News
January 2, 2008
Energy Act Creates New Energy Efficiency Standards
The standard, inefficient incandescent light bulb is on its way out, as the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 imposes new standards that will boost the nation's use of energy efficient lighting. The act also mandates increased efficiency in federal buildings and for many products. More
January 2, 2008
New Energy Act Calls for Increased Renewable Energy Research
The new energy act calls for accelerated research, development, and deployment for solar energy, geothermal energy, and marine and hydrokinetic energy. However, the new programs require the backing of congressional appropriations to see the light of day. More
January 2, 2008
Renewable Fuel Standards Increased and Extended by Energy Act
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, signed into law on December 19th, boosts the requirements for renewable fuel use to 36 billion gallons by 2022. Roughly 60% of that requirement will have to be met with advanced biofuels that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More
January 2, 2008
Appropriations Act Boosts DOE Funding for Renewables and Efficiency
President Bush approved an omnibus appropriations act on December 26th that provides roughly $1.722 billion for the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), a 17% increase in funds. The act also provides funds to administer loan guarantees for innovative technologies. More
December 5, 2007
DOE Creates a $7.2 Million Clean Energy Commercialization Fund
DOE will provide $7.2 million to support clean energy commercialization activities at three of its national laboratories: the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories. More
December 5, 2007
Rockefeller Center Switches to LED Christmas Lights
New York City's Rockefeller Center has changed the lights on its iconic Christmas tree entirely to LEDs (light-emitting diodes). But that's just the most visible part of a greening effort that includes a solar power system, a green roof, and an iced-based energy storage facility. More
November 29, 2007
DOE Provides $5.2 Million for Concentrating Solar Power
DOE is investing $5.2 million in 12 concentrating solar power (CSP) projects involving the full range of available CSP technologies. The projects aim to reduce the costs of CSP components and developing energy storage technologies. More
November 28, 2007
Clinton Climate Initiative Yields New Energy Efficiency Pacts
The Clinton Climate Initiative and the City of Chicago will implement energy efficiency retrofits in the Sears Tower, the Merchandise Mart, and in privately owned, multi-tenant housing. Other partnerships will pursue energy efficiency in U.S. schools and in commercial real estate. More
November 28, 2007
California Utility Signs Agreement for Solar Thermal Power
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company signed an agreement in early November to buy power from a proposed 177-megawatt solar thermal power plant. While that proposal awaits regulatory approval, another plant proposed for Victorville, California, faces some challenges. More
November 28, 2007
New Organization Provides Efficiency Ranking of Supercomputers
Computer geeks watch twice each year for the latest version of the TOP500 list, which ranks the world's supercomputers by their computing speed. But the latest list has been remixed to form the new Green500 list, which ranks the same supercomputers by their energy efficiency. More