EERE Network News
August 13, 2008
News and Events
DOE to Invest in Grid Integration Systems for Solar Energy
DOE announced on August 12 that it plans to invest up to $24 million over a number of years to develop products that connect solar power systems with the electrical grid in an interactive way. DOE has selected 12 industry teams to receive $2.9 million in the current fiscal year.
New York Expands Renewable Net Metering and Green Roof Incentives
New York has approved an energy package that allows non-residential customers to earn credit for power fed into the grid from wind and solar power systems, while expanding the limits for such "net metering" at farms and homes. It also provides tax cuts for green and solar roofs in New York City.
U.S. Leads the World in Wind Power Production, says AWEA
The United States now leads the world in the amount of electricity it generates from wind energy, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Germany still has more wind power capacity, but the wind blows stronger in the United States, producing more electricity.
Geothermal Lease Sale in Nevada Yields Record Bids
The U.S. Department of the Interior has received a record $28.2 million in bids for geothermal energy development on 35 parcels, encompassing a total of 105,211 acres of federal public lands in Nevada. The record lease sale portends continued growth in U.S. geothermal power.
EPA Declines Texas Request to Reduce Renewable Fuel Requirements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declined a request from Texas Governor Rick Perry to cut the renewable fuels mandate in half for 2008 to ease grain prices. The EPA argues that changing the mandate would have little or no effect on grain prices.
Hydrogen-Fueled Vehicles Take to the Road in National Tour
The Hydrogen Road Tour '08 kicked off in Portland, Maine, on August 11 and will hit 31 cities in 18 states over 13 days, winding up in Los Angeles, California, on August 23. The tour will introduce people across the country to hydrogen fueling technologies and hydrogen-fueled vehicles.
Energy Connections
EIA: Expect Only a Short-Term Relief in Fuel Prices
Gasoline and diesel fuel prices have been falling slowly for about a month and should continue sliding for the next few months, but prices should start increasing again next year, according to DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). Meanwhile, it's time to start worrying about winter fuel costs.
