Illinois

Introduced by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA), the Sensible Accounting to Value Energy Act, or SAVE, is expected to be introduced today and aims to include a home’s energy saving profile as a measure of its true value in granting loans and conducting appraisals.

The U.S. Department of Energy, or DOE, has awarded $156 million in funding for cutting-edge energy technology projects running the gamut from innovative plant-based fuels to conversion devices aimed at transferring utility-scale solar energy directly to the grid at much higher voltages than is currently possible.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D) has vetoed legislation that would have authorized a multi-billion investment in modernizing Illinois' electric grid while maintaining strict regulatory oversight and consumer protections.

In an effort to educate the public about the benefits of biofuels, three science teachers are hitting the road in the Biofuels Mobile Education Center (BMEC).

Biofuels Mobile Education Center

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that construction has begun on an industrial carbon capture and storage (ICCS) facility in Decatur, Illinois.

Chicago-based E.ON Climate & Renewables North America, a subsidiary of E.ON AG (Xetra: EOAN) of Germany, one of the world’s largest energy companies, this week announced it ordered 112 of Vestas' V100-1.8 MW turbines for an undisclosed American wind-energy project. The specific model of turbines is designed to provide maximum capture of wind at lower speeds.

Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), an Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC) company, has received the findings of a report it asked consulting firm Black & Veatch to conduct concerning a one-year smart meter pilot program.

While electric vehicles (EVs) provide an alternative to traditional petroleum-fueled vehicles, finding a convenient place to charge them can be an issue. But America’s largest drugstore chain may help ease that concern for potential EV owners.

Iowa-based biodiesel maker Renewable Energy Group Inc. has filed plans to raise around $100 million in an initial public offering, as the alternative fuel producer seeks to raise the investment capital needed for operations.

Solazyme Inc. (Nasdaq:SYZM), the South San Francisco-based developer of oils and alternative fuels from genetically modified algae, sold more than 11 million shares, raising $198 million in its long-awaited IPO late last week.  According to a regulatory filing, Company shares surged 15% in their first day of trading on increasing demand for renewable fuel sources and industrial chemicals.