EERE Network News
March 26, 2008
News and Events
Automotive X Prize Purse Set at $10 Million
Progressive Insurance is sponsoring a $10 million purse for the Automotive X Prize, which now carries a forward-moving moniker: the "Progressive Automotive X Prize." The prize is intended to spark the development of cars that achieve at least 100 miles per gallon.
DOE Pledges $3.5 Million for Auto X Prize Education and Outreach
DOE is playing an important role in the new Progressive Automotive X Prize by providing a $3.5 million grant for its education and outreach component. The effort will encourage students and the public to learn more about advanced vehicle technologies and the skills needed to create them.
Electric Vehicles, Diesels Take Spotlight at New York Auto Show
Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru are all displaying electric vehicles at the New York International Auto Show, but Nissan and Subaru appear to be primarily promoting their lithium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz announced that it will sell three clean-diesel SUVs in the United States this fall.
NREL Thin-Film Solar Cell Achieves Record Efficiency
A 19.9%-efficient thin-film solar cell developed at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is within striking distance of the 20.3% efficiency that crystalline silicon solar cells can achieve. Thin-film solar cells are already gaining momentum, but higher efficiencies will help.
Vermont Approves a Wide-Ranging Clean Energy Bill
A newly approved Vermont energy bill establishes a new $4 million fuel efficiency fund, upgrades building energy standards, and increases spending on home weatherization. But the most innovative part of the bill allows many electric meters to be consolidated under one net-metering agreement.
New Guidelines Launched for Green Home Remodeling
If you're thinking of celebrating spring by launching a new home remodeling project, consider celebrating the planet as well by making it a "green" remodeling. New guidelines from the American Society of Interior Designers Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council will help you along the way.
Energy Connections
With Oil Soaring, Heating Fuel Prices Also Hit Record Highs
Spring is in the air, but your final winter heating bills are also in the mail, and you might not be too happy with the bottom line. With oil prices hovering near $100 per barrel, the prices for heating oil and propane are also at record highs. Hurry spring!
