News Roundup
News Roundup for February 28
NET ZERO
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
A Colorado office building is on track to meet a research goal of generating its total energy needs. The 220,000-square-foot Research Support Facility in Golden opened in June. It was commissioned by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to help demonstrate technology that could lead to net-zero energy performance. Phase one of the facility was designed to use half the energy of comparable office space. A 138,000-square-foot addition expected to be completed in October will include solar panels. The photovoltaic arrays and other design features are expected to help researchers meet their goals.
HOME AGAIN
When Washington, D.C., hosts the Solar Decathlon 5 this September, it will be in its traditional location on the National Mall. Supporters of the international showcase for compact housing powered by alternative energy systems have successfully turned back proposals to move the event. Officials from the Energy and Interiordepartments considered relocating the five-week event. A six-week campaign by participating student teams, elected officials and others has persuaded officials to keep the exhibition on the Mall.
POWER MODULES
Power modules are getting a boost from Google and other investors. The search giant is part of a consortium pumping $20 million in new funding into Transphorm, a California-based power conversion research and development company. The firm plans to introduce its first conversion modules at the Applied Power Electronics Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, in March. The technology is designed to reduce energy waste and increase efficiency during the conversion of alternating current to direct current commonly used in computers and other electronic devices.
TALKING TRASH
Officials in Calgary, Alberta, are considering plans that could eventually divert every piece of garbage produced by the city away from landfills and turn the waste into energy and other products. A company has pitched the idea of building a $700 million clean energy park to produce electricity and products like plastics. Officials from Terramin Inc. claim they can build the plant without any financial investment from the city, but it would require all of Calgary’s waste to make the project financially viable.
―Based on news and wire reports
Tags: News Roundup