EERE Network News
January 25, 2006
News and Events
DOE Offers $100 Million for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research
DOE has released a solicitation for hydrogen fuel cell research proposals, which will earn up to $100 million in DOE funds over the next four years. DOE has also awarded $19 million to 12 fuel cell research projects in 11 states, and has published an 80-page roadmap for future hydrogen research.
Stronger Air Conditioner Efficiency Standards Go Into Effect
As of January 23rd, any central air conditioners for homes that are manufactured for sale in the United States must meet a higher energy efficiency standard. New units must achieve a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13, a 30 percent improvement over the old standard.
DOE and Partners Offer Workshops in Post-Hurricane Home Repair
DOE and several partners are offering free home repair workships in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi starting on January 21st and continuing through February 4th. The workshops will provide instruction on how to improve home energy efficiency and durability when making repairs.
DOE to Conduct Energy Assessments at Dairy and Aluminum Plants
DOE has announced two upcoming Industrial Energy Saving Assessments: one at the Ohio Valley Aluminum plant in Shelbyville, Kentucky, and one at the Land O' Lakes Dairy Foods plant in Tulare, California. The free energy assessments are part of a national energy saving campaign.
IRS Provides Guidance on Tax Credits for Efficient Vehicles
A recently published notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on hybrid vehicle tax credits removes most of the burden from the buyer, thanks to a certification process for manufacturers. The car companies will certify that a vehicle is eligible and will calculate the size of the tax credit.
Coalition Launches Campaign to Promote Plug-In Hybrids
A new national coalition plans to build grassroots demand for the production of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which can travel 25 to 35 miles without using any gasoline. A new industry consortium and a California non-profit are also advancing the technology, but some experts are skeptical.
Energy Connections
EIA: Oil Prices to Exceed $60 per Barrel Through 2007
Oil prices will average $63 per barrel this year and $60 per barrel in 2007, according to the most recent energy projection from DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). With crude oil currently exceeding $64 per barrel, gasoline prices should creep up in the coming weeks.
