As part of the administration's effort to cut energy waste in the nation's buildings and double energy productivity by 2030, the Energy Department today announced $4 million to develop and demonstrate new energy efficiency solutions for the nation's homes. Original link

As part of the Administration’s effort to cut energy waste in the nation’s buildings and double energy productivity by 2030, the Energy Department today announced nearly $6 million to accelerate energy efficiency in offices, shops, schools and other buildings that will help businesses and communities save money, create jobs, and reduce pollution. Original link

Energy Department announces nine research and development projects designed to save consumers money, reduce energy consumption. Original link

The Energy Department today announced $10.5 million in available funding to support the design and operation of innovative marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) systems through survivability and reliability-related testing of these systems. Such advances will help these devices harness even more sustainable energy from the enormous potential of the nation's oceans and rivers .  As part of its MHK technology research and development efforts , the Department is working to harness this largely untapped renewable energy resource that could provide clean, affordable energy to homes and businesses across the country's coastal regions. The approximately six projects selected for funding will address the challenges that the ocean environment poses for MHK energy systems, which must operate in often harsh and unpredictable conditions for years. The "Next-Generation Marine Energy Systems—Durability and Survivability" funding opportunity will focus on reducing the costs of MHK systems in the early stages of the development cycle—improving the likelihood of...

WASHINGTON, DC – As part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Energy Department today announced five projects selected for a total of $2 million for the first part of the multiphase Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) effort. This field laboratory, dedicated to cutting-edge research on enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), could unlock access to a domestic, geographically diverse, and carbon-free source of clean energy with the potential to supply power to up to 100 million homes in the United States. The first two phases of FORGE will provide a total of up to $31 million over two years for selected teams. “Through these kinds of critical investments in renewable energy, the Department is helping develop cost-effective technologies for engineering geothermal systems that supply affordable, zero-carbon energy to millions of American homes and businesses,” said Under Secretary for Science and Energy Lynn Orr. “Enhanced geothermal systems could represent...

In support of the President’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, today at the National Hydropower Association Annual Conference, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy David Danielson announced the release of the 2014 Hydropower Market Report , the first ever report to quantify the current size, scope, and variability of our nation’s hydropower supplies. Hydropower currently provides approximately seven percent of the U.S. electricity supply—enough to power more than 20 million homes, and has experienced significant growth industry-wide. Within the last decade, the industry has supported more than 55,000 direct domestic jobs across the country, and helped offset 200 million metric tons of carbon emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions from more than 42 million passenger vehicles. The report also highlights how hydropower can be rapidly integrated with other renewable energy sources into the electric grid—contributing to the Administration’s goal of doubling our nation’s renewable energy supply again by 2020. “This...

The Energy Department today announced the opening of the registration period for the Wave Energy Prize competition that aims to double the state-of-the-art performance of wave energy conversion (WEC) devices over the next two years. By accelerating the development of WEC devices that capture more energy from ocean waves, the winning devices will help reduce costs and move wave energy closer to widespread commercial deployment. The Energy Department announced the Wave Energy Prize today at the International Marine Renewable Energy Conference co-located at the National Hydropower Association Annual Conference. Marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies convert the energy of waves, tides, and river and ocean currents into electricity. With more than 50% of the population living within 50 miles of coastlines, these technologies have vast potential to provide clean, renewable electricity to communities and cities across the United States. The Wave Energy Prize provides an opportunity for participants to: Win a monetary prize.Receive...

The Energy Department announced winners of its second annual Race to Zero Student Design Competition , a collegiate competition engaging university students to design zero energy-ready homes. A zero energy-ready home is a high-performance home that is so energy efficient it can offset all or most of its annual energy consumption with renewable energy. This significantly reduces a home's annual electricity costs while improving comfort, health, safety, and durability. The awards recognize students who excel at integrating solid building science principles into designs for zero energy-ready homes including creative solutions to real-world problems. Criteria for recognition included adherence to the Department's Zero Energy Ready Home program criteria , clear project plans, and overall competency in applying best practices from the Department's Building America program . Top priorities for each entry are geared toward developing cost-effective, market-ready, zero energy-ready homes. The competition is intended to inspire next-generation architects, engineers, and construction managers...

EERE offers webinars to the public on a range of subjects, from adopting the latest energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, to training for the clean energy workforce. Webinars are free; however, advanced registration is typically required. You can also watch archived webinars and browse previously aired videos, slides, and transcripts. Upcoming Webinars April 29:  Live Webinar on Tribal Energy Efficiency Webinar Sponsor: DOE Office of Indian Energy , Western Area Power Administration The Energy Department will present a live webinar titled "Energy Efficiency First, Zero Energy Ready Homes and Solar PV Updates" on Wednesday, April 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.  This webinar is a continuation of the Tribal Renewable Energy webinar series, and presenters from DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory will discuss energy efficient housing and the integration of off-grid diesel hybrid systems in rural tribal lands. This webinar also features a video from Manuel...

The Energy Department today announced nearly $8 million to advance research and development of next-generation heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies, supporting the Administration's goal of saving money by saving energy, and phasing down the use of chemicals that have a devastating effect on the global climate. With air conditioning using large and growing amounts of energy in the U.S. and worldwide, these innovative solutions offer significant energy and cost savings in new and existing buildings. Currently, HVAC systems are the largest energy end-use in buildings, using almost 14 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) of primary energy annually, or nearly 30% of all energy used in U.S. commercial and residential buildings. Non-vapor-compression HVAC systems have the potential to use as much as 40% less energy than current systems. The selections announced today are under two major topic areas: advanced vapor compression technology and non-vapor compression technology. Advanced vapor compression systems...