The Week in in CleanTech, Pt. 1: Easing gasoline prices defy war concerns — and India queues up the largest and most expensive solar power project yet.

Gasoline prices may continue to drop as low as $3.50: Despite early jitters over Russia and Georgia’s hostilities in the Caucasus, oil prices continued to retreat Monday. The U.S. Energy Department reports that gasoline prices have followed suit, declining to a national average price of $3.809 a gallon. That’s down over seven cents from last week, and represents a new 90-day low. Oil Price Information Service analyst Tom Kloza thinks gasoline could go as low as $3.50 in coming weeks. That’s barring supply shocks, such as political upheaval in an oil-producing region or a major hurricane strike on Gulf Coast oil rigs. (USA Today)

Clinton Backing World’s Largest Solar Project in India, Report Says: If reports coming out of India prove true, the Clinton Foundation — chaired by the former President — has swung what appears to be the largest single solar project on the planet. The $5 billion dollar venture, dubbed Integrated Solar City, is set for construction in western India. ISC would produce a whopping 5 gigawatts of solar power. The Business Standard seems to have originated reports of the Clinton Foundation’s involvement. (Earth2Tech)

U.S. Leads In Wind Power Production: U.S. utilities have ramped up their deployment of windpower by a whopping 45 percent since this time last year. While that kind of growth is clearly threatened if Congress fails to extend the production tax credit for the renewable energy, it makes the United States the world leader in windpower electric generation. While Germany actually tops the U.S. in terms of installed wind capacity, higher average winds mean that actual North American power production is now the world’s largest. (Environmental Leader)

Sam’s Club stores highlight solar power: Another big retailer is taking a stab at mainstreaming solar power. On Monday, we reported that Ikea will be investing in new solar technology, then bringing some of it into their showrooms. Now Sam’s Club store are getting into the act. Select California Sam’s stores now sport solar power kiosks, allowing customers to design and price rooftop residential systems. The same stores will also be building green sections which feature super-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing, and instruction on retrofitting homes for Green efficiency. (CNET)

Solar thermal start-up Ausra lands $24.5 million: Solar thermal continues to gather momentum. Ausra — the Australian transplant now ensconced in Palo Alto, California — has announced another $24.5 million in venture funding. This round follows $30 million secured in February. Ausra is sitting on big contracts from Pacific Gas & Light and Florida Power & Light. But there are a few storm clouds on the horizon. The company says it may not be able to go ahead on its existing deals if Congress fails to extend federal renewable energy tax credits when they expire at year’s end. (CNET)

Stories You Might Also Like: