Alternative energy
The U.S. and Czech Republic have agreed to establish a joint nuclear center in Prague, aimed to expand nuclear energy collaboration through joint initiatives. On June 12, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a finalized agreement with the Czech Republic to establish a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Center at Prague. The collaboration will facilitate joint…...
As part of its safety measures following Japan’s 2011 Fukushima disaster, NRC has directed 31 U.S. nuclear reactors to upgrade venting systems to prevent pressure-induced explosions. On June 6, 2013, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued an order directing 31 U.S. nuclear reactors to overhaul venting systems to prevent pressure buildup in the event of…...
DOI’s first lease-sale for offshore wind farms across 164,750 acres off Rhode Island and Massachusetts aims to harness approximately 3,400 MW of clean energy, sufficient to power more than one million homes. On June 3, 2013, the Department of Interior (DOI) announced the nation’s first lease sale for offshore wind energy projects on the Outer…...
The nation’s first grid-connected offshore floating wind turbine prototype deployed off the Maine coast will gather data required to scale to commercial-grade installations. On May 31, 2013, the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center launched VolturnUS, a prototype floating wind turbine off the Maine coast. The 1:8-scale prototype represents the nation’s first grid-connected…...
A new report identifies NYC’s potential for combined heat and power deployment and suggests potential solutions to overcome regulatory and technical barriers. On May 30, 2013, the Columbia Center for Climate Change Law and Modi Research Group released a report examining the potential for combined heat and power (CHP) development in New York City. Based…...
Minnesota legislature approved a 1.5% solar energy mandate that will potentially raise the state’s solar output from 13 MW to 450 MW by 2020. On May 23, 2013, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed the Omnibus Energy Bill (HF 956) into law, establishing a solar energy standard and a set of provisions aimed to encourage investment…...
The U.S. Army’s first grid-tied microgrid at a Texas military base will enable off-grid operation, reducing its carbon footprint and meeting energy efficiency goals. On May 16, 2013, the U.S. Army introduced the military’s first grid-tied microgrid at the Fort Bliss, Texas base. The $2.4 million project received funding from the Department of Defense’s (DOD)…...
DOE launched H2USA to develop hydrogen fuel infrastructure, advance fuel cell electric vehicles, and diversify the transportation energy portfolio. On May 13, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) launched H2USA, a public-private partnership to advance hydrogen infrastructure, increase affordability of fuel cell electric vehicles, and provide more energy options for the transportation sector. The partnership includes stakeholders from…...
Energy tax reform proposals released by the House Ways and Means Committee outline potential modifications to federal tax code for fossil fuel production, renewable energy tax credits, and energy efficiency provisions. On May 6, 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released the Joint Committee on Taxation report detailing tax reform suggestions to 11 Tax…...
Senators have sought GAO investigation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor research program, in view of the constrained budget environment that could cut funding for U.S. fusion energy programs. On May 3, 2013, Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) wrote to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) seeking information…...
The first Chinese-owned U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing facility, in collaboration with the City of Lancaster, CA, will deliver ten zero-emission electric buses for public transportation in Long Beach by May 2014. On May 1, 2013, Mayor R. Rex Parris of Lancaster, California, and officials of China-based BYD Motors announced the launch of two BYD manufacturing…...
BLM issued a regulation to prohibit mining claims in public lands with pending applications for renewable energy projects or those identified as potential sites for renewable energy development. On April 30, 2013, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published a regulation to the Federal Register to temporarily segregate public lands set aside for renewable…...