Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy October 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

As authorized in Section 654 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the Department of Energy (DOE) is announcing the $1 million H2 Refuel H-Prize competition, allowing teams from across the United States to compete and develop systems that generate and dispense hydrogen from resources commonly available to residences (electricity or natural gas), for use in homes, community centers, businesses or similar locations, to supplement the current infrastructure roll-out and reduce barriers to using hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) invites public comment on its Request for Information (RFI) number DE-FOA-0001188 regarding feedback on the summary report for the Electrolytic Hydrogen Production Workshop held at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in February, 2014. The RFI document is posted at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on issues related to electrolytic hydrogen production pathways, specifically with respect to the Electrolytic Hydrogen Production Workshop Report. EERE is interested both in information on the current status of electrolytic hydrogen production pathways, technologies, and their potential to meet DOE cost goals as well as feedback on the content of the report, including the key R&D needs as determined by the participants. EERE is also interested in the community's opinion of the electrolysis technologies that have the most potential to produce low cost hydrogen that meets DOE goals. This is solely a Request for Information and not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). EERE is not accepting applications at this time.

The Department of Energy (DOE) today gives notice of a request for information regarding the possible technical areas of research in the area of photovoltaic module recycling. DOE intends to understand the current state of recycling technology and the areas of research that could lead to impactful recycling technologies to support the developing photovoltaic industry. The intent of this RFI is to generate discussion related to planning for the end of life of photovoltaic modules and to create a list of high impact research topics in photovoltaics recycling. Details regarding the RFI and instructions for submitting responses to the RFI can be found at the following URL address: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.

The Department of Energy (DOE) today invites public comment on its Request for Information (RFI) number DE-FOA-0001203 regarding ``Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies Fiscal Year 2015.'' The RFI document is posted at https://eere- exchange.energy.gov/. EERE intends to issue, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled ``Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies Fiscal Year 2015 (AFFECT 2015).'' This RFI seeks input from interested parties and stakeholders regarding the subject of the anticipated FOA and related details. If the FOA is issued, it will likely provide grants to Federal agencies for renewable energy projects that are incorporated into a privately financed performance contract, such as an Energy Savings Performance Contract or Utility Energy Service Contract, or as part of a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Applications for renewable energy projects that are financed through appropriations will also be considered. If the FOA is issued, it will be released at some point in Fiscal Year 2015, which began October 1, 2014 and ends September 30, 2015. This is solely a Request for Information and not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). EERE is not accepting applications.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The Solar Decathlon provides participating students with hands-on experience and unique training that prepares them to enter the clean energy workforce. Open to the public free of charge, the Solar Decathlon gives visitors the opportunity to tour solar-powered houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money today. The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002; the competition then occurred biennially in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011 in Washington, DC In 2013, the Solar Decathlon moved to the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California. The next Solar Decathlon will take place Oct. 8-18, 2015, at the Orange County Great Park. This RFI seeks information to inform designing, planning and implementing the next generation of the Solar Decathlon2017 and beyond.

On September 26, 2014 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice in the Federal Register regarding its determination surrounding ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013 (79 FR 57900). The original notice included an incorrect date by which states are required by statute to submit certifications. This notice contains a correction to the state certification deadline.