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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

LEEP

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




Building owners across #America spend $16 billion annually to light their parking lots and garages. Switching to more advanced lighting solutions that last longer and are more cost effective can addresses this issue. Our Better Buildings Alliance’s Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) Campaign is working with partners to install more #energy efficient lighting in parking structures across the #US. Eighteen organizations were honored this week for leading the way in efficient outdoor lighting by installing efficient lighting across more than 470 million square feet of parking space. Learn how these organizations are cutting energy use on average by 60%:http://go.usa.gov/3vSdk.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

We ♥ Hydropower

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




This #hydropower dam in #Washington state is one of almost 700 #US hydropower sites that provide#recreation. Operators of these facilities work with local communities to allow recreational activities such as jet skiing and even water releases for whitewater rafting. With #summer officially here, the EERE Blog details how hydropower dams not only provide renewable #energy to millions of Americans, but also play a key role in #summerfun:http://go.usa.gov/3vDZ5

Friday, June 26, 2015

Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System

From the U.S. Department of Energy:




Say hello to the largest concentrating solar power plant in the world.

Located in the Mojave Desert about 40 miles outside Las Vegas, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System has the capacity to generate 392 megawatts of clean electricity, enough to power about 140,000 homes.

(Photo by Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images for Bechtel)
— at Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating Facility.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Early Wind Power

From the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL):




On a hilltop in Rutland, Vermont, Grandpa's Knob wind generator supplied power to the local grid during World War II. The Smith-Putnam machine was the world's first megawatt-scale wind turbine, rated at 1.25 MW in 30 MPH wind speeds. It was removed from service in 1945. #TBT

Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative (CEMI)

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




The Energy Department’s Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative (CEMI) is organizing summits across the #US where stakeholders can learn how to tap into the Department’s and other organizations’ many clean #energy #manufacturing programs and resources. On July 9, we will host the CEMI Southeast Regional Summit in #Atlanta, which is open to the public and free of charge. Read our Assistant Secretary Dave Danielson’s blog post to learn more about the summit and how to register: http://go.usa.gov/3vNtR.

The photo below shows Suniva, Inc. #solar panels on the roof a clean energy #research lab at Georgia Tech. Suniva and Georgia Tech are two of the featured organizations at the upcoming summit.

Energy Department’s National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




Clean energy #entrepreneurship was on full display at the final round of the Energy Department’s National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition in #Washington, D.C., this week. Hyliion from Carnegie Mellon University took home first place and the $50,000 prize for its add-on hybrid module that reduces#fuel consumption for heavy duty trucks. Our office also announced awardees for the Cleantech University Prize, a $2.5 million funding opportunity that will support the commercialization of promising technologies that reduce #carbon #pollution and grow the clean #energy #economy. Learn more about#CleanEnergyBiz15 and what’s next for clean energy entrepreneurship: http://go.usa.gov/3v8PR.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Biofuels Research

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




#Biofuels research at the #Energy Department’s network of national labs is making an impact in #America. The cost to create biofuels for vehicles and the aviation industry is down. Biofuels could replace petroleum in some plastic production, and new non-food biomass resources are being developed. With our #Bioenergy2015 conference kicking off tomorrow in Washington D.C., here’s a rundown of how this industry is developing quickly as a result of Energy Department support: http://go.usa.gov/3dV9H.
Learn more about Bioenergy2015:http://go.usa.gov/3dme9.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Help in Going Solar

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




Looking to #GoSolar, but have questions before you do? Some of our #SunShot Initiative awardees have developed technology that can provide you with personalized information using satellite maps. Learn more about the resources that can gauge your home’s#solar potential and even estimate your monthly#energy savings: http://go.usa.gov/3dVUW.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Act on Climate

From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:




Communities, businesses and schools #ActOnClimate.#EPAGreenPower Partners are leading the way by using more than 28 billion kWh green power! Learn more: http://go.usa.gov/3p8fB

Reducing Solar Energy Costs

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




Solar PV panels now cost 50% less than they did about three years ago, making them more affordable than ever. One of the remaining obstacles for our #SunShot Initiative--dedicated to making #solar energy cost competitive with traditional #energy sources--is reducing non-hardware costs, such as permitting or structural analysis of homes, before solar panels are installed on a roof. A new report from Sandia National Labs says most rooftops are strong enough to carry the weight of a solar installation with little trouble. This means a costly step in installing solar could be avoided, therefore reducing the cost for millions of additional Americans to #GoSolar. Learn more on the EERE Blog: http://go.usa.gov/3prtb.

Low-cost, High-speed and Efficient Manufacturing and Recycling

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




Low-cost, high-speed and efficient #manufacturing and #recycling process technologies are key for #America to continue the surge of roughly 800,000 new manufacturing-related #jobs since February 2010. Dr. David Danielson, the Energy Department’s Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, took part in a signing ceremony this week at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to kick off a new advanced manufacturing hub. Learn about the new Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, which will focus on lowering the overall manufacturing costs of advanced composites by 50% among other major objectives.:http://1.usa.gov/1InaQD8

Monday, June 15, 2015

NREL Innovates Today for the Homes of Tomorrow

From the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL):




NREL Innovates Today for the Homes of Tomorrow - Deep in the heart of NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF), a dedicated team of engineers in the Smart Power Laboratory are developing the technologies that will help the "smart homes" of the future perform efficiently and communicate effectively with the electricity grid while also enhancing occupants' comfort and convenience.http://go.usa.gov/3Ej8w

New NREL Partnerships

From the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL):




Five new NREL partnerships will award up to $6.5 million in federal funds to technical teams throughout the country. These cost-shared projects with industry, universities, and other stakeholders will address the challenges of enabling the nation's electric grid to handle increasing amounts of renewable energy.http://go.usa.gov/3EbvG

Recognition by the Geothermal Energy Association

From the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL):




Each year the Geothermal Energy Association honors those who have made strong contributions to the advancement of geothermal energy during the past year. NREL is proud to have had two members of its staff receive this recognition this year for their work in geothermal energy resource assessment and better understanding water usage in geothermal energy projects. Congratulations to NREL's Dan Getman and Jordan Macknick. http://www.nrel.gov/geothermal/news/2015/18513.html

Sunday, June 14, 2015

More Wind Turbines Possible in Hawaii

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




There could be a lot more #wind turbines likes these in#Hawaii soon. This week, Governor David Ige signed a law directing America’s 50th state to become completely self-sustaining, using 100% renewable energy sources by 2045. As Hawaii continues its clean#energy leadership, we will add more of Hawaii’s lessons learned to the Energy Transition Initiative Islands Playbook, a guide to successfully planning and completing a transition away from a dependence on imported fuels by focusing on local resources. Learn more: http://www.eere.energy.gov/islandsplaybook/.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Road to Omaha

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




For the first time in the 69-year history of the College World Series baseball tournament, the #RoadToOmahais paved with green energy. The college #baseballchampionship tournament starting today at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha has purchased enough renewable #energy certificates to match every megawatt-hour of #electricity used to power the two-week event. The renewable credits will pay for the power generated from the pictured wind farm in the small town of Petersburg, #Nebraska. Our wind program works with electric grid operators, utilities, regulators and industry to create new strategies for incorporating #wind energy into America’s power system while maintaining economic and reliable operation of the grid. Learn more about these efforts, which could help other major events like the College World Series go green: http://go.usa.gov/3PuY3.#CWS
Wind farm picture courtesy of Gestamp Wind. College World Series photos courtesy of HDR Architecture, Inc.; @2011 Alistair Tutton

Friday, June 12, 2015

Plug-in Electric Vehicles

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




More plug-in electric, (pictured below) alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles could hit the roads as a result of a new buying system we’re going to support in the near future. We announced new #EnergyDepartment funding this week to advance aggregate purchasing, when one central organization coordinates customers to maximize their collective buying power. This new type of system could lower costs and expand product availability for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, vehicle components, alternative fuels and fueling infrastructure. Get all the specifics details here: http://go.usa.gov/3PQtF.

Smart Power Laboratory Overview

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Private and public sector leaders commit to accelerating energy efficiency legislation and technology innovation at Energy Efficiency Forum

From Johnson Controls:


Private and public sector leaders commit to accelerating energy efficiency legislation and technology innovation at Energy Efficiency Forum
Johnson Controls and United States Energy Association host 26th annual forum
Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of Army, addressing the 2015 EEF
Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of Army, addressing the 2015 EEF
MILWAUKEE – June 11, 2015 – Johnson Controls and the United States Energy Association (USEA) welcomed Congressional leaders, White House appointees and regulatory powerhouses to the 2015 Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C. The event featured influential thought-leaders in the energy sector, including the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Department of Energy, the U.S. Army and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
“Energy efficiency represents a powerful opportunity to improve the economy, lower carbon emissions, create jobs and ensure our country’s energy resiliency,” said Bill Jackson, president, Johnson Controls Building Efficiency. “We’ve gathered a powerful group of leaders from the public and private sectors who must work together to accelerate the progress being made and the success possible from greater energy efficiency.”
Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) championed unprecedented bipartisan efforts in both chambers to move energy efficiency legislation, including bills that would leverage energy saving performance contracting models to make the federal government more energy efficient.  Senator Gardner and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.) were recognized as 2015 Energy Leadership Award Recipients.
Federal Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt added perspective on the President’s recently announced 10-year strategy to reduce the federal government’s energy use by 2.5 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent. Policy influencers including the Department of Energy’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Kathleen Hogan, Ph.D. and FERC Commissioner Cheryl LaFleur shared insights into critical regulatory debates including the upcoming Supreme Court review of FERC Order 745, a demand-response compensation program in the wholesale electricity markets.
Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of Army Installations, Energy and Environment, showcased the Army’s mission toward greater energy resiliency and Net Zero, including a new combined heat and power plant at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The plant will save the Army nearly $113 million over 19 years and provide reliable energy service to mission-critical facilities.
Technology innovators from C3 Energy, Clean Energy Trust and the Nest Labs rounded out the event with additional advancements from the private sector, including utility data analytics, clean energy development, and residential energy management.
For a streaming update of event photos and quotes, check out #EEForum, follow @JCI_BEnews and visit www.eeforum.net.
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2015, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

Plug-in Electric Vehicles Catching On

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




Plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) ownership growth continues in #America. Almost 120,000 electric vehicles were sold in the U.S. in 2014, a 23% jump from 2013 and a 128% jump from 2012. The selection of models is also on the rise, with more than 31 new plug-in hybrid and all electric vehicles available from 11 automakers. The Energy Department is supporting this growth through the EV Everywhere Grand Challenge, focused on the U.S. becoming the first nation in the world to produce #PEVs that are as affordable for the average American family by 2022 as a 2012 baseline gasoline-powered vehicle. This week, Energy Department Secretary Ernest Moniz signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Edison Electric Institute to advance our mutual goals of increasing the #economic#environmental and national security benefits from using #electricity as a#transportation fuel. Learn more on the EERE Blog:http://go.usa.gov/3PVHz.

Roll to Roll Manufacturing

Using Lightweight Metals to Improve Efficiency

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly using lightweight materials like aluminum to improve efficiency, saving drivers money and fuel. However, some common processes in #manufacturing are more challenging when used with new materials. The Energy Department’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - PNNLGeneral MotorsAlcoa, and the TWB Company, supported by our Vehicle Technologies Office, have developed a new process that reduces production time and costs for producing aluminum components while yielding strong and lightweight parts. The process, known as friction stir welding, can deliver an aluminum car door inner panel that is 62% lighter and 25% cheaper than what can be manufactured today. This new technology is so promising that GM recently stamped its first full-sized aluminum inner door panel using it. This is just one project being reviewed at our merit review this week being held by our Vehicle Technologies Office and Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program. Learn more about this project on the EERE Success Stories page: http://go.usa.gov/3PU8J.
#SustainableVehicleWeek #vtoamr

Johnson Controls teams up to scale energy efficiency in corporate supply chains

From Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls teams up to scale energy efficiency in corporate supply chains
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and other organizations participate in Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) America Commitment to Action
MILWAUKEEJune 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls plans to scale up its innovative program to help small and medium-sized suppliers reduce energy use in their manufacturing facilities as a CGI America Commitment to Action.
The Scaling Energy Efficiency in Corporate Supply Chains CGI Commitment to Action expands an existing Johnson Controls supplier efficiency pilot program in which company energy experts visit the plants of their suppliers and train their in-house teams on identifying and implementing low-cost/no-cost energy efficiency improvement measures. The supplier training follows an industry practice known as "energy hunts," conducted for years by Johnson Controls at its own manufacturing plants around the world.  Suppliers participating in the program typically achieve energy savings of 5 to 10 percent with less than a two year payback on their investments.
As part of the CGI Commitment to Action, Johnson Controls, a global multi industrial company, will support 60 additional suppliers over the next three years.  The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) will provide overall coordination of the commitment including recruiting manufacturing partners, gathering program results and reporting progress to CGI.
The Scaling Energy Efficiency in Corporate Supply Chains Commitment to Action was recognized yesterday during ceremonies at CGI America 2015 held in Denver, Colorado.
"Small and medium-sized suppliers often have limited resources and lack the expertise to investigate and implement resource efficiency improvements," said Grady Crosby, vice president and chief diversity officer for Johnson Controls.  "We are pleased the Clinton Global Initiative has recognized this program to help the manufacturing sector reduce energy consumption which translates into lower operating costs and increased competitiveness for American businesses."
"ACEEE research has identified the value of energy efficiency to small and medium-sized manufacturers, but also the challenges of limited expertise and staff resources needed to realize savings," said Steve Nadel, executive director of ACEEE. "Large companies have proven that sharing expertise with their suppliers is an effective strategy for generating savings and improving the productivity and financial stability of both companies, thereby creating quality jobs."
Other organizations supporting the commitment to action include the U.S. Department of Energy and the Institute for Industrial Productivity, which will share best practices, tools, and expertise while helping recruit additional manufacturing partners. The World Resources Institute will provide advice and support to the project while the Natural Resources Defense Council will serve as an advisor in the area of supply chain programs and supporting policies.
About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2015, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.
About ACEEE:The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. For information about ACEEE and its programs, publications, and conferences, visit http://aceee.org. Follow @ACEEEdc on Twitter.
About Clinton Global Initiative AmericaThe Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an initiative of the Clinton Foundation, convenes global leaders to create and implement solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. Established in June 2011 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative America (CGI America) addresses economic recovery in the United States. CGI America brings together leaders in business, government, and civil society to generate and implement commitments to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and support workforce development in the United States. Since its first meeting, CGI America participants have made more than 400 commitments, which have improved the lives of nearly 1.4 million people.
CGI also convenes an Annual Meeting, which brings together global leaders to take action and create positive social change, CGI University (CGI U), which brings together undergraduate and graduate students to address pressing challenges in their community or around the world, and, this year, CGI will also convene CGI Middle East & Africa, which will bring together leaders across sectors to take action on pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. For more information, visit clintonglobalinitiative.org and follow us on Twitter @ClintonGlobal and Facebook at facebook.com/clintonglobalinitiative.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Multi-mode RCCI (Reactivity-Controlled Compression Ignition)

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




Can you imagine driving a car that runs on both gasoline and diesel? The #Energy Department’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, supported by our Vehicle Technologies Office, is working on a technology that uses both fuels to increase #efficiency. Multi-mode RCCI (Reactivity-Controlled Compression Ignition) has the potential to improve fuel economy and reduce smog-forming emissions by at least 15% compared to traditional light-duty diesel engines. If RCCI (demonstrated in graphic below) is combined with other advanced technologies such as hybridization, there's an even greater potential for saving consumers fuel and money. This is just one project being reviewed this week at our Merit Review held by our offices dedicated to advancing vehicle and fuel cell technologies. Learn more about this project on the EERE Success page:http://go.usa.gov/3NHyV#SustainableVehicleWeek#vtoamr

H2USA

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




As fuel cell vehicles hit the streets, #hydrogen infrastructure remains a challenge. The #Energy Department co-launched H2USA, a public-private partnership to overcome these challenges in 2013. Today, the number of partners has increased 4 fold! Learn more: http://h2usa.org/
#h2amr #h2iq #SustainableVehicleWeek

US Hybrid Fuel Cell Electric Bus (FCEB)

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




You’ve probably heard that fuel cell electric vehicles are now starting to be produced by multiple automakers. But #DidYouKnow that some cities are powering their public transportation with fuel cells? A US Hybrid Fuel Cell Electric Bus (FCEB) AC Transit in Northern #California recently exceeded 19,000 hours and is on its way to meeting the ultimate target of 25,000 hours before needing its fuel cell stack replaced. Putting FCEBs like this on the road helps reduce carbon emissions and gets us closer to a cleaner more sustainable #energy future. Our Fuel Cell Technologies Office provided support for this project and continues work to advance this technology. Learn more:http://go.usa.gov/35VrT.
#h2amr #h2iq #SustainableVehicleWeek

Wave Energy Conversion Device

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:




You’re looking at what could be a significant clean energy source for #America in the future: harnessing the enormous potential of renewable #electricity from#ocean waves. This Azura wave energy conversion (WEC) device was recently launched and connected to the grid at the U.S. Navy’s Wave Energy Test SiteMarine Corps Base Hawaii. Azura is the first open-ocean, grid-connected WEC device in North America to be independently verified by a third party: University of Hawaii at Manoa. Get all of the details on the EERE Blog about this major advancement that could one day contribute to America’s clean #energy portfolio:http://go.usa.gov/3Pkz4.