Global warming has quadrupled the frequency of certain heat extremes, and also increased intense rainstorms, a trend expected to worsen, according to a new climate change report. Original link Original author: JUSTIN

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...

April 27, 2015 Floating regasification is a flexible, cost-effective way to receive and process shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Floating regasification is increasingly being used to meet natural gas demand in smaller markets, or as a temporary solution until onshore regasification facilities are built. Of four countries planning to begin importing LNG in 2015, three of them—Pakistan, Jordan, and Egypt—have chosen to do so using floating regasification rather than building full-scale onshore regasification facilities. Floating regasification involves the use of a specialized vessel called a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), which is capable of transporting, storing, and regasifying LNG onboard. Floating regasification also requires either an offshore terminal, which typically includes a buoy and connecting undersea pipelines to transport regasified LNG to shore, or an onshore dockside receiving terminal. An FSRU can be purpose-built or be converted from a conventional LNG vessel. Floating regasification offers a flexible, cost-effective solution...

April 24, 2015 Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, based on Form EIA-23L and DrillingInfo Note: The top 100 largest oil and natural gas field locations are plotted using latitude-longitude of the approximate center of the field. Dot diameter is relative to its 2013 proved reserves. The top 100 oil fields in the United States accounted for 20.6 billion barrels of crude oil and lease condensate proved reserves, or 56% of the U.S. total in 2013. The top 100 natural gas fields accounted for 239.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas proved reserves, 68% of the U.S. total. Proved reserves are defined as estimated quantities of oil and natural gas that analysis of geologic and engineering data demonstrates with reasonable certainty are recoverable under existing economic and operating conditions. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, based on Form EIA-23L and DrillingInfo Note: The top 100 largest oil and natural gas field...

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...

Mayor Bill Finch of Bridgeport, Conn., came into office with a commitment to sustainability, and he has built the largest fuel-cell generating station in North America. Original link Original author: ANTHONY

Utility companies say that blackouts may be generated as they try to remake the electrical power system. Original link Original author: CORAL