Renewable Energy News

ISO Standards Makers Address Sustainability, Public Policy, Standards Development System   Jun 24, 2008
Leaders of the international committees that develop the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) international standards recently met to address the efficiency and global relevance of the organization's standards development system.

DOE: Gas Prices, Oil Consumption Would Increase Without Biofuels   Jun 23, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a letter outlining perspectives on rising gas prices, biofuels, diesel fuel and food prices.

FAQ on EU Response to High Oil Prices  Jun 23, 2008
This document contains answers from the European Union (EU) to frequently asked questions about rising oil prices.

Farm Bill Addresses Commercialization of Advanced Biofuels  Jun 23, 2008
The U.S. Congress passed a farm bill that is designed to accelerate the commercialization of advanced biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol, encourage the production of biomass crops and expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program.

DOE Announces $30M for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Projects  June 20, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $30 million in funding over three years for three cost-shared plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) demonstration and development projects.

DOE Announces Effort to Advance U.S. Wind Power Manufacturing Capacity  Jun 11, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DOE and six leading wind industry turbine manufacturers: Ge Energy, Siemens Power Generation, Vestas Wind Systems, Clipper Turbine Works, Suzlon Energy and Gamesa Corporation.

Berkeley Lab: Annual Wind Power Report Shows U.S. Market Continues to Grow   Jun 11, 2008
For the third consecutive year the U.S. was home to the fastest-growing wind power market in the world, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).

Frost: Need for Organic Waste Management Drives Asia-Pacific Biogas Power Generation Markets   Jun 10, 2008
Biogas power generation is fast catching on in the Asia-Pacific region as it not only produces power, but also reduces the negative impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the environment and helps in effective waste disposal.

DOE Issues Fuel, Feedstock Flexibility Power Solicitation   Jun 9, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) is accepting applications for cost-shared research and development of technologies that enable use of opportunity fuels and nontraditional feedstocks in industrial processes, as well as enable the use of combined heat and power in underused applications.

DOE to Strengthen U.S.-Portugal Cooperation in Renewable Energy Tech   Jun 5, 2008
The U.S. and Portugal signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance global energy security and address climate change through the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies.

DOE to Invest Up to $2.3M to Identify Renewable Energy Zones in Western States   Jun 5, 2008
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced departmental plans to contribute up to $2.3 million over three years, subject to annual appropriations, to identify areas in the Western U.S. with vast renewable energy resources and expedite the development and delivery of those resources to meet regional energy needs.

U.S. Continues to Lead the World in Wind Power Growth   Jun 5, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the 2007 edition of its Annual Report on U.S. Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends, which provides a comprehensive overview of developments in the rapidly evolving U.S. wind power market, said DOE.

EC, Norway Agree to Promote Renewable Energy   Jun 2, 2008
Representatives from the European Commission (EC) and Norway's government affirmed their commitment to promoting renewable energy and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects as part of Europe's energy strategy.

NREL Industry Partners Move Cellulosic Ethanol Technology Forward   May 27, 2008
Collaborative scientific research between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and DuPont will be used to develop and commercialize technology to produce cellulosic ethanol from non-food sources, said NREL.

DOE Report: Wind Energy Could Produce 20% of U.S. Electricity by 2030   May 21, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a report that examines the technical feasibility of harnessing wind power to provide up to 20% of total U.S. electricity needs by 2030.

DOE Seeks to Invest up to $60M for Advanced Concentrating Solar Power Tech   May 7, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Solar Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $60 million in funding over five years, Fiscal Years (FY) 2008-2012, which includes $10 million in FY 2008 appropriations and $10 million in the FY 2009 Budget request, to support the development of low-cost Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology.

NREL Highlights Leading Utility Green Power Programs   May 5, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released its annual ranking of leading utility green power programs.

EWEA: More Than One-Third of Future EU Electricity Generating Capacity Will Be Wind Power   May 5, 2008
In its latest report, Pure Power - Wind Energy Scenarios up to 2030, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) outlines the road towards large-scale wind energy.

SEIA: U.S. Solar Market Grows 45% After Two Years of Investment Tax Credits   May 5, 2008
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) released its 2007 U.S. Solar Industry Year in Review produced in conjunction with the Prometheus Institute.

DOE Selects 3 Small-Scale Biorefinery Projects for up to $86M of Federal Funding in Maine, Tenn., Ky.   May 2, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced three projects in which DOE plans to invest up to $86 million over four years (Fiscal Year 2008-2011) to support the development of small-scale cellulosic biorefineries in Old Town, Maine; Vonore, Tenn.; and Washington County, Ky.

DOE Announces Up to $7M for Biomass Research   May 2, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the issuance of a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $7 million in federal funding over two years (Fiscal Year 2008-2009) in advanced R&D in converting non-food based biomass to advance clean and affordable biofuels.

EU Hearing Urges Caution on Biofuels Targets   Apr 26, 2008
At an April 17 public hearing on sustainability criteria for biofuels, representatives from the European Union (EU) and industry urged the EU's institutions and member states to exercise caution when considering the role of biofuels in Europe's energy strategy.

Frost: Agrarian Policies Provide Fresh Impetus to China's Biofuel Market   Apr 26, 2008
China's quest for renewable energy options has opened new avenues for its biofuel market.

DOE Announces Up to $4M for University Research into Advanced Biomass Conversion   Apr 26, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $4 million in funding available to U.S. universities for R&D of cost-effective, environmentally friendly biomass conversion technologies.

AWEA: Wind Energy Leaders Remain Dominant in 2007 U.S. Market Rankings   Apr 9, 2008
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) annual rankings of wind power leadership in the U.S for 2007 closely resemble the 2006 rankings, said the association.

Frost: Environmental Concerns, Oil Prices Drive SE Asian Renewable Energy Markets   Apr 9, 2008
Rising oil prices and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are ensuring development of the Southeast Asian renewable energy markets, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Frost: Increasing Installed Capacity Drives Euro Wind Service Markets   Apr 9, 2008
The continued growth of the wind energy sector across Europe is contributing to the strong growth of its wind services market.

FERC, Oregon Sign MOU for Wave Energy Projects   Apr 3, 2008
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the state of Oregon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate procedures and schedules for review of wave energy projects in state waters off the coast of Oregon.

EC Touts Europe's Wind Energy Potential   Apr 3, 2008
Andris Piebalgs, European Commission (EC) energy commissioner, stressed the importance of wind energy at the opening session of the European Wind Energy Conference (EWEC) on March 31 in Brussels.

EC Launches €80M Fund to Boost Energy Efficiency, Renewables  Mar 31, 2008
As part of its initiative to fight against climate change, on March 28 the European Commission (EC) launched the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (GEEREF).

DOE Makes Thin-Film Solar Cells More Competitive With Silicon   Mar 28, 2008
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) moved closer to creating a thin-film solar cell that can compete with the efficiency of silicon-based solar cells.

PRI: Solar Parabolic Trough Most Feasible Tech Option for 2011 N.M. Plant   Mar 28, 2008
A study released by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) concludes that for New Mexico to reach its renewable energy goals, solar parabolic trough technology is more feasible than other central station solar energy options.

DOE to Invest up to $13.7M for Solar Energy Projects   Mar 19, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest up to $13.7 million, over three years (Fiscal Years 2008 - 2010), for 11 university-led projects that will focus on developing advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) technology manufacturing processes and products.

Frost: Solar Effect Boosts European Inverters Market   Mar 12, 2008
Europe's renewable energy boom has opened up an unprecedented market for solar energy-based inverters, according to Frost & Sullivan.

WRI: Calif. Companies Announce Buyers' Group for Renewable Power  Mar 12, 2008
According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), 14 of California's most prominent energy buyers formed the Green Power Group - California Affiliates, a partnership promoting "green" power in California.

EC Authorises Italian State Aid to Promote Biodiesel  Mar 12, 2008
The European Commission (EC) recently authorised an Italian tax reduction to stimulate the production and use of biodiesel.

DOE to Invest up to $33.8M to Develop Commercially Viable Renewable Fuels  Mar 5, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it will invest up to $33.8 million, over four years, (Fiscal Years 2008-2011) for four projects that will focus on developing improved enzyme systems to convert cellulosic material into sugars suitable for production of biofuels.

Frost: Polysilicon Shortages Will End in 2008   Feb 26, 2008
Even though the solar energy industry continues to grow at a fast pace, the solar photovoltaic (PV) market has faced several market challenges recently, including severe shortages and allocations of polysilicon - a key component of the majority of solar panels.

Research Touts Hydrogen Energy's Potential to Reduce Oil Use in European Road Transport  Feb 26, 2008
Ministers from the European Union (EU) member states are expected to approve a European Commission (EC) proposal for a new €940 public/private research partnership (joint technology initiative) to develop fuel cell and hydrogen fuel technology when they meet on Feb. 25.

IEEE Approves Standards for Renewable Energy Batteries - IEEE 1561, IEEE 1562  Feb 26, 2008
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) approved two standards dealing with battery technologies for renewable energy systems.

NRCan: Industry Partnership Works toward Energy Self-Sufficiency  Feb 22, 2008
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Hydro-Québec, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Rio Tinto Alcan and the Université de Sherbrooke launched a new NSERC chair in industrial energy efficiency at the Université de Sherbrooke.

EC Invests €9B in Energy Projects under Cohesion Policy  Feb 21, 2008
The European Commission (EC) will invest nearly €9 billion to develop renewable energy and improve energy efficiency in European Union (EU) regions as part of the EU's cohesion policy for 2007-2013.

NextEnergy NBEL Accelerates Approval of ASTM Biodiesel Fuel Standard   Feb 21, 2008
Over the past two years, scientists at the National Biofuels Energy Laboratory (NBEL) in Detroit's NextEnergy Center assisted in developing a national standard for the next generation of biodiesel vehicle fuel (B6 - B20.)

Frost: N. American Wind Energy Generator Market Benefits Foreign Investors   Feb 20, 2008
The booming North American wind energy generator market attracts foreign investors by the droves, according to Frost & Sullivan, all because of the market's increased focus on alternate energy sources, technology advances and tax break extensions.

EPA Raises 2008 Renewable Fuels Standard   Feb 20, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raised the 2008 renewable fuels standard (RFS), which determines how much nonpetroleum fuel will power a vehicle, to 7.76%.

NIST: Int'l Effort Underway to Accelerate Growth of Global Biofuels Market  Feb 20, 2008
The U.S., Brazil and the European Union (EU) - the world's major producers of biofuels - released an analysis of current biofuel specifications with the goal of facilitating expanded trade of these renewable energy sources.

DOE to Invest $114M in Small-Scale Cellulosic Biorefineries  Feb 8, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $114 million over four years in four small-scale biorefinery projects to be located in St. Joseph, Mo.; Commerce City, Colo.; Boardman, Ore.; and Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Frost: Europe Leads Way in Ocean Energy  Feb 7, 2008
Wave energy sources are not only readily available, but are also consistent, predictable and have the highest energy density among all renewable energy sources, according to Frost & Sullivan.

EC Details Proposed Renewable Energy Directive  Jan 28, 2008
The European Commission (EC) proposed a renewable energy directive as part of a comprehensive energy and climate change package proposed on Jan. 23.

EC Details Proposed Renewable Energy Directive  Jan 28, 2008
The European Commission (EC) proposed a renewable energy directive as part of a comprehensive energy and climate change package proposed on Jan. 23.

AWEA: Installed U.S. Wind Power Capacity Surged 45% in 2007  Jan 27, 2008
Shattering all its previous records, the U.S. wind energy industry installed 5,244 megawatts (MW) in 2007, expanding the U.S.'s total wind power generating capacity by 45% in a single calendar year and injecting an investment of over $9B into the economy, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reported in their annual Market Report.

EC Refutes U.K. Biofuels Report  Jan 21, 2008
Andris Piebalgs, European Commission (EC) energy commissioner, issued a statement disagreeing with the recent report of the U.K. House of Commons calling for a moratorium on biofuels.

APPA, Carnegie Mellon Study Refutes Claim of RTOs Promoting Renewables  Jan 17, 2008
A study conducted by the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center finds "there is no evidence that membership in an Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) promoted the development of renewables."

AWEA: Competitive Wholesale Markets Promote Wind Power Development  Jan 17, 2008
Following a study by the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center questioning the role of competitive wholesale electricity markets in renewable energy development, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) responded by approving a resolution supporting the preservation and expansion of competitive regional wholesale electricity markets and reiterating why competitive wholesale markets promote wind power development.

EPSA: Renewable Energy Development 'Easier' in Organized Electricity Markets  Jan 17, 2008
The Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) issued the following statement by John E. Shelk, president and CEO of EPSA, in response to a study released by the American Public Power Association (APPA) and Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center that claims the robust growth of renewable energy projects in organized electricity markets is not related to market structure.

WRI: Biofuels Only One Answer for World's Transport Fuel Needs   Jan 15, 2008
Promotion of biofuels should focus on ensuring environmental performance and deploying new technologies, according to the World Resources Institute (WRI), rather than on high-volume production of the biofuels in use today.

SunEdison: Largest U.S. Photovoltaic Power Plant Activated for Xcel Energy   Jan 7, 2008
SunEdison announced that the 8.22-megawatt (MW) Alamosa, Colo. photovoltaic (PV) solar plant was activated ahead of its scheduled completion date.

FERC Issues First License for Hydrokinetic Energy Project   Jan 7, 2008
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a license for a hydrokinetic energy project, which will be located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Washington state.

DOE Projects Renewable Energy Growth in 'Annual Energy Outlook 2008'   Jan 7, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects renewable energy to experience 23% faster growth between 2007 and 2030 than previously anticipated.

Frost: Asia-Pacific Biodiesel Sector Back on Track   Jan 4, 2008
The strong degree of support given to the biofuels sector by many governments across the Asia-Pacific region is creating significant domestic markets, according to Frost & Sullivan.

NRC: Canada Invests $53M in Wind Energy Project   Jan 4, 2008
Canada's government is allocating more than $53 million over 10 years for a significant wind energy project, touted as the largest in Canada.

NRC: Canada Invests in Clean Solar Energy   Jan 4, 2008
Canadian officials announced $1.1 million for demonstration projects promoting photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal power technologies for commercial and residential use.

Acumentrics Canada Investigates Ammonia as Hydrogen Source   Jan 3, 2008
Acumentrics Canada is partnering with Natural Resources Canada's (NRC) Canada Center for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) to investigate the use of ammonia as a fuel for Acumentrics' solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

ANSI: Transatlantic Economic Council Reports Progress of Pure Biofuels  Dec 20, 2007
Representatives of the U.S. and European Union (EU) took new steps to reduce regulatory barriers to trade during the first meeting of the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC), a forum launched by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the U.S. government.

EIA Outlook Reflects Ongoing Transition in Energy Markets  Dec 17, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2008 (AEO2008) reference case includes several changes from earlier AEOs to better reflect trends in the economy and energy markets that are expected to persist, said EIA.

Canadian Gov't Funds $1.5B Biofuels Initiative  Dec 10, 2007
The Canadian government is offering $1.5 billion in biofuel production incentives for an "ecoENERGY for Biofuels" initiative.

Frost: Portable Fuel Cells Offer Greater Efficiency, Lower Costs  Dec 8, 2007
The outstanding reliability and durability of portable fuel cells has helped move them ahead of traditional power sources.

ISO: International Standards Key for Promoting Energy Efficiency  Dec 8, 2007
At November's World Energy Congress in Rome, the subject of energy efficiency and its role in global security was a key topic for the 3,000 industry stakeholders in attendance.

European Council Supports Plan to Accelerate New Energy Technologies  Dec 7, 2007
The European Union (EU) Council of Ministers voiced strong support for the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan, which was recently developed by the European Commission (EC) as part of the total energy package it proposed in January 2007.

DOE to Invest Up to $7.7M for Four Biofuels Projects  Dec 7, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of four biofuels projects in which DOE plans to invest up to $7.7 million.

DOE Increases Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential Furnaces, Boilers  Dec 5, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has increased the energy efficiency standards for residential furnaces and residential boilers, underscoring the DOE commitment to meet its aggressive, five-year appliance standard rulemaking schedule, as established in its Jan. 31, 2006 report to Congress.

NARUC Supports Federal Climate Legislation, Spells Out Policy Options  Dec 5, 2007
State public service commissioners expressed support for federal climate change legislation and laid out details for how states should consider regulating in a carbon-constrained world, said the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions (NARUC).

EC Endorses Work Programmes of TEN-E Coordinators  Dec 4, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently endorsed the work programmes of two Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E) coordinators - Georg Wilhelm Adamowitsch, the coordinator for the connections to offshore wind power in northern Europe and Wladydlaw Mielczarski, the coordinator for power connection between Germany, Poland and Lithuania.

TPI Facility to Produce Blades for GE Wind Turbines  Nov 29, 2007
GE Energy signed an agreement with TPI Composites whereby TPI will build a 316,000 square foot facility in Newton, Iowa, that will expand TPI's capacity to produce blades for GE's 1.5 megawatt (MW) wind turbines.

CSIRO, Cleantech Ventures Partner for Smarter Energy Storage for Solar, Wind Power  Nov 29, 2007
Development of a hybrid battery suitable for storing electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind is now a step closer, according to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

CSIRO: Biodiesel Could Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions  Nov 29, 2007
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) confirmed that using pure biodiesel or blending biodiesel with standard fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector.

Stanford Scientists Say Connecting Wind Farms Creates More Reliable Power Source  Nov 28, 2007
Wind power can be groomed to become a steady, dependable source of electricity and delivered at a lower cost than at present, according to scientists at Stanford University.

Poet to Power Ethanol Plant Expansion with Alternative Energy Source  Nov 26, 2007
An expansion of a Poet ethanol plant includes technology that will allow ethanol production to double without increasing fossil fuel usage, said the company.

DOE to Invest $21 Million Plus for Next Generation Solar Energy Projects  Nov 16, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $21.7 million in next generation photovoltaic (PV) technology to help accelerate the widespread use of advanced solar power.

Calif. Solar Thermal Plant Accepted for Review  Nov 9, 2007
The California Energy Commission (CEC) accepted an application to build a solar thermal power plant - the first large solar thermal facility proposed in California in 16 years.

Frost: Early Entrants Benefit from Growth in Sub-Saharan African Biofuels Markets  Oct 31, 2007
The African biofuels industry is entering a period of extended growth, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Frost: Incentives, Subsidies Fuel W. European Wind Power Market  Oct 31, 2007
According to Frost & Sullivan, Germany created a new era in renewable energy when it introduced meticulously planned energy policies and robust government support for the wind power market.

Frost: Building Directive Implementation to Result in Reduced GHG Emissions, Greater Energy Efficiency  Oct 31, 2007
According to Frost & Sullivan, the European Union (EU) is aiming to tackle global warming, as well as increased energy import dependency and concerns over the worldwide supplies of fossil fuels, as part of a new focus on climate change.

SDTC: $500M Fund Launched to Support Next-Generation Renewable Fuels  Oct 30, 2007
The future of renewable fuels in Canada was bolstered by the launch of the NextGen Biofuels Fund, which will support up to 40% of eligible project costs for the establishment of first-of-kind, large demonstration-scale facilities for the production of next-generation renewable fuels.

SDTC: $500M Fund Launched to Support Next-Generation Renewable Fuels  Oct 30, 2007
The future of renewable fuels in Canada was bolstered by the launch of the NextGen Biofuels Fund, which will support up to 40% of eligible project costs for the establishment of first-of-kind, large demonstration-scale facilities for the production of next-generation renewable fuels.

Frost: Legislation Buoys Euro Biodiesel, Feedstock Market  Oct 29, 2007
According to Frost & Sullivan, a number of factors are influencing the limited availability and unstable supply of fossil fuels.

Frost: Legislation Buoys Euro Biodiesel, Feedstock Market  Oct 29, 2007
According to Frost & Sullivan, a number of factors are influencing the limited availability and unstable supply of fossil fuels.

Underwriters Laboratories Develops E85 Certification Requirements  Oct 29, 2007
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) established safety requirements for E85 fuel dispensing equipment and is accepting submissions for certification investigations.

CCSP Issues Third U.S. Climate Change Report  Oct 25, 2007
The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) released its third in a series of 21 Synthesis and Assessment Products (SAP).

ASME Encourages Balanced Energy Mix for Sustainability  Oct 23, 2007
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is urging policy makers to support a national energy policy that relies on a balanced mix of energy resources, while encouraging the development of renewable technologies to promote environmental sustainability.

EC Proposes Cutback on Biofuel Crop Subsidies  Oct 22, 2007
The European Commission (EC) proposed scaling back a special farm aid scheme used to develop Europe's energy crops, after determining that farmers in the European Union (EU) had shifted crop production towards biofuels so much they had exceeded the two million hectare target set by the EU.

EPA Funds $2M for Climate Change Projects in China, Russia, Seven Other Countries   Oct 22, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is funding projects under the Methane to Markets Partnership in China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria and the Ukraine.

Frost: Cost, Energy-Efficiency Drives Adoption of Intelligent Buildings in N. America  Oct 22, 2007
The North American intelligent building market continues to stay at a nascent stage with considerable skepticism and speculation in the minds of builders and other stakeholders.

EC Plans Directive on Renewable Energy  Oct 2, 2007
The European Commission (EC) plans to propose a framework directive in early December with measures to reach a binding target for renewable energy sources. A target of 20% of Europe's energy consumption by 2020 for renewables was agreed to by the European Council in March.

U.S., China Extend Agreement for Vehicle Efficiency  Oct 2, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) signed a five-year agreement to promote large-scale deployment of next-generation efficiency vehicle technologies in the U.S. and China specifically focusing on electric, hybrid-electric, fuel cell and alternative fuel technologies.

Start-Up Manufacturers of Biofuels, Renewable Energy Sources Use SAP Tools  Sep 20, 2007
SAP AG announced that producers of biofuels and renewable energy sources selected SAP products as the platform on which to build their IT and business process infrastructure as they work to meet global demand for alternative energy sources.

NECA Zeros in on Green Energy  Sep 12, 2007
The 2007 National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Convention and Trade Show will focus on helping the electrical industry increase its proficiency in "green" energy and building systems.

Canada Awards $16.5M to Wind Energy Project  Sep 11, 2007
According to the Canadian government, Kettles Hill Wind Energy Inc. will be the first company to receive funding under the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power initiative.

Canada's Prime Minister Says Biofuels Plan Good for Environment, Farmers  Sep 11, 207
Under the ecoENERGY for Biofuels initiative, the Canadian government will provide up to $1.5 billion in the form of incentives over nine years to producers of renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel fuel.

DOE to Provide up to $33.8M to Support Commercial Production of Cellulosic Biofuels  Sep 10, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will make available up to $33.8 million to support the development of commercially viable enzymes - a step touted as enabling bio-based production of clean, renewable biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol.

IEC to Develop Wind Turbine Standard - IEC 61400-3  Sep 6, 2007
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is working on a series of standards for wind turbines.

New Design, More Energy: Solar Cells with 'Metal Wrap Through' Technology  Aug 29, 2007
In their prototype production line, the scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) - working in close cooperation with industry - successfully completed a multi-crystalline solar cell with rear side contacts.

U.K. Aims to Help More Businesses Go Green  Aug 29, 2007
The U.K. Communities and Local Government announced environmental and planning consultancy Entec was called on to create new planning rules that will ensure the system is doing more to encourage the use of renewable energy.

CIOB Study: Construction Professionals See Future in Building Green  Aug 28, 2007
The Green Perspective report from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) revealed that more than 94% of construction professionals believe that "green" building is the future for the construction industry.

ANSI Awarded Contract to Expand Hydrogen Codes, Standards Portal  Aug 22, 2007
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) was awarded a new contract to enhance and expand its Hydrogen Codes and Standards Portal, a web-based hydrogen data center developed under an initial contract from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Frost: Australia, New Zealand Prime for Renewable Energy Tech  Aug 21, 2007
Rising concerns about global climate changes and environmental awareness have paved the way for the development of renewable energy technologies in Australia and New Zealand.

ANSI Awarded Contract to Expand Hydrogen Codes, Standards Portal  Aug 22, 2007
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) was awarded a new contract to enhance and expand its Hydrogen Codes and Standards Portal, a web-based hydrogen data center developed under an initial contract from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Frost: Australia, New Zealand Prime for Renewable Energy Tech  Aug 21, 2007
Rising concerns about global climate changes and environmental awareness have paved the way for the development of renewable energy technologies in Australia and New Zealand.

CIOB Joins UK Green Building Council  Aug. 20, 2007
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) joined the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC).

DOE Launches Initiative to Address Energy Savings across Nationwide DOE Complex   Aug 20, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Transformational Energy Action Management (TEAM) Initiative, a department-wide effort aimed at reducing energy intensity across the nationwide DOE complex by 30%.

Proposed Rule Promotes Federal Use of Energy Star, FEMP Products  Aug 16, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is considering proposed regulations intended to promote federal procurement of energy-efficient products.

Frost: Expect Spectacular Growth of Green Energy Market  Aug 10, 2007
The green energy sector is growing at breathtaking speed, according to Frost & Sullivan, and it has already become a multi-billion dollar industry, with high growth potential attracting record investments.

NRC: Canada Invests $5M to Update Model National Energy Code for Buildings  Aug 10, 2007
The National Research Council Canada (NRC) and the Canadian government announced a $5 million joint initiative to update the Model National Energy Code for Buildings.

NSF Introduces Certification Program for Geothermal Piping Applications  Aug 8, 2007
NSF International's plumbing program introduced a new geothermal listing for piping products that is designed to produce cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods to heat and cool buildings.

FPL Energy Announces Expanded Growth Plan for Wind Business  Aug 6, 2007
FPL Energy LLC announced an aggressive goal to add between 8,000 and 10,000 megawatts (MW) of new wind to its portfolio by the end of 2012.

ASHRAE Teams with DOE for Building Energy Efficiency  Aug 6, 2007
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOE) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to work together to increase building energy efficiency standards for the year 2010 by 30% over 2004 standards.

ATIS Addresses Energy Conservation in Telecom  Aug 3, 2007
The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) Network Interface, Power and Protection Committee (NIPP ) launched a project to examine energy efficiency and the operation of telecommunications equipment.

DARPA Sponsors Pilot-Scale Process Technologies for Very High Efficiency Solar Cells  Aug 1, 2007
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiated a three-year effort with the newly formed DuPont-University of Delaware Very High Efficiency Solar Cell (VHESC) Consortium to drive the efficiency of a new class of solar cell modules to over 50% and develop pilot-scale process technologies to produce them at a cost of less than $1,000 per square meter, which is the current price for commercially available solar cells.

DOE Finds Unique Quantum Effect in Silicon Nanocrystals  Jul 31, 2007
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), collaborating with Innovalight Inc., have shown that an effect called Multiple Exciton Generation (MEG) occurs efficiently in silicon nanocrystals.

ISO Contributes to Social Responsibility, Sustainable Development  Jul 31, 2007
In a recent Global Compact Leaders Summit, the U.N. successfully created an international movement of companies dedicated to advancing responsible business practices.

Frost: Small Fuel Cells Market Thrives on Gov't Support, Demand for Reliable Backup Power  Jul 30, 207
Enhanced government support, power deficits and advanced customer requirements are encouraging greater developments in the small fuel cells market.

EPRI to Explore New Concentrating Solar Power Plant in New Mexico  Jul 19, 2007
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) launched a project to study the feasibility of building a concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in New Mexico.

Equation to Acquire Solar Morph, Spearheading Singapore's First Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon Panel Plant  Jul 11, 2007
Singapore is set to launch its first solar panel manufacturing plant using thin-film amorphous silicon technology in Q4 2007 - making it the first country in that region to operate one.

Turkey Wind Park Is GE Energy's 2.5xl Wind Turbine Technology Largest Installation Worldwide  Jul 11, 2007
A 130-megawatt (MW) wind power project in southeastern Turkey will be the world's largest installation of General Electric (GE) Energy's latest 2.5xl wind turbine technology and will more than double the country's installed wind capacity.

House Committee Approves Legislation to Develop Geothermal, Ocean Energy Research  Jun 30, 2007
The U.S. House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee approved two bills designed to boost research and development into geothermal and ocean energy technologies.

DOE Invests $4M for Wind Turbine Blade Testing Facilities  Jun 29, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Partnership in Massachusetts and the Lone Star Wind Alliance in Texas to each receive up to $2 million in test equipment to develop large-scale wind blade test facilities, accelerating the commercial availability of wind energy.

European Investment Bank Cites Renewable Energy as Top Priority  Jun 20, 2007
The board of governors of the European Investment Bank (EIB), gathering for the institution's annual meeting, made sustainable, competitive and secure energy one of its priority objectives for 2007-2009.

IEEE Revises Two Lead-Acid Battery Standards for Photovoltaic Systems - IEEE 937, IEEE 1013  Jun 12, 2007
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) revised two standards for the installation, maintenance and sizing of lead-acid batteries in photovoltaic systems.

IEC Creating Technical Committee for Ocean Energy Devices  Jun 8, 2007
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standardization Management Board (SMB) will create a new technical committee for marine energy, which would cover all aspects of wave and tidal energy conversion.

DOE Awards $22.7M for Basic Solar Energy Research  Jun 8, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will provide $22.7 million in basic research projects aimed at improving the capture, conversion and use of solar energy.

WRI: Report Shows Challenges of Providing Clean, Affordable Electricity in Asia  Jun 6, 2007
The governments of India, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines must improve transparency and public participation in their electricity sectors to provide citizens with affordable, reliable and clean energy, according to a report from the World Resources Institute (WRI).

NREL Updates National Solar Radiation Database  Jun 6, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and collaborators updated the National Solar Radiation Database, a planning tool that provides critical information about the amount of solar energy available at any given location, announced the DOE.

U.S. Wind Industry to Install Over 3,000 MW of Wind Power in 2007  Jun 6, 2007
The U.S. wind energy industry is on track to install over 3,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power generating capacity nationwide in 2007.

IEC Revises Reference Solar Device Standard - IEC 60904-2  May 11, 2007
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) issued the second edition of its standard for reference solar devices.

Solar Industry Asks U.S. Congress for Eight-year Extension of Solar Investment Tax Credits  May 4, 2007
The solar energy industry called on the U.S. Congress to ensure equitable tax treatment by enacting an eight-year extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credits (ITC) for U.S. homes and businesses and highlighted unprecedented stakeholder support for an energy technology.

SunEdison, Xcel Energy Break Ground on 8.22-MW Photovoltaic Solar Plant  May 4, 2007
An 82-acre tract in south-central Colorado (San Luis Valley) will be the site for one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in the U.S.

Frost: Thermal Power Capacity Additions Expand Opportunities in Australia, New Zealand Power Plant Services Markets  Apr 23, 2007
The Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) power plant services market should see robust growth in the coming years, according to Frost & Sullivan.

EPA Establishes Renewable Fuel Program  Apr 16, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

EC Publishes Map Showing Solar Potential of European Regions  Apr 5, 2007
A new map published by the European Commission (EC) shows the potential of photovoltaic solar cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity in different parts of Europe.

Europe's First Large Concentrating Solar Power Plant Opens in Spain  Apr 5, 2007
The first commercial-scale concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in Europe was inaugurated on March 30 near Seville, Spain.

DOE Grants GE $8.1M for Solar Energy Research  Mar 28, 2007
General Electric Co. (GE) received a multimillion-dollar grant to fund a solar energy research program from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the Solar America Initiative portion of the Bush administration Advanced Energy Initiative.

Argonne: Solar Energy Conversion Offers Solution to Help Mitigate Global Warming  Mar 21, 2007
Solar energy has the power to reduce greenhouse gases and provide increased energy efficiency, according to a scientist at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory.

AWEA Supports Proposed Incentive for Home, Small Business Wind Systems  Mar 8, 2007
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) praised Sens. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) for introducing legislation that would allow purchasers of a small wind system to receive a tax credit for a portion of the turbine cost.

NREL, PrimeStar Solar Sign Cooperative R&D Agreement to Bring CdTe PV Tech to Market  Mar 8, 2007
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and PrimeStar Solar Inc. signed an $870,000 cooperative R&D agreement to transition the NREL cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) technology to commercial module production.

Global Wind Energy Markets Grow by 32% in 2006  Feb 28, 2007
Annual figures from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) show that 15,197 megawatt-hours (MW) of wind energy was installed in 2006.

EU Reports on Goal of More Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources  Jan 29, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently reported on progress made towards the goal the European Union (EU) set in 2001 of having 21% of its generated electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2010.

DOE Announces $13M to Expand Solar Energy Technologies  Oct 24, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it intends to award more than $13M to fund new research in solar technologies.

DOE Funds Six New Hydrogen Projects  Sep 25, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected six cost-shared research and development projects that will aid in alternate hydrogen production and greater hydrogen utilization.

DOE Selects Six Methane Hydrate Projects  Aug 14, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of six cost-shared research and development projects that seek to unlock a potential source of hydrocarbon energy: methane hydrate.

DOE Offers $170M for Solar Technology Research  Jul 12, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a solicitation on June 28 for cost-shared, public-private partnerships to advance solar energy technology.

Frost: Expansion, Increased Outsourcing Create Growth Potential for European Renewable Power Plant Servicing Market  Jun 15, 2006
Rapid expansion in the installed capacity of renewable power plants in Europe will be accompanied by the rising need for related power plant services.

FERC Issues Certification for Renewable Energy Tax Credit  Jun 12, 2006
The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) certified an incremental hydroelectric upgrade for the first time under provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), allowing the applicant to qualify for a renewable energy tax credit.

Wind-Powered Electricity Generating Capacity Grows in EU  May 26, 2006
Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, released new statistics¹about wind-powered electricity generating capacity in the 25 member states of the European Union (EU-25), as detailed below.

IEEE Approves New Buswork, Hydroelectric Standards  May 22, 2006
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) approved a new standard for flexible busworks at electric substations in seismically active areas.

NREL, Xcel Energy Sign Wind to Hydrogen Research Agreement  May 15, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Xcel Energy recently signed a cooperative agreement for a wind to hydrogen research, development and demonstration project.

EC Endorses €45 Million Aid to First Solar for German Solar Modules Plant  May 1, 2006
The European Commission (EC) authorised a €45.5 million aid that the German government plans to provide to First Solar Manufacturing GmbH (FSM) for the creation of a plant in Frankfurt to manufacture solar modules.

UL Certifies Capstone MicroTurbines for Renewable Energy Generation  Apr 17, 2006
Capstone Turbine announced that its 30- and 65-kilowatt renewable energy systems are the first generators to be classified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to the UL2200 standards for stationary engine generators under the new category, Engine Generators Fueled by Biogas or Raw Natural Gas.

DOE Announces $52.5M Solicitation for Basic Hydrogen Research  Apr 14, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a three-year, $52.5M solicitation to support new innovations in hydrogen technology.

NREL Highlights Leading Utility Green Power Programs  Mar 24, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released its annual ranking of leading utility green power programs.

Renewable Portfolio Standards Help Wind Industry Grow  Mar 21, 2006
Wind power is the fastest growing form of electricity generated in the U.S. In 2005, more than 2,400 megawatts of wind energy were added to the nation's power grid, and it is expected that the market will continue to grow in 2006.

NREL Collaborates on Solar Electric Power Plant Project  Nov 23, 2005
Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) collaborated with Solargenix Energy on the solar collector technology to be used in the development of Nevada Solar One, a 64-megawatt (MW) Solar Thermal Electric Generating Plant in Boulder City, Nev.

DOE Pledges $130M for Turbine, Hydrogen R&D  Sep 30, 2005
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy Turbine Technology expanded its R&D program with 10 new projects valued at $130 million, including $45.6 million to improve combustion technologies for hydrogen fuels and $45.5 million for an advanced coal-powered turbine system.

DOE Outlines Research Needed to Improve Solar Energy Tech  Sep 14, 2005
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science released a report describing the basic research needed to produce "revolutionary progress in bringing solar energy to its full potential in the energy marketplace."

NREL Wind Turbine Design Codes Certified  Sep 9, 2005
The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced last month that its wind turbine design codes - FAST and ADAMS - may be used for worldwide turbine certification.

AWEA: Wind Energy Industry Eyes Record Year of Growth  May 4, 2005
The U.S. wind energy industry appears set this year to shatter the previous record for installation of new projects, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

Canada's Wind Power Capacity Jumps Almost 25%  Mar 24, 2005
Canada's wind-power capacity, the fastest-growing form of electricity generation in Canada, took another step forward with the announcement of funding for two new wind-power projects in Murdochville, Quebec.

FERC Proposes Wind Power Interconnection Rule  Jan 19, 2005
Responding to the growing use of wind-generated power, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proposed regulations that would remove barriers to wind-generated electricity while helping to ensure continued reliability of the national power grid.