EERE Network News
February 13, 2008
News and Events
IRS Allocates $406 Million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds
A total of 312 renewable energy projects in 29 states could earn interest-free financing through a program administered by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The majority of the projects are solar, wind, and biomass energy projects, and most are located in California and Minnesota.
GM Unveils the Sierra Hybrid Pickup at the Chicago Auto Show
General Motors Corporation (GM) seems to be introducing at least one new hybrid vehicle at each auto show. After introducing the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid in Florida, three hybrids in Los Angeles, and the latest Saturn Vue hybrid in Detroit, GM unveiled the Sierra Hybrid in Chicago.
New Energy Star Requirements Cut Energy Use in Operating TVs
Starting on November 1, all television sets that carry the Energy Star label will have to meet tighter specifications that will make them 30% more efficient than standard TVs. The Energy Star requirements have been expanded to include the energy use while the TV sets are operating.
EPA Boosts Renewable Fuel Requirement by 66% for 2008
To comply with the Energy Independence and Security Act that President Bush signed in December 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has changed the minimum percentage of gasoline that must be displaced with renewable fuels, hiking it from 4.66% to 7.76%.
Wave Energy Project Proposed for Maui
Oceanlinx Limited is planning to install a 2.7-megawatt wave energy project off the northeast coast of Maui, potentially by the end of 2009. The company has successfully completed a full-scale trial of its technology at a pilot installation in Australia and is ready to move ahead with larger projects.
WIREC Highlights a Busy Energy Conference Season
The Washington International Renewable Energy Conference, or WIREC, will come to Washington, D.C., on March 4-6, drawing the participation of four U.S. cabinet members and energy delegates from around the world. A great number of other energy-related conferences are also coming up soon.
Energy Connections
Europe Falling Short of Renewable Energy Goals for 2010
The European Union has long had a goal of using renewable energy for 12% of its energy needs by 2010, but it looks unlikely to achieve that goal. Rapid renewable energy growth is being offset by growing energy demand and declining hydro production, a situation also faced in the United States.
