EERE Network News

September 21, 2011

News and Events

U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 Set to Begin

Participants in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 have been working around the clock, preparing their 19 solar homes for the September 23 opening in Washington, D.C.

Installed Cost of Solar PV Systems in the U.S. Declined: DOE Lab Report

The installed cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States fell substantially in 2010 and in the first half of 2011, according to a report by DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

DOE-Backed Advanced Batteries Plant Opens in Florida

DOE and Saft America celebrated the grand opening of the company's Florida lithium-ion battery factory that will produce batteries for electric vehicles and other uses.

USDA Boosts Smart Grid, Transmission System Improvements in 14 States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $900 million in loans to support Smart Grid technologies and improvements for rural electric cooperatives in 14 states.

Innovation Ecosystems Spur Rapid Growth for Startups, Entrepreneurs

Innovation is thriving a year after DOE launched the Innovative Ecosystem Initiative to move clean energy technologies from lab to marketplace.

Green Racing Marks Its 25th Competition

The DOE-sponsored Green Racing program, which raises awareness of alternative fuels and energy efficiency, has hit a milestone with its 25th race in the Michelin Green X Challenge.

GovEnergy 2011 Offers Energy Professionals Strategies for Reducing Energy Use

GovEnergy, an annual trade show co-sponsored by DOE, recently brought together more than 4,000 energy professionals to learn strategies for reducing energy use.