EERE Network News
October 05, 2005
News and Events
DOE Kicks Off National "Easy Ways to Save Energy" Campaign
With energy costs expected to soar this winter, DOE has launched a national campaign to save energy. Radio announcements, ads, and a booklet of energy-saving tips will help consumers, while teams of energy efficiency experts are heading to government facilities and 200 factories.
President Bush Calls for Federal Energy Conservation
With energy supplies tight following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, President Bush has asked federal agencies to curtail non-essential travel, encourage their employees to minimize fuel use, and reduce their use of natural gas. Even the White House is finding ways to cut its energy use.
Solar Decathlon's "Solar Village" Takes Shape on National Mall
Trucks carrying 18 solar-powered and energy-efficient homes began rolling onto the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on September 29th. For 18 university teams, the first week of October was "do or die" time, as they hurried to assemble their homes for the start of the 2005 Solar Decathlon.
Amsterdam's Nuon Solar Team Wins the World Solar Challenge
The Nuon Solar Team from Amsterdam won its third World Solar Challenge on September 28th after bisecting Australia in their solar car. Two U.S. teams finished in top spots: the University of Michigan took third place, while the Massachusetts Institute of Technology finished in sixth place.
Three DOE Projects to Boost Industrial Boiler Efficiency
Research organizations in Ohio, Illinois, and Utah will lead three new DOE projects to develop advanced industrial-sized boilers. The projects, costing $2.6 million, are part of an effort to cut energy use in industrial boilers by 7 percent by 2020, saving industry $2 billion per year in energy costs.
DOE Genomics Research Could Slash Costs of Ethanol and Hydrogen
DOE is pursing microbial and biotechnology research in a big way, having just awarded $92 million for research projects and issued a comprehensive plan for using the research to solve national energy challenges. DOE's genome research could lead to better ways to make hydrogen and ethanol.
Site News
DOE Launches New Energy Savers Booklet Web Site
The new version of DOE's "Energy Savers" booklet, which provides tips for saving energy at home, offers both quick and easy tips and tips for long-term energy savings. The accompanying site could be invaluable as people look for ways to reduce their energy costs this winter.
Energy Connections
Interdependence Confounds Recovery from Hurricane Rita
Oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico is recovering slowly, as infrastructure impacts along the entire supply chain are hampering recovery efforts. Problems include a lack of power and closed harbors, as well as shut refineries, gas processing plants, and pipelines.
