Siemens Government Technologies announced that the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center has awarded a $16.8 million task order to implement energy conservation upgrades, including a 4.465 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power generating system — the largest to date for the U.S. Army — at the White Sands Missile Range.

As financial incentives are reduced in some major markets, other factors — in particular price reductions, new residential financing mechanisms, and third party ownership models — will become the key drivers for the solar photovoltaic (PV) market, according to a report from Pike Research.

While progress is being made on renewable energy, most clean energy technologies are not being deployed very quickly, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report notes that many technologies with great potential for energy and emissions savings are making halting progress at best.

The Mechanical Contractors Association Chicago (MCA Chicago) recently sponsored a day-long Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) event for local students as part of the Great American Energy Debate.

Featuring low-H2O technology that enables the unit to heat quickly, the Linea Plus radiator can be used with low-temperature hydronic systems and renewable energy sources such as solar or geothermal. The discreet design allows for pipes and vents to be completely hidden behind the front panel and cabinet.

Spring Independent School District (SISD) leaders discovered that smart architectural planning, coupled with the right combination of contractors and materials, could allow its newest elementary building to be completed on budget, utilizing the latest sustainable trends and building methods.

The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) announced that it has presented its Geothermal Heat Pump Industry Champion awards to Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), ranking Republican on the same committee.

Renewable power generation is expected to continue its rapid growth over the next five years, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Global power generation from solar, wind, hydropower, and other renewable sources is projected to increase by more than 40 percent.

The New England Governors’ Conference has passed a resolution to launch a coordinated regional procurement program for renewable energy. The initiative encompasses six states — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Not all energy-efficient HVAC equipment qualifies for tax credits, but there are four renewable energy product categories that do — geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, solar energy systems, and fuel cells. Though some seem beyond HVAC, they each have the potential to bring new revenue streams to contractors.