EERE Network News
June 25, 2008
News and Events
DOE Offers $90 Million for Enhanced Geothermal Systems
DOE announced on June 18 that it would provide up to $90 million over the next 4 years for the research, development, and demonstration of enhanced geothermal systems, an advanced geothermal technology that drills deep wells into hot rocks, fractures them, and circulates a fluid through the fractures to extract heat.
Two Utilities Join the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership
DOE announced on June 20 that two electric utility companies, Southern California Edison and DTE Energy, will join the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership. The new partners will address the technical challenge and issues associated with the market introduction and acceptance of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
USDA Awards $2.55 Million for Efficiency, Renewable Energy Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $2.55 million in loans and grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements at 39 farms and rural businesses. The agency has also awarded $11 million for such projects under its High Energy Cost Grant program.
Study: Solar Power Could Provide 10% of U.S. Electricity by 2025
A new report concludes that by 2025, more than 8% of the nation's electricity could come from solar photovoltaic power systems, while nearly 2% could come from concentrating solar power systems. But solar power companies, utilities, and policymakers will need to work hard to make that happen.
Forty Teams Compete in Solar Boat Race in the Netherlands
A 137-mile solar boat race around the rivers, canals, and lakes in a northern section of the Netherlands is now underway. The second running of the Frisian Solar Challenge features 39 teams from seven European countries, plus one somewhat out-of-place team from Brazil.
New Biodiesel Standard Allows Automaker Approval of 20% Blends
Newly approved standards for diesel fuel blends containing 20% biodiesel will open the door for automakers to approve the use of such blends in their diesel vehicles, according to a trade group. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission has set new rules for labeling biodiesel fuel pumps.
Site News
DOE Assembles a New Building Technologies Program Web Site
DOE's Building Technologies Program has built and commissioned an updated Web site that emphasizes net-zero energy buildings, as well as the best practices needed to save 30% or more in today's new buildings. Along the way, the program sent several hundred Web pages to the dumpster.
Energy Connections
DOE to Invest $1.3 Billion in Carbon Capture and Storage
Instead of putting all its eggs in one basket, and all its dollars in one power plant, DOE's restructured FutureGen program will now support the inclusion of carbon capture and storage technologies at a number of advanced coal-fired power plants. The technologies are considered essential to help cut greenhouse gas emissions.
