EERE Network News
December 12, 2007
News and Events
Report: Global Renewable Energy Experiencing Double-Digit Growth
A new report from the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century reveals that renewable energy is growing much faster than 10% per year throughout the world, and that it is now shouldering 5.5% of the electric generating capacity throughout the world.
Southwestern Utilities Team Up on Massive Solar Power Project
A multi-state utility consortium has come together in the southwestern United States to issue a Request for Proposals for a large-scale solar power plant. The utilities hope to spur the construction of a 250-megawatt concentrating solar power plant in either Arizona or Nevada by 2012.
Geothermal Report Calls for Improved Exploration Technologies
The Geothermal Energy Association has released a new report that calls for improved methods of finding and exploiting geothermal resources, as well as a test facility to verify the concept of Enhanced Geothermal Systems.
FERC to Issue Conditional Licenses for Ocean Energy Projects
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced that it will issue conditional licenses for "hydrokinetic" projects. The conditional licenses will potentially help developers obtain financing for projects that draw power from waves, tides, and currents.
Shell and HR Biopetroleum to Grow Algae for Biofuels
Royal Dutch Shell plc has announced that it will work with HR Biopetroleum to build a pilot facility in Hawaii for growing algae as a source of biofuel. Chevron Corporation is also exploring algae as a source of biofuel under an agreement with DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
New York City Plans 132 Efficiency Projects for Greenhouse Gas Cuts
New York City has identified 132 energy efficient projects that, if addressed, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34,000 tons annually. This is part of the city's plan to reduce municipal greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in 2017, equal to a reduction of 1.1 million tons in emissions.
Energy Connections
EIA: High Oil Prices to Impact Heating Bills for Fuel Oil and Propane
The Energy Information Administration's "Short-Term Energy Outlook" predicts the price for crude oil to remain "high and volatile" throughout 2008, costing many consumers not only at the pump, but in their winter heating costs, as well.
