EERE Network News

January 06, 2010

News and Events

President Obama Spearheads a Climate Agreement in Copenhagen

President Obama worked with global heads of state in Copenhagen, Denmark, in late December 2009 to reach a climate agreement called the "Copenhagen Accord." The president called the accord a first step in ensuring international action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

DOE to Invest up to $366 Million in Energy Innovation Hubs

DOE has announced plans to invest up to $366 million in Energy Innovation Hubs that will speed research in three areas, two of which relate to energy efficiency and renewable energy. Of those two, one will produce fuels from sunlight, while the other will improve energy-efficient building designs.

New Bill Funds Transit Projects, Home Retrofits, and Global Clean Energy

In signing the fiscal year 2010 appropriations bill for various federal agencies, President Obama green-lighted funding for high-speed rail projects, public transit systems, and energy efficient housing. The bill also directs more than $400 million towards international clean energy projects.

Boeing Launches the Maiden Flight of the Fuel-Efficient 787 Dreamliner

Although it arrived more than two years later than initially expected, the first flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was a complete success. The fuel-efficient aircraft combines lightweight composite materials with an aerodynamic design and efficient engines to cut fuel consumption by 20%.

RETECH and Renewable Energy World Highlight a Busy Conference Season

Two major renewable energy conferences are coming in February: the Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Expo, better known as RETECH, and the Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America. But plenty of other clean energy conferences are also on their way.

Energy Connections

NASA Employs Satellite Data to Calculate California's Carbon Budget

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has demonstrated that satellites can help measure at least a part of the information needed to determine the balance of greenhouse gas emitters and sinks in a geographical area. But NASA still needed an Earth-bound source of energy data.