Department of Energy

Back in 2009, General Motors applied to the Department of Energy for $14.4 billion in loans to help it manufacture more fuel-efficient vehicles. Today, with the automaker making big strides in turning around its business, GM said it no longer needs or wants the money.

The automaker has licensed technology from the Energy Department's Argonne National Laboratory that will boost the performance of lithium-ion battery cells for its electric Chevy Volt. The next-generation power packs will be made at a new plant in Michigan by Korea's LG Chem.

China's plans to cut exports of rare earth minerals -- used in alternative energy technologies -- has the rest of the world scrambling. In the U.S., the country's first new rare-earth mine in more than a decade is set to reopen.

In addition to state tax credits from Michigan -- and the billions of dollars already loaned it by U.S. taxpayers in the form of last year's bailout -- Chrysler may soon get approval for billions more in loans from the Department of Energy.

Next spring, the First Family will begin to receive solar electricity and solar-heated water from a new solar system that will be installed on the roof of the White House as part of the Obama administration's effort to showcase American solar technology.

The Energy Department is funneling $120 million into financing and installing a variety of energy-efficient technologies to help low-income families cut energy use and save money.

The nation's electric grid is still vulnerable to a cyber attack, according to a report from the Department of Energy. Even though many of the security issues could be easily resolved, they still remain after several years.

Oregon is the latest state to notch a big win in the effort to attract green jobs: Silicon Valley solar company Solexant has announced plans to build a large factory to produce thin-film solar panels near Portland. Oregon gets jobs; Solexant gets a $25 million loan and $18.75 million in tax credits.

Government funds will help expand manufacturing to produce up to 500,000 electric cars yearly by 2015, according to the Energy Department. The money, part of the economic stimulus program, will also boost the U.S. share of global battery production to 40% by 2015.

As oil continues to gush into the Gulf of Mexico from BP's damaged well, the federal government is pouring a bit more money into alternative energy sources with a grant to groups working on turning algae into a commercially viable fuel.