EERE Network News
October 14, 2009
News and Events
Team California Claims a Narrow Lead in the Solar Decathlon
As the Solar Decathlon heads down the home stretch for the finish line on October 16, Team California holds a narrow lead among the 20 university-led teams who have turned the National Mall into a renewable energy village.
DOE Awards $87 Million for Solar Energy Research and Deployment
DOE will back a variety of solar energy projects, including research efforts, projects testing the impact of solar power on the electrical grid, urban installations, and efforts to train instructors for solar installer training programs. The awards draw on $50 million in Recovery Act funds.
DOE Expands, Simplifies Loan Guarantees for Renewable Energy Projects
Drawing on $750 million in Recovery Act funds, DOE will guarantee up to $8 billion in loans for conventional wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal power projects, as well as hydropower projects. DOE will work directly with eligible lenders to provide the loan guarantees.
USDA Loans $17.4 Million for Greensburg, Kansas, to Run on Wind Power
In a move to help a tornado-ravaged city rebuild using green energy, the USDA is loaning money to launch the Greensburg Wind Farm, which will help Greensburg, Kansas, draw on 100% renewable energy for its power needs.
Interior Department, California Launch Renewable Energy Initiative
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the State of California have agreed to work together to develop renewable energy projects on federal lands. That type of state and federal cooperation recently led to Arizona's first commercial-scale wind power project.
DOE to Strengthen Enforcement of Energy Efficiency Standards
DOE will beef up its enforcement of energy efficiency standards with three oversight steps designed to ensure that manufacturers properly certify their products.
Energy Connections
IEA: Nations Should Build on Economy-Related Greenhouse Gas Cuts
The International Energy Agency (IEA) sees global carbon dioxide emissions falling by as much as 3% this year, due mainly to the economic slowdown. The agency also sees ample opportunities to build upon this reduction over the next 20 years.
