- DOE, Defense Boost Clean Energy, Energy Security
- Maine Wind Project Gets Loan Guarantee
- Geothermal Could Double by 2020
- Geneva International Show Spotlights Green Vehicles
DOE, Defense Dept Boost Clean Energy, Energy Security
Building on last year’s MOU, DOE and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced new steps to strengthen national security on clean energy, on everything from advanced vehicles to energy storage.
The Office of DOD’s Chief Technology Officer – the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering or ASDR&E – aims to exploit early technology breakthroughs funded through DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E).
Using ARPA-E’s technical expertise in grid-scale energy storage, batteries for electric vehicles, and power electronics, ASDR&E plans to develop an energy storage device that will provide future defense systems with long-duration storage suitable for a variety of applications, including military bases and vehicles and eventually commercial grids.
They will also work together to assess technology requirements for cost effective energy storage across military installations. On-site renewable electricity generation combined with grid-scale storage would allow defense installations to maintain critical functions in the event of grid disruption and to enhance installations’ efforts to develop micro-grids for energy security. The joint efforts will be initiated during the 2012 fiscal year. See the DOE press release.
DOE Offers Loan Guarantee for Maine Wind Project
On March 3, DOE announced a conditional commitment to Record Hill Wind LLC for a $102 million loan guarantee.
The project includes a 50.6 MW wind power plant and an 8 mile transmission line near Roxbury, Maine. The project is expected to create 200 wind jobs in Maine.
22, 2.3 MW turbines and the new transmission lines will connect with Central Maine Power Company, the local utility. The turbines will be installed with innovative "turbine load control" technology, a system of sensors and processing software that allows them to generate electricity even under turbulent conditions, rather than be shut down.
DOE’s Loan Programs Office has issued loan guarantees or offered conditional commitments for loan guarantees totaling nearly $18 billion to support 20 clean energy projects. See the DOE press release and the Loan Programs Office website.
Geothermal Capacity Could More than Double by 2020
Increasing global investment in geothermal energy could result in a 134% increase in total geothermal capacity between 2010-, according to a Pike Research report.
Under a high-growth scenario, it could grow from 10.7 GW to 25.1 GW in a decade. Under a more conservative business-as-usual forecast scenario, it would increase 34% to 14.3 GW by 2020. Among the reasons cited are improved access to resource data, more efficient drilling, and better financing.
While conventional geothermal resources account for nearly all online capacity today, Pike Resource says enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and co-produced wells offer opportunities for expansion outside of rift zones or volcanically active regions throughout the world.
The current installed capacity of 10.7 GW is spread across 26 countries with a combined output of approximately 67 terawatt hours of electricity. The US is currently the world leader with 3.1 GW of installed capacity, and only seven countries represent 88% of the world market.
Their high-growth forecast assumes a number of factors including continued increase and persistent volatility in oil prices, tightening carbon regulations, and improved access to capital. See the Pike Research press release and the report’s executive summary.
Geneva International Show Spotlights Alternative Vehicles
The 81st Geneva International Motor Show, running through March 13, is spotlighting electric vehicles (EV) and alternative vehicles. More than 40 manufacturers are scheduled to present EVs and hybrids. See the Geneva Motor Show press release and Geneva Motor show Pavillon Vert website.
Nissan unveiled the Esflow concept, a two-passenger sports car that builds on the Nissan Leaf EV technology. The Esflow has two electric motors, each driving a rear wheel as well as laminated lithium-ion batteries mounted low for weight distribution. The car can go about 150 miles per charge.
Porsche unveiled the Panamera S hybrid, which can run on electric up to 53 mph. An electric motor powers a V6 compressor engine.
And General Motors announced the Chevy Volt will go on sale in Europe with a price of around $58,000, which the automaker says includes transportation costs, duties, and other fees. See press releases by Nissan, Porsche, and GM.
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EERE Network News is a weekly publication of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
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