Energy Dept. invests in solar projects

Firms will get $5.2 million from government

By Tom Stundza -- Purchasing, 11/29/2007 1:02:00 PM

The Energy Department will invest up to $5.2 million to support the development of nine low-cost solar-power projects, including some proposed by 3M, Alcoa, Hamilton Sundstrand and PPG Industries.

The Associated Press says the proposed “concentrating solar power,” or CSP, systems will use the heat generated by concentrating and absorbing the sun's energy to produce thermal energy that can be used immediately or saved.

Earlier this week, Purchasing.com reported that Hewlett-Packard has entered into agreements with two renewable energy providers, including a solar power provider, as part of the company’s strategy to reduce its global carbon footprint.