Federal Regulators Approve an In-Stream Hydrokinetic Project

(EERE News December 17, 2008) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued its first full license last week for an in-stream hydrokinetic power project. The project will be located on the Mississippi River, in the output channel of a hydropower dam operated by the City of Hastings, Minnesota. FERC has previously issued only preliminary permits for in-stream, wave, and tidal energy projects, and its only full hydrokinetic license was for a wave energy project. For the Hastings project, Hydro Green Energy will provide two underwater turbines, each carrying a nameplate capacity of 100 kilowatts and an expected power output of about 35 kilowatts. Read more

Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act

110th Congress–House –2nd session– Vote 690

• Question: On Passage
• Bill: H R 7321

Vote description: Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act Read more

DOE to Help Increase Efficiency of U.S. Embassies and Consulates

(EERE Network News December 10, 2008) DOE and the U.S. Department of State signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday, agreeing to conduct energy assessments and improve environmental and energy management at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. Under the agreement, DOE will conduct evaluations of overseas facilities and identify opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency, utilize renewable energy, and implement environmental sustainability measures by utilizing Super Energy Service Performance Contracts. Read more

Virtual Energy Forum Highlights ITP Initiatives and Save Energy Now

(EERE News December 11, 2008) Douglas E. Kaempf, Program Manager for the Industrial Technologies Program (ITP), appeared on the Virtual Energy Forum today speaking about energy efficiency in the U.S. manufacturing sector. The Virtual Energy Forum is the premier online conference for private and public sector executives to learn, meet, and interact on topics such as sustainability, alternative energy, clean technologies, green buildings, and operations. It features live streaming video presentations and an ability to ask questions and receive answers in real-time, providing an unparalleled opportunity for public and private sector executives from around the world. Read more

What was the most significant headline in the medical device manufacturing industry in 2008 and what is likely to make a huge impact in 2009?

This year has presented a variety of important headlines affecting everyone throughout the medical device industry, whether centered around emerging technologies, challenges in finance, or legal affairs. Further, it is exciting to wonder what the coming new year will bring. In this month’s Perspectives feature, participants from a variety of sectors in the industry share their thoughts on what was most significant in 2008 and what’s ahead for 2009.

Elfie Schwarzinger, President, MEGA Electronics Inc.—-Nothing will impact the medical device manufacturing industry in 2009 more than the subprime mortgage meltdown and resulting credit crunch. The ability to finance the long term design, testing, trials, and FDA approval of medical equipment will be severely hampered by the tightening of credit. Read more

CSREES Announces Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Funding Opportunity

Request for Applications expected to be released in early 2009

Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2008 – USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) announced today the addition of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) to its funding portfolio as authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill.  The Request for Applications is expected to be released early in 2009 on the CSREES and Grants.gov Web sites. Read more

Microsystems Technology Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency often selects its research efforts through the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process. The BAA will appear first on the FedBizOpps website, http://www.fedbizopps.gov/, and Grants.gov website at http://www.grants.gov/. The following information is for those wishing to respond to the BAA. Read more

Dow Corning to Invest Billions in Solar Materials Manufacturing

(EERE News December 17, 2008) Dow Corning Corporation announced on Monday that it will invest several billion dollars in industrial facilities to produce monosilane and polysilicon, materials that are used in many of today’s solar cells. Dow Corning already produces polysilicon at a Hemlock, Michigan, manufacturing facility run by its joint venture, Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation. A new investment of $2.2-$3 billion will fund the expansion of that facility and the construction of a new manufacturing plant in Clarksville, Tennessee, which will be run by a new joint venture, Hemlock Semiconductor LLC. Read more

Chemical Firms Slash Employment: Moves come in response to precipitous drop in demand

By Melody Voith

(Chemical & Engineering News, December 15, 2008) Several manufacturers of chemicals and related goods are announcing layoffs as they work to reduce production and match a dramatic decrease in demand that began in late October. Dow Chemical will eliminate 5,000 jobs, roughly 11% of its workforce, as a result of the rapidly deteriorating economy. The company says the move accelerates an ongoing program to streamline operations. Read more

On-Call Scientists: Science association’s program seeks volunteers to help with human rights work

By Susan R. Morrissey

(Chemical & Engineering News, December 4, 2008) A new program is recruiting scientists and engineers interested in volunteering their technical expertise to aid human rights organizations. The On-Call Scientist program is run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The program got its inspiration from the network of pro bono lawyers who help human rights groups. “Human rights organizations are very used to turning to pro bono lawyers for help,” explains Mona Younis, director of the AAAS Science & Human Rights Program. Read more

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