Renewable energy

November 17, 2009 -- Today, President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao announced a far-reaching package of measures to strengthen cooperation between the United States and China on clean energy. Attached are six fact sheets on the U.S-China clean energy announcements.    » read more »

Federally-funded project part of long-range lab modernization plan

ARGONNE, IL (November 17, 2009) – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is providing $8 million to Argonne National Laboratory for detailed design work for a new, world-class energy research facility. This is the first step in beginning work on what is expected to be a $95 million construction project.

The Energy Sciences Building (ESB) will provide an environment that will accelerate the pace of discovery by bringing together interdisciplinary teams of researchers in a space that can be adjusted to accommodate an evolving energy-related science agenda. Construction is scheduled to begin during fiscal year 2011.    » read more »

November 17, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today escorted executives from Statoil around the State as part of a visit of officials from the Norwegian company. Statoil is working with the University of Maine on potential offshore wind power development.

Company officials, including the head of Statoil’s wind power business development, came to Maine to see firsthand the existing capacity and infrastructure, interest and commitment of the State and private partners to develop wind power off Maine’s coast. The tour showcased the Cianbro Eastern Manufacturing Facility in Brewer, the Fox Islands Community Wind Project on Vinalhaven, Brunswick Naval Air Station and Bath Iron Works.    » read more »

Enticed by New Renewable Energy Tax Incentive

November 16, 2009 -- PHOENIX – Four months after Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed Arizona’s new Renewable Energy Tax Incentive into law, she today announced one of the world’s largest solar cell manufacturers will locate its United States headquarters in Arizona and create jobs for Arizonans. China-based Suntech Power Holdings is a multi-billion dollar corporation that makes photovoltaic solar cells and solar electric systems.    » read more »

Company Enters Module Manufacturing to Meet Fastest Growing Segment of Solar Market

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 17, 2009 — DuPont Apollo Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DuPont, announced the opening of its silicon based thin-film photovoltaic module manufacturing facility. The facility demonstrates the company’s commitment to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by supporting renewable energy technologies such as solar energy.    » read more »

North Haven resident Chellie Pingree says Maine project is “example” for the nation

November 17, 2009 -- Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined Governor John Baldacci, House Speaker Hannah Pingree and others to cut the ribbon on the Fox Islands Wind Project in Vinalhaven today. Pingree, a resident of nearby North Haven Island, said the wind turbines will serve as an example for the rest of the country.

“This project is a perfect example of what we can do across this country,” Pingree said. “Instead of paying some of the highest electric rates in the country to buy power generated in part by oil we’ve had to import from overseas, our communities will produce their own electricity right here at home. It’s a home-grown solution to our energy needs.”    » read more »

VINALHAVEN, Maine--Tuesday, November 17, 2009-- Harnessing Maine’s strong ocean winds, three wind turbines supplied by GE (NYSE: GE) now are producing power for the residents of Vinalhaven and North Haven, two year-round communities that comprise the Fox Islands located in Penobscot Bay in mid-coast Maine.

The wind facility, which has three GE 1.5-megawatt machines on site, was dedicated today as part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the project developer, Fox Islands Wind, LLC. On average, the project is expected to generate approximately 11,600 megawatt hours of electricity per year, supplying the island’s communities with year-round cleaner, more affordable power.    » read more »

November 17, 2009 -- Beijing, China - Today, President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao announced a far-reaching package of measures to strengthen cooperation between the United States and China on clean energy. Please see the attached fact sheets for additional details on each of the U.S-China clean energy announcements.    » read more »

Midland, MI - November 16, 2009 -- The Dow Chemical Company's (NYSE:DOW) DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle, a flexible photovoltaic solar cell packaged in the form of a roofing shingle that can be easily integrated with standard asphalt shingle materials, has been named one of "The 50 Best Inventions of 2009" by TIME magazine.    » read more »

EPA international clean energy partnership program grants funding to 11 countries

11/12/2009 -- WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is supporting the international Methane to Markets Partnership (M2M) by funding 21 new projects that will help 11 countries capture and use methane emissions from landfill, coal, agriculture, oil and natural gas operations. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, traps over 20 times more heat than carbon dioxide, making it a significant contributor to climate change.    » read more »

Washington, November 12, 2009 - The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy today announced projects selected for more than $24 million in grants to research and develop technologies to produce biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products. Of the $24.4 million announced today, DOE plans to invest up to $4.9 million with USDA contributing up to $19.5 million. Advanced biofuels produced through this funding are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared to today's biofuels.    » read more »

November 12, 2009 -- Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), will tour the DMI Industries wind turbine tower manufacturing facility in West Fargo, ND today and participate in a roundtable discussion with North Dakota government officials and industry executives. Bode’s visit will highlight the manufacturing jobs that wind power development creates and the need for comprehensive policy including a strong national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) to ramp up this development and build up a strong manufacturing base.

An RES requires that a growing share of the nation’s electricity be generated from renewable sources.    » read more »

Set to reach 12% of EU’s electricity by 2020

Brussels, 16 November 2009 -- The Thin Film industry is more than ever ready to contribute to the 12% target set by EPIA in its recent SET For 2020 study. This was confirmed by the 260 participants of EPIA’s 2nd International Thin Film Conference that took place on 12 November 2009 in Munich.    » read more »

Nov. 12, 2009 -- Harrisburg – More than $23 million was approved this week for 36 new solar and other alternative and clean energy projects that will help maintain Pennsylvania’s status as a national leader in the drive to create a green economy, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell said.

“From a geothermal energy system for the Sisters of St. Joseph in Erie; to a new high-energy-performance, mixed-use building in Lancaster, these are the kinds of investments that are crucial if we are to continue developing clean energy resources and enhancing our reputation as a leader in the field,” Governor Rendell said. “I’m committed to supporting growth and innovation that promotes energy conservation and efficiency, a cleaner environment, and a stronger green economy.”    » read more »

Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today congratulated two Ohio companies that received more than $4.4 million in federal funding to research and develop technologies to produce biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products.

“With agriculture and food processing as two of Ohio’s largest industries, we have tremendous potential for creating energy out of natural, renewable resources. And growing Ohio’s advanced and renewable energy industry is a cornerstone of our plan to create new Ohio jobs,” Strickland said. “We appreciate Secretaries Vilsack and Chu for helping to boost our growth industries with these resources.”    » read more »