EERE Network News
February 27, 2008
News and Events
DOE to Invest $34 Million in Enzymes for Cellulosic Ethanol Production
DOE has selected four projects to develop the enzymes needed to break down cellulosic biomass into sugars that can be fermented into ethanol fuel. Cellulosic biomass includes a wide variety of non-edible plant materials, such as corn stover, straws, sawdust, paper pulp, and switchgrass.
Western Governors to Speed Development of Alternative Fuels
A resolution adopted by the Western Governors' Association commits to the development of a regional framework for a performance-based greenhouse gas standard for transportation fuels and the development of an analytic methodology for evaluating the lifecycle impacts of fuels.
Arizona Utility to Buy Power from a 280-Megawatt Solar Power Plant
Abengoa Solar is gearing up to build one of the largest solar power plants in the world, a 280-megawatt concentrating solar power facility located about 70 miles from Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona Public Service Company has agreed to buy all the power produced the facility in its first 30 years.
Alaska Utility Wins Wind Cooperative of the Year Award
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) was selected by DOE and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association as the winner of the Wind Cooperative of the Year Award for their leadership, success, and innovation in supplying wind energy to 53 rural villages in Alaska.
New York Launches Clean Energy Workforce Training Initiative
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority plans to invest $6 million in a new clean energy workforce training initiative, including more than $4 million for training in specific renewable energy sectors and another $2 million for programs at community colleges.
Natural Gas and Hybrid Vehicles Lead Annual Green Rankings
The natural gas-fueled Honda Civic GX and handful of hybrid vehicles are considered by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy to be the greenest new cars sold in the United States. Subcompact and compact cars also rank high, but we'll have to wait until next year for clean diesels.
Energy Connections
Superconducting Cable Project Points to More Efficient Grid
A 350-meter length of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) cable, connecting two electrical substations in Albany, New York, may provide a glimpse of a more efficient future. HTS promises to reduce energy losses by up to 10% and can be employed in a wide variety of electrical equipment.
