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APRIL 21, 2005
Fluent Inc., which focuses on design tools related to computationally
intensive fluid dynamics applications, has won part of a contact related to the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) clean coal
research projects, which in total consist of 32 projects valued at $62.4 million. As part of this $1.9 million contract, Fluent
heads a research team, which consists of both companies and research institutions: ALSTOM Power Inc., Aspen Technology Inc.,
and Carnegie Mellon University. This group plans to develop a "Software Framework for Advanced Power Plant Simulation," which
is to co simulate of the interaction of plant and energy generation equipment.
Lewis Collins, Fluent's Director of Funded Development indicated
that the project would advance power plant technology, "Fluent and its team are enthused about continuing the collaboration
with NETL that began in 2000 to advance the frontiers of virtual power plant design. We believe that the new software tools
developed through this project will significantly improve the ability of engineers to create innovative new concepts leading
to reduced plant life cycle costs, increased energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impacts."
The DOE Office of Fossil Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory
(NETL) will manage the project. The DOE will contribute $1.9 million to the project and the other organizations involved will
provide matching funds.
APRIL 21, 2005
The MathWorks introduced SimPowerSystems 4, a design tool aimed
at a number of different industries. The tool comes complete with model libraries that include electric sources, electric
machinery, three phase components as well as standard passive components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors. Terry
Denery, Physical Modeling Product Marketing Manager at The MathWorks, implied that the tool has many uses and could be instrumental
for the design of renewable energy projects, "SimPowerSystems 4 leverages the power of Simulink to provide an efficient environment
for multidomain modeling and controller design. Now, engineers can model the generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption
of electrical power, as well as its conversion into mechanical power, all within Simulink."
TransEnergie Technologies Inc. developed the block libraries and
algorithms for SimPowerSystems. SimPowerSystems 4 sells for $3000.00.
APRIL 20th, 2005
SunPower Corp., a subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp., (NYSE:CY)
and SOLON AG (WKN 747119/ISIN DE0007471195, Frankfurt Stock Exchange/Xetra: SOO1), have entered into five-year supply agreement
valued at about $300 million for SunPower's high-efficiency A-300 silicon solar cells. The solar cells will be used in SOLON's
new "SOLON-Mover." The modular 9- to 10-kilowatt electricity generation system is used as a building block to construct multi-megawatt
power plants. The system includes movers, which are used to rotate and tilt the solar cell modules to track the sun. The use
of movers is reported to increase the energy output of solar cell modules by as much as 50 percent.
APRIL 19th, 2006
The Skycar debut, on the famous 60 Minutes TV show, may mark the
dawn of the flying machine market. That vehicle, which is now offered on an preorder basis, permits one to lift-off from one’s
own driveway. Packed with the latest navigation and aerospace electronic control hardware and software, the Skycar is considered
the first space age car that permits one to fly a plane as easily and conveniently as driving a car.
Moller International, Inc. (Pink Sheets: MLER) has developed what
it calls the first and only feasible, personally affordable, personal vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. The M400 Skycar
offers a speed of over 350 miles per hour and 28 miles per gallon.
Dr. Paul Moller, President Moller commented before the airing of
the 60 minutes show, "This program should provide a great overview of the potential for personal air transportation alternatives
that are coming in the not-too-distant future. I think that many people are unaware of how close this technology is to being
realized, and this 60 Minutes program is going to be one that everyone who has ever been stuck in traffic is going to want
to watch."
The flying machine can be seen at the Museum of Science and Industry
in Chicago from May 12 to June 20 and at the WIRED NextFest exposition scheduled from June 24 to June 26, 2005 at Chicago's
Navy Pier.
Moller was founded in 1983 as a spin-off of Moller Corporation to
develop a vertical liftoff and descent vehicle.
APRIL 18th, 2005
ZAP Hits Half-Billion Mark for Advanced SmartCar Vehicle
The automobile, which has been around since the late 1800s, looks prepared to change
with the times, flying on the magic carpet of technology. ZAP (OTCBB:ZAPZ) now with record growth, looks positioned to become
a major leader in the market. Outfitted with the SMARTCAR, its purchase orders have passed the $500 million market, up from
the recent April 5th mark of $431 million.
Steve Schneider, CEO of ZAP commented on the new record, "Breaking through the half-billion-dollar
barrier further underscores just how eagerly American consumers want to save money on fuel expenses while driving a car that
is comfortable, easy to park, safe and exciting. While this country has enjoyed relatively low gasoline prices over the decades,
it is clear that continued rising fuel costs are profoundly affecting millions of Americans who are conscious of the need
to control their transportation budgets. In addition, many consumers are motivated by a sense of environmental responsibility
that also pushes them toward the most fuel-efficient vehicles."
ZAP (Zero Air Pollution) obtained the licensing rights for the SMARTCAR from Smart-Automobile
LLC.
APRIL 18th, 2005
Lumileds offers Renewable Solid State Light Bulbs
With One-Year Payback Time
Lightfair International Lumileds Lighting, a manufacturer of LEDs and provider of
solid state lighting solutions for a variety of consumer and industrial applications, has introduced its color-matched white
Luxeon Lamps. These lamps, according to the company, solve the uniform white light problem that have limited the applications
of solid state white light bulbs, known as renewable light bulbs in some circles.
According to Keith Scott, Market Development Manager and Lumiled, "The lighting community
looks for white-point consistency whether viewing the light source directly or the effect that's being created."
Besides the uniform white light, other benefits that the company lists include a one-year
payback time, light output levels of 500 to 1200 lumens, and a lumen maintenance of 70 percent at 50,000 hours. The company
states that the complete lighting system, or Luxeon Lamps, integrated with drivers, heat sink and optics, will deliver a 1
year to 2 year payback when used to replace incandescent and halogen luminaries.
The Luxeon Lamps were on display at Lightfair International in New York
last week.
APRIL 14th, 2005
Wave energy may help diversify Northern California away from its
traditional roots in lumber. DG Energy Solutions LLC has included wave and wind energy as part of its plans to upgrade the
Fairhaven Power Co. (Eureka, CA), which it just acquired by DG Energy. The upgrade to the plant includes a potential $2 million
to $3 million in environmental and reliability upgrades. DG Energy President and CEO Steve Mueller has been intrigued by the
opportunities in Humboldt County, "The opportunities for new and expanded power generation at this plant and in the Humboldt
County region are intriguing. We're certainly looking to increase plant efficiency, but that's only the beginning. Soon we
look to possibly team with the community to increase our site capacity with wind and wave power. We think it will be great
for the region, providing more energy independence."
The Fairhaven plant, certified by the State of California as a renewable
energy generator, is a biomass facility. It generates 120,000,000 kWH every year with about 260,000 tons of wood waste. DG
Energy indicates that it will add four to five additional biomass plants over the next two years in North America.
APRIL 13th, 2005
GE indicates that it has increased capacity for the production of
high technology silanes used for the fabrication of silica tires. The company began production in the third quarter of 2004
and has increased production apparently to meet demand. According to Dr. Ian R. Moore, General Manager at GE's silanes unit,
""Demand has been very strong for our new NXT silane that helps enable fast and easy dispersion of silica during rubber compounding
for silica tires. We are focusing resources on new products and processes, and this is another move in our long-term strategy
for growth in the silica tire segment. In fewer than 24 months of design and construction, we developed and deployed an innovative
process that delivers vastly increased capacity for silanes."
Wayne Hewett, president and CEO of GE Advanced Materials-Silicones
talked about NXT Silane, the patented GE molecule, "Last month we introduced NXT LowV(a) and NXT Ultra-LowV(a) silanes that
emit significantly less ethanol during processes that need silanes for coupling unlike materials. GE has widened the manufacturing
envelope for mixing silica tire compounds. Our talented scientists and engineers have created and executed a new process to
produce NXT silanes. Their innovative process has expanded the NXT silane family with a lower volatile organic compound (VOC)
version."
GE has indicated that tire manufacturers and consumers benefit from
the silane technology. The tire rolling resistance is estimated to be around 20 percent lower than non-silane tires,
helping to provide safer driver control in difficult weather conditions. Additionally improved fuel consumption levels are
reported at 5 percent. Work on the silane process technology is done at GE's Global Research Center in Niskayuna,
New York.
APRIL 12th, 2005
Novel Gasoline Chip Company Reports
600 Percent Gain in Revenue
FemOne, Inc. (OTC:FEMO) (BULLETIN BOARD: FEMO), a company with technology to reduce your automobile
gas bill and to keep you and the world healthy, has just reported a healthy growth rate. The company says that its consolidated
revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 were $1,600,000. This is a 72 percent increase over the fourth quarter of 2004
and an estimated 600 percent increase in revenue over 2004.
Ray W. Grimm, CEO of FemOne, Incorporated, attributed the gain in
sales to its BioPro Technology division, "Our new BioPro Technology division and its bioenergetically enhanced products such
as the BIOPRO EMF-Harmonization Chip and the BIOPRO Qlink have really created a buzz domestically and internationally. Over
the last few months, we have had some very experienced and influential industry-leaders join our sales force."
The BioPro Technology division offers BIOPRO Econo Fuel Chips and
the BIOPRO Cell Chip. The Econo Fuel Chips have been shown to offer a 15 percent savings in automobile fuel consumption and
decrease the overall pollution of automobiles. The BIOPRO Cell Chip has been shown to eliminate potential health hazards of
cell phones. The company illustrates via a CAT scan, that the use of regular cell phones result in a rise of temperature of
the human brain. The company's BIOPRO Cell Chip helps eliminate that problem for cell phone users.
The company has indicated that it expects solid performance in the
second quarter of 2005.
APRIL 12th, 2005
Universal Communication Systems, Inc. (OTC BB: UCSY) subsidiary
Millennium Electric T.O.U. through its President Ami Elazari has announced a major agreement with Azur Solar. Mr. Elazari
stated, "I am pleased to announce the execution of a new agreement with Azur Solar (UK) Ltd. (www.azure-solar.co.uk), granting them distribution for the UK market for our unique range
of Millennium Brand PV Solar Panels and related products. In addition, the agreement calls for Azur Solar to purchase up to
$15 million in value of PV Solar Energy Panels for the UK market in the year 2005. This new export order is once again a major
endorsement of the high quality of our Millennium Brand PV Solar Energy Panels."
Susan Roddick, Marketing Director of Azur Solar (UK) Ltd., also
affirmed the business deal, "Azur Solar (UK) Ltd. are delighted to be entering into a partnership with Millennium Electric
and believe that there will be benefits in working with a progressive supplier in what is becoming a challenging and ever
more competitive market."
Universal Communications, besides the solar energy market, is also
involved in the air-to-water machine conversion market. Universal Communications has played and continues to play a major
role in the tsunami relief effort with these innovative machines.
APRIL 7th, 2005
Hybrid Fuel Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:HYFS) has received $1.2 million
for its operations, which center around its retrofit systems used to convert diesel engines to non-petroleum based fuels.
The funding was secured for the company by KMR Capital. Kevin Sellers, President of KMR Capital elaborated on the plans
for the funding, "Hybrid is a promising young company. The timing of this financing allows Hybrid to complete a number of
essential business components such as their emissions lab and building out their inventory. We are pleased to be a part of
this dynamic enterprise and we look forward to our continued involvement."
APRIL 7th, 2005
Keronite Ltd., a company based in Cambridge England, has recently
reported on a new process that could significantly reduce greenhouse gases and pollutants from the world's best friend and
worst enemy, the automobile. The company's strategy to solve the world's energy and pollution problems has been to develop
lighter metals to build automobiles and other types of vehicles. Keronite to prove its point sites U.S. Government sources,
which indicate for every 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight results in a 7 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.
Keronite's surface treatment technology allows for steel to be replaced with magnesium and aluminum alloys.
The new alloy process, besides weight reduction, offers an environmentally
safe method to make low-weight steel. The company reports that the process generates no hazardous waste.
The company also notes several other applications and benefits of
the Keronite ceramic process. One important benefit is that engine performance is improved. This is because the temperature
of aluminum pistons is reduced 30 degrees Centigrade. Keronite ceramic technology can also be used for mobile phone
cases, PDAs, laptops and aluminum frying pans. The technology is wear and corrosion resistant.
APRIL 6th, 2005
On the heels of Toshiba's one-minute rechargeable announcement,
comes news that Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTI) has entered into a battery agreement with Advanced Battery Technologies,
Inc. (OTC BB: ABAT). The agreement relates to the integration of Altair's battery electrode nanomaterials into ABAT's
polymer battery products. The resultant batteries are expected to be used in electric car and bus applications. Altair
Nanotechnologies CEO Dr. Alan J. Gotcher commented, "In our first of multiple market applications for Altair's nanotechnology-based
battery electrode materials, we are delighted to partner with a company such as ABAT for the electric vehicle market in China."
Altair's lithium ion battery electrode materials are noted for rapid recharge cycles.
APRIL 6th, 2005
Slow battery charge time, which has been an obstacle for consumer
acceptance of hybrid cars and portable electronic devices such as laptop computers, has apparently been overcome, Toshiba
Corp. at the end of March announced that its has developed a battery that can be recharged to the 80 percent level
within one minute, which is estimated to be about 60 times faster than most present day lithium batteries. The battery design
is largely attributed to nanomaterial technology.
Toshiba has indicated that the battery is expected to be first used
in hybrid vehicles, when Toshiba brings the product to market sometime in 2006. A prototype of the battery measures
3.8mm thick, 62mm high and 35mm deep and has a capacity of 600mAh.
APRIL 5th, 2005
Raser Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:RSTG) has announced that it has entered
into a definitive agreement for a private placement of $20 million in convertible preferred stock. Raser Technologies, founded
just two years ago in 2003, holds patent and intellectual property technology that relate to the more efficient generation
of electrical energy from alternators, electric motors and generators.
MARCH 30th, 2005
Renewable Hawaii, Inc. wants to invest more in Hawaii's renewable
energy capacity. Sources it is considering an investment in include sun, wind, hydro, biomass, wave or geothermal energy.
Renewable Hawaii indicates that 33 acres at Maui Electric Company's Waena Generating Station can now be used for such a project.
Renewable Hawaii finances renewable energy projects and takes equity positions in the associated companies.
MARCH 30th, 2005
Texas reaffirms a global trend that indicates the conversion to
renewable energy will occur faster than government's around the world have scheduled. The Public Utility Commission has reported
that Texas is expected to meet a 2009 mandate this year. That mandate was for Texas to add 2,000 megawatts of renewable generating
capacity. The 2,000 megawatt goal was established in 1999. Texas lawmakers are currently debating where to set the next renewable
energy minimum and by what time. One plan calls for 20 percent by 2020. Presently most of Texas' renewable energy is from
the wind.
MARCH 29th, 2005
GE Consumer Finance is reported to be active in the financing of residential solar products.
The unit, which is affiliated with GE Energy, a solar energy company, indicates that residential solar facilities offer a
cost-effective solution to consumer’s energy bills. Mike Pryde of GE Consumer Finance said, "Solar electric power makes
good economic sense for consumers. We've seen interest growing exponentially across the U.S. over the last few years and expect
that to continue. Financing a solar electric system enables consumers to budget for a fixed, monthly financing payment for
a limited period of time. This is offset by their reduced electric bill, which will always be substantially less with the
solar system as long as the sun continues to shine."
MARCH 28th, 2005
Oki indicates that its new flexible heat sinks, the X Cool Stick-It
Flexible series, could become as popular as post-its are in the office. The new technology gives heat sinks the flexibility
to be easily and economically fit anywhere into an electronic system. Because of this, heat generation from electronic
systems are expected to be reduced in the order of 40 percent. "X CooL, targeted toward the electronic equipment market,
is an application of Oki's Stick-it Flexible Hybrid Sheet*1 that can reduce both heat radiation and heat conduction," said
Harushige Sugimoto, Chairman and President of Manufacturing Service Company at Oki Electric. "We will continue to provide
heat radiation solutions by continuing to provide the series as well as developing new products, and target net sales of 1
billion yen in the fiscal year ending March 2006 with our Stick-it Flexible series."
Oki Electric and Ceramission Co., Ltd co-developed the *1 Stick-it
Flexible Hybrid Sheet. The sheet is 0.2mm thick and is flexible. The material used is an inorganic liquid ceramic paint.
MARCH 28th, 2005
Axion Power International, which has developed prototypes of a new
hybrid battery for UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems, has obtained proceeds of $2.8 million in cash and $1 million
in debt settlements from the sale of its 8 % Convertible Senior Preferred Stock and common stock purchase warrants.
Charles Mazzacato, the company's chief executive officer said, "Since inception, we have been engaged in fabricating and testing
a series of evaluation prototypes that range from simple E3 Supercells to complex laboratory prototype power systems constructed
from multiple E3 Supercells. Over the last several months, we have conducted extensive in-house testing of our laboratory
prototype systems in cooperation with our joint development partners. We are very excited about the results.
Axion's supercapacitive hybrid electrical energy storage device
technology, called E3 Supercells, is based on two nanoporous carbon electrodes, which differs from lead-acid batteries, which
are based on two lead electrodes. Besides the fact that such a battery could offer a solution to the environmental problems
lead based products pose, the E3 Supercell technology is expected to result in batteries that will outperform and outlast
lead-acid based batteries. The E3 Supercell is planned to deliver a charge three to five times faster than a lead-acid
battery, have three to four times charge / deep discharge cycles, and maintain its performance level ever after repetitive
90 percent discharge cycles. Additionally, Axion indicates that the carbon electrode based battery will require minimum
maintenance.
The segments of the communications markets that Axion has
planned to address with its E3 products include the UPS and DC power systems. Axion also indicates that the second
target market is the energy storage and buffering systems market for alternative and conventional grid-connected electric
utilities. The third target market is high performance power systems for hybrid automobiles. Axion has also considered other
vehicle markets such as forklifts, wheelchairs and golf carts. The company hasn't indicated if the electric bicycle,
hybrid motorcycle or electric scooter and skateboard were potential markets for the E3 product.
MARCH
24th, 2005
Flywheel Based Energy Storage Technology Company Accumulates $10 Million
Flywheel
based energy systems provider Pentadyne Power Corporation has completed a follow-on close to its Series C funding round. The
financing adds $10 million more to the $8 million it already raised from its initial Series C round The follow-on round was
led by Rustic Canyon Partners.
Pentadyne
plans to use the funds to further its product commercialization efforts through Emerson Network Power/Liebert, a market leader
in the area of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). One of Emerson Network Power's latest products is the Liebert FS Advanced
Flywheel Energy Storage System, which is used as a replacement for lead acid batteries in Liebert UPS products.
Flywheel
technology has gained market recognition for several reasons. These include the capability of flywheels to provide transparent
power system transition from the utility grid to a generator during a power black-out, the ability to provide better quality
power from utility grids (protection from short lived power drop outs and transients) and as a safer power backup system than
lead-acid batteries, especially in chemically intensive, fire prone industrial environments.
MARCH 23rd, 2005
Encore Reveals Benchmarks of Novel Natural-Heat-To-Electricity Conversion Device
Encore Clean Energy, Inc. (OTCBB:ECLN) has announced test results of its HeatSeeker, a device that converts
natural heat into electricity. According to the company, the HeatSeeker in its debut test exceeded expectations. With carbon
dioxide as the working fluid, the Heat Seeker "generated 20 gallons per minute of hydraulic flow with 300 p.s.i. hydraulic
pressure from a heat source of only 90 degrees F water and a condensing temperature of 65 degrees F. " The device can operate
on heat differentials found in the ocean, on rooftops, or even in the engine compartments of automobiles - offering the potential
to give hybrid gas-electric vehicles more horsepower.
The inventor of the Encore HeatSeeker, Mr. Robert Hunt, stated,
"I believe we made history today by generating significant power output from such a low twenty-five degree temperature differential."
Dan Hunter, CEO of Encore Clean Energy, Inc, also commented on the results of test and the significance of the product. He
stated, "This demonstration shows that the HeatSeeker offers a fundamentally new way to generate energy from heat. It can
help the world reduce it's growing demand for imported foreign energy by retrofitting today's gas engines and power plants
to cost-effectively generate more power without burning additional fossil fuels."
MARCH 23rd, 2005
ZAP (OTCBB:ZAPZ), one of the first companies to seriously enter
the modern electric car and bicycle market, seems to thrive off high oil prices. The company has announced that its purchase
orders for its Smart Car high gas mileage vehicles has increased to $200 million. This is up from the $100 million in orders
it announced on March 9, 2005 for its Smarytcar Americanzied from U.S. auto dealers .
Still, though, the company has yet to deliver the cars and so has
arranged meetings with potential partners to solve the demand problem.
So far to date, ZAP has delivered more than 90,000 fuel-efficient
and pollution-free vehicles. These cars are powered by gasoline, electric, hydrogen and other fuels. Its latest models are
noted for their small size, and the ability to easily park almost anywhere. The company did not specifically give the cost
per mile of operation of any of its models, but the company did indicate that the price of oil appears to have an effect on
sales. "ZAP continues to work to tap into this incredible demand for fuel-efficient cars as gas prices continue to rise around
the country," said Mr. Schneider, the CEO of ZAP.
MARCH 22nd, 2005
The Florida Hydrogen Initiative has granted ENER1(OTC Bulletin Board:
ENEI) a contract worth $550,000 to develop a renewable energy source to power a rest stop on an interstate highway. Known
as the HyTech Rest Area, it will powered with ENER1's 10 Kilowatt fuel cell - which runs on methanol created from the Florida's
two largest industries - oranges and theme parks. Orange peels will be converted to methanol along with the left-overs from
theme parks like DisneyWorld. The fuel will then power the center, which will be used to further spread the message of self-sustainable
and ecosystem balanced, energy economies. The facility is expected to open in 18 months. If oil prices don't drop, the facility
may receive more than just a welcome response - but may give Floridians ideas about how to turn their oranges into orange
gold.
MARCH 22nd, 2005
Solar Towers, twice as tall as the Empire State Building, are now
under consideration for several locations in the southwestern United States. States that Australia based EnviroMission Ltd.
has considered include Arizona, California, Texas New Mexico and Nevada. However, despite the environmental and economic intentions
of the project, solar towers, even in the middle of the barren desert have their opponents. While some consider the modern
architecture a compliment to the serene bareness of the land, otherwise consider them a blight. Where one environmentalist
will point to the alternative of having nuclear waste trucked through their town, another will point to the fact that it will
effect tourism.
However solar towers are not as much as a concern as wind farms.
Wind farms, which kill birds, are considered a menace by fish and game government organizations. As well, noise and lack of
aesthetics are other negatives associated with the wind farms. Often wind farms are also in areas that have more natural beauty
and in areas less remote than solar towers, which make them even the more controversial. Regardless of the desires of those
that would like to see a completely natural setting, utility companies are in a position were they must increase energy generation
capacity. For them its a question of which type of facility will be the most cost-effective over the long term. Beauty is
in the end, in the eye of the beholder.
MARCH 21st, 2005
Out of England arrives the first fuel cell motorbike. Intelligent
Energy Holdings, Plc., a London based energy company introduced the ENV, billed as the first fuel-cell motorbike. According
to the CEO of Intelligent Energy Holdings, Dr. Harry Bradbury, "People soon will be able to use a bike like ENV, leaving work
in the city, then driving to the countryside, detaching the CORE and re-attaching it to another vehicle, such as a motorboat,
before using it to power a log cabin. The very same fuel cell then could be re-charged from a mini hydrogen creator, the size
of a shoebox. The launch of ENV breaks new ground and opens an entire new field of opportunities for low- and high-power fuel
cell motorbikes."
The motorbike, which is said to exceed the performance of any other
electric bikes, has a top speed of 50 mph. To those who don't want to disturb the peace and quiet of the countryside, while
zooming down an off-road trail at over 50 mph, the motorbike is for all practical purposes, silent. It has a noise emissions
rating of your typical home computer. One can also travel up to four hours before refueling.
MARCH 17th, 2005
Advanced Micro Devices' Microprocessors Offer 28 Percent Power Savings - Wins
Energy Star from EPA
AMD (NYSE: AMD), the recognized
adversary of Intel for the title of microprocessor market leader, has taken one more step towards domination of the microprocessor
market. The company's Cool'n'Quiet technology, which has been designed into all of AMD's Athlon 64 desktop processors, has
received the 2005 ENERGY STAR Award. This award is given to company's who have demonstrated a significant contribution to
the reduction of energy consumption. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made the award to AMD on March 15th at its 2005
ENERGY STAR Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C. AMD received the award as a result of its contribution to the reduction in
energy requirements for PCs. AMD was able to demonstrate to the EPA that computers based on its Cool'n'Quiet technology achieved
a power savings of up to 35 Watts. Commenting on the energy test results and the award, Craig Hershberg, Product Manager for
Office Equipment and Consumer Electronics at the U.S. EPA stated, "In AMD's tests, Cool'n'Quiet showed a significant decrease
in power consumption resulting in energy efficiency improvements up to 28 percent, making it an ideal candidate for the ENERGY
STAR Certificate of Recognition."
The number of PCs shipped
each year is in the order of 200 million units. Using this number, AMD’s “potential” power reduction contribution,
if its microprocessors were shipped in every PC, would equal over 6000 million watts.
MARCH 17th, 2005
More Funding for Starfire
Lightweight
Technology offers Fuel Savings and Micromachine Applications
Starfire Systems, Inc.,
through an option exercised by Harris & Harris Group, has secured another $500,000 in funding. So far to date, Harris
& Harris, a well-known investor in micromachine technology, has invested $750,000 in the company. Starfire Systems offers
silicon carbide (SiC) forming polymers for the manufacturer of advanced ceramic materials. These materials have applications
in automotive, transportation and microelectronics. Starfire demonstrated last year that its technology can improve the fuel
economy of an SUV significantly. An SUV equipped with brakes based on its ceramic material, had a fuel economy rating that
was rated at 8 percent per axel. The improved fuel economy was attributed to the lower weight of the brake rotors –
which only weigh 25 percent of traditional rotors. Micromachines are another
area that is expected to benefit from Starfire’s technology. The silicon carbide material, because of its anti-wear
resistance, high temperature capability and sturdiness, may allow a new breed of high powered microengines and micro steam
engines to be built. These engines are used to power toy planes and cars.
MARCH 16th, 2005
Encore Turns Wasted Heat into Energy - Will Solar Cell Sun Roofs be the Next
Automobile Option?
Encore Clean Energy, Inc.
(OTCBB:ECLN) has said it plans to debut its new proto-type power source called the Encore HeatSeeker. A public summit to be
held in mid-April, after the test, is expected to be attended by almost every sector of industry, finance and the government.
Encore lists seven heat
areas where its HeatSeeker product can be applied. These include wasted heat generated from coal, natural gas and nuclear
power plants and rooftop solar thermal heat-to-electricity conversion. As well, the company indicates the tailpipe exhaust
heat and engine exhaust heat recovery are two other applications for its products. The company does not indicate if heat recovery
is from just building and home rooftops or can also be applied to automobile, bus and truck rooftops.
MARCH 16th, 2005
China Aims to Increase Solar
Capacity with Multi-Billion Dollar Investments
China
does not plan for the high cost of oil to derail its ambitious development plans. Alternative energy has been a corner stone
of its overall strategy. So as might be expected the country will start to build its own internal infrastructure for foreign
solar cell independence. Reports indicate that The Nanjing PV-Tech Co., Ltd. has begun the construction of China's largest solar cell production facility. Located in
the Nanjing Jiangning Development Zone, The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2005 and have a production
capacity of 100 megawatts. Cost of the facility is estimated at $30 million.
The project is one stop
on the way to China's plan to substantially
increase its solar capacity by 2008. The funds for China’s solar
projects according to Asia Pulse are to come from China's State Development
and Reform Commission, which is investing 10 billion yuan or about US$1.2 billion to promote solar cell generation capacity
in China. As well, the Chinese Electrical
Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (CEEG) plans to have a solar cell production capacity of 600 megawatts by 2008. The revenue value
of 600 megawatts of solar cells per year is estimated at 15 billion yuan.
MARCH 16th, 2005
Nanotechnology Battery Company Secures $14.2 Million
Ener1, Inc. (OTC:ENEI)
(BULLETIN BOARD: ENEI), a company that has developed nanomaterial based batteries for the hybrid electric automotive market,
has secured $14,225,000 as a result of agreements for the private placement of convertible debentures and warrants. Satellite
Strategic Finance Associates LLC and Satellite Strategic Finance Partners Ltd. were among the investors.
Ener1, Inc. addresses the
clean, efficient energy source market. The company has three subsidiaries. These include its joint venture with Delphi Corp.,
EnerDel, Incorporated, which focuses on lithium batteries and battery packs; EnerFuel Inc. a company focused on fuel cell
components and testing services; and NanoEner, Inc., which is focused on nanomaterials and nanotechnology process based developments.
MARCH 16th, 2005
Techtium Plans to Increase Portable Device Battery Power Life
Energizer Holdings, Inc.
(NYSE:ENR), a company with major operations in the manufacturing and distribution of alkaline and lithium primary batteries,
and Techtium Ltd., based in Israel, have
entered into a Joint Cooperation Agreement. The two companies plan to develop hybrid battery solutions based on Techtium's
power management integrated circuit and hybrid battery technology. The two companies have been in talks with major portable
device companies, which include laptop, cellular and audio companies about the use of their solution to increase the battery
power life. Portable devices, although handy, often run out of power too quickly, which can be an inconvenience.
Energizer's Chief Technology
Officer, Dan Carpenter stated, "We are extremely pleased to align with Techtium, Ltd., a pioneer and leader in the development
of hybrid batteries and integrated power management solutions. Our plan is that, together, we can quickly integrate power
solutions for today's and tomorrow's portable electronic devices."
MARCH 16th, 2005
Renewable Energy
Could Generate 43,000 Jobs in New York State
New York's comptroller,
Alan Hevesi has indicated that renewable energy could result in the addition of as many as 43,000 new jobs in New York State.
That is if the state were willing to increase the required amount of electricity generated from renewable resources to 25
percent.
Besides jobs, there are
other potential benefits of increasing the use of renewable energy resources. With such an increase, the state may potentially
free itself from the problems associated with dependence on the non-renewable energy sources that have plagued the United
States. Among these include the blight of Enron and the California budget deficit. California is still struggling with its
energy bills in the form of a budget that has not come into balance. Many blame the energy and utility industries for that
problem. California was forced to pay exorbitant prices for its energy a few years ago and also enter into unfavorable energy
contracts. The then Governor Davis was faced with the grim choice of either no lights or an expensive electric utility bill.
He chose the latter. Governor Davis was recalled from office and lost in his attempt to win back the governorship. The present
governor of California still must balance the budget - and now must make other cuts, that may also cost him his next term
in office.
MARCH 16th, 2005
Well Known Hearing Aid Chip Company Announces Very Low Power Bluetooth Wireless Headset
Gennum Corporation, noted
for its hearing instrument integrated circuit technology, has introduced a very low power, Bluetooth headset. Gennum's Z-E-N
Bluetooth headset, which is based on Gennum's multiprocessor DSP has a rated power consumption of 1 milliwatt at a 42 MIPS
processing rate. The company says that its new headset is 25 percent smaller than its previous Z-E-N headsets and is lighter
- weighing in at less than an ounce, 22 grams. Battery life time has been extended and talk time is now seven hours.
MARCH 15th, 2005
California Clean Energy Fund to Invest $30 Million into Clean Energy
The California Clean Energy
Fund (CalCEF), a public benefit investment fund, has entered into agreements with Nth Power, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and VantagePoint
Venture Partners. Of the $30 million CalCEF has, it has allocated $8.5 million each to these three venture capital funds and
reserved the other $4.5 million for future programs. As part of the agreement, the three funds are to match the funds allocated
by CalCEF.
Nth Power has estimated
that venture capitalists invested $500 million into United States
based energy technology companies in 2005 – or 2 percent of total venture capitalists investments.
MARCH 14th, 2005
Demand for Very-Paper-Thin Solid State
Battery Overwhelms Oak Ridge Micro
Oak Ridge Micro-Energy Inc.
(OTCBB: OKME) reports that its manufacturing capacity cannot keep up with demand for its paper-thin battery. The solid state
battery, one of the first on the market, has been initially targeted for use on wafers used at semiconductor companies to
analyze yield. The battery is a novelty in that it is only 15 microns wide, can
be shaped into a variety of different forms and operates reliably over an extreme range of temperature.
Wafers themselves are also
very thin and the ability to transmit manufacturing data, over a wireless communications link, as the wafer moves down the
line, is an invaluable tool for semiconductor companies. Dr. John Bates,
Chief Technical Officer of Oak Ridge, states that the batteries
are uniquely suited for that application. This is because of their ultra thin profile, low thermal mass and their ability
to operate in harsh environments.
The president of Oak Ridge, Mark Meriwether indicated that the demand for its ultra thin
batteries has been tremendous. He indicate that the company has already increased
manufacturing capacity over 50 times, and is still booked to full capacity.
The company estimates that
about $100 million worth of wireless diagnostic wafers are produced per year. The
company expects to see its battery incorporated into a large number of those wafers. In general processed wafers cost between
$500.00 and $3000.00 per wafer, depending on market conditions, the size of the wafer and the process used. Diagnostic wireless
wafers could cost significantly more - because of their specialty function.
The company has plans to
reduce the costs of its batteries even further, which will allow the company to enter into larger markets, such as the RFID
market and the smart card market. Besides the wafer market, Oak Ridge Micro-Energy
Incorporated has targeted its batteries for wireless smart sensor applications, micromachine applications, medical applications
and other commercial, consumer and industrial applications. As well, the company
also sees non-volatile memory chips as a market. Companies such as Dallas Semiconductor
(a unit of Maxim) have offered volatile SRAM chips with batteries integrated into them for a number of years. If Oak Ridge can reduce the costs low enough for its battery, which is
rechargeable, it may be able to lower cost alternative to non-volatile flash memory. Such a scenario should give flash, MRAM
and ferroelectric memory chip companies something to speculate about and or license.
MARCH 14th, 2005
U.S.
House of Representatives Approves $65 Million for Fuel Cell Research for Bus Technology
WestStart-CALSTART, an advanced
transportation technologies consortium, won a major political victory as the House voted to approve $65 million in funding
for research and development of technologies used to make fuel cell based buses more economically viable. The funding is included
in the TEA-LU bill as funding for the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Initiative (NFCBTI)
WestStart-CALSTART's President and CEO, John Boesel thanked several members of Congress for their support. These included
Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN); Congresswoman Rob Simmons (R-CT); Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA); and Congresswoman
Mary Bono (R-CA).
Industry Organizations that supported the NFCBTI initiative included AC Transit, Air Products and Chemicals, Ballard,
Boeing, CEO Coalition to Advance Sustainable Technologies, Cobasys, Donaldson, Ebus, Inc., ECD Ovonics, Enova Systems, Environmental & Energy Study Institute, Hydrogenics, H2Gen,
Idatech, ISE Research, Millenium Cell, National Hydrogen Association, North American Bus Industries, Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium, Nuvera Fuel Cells, Pi Technology, Quantum Technologies, Solectria
Corporation, SunLine Transit, Thor Industries, Tri-Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet), U.S. Fuel Cell
Council, U.S. Hybrid Corporation, UTC Fuel Cells and WestStart-CALSTART.
The cost for the total transportation
measure, which includes the $65 million for fuel cell bus funding, is $284-billion. The senate is now required to vote on
the funding initiative. For more information on the NFCBTI program, one can visits
CALSTART's NFCBTI information page at http://www.calstart.org/programs/FuelCell/NFCBTI_backgrounder.pdf.
MARCH 7th, 2005
MARCH 7th, 2005
Contract Gust Makes Cartier Quebec's Top Wind Energy Company
Cartier Wind Energy,
in late February, announced long term wind-generated electricity supply contracts had been signed with Hydro-Quebec Distribution.
The contracts require the supply of 740 megawatts of wind energy. Cartier reported that the contracts would make the company
the largest wind energy producer in Quebec Canada.
MARCH 7th, 2005
Daystar's
Ultralight Solar Foil Planned for Flight Applications
Daystar Technologies
Inc. has announced its silicon-free solar cell product called Lightfoil. The technology based on specialty metal foils instead
of silicon is targeted at low-weight flight systems, which can not afford the extra weight from batteries or bulky silicon
solar cells. The technology may be useful to power toy-sized search and rescue planes or the basis for new types of light-weight
gliders, or perhaps incorporated onto solar powered winged bicylces.
The light foil gets
its name from its low power to weight ratio. The company in a laboratory setting has achieved a 1440 W/kg power to weight
ratio ( with a 15.2% AM0 efficiency). This performance, according to the company, has 50 percent more energy density level
and is 60 percent lighter than all known thin film technologies. The ultra-thin LightFoil is based on copper indium gallium
selenide (CIGS) solar cells, a technology gaining in popularity, deposited on
thin titanium foil.
As an added feature,
above and beyond silicon, the foil, like everyday aluminum foil found in the kitchen, can be molded into a variety of different
types of shapes. A feature useful to energy retrofit the curved surfaces found on planes and satellites.
MARCH 4, 2005
The recent announcement that Adtran has introduced a Power Over Ethernet
(PoE) switch-router and now that MGE UPS Systems, an uninterruptible power supply company, has selected PowerDsine's Midspan
PoE products for VoIP, Wireless LANS and network security camera applications, it could be assumed that PoE has established
a market for itself. One of the keys to the acceptance of the technology is that PoE based systems help assure that electronic
devices won't be shut down in the case of a widespread power outage. This is a concern for enterprise providers, who want
to rid themselves of the chaos that e
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