NATIONAL NEWS
DOE
Announces $120 Million to Support Development of Innovative Manufacturing
Processes
President Obama recently launched the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership,
including an investment of up to $120 million from the Department of Energy over
three years to develop transformational manufacturing technologies and
innovative materials that could enable industrial facilities to dramatically
increase their energy efficiency. The Advanced Manufacturing Partnership is a
national effort bringing together industry, universities and the federal
government to invest in emerging technologies that will create high quality
manufacturing jobs and enhance our global competitiveness. This clean energy
investment in new energy-efficient manufacturing processes and novel materials
will help U.S. manufacturers save money by reducing the energy needed to power
their facilities. DOE expects to fund 35 to 50 cost-shared projects under
the initiative. Projects associated with innovations in the earlier stages
of development, such as applied research projects or those that establish a
proof of concept, will be eligible for awards up to $1 million.
Applications are due by August 25, 2011. More information and application
requirements can be found at the Funding Opportunity Exchange.
DOE
Report Highlights Innovative Breakthroughs in Energy-Efficient Technologies for
Buildings
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a new report showcasing numerous
energy-saving products and technologies, made possible through DOE research and
development, which are currently available in the market or projected to enter
the marketplace in the future. Because buildings consume roughly 40% of the
nation's energy, more than transportation or the industrial sector, improving
buildings with energy-saving products is one of the most beneficial ways to
reduce energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The report authored by DOE's
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and titled
Buildings R&D Breakthroughs: Technologies and Products Supported by the Building
Technologies Program (BTP), informs government professionals, architects,
designers, manufacturers, and energy efficiency advocates about DOE project
successes and next-generation innovations.
STATE NEWS
Arizona Offers Aggressive Incentives for Renewable Energy Companies
Arizona is home to more than 100 significant solar energy businesses,
including the world's two largest solar companies, First Solar and Suntech.
In recent months, Arizona has experienced significant growth in the renewable
energy marketplace. Companies are taking advantage of tax incentives, a
pro-business climate, a specialized workforce and more sunny days than any other
state in the country. Incentives for renewable energy companies in Arizona
include: up to 10% of capital investments as a refundable income tax credit;
Arizona Competes deal closing fund; income tax credits up to $9,000 for each
quality new job; up to $1.5 million in reimbursable grants to train employees;
up to 34% R&D tax credit; and significant business tax reductions including
lowering the state income tax from 6.97% to 4.9%. For more information on
solar opportunities and incentives in Arizona visit
www.azcommerce.com and
www.azsolarstate.com.
California Energy Commission Awards More Than $5 Million for Geothermal Projects
The California Energy Commission took another step towards helping to meet
the state's 33 percent renewable goals by awarding $5,491,865 in grants for four
geothermal projects. Funds for the projects come from the Commission's
Geothermal Resources Development Account (GRDA) Program. The GRDA program
promotes the development of new or existing geothermal resources and
technologies. Projects proposed for funding are awarded as grants or loans. The
funds come from revenues paid to the United States government by geothermal
developers for leases on federal land in California. For more information, visit
www.energy.ca.gov/geothermal/index.html.
New
York School District Goes Green with Solar Energy Project
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is
partnering with the Milford Central School District on a solar energy project
that will help the school district save $4,315 per year in energy costs.
Milford Central School’s solar energy system will generate and supply clean,
renewable energy for its PreK-12 building. As part of this installation, the
school also will have a meter on display for students and visitors to monitor
the electrical output of the system. The project is funded by $273,000 in
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) incentives administered by
NYSERDA. The 41 kW solar energy system installed on the roof of the school is
expected to produce 46,247 kWh or six percent of the building’s power needs per
year.
School Energy Upgrades Funded In Oregon
EarthTechling
Oregon schools won’t have to wait much longer for badly needed repairs and
energy efficiency upgrades with Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber recently
signing House Bill 2960 into law. The bill enables school districts to
apply for low cost financing to pay for energy efficiency upgrades in schools so
that districts can fix leaky roofs, upgrade to energy efficient lighting, and
make heating more efficient. Whether you view these as green jobs or not, for
every $1M invested in energy upgrades the state estimates that 15 jobs are
created. All Oregon school districts are welcome to apply to the Oregon Department of
Energy until July 15 for this financing, but Kitzhaber specifically
mentioned funds being targeted to rural communities hit hard by tough economic
times.
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