EERE Network News
December 10, 2008
News and Events
DOE to Award $14.55 Million for Advanced Vehicle Technologies
DOE has selected six companies to receive up to $14.55 million over the next three years, subject to annual appropriations, for the research, development, and demonstration of advanced vehicle technologies.
DOE to Help Increase Efficiency of U.S. Embassies and Consulates
DOE and the U.S. Department of State have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing to conduct energy assessments and improve environmental and energy management at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
Report: Improved Crops Would Help Meet Federal Biofuel Targets
An accelerated increase in corn crop yields could help avoid crop price impacts as the corn ethanol industry ramps up to a production rate of 15 billion gallons per year, according to a new report from the Biomass Research and Development Board. The report also examines future biofuel energy crops.
Hawaii to Feature Car Chargers and an Ocean Thermal Energy Plant
Hawaii is continuing its multi-faceted effort to meet most of the state's energy needs with renewable energy. The state is working with Better Place to build an electric car recharging network powered by renewable energy, while Lockheed Martin is developing an ocean thermal energy plant.
Company Proposes Ocean Energy Projects in Six States
The states of California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island were recently surprised to learn that a company is proposing to build wave energy projects off their shores, with plans to also add wind turbines. The projects will use jack-up platforms adopted from the oil industry.
New Technologies Show Promise for High-Efficiency Solar Cells
Researchers in recent months have turned to special optical coatings to potentially boost the efficiency of solar cells, mainly by delivering more visible light to the cells. But Harvard and IBM are working on the guts of solar cells, and every computer owner is invited to participate in their project.
Energy Connections
EIA: Economic Crisis to Keep Energy Prices Low Through 2009
Citing an "increasing likelihood of a prolonged global economic downturn," DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) is projecting a decrease in U.S. energy demand and depressed energy prices in 2009. For U.S. consumers, this means lower heating costs this winter, as well as lower fuel costs.
