EERE Network News
December 07, 2005
News and Events
DOE Energy Saving Team Visits Dow Chemical Plant in Louisiana
DOE has deployed an Industrial Energy Saving Team to a chemical plant near New Orleans as part of its "Easy Ways to Save Energy" campaign. The Dow Chemical Company's St. Charles Operations plant generates power and steam on-site to produce a variety of petroleum-based chemicals.
New Air Conditioner Efficiency Standards Take Effect in January
As of January 23rd, 2006, new residential air conditioners and heat pumps will have to meet tougher energy efficiency standards. In cooling mode, new central units will have to achieve a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 13, a 30 percent improvement over current standards.
DOE, EPA Join Leadership Group to Boost Utility Efficiency Spending
DOE, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and 50 other organizations have formed a new leadership group for energy efficiency. The group will develop an Energy Efficiency Action Plan to save utility customers up to $300 billion over the next 15 to 20 years.
Hawaii Army Bases to Feature 3,000 Homes with Solar Power
United Solar Ovonic and Actus Lend Lease are joining forces to provide 7 megawatts of thin-film solar modules for 3,000 homes on Oahu. As part of a project to upgrade the housing at seven U.S. Army bases on the island, the effort will result in the world's largest solar residential community.
Corporate Group Reaches 360 Megawatts of Green Power Capacity
A dozen corporate buyers of green power have banded together to contract for a total of 360 megawatts of renewable energy capacity. The Green Power Market Development Group more than doubled its contracted capacity in 2005, placing it one-third of the way to its goal.
Canadian Company Begins Commercial Delivery of BioOil
The first tanker full of a new renewable fuel left West Lorne, Ontario, on November 22nd, bound for a customer in the United States. DynaMotive Corporation produces BioOil from wood residues at its new West Lorne facility, burning most of the product to produce steam and power for a flooring plant.
Site News
ACEEE Offers Condensed Online Version of its Consumer Guide
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is known for its hardcopy book, the "Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings," and has now launched an online version. The online guide details how homeowners and renters can save energy today and throughout the year.
Energy Connections
EIA Expects High Energy Prices Through 2006
With continued tight energy supplies and a slow-going recovery from the Gulf hurricanes, DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects next year's oil, gasoline, and natural gas prices to be 12 percent, 6 percent, and 13 percent higher, respectively, compared to 2005 averages.
