The U.S. Department of Energy is 'bringing it' during national energy month with a onslaught of big picture ideas and projects. Here are a few:
DOE to Strengthen Enforcement of Energy Efficiency Standards
DOE confirms that under existing regulations, it can take enforcement action and assess civil penalties if a manufacturer fails to properly certify a covered product and retain records. Specifically, the agency clarifies that any failure to certify covered products according to DOE's rules violates the Energy Policy Conservation Act of 1975 and DOE regulations. DOE will randomly select previously filed certification reports for review, request certification records as needed, and hold manufacturers accountable for failing to certify covered products according to DOE rules. See the DOE press release.
DOE Expands, Simplifies Loan Guarantees for Renewable Energy Projects
DOE announced October 7 that it will provide guarantees for up to $8 billion in loans for conventional renewable energy generation projects such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal power, as well as hydropower. To speed up financing for these projects, DOE will allow proposed borrowers and project sponsors to work directly with eligible lenders to gain financing. See the DOE press release
DOE Announces Geothermal Research Initiative
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announces a new collaboration to demonstrate low temperature geothermal electrical power generation systems using oilfield fluids produced at the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center (RMOTC)... to demonstrate the versatility, reliability, and widespread deployment capabilities of low temperature geothermal electricity production systems that work off of the co-produced water from oilfield operations. These systems turn otherwise discarded water into an energy resource. The electricity produced is utilized to power field production equipment, which offsets purchased electricity; other applications are being explored. Full story