EERE Network News
May 14, 2008
News and Events
New DOE Report Analyzes a Path to 20% Wind Power by 2030
Wind power could provide 20% of U.S. electricity needs by 2030, according to a new DOE report. The report identifies the steps needed to reach the 20% goal and the difficulties that need to be addressed.
U.S. Wind Power Still Growing at a Record Pace, Says AWEA
The U.S. wind energy industry installed 1,400 megawatts of new wind capacity during the first quarter of 2008, putting it on pace to meet or exceed last year's record installed capacity of 5,249 megawatts, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
DOE Chalks Up 500 Energy Saving Assessments at Major Industries
DOE announced on May 9th that its Save Energy Now program had completed its 500th Energy Saving Assessment. Since 2006, the program's teams have identified energy savings opportunities that could yield an average annual savings of about $1.7 million per plant.
Long Island Utility to Launch a 10-Year Energy Efficiency Program
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) plans to invest nearly a billion dollars in energy efficiency over the next 10 years under its new Efficiency Long Island program. The program will launch on January 1, 2009, and will replace the energy efficiency part of LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative.
Nissan to Sell an Electric Vehicle in the United States in 2010
Nissan is the first major automaker with plans to sell an all-electric vehicle in the United States, starting in 2010. General Motors Corporation is planning to launch a plug-in hybrid, but it is also investigating advanced diesel and gasoline engines, while Ford is focusing its efforts on six-speed transmissions.
Minnesota to Require 20% Biodiesel Blends by 2015, with Caveats
If conditions are right, nearly all diesel fuel sold in Minnesota will contain 5% biodiesel by mid-2009, 10% biodiesel by mid-2012, and 20% biodiesel by mid-2015. The new biodiesel mandate could exempt higher blends during colder months, but proper blends should avoid any cold-weather problems.
Energy Connections
Oil Producers Head to Deep Water in the Gulf of Mexico
With tight supplies driving crude oil prices to record highs, oil producers are advancing into deeper waters in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a new report from the Minerals Management Service. One project aims to employ a floating platform that can move out of the path of storms.
