EERE Network News
May 19, 2010
News and Events
Global Clean Energy Investment Hits $27.3 Billion in First Quarter of 2010
Several reports are showing that the clean energy sector remained strong globally in 2009 and during the first quarter of 2010. Bloomberg New Energy Finance found that investments in clean energy increased 31% in the first quarter of 2010 over the same period in 2009.
U.S. Solar Industry Reports Strong Growth in 2009
Citing support from state and federal policies, the U.S. solar industry reported strong growth in 2009, with a 36% increase in revenues. Globally, First Solar topped the list of solar module suppliers in 2009, shipping more than a gigawatt of modules, according to an industry analyst.
Scientists Find Photosynthesis Depends on Quantum Entanglement
Scientists have long sought to mimic the mechanism of photosynthesis, allowing them to convert sunlight directly into fuels and chemicals. But new research at DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory suggests such mimicry may delve into an obscure physical phenomenon called quantum entanglement.
Cape Wind Sets Power Agreement with National Grid, Gets FAA Approval
Cape Wind Associates has agreed to sell to National Grid half of the electricity produced from its planned wind power project off the coast of Massachusetts. The company has also earned approval of the project from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
EPA Helps Partners Find Commercial Energy Efficiency Savings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has joined with eight Energy Star partner utilities and state energy efficiency programs located throughout the country in a pilot program to target commercial building energy efficiency.
Energy Connections
EIA: U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Declined 7% in 2009
A 2.4% decline in U.S. gross domestic product in 2009, with bigger impacts on energy-intensive industries, contributed to a 7% drop in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, according to DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). A shift to less carbon-intensive energy sources also helped.
