EERE Network News
April 02, 2008
News and Events
DOE Selects 12 Solar America Cities to Receive up to $2.4 Million
DOE announced on March 28 that 12 cities across the country have been chosen as Solar America Cities, and will each receive $200,000 (a total of $2.4 million overall) to integrate a variety of solar technologies. The chosen cities are located in California, Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
California Utility to Install 250 Megawatts of Solar Panels
Southern California Edison is planning to install 250 megawatts of solar photovoltaic panels on commercial buildings in its service area over the next five years. The project will cost $875 million and will cover 2.33 square miles of rooftop.
California Agency Reduces Zero-Emission Vehicle Requirements
The California Air Resources Board is scaling back its requirements for battery-powered electric vehicles by allowing credits for the sale of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and vehicles with hydrogen-fueled engines. The revision will affect automaker requirements starting with model year 2009.
Northern California Utility Draws on Renewable Natural Gas
"Renewable" is not normally a word associated with "natural gas," but new projects are changing that by producing pipeline-quality natural gas from manure and agricultural wastes. The projects provide a way to add green benefits to a traditional fossil-fuel infrastructure.
FERC and Oregon to Coordinate Reviews of Wave Energy Projects
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the State of Oregon have agreed to coordinate their reviews of wave energy projects along the state's coastline. The state wants to be a leader in wave energy and is preparing a comprehensive siting plan for wave energy projects.
Washington Nationals Start the Baseball Season in a New Green Park
The nation's capitol is now home to the nation's first green ballpark, as the new stadium for the Washington Nationals has earned LEED Silver certification. The Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Indians, and San Francisco Giants started the trend last year by installing solar panels at their ballparks.
Energy Connections
Boulder, Colorado, to be Nation's First "Smart Grid City"
The first city-wide implementation of "smart grid" technologies will occur in Boulder, Colorado, by next year. The Xcel Energy project should achieve greater reliability and lower energy costs, while allowing for improved integration of solar power, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and efficient appliances.
