Energy efficiency News for November 2009

Energy efficiency News Archive

States make “significant strides” in adopting pro-renewable energy practices such as net metering and interconnection

A report on net metering and interconnection practices that could enable renewable energy adoption across the United States, has given top marks to California, Colorado, New Jersey and Oregon, but failing grades to Georgia, Idaho and Texas.

3TIER selected for US$178m smart grid demo

3TIER along with a Pacific Northwest team, have been selected by the US Department of Energy (DoE) to conduct a US$ 178 million regional smart grid demonstration project.

US$620m for smart grid demonstration and energy storage projects in USA

Demonstration projects for advanced smart grid technologies and integrated systems will receive US$620 million, US Energy Secretary Chu announced this week.

World Bank funds half-million for renewable energy and efficiency in South Africa

Funding to the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) Investment Plan in South Africa will allow the country to move towards its goal of 4% of electricity from renewable energy by 2013.

REF Webinar: "Renewable energy in the Middle East" - speakers confirmed

Helene Pelosse, interim Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is confirmed as one of the guest speakers for Renewable Energy Focus’ next interactive webinar taking place on Wednesday 9 December (10.00 EST/15.00 GMT/19.00 UAE), in association with the World Future Energy Summit.

New buildings in Europe must include renewable energy

The energy performance of buildings constructed after 2020 must improve and rely “to a large extent” on renewable energy, according to a deal reached between the EU Parliament and its Council.

European utilities must invest more in renewable energy, says analysis

The economic recession has prompted utilities in Europe to invest less in renewable power and the smart grid, even though they need to invest more to meet goals, says the European Energy Markets Observatory.

US builds one million Energy Star green homes

The US Environmental Protection Agency says one million green homes have been built in the United States under its ENERGY STAR programme.

SANYO unveils lithium-ion battery systems for solar cell systems, electric vehicles

Japanese electrical giant SANYO Electric has developed two new large-capacity, high-voltage lithium-ion battery systems. SANYO will begin mass production of the new products in March 2010.

Baxi Innotech installs Gamma fuel cell CHP unit on Hamburg museum ship

A fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) unit has officially been put into operation on a museum sailing ship in Hamburg, Germany. The fuel cell unit, developed by local firm Baxi Innotech, now provides energy and heat in the former freight sailing ship, the 'Rickmer Rickmers'.

Online platform offering policymaker toolkit for secure and renewable energy

A new online platform launched by the World Future Council provides policymakers throughout the world with tools to unleash sustainable and renewable energy development.

SANYO combines technologies for energy creation, storage and saving SANYO combines technologies for energy creation, storage and saving

SANYO Electric Co. is entering the energy solutions business with system proposals to reduce running costs and CO2 emissions for factories, schools, stores and other facilities. The company will offer systems that combine SANYO’s technologies for energy creation (solar cell), energy storage (rechargeable battery), and energy saving (commercial equipment).

US could create 4.5 million jobs in renewable energy, says analysis

The United States could net 4.5 million new jobs in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors by 2030 if it addresses climate change, according to a report prepared for the American Solar Energy Society.

Indesit, RLtec and npower dynamic demand smart grid technology

Indesit Company is joining the smart grid technology company RLtec, and energy company npower, in what the companies call the Europe’s largest residential trial of dynamic demand smart grid technology in the UK.

Australia gives AU$16.4m to reduce GHG emissions from offices - includes renewable energy funding

Installation of renewable energy solutions such as solar electric panels and solar film are prominent among 37 projects funded by the Australian Department for Innovation, Industry, Science & Research.

Renewable energy could help create 1.9 million jobs in the USA

Comprehensive clean renewable energy and climate policies would create jobs, increase consumers’ income and strengthen the economy, according to a study conducted by three universities in the USA.

Integration of renewable energy is top issue for next decade for US regulator

The integration of renewable energy facilities is one of the top factors that will require changes to policy, planning and operations over the next decade, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).

UK could miss target for renewable energy

Targets for renewable energy in Britain and the government’s carbon budgets could be missed, under one of the scenarios for future energy supply envisaged by Ofgem, the country’s energy regulator.

Australian utility implements GE’s 4G communications smart grid solution

SP AusNet, one of Australia’s largest utilities, could be the first to implement GE’s WiMAX fourth-generation (4G) smart grid solution.