EERE Network News
April 14, 2010
News and Events
DOE Awards Nearly $100 Million for Smart Grid Workforce Training
DOE will provide nearly $100 million in Recovery Act funding to 54 projects that are designed to train 30,000 U.S. workers on Smart Grid technologies.
U.S. Navy to Power its Fleet with Biofuels, with Help from the USDA
The U.S. Navy has set five energy targets to cut its reliance on fossil fuels, and biofuels are a major component of meeting four of those five goals. The Navy has formed a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop the advanced biofuels needed by the fleet.
Federal Buildings Go Green with $4 Billion in Recovery Act Funds
The United States has invested $4 billion in Recovery Act funds for the energy-efficient construction and renovation of federal buildings nationwide. The money is being spent on new construction and upgrades such as high-efficiency heating and cooling, solar panels, and solar water heaters.
U.S. Wind Industry Manufacturing Expanded in 2009, Says AWEA
Manufacturing for the U.S. wind energy industry has continued to expand, although the rate of growth slowed in 2009 compared to 2008, according to a recent report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
Swiss Solar-Powered Plane Makes its Maiden Flight
The Solar Impulse, a solar-powered aircraft, has completed its maiden flight in Switzerland, staying aloft for 87 minutes before landing safely. The prototype will undergo further testing before a second version is built, with the goal of completing an around-the-world flight.
Energy Connections
Report: China Led the World in Clean Energy Investments in 2009
In 2008, the United States led the world in clean energy investments and financing, but that changed in 2009, when China invested nearly double the U.S. total. The United States still leads the world in venture capital and private equity investments, but has fallen behind in asset financing.
