EERE Network News
August 15, 2007
News and Events
DOE Aims to Reduce its Energy Intensity by 30 Percent
DOE has launched an initiative to reduce its energy intensity by 30%. The initiative calls for the use of renewables and alternative fuels, as well as plans to reduce energy intensity and water consumption and to adhere to sustainable building principles.
DOE to Fund Energy Audits for Schools in New Orleans
DOE will provide $1.5 million to New Orleans' public schools for energy audits that could identify up to $1 million in potential annual energy savings. DOE also announced the upcoming release of an energy design guide for schools.
President Bush Approves Bill to Create "ARPA-E"
The "America COMPETES Act," signed by President Bush on August 9th, includes a measure to create the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within DOE. ARPA-E was recommended by a report published in 2005 by the National Academies.
DARPA-Funded Effort Achieves New Record Solar Cell Efficiency
DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory has helped to beat its own record for conversion efficiency in a solar cell. NREL participated in a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) effort that yielded a 42.8% efficient cell, beating a record set by Spectrolab and NREL in December.
Wind Power Growth Threatened by Supply Constraints, Says AWEA
The demand for wind turbines is exceeding the supply, limiting the rapid growth of the U.S. wind industry, according to the second-quarter market report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Despite that fact, AWEA expects the U.S. industry to grow at a record pace this year.
New Mexico Sets New Goals for Specific Renewable Power Sources
In implementing a new renewable energy requirement for New Mexico's utilities, the state's regulatory commission has carved out specific percentages of solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal power that utilities must provide. The new rule also sets a requirement for distributed power sources.
Energy Connections
World Meteorological Organization: Extreme Weather is Increasing
While one hurricane is skirting past the Hawaiian islands, a second hurricane is likely to form in the Atlantic Ocean, just after much of the United States suffered through a heat wave. According to the World Meteorological Organization, such extreme weather events are becoming more likely.
