Follow the Green Money: DOE Awards $3.4 Billion to Smart-Grid Companies, Microgrids Could Reach $2.1 Billion by 2015, New Groups Forms to Invest in Green

The Department of Energy announced the winners in its competition for smart grid funds.  The total amount awarded was $3.4 billion. The funds will go to 25 large and 75 small projects resulting in increased efficiency, improved devices for home owners wanting to manage their energy usage, and a boost to renewable energy.  Another renewable energy, geothermal, also received $338 million in DOE funding. (From the Green Economy Post).  Stanford University will receive $6.27 million to study energy efficiency and human behavior.

According to Pike Research, microgrids (localized grids), could be a $2.1 billion market by 2015. Microgrids could become an attractive alternative for power generation for military bases, college campuses, and business parks. 

New World Capital group has been formed to invest in mid-size environmental companies that provide products and services to reduce green house gas emissions, reduce waste, improve product sustainability, among other goals.