EERE Network News
February 11, 2009
News and Events
President Obama Orders Swift Action on Appliance Efficiency Standards
President Barack Obama visited DOE on February 5, in part to tout his economic recovery plan, but also to issue a directive for the agency to quickly finalize new energy efficiency standards for appliances.
DOE Awards $40 Million for Industrial Use of Alternative Fuels, CHP
Over the next three to four years, DOE plans to invest $30.7 million in industrial systems capable of using alternative fuels, as well as $9.1 million in combined heat and power (CHP) systems for industries. CHP systems operate at much higher efficiencies than separate heat and power-generating systems.
Ausra Backs Off on Large CSP Projects, Focuses on Industries
Ausra, Inc. is still committed to utility-scale solar thermal projects, but in the near term will focus on medium-scale industrial solar steam generating systems. The U.S. Army and DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory are also working on solar thermal energy projects.
U.S. Wind Power Capacity Vaults to Top Spot due to Rapid Growth
A record-breaking year of growth for the U.S. wind power industry boosted the nation's wind generating capacity by 50% to 25,170 megawatts, outpacing Germany to become the world's largest wind power producer. But the economic downturn makes the 2009 outlook uncertain.
Supercar Manufacturer Unveils All-Electric Powertrain
Can the maker of a twin-turbo, V8 supercar that churns out 1,287 horsepower produce an equally exciting car that doesn't use gasoline? We'll find out soon, as Shelby SuperCars plans to literally launch a 1,000 horsepower, all- electric version of the world's fastest production car.
Energy Connections
EIA: Gasoline Prices Climb Slowly, While Natural Gas Stays Low
DOE's Energy Information Administration projects slowly rising average gasoline prices for 2009, while natural gas price forecasts continue to fall.
