hawaii's gasoline will contain 10 percent ethanol under new administrative rules signed by Governor Linda Lingle. But 10 percent isn't good enough for Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who wants to increase the percentage of ethanol in the state's gasoline to 20 percent.
Energy Trust of Oregon Yields Big Energy Savings
The Energy Trust of Oregon completed its first full year of operation in 2003, and has generated enough energy savings and clean energy to power 23,000 Oregon homes. The Energy Trust has supported thousands of energy efficiency projects, 78 solar power projects, and a large wind plant.
DOE Offers Grants to Small Businesses for Energy Technologies
DOE is offering grants to small businesses that are developing a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Grants of up to $100,000 will allow businesses to investigate the feasibility of new technologies; most grants will go toward manufacturing-related projects.
DOE to Fund Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Tribes
DOE announced on September 29th that it is accepting applications from tribes for two types of grants: grants to move renewable energy projects from feasibility studies through pre-development, and grants for strategic planning relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Energy Connections
Arizona Might be Home to First New U.S. Refinery Since 1976
A proposed clean-fuel refinery in Arizona is close to earning an environmental permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. If built, it will be the first new petroleum refinery built in the United States in nearly 30 years. The refinery will produce low-sulfur fuels.
