EERE Network News
August 26, 2009
News and Events
DOE Offers $37 Million for Clean Energy Research at Small Businesses
DOE is offering to help small businesses explore a wide range of clean energy technologies, including solar power, water power, smart grid controllers, and systems relating to building energy and energy savings in industry. About $8.5 million is available for companies to explore new ideas.
DOE Delivers $101 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Weatherization
DOE delivered more than $101 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds on August 25 to Guam and Pennsylvania, allowing them to expand their weatherization assistance programs. The new allocations will help them achieve their collective goal of weatherizing 29,200 homes.
DOE Awards $51 Million to Alaska, New Jersey, and Guam
DOE has delivered more than $51 million in Recovery Act funds to Guam and the states of Alaska and New Jersey for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The funds are part of DOE's State Energy Program.
First U.S. Hydrokinetic Project Begins Commercial Operations
Hydrokinetic power captures the energy of moving water in the form of waves, currents, and tides and converts it into power. The first federally licensed hydrokinetic project in the United States is now in commercial operation, drawing on the power of the Mississippi River.
Biomass Power Catches Fire in Ohio, Florida, Georgia, and New Hampshire
Biomass power is gaining momentum throughout the United States, including new and revamped power projects in Ohio, Florida, Georgia, and New Hampshire. Many of the projects involve converting existing coal-fired power plants to burn biomass for part or all of their energy supply.
Energy Connections
U.S. Motor Vehicle Travel Increased in June
U.S. drivers have been covering fewer and fewer miles each month since November 2007, but in June 2009, drivers in all parts of the country and on all types of roads drove more than they did in June 2008. But at the year's halfway point, the total miles driven are still the lowest in more than five years.
