The Energy Department today announced the five winners of the first round of the SunShot Catalyst prize competition, which were chosen out of 17 finalist start-ups that demonstrated their solar energy software solutions before a packed house and a panel of judges in San Francisco on May 14. Original link

U.S. net imports of natural gas decreased 9% in 2014, continuing an eight-year decline. As U.S. dry natural gas production has reached record highs, lower domestic prices have helped to displace natural gas imports. Net natural gas imports totaled 1,171 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in 2014, the lowest since 1987. Original link

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. Original link

Gasoline crack spreads in the United States, especially on the U.S. East Coast, have reached several-year highs in recent months. Crack spreads, which reflect the difference between wholesale product prices and crude oil prices, are a good indicator of refiner profitability. Original link

New report shows how the United States can unlock the vast potential for wind energy deployment through next-generation turbines. Original link

On May 18, EIA launched a beta version of a redesigned International Energy Portal designed to help users access international energy data and to provide new and expanded tools and capabilities to examine trends in global energy markets. Original link

Planning a road trip? Use these tools to plan your route and save fuel and money. Original link

In the coming decades, additions to U.S. electricity generation capacity are expected to be lower than in the recent past. In EIA's Annual Energy Outlook 2015 Reference case, which reflects current laws and policies and does not include EIA's proposed Clean Power Plan, total generating capacity (including end-use generators like rooftop solar panels) increases from 1,065 gigawatts (GW) in 2013 to 1,261 GW in 2040. Original link

Increases in the size of commercial buildings have outpaced increases in the number of those buildings over the past decade, according to EIA's Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey. The survey is the only nationally representative data collection for building characteristics and energy use in commercial buildings. Original link

The Energy Department announced winners of its seventh annual Next Generation LuminairesTM (NGL) design competition for indoor and outdoor lighting during the LIGHTFAIR® International trade show in New York. Original link