EERE Network News
March 10, 2010
News and Events
DOE Guarantees $189 Million in Loans for Wind Power, Advanced Windows
DOE is offering conditional loan guarantees to two clean energy projects: a 30-megawatt wind farm with battery storage in Hawaii and an expansion of Sage Electrochromics' high-volume manufacturing plant in Minnesota for electronically "tintable" windows.
USDA Guarantees an $80 Million Loan to a Georgia Biorefinery
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has guaranteed an $80 million loan to Range Fuels, Inc., which is building a biorefinery in Georgia to convert wood chips to biofuels using a two-step thermochemical process. The guarantee is the agency's first to a commercial-scale cellulosic biofuel plant.
Recovery Act Funds 191 New Transit Projects in 42 States, Puerto Rico
Vice President Joe Biden has announced more than $600 million in Recovery Act funding for 191 new transit projects in 42 states and Puerto Rico. Recipients are spending the funds on improvements such as hybrid electric buses and conversions of vehicles to hybrids.
Navy Awards $200 Million for 40 MW of Solar Power on Southwestern Bases
The U.S. Navy recently awarded a $200 million contract for a total of 40 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic power systems on Navy and Marine Corps bases throughout the Southwest. The National Park Service is also installing solar power at many of its facilities, using Recovery Act funds.
Geneva Motor Show Spotlights Plug-Ins, Electric Vehicles, and Hybrids
The Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland is highlighting electrified vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and a range of new hybrids. The debuts include entries from such sports car leaders as Porsche, Ferrari, and Lotus.
Energy Connections
Report Emphasizes Need to Reduce U.S. Consumption of Petroleum
An attempt to account for the energy security costs of domestic and imported oil finds higher security costs for imported oil. However, the costs are low compared to the direct cost of oil, implying that U.S. energy security efforts should focus on lower petroleum use, regardless of its source.
