EERE Network News
August 02, 2006
News and Events
States and Utilities Commit to Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
The new National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency has garnered the support of 72 organizations in 33 states. The organizations, which include utilities and state agencies, have committed to increasing their investments in energy efficiency.
Texas Overtakes California as the Top State for Wind Power
Texas has expanded its wind power production and become the nation's new wind power leader, overtaking California, which has led the nation in wind power since 1981. Including Texas' projects, wind power projects across the country in 2006 are expected to add 3,000 MW of capacity.
Geothermal Power Plants Planned for Idaho, Oregon, and California
A former DOE geothermal test facility will gain new life as the first commercial geothermal power plant in Idaho, while companies also make plans for geothermal plants in Oregon and in northern and southern California.
DOE Small Business Awards Reveal Cutting Edge Research Topics
Small businesses have received $116 million in DOE support for innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy research. The awards cover research for vehicles, buildings, industry, alternative fuels, solar, wind, and ocean technologies.
DOE Distributes Tools for Industrial Energy Savings
In addition to its no-cost industrial energy assessments, DOE is helping industrial facilities save energy with its new Save Energy Now CD-ROM. The CD has been distributed to 3,500 plant managers across the U.S. and provides tips and guidance for identifying opportunities to save energy.
Registration Opens for National Renewable Energy Conference
Registration has opened for the national renewable energy conference, Advancing Renewable Energy: An American Rural Renaissance. The conference is open to both the public and the press, and the discussions will focus on biomass, wind, and solar technologies.
Energy Connections
FutureGen Plant Location Narrowed to Illinois or Texas
The FutureGen Alliance has narrowed the location for a $1- billion coal-fired power plant down to two sites in Illinois and two in Texas. The plant will sequester carbon dioxide emissions while producing low-cost electricity and hydrogen.
