Weekly Clean Energy Roundup: October 28, 2009
Addressing Climate Change Yields 4.5M Clean Energy Jobs Obama Announces $3.4B for Smart Grid DOE: $151M for ARPA-E Projects Plug-In Automaker to Reopen GM Plant DOE: $24M Loan to Emissions Controls Manufacturer Honda CR-Z Concept Hybrid Debuts in Tokyo EPA Names Top 20 Green-Powered Schools President Obama Announces $3.4B to Spur Smart Electric Grids President Obama announced the largest single electric grid modernization investment in U.S. history on October 27, with DOE tapping $3.4 billion in ARRA funds for 100 projects. The funds will be matched by $4.7 billion in private investments. According to the president, the smart grid projects will help build a "clean energy superhighway," with a goal of increasing energy efficiency and helping to spur the growth of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar power. The grants range from $400,000 to $200 million, and will reach every state except Alaska. The grants will pay for installing over 2.5 million smart meters, which allow utility customers to access dynamic pricing information and avoid periods of peak electricity use, when power is most expensive. The grants will also support installation of other smart grid components, including 1 million in-home energy displays, 170,000 smart thermostats, and 175,000 other […]