EERE Network News
May 18, 2005
News and Events
DOE Showcases Clean Diesel and Hybrid Trucks and Buses
A recent conference of the Society of Automotive Engineers in Washington, D.C., featured advanced clean diesel and hybrid commercial vehicles from seven manufacturers and the U.S. EPA. DOE's 21st Century Truck Partnership helped develop several of the vehicles.
Modified Hybrid Vehicle Nears 100-mpg Barrier in Rally
More than 60 hybrid, electric, and bio-fueled vehicles converged on two cities in New York in mid-May for the 17th annual Tour de Sol. Among the highlights of this year's event was a modified Honda Insight that achieved 94 miles per gallon and a "plug-in" Toyota Prius that did even better.
Minnesota Doubles Ethanol Requirement to 20 Percent Blend
A new law in Minnesota guarantees that one way or another, the state will use ethanol for 20 percent of its motor vehicle fuel by 2013. If the state hasn't reached that goal voluntarily by 2010, the new law mandates the use of a 20-percent blend of ethanol in all gasoline sold in the state by 2013.
General Electric Sees Huge Growth in Clean Energy Business
GE Energy expects its 2005 revenues for wind energy to exceed $2 billion, which may be one of the reasons the GE intends to double its investments in research and development of cleaner technologies by 2010. GE also intends to cut its own energy use and reduce its emissions.
FERC Approves Small Generator Interconnection Standard
On May 12th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued standard procedures for the interconnection of small power generating equipment to power grids. The new procedures apply to systems that have generating capacities of 20 megawatts or less.
OECD Approves Special Financing for Renewable Energy Exports
The 27 developed countries that have agreed to set limits on their financing terms for exports—including the United States—have agreed to relax those limits for renewable energy projects in developing countries. The new agreement allows a 15-year repayment term for such projects.
Energy Connections
EIA Lowers Projections for Gasoline and Oil Prices
An increase in oil production has boosted U.S. crude oil inventories, causing oil prices to decline to around $50 per barrel. The lower oil prices will benefit U.S. drivers this summer, as DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects regular gasoline to average $2.17 per gallon.
