EERE Network News
September 24, 2008
News and Events
DOE to Invest $35 Million in Concentrating Solar Power Projects
DOE will invest up to $35 million in 15 concentrating solar power projects over the next four years, which will focus on advanced heat transfer fluids research and development, thermal energy storage research and development, or near-term demonstrations of thermal energy storage technologies.
DOE Awards up to $7.3 Million to 14 Water Power Projects
DOE will invest up to $7.3 million in 14 advanced water power research projects, including hydropower, wave, tidal, and ocean thermal energy conversion. The projects include in-water projects in California, Washington, and Hawaii, and two new marine energy centers.
Chrysler to Produce an Electric Car or Plug-in Hybrid by 2010
Chrysler, LLC has unveiled the Dodge EV, an all-electric two-door sports car, and plug-in hybrid electric versions of the Jeep Wrangler and the Chrysler Town and Country minivan. The company expects to pick one of the three vehicles for production in 2010.
Fuel Economy for New Vehicles Rises for Fourth Straight Year
The average fuel economy of new cars and light trucks sold in the United States has increased by at least 1.5 miles per gallon over the last four years, due to both fuel-efficiency improvements and declining sales for light trucks. Light trucks include pickups, SUVs, and vans.
California Adopts a Long-Term Energy Efficiency Plan
California's long-term plan for energy efficiency focuses largely on buildings, with two of its "Big Bold" strategies involving zero net energy designs for residential and commercial buildings. Those strategies align well with DOE goals for zero net energy buildings.
Beautiful, Efficient Fixtures Lauded in Lighting Competition
The sixth annual "Lighting for Tomorrow" competition awarded prizes on September 16 to companies that have developed attractive, energy-efficient lighting fixtures. The fixtures incorporate light-emitting diodes or compact fluorescent lamps to minimize their energy use.
Energy Connections
Gulf Coast Still Recovering from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
Roughly two-thirds of oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico remains shut-in in the aftermath of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, but most refineries have restarted, and DOE's release of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve has helped to ease gasoline prices.
