EERE Network News
August 05, 2009
News and Events
DOE, Treasury Take Applications for Payments to Renewable Energy Projects
DOE and the U.S. Department of Treasury are now accepting applications from renewable energy project developers that wish to receive direct federal payments in lieu of tax credits. The agencies expect to provide $3 billion in direct payments, which should be enough for 5,000 renewable energy projects.
DOE Offers $30 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Renewable Energy Projects
DOE is offering an estimated $30 billion in loan guarantees for renewable energy projects, with some loan guarantees specifically set aside for cutting-edge biofuel projects. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is providing some of the subsidies for the loan guarantees.
DOE Awards $11.8 Million for New Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems
DOE has awarded $11.8 million for five projects focused on connecting solar power systems to the electrical grid. The projects will include integrating controls for battery energy storage systems and allowing two-way communications between the solar power systems and electric utilities.
DOE Awards $28 Million to National Laboratories for Bioenergy, Smart Grids
New Recovery Act funds for scientific research will support bioenergy research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in addition to Smart Grid analysis work at four of DOE's national laboratories.
EPA Names Top 20 Organizations Using On-Site Renewable Energy
Although many companies are now using solar power to meet some of their electricity needs, the organizations that produce the most renewable energy on-site are drawing on biomass resources and methane from landfills or wastewater. Some companies are also employing wind power and small hydropower.
NASA Offers a $1.5 Million Prize for a Fast and Fuel-Efficient Aircraft
Designing and building an aircraft that can average 100 miles per hour while achieving a fuel economy greater than 200 passenger-miles per gallon could earn some team a cash prize of $1.5 million. NASA's Green Flight Challenge will offer an additional prize for a high-performing craft running on biofuel.
Site News
EERE Mobile Site Offers News, Energy Tips, and Alternative Fuel Stations
DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is now delivering news, energy tips, and the locations of alternative fuel stations to Web-enabled mobile devices, through the new EERE mobile Web site. You can now also follow DOE on Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr.
Energy Connections
Report: The Next Decade will Determine America's Energy Future
The next 10 years could set the direction for U.S. energy use for years to come, according to a new report from the National Research Council. The report notes a critical need to demonstrate some energy technologies while pursing more long-term research and development of other technologies.
