After $2.4 billion for batteries, feds give out millions for smart grid, biofuels, more
Those who were worried that the U.S. government was picking winners by only spending $2.4 billion on batteries should be pleased with this: Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced $347 additional million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to an assorted array of projects that aim to provide energy security for the U.S. The projects cover smart grid work, supercomputing, genomics related to bio-energy, materials science, fusion energy, integrated climate research and smart grid technologies. About one third of to total funds ($107.5 M) is being allocated to universities, non-profit organizations and private firms. The rest is distributed to several U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories for a range of research, instrumentation, and infrastructure projects. For ethanol lovers, the D.O.E. also announced an additional $5.5 million to expand the use of ethanol blends by expanding infrastructure and for projects to promote the use of E85.[Source: DOE]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mbousson 3:08PM (8/06/2009)
Finally
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Mark Kiernan 3:10PM (8/06/2009)
I wish we in Europe had presidents or administrations like the Obama one which has the vision to invest in the future. Here in Europe we have to rely upon citizens to drive the green scene, while in the US you have a proactive president who is a driving force.
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lne937s 3:49PM (8/06/2009)
Mark,
It is refreshing to have the US compared in a positive way to Europe... even if it is in terms of tragectory.
If only we can get Obama to bring us up to par with Europe in terms of fuel efficiency (and on health care).
tedd 5:00PM (8/07/2009)
Well Mark, good NEWS, the US DOE is taking taxpayer money and $49.1 Million will directly benefit 2 British companies, Modec (Navistar) and SMith (Smith-EV-USA). While several US companies building EV's like Bright Automotive, ZeroTruck and EVI get nothing. This disadvantage US manufacturers which is not what the program was intended to accomplish.
Ra Conteur 6:44PM (8/06/2009)
Chu's giving money for "integrated climate research???" What the hell is that and what do we need energy money spent on it for? We've already thrown $76 billion at stopping global warming and - not a thing has changed in the climate.
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Mark Kiernan 6:57PM (8/06/2009)
What 76 billion to stop global warming?
Even if it was that much, it is still nothing in comparison to what was spent to AIG or the banks, or Iraq for that matter.
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