EERE Network News
October 17, 2007
News and Events
University of Maryland Takes a Narrow Lead in the Solar Decathlon
As of late Tuesday evening, the University of Maryland held the lead in the Solar Decathlon, trailed by the teams from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Technische Universität Darmstadt. The German team won the architecture award, but Maryland won the communications award.
DOE Launches New K-12 Energy Curriculum Web Site
DOE has launched a new educational Web site that includes hands-on activities relating to energy fundamentals, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. All the activities and lesson plans are aligned with the education standards, and teacher guides are included with many of the lessons.
New California Energy Acts Include Incentives for Solar Water Heating
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has applied his pen to a slew of energy bills, including one to create new financial incentives for solar water heating. Other bills touch on efficient lighting, building standards, hydropower, cogeneration systems, and alternative fuels and vehicles.
DOE Tightens Efficiency Standards for Utility Transformers
DOE has set new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers, those non-descript boxes mounted near the top of utility poles. DOE is also preparing to propose new rules for residential clothes dryers and room air conditioners and will hold an informal public meeting on October 24th.
Solar Cars to Bisect Australia in a Race that Starts on October 21st
The town of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory is currently the center of activity for 41 solar car teams that will soon be racing through the outback. The Panasonic World Solar Challenge starts on October 21st, and the first solar cars will probably arrive in Adelaide on October 25th.
Nation's Capital Hosts International Clean Energy Conferences
The U.S. government is hosting the third global ministerial-level conference on renewable energy, called the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference, in March 2008. A global energy efficiency conference is also coming to Washington, D.C., in November.
Energy Connections
DOE and EPA Tackle Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration
Can the world, and specifically the United States, continue to use fossil fuels while responding to climate change? If so, the answer probably lies in technologies to inject carbon dioxide deep underground. DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are paving the way for this approach.
