EERE Network News
December 20, 2006
News and Events
San Francisco to Provide Green Power to an Entire Neighborhood
In mid-December, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission agreed to provide solar and hydroelectric power to a new mixed-use neighborhood that includes 1,600 residential condominiums. Recent studies show that such green power sales grew by 37 percent in 2005.
NREL and Xcel Energy Dedicate Wind-Powered Hydrogen Generator
Xcel Energy has contributed to the construction of a wind-powered hydrogen generator located at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The new facility was dedicated on December 14th as part of a two-year project to evaluate the technology.
President Bush Approves Extension for Idaho Hydropower Project
An effort to add hydropower turbines to an irrigation dam in Idaho got another chance on December 13th, when President Bush approved a bill to extend the license for the project. An estimated 16,700 megawatts of hydropower capacity could be added to the many U.S. dams that do not produce power.
Wal-Mart Aims to Sell 100 Million Efficient Light Bulbs in 2007
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. plans to sell 100 million compact fluorescent lamps at its Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores by the end of 2007. Meanwhile, the "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign has collected a total of 355,717 pledges as of December 19th.
DOE Study Finds Commercial LED Lamps Fall Short of Claims
Many energy professionals expect solid-state lighting sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), to cause a revolution in energy-efficient lighting. Unfortunately, a DOE pilot test of four types of LED lamps has revealed that they are less energy efficient than their manufacturers claim.
United States and China Sign a Renewable and Energy Efficiency Protocol
The United States and China have renewed their agreements to cooperate on clean energy technologies, including hydrogen and solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy.
Energy Connections
LEDs Provide Efficient Lighting Options for the Holidays
If you haven't put up your holiday lighting yet, you should consider buying LED (light-emitting diode) lights, which are up to 90 percent more efficient that incandescent lights. LEDs are featured on California's official holiday tree and the Times Square Ball and Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City.
