Biofuels Sustainability: Nation's Ecological Scientists Weigh in on Biofuels

The Ecological Society of America, the nation's professional organization of 10,000 ecological scientists, today released a position statement that offers the ecological principles necessary for biofuels to help decrease dependence on fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global climate change. The Society warns that the current mode of biofuels production will degrade the nation's natural resources and will keep biofuels from becoming a viable energy option.

"Current grain-based ethanol production systems damage soil and water resources in the U.S. and are only profitable in the context of tax breaks and tariffs," says ESA. "Future systems based on a combination of cellulosic materials and grain could be equally degrading to the environment, with potentially little carbon savings, unless steps are taken now that incorporate principles of ecological sustainability."

Three ecological principles are necessary:
1 - Systems Thinking: Looking at the complete picture of how much energy is produced versus how much is consumed by extracting and transporting the crops used for biofuels. A systems approach seeks to avoid or minimize undesirable production side effects such as soil erosion and contamination of groundwater. Consistent monitoring is critical to ensure that biofuel production is sustainable.

2 - Conservation of Ecosystem Services: Maximizing crop yield without regard to negative side effects is easy. On the other hand, growing crops and retaining the other services provided by the land is far more challenging, but very much worth the effort. For example, lower yields from an unfertilized native prairie may be acceptable in light of the other benefits, such as minimized flooding, fewer pests, groundwater recharge, and improved water quality because no fertilizer is needed.

3 - Scale Alignment: How agriculture is managed matters at the individual farm, regional, and global level. Policies must provide incentives for managing land in a sustainable way. They should also encourage the development of biofuels from various sources.

"The current focus on ethanol from corn illustrates the risks of exploiting a single source of biomass for biofuel production," says ESA.

Continuously-grown corn leads to heavy use of fertilizers, early return of land in conservation programs to production, and the conversion of marginal lands to high-intensity cropping. All of these bring with them well-known environmental problems associated with intensive farming: persistent pest insects and weeds, pollution of groundwater, greater irrigation demands, less wildlife diversity, and the release of more carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change. Ironically, one of the touted benefits of biofuels is to help alleviate global climate change, a benefit that is considerably diluted under a high-intensity agriculture scenario.

The Ecological Society of America will contribute more to this timely issue in a few months when it convenes a conference devoted to the ecological dimensions of biofuels.

Like other organizations, ESA is also concerned about the hardship on the nation's poor communities as higher crop prices drive up the cost of food.

It has been said that biofuels have achieved cult-like status and in the rush it is only too easy to overlook the big picture of environmental implications. Iowa alone has planted more than a third of its land surface with corn and, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the federal government has some 20 laws and incentives to boost ethanol use.

A biofuels infrastructure that incorporates systems thinking, conserves ecosystem services, and encompasses multiple scales can best serve U.S. citizens, the economy, and the environment.

See the Source:
Ecological Society of America

environmental news

Inconvenient Truths about Biofuels and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

“Ethanol is often touted as a solution for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, but the inconvenient truth expressed by concerned scientists is that the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from biofuel production and associated agricultural practices would effectively negate or even reverse any reduction in emissions that could be achieved by significantly expanding the use of ethanol as a transportation fuel.”
Charles T. Drevna
Executive Vice President, National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA)
November 8, 2007

Scientists Say the IPCC’s Latest Climate Mitigation Report Fails to Address the “Dangers and Pitfalls” Associated with Biofuel Expansion.

Scientists from Cornell University, the University of California, Berkeley, RSS GmbH’s Munich office, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt recently expressed their concerns in a lengthy letter to IPCC Chairman, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri on deficient or incomplete conclusions about biofuel production and use made by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in their recent global report.

See the Source:
Letter to IPCC Chairman Pachauri

climate change
global-warming

Biofuel Mandate: Not the Energy Elixir It Was Once Thought to Be

"There's a strong consensus that biofuels will play an important role in the nation's energy future. Energy diversification is critical for our energy security, but we caution against ignoring the consequences of significantly increasing the federal mandate for a product that only now we're learning has a number of drawbacks, both environmental and economic."
Charles T. Drevna
Executive Vice President, National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA)


September 6, 2007 - What They’re Saying…

Run-Off Harms the Chesapeake. “Despite rising food prices, it seems that nearly everyone is turning to corn-based ethanol as their choice for alternative fuel. Hidden behind these headlines, though, is an equally important but less visible cost: water pollution. Corn is a ‘leaky’ crop, losing more nitrogen per acre than most other crops. In the Washington region, much of this excess nitrogen ends up polluting the Chesapeake Bay and robbing fish, crabs and oysters of oxygen. For farmers, the demand for alternative fuels has brought much-needed, and deserved, increases in corn prices. Unfortunately, this summer’s drought will keep mid-Atlantic farmers from realizing their potential windfall, and any unused nitrogen will wash into the bay this winter.”
Tom Simpson and Daphne Pee, op-ed, “How Corn Ethanol Could Pollute the Bay,” The Washington Post, August 26, 2007

Increased Levels of Farm Waste Are Hurting Gulf Waters. “The crop that is bringing prosperity to farmers is making it harder for commercial fishermen in Louisiana to make a living. U.S. farmers this spring planted the most acreage with corn since 1944, after demand for ethanol pushed the grain’s price to a 10-year high. That has increased the level of farm waste flowing into the Mississippi River basin, which scientists blame for creating a pocket along the Louisiana coast where shrimp and other sea life cannot survive. The Gulf of Mexico’s so-called Dead Zone is expected to cover a record 8,543 square miles, or 22,126 square kilometers, this year and stretch into waters off Texas, said Nancy Rabalais, chief scientist for a study team at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. … Corn fuels the zone because it requires more nitrogen-based fertilizer than crops like soybeans, said Eugene Turner, a Louisiana State University oceanographer. Nitrogen and other nutrients eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico, feeding microscopic organisms that deplete oxygen levels as they die and decompose on the sea floor. Shrimp and fish suffocate unless they escape. … ‘The rah-rah sort of drowns out the environmental side,’ [Rabalais] said. ‘If our federal government subsidizes more corn, they’re working against water quality.’”
Tony Cox, “Ethanol Demand Seen Harming U.S. Fishermen,” Bloomberg, July 23, 2007

Little or No Net Savings in CO2 Emissions. “Unfortunately, what passes for mitigation and aversion of global warming often amounts to doing nothing under the guise of doing something. Take the nation's new infatuation with ethanol. Ethanol derived from corn, as it is in the United States, is so energy intensive to produce that it provides little or no net savings in carbon dioxide emissions. Meanwhile, the diversion of corn from the food supply to government-subsidized energy production has some unintended consequences of its own, driving up feed and corn syrup prices at home and tortilla prices in Mexico. Ethanol is a boon for corn farmers. As a way to limit global warming, it's a spectacularly inefficient bust.”
Editorial “Climate solution too hot for left to handle,” San Antonio Express-News, February 11, 2007

All Cost, Little – If Any – Benefit. “The United States, in its quest to reduce its reliance on expensive imported oil, may soon consume as much as half its domestic corn crop for fuel production, although the economic benefits have yet to materialize. Ethanol produces one-third less energy than a gallon of gasoline at an average wholesale cost of 33 percent more, according to a study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. … All told, ethanol has cost Americans an additional $14 billion in higher food prices. … Meanwhile, the U.S. government has yet to discover whether its 51- cent-per-gallon ethanol subsidy is efficiently stimulating production of the fuel. One thing the bureaucrats know for sure: It cost the U.S. Treasury $2.7 billion last year with possibly more subsidies on the way.”
John F. Wasik, op-ed, “In Ethanol Debate, Don’t Forget Realities,” Bloomberg, July 23, 2007

Food, Other Consumer Goods Prices Are Rising. “A steak dinner, a cold beer, a tank of gas, a bowl of cornflakes. Prices on these items and others are rising, all in the quest to produce more ethanol, the corn-based product touted as a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil and lessen the impact of global warming. America has embraced the promise of the renewable fuel, pouring billions of tax dollars into its development. But as Congress prepares to spend billions more for ethanol use and production, people are starting to see higher costs for a wide range of consumer goods. ”
Anna M. Tinsley, “Push for ethanol has ripple effect across economy,” The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, August 5, 2007

More Energy to Make Ethanol Than What’s Produced. “The big problem with ethanol is in the chemistry, said Henry Groppe, founder of Groppe, Long & Littell, an energy consulting firm in Houston. It takes more energy to make ethanol than the ethanol produces, he said. Corn must be grown, fertilized and harvested, which takes oil-powered machinery. It must be processed, refined and then shipped, which takes more oil. ‘You’re having to use as much oil to produce that gallon of ethanol as the energy that you produce from it,’ Groppe said.”
Loren Steffy, “A test tells the story of ethanol vs. gasoline,” The Houston Chronicle, March 11, 2007

Distribution Problems. “The link is corn -- impact of growing the corn and producing the ethanol, not only in greenhouse gas emissions from farm equipment, but from the trucks, ships and trains that haul the ethanol (nearly all of which comes from Midwest corn) for delivery to refineries. Because of its corrosive qualities, it can’t be shipped through pipelines.”
Editorial, “Corn, ethanol and other subsidized stupidities,” The Sacramento Bee, August 8, 2007

Ethanol Will Not Replace Gasoline. “Corn ethanol will neither replace gasoline nor lower its price. It may even raise gas prices. First, at the pump, ethanol is priced according to what consumers will pay, not what it costs to make. So, according to research by Soren T. Anderson of the University of Michigan, ethanol prices follow gas prices very closely. It’s unlikely that gas will make a U-turn and start following ethanol. Second, even if a ready supply of ethanol does put a bit of downward pressure on gas prices, ethanol’s real cost is much higher than whatever we shell out at the pump. Consumers actually pay twice for this corny goodness: once when they fill up and once on April 15. In 2006, ethanol makers and sellers received subsidies of $1.87 for every gallon of gas they managed to displace, according to Doug Koplow of Earth Track, a Boston-based consultancy. Finally, even if we can stomach these nutty subsidies, illogical incentives to tempt automakers to produce ethanol-friendly cars actually increase the amount of oil we use. Blame a little-discussed loophole: In exchange for producing ethanol-ready ‘flex fuel’ vehicles, Congress lets auto manufacturers make their cars less fuel-efficient than corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards require.”
Lisa Margonelli, op-ed, “Myths About That $3.18 Per Gallon,” The Washington Post, June 3, 2007

See the Source:

BusinessWire

environment

Students Get +1500 Miles Per Gallon

During the Society of Automotive Engineers’ Formula SAE Competition held May 15-20, students from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terra Haute, IN won top prize for supermileage in the college division. They clocked in at 1,541 miles per gallon! Winners of the high school division did even better with an amazing 1,692 mpg!

UW-Madison won the SAE Foundation Cup, plus several other awards, finishing in the top 10 with the only vehicle running on an alternative fuel, using E-85.

The Formula SAE competition is an annual challenge for student teams to design, fabricate and compete with small formula-style racing cars to accomplish various objectives. Team cars are judged on cost, presentation, design, acceleration, skid pad, autocross, and endurance-economy. Entries come from all over the world.

See the Source:
Formula SAE
2007 Results

current issues

New Catalyst May Revolutionize Biodiesel Production

Press Release from Iowa State University:

Line up 250 billion of Victor Lin’s nanospheres and you’ve traveled a meter. But those particles – and just the right chemistry filling the channels that run through them – could make a big difference in biodiesel production.

They could make production cheaper, faster and less toxic. They could produce a cleaner fuel and a cleaner glycerol co-product. And they could be used in existing biodiesel plants.

“This technology could change how biodiesel is produced,” said Victor Lin, an Iowa State University professor of chemistry, a program director for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory and the inventor of a nanosphere-based catalyst that reacts vegetable oils and animal fats with methanol to produce biodiesel. “

Lin is working with Mohr Davidow Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, Calif., the Iowa State University Research Foundation and three members of his research team to establish a startup company to produce, develop and market the biodiesel technology he invented at Iowa State.

The company, Catilin Inc., is just getting started in Ames. Catilin employees are now working out of two labs and a small office in the Roy J. Carver Co-Laboratory on the Iowa State campus. The company will also build a biodiesel pilot plant at the Iowa Energy Center’s Biomass Energy Conversion Facility in Nevada.

Lin said the company’s goal over the next 18 months is to produce enough of the nanosphere catalysts to increase biodiesel production from a lab scale to a pilot-plant scale of 300 gallons per day.

Lin will work with three company researchers and co-founders to develop and demonstrate the biodiesel technology and production process. They are Project Manager Jennifer Nieweg, who will earn a doctorate in chemistry from Iowa State this summer; Research Scientist Yang Cai, who earned a doctorate in chemistry from Iowa State in 2004 and worked on campus as a post-doctoral research associate; and Research Scientist Carla Wilkinson, a former Iowa State post-doctoral research associate and a former faculty member at Centro Universitario UNIVATES in Brazil.

Larry Lenhart, the president and chief executive officer of Catilin, said the company is now up and running. It has a research history. It has employees. It has facilities. It has money in the bank.

And he said the company has proven technology to work with.

The technology allows efficient conversion of vegetable oils or animal fats into fuel by using Lin’s nanospheres with acidic catalysts to react with the free fatty acids and basic catalysts for the oils.

All that makes biodiesel production “dramatically better, cheaper, faster,” Lenhart said.
The technology replaces sodium methoxide – a toxic, corrosive and flammable catalyst – in biodiesel production. And that eliminates several production steps including acid neutralization, water washes and separations. All those steps dissolve the toxic catalyst so it can’t be used again.

Catilin’s nanospheres are solid and that makes them easier to handle, Lenhart said. They can also be recovered from the chemical mixture and recycled. And they can be used in existing biodiesel plants without major equipment changes.

Lin said the catalyst has been under development for the past four years. The company will market the third generation of the catalyst – a version that’s much cheaper to produce than earlier, more uniform versions.

The technology was developed with the support of grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences and the state’s Grow Iowa Values Fund. Patents for the technology are pending. Catilin has signed licensing agreements with Iowa State’s research foundation that allows the company to commercialize Lin’s invention.

As the company grows and demonstrates its technology, Lin said company leaders will have to decide whether the company will become a catalyst company, will work with partners to develop biodiesel plants or will produce its own biodiesel.

Even though he expects plenty of worldwide business for the new company, Lin said he’ll continue to work as an Iowa State professor.

“I’m not going to quit my day job,” he said. “And I’ll continue to do research in the catalysis and biorenewables area.”

See the Source:
Iowa State University

current issues
environment

Entrepreneurs Invited to Submit Energy Ideas

Presidential hopeful and New Mexico governor, Bill Richardson today solicited applications for the newly created Energy Innovation Fund as part of the Governor’s commitment to make New Mexico “The Clean Energy State.”

“The fund will accelerate the innovation and adoption of clean energy technologies in our state and ask New Mexico entrepreneurs to put forward their ideas,” said Governor Bill Richardson.

Under Governor Richardson’s leadership, New Mexico has already taken great strides in clean energy – requiring that at least 20% of electric utility power supply come from renewable sources by 2020, creating the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA), and providing tax credits for the use of alternative fuels.

The Energy Innovation Fund (EIF) created during New Mexico’s 2007 Legislative session, will help to accelerate the development of innovation to enable faster commercial adaptation of clean energy technologies in the state. This year, the focus of the EIF is biofuels and concentrating solar power.

Applications for funding must:
• Relate to achieving New Mexico goals in clean energy
• Be an innovative project
• Have the potential for a significant impact on New Mexico
• Include partnerships between private and public sectors, with at least one of the principals in the project being a New Mexico entity.

Applications for the New Mexico Energy Innovation Fund are now being accepted, through June 19, 2007. Project funding will be considered in the amount of $200,000 and above.

To download an application or for more information:
http://governor.state.nm.us/priorities-energy.php?mm=4

See the Source:
Office of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson

environment

ARB Hears Progress Report on Zero Emission Vehicles

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) heard the results of a year-long analysis on the state of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) technology. This ZEV Technology Review is part of ARB's ongoing strategy to eliminate passenger vehicle emissions that threaten the health and welfare of California's public.

"The Zero Emission Vehicle requirements are technology forcing regulations and are producing the development of zero and very low emission vehicles," said Dr. Robert Sawyer, ARB's Chairperson. "The Board asked for this assessment to stay current with advances in the technology and to assure that progress is matching our ZEV implementation schedule. The rollout is progressing very well and manufacturers are providing their required vehicle quotas according to the program's timeline."

The ZEV Technology Review describes the results of the Independent Expert Panel's (IEP) investigation. The IEP, made up of five experts, looked at three key ZEV areas: battery energy storage, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells. In the course of its work members of the panel visited sites worldwide and were given wide support and access to confidential manufacturer information.

The IEP also focused on the ability of car manufacturers to commercialize these advances into production vehicles.

The IEP was able to project the short and long term prospects for a number of advanced technologies ranging from hybrid and plug in hybrids to fuel cell and battery electric vehicles.

Overall the study found that while progress is continuing and consumer acceptance of "bridge" technologies such as hybrid vehicles is encouraging, significant research and investment is still needed to fully realize the mass commercialization of ZEVs. The ARB did not change the ZEV regulations today but directed staff to integrate the information into adaptive changes that would reinforce the success of the ZEV effort. Such proposals would be considered later this year.

In 1990 the ARB adopted regulations that required auto manufacturers to offer California vehicles with zero evaporative and tailpipe emissions as part of the state's low-emission vehicle program. The regulation stipulated that in 1998, two percent of the vehicles that large manufacturers produced for sale in California must be ZEVs; increasing to five percent in 2001 and ten percent in 2003. Since its inception, the program has been modified on several occasions to better reflect the pace of technological development and the costs and realities of the marketplace. These revisions maintained the integrity of the program while adapting to technological and economic realities that hampered ZEVs from being offered for sale in California.

The ZEV mandate is a technology forcing regulation and has stimulated developments that have given consumers more options.

Now a variety of vehicles are available that match the needs of drivers while being extremely low or non-emitting. Fuel Cell Vehicles are being made and demonstrated in California. And many vehicles are using hybrid systems to improve performance, and advanced battery technologies are being used in applications far beyond motor vehicles.

See the Source:
CARB – ZEV Technology Review

emissions control

emission standards

Keep on Truckin’- B20 vs. Diesel in the Two Million Mile Haul

The Two Million Mile Haul is the first major study in a real-world setting comparing the performance of B20 biodiesel (a mixture of 20% soy biodiesel and 80% diesel) with diesel on long haul trucks on an over-the-road test covering 2 million miles. To date the test has completed 350,000 miles of its goal with favorable results and only minor issues.

Observations so far have shown:

• Cleaner engine oil
  
  
• Positive impact on engine wear
  
  
• Decreased maintenance due to increased lubricity
  
  
• No cold weather issues – even with temperatures in the teens and single digits

Organizations and companies participating in the study include:
- Caterpillar
- Decker Truck Line
- The National Biodiesel Board
- Iowa Central Community College
- Soy Power Biodiesel
- United States Department of Agriculture
- Iowa Soybean Association

Dale Decker, Industry & Government Relations Director for Decker Truck Line explains “What we’ve observed so far is great performance in the particularly cold winter we just experienced, and reduced maintenance and engine wear benefits that equal or outweigh the slightly higher cost of the biodiesel blend.”

Final conclusions and assessments concerning mileage and fuel efficiency will not be available until the 2 million mile mark has been reach.

See the Source:
2 Million Mile Haul

Find out:
How diesel particulate filters work to decrease particulate pollution from diesel and biodiesel fuels.

diesel emissions

Senator Bingaman on Alternative Fuel Vehicles

On May 1st, Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico chaired a hearing to explore possible incentives Congress should consider in helping to expand the availability of advance technology vehicles in our country. He also opened conversation on how the United States can become the world leader in manufacturing alternative fuels.

Bingaman invited Martin Eberhard, CEO of Tesla Motors, to testify. The hearing in the Finance Committee's Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure took a closer look at what incentives are needed to create a larger market for vehicles that use less - or no - fossil fuels, and to encourage more companies like Tesla Motors to manufacture their products in the U.S. Bingaman is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure.

"Right now, over 50 percent of the nearly 21 million barrels of oil we use each day in the U.S. is imported. And almost 70 percent of that oil consumption is used in the transportation sector. These numbers suggest that in order to achieve energy security, we need to reduce our use of imported fuels. We can begin this effort by becoming efficient users of transportation fuels," Bingaman said.

The U.S. tax code has several incentives to encourage manufacturers and consumers to build and purchase more fuel efficient vehicles. There are tax penalties that apply to the purchase of the least fuel efficient vehicles. The tax code also features credits, against income or excise tax, for bio-based fuel blends that take the place of imported fuels.

But the Senator wants to do more. "We have taken steps that allow us to continue providing incentives to all types of advanced technologies that increase our fuel efficiency and reduce polluting emissions. What we learned today is that we also need to provide incentives for manufacturers to produce these technologies in the United States," Bingaman said. Today the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee met to vote on legislation to promote the efficient use of energy, expand the use of biofuels and to invest in research and development capture and storing of carbon emissions.

See the Source:
United States Senator – Jeff Bingaman

current issues

Give Me a Bucket of Extra Crunchy - Diesel?

Tyson Foods, Inc. and ConocoPhillips have announced an alliance to produce and market renewable diesel fuel from animal fat. Using beef, pork and poultry by-product fat, the two corporations will cooperate in manufacturing a diesel fuel mixture that meets all federal standards for ultra-low-sulfur diesel, with an expected future production of 175 million gallons per year.

“We are firmly committed to leveraging our leadership position in the food industry to identify and commercialize renewable energy opportunities,” said Richard L. Bond, Tyson president and chief executive officer. “This strategic alliance is a big win for the entire agricultural sector because it paves the way for greater participation of fats and oils in renewable fuels.”

“ConocoPhillips believes the key to a secure energy future is the development and efficient use of diverse energy sources,” said Jim Mulva, ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer. “This alliance will provide a new and significant contribution to our nation’s domestic renewable fuel supply. It also offers an excellent opportunity to use our company’s manufacturing expertise and advanced technology to help increase the supply of renewable fuels and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

See the Source:
Conoco Phillips-Tyson Alliance

EcoFuel: Today’s Brother Love Traveling Salvation Show

The EcoFuel World Tour is a six-month, six-continent adventure to educate the global community on natural gas as a clean, economic alternative fuel for vehicles. Thirty-six year-old Rainier Zietlow is the organizer and leader of this around-the-world odyssey, traveling in a modified natural gas-powered Volkswagen Caddy.

Sponsored by the Swagelok Company which manufactures fluid system components, the EcoFuel Tour kicked off October 2006 in Cologne, Germany. Zietlow’s team includes a support vehicle with a mechanic, a cameraman and a photographer. They have wound their way through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America, covering about 28,000 miles, with the North America leg of the tour starting April 6th in Toronto.

“This is a tough challenge and we wish Rainer and his team great success,” said Peter Ehlers, alternative fuels manager for Swagelok. “The tour’s goal is to demonstrate the long-term quality and viability of engines using a compressed natural gas (CNG) engine and its components, as well as to highlight the growing use of natural gas-powered vehicles worldwide.

“We are very pleased that Volkswagen has chosen Swagelok tube fittings, valves, tubing and hoses for its vehicles,” Ehlers added. “So, along with co-sponsoring the tour, Swagelok technology is providing the tour with a valuable contribution.”

In addition to highlighting the growing use of natural gas, the EcoFuel World Tour is raising funds for the charity SOS Children’s Village in Bangalore, India.

Sponsors include:
Volkswagen
OMV Gas International
Walker brand of Tenneco, Inc.
Endress+Hauser
TUV Rheinland
Adnoc Distribution
Landi Renzo
Swagelok Company
Staubli
LuK
Faufoss Fuel Systems
Michelin
Panasonic
Nikon

See the Source:
EcoFuel World Tour

Bush Administration Establishes Program to Reduce Foreign Oil Dependency, Greenhouse Gases

Washington, D.C. – April 10, 2007 -- In step with the Bush Administration’s call to increase the supply of alternative and renewable fuels nationwide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today established the nation’s first comprehensive Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

At a press conference today, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, joined by Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Nicole Nason, discussed the RFS program, increasing the use of alternative fuels and modernizing CAFÉ standards for cars.

“The Renewable Fuel Standard offers the American people a hat trick – it protects the environment, strengthens our energy security, and supports America’s farmers,” said EPA Administrator Johnson. “Today, we’re taking an important first step toward meeting President Bush’s “20 in 10” goal of jumping off the treadmill of foreign oil dependency.”

"Increasing the use of renewable and alternative fuels to power our nation's vehicles will help meet the President's Twenty in Ten goal of reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent in ten years," Secretary Bodman said. "The Administration's sustained commitment to technology investment will bring a variety of alternative fuel sources to market and further reduce our nation's dependence on foreign sources of energy."

“While we must look at increasing the availability of renewable and alternative fuels, we must also continue to improve the fuel efficiency of our passenger cars and light trucks,” said Nicole R. Nason, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “As a part of the President’s “20 in 10” energy security plan, we need Congress to give the Secretary of Transportation the authority to reform the current passenger car fuel economy standard.”

Authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the RFS program requires that the equivalent of at least 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel be blended into motor vehicle fuel sold in the U.S. by 2012. The program is estimated to cut petroleum use by up to 3.9 billion gallons and cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 13.1 million metric tons by 2012 -- the equivalent of preventing the emissions of 2.3 million cars. The RFS is an important first step toward meeting President Bush’s call on our nation to reduce gasoline use by 20-percent within 10 years by growing our renewable and alternative fuel use to 35 billion gallons by the year 2017.

The RFS program will promote the use of fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, which are largely produced from American crops. The program will create new markets for farm products, increase energy security, and promote the development of advanced technologies that will help make renewable fuel cost-competitive with conventional gasoline. In particular, the RFS program establishes special incentives for producing and using fuels produced from cellulosic biomass, such as switchgrass and woodchips.

The RFS program requires major American refiners, blenders, and importers to use a minimum volume of renewable fuel each year between 2007 and 2012. The minimum level or “standard” which is determined as a percentage of the total volume of fuel a company produces or imports, will increase every year. For 2007, 4.02 percent of all the fuel sold or dispensed to U.S. motorists will have to come from renewable sources, roughly 4.7 billion gallons.

The RFS program is based on a trading system that provides a flexible means for industry to comply with the annual standard by allowing renewable fuels to be used where they are most economical. Various renewable fuels can be used to meet the requirements of the program. While the RFS program establishes that a minimum amount of renewable fuel be used in the United States, more fuel can be used if producers and blenders choose to do so.

The RFS brings the nation closer to President Bush’s Twenty in Ten goal to reduce gasoline consumption 20 percent in ten years. To achieve this goal, the Bush Administration’s Alternative Fuel Standard (AFS) proposal builds on the RFS and requires use of 35 billion gallons of renewable and alternative fuels in 2017 - nearly five times the RFS target of 2012. The AFS proposal will displace 15 percent of projected annual gasoline use in 2017 through the use of fuels, including corn ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, methanol, butanol, hydrogen, and other alternative fuels. The Twenty in Ten plan also calls for reforming and modernizing CAFÉ standards to increase the fuel economy of cars. This will reduce projected annual gasoline use by up to 8.5 billion gallons, a further 5 percent reduction that will bring the total reduction in projected annual gasoline use to 20 percent. President Bush has called on Congress to act on these proposals by the start of the summer driving season this year.

See the Source:
EPA Renewable Fuels

Cummins Announces Approval of B20 Biodiesel Blends

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--March 21, 2007--Cummins Inc. today announced the approval of biodiesel B20 blends for use in its 2002 and later emissions-compliant ISX, ISM, ISL, ISC and ISB engines. This includes the recently released 2007 products.

Cummins is able to upgrade its previous position on the use of biodiesel fuel, which limited the use to B5 blends only, up to B20 for three key reasons. First, the American Society of Testing Materials specification ASTM D6751 now includes an important stability specification for B100 biodiesel. Second, the availability of quality fuels from BQ-9000 Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers is growing rapidly; and third, Cummins has completed the necessary testing and evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their equipment with confidence using B20 fuel.

“We have completed exhaustive analysis and test evaluations which enable Cummins to provide the necessary guidance and information to our customers for the proper and successful use of this fuel in our engine,” said Edward Lyford-Pike, Chief Engineer – Advanced Alternative Fuel Programs. “This will enable our customers to have a choice that includes renewable fuel.”

The popularity and use of biodiesel fuel continues to climb. Recent studies predict that, by 2008, 1.2 billion gallons of B100 biodiesel will be produced in the United States. Cummins will continue its efforts to ensure that future products will be compatible with biodiesel fuels, and will continue to participate in industry efforts aimed at the development of consistent quality throughout the biodiesel industry.

Further information about the use of biodiesel for both on-highway and off-highway Cummins products can be found on the Web at everytime.cummins.com.

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins reported net income of $715 million on sales of $11.4 billion in 2006.

See the Source:
Cummins, Inc.

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems that reduce biodiesel emissions

SCAQMD Awards Contract to Supply the State of California with Plug-In Hybrid Electric Fleet Vehicles

Contract will Provide First Nanophosphate Lithium-Ion Batteries to Power +150MPG PHEVs for the State of California

Watertown, Mass--March 19, 2007--Hymotion and A123Systems today announced that the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has awarded the companies a contract to provide 10 converted plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles (PHEVs). The South Coast AQMD PHEV program will evaluate and help identify a recommended PHEV-conversion method for the state of California.

The AQMD has identified the use of alternative clean fuels as a key air quality attainment strategy, and has sponsored plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) demonstrations for over six years because of the potential for this technology to enable zero-tailpipe emissions for portions of a typical driving cycle. Similar to commercially available hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), PHEVs utilize a battery pack and an electric motor in concert with an internal combustion engine. PHEVs, however, employ a larger battery pack which can be designed to extend the electric portion of the driving cycle, providing improved fuel economy, lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced petroleum dependence.

The Hymotion solution incorporates A123Systems’ batteries into a highly advanced PHEV module that is lightweight, compact and requires minimal modification to the stock vehicle. All necessary components and safety features are integrated and contained within the module, including: batteries, power electronics, crash sensors, power electronics, charger, battery management system, safety sensors and manual-electric interlock. Due to its plug and play installation, the system does not require removal of the OEM battery pack and can be installed in less than 2 hours.

"This exciting program will not only demonstrate the power of today’s technology, but pave the way for larger-scale demonstrations of Plug-In Hybrid technology in Southern California," said Ricardo Bazzarella, Founder and President of Hymotion.

The awarded solution uses A123Systems' nanophosphate technology that provides unprecedented specific power, safety and life - all critical to the optimization and commercialization of PHEVs. A123Systems' automotive class lithium ion technology renders the solution durable and more safe than other chemistries. The system is expected to get up to 220 miles per gallon in city driving and cut carbon dioxide emissions in half. The solution also includes power processing and rapid chargers provided by AeroVironment, Inc.

"California has traditionally served as a leader to the rest of the country in matters of air quality and renewable energy," said David Vieau, President and CEO of A123Systems. "This award is further validation of our efforts to date as we continue on our path to providing smarter, more fuel-efficient and market-ready options for organizations, agencies and individuals that are concerned about fuel consumption and the environment."

“As a leading developer and supplier of commercial fast charge systems for electric vehicles and power processing equipment, we are pleased to support the South Coast AQMD’s plans for demonstrating the potential of PHEV technology,” said Tim Conver, CEO of AeroVironment.

A123Systems and Hymotion are also working with NYSERDA on a program that could put as many as 600 Plug-In Hybrids on the roads of New York State. Additionally, A123Systems recently announced that it is working with General Motors and Cobasys on the Saturn Green Line Vue Plug-In Hybrid program, and that the company is working with GE to develop systems for the hybrid bus market. A123Systems recently received a $15 million development contract for next generation HEV batteries from the U.S. Department of Energy and the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), an organization composed of DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation.

About A123Systems
A123Systems has quickly become one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-power lithium-ion batteries. Based on the company’s patented nanophosphate technology, the batteries deliver previously unattainable levels of power, safety and life. Applicable to a wide range of industries, A123Systems’ products allow OEMs expanded flexibility in system design, removing many traditional technology constraints. Founded in 2001, A123Systems’ proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. For additional information please visit http://www.a123systems.com/.

About Hymotion
Hymotion Inc. is a provider of complete integration for hybrid and fuel cell systems. Hymotion brings over ten years of experience in the alternative fuel industry. It can offer mechanical, electrical, control system and power electronics design for OEM customers. As a green technology company, their mission is to provide new generation hybrid and alternative fuel solutions to customers that value green and innovative technologies. For additional information please visit http://www.hymotion.com/.

About AeroVironment
Building on a history of technological innovation, AV designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and efficient electric energy systems. The company's small UAS are used extensively by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and increasingly by allied military forces to deliver real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition to tactical operating units. AV’s PosiCharge® fast charge systems eliminate battery changing for electric industrial vehicles in factories, airports, and distribution centers. For more information about AV, please visit http://www.avinc.com/.

About AQMD
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The South Coast AQMD is committed to undertaking all necessary steps to protect public health from air pollution, with sensitivity to the impacts of its actions on the community and businesses. This is accomplished through a comprehensive program of planning, regulation, compliance assistance, enforcement, monitoring, technology advancement, and public education.

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A123Systems
Hymotion
AeroVironment
SCAQMD

Peterbilt, Eaton and Wal-Mart Partner on Hybrid Electric Aerodynamic Model 386 Development

Denton, Texas -- March 15, 2007 -- Advanced hybrid technologies developed jointly by Peterbilt Motors Company and Eaton Corporation have been integrated into an aerodynamically styled heavy-duty vehicle for superior fuel efficiency and greater environmental stewardship.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which operates the nation’s second largest private fleet, is supporting development of new hybrid technologies by helping to validate the concept and refine the final design. Wal-Mart recently announced its “Sustainability 360” program that will aggressively promote environmental stewardship among customers, suppliers and associates through a number of global innovation projects.

Peterbilt and Eaton have previously partnered to develop hybrid electric Class 6-7 vehicle platforms and Class 8 hybrid hydraulic vehicles. With a successful test and evaluation program, the heavy-duty hybrid electric power system will be available in 2009.

“We are pleased to partner with Peterbilt to produce a heavy-duty hybrid truck that we believe delivers a strong value proposition,” says Jim Sweetnam, Eaton Senior Vice President and President - Truck Group. “During the past five years, we’ve clearly demonstrated our leadership in the hybrid marketplace with the success of our patented hybrid power system in the medium-duty marketplace. We’re excited that Wal-Mart’s fleet is now seeing the value of our hybrid technology.”

“Peterbilt and PACCAR Inc are leaders in developing solutions that help customers improve fuel economy through superior aerodynamic designs and advanced technologies. We continue to design products, improve processes and develop technologies that are environmentally responsible,” says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “As we refine our heavy-duty hybrid platform for future production, we are fortunate to have Eaton and Wal-Mart as partners to help develop the best possible vehicle system for both customers and the environment.”

“Wal-Mart is careful to consider the civic and environmental impact its operations have in the communities it serves around the world,” says Tim Yatsko, Senior Vice President of Transportation. “We are continually looking for new, innovative ways to improve the fuel economy and reduce the emissions of our fleet. We currently operate the Peterbilt Model 386, and we anticipate that the hybrid version will help us move toward our goal to increase our fleet efficiency by 25 percent over the next few years.”

During third-party testing, the Eaton Hybrid Power System has routinely achieved a 5-7 percent fuel savings versus comparable, non-hybrid models. It may result in a savings of one gallon of fuel per hour when idling.

At the current average diesel price of almost $2.50 per gallon, those savings equate to about $9,000 to $10,000 a truck per year in operation.

Advanced Hybrid TechnologiesThe heavy-duty hybrid electric power system features an automated manual transmission with a parallel-type “direct” hybrid system, incorporating an electric motor/generator located between the output of an automated clutch and the input to Eaton’s Fuller® UltraShift® transmission. The system captures energy generated by the diesel engine and recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. That electric torque is then sent through the motor/generator and blended with engine torque to improve vehicle performance, operate the engine in a more fuel-efficient range for a given speed and/or operate only with electric power in certain situations.

In this heavy-duty application of Eaton’s hybrid power technology, fuel efficiency and emissions reductions are best achieved both while the truck is rolling or standing still. The system’s batteries power the heating, air conditioning and vehicle electrical systems while the engine is off. When the idle reduction mode is active, engine operation is limited to battery charging, an automatically controlled process that takes approximately five minutes per hour to fully charge the system. In the proposed system design, a proprietary feature minimizes engine vibration during start-up and shutdown during the recharge periods, allowing the driver to rest without interruption.

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Peterbilt

Small Businesses: Big Payoffs in New Technologies for America

Washington, D.C. -- March 8, 2007 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced $2.52 million in contracts to 36 small businesses to develop new technologies that will protect human health and the environment. Recipients of these awards will research issues that range from protecting the Great Lakes to homeland security to nanotechnology and more.

President Bush understands the health and prosperity of our nation is due to the strength and ingenuity of our small businesses," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "These grants will help spur innovation from America's small businesses so they can continue driving our economy and powering our environmental successes."

The awards were given to businesses in 22 states under EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. SBIR was established to ensure that new technologies are developed to solve priority environmental problems. EPA is one of 12 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR program, enacted in 1982 to strengthen the role of small businesses in federal research and development, create jobs, and promote U.S. technical innovation in the United States.

These awards will focus on 14 key environmental areas: protecting the Great Lakes; improving air quality; monitoring metals from incinerators; developing sensors to determine whether waters are safe for swimming; finding new techniques for "green" buildings; managing mining wastes; reducing pollution from animal feeding operations; treating drinking water; managing wastewater; finding innovations in manufacturing for environmental protection; protecting the environment using nanotechnology; reducing engine and vehicle emissions; improving homeland security; and developing new methods to produce biodiesel, butanol and ethanol.

There are approximately 25 million small businesses in the United States that employ more than 50 percent of workers and develop most of the country's new technologies. To participate in SBIR, a small business must have fewer than 500 employees, and at least 51 percent of the business must be owned by U.S. citizens.

From March 15 to May 23, 2007, EPA will again be requesting applications for the development of new environmental technologies.

See the Source:
EPA's SBIR web site

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How to reduce stationary diesel engine emissions with diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems

Global Clean Energy Markets Expand to $55 Billion in 2006 and Projected to Exceed $220 Billion by 2016, Reports Clean Edge

U.S. Energy-Tech Investments Grow to $2.4 Billion in 2006, Representing 9.4 Percent of Total VC Activity

PORTLAND, Ore. & OAKLAND, Calif--Global clean-energy markets are poised to quadruple in the next decade, growing from $55.4 billion in revenues in 2006 to more than $226.5 billion by 2016 for four benchmark technologies, according to the sixth annual Clean Energy Trends report. The report was released today by clean-tech research and publishing firm Clean Edge, Inc.

As highlighted in the report, “Clean Energy Trends 2007,” a number of factors are contributing to this extensive growth, including an influx of venture capital (VC); a new level of commitment by politicians at regional, state, and federal levels; and significant corporate investments in clean-energy acquisitions and expansion initiatives. The free report can be downloaded at http://www.cleanedge.com/.

For the second year in a row, the global biofuels market was slightly larger than both solar and wind, reaching $20.5 billion in 2006 and projected to grow to more than $80 billion by 2016. Clean Edge projects solar photovoltaics (modules, system components, and installations) will grow from a $15.6 billion market in 2006 to $69.3 billion by 2016; wind power installations will expand from $17.9 billion in 2006 to $60.8 billion in 2016; and the markets for fuel cells and distributed hydrogen will grow from $1.4 billion in 2006 to $15.6 billion over the next decade.

“At $55 billion, the global market for biofuels, solar, wind, and fuel cells are now considerably larger than the global recorded music industry,” explains Clean Edge co-founder and principal Ron Pernick. “Within a decade we predict these clean-energy markets will exceed $220 billion and that the global annual production of biofuels will increase from around 13 billion gallons last year to 50 billion gallons, solar will jump from 2 GW of production to nearly 20 GW, and wind power will increase from 15 GW to 67 GW.”

Clean Edge, in collaboration with Nth Power, a leading energy-tech VC firm, also released the firms’ annual energy-tech venture data. This year’s findings show that VC investments in energy-tech start-ups rose 262 percent to $2.4 billion in 2006. These investments, primarily in transportation and fuels, distributed energy, energy intelligence, and power reliability, eclipsed the previous high-water mark set in 2000 for energy-tech investing by more than $1 billion. The figures represent 9.4 percent of total US venture capital investments in 2006.

“Energy tech investing in the U.S. now represents nearly ten percent of the total venture activity,” explains Rodrigo Prudencio, partner, Nth Power. “With a growing number of investors actively seeking energy-tech deals, the capital to fund biofuel and solar expansion was readily available. 2007 will clearly be an indicator of whether the aggressive growth in energy-tech investment can be sustained.”

“Clean Energy Trends 2007” also names five key trends that are shaping the clean-energy landscape this year. They include:
- Carbon Finally Has a Price … and a Market
- Biorefineries Begin to Close the Loop
- Advanced Battery Makers Take Charge
- Wal-Mart Becomes a Clean-Energy Market Maker
- Utilities Get Enlightened

About Clean Edge, Inc.
Clean Edge, Inc. is a leading research and publishing firm that helps companies, investors, and policymakers understand and profit from clean-energy technologies. Since 2001, the company has been providing market research and reports, conferences and events, and strategic consulting services to the clean-tech industry. Among its many activities, the company publishes the annual Clean Energy Trends report, produces the annual Clean-Tech Investor Summit (along with IBF), and maintains the NASDAQ® Clean Edge® U.S. Index which tracks U.S.-listed clean-energy companies. Founded by environmental and high-tech business pioneers Ron Pernick and Joel Makower, Clean Edge and its network of partners and affiliates offer unparalleled insight and intelligence for a range of clean-tech stakeholders.

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Clean Edge’s “Clean Energy Trends 2007”

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About diesel particulate filters that also work with biodiesel fuels to further reduce emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons

Solar Energy Conversion Offers a Solution to Help Mitigate Global Warming

Solar energy has the power to reduce greenhouse gases and provide increased energy efficiency, says a scientist at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, in a report (view it online) published in the March issue of Physics Today.

Last month, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations released a report confirming global warming is upon us and attributing the growing threat to the man-made burning of fossil fuels.

Opportunities to increase solar energy conversion as an alternative to fossil fuels are addressed in the Physics Today article, co-authored by George Crabtree, senior scientist and director of Argonne's Materials Science Division, and Nathan Lewis, professor of Chemistry at Caltech and director of its Molecular Materials Research Center.

Currently, between 80 percent and 85 percent of our energy comes from fossil fuels. However, fossil fuel resources are of finite extent and are distributed unevenly beneath Earth's surface. When fossil fuel is turned into useful energy through combustion, it often produces environmental pollutants that are harmful to human health and greenhouse gases that threaten the global climate. In contrast, solar resources are widely available and have a benign effect on the environment and climate, making it an appealing alternative energy source.

“Sunlight is not only the most plentiful energy resource on earth, it is also one of the most versatile, converting readily to electricity, fuel and heat,” said Crabtree. “The challenge is to raise its conversion efficiency by factors of five or ten. That requires understanding the fundamental conversion phenomena at the nanoscale. We are just scratching the surface of this rich research field.”

Argonne carries out forefront basic research on all three solar conversion routes. The laboratory is creating next-generation nanostructured solar cells using sophisticated atomic layer deposition techniques that replace expensive silicon with inexpensive titanium dioxide and chemical dyes. Its artificial photosynthesis program imitates nature using simple chemical components to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide directly into fuels like hydrogen, methane and ethanol. Its program on thermoelectric materials takes heat from the sun and converts it directly to electricity.

The Physics Today article is based on the conclusions contained in the report of the Basic Energy Sciences Workshop on Solar Energy Utilization sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Crabtree and Lewis served as co-chairs of the workshop and principal editors of the report. The key conclusions of the report identified opportunities for higher solar energy efficiencies in the areas of:

• Electricity – important research developments lie in the development of new, less expensive materials for solar cells, including organics, thin films, dyes and shuttle ions, and in understanding the dynamics of charge transfer across nanostructured interfaces.

• Fuel – solar photons can be converted into chemical fuel more resourcefully by breeding or genetically engineering designer plants, connecting natural photosynthetic pathways in novel configurations and using artificial bio-inspired nanoscale systems.

• Heat – controlling the size, density and distribution of nanodot inclusions during bulk synthesis could enhance thermoelectric performance and achieve more reliable and inexpensive electricity production from the sun's heat.

The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory conducts basic and applied scientific research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, ranging from high-energy physics to climatology and biotechnology. Since 1990, Argonne has worked with more than 600 companies and numerous federal agencies and other organizations to help advance America's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for the future. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

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Argonne National Laboratory

Governor Bill Richardson Enacts Landmark Clean Energy Bills to Create Jobs, Keep Air Clean

SB 418, HB188 will Increase Generation and Promote Export of Clean Electricity

SANTA FE – March 5, 2007 -- Governor Bill Richardson today signed two major cornerstones of his clean energy agenda. Senate Bill 418 will dramatically increase New Mexico’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and our use of clean electricity. House Bill 188 creates a Renewable Energy Transmission Authority to promote clean energy jobs and help New Mexico both develop our clean energy resources and market them to other states.

“I am proud today to sign a bill that will quadruple New Mexico’s use of clean electricity by 2020,” said Governor Bill Richardson. “Promoting renewable electricity keeps our air clean and it will help New Mexico meet my aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals. It will also help continue to create new jobs, like those at Advent Solar in Albuquerque, and aid ranchers who want to diversify into the lucrative wind energy market.”

In 2004 Governor Richardson signed New Mexico’s first Renewable Portfolio Standard into law. This mandated that 5% of New Mexico’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2006, increasing to 10% by 2011. Senator Michael Sanchez’s Senate Bill 418 requires that at least 15 percent of an electric utility's power supply come from renewable sources by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020.

House Bill 188 – sponsored by Representative Jose Campos -- establishes a Renewable Energy Transmission Authority that will help New Mexico export solar, wind and other renewable energy and further build our high-wage, and high-tech economy.

“The Transmission Authority and the Renewable Portfolio Standard work in combination to dramatically position New Mexico to develop our vast renewable energy resources,” said Joanna Prukop Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources. “We've just positioned our state to become extremely competitive in all aspects of clean energy development and the benefits that come with it.”

Under Governor Richardson’s leadership, New Mexico has become the nation’s Clean Energy State. In the past few weeks alone Governor Richardson has signed a major, five state climate change agreement, announced a new Tesla electric car plant for Albuquerque and a biodiesel plant in Clovis, NM.

“I am proud that both these bills passed with bipartisan support,” said Governor Richardson. “That is because New Mexico is hungry for clean energy and the good jobs that come with this new industry.”

See the Source:
New Mexico – Governor’s Office

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How another New Mexico business is making a difference in clean energy through the development of emissions control technology

The Urban Tree Certification System (UTCS) and Green Energy Resources' "Carbon Offsets" Can Combat Climate Change by Planting Millions of Trees a Year

NEW YORK, NY – March 5, 2007 -- Green Energy Resources launches "Carbon Offset" credits sales. The company's goal is to remove a million tons of carbon annually from the atmosphere. Green Energy Resources plans to sell the carbon offset credits in Blocks of 100 tons known as carbon financial instruments (CFIs). The price will most resemble the European Trading Scheme at around $30 per ton. Carbon offsets are open to the public, businesses and the investment community.

Green Energy Resources Urban Tree Certification System (UTCS) reduces carbon and methane from the atmosphere by planting trees and taking wood waste from landfills. UTCS renewable energy platform includes cellulostic ethanol, brownfield redevelopment and other sustainability programs. UTCS is designed to create a self-sustaining and revenue generating mechanism to plant millions of trees a year to create carbon sequestration in U.S. cities and suburbs. UTCS potential, if readily adopted throughout the U.S., could remove millions of tons of carbon from the atmosphere annually. UTCS is designed to replace all other existing urban forest management schemes and the need for environmental organizations support because the plan does not require monetary donations or federal grants. UTCS is a web-based software system offered to local, city and state governments to help combat climate change at no charge. Details about UTCS are available at http://www.utcs.com/

Green Energy Resources cited a newly released internal Bush Administration report indicating the United States will increase its share of Global warming emissions by nearly 20% by 2020. The United States already contributes 25% of the world's total green houses gases and is the single largest emitter. The United States according to the report, will increase emissions from 7.7 billion tons per year to 9.2 billion tons per year.

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the companies' actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional financings and other risks.

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Green Energy Resources

Phoenix Motorcars Signs Deal With Pacific Gas and Electric for All-Electric Vehicles

Powered by Altairnano's NanoSafe Battery Packs and UQM's Electric Drive Motors

ONTARIO, CA -- February 28, 2007 -- Phoenix Motorcars announced today it received a purchase order for four of its zero-emission, all-electric sport utility trucks (SUTs) from Pacific Gas and Electric Company to be delivered in June. The SUTs, which are powered by UQM Technologies, Inc.'s propulsion system, Boshart Engineering's homologation process and Altairnano's NanoSafe™ 35kWh battery pack, will represent the only series of battery-electric trucks in the PG&E fleet.

Phoenix's SUT can travel at freeway-speeds while carrying five passengers and a full payload. The SUT exceeds all specifications for a Type III ZEV, having a driving range of over 100 miles, can be recharged in less than 10 minutes and has a battery pack with a lifespan of more than 12 years. PG&E plans to place a purchase order for 200 of Phoenix Motorcar's vehicles annually to assist in its daily operation of serving over 70,000 square miles in Central and Northern California.

"PG&E operates the fourth largest alternative-fuel truck fleet in the nation, and we are honored to supply them with a reliable all-electric vehicle to improve their fleet operations," says Daniel J. Elliott, CEO of Phoenix Motorcars. "We want to provide the California-fleet market with high-performance, zero-emission vehicles to reduce costs, improve air quality and protect public health."

Phoenix Motorcars targets operators of fleet vehicles, such as public utilities, public transportation providers and delivery services. A limited number of vehicles will be available to consumers in 2007 with an expanded consumer launch scheduled for 2008. Phoenix Motorcars will also introduce an SUV model in late 2007.

About Phoenix Motorcars, Inc.
Phoenix Motorcars Inc., a privately-held company headquartered in Ontario, Calif., has been an industry leader in the development of battery-electric, freeway-speed vehicles since 2001. The mission of Phoenix Motorcars is to manufacture zero-emission vehicles including Sport Utility Trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles to reduce the toxic emissions from the largest contributor to air pollution, personal automobiles. Phoenix Motorcars has strategic alliances with UQM Technologies, Inc. (AMEX: UQM), Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTI) and Boshart Engineering.

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Phoenix Motorcars, Inc.

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How to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles by using diesel particulate filters

DOE Selects Six Cellulosic Ethanol Plants for Up to $385 Million in Federal Funding

Funding to help bring cellulosic ethanol to market and help revolutionize the industry

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today announced that DOE will invest up to $385 million for six biorefinery projects over the next four years. When fully operational, the biorefineries are expected to produce more than 130 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year. This production will help further President Bush’s goal of making cellulosic ethanol cost-competitive with gasoline by 2012 and, along with increased automobile fuel efficiency, reduce America’s gasoline consumption by 20 percent in ten years.

“These biorefineries will play a critical role in helping to bring cellulosic ethanol to market, and teaching us how we can produce it in a more cost effective manner,” Secretary Bodman said. “Ultimately, success in producing inexpensive cellulosic ethanol could be a key to eliminating our nation’s addiction to oil. By relying on American ingenuity and on American farmers for fuel, we will enhance our nation’s energy and economic security.”

Today’s announcement is one part of the Bush Administration’s comprehensive plan to support commercialization of scientific breakthroughs on biofuels. Specifically, these projects directly support the goals of President Bush’s Twenty in Ten Initiative, which aims to increase the use of renewable and alternative fuels in the transportation sector to the equivalent of 35 billion gallons of ethanol a year by 2017. Funding for these projects is an integral part of the President’s Biofuels Initiative that will lead to the wide-scale use of non-food based biomass, such as agricultural waste, trees, forest residues, and perennial grasses in the production of transportation fuels, electricity, and other products. The solicitation, announced a year ago, was initially for three biorefineries and $160 million. However, in an effort to expedite the goals of President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative and help achieve the goals of his Twenty in Ten Initiative, within authority of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005), Section 932, Secretary Bodman raised the funding ceiling.

“We had a number of very good proposals, but these six were considered ‘meritorious’ by a merit review panel made up of bioenergy experts. So I thought it would be best to front-end some more funding now, so that we could all reap the benefits of the President’s vision sooner,” Secretary Bodman said.

Combined with the industry cost share, more than $1.2 billion will be invested in these six biorefineries. Negotiations between the selected companies and DOE will begin immediately to determine final project plans and funding levels. Funding will begin this fiscal year and run through FY 2010. EPAct authorized DOE to solicit and fund proposals for the commercial demonstration of advanced biorefineries that use cellulosic feedstocks to produce ethanol and co-produce bioproducts and electricity.
The following six projects were selected:

Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass of Kansas, LLC of Chesterfield, Missouri, up to $76 million.The proposed plant will be located in the state of Kansas. The plant will produce 11.4 million gallons of ethanol annually and enough energy to power the facility, with any excess energy being used to power the adjacent corn dry grind mill. The plant will use 700 tons per day of corn stover, wheat straw, milo stubble, switchgrass, and other feedstocks.
Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass investors/participants include: Abengoa Bioenergy R&D, Inc.; Abengoa Engineering and Construction, LLC; Antares Corp.; and Taylor Engineering.

ALICO, Inc. of LaBelle, Florida, up to $33 million.The proposed plant will be in LaBelle (Hendry County), Florida. The plant will produce 13.9 million gallons of ethanol a year and 6,255 kilowatts of electric power, as well as 8.8 tons of hydrogen and 50 tons of ammonia per day. For feedstock, the plant will use 770 tons per day of yard, wood, and vegetative wastes and eventually energycane.ALICO, Inc. investors/participants include: Bioengineering Resources, Inc. of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Washington Group International of Boise, Idaho; GeoSyntec Consultants of Boca Raton, Florida; BG Katz Companies/JAKS, LLC of Parkland, Florida; and Emmaus Foundation, Inc.

BlueFire Ethanol, Inc. of Irvine, California, up to $40 million.The proposed plant will be in Southern California. The plant will be sited on an existing landfill and produce about 19 million gallons of ethanol a year. As feedstock, the plant would use 700 tons per day of sorted green waste and wood waste from landfills.BlueFire Ethanol, Inc. investors/participants include: Waste Management, Inc.; JGC Corporation; MECS Inc.; NAES; and PetroDiamond.

Broin Companies of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, up to $80 million.The plant is in Emmetsburg (Palo Alto County), Iowa, and after expansion, it will produce 125 million gallons of ethanol per year, of which roughly 25percent will be cellulosic ethanol. For feedstock in the production of cellulosic ethanol, the plant expects to use 842 tons per day of corn fiber, cobs, and stalks.
Broin Companies participants include: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; Novozymes North America, Inc.; and DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Iogen Biorefinery Partners, LLC, of Arlington, Virginia, up to $80 million.The proposed plant will be built in Shelley, Idaho, near Idaho Falls, and will produce 18 million gallons of ethanol annually. The plant will use 700 tons per day of agricultural residues including wheat straw, barley straw, corn stover, switchgrass, and rice straw as feedstocks.
Iogen Biorefinery Partners, LLC investors/partners include: Iogen Energy Corporation; Iogen Corporation; Goldman Sachs; and The Royal Dutch/Shell Group.

Range Fuels (formerly Kergy Inc.) of Broomfield, Colorado, up to $76
million.The proposed plant will be constructed in Soperton (Treutlen County), Georgia. The plant will produce about 40 million gallons of ethanol per year and 9 million gallons per year of methanol. As feedstock, the plant will use 1,200 tons per day of wood residues and wood based energy crops.
Range Fuels investors/participants include: Merrick and Company; PRAJ Industries Ltd.; Western Research Institute; Georgia Forestry Commission; Yeomans Wood and Timber; Truetlen County Development Authority; BioConversion Technology; Khosla Ventures; CH2MHill; Gillis Ag and Timber.

Cellulosic ethanol is an alternative fuel made from a wide variety of non-food plant materials (or feedstocks), including agricultural wastes such as corn stover and cereal straws, industrial plant waste like saw dust and paper pulp, and energy crops grown specifically for fuel production like switchgrass. By using a variety of regional feedstocks for refining cellulosic ethanol, the fuel can be produced in nearly every region of the country. Though it requires a more complex refining process, cellulosic ethanol contains more net energy and results in lower greenhouse emissions than traditional corn-based ethanol. E-85, an ethanol-fuel blend that is 85-percent ethanol, is already available in more than 1,000 fueling stations nationwide and can power millions of flexible fuel vehicles already on the roads.

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DOE

Large-Scale Wind Power Plant to be Built in France

Paris -- EDF Energies Nouvelles (Paris:EEN) has ordered 26 turbines for its Chemin d'Ablis wind farm from German company REpower. Construction of this large-scale wind power plant, which will have 52 MW in installed capacity, is due to commence in 2007.

The Chemin d'Ablis wind farm, located in the Eure-et-Loir department, will boast 26 windmills, each capable of generating 2 MW, located alongside a 13km stretch of the A10 motorway. It represents a total investment of €75 million.

Work is set to begin in spring 2007, with the taking over of the wind farm scheduled during the first half of 2008.

The windmills are to be supplied by REpower, a major European turbine manufacturer, under an agreement with the manufacturer covering a total order of 46 turbines: 26 windmills for Chemin d'Ablis, plus 20 for the Biker (26 MW) and Walkway (14 MW) wind farms in the UK.

This order falls within the scope of the framework agreements signed by EDF Energies Nouvelles with the world's leading manufacturers to secure its supply of turbines around the world.

The start-up of construction work at the Chemin d'Ablis project will bolster EDF Energies Nouvelles' position in its home market. To date, EDF EN has developed and built 140 MW in capacity in France, including 60 MW for its own account. Construction of six new wind farms in France representing an additional 160 MW in installed capacity is planned, with start-up dates during 2007 and 2008.

About EDF Energies Nouvelles
Founded in 1990, EDF Energies Nouvelles is a world-class player in the green electricity generation market. With a presence in 9 European countries and in the United States, EDF Energies Nouvelles operates in four renewable energy segments (wind, hydro, biomass and solar). Wind energy currently accounts for nearly 80% of its installed capacity.

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EDF Energies Nouvelles

More Wind Power Coming to Ontario

Schneider Power Launches $90 Million Four Wind Farm Development

TORONTO -- February 27, 2007 -- Schneider Power Inc., a leading Canadian owner and builder of renewable energy generation projects, announced today that it has launched the development and expansion of four new wind farms across the Province for a total capital cost of $90 million dollars.

Schneider Power intends to develop and construct three new 10 Megawatt, low-impact wind farms across the Province, one adjacent to Highway 400 near the Town of Innisfil, "The Highway 400 Wind Farm," one near the Town of Arthur, "The Arthur Wind Farm," and one near the Town of Trout Creek, "The Trout Creek Wind Farm." In addition to this Schneider Power also intends to expand the Providence Bay/Spring Bay Wind Farm to its full 11.6 MW capacity by end of 2008. Collectively these wind farms represent a total of 41.6 MW of installed capacity and will produce 8.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power an equivalent of 11,000 homes.

In 2006 Schneider Power successfully established its presence in Ontario with the construction of The Providence Bay/Spring Bay Wind Farm, on Manitoulin Island. It is Canada's most technologically advanced small-scale wind power generation project and one of the first Wind Farms in Ontario to be built solely with wind turbine generators from German manufacturer Enercon GmbH.

"Today's announcement by the Province has given us the confidence to continue to make a strong commitment to Renewable Energy in Ontario," said Thomas Schneider, CEO, Schneider Power Inc. "This is the next step in building on a proven growth strategy for our Company and it brings us closer to our goal of 500 MW installed across Canada by 2010 -- more than double our previous production capacity," he said.

The accelerating demand for clean electricity has allowed Schneider Power to grow rapidly in the past three years. With developments of power projects in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario totaling in excess of 500 MW, the Company hopes to establish itself as one Canada's leading green electricity generators. Headed by the Chairman, Bernd Schneider, the Schneider family has over 115 years of experience in developing clean, renewable energy. Schneider Power is a leader in applying new environmentally friendly technologies and is a member of the United Nations Global Compact.

About Schneider Power Inc.
Schneider Power Inc. is a 100 percent green electricity generator with facilities in Canada and Germany that generate electricity exclusively from small-scale, low-impact wind power projects who meet or exceed the federal government's EcoLogo standard for renewable energy. Schneider Power intends to invest heavily over the next three years to increase its presence in Ontario by increasing the nameplate capacity of its planned Ontario developments to more than 41.6 Megawatts, with plans for a further 500 MW of green electricity generation installed across Canada by 2010.

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Schneider Power

TXU to Set New Direction As Private Company

Public Benefits Include Price Cuts, Price Protection, Investments in Alternative Energy and Stronger Environmental Policies

Dallas, February 26, 2007 – TXU Corp. (NYSE: TXU), a Dallas-based energy company, together with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Texas Pacific Group (TPG), two of the nation’s leading private equity firms, and Goldman Sachs & Co., a leading global investment bank, announced today the execution of a definitive merger agreement under which an investor group led by KKR and TPG will acquire TXU in a transaction valued at $45 billion. GS Capital Partners, Lehman Brothers, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley intend to be equity investors at closing.

As a result of this transaction, the newly privatized company will deliver price cuts and price protection benefits to electric customers, strengthen environmental policies, make significant investments in alternative energy and institute corporate policies tied to climate stewardship.

Stronger Environmental Policies and New Investments in Alternative Energy
- Planned coal-fueled generation units reduced from eleven to three, preventing 56 million tons of annual carbon emissions $400 million investment in demand side management initiatives Transaction endorsed by Environmental Defense and Natural Resources Defense Council Increased commitment to exploring renewable energy sources and investing in alternative energy technologies

Corporate Leadership and Climate Stewardship
- Former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker, III will serve as Advisory Chairman to the investment group of new owners William Reilly, Chairman Emeritus of the World Wildlife Fund and former EPA Administrator, will join board of directors and lead effort in making climate stewardship central to corporate policies

- Donald L. Evans, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce; James R. Huffines, Chairman of the University of Texas Board of Regents; and Lyndon L. Olson Jr., former Texas State Representative and former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, will join the board of directors
TXU will create an independent Sustainable Energy Advisory Board comprised of individuals who represent the following interests: the environment, customers, Texas economic development and ERCOT reliability standards.

The acquisition of TXU by the investor group will be accompanied by an environmental focus that will make TXU a leader in conservation and energy efficiency, creating a fundamental change in the Texas electric market. In addition, the company’s new strategic direction will seek to achieve top environmental News Release performance in the industry and greater involvement and dialogue with environmental, government and community leaders.

C. John Wilder, chairman and chief executive officer of TXU Corp., said, “This is a momentous event for our company in our long journey to transform TXU from a former integrated monopoly to high performance businesses. The new ownership and business structure will enable us to better meet the growing energy needs of Texans. The long-term capital, expertise and resources of the investor group will allow us to increase our focus on reliability, lower prices, outstanding customer service and innovative products, and investments in long-term environmentally sound technology. TXU is a proud Texas corporate citizen, and the company will continue to operate with the same commitment and dedication to serving Texas.

“KKR, TPG and the rest of the investor group are all world-class investors who bring valuable experience in the industry. With these long-term and very informed investors, we can execute a new strategy that will allow us to reshape TXU’s program to build new electric generation units,” Wilder continued. “Our new strategy will meet two important objectives: addressing Texas’ immediate and future energy and reliability needs; and doing so in a manner that responds to the desires of policy makers and other key stakeholders to incorporate new technology advancements and conservation.”

Henry Kravis, founding partner of KKR, said, “TXU has outstanding employees dedicated to meeting the increasing long-term energy needs of Texas. We have listened to the various TXU constituencies, including customers, Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst, Speaker Craddick, members of the Texas Legislature and those expressing environmental concerns. As a result, we have developed a new vision with management of how we can turn TXU into a more innovative, customer-centric, environmentally friendly company, and we plan to work with management to implement it. Our experienced energy team looks forward to providing strong support for this transformation, including making substantial, long-term capital investments in new innovation across each business – from customer product and service offerings including demand side management, to generation and grid technologies, and superior risk-management strategies. We intend to hold this as a long-term asset, and we recognize the need to balance growth with environmental considerations.”

Rich Friedman, Global Head of Goldman Sachs' Merchant Banking Division, said, “This transaction serves as a model for long-term environmental stewardship. By investing in new technologies, encouraging conservation and reducing carbon emissions and pollutants, TXU is on the path to being a 21st century power company. We, together with KKR and TPG, are proud to have been able to play a constructive role in the development of the significant environmental elements that help set this transaction apart.”

Stronger Environmental Policies and New Investments in Alternative Energy
Planned Coal Units Reduced from Eleven to Three, Preventing 56 Million Tons of Annual Carbon Emissions

This scale-back represents a 75 percent reduction in new coal capacity. In addition, the company is committed to continuing its efforts to meaningfully reduce existing carbon emissions and seeks to join the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP). USCAP is a broad-based group of businesses and leading environmental groups organized to work with the President, the Congress and all other stakeholders to enact an environmentally effective, economically sustainable and fair climate change program. As part of the company’s support for USCAP, TXU is also pledging to support the mandatory cap and trade program to regulate carbon emissions.

To satisfy ERCOT’s requirement for immediate additional capacity to meet the state’s increasing electricity demand, TXU expects to build two coal units at the Oak Grove site and one coal unit at the Sandow site. TXU will immediately seek to suspend the permit application process for the other eight units and withdraw them once the transaction closes. TXU does not intend to apply or reapply for permits to build additional coal units utilizing current pulverized coal-fueled technology.

$400 Million Investment in Demand Side Management

InitiativesTXU will implement an aggressive demand reduction program through a $400 million investment in conservation and energy efficiency activities over the next five years.

Transaction Endorsed by Environmental Defense and Natural Resources Defense Council

KKR, TPG and the investor group are committed to addressing TXU’s environmental issues through substantial new investments in research and demand side management initiatives and a 75 percent reduction in planned new coal capacity. Recognizing this, key environmental groups are supporting the transaction.

Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense, said, “This is one of the most significant developments in America's fight against global warming. Environmental Defense commends KKR and TPG for not only dropping TXU's applications for eight proposed coal plants in Texas, but also for the many other commitments they have made to reduce air pollution and global warming emissions, including their support for a mandatory federal cap and trade program to regulate carbon emissions, doubling TXU’s expenditures on efficiency measures and their overall desire to rebuild TXU as a leader in the clean energy economy.

“The debate over this issue has been a top priority for Environmental Defense and we plan to work just as hard with the new TXU to implement this agreement. We also look forward to working closely with TXU as a member of its planned Sustainable Energy Advisory Committee and to settling our federal lawsuit against TXU,” concluded Krupp.

“The NRDC fully supports this transaction and the new company's support for mandatory global warming legislation. This turnaround marks the beginning of a new, competitive focus on clean, efficient, renewable energy strategies to deliver the power we need while cutting global warming emissions,” said Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “It is a big step forward for the State of Texas and for the American energy economy as a whole.”

Increased Commitment to Exploring Renewable Energy Sources and Investing in Alternative EnergyTechnologies

As a private company, free from the short-term financial pressures affecting all public companies, TXU will be able to accomplish important goals for customer service innovation and new generation technology development on a scale and schedule that would otherwise not be possible.

The investor group is grateful for Governor Perry’s commitment to a long-term reliable supply of energy for Texas and his advocacy for investment in clean energy alternatives, such as IGCC. TXU is committed to the development and deployment of advanced technologies with a commitment to exploring IGCC’s potential to meet Texas’ reliability requirements. With the support of the Governor, the company is evaluating the dedication of an attractive site for the exploration of clean coal technologies and partnership with technology leaders.

- TXU will reduce mercury (Hg) emissions, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 20 percent from 2005 levels, as previously committed, through reductions at existing units and installation of emission controls on the new Oak Grove and Sandow units.

- TXU will reduce its own carbon emissions by increasing efficiency of its generating facilities by up to 2 percent.

- TXU will become a leader in providing electricity from renewable sources by more than doubling its purchase of wind power to more than 1,500 MW, maintaining its status as the largest buyer of wind power in Texas. TXU will also promote solar power through solar/photovoltaic rebates.

The company also intends to join the FutureGen Alliance, a non-profit consortium of companies supporting FutureGen, the U.S. Department of Energy project intended to create the world’s first near-zero-emissions fossil-fuel power plant.

See the Source:

Read the complete press release from KKR

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How power plants can reduce NOx emissions by greater than 90% with the CleanAIR low-temperature ENDURE SCR Catalyst

Green Energy Resources to Offer Carbon Offset Credits

The Urban Tree Certification System (UTCS) Reduces Carbon by Planting Trees and Eliminating Wood Waste From Landfills

NEW YORK, NY -- 02/26/2007 -- Green Energy Resources will offer "Carbon Offset" credits through its Urban Tree Certification System (UTCS). Green Energy Resources UTCS urban forest management plan reduces carbon from the atmosphere by planting trees and taking wood waste from landfills and turning it into renewable energy. UTCS is designed to create a self-sustaining and revenue generating mechanism to plant millions of trees a year to create carbon sequestration in cities and suburbs. The company will sell the credits to the public, industry and the investment community. UTCS has strict and verifiable standards with measurable results where carbon reductions are permanent, quantifiable and scaleable.

The plan calls for every credit to be certified and authenticated. Green Energy Resources plans include retirement accounting of the carbon reductions from the atmosphere and a registry of every city and town that enrolls in UTCS. The Sale of Carbon Offset credits is anticipated to generate millions of dollars annually for the company in conjunction with each ton of biomass it sells.

The Carbon Offset market according to the World Bank, ranged from $.65 cents - $9.36 Per tonne of CO2 during 2005. A more recent survey conducted by the UK company Context found credits were sold to the public between $4 - $50 per tone of CO2. The creation of a viable business model for local, state and city governments in the US creates a bonafide self-sustaining renewable energy plan from biomass without the need to cut global forests. UTCS plan does not include RECs (Renewable Energy Credits) but rather sells to the power generator who earns the RECS. Green Energy Resource plan can be used voluntarily (VCS), sold in US regional markets or under the EU scheme because of its export of biomasse for energy over seas.

About Green Energy Resources
Green Energy Resources is a consultant to governments and the power generation industry on carbon reduction strategies. Green Energy Resources supplies 100% environmentally certified wood biomass. The company utilizes diverse sourcing for mitigated risk management. Green Energy Resources exclusive urban forest management plan, the Urban Tree Certification System (UTCS) is designed to solve the demand for wood biomass for energy through maximized resource utilization of urban and suburban wood waste streams to preserve global forests not cut them.

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the companies' actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional financings and other risks.

See the Source:
Green Energy Resources

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How emission control products from CleanAIR Systems virtually eliminate emissions of NOx from biomass power plants

Mayor Newsom Announces Plan to Significantly Expand Solar, Renewable Energy Generation in San Francisco

Proposed Public-Private Partnerships Would Leverage State Legislation, Available Financing to Generate Nearly 35 Megawatts of Solar Power

San Francisco, CA - Mayor Gavin Newsom today proposed an unprecedented expansion of San Francisco’s solar and renewable energy resources, taking the first steps towards forming public-private partnerships that would leverage new state legislation and available financing mechanisms to boost solar generation from less than 2 megawatts today to nearly 35 megawatts in the future. The plan, announced at a Cleantech Forum reception Wednesday evening, invites the nation’s most innovative renewable energy companies to partner with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to facilitate and support the development of large-scale solar and other renewable energy resources on public and private property in the City.

"If we want to show real leadership in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and protecting our environment, we have to act boldly and we cannot act alone," said Mayor Newsom. "Our plan challenges the best and the brightest in the renewable energy field to join us in making San Francisco a laboratory for solar power and clean energy development."

Today the SFPUC issued a Request for Information (RFI) to private and public sector businesses and organizations soliciting information, advice and analyses on opportunities to finance and develop solar and other renewable energy resource projects in San Francisco. Among the opportunities and challenges outlined for respondents to the RFI and potential partners in the plan:

· Partnering with the SFPUC to facilitate the development of large amounts of solar power, including nearly 24 megawatts of photovoltaics on private property within the city, leveraging the provisions of California’s Million Solar Roofs Law (SB1), the California Solar Initiative (CSI), federal tax incentives and other available financing mechanisms. Currently, less than one megawatt of photovoltaics exist on private property in San Francisco.

· Developing solar power financial structures for municipal facilities that leverage the provisions of the new California Assembly Bill 2573. This law enables SFPUC to move power across PG&E’s local grid from municipal sources to municipal loads. The SFPUC estimates that up to ten megawatts of solar capacity may be developable on municipal property, up from less than two megawatts today.

· Examining the SFPUC’s solar capacity estimates, proposing estimates for other technologies and suggesting alternate estimates if knowledge of the market opportunities and deal structures support different estimates.

· Proposing ways to help the SFPUC finance renewable power systems on property owned by private-sector customers served by Pacific Gas & Electric Company and Direct Access Providers. All kinds of deal structures are open to consideration, from those where a property owner owns a system outright to those where a solar provider owns the system and sells power to a property owner.

· Describing deal structures, expected returns, various kinds of risk, credit issues, ownership structures, use of asset depreciation and tax provisions, disposition of renewable rebates and renewable energy credits, power purchase arrangements, revenue allocation, and local economic development opportunities.

"With direct investment from our Power Enterprise towards developing new solar projects, we’ve already done more to advance solar power than any other City in America," said SFPUC General Manager Susan Leal. "But this new initiative will attract new partners to dramatically expand and accelerate deployment of renewable power in San Francisco."

The SFPUC currently owns and operates the nation’s largest city-owned solar project atop the Moscone Convention Center. Additional SFPUC solar facilities are completed or currently planned for the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant, Pier 96/Norcal Recycling Facility, the North Point Wet Weather Treatment Plant, San Francisco International Airport and several San Francisco public schools and libraries. The SFPUC also leads numerous energy efficiency projects to reduce demand at City facilities, is conducting a feasibility study to generate tidal power at the Golden Gate Bridge and is launching a biofuel program to convert waste grease and oil into fuel for city vehicles and MUNI buses. For more information or to review the Request for Information visit sfwater.org.

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San Francisco Government

Environmental Policy Tipsheet

Looming regulation is worse than no regulation at all.
Environmental talks in Congress are currently backfiring by motivating energy companies to build more coal-burning power plants, said Evan Ringquist, a professor of environmental science at Indiana University. "The sense of looming regulation is causing energy producers to rush out and build more old-style, coal-fired energy plants," he said. "These businesspeople know they have more bargaining power over regulations concerning existing facilities, especially if they just spent a ton of capital building new plants. If new regulations aimed at addressing greenhouse gasses are inevitable, politicians should enact these measures quickly, because it's clear that uncertainty in the regulatory environment is a recipe for higher emissions."

Ringquist studies energy policy in IU's School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Ethanol is Not a Climate Change Solution
Curbing climate change and moving toward energy independence have been conflated in political speech, but the two goals are not interchangeable, said Marc Lame, a professor of environmental science at Indiana University. "Our President's remarks addressing climate change have focused on reducing gasoline consumption by relying on new technologies such as ethanol. This type of messaging has stimulated a great deal of confusion due to its false implication that developing new technologies is the same thing as decreasing energy consumption. Those of us living in the corn-growing heartland would love to believe that by producing ethanol we can solve our planet's climate crisis, but the truth is, unfortunately, there is no evidence that ethanol uses less energy or produces less carbon emissions than conventional fossil fuels. The President seems to be saying that we can have it both ways -- we can continue to consume carbon-based energy sources so long as they are produced in the United States, rather than acknowledging that we must use less energy and work together to change our consumptive habits. Reducing consumption will address both energy independence and global warming, but switching to ethanol is only a political solution not an answer to environmental problems."

Bring on the Bacteria
Bacteria hold great promise for cleaning up contaminated soils and water sources, said Flynn Picardal, an associate professor in Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He has been working to isolate bacteria capable of breaking down polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a class of toxic organic chemicals found in some industrial wastes. Picardal now holds a patent on several strains of bacteria that can destroy hard-to-degrade PCBs in waste water, sludge, and sediment. "Bacteria have been successfully used to clean up oil spills and degrade petroleum products, but it is harder to find bacteria that can manage man-made chemicals like PCBs because they haven't had time to evolve alongside these new compounds. What we've been able to do in the lab is to isolate those few bacteria that can grow on different types of PCBs in the hope that they can be utilized as a tool for remediation," he said. Bacteria may also be useful in controlling substances that cannot be broken down, Picardal said. "In the case of contamination from metals and radionuclides, we are dealing with elemental substances that cannot be broken down any further. Although we can't destroy these elements, we may be able to utilize bacteria that will immobilize them so they stay in the soil instead of migrating into groundwater." Picardal said that one obstacle to the growth of bioremediation technologies is bacteria's poor public image. "People typically think of bacteria in terms of disease, but only a small percentage of bacteria are harmful to human health. The vast majority perform vital environmental maintenance. Our existence really depends on bacteria, and our ability to clean up toxic environmental waste is going to depend on them too."

Cooling Through Atmospheric Injections? Not a Hot Idea
"It's like the little old lady who swallowed the fly." That's how environmental science professor Phil Stevens describes his objections to Nobel Prize Laureate Paul Crutzen's recently-announced plans to experiment with injecting sulfur into the atmosphere as a means of cooling the earth.

"We don't know what the consequences would be," he explained. "The sulfur is intended to remediate problems from greenhouse gases, but pretty soon we might need something to remediate the problems caused by the sulfur, which could include interference with the ozone layer. There's no telling how long this could go on adding more and more layers to the mix." Stevens said the interaction of different chemicals in the atmosphere can produce unanticipated effects. For example, natural emissions from trees are capable of destroying ground-level ozone, the primary component of photochemical smog. But when mixed with emissions from human-built power plants, these natural emissions contribute to atmospheric pollution instead of curtailing it. "Global environmental engineering is becoming a serious consideration because of our failure to reduce our production of greenhouse gases. But we really have no idea what we are risking. I think Crutzen's ideas are a wake-up call telling us that if we don't get serious about reducing our emissions, we may be headed for some frightening global experiments."

Stevens's research deals with the chemical mechanisms in the atmosphere that influence regional air quality and global climate change.

See the Source:
Newswise

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How selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology reduces NOx emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Wind Energy is the World's Fastest Growing Energy Source

DUBLIN, Ireland--(February 15)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of Global Wind Power Market Potential to their offering.

Wind is simple air in motion. It is caused by the uneven heating of the earth’s surface by the sun. Since the earth’s surface is made of very different types of land and water, it absorbs the sun’s heat at different rates. Today, wind energy is mainly used to generate electricity. Wind energy is also world's fastest growing energy source and is a clean and renewable source that has been in use for centuries in Europe and more recently in the United States and other nations. Wind turbines, both large and small, produce electricity for utilities and homeowners and remote villages.

Wind energy is a clean energy source as electricity generated by wind turbines does not pollute the air or emit pollutants like other energy sources. This means less smog, less acid rain and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Every 10,000 MW of wind installed can reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 33 MMT annually if it replaces coal-fired generating capacity, or 21 MMT if it replaces generation from average fuel mix.

Many developing countries have little incentive to use wind energy technologies to reduce their emissions, despite the fact that the most rapid growth in CO2 emissions is in the developing world. Two related activities could give both developed and developing countries incentives to develop wind projects. The first is joint implementation, a program under which firms from the developed countries can earn carbon offsets by building clean energy projects in the developing world. Developed nations should endorse and push for joint implementation to move from its current status to full-scale implementation.

The second activity is the World Bank's Global Environmental Facility (GEF), which can cover the incremental cost of developing environmentally benign or beneficial projects in the developing world, such as building a wind project instead of an apparently cheaper coal project. This incentive is particularly important for countries such as China and India, which have tremendous power needs and must build energy capacity quickly at the lowest possible cost.

This report examines global wind power market potential.

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Research and Markets

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More about emissions

Wind Power Capacity in US Increased 28% in 2006 and Is Expected to Grow an Additional 26% in 2007

Annual industry outlook details increased growth spurred by strong demand, investment of private capital, as well as support of federal and state governments

Wind power generating capacity increased by 27% in 2006 and is expected to increase an additional 26% in 2007, proving wind is now a mainstream option for new power generation, according to a market forecast released today by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Wind’s exponential growth reflects the nation’s increasing demand for clean, safe and domestic energy, and continues to attract both private and public sources of capital.

“iPods, flat screen televisions and other highly sought technologies are creating a demand for electricity that is beginning to eclipse our current supply. Wind is a proven, cost-effective source of energy that also alleviates global warming and enhances our nation’s energy security,” said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher.

The U.S. wind energy industry installed 2,454 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity in 2006, an investment of approximately $4 billion, billing wind as one of the largest sources of new power generation in the country – second only to natural gas – for the second year in a row. New wind farms boosted cumulative U.S. installed wind energy capacity by 27% to 11,603 MW, well above the 10,000-MW milestone reached in August 2006. One megawatt of wind power produces enough electricity to serve 250 to 300 homes on average each day.

Wind energy facilities currently installed in the U.S. will produce an estimated 31 billion kilowatt-hours annually or enough electricity to serve 2.9 million American homes. This 100% clean source of electricity will displace approximately 23 million tons of carbon dioxide – the leading greenhouse gas – each year, which would otherwise be emitted by coal, natural gas, oil and other traditional energy sources.

Wind power has also attracted the support of state and federal government legislatures. The U.S. Congress recently extended the federal production tax credit (PTC) through December 2008 to further expand the number of wind farms throughout the U.S. Based on the success of the PTC to date, AWEA is calling for extending the provision an additional five years.

“The industry has demonstrated a generous return on the investment of both private and public investment in wind,” said Swisher. “Extending the PTC five years will significantly increase the progress America is making in expanding its use of new forms of energy when they’ve never been needed more.”

The industry outlook also finds:
- Texas accounted for nearly a third of the new wind power installed in 2006, taking over the lead from California in cumulative installed capacity. Texas hosts the world’s single largest operating wind farm, the 735-MW Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, located in Nolan and Taylor counties.

- Much of the new wind equipment in 2006 was produced in new manufacturing facilities in Iowa, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Additional announcements are expected in 2007.
Investment in manufacturing capability signals confidence in the market and lays the groundwork for expanded growth.

- New utility-scale turbines were installed in a total of 20 states across the country, from Maine to New Mexico to Alaska.

- The top five states in new installations were Texas (774 MW), Washington (428 MW), California (212 MW), New York (185 MW) and Minnesota (150 MW).

- AWEA gathers the data for its analysis each January by contacting wind farm developers and turbine manufacturers around the country.

A state-by-state listing of existing and proposed wind energy projects is available on AWEA's Web site at http://www.awea.org/projects.

AWEA, formed in 1974, is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. The association's membership includes turbine manufacturers, wind project developers, utilities, academicians, and interested individuals. More information on wind energy is available at the AWEA web site: www.awea.org.

See the Source:
American Wind Energy Association

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More about emissions that cause air pollution.

DOE Announces $17 Million to Promote Greater Automobile Efficiency

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner today announced that DOE intends issue $17 million in solicitations to improve automobile efficiency and reduce the United States’s dependence on foreign sources of oil. The funding will be offered as two separate solicitations, one for $14 million to support plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology and another for $3 million for research to improve E-85 engine efficiency.

“President Bush is committed to developing alternative fuels and energy-saving innovations in vehicle technology, not just for concept cars, but for cars that can be publicly available,” Assistant Secretary Karsner said. “By improving battery technology and engine efficiency, we can take bold steps towards reducing our reliance on foreign sources of oil.”

DOE’s FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program will lead the efforts to bring new, more efficient technologies to market with research on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and E85-blended fuel. The $14 million cost-shared solicitation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery development aims to improve battery performance so that plug-in hybrid vehicles can deliver the 40 miles of electric range required for most roundtrip daily commutes. DOE has also created a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle test bed at DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory; allowing scientists to measure the performance of a vehicle.

The $3 million cost-shared solicitation will support engineering advances to improve the fuel economy of E85 engines and reduce vehicle emissions. The solicitation also serves to undertake research and development projects that will result in flex-fuel vehicles, which take advantage of the favorable properties of ethanol gasoline blends. E85 can be used in flex-fuel vehicles and is a gasoline-ethanol blend of motor fuel containing 85% ethanol. E85 has the highest oxygen content of any fuel available today, allowing it to burn more completely – and cleaner - than conventional gasoline.

The solicitations are subject to Congressional appropriations.

Assistant Secretary Karsner made the announcements at the Washington Auto Show, where he was joined today by senior executives from General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler.

See the Source:
US Department of Energy
http://www.energy.gov/news/4621.htm

A Green Sweden

MNBC reports that Sweden has made a commitment to phase-out fossil fuels by 2020. Government and consumers are working together in a joint effort to go green by replacing fossil fuels with alternative fuels such as methane derived from garbage and wind power. Twenty-six percent of Sweden’s energy is currently generated from renewable sources. In 2006, 15 percent of cars sold in the country also ran on alternative fuels.

Sweden’s consumers already have a strong environmental conscience, and with the offer of generous government subsidies, there is little doubt they are well on their way to becoming a green country.

See the source:
MSNBC

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Why CleanAIR Systems is committed to a cleaner environment.

ARB Considers Alternative Fuel Incentives

SACRAMENTO - Expedited development of alternative fuels received a boost today as the Air Resources Board (ARB) considered options on how to best spend $25 million allocated by new state legislation to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

"With the threat of global warming and today's unstable political climate affecting our resources, fully exploring use of alternative fuels is a top priority," said ARB Chairman Dr. Robert F. Sawyer. "Thanks to forward thinking and sound science, California sets an example for the country and for the world. We are excited by all the possibilities and challenges ahead, and hope that our efforts will help to further diversify and enhance our future energy options."

Assembly Bill 1811, which amends and supplements the Budget Act of 2006, directs the ARB to develop a joint plan with the California Energy Commission (CEC) to spend $25 million to provide incentives for the use and production of alternative fuels. The proposed allocation amounts were guided by the budget language and input from ARB and the CEC. The legislation requires the funds to be awarded by June 30, 2007, and no funds can be awarded for projects that include fuels derived from petroleum, coke or coal.

As proposed to the Board today, the $25 million will be generally allocated as follows, with final amounts assigned on a project-by-project basis:

- $8.5 million for alternative fuel vehicles (including demonstration programs for plug-in hybrids and clean transit buses);
- $7 million for fueling infrastructure (including incentives for E-85 and other alternative fuels);
- $5 million for biofuels production;
- $3.5 million for fuel/vehicle research (including emissions testing and vehicle performance and vapor recovery certification), and
- $1 million for education.

A public workshop on the funding program was held in September that drew more than 100 participants. Solicitations for projects are expected to be sent out in January, 2007, with decisions on the final slate of projects to be made next Spring. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2009.

For more information, please visit ARB's webpage on this topic here.
The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy cost, see our web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov