EERE Network News
September 21, 2005
News and Events
USDA Awards $21 Million for Efficiency and Renewable Energy
One hundred and fifty projects in 32 states are slated to receive a total of $21 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The projects relate to energy efficiency and wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy, including a project to make hydrogen from wind power.
FPL Energy and PPM Energy Buy 900 Megawatts of Wind Turbines
Here's one clue that U.S. wind power capacity is about to grow rapidly: The major U.S. wind energy developers start buying up a lot of wind turbines. In that light, the recent announcements that FPL Energy and PPM Energy are buying 900 megawatts of wind turbines bodes well.
Pennsylvania Utility to Fund Efficiency, Renewable Energy
Philadelphia-based PECO Energy will provide $19.2 million in funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy in Pennsylvania under a settlement agreement that will allow its parent company, Exelon Corporation, to merge with a New Jersey utility.
California Approves Greenhouse Gas Regulations for Vehicles
California's greenhouse gas regulations for vehicles have been finalized and will go into effect on January 1st, 2006. Between Model Years 2009 and 2016, the new rules will cut greenhouse gas emissions from lighter vehicles by a third, while cutting emissions from heavier vehicles by a quarter.
European Automakers Pursue Hybrid Vehicles
Who says Europeans can't build hybrid vehicles? Both Porsche and Volkswagen are planning on producing hybrid vehicles in the next few years, and Audi showed up at the Frankfurt Auto Show with a hybrid version of its new sport utility vehicle, the Q7.
U.S. and Canada Work Together to Save Fuel for Freight Industry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will work with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to save up to 440 million gallons of fuel per year for the freight industry by avoiding unnecessary idling. According to DOE, U.S. trucks burn 800 million gallons of fuel each year while left idling.
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SolarPACES is an international cooperative of experts that focuses on the development and marketing of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems.
Energy Connections
Hydropower Downturn Masks Renewable Energy Growth in 2004
DOE's Energy Information Administration says renewable energy use grew by only 1 percent in 2004, but that includes hydropower, which dropped 3.5 percent. Other renewable sources grew 4 percent, including 24 percent growth for two rising stars: wind energy and ethanol fuel.
