Energy and Climate Change


Housing Authority in South Carolina Enters Energy Performance Contract

The housing authority in Columbia, South Carolina has entered into an energy performance contract with Ameresco. The contract will help upgrade CHA housing units, which is expected to save over $6.5 million in energy costs and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Watchdog Group Deems DOE Waste Cleanup Plan Inadequate

After an eight-year study of radioactive waste cleanup in Washington, the Department of Energy faces complaints that an incomplete disposal solution has been offered.

NREL Announces Five Year Collaboration on Biofuels

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will be partnering with global specialty chemicals company, Johnson Matthey, in order to develop new ways to lower the costs of biofuel production.

Lakeland Electric Projected to Save Significantly on Coal Supply Costs

With GE’s Chemical Treatment Technologies, Lakeland Electric is expected to save 15 to 20 percent on annual coal purchases.

Oil & Gas Industry's 2011 Environmental Spending Pegged at $12.9 Billion

A new API report also says 35 percent of the environmental spend, or $4.5 billion, in 2011 went toward air pollution abatement.

Sustainable Bioenergy Production Supported by USDA

The USDA will be providing $10 million in research grants as an effort to expand the production of bioenergy and bio-based products.

Scientists Urge White House to Halt Shale Gas Fracking for Export

More than 100 medical and scientific exports have signed a petition, asking to stop expanded shale gas fracking for export purposes because of the potential harm it could cause Americans.

Thousands Protest Against Coal Export in Seattle

Waterkeepers attend a public hearing about a proposed coal export terminal in Seattle, which would be constructed in an area next to an aquatic reserve.



Ameresco Expands Market Share in Ohio with New Energy Efficiency Project

Lorain County Joint Vocational School will save over $4.5 million during a 15-year contract that includes energy conservation measures and infrastructure upgrades.

Emerson’s Ovation Technology Optimizes Solar Operation in California

The Ovation system will play a key supervisory role in controlling the output of Catalina Solar and Pacific Wind renewable energy projects as directed by the regional ISO.

EIA Releases U.S. Energy Production Projections

EIA has released its Annual Energy Outlook 2013 (AEO2013) Reference case today. The report predicts that the growth in total energy production will exceed the growth of total energy consumption in the U.S. through the year 2040.

NREL Teams with Berkeley Lab to Analyze Solar Pricing Trends

According to a new analysis by NREL and Berkeley lad, downward pricing for solar energy is expected to continue with soft costs making 40 to 50 percent of residential and commercial PV prices.

Student Teams Receive Funding from EPA for Sustainable Technology Competition

The EPA has awards $15,000 grants to 45 college teams, a total of $675,000, in phase I of its People, Prosperity and the Planet annual student design competition, which is geared toward sustainable technology.

Biodiesel in Alaska Made from Cooking Oil Waste

Alaska Waste’s biodiesel plant in Anchorage transforms cooking oil into transportation fuel; the company also uses that fuel to operate their own vehicles.

A Tobacco Tree Could be Used as Biofuel

Researchers at Royal Holloway have identified a tobacco tree that could produce biofuels, and have been awarded a grant for further research from the European Union.

Arizona State University Received Grant to Advance Carbon Capture Technology

In order to pursue high-risk, high-reward advances with the potential to change the way the nation consumes and generates energy, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Arizona State University (ASU) a grant for alternative energy research.

New Clean Cities Projects to Diversify U.S. Fuel Economy

As part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Energy Department announced 20 new projects to help states and local governments develop the infrastructure, training, and regional planning needed to help meet the demand for alternative fuel cars and trucks.

EP 2012 New Product of the Year Winners Announced

The contest attracted a record number of entries in 10 categories ranging from Air Quality and Climate to Wastewater.

Slower Growth Forecasts for Oil Demand in Fourth Quarter

The November Oil Market Report cut the demand for International Energy Association (IEA) oil by 290,000 barrels a day, or 290 kb/d amid the residual effects of Hurricane Sandy and the European economic weakness.

Researchers Strive to Make Solar Technology Affordable

Three research projects, led by Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), are searching for cheaper materials and manufacturing techniques in order to make solar panels more affordable.