EERE Network News
November 22, 2006
News and Events
DOE and Leading Manufacturers Develop Aerodynamic Trucks
The four companies that manufacture 75 percent of the "Class 8" tractor-trailer trucks sold in the United States have spent the past two years studying ways to make them more aerodynamic. The tests yielded fuel economy improvements of as much as 9 percent.
Broin Aims for Cellulosic Ethanol Production by 2009
Construction will start in February 2007 on a project that will convert Broin Companies' corn ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa, into a cellulose-to-ethanol facility. A $200 million investment will allow the plant to produce 125 million gallons per year of ethanol from corn fiber and stover.
New Challenge: Consider the "Six Degrees of Energy Efficiency"
A takeoff on the concept of "six degrees of separation," the new "Six Degrees of Energy Efficiency Challenge" asks us to consider the ever-widening circle of effects of our energy use. The challenge involves a six-question quiz, a six-part pledge, and an opportunity to earn some product discounts.
U.S. Green Building Council to Tighten Standards and Add Incentives
The U.S. Green Building Council is planning to make changes to its LEED green building rating system, particularly for commercial buildings. The changes will tighten energy use standards, add a new greenhouse gas standard, and reward the highest achievers by rebating certification fees.
BuildingGreen Names Top Ten Green Building Products for 2006
The latest list of top green building products includes renewable energy credits, electrochromic windows, indirect evaporative coolers, water-efficient showerheads, water- saving irrigation controls, polished concrete, and products made from natural and recycled materials.
New Database Lists 337 Fuel Cell Projects in 43 States
California and New York host the greatest numbers of fuel cell projects in the United States, according to a new database created by Fuel Cells 2000 and DOE's Hydrogen Program. The database lists Connecticut, Indiana, and New York as the sites of the largest recent fuel cell projects.
Energy Connections
DOE Joins the EU and Five Nations in a Fusion Energy Agreement
The United States is cooperating with the European Union, China, India, the Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation on a nine-year construction project to build a fusion reactor that will span the gap between today's research reactors and a commercial power plant.
