EERE Network News
November 09, 2005
News and Events
U.S. Government Exceeds its Goal for Renewable Energy Use
An Executive Order issued in 1999 has spurred a nearly 14-fold increase in the U.S. federal government's use of renewable energy for its electricity needs. Renewable energy now supplies more than 2.5 percent of the government's electricity, and that will increase to 7.5 percent by 2013.
Renewable Energy Markets Showed Strong Growth in 2004
Global investment in renewable energy has more than quadrupled since 1995, according to a new report. Clean energy stock prices are also up, according to the keeper of one stock index, while another report found no significant barriers to international trade in renewable technologies.
U.S. Wind Power Grows at Record Pace in 2005
U.S. wind power capacity is on target to grow by 35 percent in 2005, according to the American Wind Energy Association. More than 2,500 megawatts of wind power have been or will be built in 25 states, and new large wind projects in Washington and Oregon suggest continuing growth.
California Approves Contract for 500-Megawatt Solar Facility
Solar thermal electric power appears to be coming into its own, as efforts are underway to build a 64-megawatt system of solar troughs in Nevada and a 500-megawatt array of solar dishes in California. A California commission has approved the power purchase contract for the latter project.
University of Delaware to Lead $54 Million Solar Cell Project
A solar cell research project led by the University of Delaware could garner as much as $54 million in funds over the next four years. The news came as researchers across the United States are announcing new solar cell achievements, many of which are based on nanotechnology.
VeraSun and Ford to Convert Gasoline Pumps to Ethanol
As the ethanol fuel industry grows rapidly, VeraSun Energy Corporation, the nation's second largest ethanol producer, aims to convert more midwestern fuel pumps to ethanol-rich E85 blends. Ford will help by selling four new flexible fuel vehicles and by launching a consumer awareness compaign.
Site News
Ethanol Alliance Launches "Driving Ethanol" Web Site
Driving Ethanol is a new site where consumer can learn about ethanol. If the site doesn't have the information you need, it allows you to query an expert for the answer.
Energy Connections
EIA: Hurricane Recovery to Extend into Mid-2006
DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) now expects the recovery of oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico to extend well into next year. Although supplies of gasoline and natural gas will be tight, the latest EIA projections are slightly rosier in terms of winter heating costs.
