EERE Network News
September 14, 2005
News and Events
San Diego Signs Up for 300 Megawatts of Solar Thermal Power
Southern California is now slated for two large solar thermal power plants: a 300-megawatt plant east of San Diego, announced on September 7th, and a 500-megawatt plant northeast of Los Angeles. Stirling Energy Systems plans to build both plants using large arrays of solar dishes.
Oregon and New York State Offer Solar Energy Incentives
Oregon is the latest state to offer significant incentives for solar power systems: a $3-per-watt tax credit, capped at $6,000. New York State is exempting solar energy systems from state sales and use taxes, and has extended its solar energy tax credit to include solar water and space heating.
New York Provides $15.5 Million for Clean Energy Projects
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is awarding $15.5 million to 32 distributed generation and combined heat and power projects throughout the state. The projects will generate 29 megawatts, half of which will come from biomass sources.
Honda Debuts Improved Civic Hybrid as its Hybrid Sales Hit 100,000
The 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid achieves 50 miles per gallon in both city and highway driving, meets strict AT-PZEV emissions standards, and can run on electric power only. And although Honda has sold 100,000 hybrids in North America, it lags far behind Toyota, which has sold 190,000 Prius sedans.
BMW, GM, and DaimlerChrysler Combine Efforts to Develop Hybrid Cars
The BMW Group is joining General Motors Corporation (GM) and DaimlerChrysler AG in a cooperative agreement to develop hybrid drive systems. The companies are establishing a joint technology center in Troy, Michigan, to develop a "two-mode" hybrid drive system for cars.
Site News
EERE Launches its Financial Opportunities Web Site
DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has launched a new Web site that lists opportunities for financial assistance. Small businesses should watch for a solicitation on September 22nd that will cover multiple topics related to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Energy Connections
EIA: Katrina is Likely to Cause High Winter Heating Costs
Hurricane Katrina is already causing pain at the gas pump, but according to the DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA), the pain may be worse when this winter's utility bills start arriving. Midwest households using natural gas could be hit hardest, with a 71 percent increase in heating costs.
