EPA Makes $50 Million Available to Clean Up Diesel Engines Nationwide

EPA is announcing the availability of almost $50 million in grant funding to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation's existing fleet of diesel engines.

The unprecedented sum, which was authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and funded for the first time this fiscal year, will be administered by EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) and its network of seven collaboratives, made up of EPA regional offices and public and private sector partners.

"Under President Bush's leadership, America's air is cleaner today than it was a generation ago," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By encouraging innovations in existing diesel engines, EPA is driving the nation toward a clean, healthy, productive tomorrow."

Diesels are the economic workhorses of the nation, and over the past decade, EPA has set stringent new particulate and nitrogen oxide standards for most types of new engines. These regulations will annually prevent more than 20,000 premature deaths and yield more than $150 billion in public health benefits when fully implemented. The funding announced today, however, is aimed at reducing emissions from the existing fleet of 11 million diesel engines that pre-date these standards. Addressing the existing fleet is important because diesels remain in use for decades.

State, local, regional and tribal governments can apply for the grants, as well as non-profits and institutions with transportation, educational services and air quality responsibilities.

The grants are targeting school or transit buses, medium and heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, locomotives and nonroad engines. Grant recipients can use a variety of cost-effective emission reduction strategies, such as EPA-verified retrofit and idle-reduction technologies, EPA-certified engine upgrades, vehicle or equipment replacements, cleaner fuels and creation of innovative clean diesel financing programs.

Some EPA Regional offices have already started issuing requests for grant applications, called Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and, along with EPA Headquarters, will continue to roll them out throughout the spring.

NCDC uses a proactive, incentive-based approach to achieve environmental results. More than 400,000 existing diesel engines have already been retrofitted during the campaign's first few years, cutting harmful emissions by nearly 300,000 tons.

See the Source:
NCDC Funding Opportunities

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About diesel particulate filters to reduce diesel particulate matter

diesel emissions

New Lung Association Study Shows $142 Billion Benefit of Converting to Zero-Emission Vehicles by 2030

The 'Road to a Cleaner Future' Study Finds Zero-Emission Vehicles Can Avoid Health Costs From Premature Deaths and Illnesses, and Reduce Global Warming Impacts

According to a studysponsored by the American Lung Association of California, $142 billion in human health and global warming reduction benefits would result from converting the entire California motor vehicle fleet from gasoline vehiclesto zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies in the 2010-2030 timeframe, or $96 billion more than relying on the lowest emitting gasoline technologies. The $142 billion figure includes $38 billion in benefits to society from reduced global warming emissions.

The study, conducted by TIAX LLC, a consulting firm specializing intransportation and alternative fuels research, also found that California can avoid at least $2.2 billion per year in health costs from reduction of dangerous particulate matter by converting the motor vehicle fleet to ZEVs instead of relying on the lowest emitting gasoline technologies. This reduction in particulates means that California would annually avoid 300 cases of premature death, over 260 cases of chronic bronchitis, over 7,000 asthma attacks and more than 18,000 cases of upper and lower respiratory symptoms by moving to ZEV technology.

"Maintaining our momentum toward cleaner cars will save billions in health costs, and save lives," said Tony Gerber, MD, an American Lung Association of California volunteer. "Now is not the time for the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to weaken the state's key program that leads to cleaner vehicle technology, and cleaner air." Dr. Gerber is a pulmonary specialist and assistant professor at the University ofCalifornia, San Francisco.

American Lung Association of California Senior Policy Director Bonnie Holmes-Gen will testify on the results of the study when the ARB holds a hearing on Thursday, March 27 to consider amendments to its signature ZEV program. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff proposal would reduce the "pure ZEV" or "gold standard" program requirement from 25,000 to 2,500 vehicles in the 2012-2014 timeframe. The American Lung Association of California will be urging the ARB Board to reject the low volumes of "pure ZEVs" and plug-in hybrids recommended in the staff proposal.

"The Air Resources Board is at a critical juncture right now," said Holmes-Gen. "The Board has a tremendous opportunity to set a bold new vision for the ZEV program that includes strengthening the program to fully support the state's goals for both healthy air and global warming reduction."

She added, "The American Lung Association analysis provides a stark comparison of California's future transportation choices: pursuing the existing pathway of primarily gasoline vehicles or pursuing a dramatic change to widespread use of electric technology. Given the pressing need to achieve the state's global warming pollution reduction targets, the ARB should expand the ZEV program and establish a goal of integrating electric-drive technology in all new vehicles as soon as possible." The American Lung Association is urging ARB to both establish aggressive goals for introducing pure ZEVs into the vehicle fleet and pursuing much broader requirements for utilization of electric drive technologies, including conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids in addition to hydrogen fuel cell and full function battery electric vehicles.

According to the American Lung Association of California's study, approximately 110 million tons of greenhouse gases per year could be avoided if all California vehicles were replaced with ZEVs by 2030. This would make significant progress toward the transportation sector's portion of the state goal for reducing greenhouse gases by 2050.

The study also addressed the current costs of gasoline motor vehicle use:

-- The total cost to public health and society of the existing motor vehicle fleet is over $10 billion in 2010, and this cost only drops to approximately $7 billion over the 20-year timeframe of the study with normal fleet turnover.

-- The existing motor vehicle fleet generates health costs in terms of hospitalizations, premature deaths and illnesses that add up to over $7.4 billion per year (2010), including $4.4 billion per year linked to one pollutant, nitrogen oxide (NOx).

-- The total greenhouse gas (well-to-wheel) emissions from the existing motor vehicle fleet are 150 million tons per year, and drop only to 140 million tons per year in 2030 through existing programs and vehicle turnover. This is far from the total reduction that is needed to meet California's greenhouse gas reduction goals.

"ZEVs are the road to healthier air and a sustainable transportation future," said Holmes-Gen, "and the American Lung Association of Californiais looking to the California Air Resources Board to make the vision of zero pollution transportation a reality."

About the Study:

The American Lung Association of California contracted with the firm TIAX LLC to estimate a full fuel cycle, or "well-to-wheel," analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and criteria air pollutants to develop estimates of the public health and societal costs and benefits of converting California's motor vehicle fleet to zero-emission vehicles and the cleanest gasoline vehicles (partial zero-emission vehicles, or PHEVs). TIAX LLC -- a contractor that also worked with the California Energy Commission and California Air Resources Board on various fuel use reduction and alternative-fuel analyses -- included information on emissions from each point in the process of producing, refining, transporting and utilizing the fuel. The analysis is divided into upstream well-to-tank and downstreamtank-to-wheel data for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases. Costs to society were determined for criteria pollutant human health damages, including estimates for secondary particulate matter and global warming damages. For a copy of the full report, "Road to a Cleaner Future," please sendan email to bhgen@alac.org. For more information on the American Lung Association of California, visit http://www.californialung.org/.

environmental news
global-warming

Study Shows Hybrid Effect on Power Distribution

A growing number of plug-in hybrid electric cars and trucks could require major new power generation resources or none at all— depending on when people recharge their automobiles.

A recent Oak Ridge National Laboratory study, featured in the current issue of the ORNL Review examined how an expected increase in ownership of hybrid electric cars and trucks will affect the power grid depending on what time of day or night the vehicles are charged.

Some assessments of the impact of electric vehicles assume owners will charge them only at night, said Stan Hadley of ORNL’s Cooling, Heating and Power Technologies Program.

“That assumption doesn’t necessarily take into account human nature,” said Hadley, who led the study. “Consumers’ inclination will be to plug in when convenient, rather than when utilities would prefer. Utilities will need to create incentives to encourage people to wait. There are also technologies such as ‘smart’ chargers that know the price of power, the demands on the system and the time when the car will be needed next to optimize charging for both the owner and the utility that can help too.”

In an analysis of the potential impacts of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles projected for 2020 and 2030 in 13 regions of the United States, ORNL researchers explored their potential effect on electricity demand, supply, infrastructure, prices and associated emission levels. Electricity requirements for hybrids used a projection of 25 percent market penetration of hybrid vehicles by 2020 including a mixture of sedans and sport utility vehicles. Several scenarios were run for each region for the years 2020 and 2030 and the times of 5 p.m. or 10:00 p.m., in addition to other variables.

The report found that the need for added generation would be most critical by 2030, when hybrids have been on the market for some time and become a larger percentage of the automobiles Americans drive. In the worst-case scenario—if all hybrid owners charged their vehicles at 5 p.m., at six kilowatts of power—up to 160 large power plants would be needed nationwide to supply the extra electricity, and the demand would reduce the reserve power margins for a particular region’s system.

The best-case scenario occurs when vehicles are plugged in after 10 p.m., when the electric load on the system is at a minimum and the wholesale price for energy is least expensive. Depending on the power demand per household, charging vehicles after 10 p.m. would require, at lower demand levels, no additional power generation or, in higher-demand projections, just eight additional power plants nationwide.

See the Source:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

ARB to Give Rebates to Clean Vehicle Buyers

The Air Resources Board is offering up to $5,000 in rebates to Californians who purchase alternative fuel and electric vehicles.

Overall, $1.62 million in funding will be dispensed under the Fueling Alternatives rebate program administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy. The program is part of $25 million of overall funding that came out of Assembly Bill 1811 -- authored by Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) and passed in 2007 -- which promotes alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicles. The rebates are available for qualifying vehicles that are purchased or leased between May 24, 2007 and March 31, 2009, unless funding runs out first.

Rebates up to $3,000 are available for Honda and BAF Technologies compressed natural gas vehicles, $1,500 for the Vectrix zero emission motorcycle, and between $950 and $1,300 for certain models of the GEM neighborhood electric vehicle. Up to $5,000 is available for full-function zero emission vehicles once they are added to the list of eligible vehicles. To receive a rebate, vehicles must be ARB-certified (with the exception of zero emission motorcycles), comply with all federal motor vehicle safety standards, and meet a minimum manufacturer warranty.

For a complete listing of eligible vehicles, go to http://www.blogger.com/www.fuelingalts.energycenter.org.

"Through this program we are helping to create a market for advanced technology that offsets the higher costs of alternative fuel vehicles in the interest of bringing production levels up," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "Kudos to the Governor and Legislature for leveling the playing field in order to bring the cleanest fleet of vehicles onto California roadways sooner."

ARB estimates that there are currently about 25,000 dedicated alternative fuel vehicles in California, collectively saving millions of gallons of gasoline each year while emitting fewer pollutants than conventional internal combustion engines. To find the cleanest cars available on the market today, visit DriveClean.ca.gov.

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.

See the Source:

Drive Clean

environmental news

Air & Waste Management Association Kicks Off 1st Annual

Competition Offers Students an Opportunity to Tackle a “Real” Environmental Challenge

As part of its 101st Annual Conference & Exhibition, the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) is challenging undergraduate and graduate students to try their hands at solving the types of environmental questions faced by professionals in the industry.

“The student Environmental Challenge is a new kind of experience that allows students to showcase their knowledge, discover what types of skills they still need to develop, and potentially catch the eye of industry leaders who manage some of the world’s biggest environmental programs,” said Adrianne Carolla, A&WMA Executive Director. “Our members are excited about how the ECi will allow them to share their experiences and interact with future professionals.”

The ECi requires students to build an interdisciplinary team of no more than five people to study a “true-to-life” environmental problem based on the experiences of A&WMA members. The 2008 problem asks teams to consider how sustainable energy sources could replace a proposed fossil fuel-based Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant in the Pacific Northwest, which was denied a permit. Teams will examine the issues surrounding the problem, discuss approaches to solving its challenges, and draft a presentation that will offer their potential solutions to judges during A&WMA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition in Portland, OR, June 24-27, 2008.

“The ECi committee has done its best to craft a competition that best simulates what environmental professionals face in their work,” said Steve Rybolt of the Port of Seattle, Chairman for A&WMA’s 2008 ECi. “We’ve even engineered a mechanism through which student teams can experience the twists, turns, and unexpected issues that almost always impact projects with environmental consequences.”

Student teams should expect some “late breaking” news on the problem that could require alterations to their proposals. Students will need to network among A&WMA members during the Annual Conference & Exhibition to evaluate the changes to the problem, and modify their presentations.

In addition to offering high-quality exposure to potential employers, student teams are eligible to win more than $15,000 in cash prizes. The ECi is sponsored by URS Corp. and the chapters of A&WMA’s Pacific Northwest International Section. View the detailed problem and read the rules, eligibility requirements, and policies governing the ECI program at http://www.awma.org/ACE2008/eci.htm. For additional information, or for a team application, contact Steve Rybolt at rybolt.s@portseattle.org.

An Opportunity to Network with Industry Leaders
A&WMA’s 101st Annual Conference & Exhibition is the premier networking and development event for environmental professionals. The 2008 annual gathering will feature keynote presentations from Bill Reinert of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A; Will Swopes of Intel Corp., Ernesta Ballard of Weyerhaeuser Corp.; Michael McCracken of The Climate Institute; and William Reilly, former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and president of the World Wildlife Fund

Student housing is available at Portland State University. Additionally, student teams should check with local A&WMA sections and chapters regarding the availability of funding for students attending the Annual Conference & Exhibition. As part of the Annual Conference & Exhibition, students can submit an abstract for A&WMA’s student poster competition, attend panel discussions and tours designed for new professionals, and tour the exhibit hall. For more details, visit www.awma.org/ACE2008

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A&WA - Annual Conference and Exhibition

State of Green Business Report Available

Free GreenBiz.com Report Assesses 20 Key Indicators of Green Business Performance

Despite an apparent flurry of activity by corporations to improve their environmental performance, U.S. companies aren’t yet making much of a difference in addressing major environmental problems, according to a new report.

“State of Green Business 2008,” a free report published by GreenBiz.com, reports that companies are making good progress on fewer than half of the 20 measures of performance it investigated. In some cases, environmental problems are losing ground, even as companies gradually improve their environmental performance, due to the expanding economy of recent years.

For example, generation of electricity from wind, solar, and other renewable sources has grown steadily — from 81 billion megawatt-hours in 2000 to 96 billion in 2006, the most recent data available. But overall electricity consumption has grown, too, with the result being that renewables represent slightly more than two percent of overall U.S. electricity generation, about the same percentage as in 1995.

“Amid the cacophony of headlines and hype, companies are getting greener, but it’s not always obvious or straightforward,” says Joel Makower, Executive Editor of GreenBiz.com and the report’s principal author. “And the progress itself can be illusory. Companies, in aggregate, aren’t changing quickly or significantly enough to move the needle on climate change and other challenges.”

The report, which can be downloaded at http://www.greenbiz.com/, marks the launch of the GreenBiz Index, a set of 20 indicators of U.S. business environmental progress. They include macroeconomic measures, such as carbon emissions, toxic releases, packaging materials, and paper use per unit of gross domestic product, as well as tracking corporate fleet purchases of alternative fuel vehicles, construction of green office space, investments in clean tech, and corporate reporting on environmental and climate impacts.

Among the findings:
- Alternative fueled vehicles, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, represent slightly more than one percent of all corporate fleet purchases.

- The energy efficiency of office buildings, measured as energy use per square foot, has leveled off in recent years, following a dramatic growth in efficiency during the 1990s.

- U.S. greenhouse gas intensity, measured as emissions as a percentage of gross domestic product, is dropping, though actual emissions remain about the same.

- The percentage of employees carpooling or taking public transit to work dropped almost ten percent between 2000 and 2006, though employee telecommuting from home or remote locations eight or more hours per week has risen by 16 percent.

- The amount of used computers and other e-waste has more than doubled since 2000, though e-waste recycling grew by only about 20 percent during that period.

- Paper use, measured against gross domestic product, has declined by more than 20 percent over the past decade, while the recycling rate has increased by 20 percent during that same period.

“State of Green Business 2008 offers clear insight into how, and how well, companies are integrating environmental thinking into their operations,” says Pete May, President of Greener World Media, Inc., which produces GreenBiz.com. “This is the first time anyone has created a comprehensive and authoritative assessment of the progress being made.”

The report also includes the top ten green business trends of 2007. They include the greening of transport — planes, trains, trucks, and ships — that move people and goods around the world; the rapid growth of green computing, as makers of chips, PCs, and other devices vie to be the most energy efficient and major equipment companies partner to help capture e-waste; and how banks are launching an impressive array of initiatives to support clean energy, climate change mitigation, green building, and other things.

See the Source:
GreenBiz.com - Free Report

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How to "green" emergency and prime power generators using CleanAIR Systems' PERMIT Filter/Silencer, utilizing diesel particulate filters

green news

What’s Up with Wind Power: The Good and Not-So-Good

- The Department of Energy (DOE) just released the first “Annual Report on US Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends: 2006”.

- Wind power currently accounts for only 1% of all electricity produced in the US.
- The DOE predicts an increase in wind power generated electricity to reach 7% by 2022. If this goal is to be reached, 36,000 wind turbines will need to be built.

- The top 10 states according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) producing the most kilowatt hours of electricity are:
1. Texas
2. California
3. Iowa
4. Minnesota
5. Washington
6. Oklahoma
7. New Mexico
8. Oregon
9. New York
10. Kansas

- The EPA estimates that a 25-MW wind facility could cover up to 1,500 acres, equal to 60 acres per megawatt.

- 1 MW of power produced by a wind turbine would produce enough electricity for approximately 175 to 300 homes annually (depending on the source of the information). As of March 2007, our national wind energy capacity is 11,699 MW. In comparison, the average size of one US power plant is 213 MW.

- According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, if all US electric power plants were operating at full capacity in 1990, they would have produced 690,000 MW of electricity.

- According to the American Wind Energy Association, 1,700 MW of wind generated power will displace 3 million tons of CO2 emissions each year.

See the Source:
Annual Report on US Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends: 2006
A Problem With Wind Power
Wind Energy Projects

environment
energy

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

Google Goes Green

Search engine behemoth Google and El Solutions, a California provider of solar power systems have joined forces to complete the largest solar installation on any corporate campus in the United States. Recently completed at Google’s Mountain View, CA headquarters, the system has a total capacity of 1.6 megawatts or the equivalent to supply 1,000 average California homes with electricity. The two companies will present a behind-the-scenes explanation of the solar project at the West Coast Energy Management Congress to be held June 6th at the Long Beach Convention Center.

See the Source:
Business Wire

Google Blog

energy
environment

“Green” – The New Revolution in Industry

Three members of the steering committee for the Energy Future Coalition recently sent a long commentary to online environmental news source, Grist. Their dissertation presents the view that the recent rise in environmentalism, clean technologies and concern for global warming should be seen as an economic boon rather than a corporate bust that would “invigorate our economy with new ideas, new industries, and new jobs.”

Within their essay they quote venture capitalist, John Doerr (whose company invested early in Google, Amazon and Sun Microsystems) as calling clean energy “the largest economic opportunity of the 21st century.”

To bring about a change, five rules are proposed that, according to the authors would “reduce emissions, give consumers new choices, launch new businesses, and accelerate the profitable transition to new energy technologies.” They are:
1. Put a price on carbon.
2. Set carbon efficiency standards for vehicles.
3. Make energy efficiency the business of utilities.
4. Modernize the electric power grid to be more efficient and better deliver clean energy.
5. Increase government support for clean energy.

In conclusion, “with one strategic leap, we can wipe out two of the biggest threats to our children’s well-being while creating the high-tech industries that will employ them in the future.”

To read the complete essay, go to Grist: Soapbox.

See the Source:
Energy Future Coalition

Find out:
About selective catalytic reduction for coal-fired power plants to reduce NOx emissions.

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

Project Big Green – IBM’s $1 Billion Baby

On May 10th, IBM launched “Project Big Green,” allocating $1 billion towards the advancement of “green” technology and services to increase energy efficiency for IBM and its clients, while at the same time reducing data center energy consumption. Savings could be substantial, with an average 25,000 square foot data center realizing a 42% energy savings, translating into a reduction of 7,439 tons of carbon emissions annually. Included in the initiative is IBM’s “green team” made up of over 850 energy efficiency architects.

See the Source:
IBM’s Energy Efficiency Initiative

Find out:
How generators used for back-up power at date storage centers can be made cleaner using CleanAIR Filter/Silencers

current issues
energy

Green on the National Mall

The National Sustainable Design Expo opens to the public today on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., showcasing innovative, commercially viable ideas for generating energy. Held April 24 and 25, the Expo includes exhibits from government agencies and nonprofit organizations, demonstrating successful, sustainable technologies and products such as energy generated from ocean waves to fuel produced from algae.

"Green designs not only help protect our planet by using renewable fuel sources and less toxics, but they also ring up big sales at the cash register." said Dr. George Gray, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. "There are great environmental challenges facing the U.S. in the coming decades. Smart companies are seeing these challenges as a golden opportunity to create a brand new market - - green technologies.”

The Expo includes the annual People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Award, a national competition involving 41 teams of college and university students exhibiting environmental design projects. Former P3 projects proved that green designs save energy and are profitable, with several of the projects going on to become new commercial ventures.

EPA launched the P3 award in 2004 to respond to sustainability challenges in the developed and developing world. This national competition enables college students to research, develop and design scientific, technical and policy solutions to sustainability challenges.

See the Source:
Expo and the P3 Award
EPA’s Sustainability Research Program

environment

Super Solar: SunEdison Breaks Ground

Colorado has broken ground on what will soon be one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in the United States. The 82-acre tract in the San Luis Valley located in south central Colorado is rated as having the best solar power conditions in the state. Upon completion the plant will create enough clean energy to power approximately 1,500 homes a year, thereby removing from the atmosphere carbon emissions equivalent to 2,840 cars driving 12,500 annually.

The solar plant will be financed, built and maintained by SunEdison. Xcel Energy will buy the power generated by the plant, which will help meet the 2020 Colorado deadline for utilities to generate 20 percent of their power from renewable energy sources.

“With wind farms across the plains, new bio-diesel and ethanol plants, the National Renewable Energy Lab, innovative businesses like SunEdison and Xcel Energy and this solar energy project, Colorado really is the renewable energy capital of the Nation,” said U.S. Senator Ken Salazar. “Combined with responsible development of fossil fuels and new technologies, renewable energy resources will help to secure our energy independence, strengthen our national and economic security and conserve our natural resources. And, solar energy will play an ever increasing role in that independence movement. This solar plant project, near my home in the San Luis Valley, will help bring new investments and new jobs to Colorado and I am proud to participate in this groundbreaking event.”

See the Source:
SunEdison

energy

The Greening of the Ivy League

The EPA has crowned the Ivy League as the overall champion conference of the College & University Green Power Challenge for 2006-2007, beating out 15 other collegiate athletic conferences. NYU won individual school honors for purchasing more green power than any other school in the competition.

"EPA applauds this year's College & University Green Power Conference Champions for their leadership in green power purchasing," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. "EPA hopes this year's competition inspires schools around the nation to participate in the 2007-2008 EPA College & University Green Power Challenge. Buying green power is a great way to demonstrate that what's good for the environment is also good for higher education."

Since April 2006, EPA's Green Power Partnership has ranked conferences by the quantity of green power purchased by their respective colleges and universities. These conferences must have schools that qualify as EPA Green Power Partners and make a collective green power purchase of at least 10 million kWh conference-wide in order to be eligible for the challenge. The 33 schools and 16 conferences taking part in this year's challenge are buying more than 750 million kWh of green power. EPA estimates that this amount of green power is equal to the electricity needed to power more than 60,000 average American homes each year.

Leading the Ivy League was the University of Pennsylvania followed by Harvard and Yale, with a collective purchase totaling more than 140 million kWh of green power.

Green power is produced from eligible renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. Green power is considered cleaner than conventional sources of electricity, has a superior environmental profile to conventional power, and does not contribute additional carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Buying green power has proven to be an excellent strategy for colleges and universities across the country to reduce the environmental impact of their purchased electricity, while allowing them to tie environmental action to the educational mission of the school.

See the Source:
EPA - College and University Green Power Challenge

Americans are Environmental “Doers” According to Report

A new report released on April 17 entitled, “The 2007 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey” states that 32% of Americans have a heightened interest in environmental issues compared to findings from last year’s survey. They are also looking for companies to step up to the plate and act, with 93% believing that companies have a responsibility to help the environment.

The study also shows that many Americans consider themselves “doers” by the decision to purchase environmentally-friendly products, donate to an environmental organization, becoming advocates for environmental issues, and making an effort to personally reduce their impact on the environment. This includes:

- 93% Conserving energy
- 89% Recycling
- 86% Conserving water
- 70% Telling family and friends about environmental issues

Americans also want businesses to be more proactive is their handling of packaging and transportation. Action supported include:

- 71% Reducing pollution through office and manufacturing operations
- 69% Designing products/packaging with more environmentally-friendly contents and minimal packaging
- 62% Communicating environmental efforts to consumers and employees so each group can support those efforts
- 59% Donating money to environmental causes
- 57% Lobbying for environmentally-friendly policies

“This is a call-to-action for companies. It’s an opportunity for innovation in product design, packaging, and distribution,” says Julia Hobbs Kivistik, executive vice president of Cause Brandingsm, Cone LLC. “Companies ultimately need to engage consumers and effectively communicate the impact their business practices and products have on the environment. Consumers are listening.”

See the Source:
2007 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey

Find out:
About CleanAIR Systems – Committed to a Cleaner Environment

DOE OKs OUC Plant Under the CCPI

April 3, 2007 – The DOE announced the signing of a Record of Decision under the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI) which clears the way for construction of a clean coal-fired power plant co-owned by Southern Power Co., the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), and Kellogg, Brown and Root, utilizing innovative and efficient technology to reduce air pollution emissions. The DOE will provide $235 million in funding towards the construction of the $569-million, 285-megawatt coal gasification plant near Orlando, FL.

The Florida plant will use an integrated approach of coal gasification-combined cycle technology along with state-of-the-art emissions controls technology to reduce emissions, particularly mercury and CO2 and produce clean energy.

See the Source:
Fossil Energy Techline

Find out:
How coal-fired power plants can substantially reduce NOx emissions using selective catalytic reduction.

Alt-Fuels Pioneer Wins $100,000 Award for Sustainability

Lee Lynd, a Dartmouth College professor and the co-founder of Mascoma Corp., a cellulosic biomass-to-ethanol company, has received the first Lemelson-MIT Award for Systainability honoring his 25 years of achievements and research into alternative fuels. He received the $100,000 award on April 2nd, which recognizes inventors whose products or processes improve economic opportunity and community well-being, and at the same time protect and restore the natural environment.

Professor Lynd and his colleagues have researched and identified advanced technologies for converting biomass such as grass, using cellulose-utilizing bacteria to produce ethanol, resulting in a sustainable carbon cycle with no net emissions of carbon dioxide –
a process configuration known as consolidated bioprocessing (CBP).

“Decades ago, Lee Lynd started doing something about global warming and the rapid depletion of the world’s non-renewable energy resources,” said Merton Flemings, director of the Lemelson-MIT Program. “He continued to experiment and pursue his ideas even when the conventional wisdom said they couldn’t be done.”

“Lee’s groundbreaking research has driven forward the public policy debate, the business world, and the fundamental science of bioenergy,” said Nathanael Greene, a senior policy analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council, and one of Lynd’s nominators for the $100,000 Lemelson-MIT Award for Sustainability. “His work has helped frame our basic understanding of the sustainable potential for bioenergy and especially biofuels.”

See the Source:
Business Wire

Are We at the Bottom of the Barrel?

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released “Crude Oil: Uncertainty about future oil supply makes it important to develop a strategy for addressing a peak and decline in oil production.” The study addresses the questions, “have we reached peak oil production and how much oil is really left to meet ever increasing energy demands?”

Covering many unanswerable factors in determining the answer, the GAO states that peak production will be anytime from now until 2040, but this is a speculative estimate. True numbers are uncertain because more than 60 percent of reserves are in countries with unstable political conditions; the oil is not accessible due to environmental or technological challenges; and future economic growth and political policies are unknown.

From “Crude Oil:”

In the United States, alternative transportation technologies face challenges that could impede their ability to mitigate the consequences of a peak and decline in oil production, unless sufficient time and effort are brought to bear. For example:

- Ethanol from corn is more costly to produce than gasoline, in part because of the high cost of the corn feedstock. Even if ethanol were to become more cost-competitive with gasoline, it could not become widely available without costly investments in infrastructure, including pipelines, storage tanks, and filling stations.

- Advanced vehicle technologies that could increase mileage or use different fuels are generally more costly than conventional technologies and have not been widely adopted. For example, hybrid electric vehicles can cost from $2,000 to $3,500 more to purchase than comparable conventional vehicles and currently constitute about 1 percent of new vehicle registrations in the United States.

- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are significantly more costly than conventional vehicles to produce. Specifically, the hydrogen fuel cell stack needed to power a vehicle currently costs about $35,000 to produce, in comparison with a conventional gas engine, which costs $2,000 to $3,000.

See the Source:
GAO – U.S. Government Accountability Office
Crude Oil: Uncertainty about Future Oil Supply Makes It Important to Develop a Strategy for Addressing a Peak and Decline in Oil Production
Energy Bulletin

Fresno: Clean and Green

The City of Fresno, CA has earned national recognition from the DOE and EPA for instituting progressive measures in making the city “clean and green”.

City Mayor, Alan Autry says, “There are external standards in place to ensure compliance. We have an internal set of goals that more beyond compliance toward commitment – commitment to clean air initiatives and a commitment to being environmental stewards.”

The City of Fresno now boasts one of the largest clean fleets in California’s Central Valley, containing a total of 362 clean-air vehicles including:
- 54 Compress Natural Gas Transit Buses
- 72 Liquid Natural Gas Refuse Trucks
- 46 Hybrid Cars and Pickups
- 131 Diesel Vehicles retrofitted with emissions control technology
- 1 Class 7 Liquid Natural Gas “Plug-in” Electric Hybrid Truck (first of its kind)

The Municipal Service Center, where much of the fleet is parked, utilizes solar power from the 4,557 solar panels installed on the roof. The solar system is expected to have a 30-year life span and substantially reduce pollutants that would have otherwise been emitted by traditional power sources. The solar panels also help out during peak power hours by producing an increase in energy and lessening the load on local power grids.

Fresno City Council President Henry T. Perea emphasized, "More and more cities across the nation are recognizing their role in protecting the environment. Fresno has demonstrated its leadership in this regard and is pushing a progressive agenda to utilize more and greener technologies. Our efforts over the last several years have placed Fresno on the map of environmental innovation, and we have just begun."

See the Source:
City of Fresno

Find out:
About emissions control technology to retrofit diesel engines

Environmental, Community Groups Announce Important Energy Agreement with Major Utility

Sierra Club, Kansas City Power & Light and Concerned Citizens of Platte County Put Forward Agreement to Reduce Emissions, Spur Clean Energy Development

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- March 20, 2007--In a groundbreaking agreement that can serve as a model for environmental groups and utilities working together, the Sierra Club, Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L), and the Concerned Citizens of Platte County (CCPC) have agreed on a set of initiatives to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) and reduce other emissions for the Kansas City-based utility. Under the agreement announced today, KCP&L agrees to pursue offsets for all of the global warming emissions associated with its new plant through significant investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and cut pollution from its existing plants in order to improve air quality in the Greater Kansas City metro area. The agreement proposes other investments in clean energy, significant decreases in emissions and resolves four appeals pending between the Sierra Club, CCPC, and KCP&L. Full implementation of the terms of the agreement will necessitate approval from the appropriate authorities, as some of the initiatives in this agreement require either enabling legislative policy or regulatory approval.

“We believe there is significant potential through new energy technology and innovative approaches to improve the environment and offer additional value to our customers across the Kansas City region. This is especially true with energy efficiency and wind generation, which we have been implementing already through our Comprehensive Energy Plan developed in 2005,” said Mike Chesser, Chairman and CEO of Great Plains Energy. “We look forward to collaborating with the Sierra Club and other stakeholders as we pursue these exciting new opportunities.”

“This agreement is a win for our climate, for the environment, and for the residents of the Kansas City area,” said Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director. “It is the latest sign that smart energy solutions like wind power and energy efficiency are gathering steam. We look forward to working with KCP&L to help the Midwest realize its full potential as a leader in the clean energy technologies that will fuel the economy of tomorrow.”

The most significant element of the agreement is the unprecedented commitment by KCP&L to pursue the offset of carbon emissions from its proposed Iatan 2 generating station, located near Weston, Missouri. The estimated 6,000,000 tons of annual carbon dioxide emissions are targeted to be offset by adding 400 megawatts (MW) of wind power; 300 MW of energy efficiency; and a yet to be determined combination of wind, efficiency, or the closing, altering, re-powering or efficiency improvements at any of its generating units. These proposed offsets will be partially implemented by 2010 and fully implemented by 2012. The parties are also agreeing to work together on a series of regulatory and legislative initiatives to achieve an overall reduction in KCP&L’s carbon dioxide emissions of 20 percent by 2020.

“This agreement shows that we can work together to curb air pollution, combat global warming, and protect our local communities,” said Susan Brown, chairperson for Concerned Citizens of Platte County. “The renewable energy investments in this agreement can revitalize the region’s manufacturing economy and offer rural landowners a new source of steady income from wind turbines located on their property. The large investment in energy efficiency will also help everyone use less energy — reducing emissions and saving consumers and businesses money each month.”

In addition to offsetting its global warming emissions, residents of the Kansas City area will benefit from reduced emissions of criteria pollutants at KCP&L’s existing Iatan 1 and La Cygne plants. The agreement calls for annual reductions in nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter estimated to total some 9,100 tons. Within the next year, KCP&L will also work with the Sierra Club to study options, including retiring, re-powering or upgrading its Montrose power plant. Finally, KCP&L will fund several community projects including: recommendations of the Kansas City Climate Protection Committee targeting global warming reduction measures; additional monitoring of soot and smog pollution in the metro area; and an upgrade to the drinking water infrastructure in Weston, a community near the Iatan station.

In another important step for clean energy, KCP&L will also file for approval of a net metering program within six months. Net metering allows a utility’s customers to generate small amounts of renewable energy on-site, such as from rooftop solar panels or a small wind turbine, and sell any excess energy back to the utility.

KCP&L’s Comprehensive Energy Plan was collaboratively constructed with a broad group of stakeholders and includes investments in new generation (including renewable wind energy); innovative efficiency, affordability and demand response programs; infrastructure improvements; and proactive environmental investments. This balanced approach will enable KCP&L to satisfy growing energy demands across the region for years to come while improving environmental stewardship.

“KCP&L’s current Comprehensive Energy Plan addresses the energy needs and emissions reductions for the Kansas City region with actions into the year 2010. This Agreement is the start of the next set of discussions with stakeholders as we develop our plans for the 2010-2015 timeframe,” said Bill Downey, President and CEO of KCP&L. “It reflects the ongoing atmosphere of collaboration we established in developing the CEP, and proactively resolves differences. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to secure a long-term energy supply for Kansas City while improving air quality.”

This agreement builds on the success of a 2006 agreement that Sierra Club brokered with City Water Light and Power of Springfield, IL. That agreement stipulated that the municipal utility retire one of the dirtiest coal plants in the nation, purchase 120 MW of wind, invest four million dollars in energy efficiency, and significantly decrease emissions of soot, smog and mercury pollution. In addition, all of the government buildings owned by the state of Illinois are to be powered with green electricity. Last week, CWLP announced that it stands to at least break even and may reap significant profits from its purchase and resale the wind power investments required in their agreement.

“We were and continue to be very pleased with the agreement we reached in Springfield,” commented Pope. “Our exciting new agreement with KCP&L raises the bar even further and demonstrates just how much we can achieve when utilities and groups like the Sierra Club work together.”

See the Source:
Kansas City Power & Light

Find out:
How selective catalytic reduction can eliminate NOx emissons from power plants

TV Truck Designers Partner With EPA to Help Truckers Save Money, Reduce Emissions

Keep on Truckin' While Cutting Fuel Costs, Protecting Environment

Washington, D.C. -- March 20, 2007 -- EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership and the "Chrome Shop Mafia" have teamed up to help truck drivers save on fuel costs and cut air pollution. The Mafia, a nationally recognized crew of truck designers and custom fabricators, restore and upgrade older big rigs on Country Music Television's "Trick My Truck" show.

"Partnering with this well-known group helps EPA reach out to truckers, assisting them with understanding the financial and environmental advantages of our SmartWay program," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation.

SmartWay's kits are combinations of EPA-endorsed fuel- and emissions-savings technologies that can improve truck fuel efficiency up to 15 percent, saving more than $8,000 in fuel costs annually. The environment also benefits: These products significantly decrease harmful diesel emissions and reduce exposure to contaminants that might adversely affect the health of drivers and the general public.

Both EPA's SmartWay program and 4 State Trucks, an equipment retail outlet and service center in Joplin, Mo., that serves as headquarters for the Mafia, will begin marketing SmartWay Upgrade Kits this Thursday through Saturday at the Mid-America Trucking Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Next month, 4 State Trucks will begin selling and installing SmartWay Upgrade Kits will also showcase the products on its Web site. The kits cost between $8,500 and $25,000, depending on the technologies selected for installation. Individual components can be purchased and installed for as little as $800. Truckers may obtain financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration to pay for the upgrades.

The kit typically ends up saving truckers more money than it costs, even during a loan-repayment period. For example, an upgrade kit consisting of an auxiliary power unit, single-wide tires, and trailer aerodynamics could be purchased for about $16,500. With a five-year loan at 12 percent annual interest, the cost would be about $367 per month while producing an estimated $636 in monthly fuel savings. That represents a gain of $269 per month, or $16,140 over the five-year period.

The SmartWay Transport Partnership is an innovative program developed by EPA and freight-industry representatives to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, and to promote cleaner, more efficient ground freight transportation.

See the Source:
EPA Smartway upgrade kits and financing

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.

See the Source:
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.

See the Source:
Peterbilt

B & W and AEP to Demonstrate New Clean Coal Technology for Capture of CO2 Emissions

HOUSTON—March 16, 2007--McDermott International, Inc. (NYSE:MDR) announced today that its subsidiary, The Babcock & Wilcox Company (“B&W”), and American Electric Power (“AEP”) plan to pursue the commercial viability of a new combustion technology to reduce carbon dioxide (“CO2”) and other emissions from coal-fired power plants. Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) agreement, the companies will assess the application of oxy-coal combustion as a retrofit to an existing AEP plant, and work toward the development of the first oxy-coal commercial validation project in the United States.

Oxy-coal combustion uses pure oxygen for the combustion of coal in electricity generating plants. In this system, nitrogen that comes in with the air for the combustion process is eliminated. As a result, the exhaust gas is a relatively pure stream of CO2 that is ready for capture and sequestration or alternative uses such as enhanced oil recovery. Use of this technology is expected to result in near-zero emissions from coal-fired electric-generating facilities. B&W has established a collaboration agreement with American Air Liquide, Inc. for the continued development of the technology.

During the summer of 2007, B&W will complete a pilot demonstration of the oxy-coal combustion technology at its Clean Environment Development Facility (“CEDF”) in Alliance, Ohio. The CEDF is a 30MWth combustion testing facility that simulates key operating characteristics of a modern, commercial fossil fuel-fired power plant and includes a pulverized coal feed system, furnace and convection pass, an air heater, dry and wet scrubbers, baghouses and an electrostatic precipitator.

AEP will be among the utility participants in B&W’s Oxy-Coal Combustion Advisory Group in an effort to help bring the potential users of the technology into the development process.

In addition, as part of the MOU, B&W and AEP will evaluate and select the most suitable existing AEP plant location for the commercial application of the oxy-coal combustion technology. B&W will also provide unit performance and design approximations for potential carbon capture uses, perform preliminary site equipment layouts, prepare a detailed scope of work, and develop schedule- and budget-price estimates.

“B&W and AEP have a long history of working together to advance the technology of electric power generation,” said Brandon C. Bethards, President, B&W Fossil Power Group. “We expect that this study will bring us even closer to identifying a viable carbon-reduction solution for coal-firing power plants – one that is both economical and environmentally sound.”

The feasibility study is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2008.
In addition to the work under the MOU with AEP, B&W is working with a major Canadian utility to develop a supercritical pressure, pulverized coal-fired boiler and to assess the feasibility of proceeding to the construction phase on a new, near-zero-emissions, 300MW power station utilizing the oxy-coal combustion technology. In that unit, recovered CO2 would be sold for enhanced oil recovery operations and eventually sequestrated underground in stable geologic formations.

See the Source:
Air Liquide
McDermott International, Inc.

Find out:
About selective catalytic reduction to reduce NOx from coal-fired power plants

Canadian Scientific Study Reinforces ThermoEnergy’s Carbon Capture Technology

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—March 16, 2007--ThermoEnergy Corporation today announced the release of the scientific study by the CANMET Energy Research Centre (part of the Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources) on ThermoEnergy’s advanced new pressurized oxy-fuel power plant design called the ThermoEnergy Integrated Power System, or TIPS process. The report, entitled “Technical and Economic Feasibility Study of a Pressurized Oxy-fuel Approach to Carbon Capture” identifies TIPS as potentially the most competitive new power plant design for the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2). The Company is currently working with the Alaska Energy Authority, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and CANMET to design, build and operate an engineering prototype of a TIPS power system which will be housed at CANMET’s laboratory in Ottawa.

“The CANMET report represents an extremely important milestone for the Company since it not only substantiates, but actually exceeds many of our own performance predictions for TIPS,” said Dennis C. Cossey, ThermoEnergy’s CEO. “The data generated by the current project underway in Ottawa will provide the data we need to take the TIPS technology to the next step – a large-scale stand-alone pilot plant,” said Alex Fassbender, EVP and Chief Technology Officer at ThermoEnergy as well as Project Manager of the Ottawa development program. Mr. Fassbender is also the inventor of the TIPS process.

TIPS is a patented pressurized oxy-fuel combustion system designed to achieve high thermal efficiency, near zero air emissions of pollutants, as well as CO2 capture. TIPS’ ability to utilize a wide range of fuel resources, including high moisture fuels such as Powder River Basin coal and lignite, and biomass with relatively few process steps provides significant economic advantages over competing new power plant designs such as Integrated Gasification and Combined Cycle (IGCC) plants. TIPS also eliminates the need for expensive pre-processing of coal since coals with low thermal value can be fed directly into TIPS boilers with no loss of efficiency.

The use of elevated pressures in the TIPS process significantly increases heat transfer which results in a corresponding reduction of size in key power plant components, such as boilers and heat exchangers, when compared with air-fired or atmospheric pressure oxy-fuel systems. TIPS’ excellent thermal efficiencies over a wide range of sizes, from ten-megawatt industrial combined heat & power plants to large utility power plants, provides a wide range of market opportunities both in the US and abroad.

One of the key conclusions of the CANMET report is that no major technical barriers were found in the TIPS process. “The current collaboration with the Canadian government, along with previous work done with US Department of Energy (DOE), the EPA, Reaction Systems Engineering (a British firm), and the University of Nevada/Reno has greatly accelerated the development of the TIPS process,” said Cossey. “We are on a very aggressive schedule that projects a large-scale, carbon capture commercial power plant underway within the next two years.” The 200-page CANMET report will soon be available for download on the ThermoEnergy’s website.

See the Source:

ThermoEnergy

ENDESA Starts up Its First Wind Farm in France

New York -- March 14, 2007--Today, Jesús Olmos, General Manager for Endesa Europe (subsidiary of ENDESA, NYSE:ELE) officially opened the Lehaucourt wind farm in France. This is the first of five wind power facilities that Endesa is starting up in the country. Among those representing national and regional authorities at the event were Evelyne Ratte, Prefect of the l’Aisne region, Pascale Gruny, local Member of Parliament, and Raymond Froment, Mayor of Lehaucourt.

The Lehaucourt wind farm is located in the Picardy region, in the department of l’Aisne and has entailed an investment of approximately Euro 10 million.

This wind farm is an example of Endesa France’s commitment to renewable energies and underscores the Group’s decision to choose the French market as one of its priority geographical areas in terms of European expansion.

Endesa France chose cutting-edge technology for this first wind power project: Nordex N90 turbines. Standing 125 metres high (the mast measures 80 metres and the blades span 45 metres) and with net capacity of 2.5MW, this model combines maximum power with minimum impact on the surrounding landscape. The facility comprises four turbines, with total installed capacity of 10MW, which will generate energy equivalent to the electricity consumption of 22,000 inhabitants.

This facility's launch follows the recent award of the tender for the Cernon I and Cernon II wind farms, which will have a total installed capacity of 17.5MW and that of the Ambon wind farm at the end of last year which has 10MW in installed capacity.

These facilities form part of Endesa France’s Industrial Plan, whose goals include constructing 200 MW of wind power capacity.

These initiatives demonstrate Endesa France’s determination to meet peaks in demand by giving priority to technologies with low CO2 emissions and to contribute to the French government’s goal of generating 21% of electricity from renewable energies by 2010.
Endesa France

Since becoming its majority shareholder in 2004, Endesa has transformed this company significantly. The initiatives undertaken to improve efficiency, availability and safety at its four coal plants, along with the investments made to reduce the environmental impact will serve to guarantee these plants’ competitiveness beyond 2020.

As well as progress at the coal plants and in wind power development, the Endesa France Industrial Plan envisages installing two CCGTs in France, each with installed capacity of 400MW. The two plants, in which Euro 400 million will be invested, will be built in the north-east of France, on land at the Emile Huchet plant (Lorraine). Work will commence in mid-May 2007.

Furthermore, Endesa France sold a total of 19TWh in 2006, 4.5TWh of which were for 153 "eligible customers".

See the Source:
Endesa

UC Berkeley Energy Symposium Showcases Cutting-Edge Research on Sustainable Energy

The first annual University of California, Berkeley, Energy Symposium – "Challenges, Opportunities, and the Role of UC Berkeley in Creating a Sustainable Energy Future." The event will bring together 150 of UC Berkeley’s leading researchers in energy technology, economics, and policy with the nation’s top “cleantech” investors, industry experts, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Keynote speakers will include UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and Nobel Prize winner Steven Chu, director of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, among others.

The symposium will highlight clean energy innovations emerging from several segments of the UC Berkeley community and include discussions about energy-efficiency, transportation fuels, solar technologies, carbon regulation and innovation, energy storage, and energy economics. A student poster session will display more than 50 research projects of UC Berkeley’s top graduate students.

WHEN:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 21

WHERE:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Union, on Bancroft Way at Telegraph Avenue. A campus map is online at http://berc.berkeley.edu/symposium-directions.html.

WHO:
Additional keynote speakers will include:William Banholzer, chief technology officer of Dow Chemical CompanyDavid Crane, special jobs and economic growth advisor to Gov. SchwarzeneggerIra Ehrenpreis, general partner of Technology PartnersChris Somerville, director of plant biology with the Carnegie InstitutionArt Rosenfeld, a commissioner with the California Energy Commission

DETAILS:
The Energy Symposium is being organized by the Berkeley Energy and Resources Collaborative. BERC, an interdisciplinary, student-run organization, was founded in 2005 to enhance interdepartmental collaboration on energy issues and to serve as a bridge between the university and the private sector.

Innovations will be highlighted at the symposium from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Haas School of Business, Energy and Resources Group, UC Energy Institute; School of Law (Boalt Hall), College of Engineering, College of Chemistry, Goldman School of Public Policy, Institute of Transportation Studies, College of Natural Resources, and Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS).

See the Source:
University of Berkeley

DOE Selects 13 Solar Energy Projects for up to $168 Million in Funding

First funding awards for Solar America Initiative to make solar technology cost-competitive by 2015

LOWELL, MA - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today announced the selection of 13 industry-led solar technology development projects for negotiation for up to $168 million (FY’07-’09) in funding, subject to appropriation from Congress. These projects will help significantly reduce the cost of producing and distributing solar energy. As part of the cost-shared agreements, the industry-led teams will contribute more than 50 percent of the funding for these projects for a total value of up to $357 million over three years. These cooperative agreements, to be negotiated, will be the first made available as part of President Bush’s Solar America Initiative (SAI), a component of his Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI), announced in his 2006 State of the Union Address. Secretary Bodman made today’s announcement while visiting Konarka Global Headquarters in Lowell, Massachusetts, one of the selected solar energy project sponsors.

“Solar technology can play a crucial role in moving toward affordable net zero energy homes and businesses – which combine energy efficiency and renewable energy produced on-site. Efficient buildings with solar power generation can help reduce peak demand and ease the need for expensive new generating capacity, transmission, and distributions lines as our economy grows,” Secretary Bodman said.

President Bush’s AEI challenges Americans to change the way we power our nation. As an integral part of the AEI, the Solar America Initiative aims to bring down the cost of solar energy to make it competitive with conventional electricity sources in the U.S. by 2015. The SAI is also part of the President’s commitment to diversify our energy resources through grants, incentives and tax credits and; aims to spur widespread commercialization and deployment of clean solar energy technologies across America, which would provide long-term economic, environmental, and security benefits to our nation.

The teams selected for negotiation have formed Technology Pathway Partnerships (TPP), which include companies, laboratories, universities, and non-profit organizations to accelerate the drive towards commercialization of U.S.-produced solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. These partnerships are comprised of more than 50 companies, 14 universities, 3 non-profit organizations, and 2 national laboratories. DOE funding is expected to begin in FY’07, with $51.6 million going to the TPPs.

In addition, the projects announced today will enable the projected expansion of the annual U.S. manufacturing capacity of PV systems from 240 MW in 2005 to as much as 2,850 MW by 2010, representing more than a ten-fold increase. Such capacity would also put the U.S. industry on track to reduce the cost of electricity produced by PV from current levels of $0.18-$0.23 per kWh to $0.05 - $0.10 per kWh by 2015 – a price that is competitive in markets nationwide.

As part of a broader effort to highlight the Bush Administration’s bold energy initiatives, today, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Andy Karsner traveled to United Solar Ovonic in Auburn Hills, Michigan to highlight these selections and the Solar America Initiative. Tomorrow, Under Secretary for Science Dr. Raymond L. Orbach will travel to Boeing in Sylmar, California to discuss today’s selections and meet with representatives from the solar industry.

Solar energy is a clean, abundant, widespread, and renewable energy source that can be used to increase electricity generating capacity while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions as compared to other energy conversion pathways. Photovoltaic-based solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are made of semiconductor materials similar to those used in computer chips. When sunlight is absorbed by these materials, the solar energy knocks electrons loose from their atoms, allowing the electrons to flow through the material to produce electricity. The process of converting light to electricity is called the photovoltaic effect.

Teams Selected For Negotiations under the Solar America Initiative:
Amonix, Boeing, BP Solar, Dow Chemical, General Electric, Greenray, Konarka, Miasole, Nanosolar, Powerlight, Practical Instruments, SunPower, United Solar Ovonic

For more information on the solicitation and facts about the Solar America Initiative, visit: http://www.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), signed by the President in August of 2005, provides incentives for purchasing and using solar equipment. Now extended through 2008, these incentives could provide a credit equal to 30 percent of qualifying expenditures for purchase of commercial solar installations, with no cap on the total credit allowed. EPAct also provides a 30 percent tax credit for qualified PV property and solar water heating property used exclusively for purposes other than heating swimming pools and hot tubs. Private property owners of qualified property could be eligible for a credit up to $2,000 for either property, with a maximum of $4,000 allowed, if both photovoltaic and solar hot water qualified properties are installed. More information on available incentives for solar installations is available at:http://energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits.

See the Source:
DOE

Green Mountain Power Generating Sources Among Lowest in Emissions

COLCHESTER, Vt.-- Green Mountain Power Corporation (NYSE:GMP) announced today that only two percent of its fuel mix for 2006 was from carbon dioxide emitting sources, compared to a national average of nearly 70 percent from emitting sources, according to the Energy Information Administration. More than half of Green Mountain Power’s sources came from water, wood or wind.

“We have consistently worked to reduce emissions at Green Mountain Power, both in our operations and in the fuels we use to supply our customers with electricity,” said Christopher L. Dutton, president and chief executive officer of Green Mountain Power. “In 2006, we achieved the lowest proportion of emission-producing fuels that we’ve had in decades. We were able to take advantage of additional hydro power resources from Hydro Quebec and we experienced near record-breaking production at our own hydro facilities, which helped reduce the use of fossil fuels,” he added. Green Mountain Power uses no coal and in 2006 sold more power into the New England market than it purchased.

Green Mountain Power owns and operates eight hydroelectric plants in Vermont. Hydro generation in 2006 was 30 percent greater than the 20-year average, with several plants recording the highest annual generation in 31 years of record. Overall production was the third highest total in 31 years of record, producing 161,937 megawatt hours. At a 2006 cost of 3.6 cents per kilowatt hour, Green Mountain Power’s own hydro generation is its second lowest cost source. Power generated at Green Mountain Power’s wind generating station is its lowest cost source, at 3.1 cents per kilowatt hour.

“With the world focused on how to combat global climate change, we are proud that this year our carbon footprint is so small,” said Mr. Dutton. “Our challenge in the future will be how to keep our emissions low as we replace the contracts for power from Vermont Yankee and Hydro Quebec, which expire in 2012 and 2015, respectively.”

The complete breakdown of Green Mountain Power’s fuel mix in 2006 is: hydro 50.4%, nuclear 43%, wood 4.3%, oil/natural gas 2.2%, and wind 0.1%. Water, wood and wind together produced 55 percent of the total. (Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs, were sold for a portion of the energy generated at Green Mountain Power’s wind facility in Searsburg. Energy associated with the RECs sold is not claimed as wind and is 0.5% of the total energy in 2006.)

Green Mountain Power Corporation is a Vermont-based energy services company serving 90,000 electric customers.

See the Source:
Green Mountain Power Corporation

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.

See the Source:
Clean Edge’s “Clean Energy Trends 2007”

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

The Babcock & Wilcox Company to Demonstrate Carbon Dioxide Capture Technology

Barberton, Ohio -- March 5, 2007 -- The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W), in collaboration with American Air Liquide Inc., will begin testing a promising new technology to help coal-fired power plants capture emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas.

The evaluation will occur at B&W’s 30 MWth Clean Environment Development Facility (CEDF) in Alliance, Ohio. The CEDF, originally placed in service in 1994 by B&W, the U.S. Department of Energy and others, is a large-scale demonstration facility that has been used to develop emissions-control technology.

The CEDF will be used to validate a technology called “oxy-coal combustion” that utilizes pure oxygen for the combustion of coal in electricity generating plants. In this system, nitrogen that comes in with the air for the combustion process is eliminated. As a result, the exhaust gas is a relatively pure stream of CO2 that is ready for long-term storage operations.

“Finding ways to capture and store CO2 emissions from power plants is paramount if the United States is going to address greenhouse gas concerns and use our national energy resources,” Don Langley, B&W vice president and chief technology officer said. “We see this major technology demonstration project as another step in B&W’s plan to deliver CO2-capture technology to the electricity generating industry and make a significant impact on this global issue.”

B&W’s development efforts are being done well in advance of similar projects around the globe. “This is truly changing-the-world technology and we are pleased to be leading this research,” Langley added. Because the oxy-coal technology builds on pulverized coal combustion technology, it would be complementary to most of the world’s coal-fired power plants.

B&W will work with American Air Liquide to modify the existing CEDF facility for the oxy-coal process and will begin proving the technology in June 2007. American Air Liquide will provide engineering and chemistry know-how related to combustion, as well as proprietary equipment and sensors for the safe and efficient handling of liquefied oxygen.

In addition to American Air Liquide, several utilities will participate in an “advisory group” process that will help bring the potential users of the technology into the development process.

B&W will evaluate several types of coal, including coal imported from Saskatchewan, Canada, the site of a proposed near-zero emissions power plant that will use this technology at commercial scale.

Present in 72 countries, Air Liquide provides industrial and medical gases and related services and offers innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies. These solutions, which are consistent with Air Liquide’s commitment to sustainable development, help to protect life and enable customers to manufacture many indispensable everyday products. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris stock exchange and is a component of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices (ISIN code FR 0000120073). American Air Liquide Inc. is Air Liquide’s U.S.-based research and development company. For more information, visit http://www.airliquide.com/.

The Babcock & Wilcox Company is a subsidiary of McDermott International, Inc., a leading worldwide energy services company. McDermott subsidiaries manufacture steam-generating equipment, environmental equipment, and products for the U.S. government. They also provide engineering and construction services for the offshore oil and natural gas industry.

See the Source:
Babcock and Wilcox

Find out:
How nitrogen oxides can be virtually eliminated from power plant emissions using selective catalytic reduction

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

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

Climate Change is Top Priority of London Plan Review

London – March 5, 2007 -- Mayor of London Ken Livingstone announced that his London Plan Review will set radical new objectives for planners and developers that will require new developments to connect to “decentralized” local energy supplies and achieve the highest standards of sustainable building design. The Review also doubles the carbon emission reductions that developments must achieve through onsite renewable energy from 10% to 20%.

The London Plan Review also proposes to set carbon dioxide reduction targets – a 20 per cent reduction by 2015 and a long-term target of a 60 per cent reduction by 2050. This is the first time that statutory carbon reduction targets have been set for London.

The Mayor is proposing a series of new development, transport and energy policies all with the aim of making London an exemplary and sustainable world city, adapting to inevitable climate change and reducing future carbon emissions.

These new policies are published in a document entitled Draft Further Alterations to the London Plan which the Mayor is publishing today for consultation with the London Assembly and the Greater London Authority functional bodies, before a formal public consultation stage this autumn.

The Mayor said:'London should lead the way in showing the world how one of its greatest cities is planning to meet the challenges of climate change. We have already succeeded through the London Plan in introducing a target of 10% carbon reductions through on-site renewable energy generation and I would like to congratulate those developers and planners who have responded positively to this challenge. In more and more cases we are meeting – and sometimes exceeding - the existing policy requirements but we still need to do much more.'

'The new policies I am publishing today set tough but deliverable targets for reducing our carbon emissions. We must move our cities away from relying on inefficient centralized heat and power generation, and stop constructing buildings that waste heat and electricity. In London we want to see the widespread use of decentralized energy, the highest standards of green building design and renewable energy incorporated wherever we can.'

'In London I am proposing a challenging new target for our developers and planners.’

The Draft Further Alterations to the London Plan also sets out a series of complementary policies to achieve carbon dioxide reductions and the Mayor will be working with boroughs and other agencies to:
- ensure that development is located, designed and built for the climate that it will experience over its intended lifetime and is capable of adapting to new uses.
- increase the cost effectiveness, and provide incentives to use the technologies which will help address climate change.
- procure and use building materials more responsibly.
- manage flood risk through policies on the location, design and construction of development, and management of surface run-off including rainwater harvesting.
- minimize overheating and the ‘heat island’ effect, for example by encouraging green roofs and walls and designs which reduce solar gain.
- minimize the movement of waste including the introduction of new targets for composting and recycling the different waste streams and giving preference to technologies which produce renewable hydrogen over incineration.

Last week the Mayor published Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Design and Construction to guide developers and planners on how to use the existing policies to best effect in addressing the consequences of climate change.

Other key proposed alterations to the London Plan, also published today, include:
- Support for the already published proposals to increase housing provision across London.
- Measures to make more effective use of existing and already planned transport capacity.
- Provision for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and associated regeneration of large parts of East London.

A clearer geographic framework for coordinating the strategic policies of a range of pan London agencies and integrating these with local action at the sub regional level.

Action to make London a more livable and socially inclusive city such as the East London Green Grid, improvements to safety and security, and increased play provision.

Refinement of some of the economic policies to support London’s global business area, the Central Activities Zone, and help rejuvenate the economies elsewhere in the city.

A more focused approach to town centers and retailing including the particular need to develop the capacity of the West End as a global shopping and leisure destination.

“Decentralized energy” involves using combined heat, power and cooling systems and renewable energy, as the most efficient way to supply heat and power to domestic and commercial buildings. Typical decentralized energy systems are over 85% efficient, compared with average centralized power generation which wastes two thirds of energy input and is the single biggest source of carbon emissions.

In working towards a long term reduction of carbon dioxide emissions of 60 per cent by 2050 he has set the following minimum targets for London (against a 1990 base):
- 15 per cent by 2010
- 20 per cent by 2015
- 25 per cent by 2020
- 30 per cent by 2025

These targets are practicable providing all stakeholders, including government, work together.

Existing commercial and domestic buildings contribute approximately 73 per cent of carbon emissions in London. The Mayor recognizes the cost implications of these new technologies and will support measures to drive down costs such as stimulating their supply chains.

Most changes to the London Plan are minor amendments to clarify points or to take account of new information. Most of the proposed significant policy changes reflect issues raised in the Mayor’s Statement of Intent published in December 2005. In substantive terms it is the group of new policies associated with climate change in Chapter 4A which represent the most significant Further Alterations.

The Further Alterations to the London Plan are the result of a focused review based on the Mayor’s Statement of Intent to review the plan. Factors which this took into account included:
- a duty to keep the London Plan under review
- responding to new evidence
- taking into account the results of the Sub Regional Development Framework Process
- extending the plan period from 2016 to 2025 and
- taking account of national legislation and policy in the recent planning system reforms.

See the Source:
London Government

Find out:
How energy emissions can be made cleaner using low-temp selective catalytic reduction

New Fundraising Program Sets National Sales Goal of Two Million Fluorescent Light Bulbs

LightbulbsAmerica Enables Schools and Other Groups to Easily Raise Money While Saving More Than One Billion Pounds of CO2 Emissions

ORINDA, CA -- February 28, 2007 -- A new national fund-raising campaign, which LightbulbsAmerica announced today, enables schools, churches and other groups to raise money by selling environmentally friendly fluorescent light bulbs. In the "win-win" fundraiser, organizations can raise money; purchasers can save money; energy use can be lessened and the environment helped.

The fundraiser's national sales goal of two million fluorescent light bulbs would reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 1.3 billion pounds, save approximately 500 million pounds of coal, and save consumers about $124 million.

"Many people don't realize how much they can save -- both financially and environmentally -- by switching to fluorescents," said Robert Etheredge, founder of LightbulbsAmerica. "We expect a positive response to this program because it provides a high-quality, environmentally friendly product that people need, and that can reduce the country's energy use."

The program features a family of products, including popular mini-spiral bulbs that replace 60 to 100 watt bulbs, reflector lights for ceiling cans and even a dimmable reflector bulb. The ENERGY STAR® products are made by Greenlite Lighting Corporation, one of the leading manufacturers of energy-efficient light bulbs. These "new-generation" light bulbs come on almost instantly and are small enough to fit the majority of light fixtures.

Easy Fundraising Program
A LightbulbsAmerica fundraiser can be both profitable and easy. Participants will make about 40 percent on the bulbs (based on the suggested selling price). All information and materials are available online. A school or organization can get started right away and can track their progress online.

As an added incentive, LightbulbsAmerica is offering a grand prize and individual state prizes for the organizations selling the most light bulbs this calendar year.
Advantages of Fluorescent Bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) use only 24 percent of the energy of traditional bulbs, saving an estimated $20 to $50 over the life of the bulb. CFLs last six to ten times as long as regular light bulbs, reducing the need to buy more light bulbs. The decreased electrical use results in less carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants. And an individual fluorescent light bulb can save up to 500 pounds of coal.

To help people get a better idea of how much they can save, LightbulbsAmerica has an Energy Savings calculator at http://www.lightbulbsamerica.com/yourenergy.asp. The LightbulbsAmerica website also tracks the energy savings, and CO2 and coal reductions connected to the number of light bulbs sold.

About LightbulbsAmerica
LightbulbsAmerica is dedicated to improving the environment and reducing energy dependence. The company is headquartered in Orinda, California.

See the Source:
LightbulbsAmerica

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.

See the Source:
Phoenix Motorcars, Inc.

Find out:
How to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles by using diesel particulate filters

The Green Grid Addresses Energy Efficiency in Data Centers

Consortium Completes Formation and Calls for Members

Portland, Ore. -- The Green Grid, a non-profit consortium dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in data centers and business computing ecosystems, today announced the completion of its formation, membership structure, technical charter, and made available three new white papers.

The collective viewpoint of Green Grid members is that energy efficiency in the data center is the most significant issue facing technology providers and their customers today. This situation is not only due to exponential increases in power and cooling costs over the past few years, but also because customer demand for concentrated computing is outpacing the availability of clean reliable power in many places around the world. The Green Grid is the first industry initiative chartered to take a holistic view of the computing ecosystem, with a focus on addressing the pressing issues facing data center users.

The consortium also announced its Board of Directors, comprised of AMD, APC, Dell, HP, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Rackable Systems, SprayCool, Sun Microsystems, and VMware. These companies represent leadership across all facets of product development for the data center and are collectively committed to driving new user-centric metrics, technology standards, and best practices for use by data center managers worldwide.

End users and technology suppliers are encouraged to become members of The Green Grid to help drive the creation of platform-neutral specifications and metrics. The Green Grid's membership structure includes Contributing and General Member levels. General members will have access to all technical documentation produced by The Green Grid, access to intellectual property licensing, and opportunities to attend events. Contributing members will have all the above benefits and be eligible to join technology working groups, review technology documentation at each phase of development and directly contribute to shaping future consortium direction.

The organization has also made available its first three white papers developed by The Green Grid's technical committee. The papers offer perspectives on data center efficiency issues as well as efficiency baseline recommendations, and are targeted at CIO, data center administrator and facility manager audiences.

For more information about The Green Grid's activities or to become a member, please visit the organization's Web site at www.thegreengrid.org.

About The Green GridThe Green Grid is a global consortium of companies dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in data centers and computing ecosystems. The Green Grid does not endorse any vendor-specific products or solutions, and will seek to provide industry-wide recommendations on best practices, metrics and technologies that will improve overall data center energy efficiencies. Membership is open to companies interested in data center operational efficiency at the Contributing or General Member level.

See the Source:
The Green Grid

Find out:
About CleanAIR’s PERMIT Filter. The CleanAIR filter/silencer is commonly installed on diesel emergency generators used by data centers to ensure uninterrupted power during power outages. The PERMIT filter/silencer virtually eliminates diesel particulate, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons when the back-up generator is called into service.

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.

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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

Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman Shares Policy Goals with The Energy Initiative

Coalition led by former Sen. John Breaux and past U.S. Conference of Mayors President Beverly O’Neill joins energy consumers and producers to develop consensus on America’s energy policy

U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman shared the ongoing efforts and energy policies of the administration today (Feb. 22) before The Energy Initiative at the Hotel Sofitel in Washington, DC.

The Energy Initiative, led by former U.S. Senator John Breaux of Louisiana and former Long Beach, California Mayor and U.S. Conference of Mayors President Beverly O’Neill, represents a unique collection of energy stakeholders including both producers and consumers.

“It is only by fostering cooperation between this wide cross section of interests that The Energy Initiative coalition will be able to achieve its goals of educating the public and helping to secure a future of sustained energy production in America,” said Secretary Bodman. “All of us who are interested in maintaining our economic prosperity, and leaving a healthy environment to our children, recognize that our nation’s future depends -- in a critical way -- on fostering clean energy development,” continued Secretary Bodman.

Initially launched in December, The Energy Initiative’s members are midway through a broadbased educational effort, with the ultimate goal of formulating a set of recommendations that will serve as the basis for future energy policies. The Energy Initiative consists of three working groups which are charged with reviewing the major challenges, current policy impediments, market restraints and other barriers relating to national energy policy in an effort to identify concrete recommendations that can be advocated for in the 110th Congress.

“Secretary Bodman’s remarks today allowed members of The Energy Initiative to get a better understanding of the issues and policies the administration is keying in on,” said Sen. Breaux.

“This information will be increasingly important as we continue to participate in our working groups, and develop recommendations on how to improve America’s energy policy.”

“Our members represent interests, priorities and stakeholders as diverse as the nation itself, from labor to state and municipal government, and from industry associations to major energy producers,” said Sen. Breaux. “We are working very hard to build consensus amongst our membership on a number of challenging energy issues, and are optimistic about achieving good results.”

The working groups include: 1.) Stationary Energy Supplies - charged with addressing crude oil, natural gas, electricity, coal, nuclear, wind, solar, other renewables and infrastructure; 2.) Transportation Energy Supplies - focusing on conventional motor fuels, bio-fuels, fuel cells, hybrids and emerging technologies; and, 3.) Conservation, Efficiency and Environmental Protection - analyzing environmental protection, conservation measures, and standards.

“Sen. Breaux and I are very grateful for Secretary Bodman’s willingness to share the
administration’s ongoing efforts and policies,” said Mayor O’Neill. “This coalition will look to work within the shared goals of the administration and Congress to develop an energy policy that benefits consumers, and is supported by producers, as well.”

Immediately after today’s announcement, members of The Energy Initiative, representing groups from 8 energy producing trade associations and 21 energy consuming associations, met in a joint-session, led by Breaux and O’Neill, to continue efforts to develop consensus and build toward a final report to Congress and the Bush Administration.

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The Energy Initiative

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Find out how CleanAIR Systems is working with power plants and owners of stationary generators to reduce emissions and create cleaner energy resources.

GE Announces Advancement in Incandescent Technology; New High-Efficiency Lamps Targeted for Market by 2010

Re-inventing Edison: New Light Bulb Will Provide High-Quality Light and Deliver Efficiency Comparable to Compact Fluorescent Lamps

CLEVELAND--GE Consumer & Industrial’s Lighting division, a world leader in the development of energy-efficient lighting products, today announced advancements to the light bulb invented by GE’s founder Thomas Edison that potentially will elevate the energy efficiency of this 125-year-old technology to levels comparable to compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), delivering significant environmental benefits. Over the next several years, these advancements will lead to the introduction of high-efficiency incandescent lamps that provide the same high light quality, brightness and color as current incandescent lamps while saving energy and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

The new high efficiency incandescent (HEI™) lamp, which incorporates innovative new materials being developed in partnership by GE’s Lighting division, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and GE’s Global Research Center, headquartered in Niskayuna, NY, would replace traditional 40- to 100-Watt household incandescent light bulbs, the most popular lamp type used by consumers today. The new technology could be expanded to all other incandescent types as well. The target for these bulbs at initial production is to be nearly twice as efficient, at 30 lumens-per-Watt, as current incandescent bulbs.

Ultimately the high efficiency lamp (HEI) technology is expected to be about four times as efficient as current incandescent bulbs and comparable to CFL bulbs. Adoption of new technology could lead to greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 40 million tons of CO2 in the U.S. and up to 50 million tons in the EU if the entire installed base of traditional incandescent bulbs was replaced with HEI lamps.

Kevin Nolan, Vice President of Technology for GE Consumer & Industrial, said: “In addition to offering significant energy savings comparable to CFLs, the 21st century version of Edison’s bulb provides all the desirable benefits including light quality and instant-on convenience as incandescent lamps currently provide at a price that will be less than CFLs. We and other lighting manufacturers have been aggressive in developing and marketing CFLs. But consumers want more options and we plan to respond to their needs and deliver environmental benefits, too. It’s important that we offer consumers a full range of products that meet their personal desire to reduce their negative impact on the environment while preserving their ability to pick the best lighting product for their needs. That’s why we are moving aggressively to commercialize these new lamps.”

GE’s announcement was made in conjunction with its decision to support legislation in the EU, the United States and in other areas that would accelerate the introduction of all types of high efficiency lighting products as part of the global effort to promote energy security and reduce emission of greenhouse gases. GE’s HEI ™ would support attainment of the objectives of the European Commission’s Energy Efficiency Action Plan, which aims to reduce Europe’s energy consumption 20% by the year 2020.

GE has invested more than $200 million in the last four years on the development of energy efficient lighting, including reduced-powered Miser® light bulbs to high-efficiency Par 38 halogen lamps and Energy Smart® compact fluorescent lamps. The US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have recognized its contributions to energy efficiency and GHG reductions every year since 2004 with the ENERGY STAR Award, and in 2006 with the ENERGY STAR Award for Sustained Excellence. GE offers 67 ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting products. The environmental benefits of these products sold in 2006 alone will, over their lifetime, reduce consumers’ electricity costs by $1.3 billion and prevent 500 million tons of GHG emissions.

GE Consumer & Industrial spans the globe as an industry leader in major appliance, lighting and integrated industrial equipment, systems and services. Providing solutions for commercial, industrial and residential use in more than 100 countries, GE Consumer & Industrial uses innovative technologies and "ecomagination," a GE initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that help customers and consumers meet pressing environmental challenges, to deliver comfort, convenience and electrical protection and control. General Electric (NYSE: GE) brings imagination to work, selling products under the Monogram®, Profile™ GE®, Hotpoint®, SmartWater™ Reveal®, Edison™ and Energy Smart™ consumer brands, and Entellisys™ industrial brand. For more information, consumers may visit http://www.ge.com/.

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GE

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.

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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

Cleantech 2007 Call for Venture & Partner Award Set at $10,000

Call for Venture & Partnering Presentations Now Open for Cleantech 2007, May 23-24, 2007 in Santa Clara, Calif.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TechConnect.org, producers of Cleantech 2007, today announced the Cleantech 2007 Ventures & Partner awards.

“Clean and sustainable technologies reflect the ability for innovators to bring together new perspectives and new technologies to improve today’s products, services and manufacturing processes. By making these awards, Cleantech wants to showcase leading-edge companies, as well as their go to market strategies,” said Matthew Laudon, Executive Director of TechConnect.org.

The Cleantech 2007 Ventures & Partnering Presentation Awards acknowledge business plan and partnering presentations that contribute to the goal of accelerating the flow of clean technologies to the viable market phase. The Awards are a part of the Cleantech 2007 conference, a multi-disciplinary and multi-sector conference on global sustainability addressing advancements in traditional technologies, emerging technologies and clean business practices.

The Cleantech 2007 Ventures & Partnering Presentation Awards will applaud commercialization achievements within these technology areas:

Renewable Energy
Enabling Transmission, Geothermal, Hydro, Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal, Wave, Wind

Clean Technologies
Clean Burning Fuels, Electric Vehicles, Fuel Cells, Hybrid Electric, Hydrogen, Zero Emissions, Pollution Reduction

Bio Energy
Biodiesel, Biofuels, Biomass

Novel Technologies

Advanced Materials, Biomimetics, Catalysts, Construction Materials, Distributed Power, Emerging Fuels, Energy Efficiency, Fuel Additives, Microreactors, Microturbines, Nanotechnology, Smart Grid

Environmental
Bioremediation, Desalination, Phytoremediation, Recycling, Smart Fertilizers, Waste, Water Purification, Water Treatment

Traditional Industries - Clean & Green Advancements
Agriculture, Automotive, Building, Chemical, Coal, Food, Nuclear, Oil & Gas, Paper, Semiconductor, Transportation

Cleantech 2007 has officially opened its Call for Venture Presenters submissions. Cleantech will be held May 23-24, 2007, at Santa Clara, Calif.

Judges will select the winner from proposals submitted to speak at Cleantech 2007. The deadline to apply for the Cleantech 2007 Venture Award Presentations is March 10, 2007. To submit or learn more visit: http://www.techconnect.org/Cleantech2007/participate/Venture/

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Cleantech 2007

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Clean Energy Incubator, Austin Energy Agree to Test Clean Technologies to Accelerate Commercialization

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Austin Technology Incubator’s Clean Energy Incubator and Austin Energy have agreed to create the first test-bed environment in the United States for alternative energy companies to prepare their technologies for commercialization.

The partnership will allow clean technology companies to accelerate their path to market through early product validation with a leading utility.

“A major slowdown in getting clean energy companies to market is early utility validation,” said Joel Serface, director of Clean Energy Incubator. “Through our test-bed partnership, Austin Energy will give critical feedback and credibility to startups who prove themselves in Austin Energy’s environment.”

The Clean Energy Incubator and the Austin Technology Incubator are part of the IC2 Institute of The University of Texas at Austin.

The test-bed partnership, supported unanimously by the Austin City Council, will allow Clean Energy Incubator member companies to plug into different parts of Austin Energy’s grid to prove their technologies. Such innovative programs led by the Clean Energy Incubator and Austin Energy have helped Austin be recognized as the leading cleantech incubation center.

A report by SustainLane, a green media company, released last week named Austin the No. 1 U.S. city in incubating and clustering clean technology companies. The report ranked 50 cities and credits Austin with creating a robust test facility that is an innovative and economic step forward for the clean energy market.

“It is great that Austin is being recognized as the ‘Cleantech Capitol,’’’ said Mayor Will Wynn. “The Clean Energy Incubator and Austin Energy have long been leaders in clean technology. The test-bed partnership is the first of its kind and will extend Austin’s leadership in developing and using clean technologies. This will also become a powerful economic development engine for the city of Austin.”

The Clean Energy Incubator is extending an invitation to companies to come to Austin and participate in this unique partnership. By applying to participate in the Austin Clean Energy Venture Summit, start-up companies will have the opportunity to present to the Clean Energy Incubator, Austin Energy, leading international venture capitalists and energy companies. Several of the companies selected to participate in the conference will be extended invitations to take part in the test-bed partnership.

The Clean Energy Venture Summit, held on May 14-16, will highlight many of the potential technologies that will help create “The Utility of the Future,” including green building, energy efficiency, grid-connected vehicle technologies and smart-grid applications.

To participate in this conference, please go to http://www.cleanenergyventuresummit.com/.

For the past three years, Austin Energy has been ranked as the No. 1 green energy program in the country by the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, generating more revenue than its closest competing utilities in Portland, Ore. and Los Angeles. Its Green Choice program has sold more than 334 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy last year.

Background on Austin Energy
Austin Energy is the community-owned electric utility of Austin, Texas, serving 360,000 customers and a population of 880,000. Austin Energy is nationally recognized for its energy efficiency programs, establishment of the nation’s first Green Building Program and for the nation’s No. 1 renewable energy program for sales since 2002, outperforming 600 utility-sponsored green power programs nationwide. Austin Energy’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program offers rebates and loans for energy-efficiency improvements. Since 1982, more than 200,000 Austin residents have participated in the utility’s energy efficiency programs.

Background on the Clean Energy Incubator
The Clean Energy Incubator has been a leader in building clean-tech companies since its inception in 2001 when it was formed as a program of the Austin Technology Incubator, a division of The University of Texas at Austin, the IC2 Institute, and inspired by the National Renewable Energy Lab. The incubator oversees seven portfolio companies in the clean-tech market and is supported by the Texas State Energy Conservation Office and Austin Energy.

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Clean Energy Incubator

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Hawaii Joins EPA in Boosting Clean, Efficient Energy Use

State Aims to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

(Washington, D.C. - Feb. 12, 2007) Hawaii today agreed to work with EPA in developing its own action plan for clean energy.

As the newest partner in EPA's Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership, Hawaii joins 14 other states working with EPA to develop strategies to promote cost-effective energy efficiency, clean distributed generation (consumers generating heat / electricity for their own needs via on-site production), renewable energy, and other clean energy sources that can provide air quality and other benefits. Hawaii currently imports most of its fuel but through its work with the partnership, it hopes to reduce its dependence on these imports through increased energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

"I am pleased to welcome Hawaii to the Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership," said Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "Each new partner increases our ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen our energy independence, and improve air quality."

"The state of Hawaii is at the forefront of clean energy and environmental initiatives. This partnership will strengthen the state's position as we undertake new programs promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources," said Maurice Kaya, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Under the partnership program, launched in February 2005, partner states agree to work with EPA to develop and implement a state-specific Clean Energy-Environment State Action Plan that contains one or more clean energy-environment goals. EPA provides partner states with a comprehensive technical assistance package of planning, policy, technical, analytical and information resources, and works to establish linkages to other federal programs that support clean energy-environment strategies. Partners also benefit by learning from their peers about successful programs and policies at work in other states, identifying themselves as environmental and clean energy leaders, and receiving EPA recognition for the environmental benefits that result from their efforts.

Hawaiian officials signed a Memorandum of Agreement with EPA at the National Association of State Energy Officials winter meeting in Washington, D.C., today.

The other states in the partnership: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah.

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The Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership

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Major Businesses and Environmental Leaders Unite to Call for Swift Action on Global Climate Change

U.S. Climate Action Partnership Cites Environmental and Economic Benefits

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 -- A diverse group of U.S.-based businesses and leading environmental organizations today called on the federal government to quickly enact strong national legislation to achieve significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. The group said any delay in action to control emissions increases the risk of unavoidable consequences that could necessitate even steeper reductions in the future.

This unprecedented alliance, called the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), consists of market leaders Alcoa, BP America, Caterpillar, Duke Energy, DuPont, FPL Group, General Electric, Lehman Brothers, PG&E, and PNM Resources, along with four leading non-governmental organizations -- Environmental Defense, Natural Resources Defense Council, Pew Center on Global Climate Change, and World Resources Institute.

At a news conference today at the National Press Club, USCAP issued a landmark set of principles and recommendations to underscore the urgent need for a policy framework on climate change. The solutions-based report, titled A Call for Action, lays out a blueprint for a mandatory economy-wide, market- driven approach to climate protection.

"The time has come for constructive action that draws strength equally from business, government, and non-governmental stakeholders," said Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO of General Electric. "These recommendations should catalyze legislative action that encourages innovation and fosters economic growth while enhancing energy security and balance of trade, ensuring U.S. leadership on an issue of significance to our country and the world."

USCAP's recommendations [http://www.us-cap.org/ClimateReport.pdf] are based on the following six principles:
1. Account for the global dimensions of climate change
2. Recognize the importance of technology
3. Be environmentally effective
4. Create economic opportunity and advantage
5. Be fair to sectors disproportionately impacted
6. Recognize and encourage early action.

The principles and the recommendations outlined in A Call for Action are the result of a year-long collaboration motivated by the shared goal of slowing, stopping and reversing the growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the shortest period of time reasonably achievable.

This unique cooperation of business and environmental leaders is a clear signal to lawmakers that legislative action is urgently needed. This non- partisan effort was driven by the top executives from member organizations- companies with a combined market capitalization of more than $750 billion and environmental groups with more than one million members worldwide and global policy influence.

A Call for Action reflects a growing public concern about global warming. A recent TIME magazine/ABC News/Stanford University poll finds that a significant majority of Americans, about 85 percent, say they believe global warming is probably happening. An even larger percentage, 88 percent, say they think global warming threatens future generations.

USCAP urges policy makers to enact a policy framework for mandatory reductions of GHG emissions from major emitting sectors, including large stationary sources and transportation, and energy use in commercial and residential buildings. The cornerstone of this approach would be a cap-and-trade program. The environmental goal is to reduce global atmospheric GHG
concentrations to a level that minimizes large-scale adverse impacts to humans and the natural environment. The group recommends Congress provide leadership and establish short- and mid-term emission reduction targets; a national program to accelerate technology research, development and deployment; and approaches to encourage action by other countries, including those in the developing world, as ultimately the solution must be global.

"The Climate Action Partnership recognizes that the undertaking to address climate change is an enormous one, and should not be underestimated," said Jonathan Lash, President of the World Resources Institute. "But enacting environmentally effective, economically sustainable and fair climate change law must be a national priority."

USCAP believes that programs to encourage efficiency and to promote cleaner technologies in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 enacted by the last Congress and supported by the President were a good step. However, they alone cannot get us to where we need to be on the climate change issue. A mandatory system is needed that sets clear, predictable, market-based
requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The members of USCAP pledge to work with the President, the Congress and other stakeholders to confront this vital global challenge.

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United States Climate Action Partnership

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