Tesla Repays $465M Government Loan 9 Years Early
Electric carmaker Tesla has paid off its U.S. Department of Energy loan nine years earlier than required, using money raised last week in a stock and debt offering.
Department of Energy
Along the Road to a Greener America, an Awful Lot of Roadkill
The global financial crisis helped slam the brakes on clean-tech dreams from electric cars to solar panels, but the roots of green energy's mid-life crisis run far deeper.
U.S. Energy Sector Fears Missing the Boat on Natural Gas Exports
Global demand for liquefied natural gas is growing rapidly, and the U.S. has it. But what's causing angst in the industry are regulators: Can our government agencies license exports fast enough for U.S. producers to get in on that rising LNG market before before foreign competitors eat their lunch?
2012 Election: Which Industries Won When Obama Did
The election is over, and now, the many investors who were keeping a close eye on the polls know what they're getting (somewhat) in terms of the federal government for the next few years. Here's a look at 21 economic sectors, and what a second Obama term will mean for each of them.
Can Presidents Change Gas Prices?
A disagreement over gas prices and energy policy produced a heated tit-for-tat argument between Mitt Romney and President Obama at the second presidential debate.
GM Withdraws $14 Billion Federal Loan Application
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.
GM Makes a Deal for Cheaper, Longer-Lasting Batteries
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.
Rare Earths, Mother Earth and a U.S. Industry's Revival
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.
Chrysler May Soon See More Federal Aid
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.
Obama Administration to Install Solar Panels on White House
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.
Feds Offer $120 Million for Energy-Efficient Upgrades
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.
Cyber-Security Concerns for Nation's Electric Grids Still Loom Large
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.
New Solar Panel Factory Will Rise in Oregon
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.
Hefty U.S. Funds to Jump-Start Electric-Car Sector
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.
Really Green Energy: Could Algae Fuel Our Cars?
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.