EERE Network News
November 29, 2006
News and Events
IRS Allocates $800 Million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds
As many as 610 renewable energy projects located throughout the United States may earn interest-free financing, thanks to a new tax-credit bond program from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The bonds will go to solar, wind, landfill gas, biomass, and hydropower projects.
Coastal States Demonstrate Leadership in Solar Power
Does that time spent at the beach inspire people to make more use of solar power? It's hard to say, but surf-side states definitely lead the United States in solar power. Among the states currently flexing their solar muscles are California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.
Company Plans 200-Megawatt Tidal Power Plant in New Zealand
Crest Energy is planning to build a 200-megawatt tidal power plant in New Zealand by 2011. What's good for Kiwis is good for Yanks, too, as companies have applied for ocean energy projects in Alaska, California, Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Microbiology Could Revolutionize Energy and Materials Production
New microbiological studies of proteins and bacteria could open the door to new ways to generate hydrogen from sunlight and organic wastes; convert organic wastes directly into electricity; and tranform sugars into polymers. And those are just the scientific announcements made in November.
BP Adding 250 Megawatts of Cogeneration to its Texas City Refinery
BP's largest U.S. refinery will be producing 1000 megawatts of power by mid-2008, thanks to a new expansion project. Such energy-efficient enhancements to refineries and chemical plants will be the subject of the Texas Technology Showcase, coming to Galveston on December 6th and 7th.
Energy Connections
Growth in U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Slows in 2005
Not only did U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases increase by only 0.6 percent in 2005 (the usual increase is 1.0 percent), but carbon dioxide emissions increased by only 0.3 percent. Despite disruptions in energy production and a suppressed energy demand, the U.S. economy grew by 3.2 percent.
