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WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
18th, 2005
Streetlight Intelligence Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SLQ) ("STI") has announced
the closing of a private placement that has brought in gross proceeds of $750,000.00. The company offers a technology that
reduces the cost of street lighting. According to Don Cleland, CEO of Streetlight, street lights account for between 22 percent
and 30 percent of the average electric bill for municipals. He also noted that the cost of street light maintenance is even
higher.
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) (NASDAQ:ENER) reported
that is solar subsidiary, United Solar Ovonic LLC, had record sales of about $18 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.
The revenues represent a solar cell capacity of 5.6 megawatts according to the company. Monthly production results were also
given as 2.0 megawatts per month for May and June. Backlog was reported to be in the order of $45 million or the equivalent
of 13.7 megawatts of solar cells.
The company has started work on a second manufacturing facility
that is expected to double the company’s thin-film triple junction solar module capacity by September 2006.
ThermoEnergy Corporation (OTCBB: TMEN), a company that has developed
a technology and won contracts to convert the ammonia found in rivers to usable fertilizer, has completed a private placement
valued at $7,000,000. The company issued 5,590,337 units at a price of $1.20 per unit.
Dennis C. Cossey, CEO of ThermoEnergy Corporation indicated that
the funds would be used to expand its staff, "We will be adding several new engineers to our soon-to-be-opened New York City
office as well as expanding our Little Rock, Arkansas-based management team."
In regards to a New York contract ThermoEnergy also reported that
it has signed its first commercial contract. That contract is for a 500,000 gallon-per-day Ammonia Recovery Process (ARP)
facility for New York City. The process will be used at Long Island Sound to limit the amount of nitrogen expelled into the
Upper East River. The company also has reported that it has given a quote for a wastewater system in Orange County, California.
ThermoEnergy has three processes related to wastewater and energy.
These include the ThermoFuel Process, the Ammonia Recovery Process (ARP) and the TIPS (ThermoEnergy Integrated Power System)
process. The ThermoFuel Process is used to convert wastewaters into biofuel. The Ammonia Recovery Process (ARP) technology
converts ammonia nitrogen into grade fertilizer. And the TIPS process is used to convert traditional fossil fuels and biomass
into energy with zero air emissions. The TIPS process, in development, captures carbon dioxide and converts it to liquid form,
allowing it to be used in commercial applications. One application the company points to is low-cost water desalination. Other
includes oil recovery and methane production.
The company also notes that part of its long term plans is to market
emission credits and the associated byproducts of its processes.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
15th, 2005
An automobile’s weight is one of the critical factors in fuel
consumption. With new nanomaterials on the horizon, hopes are that super light weight materials with super strength and low
cost of manufacturing will enable cars with far less weight and dramatically reduced gas mileage ratings far beyond what we
see today – from 15 percent to 70 percent less with similar fuel economy improvements.
In an apparent effort to achieve that goal as well as improve battery
technology, a $195 million funding cooperative agreement has been announced. Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation
and DaimlerChrysler Corporation all signed a cooperative R&D agreement with the United States Department of Energy (DOE)
to further the development of lightweight materials as well as to advance battery technology. The three auto companies signed
the agreement as part of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR).
The majority of the funding from the DOE is expected to be distributed
through the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) and the U.S. Automotive Materials Partnership (USAMP). Suppliers and
research institutes are expected to be the primary beneficiaries.
The $125 million USABC agreement is planned for three years with
extension options. The USAMP agreement is a $70 million agreement that was originally announced in May.
As the growing problem of farm waste mounts, the question of what
to do with it continues to be an issue. One solution provided by the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) is to turn chicken litter
into energy. Under a project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, GTI has shown that chicken liter can be
used to produce hydrogen for the generation of electricity with a solid oxide fuel cell.
Francis Lau, Director of Corporate Development at GTI discussed
the benefits of the technology for the environment and as an on-farm energy resource, "Commercialization and implementation
of such a modular technology has the potential to generate on-site power and heat from a renewable source of energy economically
while addressing environmental problems caused by traditional disposal practices. Also, chicken litter can replace fossil
fuels currently used to provide heat in poultry farms, thus avoiding net generation of CO2. GTI is pursuing the development
and commercialization of this technology."
Besides GTI, others working on the project to convert chicken litter
to energy and fertilizer are Earth Resources, Inc. and the University of Georgia. GTI’s experience in the energy and
environmental markets dates back over sixty years.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
14th, 2005
PowerTech Arranges Financing for Automated Excavation Technology
Power Tech Corporation Inc. (TSX-V: PWB), through its CEO, Mr. Carol
Murray, has reported that it has entered into an agreement related to private financing of $1.5 million. The financing, which
is subject to the approval of regulators, is for the issuance of convertible debentures.
PowerTech has developed high technology construction equipment that
is reported to lower the cost of excavation.
VRB Power Systems Inc. (TSX-V: VRB) the producer of the Vanadium
Redox Battery Energy Storage System announced that it has completed the sale of 14,167,000 special warrants. Gross proceeds
were estimated at $10,200,240 (Canadian).
VRB’s energy storage systems, built with non-toxic materials,
are targeted towards the utility substation, cellular radio, commercial building and renewable resources market, which includes
wind farms and remote area power supply applications. The company reports that its products are designed to offer improved
power grid stability.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
13th, 2005
Zipcar plans to expand its west coast operations with a recent financing
round valued at $10 million. The company, which strategically manages the physical location of by-the-hour car rentals around
cities to meet the demands of on-the-fly customers, received funding from a West Coast venture capital company, Benchmark
Capital. The company plans to expand its operations from the current 7 states and 21 cities to include the major northern
west coast cities of Seattle, San Francisco and Portland.
Zipcar with the funding announcement reported that it has seen a
100 percent increase in the number of its members, now at 40,000 and increasing at a rate of 2,000 a month, and has attained
profitability.
The company teams with local governments that want to offer alternative
transportation options to its citizens. The two often work together to devices transportation strategies, determine car stop
locations (often at or around major public transportation hubs and universities) and promotional campaigns.
The relatively new service Zipcar offers, founded in 1999, may have
much more to offer the world of transportation as new technology emerges that further streamlines the individual transportation
needs of tens of thousands sharing just several hundred strategically placed cars. Zipcar now shares 700 vehicles with the
transportation needs of 40,000 members or a vehicle to member ratio of about 57 cars per member.
Car sharing rates were given as $8.50 an hour and does include gas,
insurance and parking. The company did not indicate if the rates applied to just drive time. However, the company
does state on its web site that the car must be returned to the same reserved parking spot.
Zipcar has a wide variety of cars to choose from – from sporty
BMWs for dot comers on the move or pick-up trucks for those needing to move. The company also offers its service to businesses
at special rates – offering a way for the company to team together to lower travel costs and use those car pool lanes.
DayStar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSTI), a company that produces
silicon-free solar cells, has signed a purchase agreement for its TerraFoil-SP solar cells with Micro Energy Group, Inc.,
a producer of photovoltaic (PV) modules and specialty solar energy products. As part of the purchase agreement, up to 500
kilowatts of TerraFoil-SP cells are scheduled for to be delivered initially in 2005 with increased shipments throughout 2006.
Michael Choi, Micro Energy CEO, indicated that TerraFoil would be
instrumental to opening the door to new markets and lower PV costs, "We are very excited to incorporate TerraFoil-SP solar
cells into our rapidly expanding line of products. Its unique flexibility and high performance opens the doors to a wide range
of emerging state-of-the-art consumer applications. DayStar's plan for a large-scale manufacturing process promises to drive
down the costs of solar cells for a number of our present and planned products. We think this will change the future of how
small scale PV power is used and will give MEG a competitive cost advantage over other companies in our growing markets."
Terry Schuyler, DayStar's Director of Sales and Product Management,
noted the importance of the transaction to the company’s business plan, "This agreement marks an important first sale
for our new TerraFoil-SP product and expands the use of our PV Foil products in multiple markets. DayStar's manufacturing
approach enables a greater percentage of useable solar cells from each manufacturing batch which can result in significantly
greater production yield. TerraFoil-SP demonstrates another DayStar product that can facilitate near term revenues while we
continue our incremental build-out to higher volume GEN-III production lines."
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July 12th, 2005
Digital Gas, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets:DIGG) has reported that it will
partner with ICCU, based in the Netherlands, to manufacture and market its Digital Ultracap device, an energy storage device
that can be used by utilities, as well as distributed renewable energy centers and in the home. The company indicates that
the device, since it can store energy at a price of approximately $400 per kWh (kilowatt-hour), with power electronics, will
enable power plants to down size their electrical generation capacity and operate at maximum power efficiency ratios.
This is all possible because large amounts of energy can be stored
for use during non-peak hours and then delivered at peak hours, lowering the need for utilities to run at peak energy generation
capacities, which are less than optimum in terms of power generation efficiency. The company also suggests that the device
will be a big plus for home owners with in-house renewable energy systems. One of the reasons is that the home owners would
not have to resell electricity back to grid, but instead could store it and reuse it themselves when the sun isn’t shining
or the wind isn’t blowing. One more important point to note is that a great deal of power is lost, upwards of 50 percent,
when electricity is transferred over power cables for a long distance. All of this would seem to suggest that it may become
more feasible to establish local power networks that transfer power within a neighborhood.
Digital Gas is planning volume production of the environmentally
friendly ultracap in late 2005 or early 2006. The company estimates that sales should reach $1.7 billion a year by 2010. The
factory that Digital Gas has planned is also expected to produce solid oxide fuel cell systems to go along with the ultracapacitor.
In terms of overall power savings to America, Digital Gas reports
that it has been estimated that $15 Billion a year would be cut from America's $200 billion annual electric bill.
Powersmiths International Corp. has introduced its "Green Start
Initiative" program. That program offers customer an economical way to see first hand the benefits of the company’s
harmonic transformers. These transformers, according to the company, offer a higher level of energy efficiency, and hence
cost savings, than traditional transformers found in many industrial and office settings.
According to Philip Ling, Vice President of Technology at Powersmiths,
"The Powersmiths Green Start Initiative allows you to undertake a pilot project to assess the energy, environmental and power
quality benefits associated with using Powersmiths transformers. The program allows us to demonstrate to you our products
capabilities. Not only will it help you to measure, analyze and report on its performance, but it allows you to see first
hand the benefits of using our energy efficient transformer, with a small investment."
Through Powersmiths’ energy audit program, called The ESP
Calculator, a company can determine the exact amount of energy savings they will see with a harmonic transformer. Although,
the company did not give a universal savings figure, the savings could be substantial, especially if the power line that serves
the customer is noisy or if the transformer is ready for retirement.
Powersmiths also reports that energy entrepreneurs can also benefit
from its programs. The company says that energy entrepreneurs that work with the company can share in the energy savings as
a result of a customer’s purchase. Energy entrepreneurs that install a transformer at a customer site are eligible.
GreenFuel Technologies Corporation, a company which provides emissions-to-biofuels
conversion services for large scale power producers, has secured $2.38 million in bridge financing. The company
plans to use the funds for further product development as it prepares for its Series B financing.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
11th, 2005
ENDESA (NYSE:ELE) has divulged capital expenditure plans as part
of its Strategic Plan for the period 2005 to 2009. Overall the plan calls for capital expenditure budget of 14.6 billion over
the five year period. Of that amount, the company reports that 71 percent would be spent for the Spanish and Portuguese markets
alone. For the short term, in 2005, capital expenditures are expected to be 3.43 billion Euros, of which 73 percent is to
be allocated to Spain and Portugal, 15.5 percent for Latin America and 11.5 percent for the rest of Europe.
The capital expenditures will form the backbone of ENDESA overall
goal to bring its net installed capacity of renewable energies and cogeneration up to 4,423 megawatts by 2009, representing
an estimated 14 percent of its total output. The company broke down the new capacity to be added. In includes 2,230 megawatts
of wind energy capacity, 103 megawatts of solid waste and biomass capacity, 78 megawatts of mini-hydro capacity, and 39 megawatts
of co-generation capacity. Total investment in renewables is expected to be in the order of 1.63 billion Euros.
The IFC, the International Finance Corporation, affiliated with
the World Bank Group, has entered into an agreement with Consorcio Energetico Punta Cana-Macao S.A. (CEPM) to provide $10
million to the utility for the construction of an 8.25 megawatt wind power facility in the country’s tourist section.
Tourism is a considered one of the main economic drivers in the Dominican Republic. A reliable power source is considered
central to maintaining and expanding the tourist business base, which according to the IFC provides 554,000 jobs. The new
wind power facility, the first for the small country, will displace part of a diesel generation system at the utility.
The government of Portugal, as part of a plan to spend 25 billion
Euros from 2005 to 2009 has allocated 2.5 billion Euros for the development of renewable energy. The majority of the renewable
energy is expected to be for wind energy; however, tidal energy could play a bigger role as the first wave farm off the coast
of Portugal comes on-line. Portugal also has reportedly turned down a plan proposed by private investors to build a nuclear
plant in the country. Safety concerns and political issues were considered factors.
Informa Economics and IBC Energy have announced that the Renewable
Fuels Summit will be held in Detroit Michigan. Called the North American Ethanol Industry a Crossroads is scheduled for September
14 to 15. Among those to discuss the important issues of the day will be the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Dorr.
He will discuss the role of information availability and information technology on the industries development. Executives
from a number of companies will all give important talks. Companies on the roster include Natural Resources Canada, Commercial
Alcohols, United Bio Energy, Zeus Development Corporation, Transportation Fuels Consulting, National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition,
American Commercial Barge Line, and Informa Economics
Intrepid Technology and Resources, Inc. (ITR) (OTC BB: IESV) has
apparently been kept busy with a number of renewable energy projects. The company reports that the Idaho National Lab and
commercial concerns have continued to express interest in custom engineering work. The company, with 116,000 dollars in new
engineering and contracts for June, reports that it will have free resources as a result of the completion of the construction
of its first biogas plant and the design of the second plant completed.
ITR's President, Dr. Dennis Keiser noted that while the freeing
of resources will help generate immediate revenue, the real increases in revenues are expected to come from the biogas division,
"While our biogas division, which designs, builds and operates these plants, will continue to generate the largest portion
of ITR's revenues, the reallocation of personnel gives us an immediate revenue stream. Overall, Intrepid will turn cash flow
positive in 2006 and will be profitable for that calendar year. Once these biogas plants commence operation, the revenue stream
is constant and substantial. It would not be out of the question to generate close to 5 million in revenue in 2006 and anticipate
it to double in 2007."
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
8th, 2005
Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell
announced the companies that will receive the $46 million in Round 2 funding. The largest portion of the funding is
to go to Commercial Alcohols Inc., which is to receive $15 million for a new plant in Windsor, Ontario. Second on the list
was Husky Oil Marketing Company, to receive $10.4 million to build a plant in Minnedosa, Manitoba. The last $10
million plus funding went to Integrated Grain Processors Co-Operative Inc. Integrated Grain, a farmer and business cooperative
with over 500 members, will receive $11.9 million for a new plant in Brantford, Ontario.
Below the $10 million mark was Permolex Ltd, which will receive
$1.1 million to expand its existing facility in Red Deer, Alberta; and Power Stream Energy Services Inc., which is to receive
$7.3 million to convert a closed starch plant in Collingwood, Ontario.
Minister Mitchell on the announcement pointed out the benefits for
Canadian farmers, "This is good news for the agricultural community, as it creates a new market for Canadian farmers."
Minister Mitchell also indicated that the two rounds of funding so far are expected to increase Canadian ethanol
production by 1.2 billion litres to 1.4 billion litres per year – seven times greater than before the program started.
As part of the program to fund six ethanol plants in Canada, the Government of Canada has also emphasized that
it plans to work with industry to make use of agricultural residues, such as straw and corn stalks, as well as forestry byproducts
to improve the environmental aspects of the technology.
Lumileds Lighting reports that it White LEDs have overcome the major
hurdle to industry acceptance for general lighting applications. That barrier, a wide variation in color, has according to
the company been overcome with a proprietary conformal phosphor die coating process - a varying phosphor thickness is what
causes very visible color inconsistency, according to the company. Such color inconsistency, which can be measured at different
viewing angles, can result in the white LEDs actually appearing yellow on the edges and blue in the center.
Noting how color variation is viewed by the consumer and how color
variation compounds into more problems, was Jason Posselt, Lumileds Director of Product Marketing, "Colour variation in white
LEDs has been a barrier to the broad adoption of solid-state lighting in luminaires and other general lighting products because
consumers accustomed to conventional illumination are not comfortable with the colour shifts in the light beam of conventional
LEDs. This non-uniformity becomes further pronounced with the addition of secondary optics such as reflectors or collimating
lenses which are often used in our customers' designs. Our conformal coating technology makes white Luxeon LEDs the first
and only semiconductor-based light sources with the colour consistency required to compete with the incandescent bulb."
Robert Galli, CEO of Emissive Energy, voiced his sentiments, "We
wanted to use high-power LEDs in some of our flashlight products to give our customers the maximum light output along with
the ruggedness and longevity of solid state lighting, but we rejected most white LEDs because of their poor colour quality.
Only Luxeon, with its conformal coating process, came up to our standards. Without it, we would not have been able to bring
some of our highest-performing products to market."
FemOne, Inc. (OTC:FEMO) (BULLETIN BOARD: FEMO) closed financing
of $1.5 million through the issue of 8% Callable Secured Convertible Notes. Ray W. Grimm, Jr., the CEO of FemOne, Inc., a
company that produces cell phone radiation protection chips and offers a clip-on chip to improve automotive fuel economy,
indicated that the funds will be used for the expansion of the BIOPRO Technology division, the division responsible for those
products. "The raising of equity financing gives us additional capital to focus on the continued growth of our business and
the global expansion of our BIOPRO Technology Division. There is a strong global interest in our products and we are dedicated
to taking advantage of these international opportunities in a focused and efficient manner. This is a very exciting time for
our company,"
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.
Potentia Semiconductor, a provider of configurable ASSP power management
controller chips, has received $8 million in a funding round that included investments from VenGrowth Private Equity Partners
of Toronto, Kodiak Venture Partners and Teachers' Private Capital, which is affiliated with the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan
Board.
Potentia Semiconductor's President and CEO, Danny Osadca indicated
that the company’s product meets the new demand for designers to produce power systems with reduced design cycle times,
"Power system designers are challenged to deliver more advanced system level power management functionality under ever-increasing
board size constraints. Designers face these challenges in a world of shortened design times and lean design teams and that's
why Potentia is offering a new and more effective way of designing and implementing power management solutions."
Three more companies have agreed to join Power.org, an organization
dedicated to the electronic systems power reduction. These companies are involved in the semiconductor market and include
Denali Software, Inc., an Intellectual Property (IP) core and EDA company, HCL Technologies, also offering semiconductor IP
cores as well as general engineering services, and Xilinx, Inc., considered the market leader in the FPGA chip market. On
announcement of the agreement,
Mark Aaldering, Vice President of the IP and Embedded Processing
Divisions, Xilinx noted that the focal point of the organization centered around the PowerPC, a microprocessor architecture,
"The momentum and promotional benefits of the Power.org collaboration are important factors in advancing the adoption of PowerPCtechnology
as a standard in the industry. We see our participation as a means to continue expanding our PowerPC embedded solution.”
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
7th, 2005
Toronto Hydro-Electric System Ltd. announced a $1.6 million investment
with Enwave Energy Corporation to install Deep Lake Water Cooling Technology. That air conditioner technology uses the chill
of the water from deep below Lake Ontario to reduce the energy needed for air conditioning in the order of 90 percent. The
system circulates water through pipes to 83 meters below the surface through the ice cold water. This in turn chills the water,
which in turn dramatically lowers the cost of air conditioning.
As part of the Toronto Hydro’s plan to reduce energy consumption
in Toronto by 250 megawatts, the Deep Lake Water Cooling is planned to replace existing air conditioning systems in a number
of different centers and buildings in the Toronto area. The sites scheduled for retrofitting in September 2005 include the
Richmond Adelaide Centre, Adelaide Place, Queen's Park and three other buildings. With this agreement and an alliance with
The Home Depot, Toronto Hydro indicates that it 20 percent closer to the 250 megawatt goal. Toronto Hydro has planned to spend
$39.8 million for conservation and demand management to meet the 250 megawatt savings goal by 2007.
Overall, the Toronto building project alone is estimated to save
10 megawatts of peak demand electricity – or, according to Toronto Hydro enough energy to power over 1,000 homes or
six million square feet of office space. The company estimated that Toronto requires all together about 5000 megawatts of
electrical energy.
Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited is one of the primary providers
of electricity in the province of Ontario. It has 668,673 customers and a peak demand rating of 5000 megawatts. Enwave is
a provider of clean energy solutions.
Noting that fuel cells have a theoretical efficiency over ten times
as Lithium Ion batteries, Fujitsu and NTT DoCoMo have announced plans to showcase their new methanol micro fuel cell and charger
prototype at Wireless Japan, scheduled from July 13 to 15 2005 in Tokyo. The new technology is said to triple the charging
capacity for cell phones. Central to the development is that the prototype fuel cell has a methanol fuel concentration level
of over 99 percent compared to previous versions that had concentration levels of only 30 percent. The micro fuel cell, running
on 99 percent concentration levels, has an average power output of 1 Watt.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
6th, 2005
The Gleneagles G8 Summit, held this week between July 6 and July
8 is one place to learn more about marine or tidal energy. Scotland is known for its marine energy potential and its tidal
energy companies. Companies involved in marine energy are located in Solway Firth, located in Southwest Scotland, where a
tidal range of 5.5 meters is noted, and Pentland Firth.
Marine energy organizations in Scotland include Ocean Power
Delivery Limited, which offers a hinged-joint small wave energy flotilla device, Robert Gordon University and the European
Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). The Ocean Power wave energy float is called the Pelamis P-750, and is currently being deployed
off the coast of Portugal in one of the first commercial wave energy generation projects.
Scotland is said to have a 59.1 Gigawatts of renewable resources,
making it a potential energy exporter if it can successfully tame the wild waves. Scotland presently consumes about 10.5 Gigawatts.
Africa is expected to be a topic of this year's summit – one reason is that it could possible use Scotland’s
renewable energy resources and technology.
According to Lorna Jack, Director of the Americas at Scottish Development
International, Scotland will derive a significant amount of its energy from renewable resources in just 5 years,
"Thanks to our marine energy industry, we are on target of having 18 percent of Scottish electricity coming from renewable
sources by 2010. Initiatives such as the EMEC, the world's first marine test center and Robert Gordon University's development
of the Snail, a prototype turbine platform used for generating marine energy, have permitted Scotland to excel in renewables
and to be a model for industrialized nations across the globe."
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) has approved the
investment of $43.4 million in 15 new clean technology projects. The projects are focused in five major areas: power generation,
energy utilization, transportation, waste management and forestry and agriculture.
Specific projects noted for SDTC’s sixth funding round were
a low-cost solid-state lighting project to be led by Group IV Semiconductor, Inc., based in Ottawa. For small scale generation
of electricity from tidal power, Clean Current Power Systems, based in Vancouver, will lead a project to develop. For greenhouse
and transparent structure energy efficiency Sunarc of Canada Inc., based in Montreal, will lead a project for the development
of on-demand insulation.
Describing the requirements to receive funding was SDTC Chairman
James M. Stanford. " Each of the projects is subjected to an exhaustive review process and must be represented by a consortium
of organizations rather than a single company. These requirements improve the opportunities for successful technology demonstration
and strengthen their market readiness."
The SDTC also reported that “other private and public sector
consortia partners are investing an additional $116 million in the 15 projects.”
Power generation and energy utilization projects received the most
attention in the funding round. Organizations and companies to receive power generation funding include Angstrom Power
Incorporated, Clean Current Power Systems Inc., and GE Canada. Organization and companies to receive energy utilization funding
included University of British Columbia, Sunarc of Canada Inc., Encelium Technologies Inc., EnerWorks Inc., Group IV Semiconductor
Inc., SAIC Canada and NORAM Engineering and Constructors Ltd.
Transportation funding has been approved for Electrovaya Corp. and
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Agriculture and Forestry projects approved included projects for Parkland BioFibre Ltd. and
Prairie Pulp and Paper Inc.. For Waste Management funding, Terra Gaia Inc. was selected.
ENMAX Corporation announced plans to build a $140 million, 80 megawatt
wind power generation facility in Alberta, Canada. The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2006, with construction
starting in the fourth quarter of 2005. The City of Calgary is to be the only customer for the utility and has agreed to purchase
all of the electricity generated from the facility for the next twenty years. "With these commitments, we will be the only
city in Canada to draw three-quarters of its electricity from green power," said the mayor of the City of Calgary, Dave Bronconnier.
The 37 turbines for the facility, called the Taber Wind Power generation
facility, are an advanced design to be supplied by ENERCON. In noting the difference in power output, ENMAX said the 37 turbines
will provide 80 megawatts, In comparison, the 114 turbines at the McBrider Lake Wind Farm have 114 turbines and produce only
75 megawatts.
The company noted that regulatory approval was needed before the
project commenced.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
5, 2005
BASF Opens 240 Million Cogeneration Plant to Power Operations
In an apparent effort to lower its energy costs and reduce its reliance
on outside electric generation sources, BASF Aktiengesellschaft has completed a new combined heat and power (CHP) plant at
its Ludwigshafen site. The new facility will supply the site the site with 440 megawatts of electricity and 650 metric tons
of steam per hour. The company said that the site now generates 65 percent of its electricity at its own plants at the Ludwigshafen
site compared to 15 percent previously. As well, the company indicated that the gas and steam turbines provide 3.5 times more
electricity per metric ton steam than conventional CHP plants without steam turbines. The new facility will also permit a
reduction of CO2 emissions in the order of 500,000 metric tons per year.
The Power Generation division of Siemens
AG built the plant for BASF. Siemens reported sales of 7.5 billion in its 2004 year. BASF, which is one of the world’s
largest chemical companies, reported sales of 37 billion in 2005.
Simeken, Inc., which bills itself as an environmental energy
company, reported that it’s Pyrolysis Recovery Oven (PRO), used to convert wood waste and tires to energy in an oxygen
free environment, had exceeded expectations. The demonstration unit was reported to be process up to 75 tons per day of tires
and wood waste at air emissions levels well below environmental standards. According to David Weddle, Vice President of Operations
for Simeken, Inc., "These last six months have provided positive results beyond our expectations. Our ability to provide clean
heat for energy as well as the quality of our recycled by-products has shown that our technology can be both environmental
and economic."
The company said that one Simeken’s system can be used to
process up to 300 tons per day. The demonstration unit in Mexico has the capability to generate over 5 megawatts of electricity
and 30 tons of carbon per day, which can be processed and recycled.
The company indicates that over 275 million tires are replaced each
year and weigh about 5.5 billion pounds. Systems in the past have not been successful in the conversion of these tires to
energy.
The Semeken’s process uses "high heat" convection technology,
which produces as by products energy and carbon.
United Kingdom Contributes £10 million to Linked Building
Heating Networks
Elliot Morley, Minister for Climate Change and Environment, announced
that another £10 million would be contributed to community energy projects that link heating units together for more energy
efficient homes, schools, hospitals, recreational centers and other public buildings in the United Kingdom.
The 17 projects scheduled are expected to reduce carbon emissions
by over 5,000 tons a year. The grants encompassed a wide variety of different technologies. One project is to install a heating
network connecting a children’s hospital and university together. A number of the projects are to link several hundred
homes together in a heating network as well as large scale building complexes. Other technologies mentioned in the projects
included woodchip fueled, absorption chilling, low temperature hot water network for low grade heat utilization.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
July
1st, 2005
Crystal Flash Energy of Grand Rapids, one of the major fuel producers
in Michigan, reports that it has already sold over 2 million gallons of its SoyDiesel XC product. The additive, which has
only been available at its own gas pump at its headquarters in Michigan, offers one more way to save on gasoline costs. According
to the company, SoyUltra works in all gasoline engines and improves fuel economy by up to five percent. According to Tom Fehsenfeld,
President of Crystal Flash Energy SoyUltra also helps to reduce maintenance problems, "In extensive product testing, we found
that the fuel helps increase engine performance and reduce maintenance problems."
SoyUltra is a friction modifier, which coats the combustion chamber
walls and valves, which results in 40 percent more lubricity than what ordinary gasoline has to offer.
Six long-term renewable energy contracts with Southern California
Edison and several wind, biomass and geothermal energy companies were approved by the California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC). The contracts in total add up to an initial 141 megawatts with a potential to reach 427 megawatts between 2006 and
2009.
The companies that won wind energy contracts were Coran Energy Group,
SeaWest Wind Power, and Western Wind. The largest initial wind contract went to Western Wind, which is for an initial contract
to supply 40 megawatts with a potential for 120 megawatts. Biomass contracts were approved for McCarthy Farms Biofuels and
Silvan BioMass. Silvan’s was the larger of the contracts, initially let for 7 megawatts with a potential for 22 megawatts.
The geothermal contract was to Vulcan Power Company. That contract was initial for 30 megawatts with a potential for 120 megawatts.
The contract duration’s ranged from 5 years to 50 years. Western Wind, which had the largest contract in terms of megawatts,
also had the longest length, at 50 years.
Southern California Edison, with the announcement, reported that its renewable energy portfolio is the largest in
the United States, with a total capacity of 2,588 megawatts. This includes 1,021 megawatts from wind energy, 892 megawatts
from geothermal, 354 megawatts from solar, 226 megawatts from biomass and 95 megawatts from small hydro. As a point of reference
Southern California Edison reports that 1 megawatt is enough electricity to power 750 average homes during the summer months.
Clean Power Income Fund (CLE.UN:TSX) has completed a $186 million
financing round for the Erie Shores Wind Farm on the north shore of Lake Erie. The wind energy facility, projected to produce
99 megawatts when on line in April of 2006 is to be the largest to date in Southern Ontario. Funding for the facility is to
come in three parts. Financiers include Sun Life Financial, Scotia Capital and National Bank Financial.
According to Stephen Probyn, CEO at Clean Power, the facility will
be one of Canada’s largest, "Acquiring and building what will be one of Canada's largest wind power facilities marks
a substantial expansion of our investments in windpower and in Canada."
GE Energy will supply the turbines for the facility, which include
66 GE 1.5 SEL turbines. GE will also operate and maintain the facility.
Diversa Corporation (NASDAQ: DVSA) and Valley Research, Inc. officially
launched the “Ultra-Thin” enzyme. The enzyme, considered the holy grail of ethanol production enzymes, is officially
termed a pH 4.5 alpha amylase enzyme, is said to allow the efficient conversion of starches found in corn into sugars, which
are than processed into ethanol. The key to the high efficiency is the pH. A pH of 4.5 is said to lower the operating costs
of ethanol producers significantly. According to Art Sears,
President of Valley Research, the company that will market the product, "The starch processing industry has been asking for
a pH 4.5 alpha amylase enzyme for almost 30 years, and Diversa has successfully developed the first product to satisfy this
unmet need. We look forward to demonstrating the value of Ultra-Thin enzyme to ethanol producers and launching additional
enzyme products with Diversa.” The enzyme has also been approved to be used in the production of sweetener.
With the announcement, Diversa sited United States ethanol production
statistics from the Renewable Fuels Association. In 2004, over 3.41 billion gallons of ethanol were produced, a 21 percent
increase from 2003 levels, and a 100 percent increase from 2000 levels. The company also said that there are 81 ethanol plants
in 20 states, with an additional 16 plants and 2 major expansions underway. The new plants and expansions are expected to
add 750 million gallons to the annual production rate.
World Energy Technology Trends
June
30th, 2005
Gas powered boats have long been the scourge of lakes and oceans,
polluting both the air and sometimes pristine water with toxic emissions and unhealthy oil. However, electric motor technology
is set to change that and perhaps much more. The technology suggests that fleets of docked boats could be turned into sources
of tidal current based electricity and super high speed electric boats could be designed to quickly traverse large bodies
of water.
Solomon Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:SOLM), which has a line of electric
motors for boats and ships of any size, has announced that the Alligator, a 26 passenger launch, has been retrofitted with
a Solomon propulsion system by Florida State University’s Center for Advanced Power Systems.
At the heart of Solomon’s electric motor is the Electric Wheel,
which was originally used in NASA’s Sojourner Mars rover. The Electric Wheel’s dual motor offers sailors an extra
margin of safety. If one motor fails, the other motor can be used to safely bring the vessel into dock. The electric motor
technology is also considered scalable. According to Solomon’s web site, the NASA Working Group concluded the Electric
Wheel design in a scaled scenario could provide up to 5,000 horsepower - enough to replace the heavy duty motors of tug boats.
Inside the Electric Wheel motor is a programmable pulse width modulation
controller that is used to adjust gear and torque for different loads through rotor speed and position feedback from Hall-effect
sensors. This gives the electric motor the capability to adjust itself to heavy loads, that require low speed and large torque
or light loads, which lend themselves to high acceleration rates.
As an added pulse, the electric motor is designed to charge the external battery bank, when
forces such as tidal current turn the motor in the opposite direction.
ENDESA (NYSE:ELE) has announced that it plans to install an additional
capacity of 21.5 megawatts at its Valpardo Wind Farm in Avila, with an investment of 20 million Euros. The new wind generation
capacity will bring the capacity in the Castilla y Leon region up to 267 megawatts. The new installation is to be equipped
with 25 Gamesa G-58 and G-52 wind turbines. Each of the turbines, which are 55 meters in height, will have a capacity of 850
kilo volts. With the capacity, the wind farm there, which is scheduled to start up by the end of this year, will be able to
power 14,250 homes or a yearly power output of 57 gigawatt hours. The company points out that the system to be installed there
has been designed to safeguard the interests of the unusual bird population that makes their habitat in the region.
Creststreet announced that it has set the maximum size for its limited
partnership units of Creststreet Kettles Hill Windpower LP at $40 million. The minimum size is $35 million. Creststreet indicates
that tax deductions based on the minimum and maximum size are 63 percent and 72 percent. Kettles Hill Wind Energy Inc. plans
to construct and operate wind energy facilities and sell the energy back to the Alberta power market. The offering is expected
to close on or before July 13, 2005.
World Energy Technology Trends
June
29th, 2005
LEONHARD KURZ GmbH & CO.KG, a company with considerable experience
in the printing and the polymer electronic technology market, has entered into a multi-year, multi-phase, non-exclusive
agreement to develop Konarak’s organic photovoltaic technology. As part of the agreement, KURZ has committed capital
and equipment for the project.
Howard Berke, CEO at Konarka Technologies Inc., emphasized
that KURZ’s experience in the printed materials market would further the advance of its technology into
the production stage, "KURZ is a world leader in innovative printed materials, and this relationship enhances
Konarka's ability to take its organic photovoltaic program beyond the laboratory and into development for manufacturing and
production scale-up. With this partnership, we are continuing to execute on our strategy to partner with leading global companies
who can print power plastic at very high volumes."
The agreement is expected to help Konarka gain access to one of
the world’s primary solar markets, Germany. According to Walter Kurz, President at KURZ, "As one of the world's largest
markets, energy presents many interesting opportunities for us.. Combining Konarka's technology with our manufacturing expertise
will help us take advantage of the growing demand for renewable energy solutions worldwide and particularly here in Germany,
the largest domestic solar energy market in the world."
Werner Reinhart, Vice President, at KURZ noted the benefits
of the integration of Konarka’s products into its product line will have for its customers, "Integrating Konarka's
power plastic into our products will enable us to extend and enhance their functionality. Our customers will gain value, such
as increased levels of convenience and freedom of use, without affecting the products' overall weight or size. In the longer
term, the possibility of printing large format solar modules is intriguing in that it could potentially alter the current
economics by driving costs down. We may even be able to increase the benefits of power plastic by leveraging the optical
competence we gained with our OVD Kinegram AG acquisition."
Randolph Chan, Executive Vice president, Joint Program Development,
at Konarka, pointed towards the potential value of a joint venture between KURZ and Siemens, "KURZ has decades of experience
with roll-to-roll printing and recently has made successful inroads into printing polymer electronics with the PolyIC venture
with Siemens. The merger of our organic photovoltaic program and KURZ's complementary manufacturing know-how will result in
exciting new ways to transform energy consuming applications into power generators. Working with KURZ further validates of
the value of our technology and our leadership position in this emerging field."
KURZ, with 2,600 employees and nine production facilities worldwide,
produces foil-based optical technology and magnetic foils used for security and packaging applications.
The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS), considered
the third largest United States public pension fund, and VantagePoint Venture Partners have invested $30 million into New
Energy Capital Corp., a clean energy company.
Former United States Assistant Secretary of Energy, and now New
Energy Capital President and Dan Reicher, had this to say about the investment, "the support we are receiving from VantagePoint
and CalSTRS helps us put clean technology to work around the nation and in doing so demonstrate that the right company investing
in the right projects can do well - and do good. "
New Energy Capital with the funding announcement summarized some
of its recent projects. These included the financing of three cogeneration facilities at dairy food processing operations
in California and Massachusetts, and an investment in a biodiesal production facility in Delaware.
CalSTRS’s pension fund has a current market value of $125
billion and has over 750,000 members, representing teachers throughout all of California.
Plasma Environmental (TSX VENTURE:PE)and Kinectrics have completed
a pilot Plasma Assisted Gasifier (PAG) system. The new system is based on plasma arc technology and is used to convert selected
waste, that is high energy content waste, to fuel gases for use in distributed energy projects. On announcement of completion
of the project, Plasma President John Wright indicated that the company was ready to verify the commercial viability of the
system, "All of our work to date has shown the value of a system that can cleanly and efficiently turn waste to energy. With
the four tonne pilot system in place and functional we will be able to work with our partners to process their specific waste
and further verify PAG's commercial viability."
The PAG converts waste with high BTU (British Thermal Units) to
fuel gas with a high hydrogen content. Among some of the high-energy waste used by the system include sorted municipal solid
waste, de-watered sludges and chipped tires.
Plasma technology is a non-incineration process.
World Energy Technology Trends
June
28th, 2005
Dyesol Limited has made plans for an $3.5 million Initial Public Offer on the Australian Stock Exchange. The company,
addressing what it sees as a $5 billion dollar market, suggests that the dye in Dyesol’s solar cells mimics the photosynthesis
process found in plants. The company says that its cells can be used on the walls or roofs of buildings and can provide power
even on cloudy days.
Dyesol Chairman, Mr. Richard Caldwell, indicates that the technology is a major advance over silicon solar cells,
“Dyesol is a world leader in dye solar cell (DSC) technology. Dye solar cells are a quantum leap in technology from
the earlier silicon-based photovoltaic cells because they can operate in low light conditions, and will make a major contribution
to the future supply of renewable energy. Our assessment is that there is no other company in the world that is as advanced
as Dyesol and we are now at a point where our technology and its related production processes and applications can be commercialised
on a global scale.”
The announcement follows on the heels of an announcement by Dyesol that it had entered into its first commercial
agreement. That agreement is with Helios Inc., based in Canada, to determine the feasibility of a manufacturing plant in Canada.
Hy-Drive Technologies Ltd. (TSX-V: HGS) has completed $2.6 million
(Canadian) in financing as a result of the sale of about 4.0 million Units at 64 cents a unit. Hy-Drive plans to use the funding
to help accelerate the introduction of its G2 Hy-Drive System, which are currently being assembled according to Tom Brown,
President of Hy-Drive. "We are currently assembling the first 100 of our latest generation, commercial-ready units and with
the proceeds of this financing, will be investing in inventory as well as the tooling and equipment required to increase production
levels to meet expected future sales."
The Hy-Drive system is used to generate and inject hydrogen gas
into a standard combustion engine. The reported benefits of the technology include reduced emissions, increased horsepower,
fuel savings and extended engine life.
Revolt Technology AS, based in Trondheim Norway, has secured n7
million in venture capital in its first round of financing. The investors in the company’s rechargeable Zinc-air battery
technology included Northzone Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, Techno Venture Management (TVM), and Viking Ventures.
Revolt indicates that Zinc-air batteries, which have been on the
market for over 20 years, have a higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries. Because the company has devised a
method to produce Zinc-air batteries that are rechargeable, the battery is a prime candidate for the replacement of lithium
batteries, used in everything from mobile phones to laptop computers. According to Rodermann, Partner at Sofinnova Partners,
"Many companies have tried and failed to come up with a technology to replace Li-on. By succeeding in making Zinc-air batteries
rechargeable, the founders are positioning ReVolt to become a major player in the worldwide market for rechargeable batteries
for use in mobile consumer electronics. We believe ReVolt's breakthrough technology will be particularly useful in mobile
telephones, which have become more and more energy consumptive."
Revolt also suggests that Zinc-air batteries cost less to make than
their lithium-ion counterparts. Revolt estimates that the market for consumer-based rechargeable batteries, where
it plans to focus, will reach 1.6 billion units in 2008. In the mobile phone market, where Revolt has focused its design efforts,
is estimated to reach $3 billion in 2008.
ReVolt plans to concentrate on the market for consumer electronics,
where the number of units sold in 2008 is projected to reach 1.6 billion. ReVolt batteries will be particularly adapted to
use in mobile telephones, sales of which are expected to reach $3 billion by
2008.
ReVolt, founded in 2004, is a spin-off of Sintef, considered one
of the largest contract research centers in Europe.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June 27th, 2005
Airtricity has reported plans to invest about $270 million initially
in the development of windmill parks in the states of Texas, New York as well as in the Pacific Northwest. Overall, by the
year 2010, the company plans a capital investment of over $1.5 billion in North America.
Part of the initial investment will be used to install turbines
with Renewable Generation Holdings Inc. (RGI) on a wind farm in the Abilene area. That facility is expected when complete
to have a capacity of 125 megawatts, enough to power over 75,000 homes. Turbines for the Abilene project will be supplied
from Siemens Wind Power company. In 2006, Gamesa is expected to supply wind turbines for Airtricity other wind farm projects.
Greenlight Energy has been given the green light for the development
of a 200 to 300 megawatt windmill project in rural Washington County. Construction of the facility, which may be on line as
early as 2006, is expected to cost in the order of $250 to $300 million. The energy plant to be constructed on 15,000 acres
is considered one of the largest wind farms that have been built so far and certainly the largest in Colorado, a state ranked
11th in wind energy potential, according to Greenlight.
Outlining the sought after features of the windmill site was Matt
Hantzmon, Managing Director of Greenlight Energy. "The Akron project offers many attractive features for development. The
community has been very receptive, the location is ideally situated near transmission lines and the state's renewable portfolio
standards provide strong incentives for wind energy development."
A round of funding valued at $24.5 million from the Government of
Canada and several other industry organizations is to be used for innovative automotive research projects. The funding,
to come through AUTO21, a network of research centers in Canada, is for 41 automobile research projects. The projects involve
almost every technology discipline from semiconductors, through fuel technology to nanotechnology and biomaterials. Older
drivers are also a focus of the projects. As the populations of the West ages, drivers to stay safely on the road could possibly
require everything from early warning collision systems to early warning driver medical alert systems. Such systems could
be mandated into law for medically challenged senior citizen.
Dr. Peter Frise, AUTO21 CEO. "This major investment is helping AUTO21
advance Canada's reputation as a leader in automotive research and development. The strong collaboration between government
and industry supporters and the Canadian research community is leading to new technologies and also a steady stream of highly
qualified student researchers who will lead the country's future automotive sector."
The 41 projects will involve over 230 researchers at 37 universities
throughout Canada. Specific projects mentioned include Safe Transportation for Seniors through Dr. M. Bedard, at Lakehead
University and Dr. J. Miller Polgar at the University of Western Ontario. Another entitled Enhanced Child Safety in Automobiles
will be through Dr. A. Howard, Hospital for Sick Children and Dr. A. Snowdon at the University of Windsor. Nanotechnology
projects, of which there are a number include new metal research for lighter and stronger automobiles and improved interior
design. Energy research extends across the spectrum of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and biodiesel as well as energy
generation through regenerative breaking. The Regenerative Braking Systems project is through Dr. S. Lambert, at the University
of Waterloo.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
24th, 2005
Funding of $3.5 million for Neah Power Systems, Inc. has been included
in a federal appropriations bill for the development of a silicon based fuel cell technology. The new fuel cell technology
is expected to reduce the form factor of fuel cells. Weight reductions for batteries based on silicon technology may be in
the order of 50 percent. Final funding for the project is expected to be determined later in 2005.
Reflecting the trend to standardize and automated VLSI design and
IP SoC integration, is the growing acceptance of a Power Architecture standard that is being formalized by Power.org. The
organization has set its goal to reduce power consumption for electronic systems, integrated circuit, IP core and macro core
design. Centered on the original IBM Power Architecture, the organization has attracted nearly 30 members, with eleven more
members added in June. Among those that have recently joined include Fabless , Electronic Manufacturing Services, Electronic
Design Automation (EDA) and Supercomputer companies. New fabless members include AboveMicro Technologies Corp., Ankya Cayman
Corporation, Rapport Incorporated and TimeLab. Among the new Electronic Manufacturing members are Celestica Universal Scientific
Industrial and Venture Corporation Limited. From the EDA industry, the organization has added EDA DAFCA, and Forte Design
Automation. Others that hopped on the power train included Barcelona Supercomputing Center and Teak Technologies, Inc.
The new members join an existing membership base that international
market leaders in the IT, IC, and EDA markets. These include Cadence Design and Synopsys in the EDA market, Chartered Semiconductor
in the IC foundry market, as well as Bull, IBM, Novell, Red Hat and Sony in the general hardware segments of the IT and consumer
electronics market. Other fables and fab based semiconductor companies on the list include AMCC, Culturecom (producer of the
first 32-Bit Chinese microprocessor), Shanghai Belling and Tundra Semiconductor. Others on the list include Wistron and Jabil
Circuit , both electronic manufacturing services companies and Thales, a broad based electronic systems company.
Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESLR) has announced plans to offer,
through a private placement, $75 million in convertible subordinated notes. Funding from the notes, due 2012, are planned
for general expenses such as capital expenditures, R&D and manufacturing capacity increases.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
June
22, 2005
Energy Innovations, Incorporated, a company that has developed the
low cost Sunflower rooftop solar system, has obtained $16.5 million in funding. The funding round was led by MDV-Mohr Davidow
Ventures. Idealab also participated in the round.
Sunflower, based on sun-tracking mirrors, is expected to reduce
the cost of solar cell systems in the order of 50 percent. The system uses a small panel of solar cells, which are fed focused
direct sunlight through a system of mirrors. The system is currently being tested. Customer installations are presently scheduled
for the fourth quarter of this year.
Jackson Associates, a Durham, North Carolina energy market research
analysis firm, indicates that the market for combined heat and power (CHP) systems is substantial. The CHP systems, also referred
to as cogeneration systems, have the potential to save consumers and small businesses 50 percent on their utility bills,
according to the firm. Underlying that savings is the fact that on-site or at-home energy systems don't suffer from
line wire losses associated with lengthy and some say unsightly utility company wires and poles.
The big question is how the CHP systems will be marketed. The CHP systems, which can utilize waste heat, are portable enough for home
applications and provide a way for consumers and small businesses to become independent of the power grid - and the associated
problems of that centralized system. One grid problem is often a lack of power in emergency situations, such as
natural disasters like earthquakes.
The CHP research report is the market research firm’s fifth
report and was sponsored by CHP organizations.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
21, 2005
As a signal that solar cell technology is moving away from silicon
based manufacturing, HelioVolt has received $8 million for its efforts to develop a thin film Copper Indium Selenide (CIS)process.
The company indicated that its CIS process had advantages over other
silicon and non-silicon based solar cell designs. The company pointed out that amorphous silicon and dye sensitive (polymer
based) solar cell structures had low efficiency and a tendency to materially degrade in the sun or over time – limiting
the alternatives to for niche market applications, as opposed to the mainstream building energy generation market. According to Billy J. Stanbery, Ph.D., founder and CEO of HelioVolt, "We are
introducing a dramatically more efficient way to manufacture and install CIS, the proven highest-performing solar technology
and a solar energy pioneer. We can shorten photovoltaic manufacturing time and thermal budget by a factor of ten to 100. This
is the first truly practical technology to enable buildings to produce their own power."
The company also noted that CIS thin-films require only 1 percent
as much photovoltaic material to convert the same amount of sunlight to electricity.
DayStar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSTI) has announced its first
purchase agreement for its TerraFoil, non-silicon solar cells. Daystar stated on announcement of the agreement, “Full
realization of the purchase agreement would result in revenues of up to $60 million using today's market price for the silicon
cells they replace.” The agreement, which is dependent on the capability for Daystar to ramp up its new technology,
requires monthly delivery until the end of 2008. Initial product shipments have been scheduled for the third quarter of 2005.
Dr. John R. Tuttle, CEO of DayStar Technologies commented further
on the purchase, "We are pleased to enter into this purchase agreement which puts an exclamation point on the Company's first
sale and strongly validates our discreet CIGS solar cell product design. This agreement also demonstrates Blitzstrom's confidence
in our manufacturing development and scale-up plans to deliver large quantities of PV Foil. Additionally, TerraFoil complements
Blitzstrom's extensive product line, deployment experience and unique focus in thin-film PV system integration and module
manufacturing. We look forward to working closely with Blitzstrom on the introduction of Photovoltaic Foil into one of the
largest and most successful markets for PV in the World."
As a downstream product, in support of its solar cell production
capacity, RWE Schott opened a 4,000 square meter solar modules production facility. To fill the module line, the company reports
that it will have a solar cell production capacity of 100 megawatts by the end of 2005.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June 20th, 2005
Anaerobic Digester Technology Basis of Dairyland's High Power Generation Capabilities
Environmental Power Corporation (AMEX:EPG) plans to celebrate the
opening of the Dairyland Power Cooperative with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 22. The ceremony will be held at Five Star
Dairy in Elk Mound Wisconsin. A tour of the dairy's energy generation facility will be made. On that tour one will see the
design and construction work that went into the development of 6.5 million kilowatt energy production facility. The anaerobic
digester system at the site turns the waste from 800 milk cows into enough energy to power about 600 homes. The facility was
designed by Microgy, Inc. a subsidiary of Environmental Power.
Super Bright LED Technology Spins Additional $2 Million Investment - White
Light Bulb Contender
Lamina Ceramics has obtained a $2 million investment from SpaceVest.
The round C financing was led by Granite Global, which contributed $6 million to the $9 million in financing. Others involved
in the round included Morgenthaler Ventures
Lamina with the financing announcement also reported that it has also
broke the bright LED record with its brightest ever LED array with a 28,000 lumen solid-state white light engine. The company’s
Ultra-high lumen LEDs technology are also another LED achievement. Devices based on this technology are capable of producing
16 million colors in an area smaller than a small sized coat button.
Lamina, founded in 2001, as a spin-off of Sarnoff Corporation, has
based its award winning ceramic on metal LED technology on over 12 years of research conducted at Sarnoff. Lamina received
the Best New LED Product and Technical Innovation Award at Lightfair International.
Ignite Innovations Center of Solar Powered Lantern Revolution
In an effort to replace kerosene lanterns in the developing nations,
and at the same time reduce oil consumption by over 1 percent, reduce greenhouse gases, and provide a better standard of life
for people in developing countries, IGNITE Innovations offers a solar powered lantern and hybrid financing to lower the costs
of lighting for those that depend on kerosene lanterns. The company, a spin-off of Stanford University, has on its staff,
Charlie Gay, the Chairman of the Board of Advisors for SunPower Corporation. His credential also include a stay as President
of Siemens Solar Industries and the Director of Department of Energy 's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The company accepts donations for the IGNITE Foundation. That foundation
provides renewable energy products that foster economic development, a safer global environment and raises the quality of
life in areas where renewable energy technology is not readily affordable.
Solar Plane Funded with Over $10 Million in Funding, Around-the-World Flight Scheduled in 2010
Solar Impulse with one quarter of the estimated $40 million dollars
assured has set its departure date for its around the globe flight for 2009. The solar planes has one of the longest
wings in the world. The wings stretch 80 meters and support 250 square meters of solar panels that drive two engines, which
provide a total of 40 horsepower. The planes top speed is estimated at 100 kilometers per hour. The plans also is planned
to carry 440 kilos of batteries to power the plane at night. The planes energy conserving strategy is to rise to a height
of over 10,000 meters at night and then glide back down to an altitude of 3,000 meters at night. Solvay, the first of the
project's four "main partners," will provide expertise for the plane's light but strong composite body.
Major partners in the plan include a number of notable European
companies and agencies. These include Solvay Group, a chemical and plastics company, Dassault Aviation, a plane maker,
Altran Technologies, a solar and avionics company and the European Space Agency.
$2.5 Million in Renewable Energy Funds Made Available to Native
American Indian Tribes
The United States Department of Energy has announced the availability
of $2.5 million to 18 Native American Indian tribes for the development of renewable energy and energy conservation technologies
on their tribal lands. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has already received funding and plans to use the funds to develop geothermal
ground source heat pumps to generate electricity. The tribe is based in Central Oklahoma. Seventeen other tribes were also
selected, which included a tribe affiliated with Aleut people in Alaska. That classified tribe is known to live in what is
considered as one of the windiest places in the world.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
17th, 2005
In an effort to address the immense emissions problem association
with vehicles that are extensively idled when parked, such as trucks, Volvo Technology and Statoil have formed a joint venture
company called Powercell. Under the agreement, Powercell has obtained the rights to a new fuel cell technology that will be
used to power on-vehicle electronics, such as air conditioning and heating systems, when trucks are parked for long periods
as truck drivers take long needed naps.
According to Volvo, which sites statistics from the Truck Manufacturers
Association and calculations from the Department of Energy, the emissions generated from such activity are great. It estimates
that in North America alone, such idling trucks generate more CO2 emissions than 25 percent of all of Sweden’s emissions
combined. Volvo estimates that about 20 to 30 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per truck are generated every year.
The technology is also startling. Hydrogen fuel for the fuel
cell is generated from the diesel engine itself. As well, the design of the fuel cell is compact enough to enable standard
trucks to be retrofitted with the technology.
Staples, a major retailer in the office supplies market, is one
of the first Big Box retailers to take advantage of BP Solar's new financing package. With BP Solar, Staples will install
solar systems at three facilities, two in California and one in New Jersey. Both New Jersey and California offer incentives
for the solar cell systems, which reduce the cost of solar cell investments.
BP Solar is expected to make further inroads in the United
States big box retail and municipal markets as it solar financing package becomes better known. BP Solar has a $60 million
fund available for solar financing available through SunEdison LLC. That fund is called the "SunE Solar Fund I." The readily
available financing, which can also include joint partnerships, suggests that solar energy investments may be a sustainable
path to a reasonable return on investment. According to SunEdison founder Jigar Shah, "Our pioneering fund helps qualifying
companies reap the benefits of solar electricity with no upfront cost and without affecting their balance sheet."
Recently, BP Solar also announced it has expanded its solar cell
capacity to meet increased levels of demand. The company announced a 28 million Euro investment to increase capacity at its
facilities in Spain. The expansion in Spain is part of the company's plan to double its solar production capacity to 200 MWp
(megawatts peak) by 2006.
According to Charles Postles, BP Solar's European Regional Director,
"These new lines represent another step forward in the development of the photovoltaic market in Europe, led by Germany with
around 300 MWp installed in 2004 and Spain which is forecast to at least double in size in 2005. "
As a result of the approval of the State Government, 128 wind turbines
will be placed on Victoria Australia's second largest wind farm as part of a project to generate 192 megawatts of the 1,000
megawatts Victoria aims for by 2006. The project had run into opposition because of concerns about the aesthetics on the local
vista.
Kerry and Jeffords Propose 20 Percent Renewable Energy Goal
for 2020
More in line with other developed countries, former Presidential
Candidate U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-Mass) and U.S. Senator Jim Jeffords have proposed as part of an amendment to the energy
bill now before the senate, a plan that would require 20 percent of all United States electricity production to come from
renewable energy resources. Renewable energy sources included would be wind, solar and geothermal. From the text of the announcement,
it appears that clean coal may not be considered suitable. There is significant concern that even new technology that turns
coal into very clean burning coal will not be enough of an incentive to offset the fears of mass scale coal excavation. Colossal
bulldozers have already flattened mountains and completely devastated streams and forests in their attempt to reduce the cost
of mining coal.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
15th, 2005
Valence Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: VLNC), a developer of phosphate-based
lithium-ion technology, with the announcement of its fiscal year revenue reported that it has secured an additional $20 million
funding commitment. Mr. Carl Berg has committed to the funding in the form of equity or a secured loan.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, Valence reported a 13
percent increase in revenue over revenues for its fiscal 2004 year. For its fiscal 2005 year Valences revenues were $10.7
million versus $9.5 million in fiscal 2004. Although yearly revenue was up and the highest in the company's history, revenue
for the company's fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 was down 15 percent - $2.4 million compared to $2.8 million in the company's
fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.
Despite the down quarter, there are signs that Valence will continue
on a growth track. The company indicated that because of the market response to battery runtime, they received orders for
the first half of fiscal year 2006 that were much higher than expected. The company also announced a design win from Segway
LLC and a reduction in production costs of 34 percent in fiscal 2005 compared to fiscal 2004 levels.
Other developments in fiscal 2005 included the introduction of its
U-Charge systems and orders for evaluation systems from Alternativ Canada, E-Traction, Electric Vehicles International, GF
Healthcare, and UQM Technologies. The company also reported that it increased its powder production such that it can produce
up to three million 18650 cylinders per quarter.
Britain Puts £40 million on the Table to Capture CO2
from Power Plants
The British government announced £40 million funding package to
capture CO2 (carbon dioxide) from power plants and store the resultant gas in depleted North Sea oil and gas fields. The technology,
referred to as carbon capture and storage or carbon abatement technology, according to the Energy Minister , Malcolm Wicks,
may become a valuable export and help reduce carbon emissions in the order of 60 percent by 2050.
The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has reported that it
is ready with its low-emissions engine to meet the United States EPA's 2007 clean diesel rule. However, the association is
concerned about the ability of oil and pipeline companies to deliver on the necessary 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur diesel
fuel needed. According to EMA President, Jed Mandel, "Engine manufacturers have done their part and are ready with the engine
and aftertreatment technology needed to meet the 2007 emission standards. Oil and pipeline companies and the EPA must assure
that diesel fuel that fully complies with the established standards is available and delivered on-time. Any backsliding is
unacceptable from a vehicle engineering and air quality viewpoint." He went on to emphasize the importance of meeting the
schedule. "The clean diesel technologies required by EPA's 2007 rule are designed to operate on diesel fuel with less than
15 ppm sulfur content and need the ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel to operate properly. There can be no slippage in the delivery
schedule or quality of the fuel."
Mr. Mandell pointing out that engine companies have spent hundreds
of million of dollars on the development of the low-emissions engine, continued, "As we introduce these significantly cleaner
engines and vehicles, potential buyers need the assurance that the appropriate diesel fuel required by this new technology
will be available as promised. Over the last four years, engine manufacturers have designed and manufactured engine systems
based upon single digit ppm sulfur content fuel with a cap of no more than 15 ppm, and we fully expect that a diesel fuel
that complies with this requirement will be available."
As part of Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) DFJ Venture Challenge,
a venture funding university contest, a group of students from CalTech with the name Bionic Harvest, were awarded $250,000
in seed funding to further develop their microgenerator. That device, which brings backs the days of the generator-powered
bicycle light, was designed to charge batteries from human motion.
Robert Rogan of Bionic Harvest,had this to say about the award and
product, "Tapping the motion of the human body as a source of energy has the potential to revolutionize the status quo of
battery power. We're excited about the potential of our technology to impact people's lives and to change the way we think
about how small battery powered devices can be used. Winning this competition is a great kick-start for our business."
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June 14th, 2005
Colusa Biomass Energy, Inc. (Pink Sheets:CBGY), a biofuels company,
that plans to convert waste rice hulls and waste rice straw to ethanol for fuel applications, has begun trading on Pink Sheets.
With the announcement, Tom Bowers, CEO of CBGY, took the opportunity
to discuss the company's unique approach to producing energy, "We are delighted to see that all of our efforts in the field
of waste biomass conversion to energy will finally be seen by the investing public. Years ago, we discovered a bountiful supply
of energy growing in the sunshine all year round. We noticed that a lot of waste was created when our agricultural producers
grew our daily foods. Take rice as an example -- when the California rice farmer grows an acre of rice he gets about 8000
pounds of rice and 5000 pounds of rice straw. Most of the rice straw has no commercial value. Worthless waste rice straw is
not the case with CBGY. We have the proprietary technology to make an acre of waste rice straw into 313 gallons of fuel ethanol
and 900 pounds of high quality silica for industry. And, our process of waste biomass conversion goes through our proprietary,
patented process. CBGY has the ability to generate roughly $890 of revenue from an acre of waste rice straw -- with 3,600,000
acres of rice being grown in the United States, let alone China, India and other countries, we see tremendous growth potential
for CBGY in this niche arena of waste conversion. Our process has been successful in trial runs in California, and we will
be displaying it again in August, 2005. To our knowledge, no other company has this specific type of technology, and we are
excited about our prospects for growth."
Useful forms of rice straw have been reported to
serve as a nutrient rich compost, which can be used effectively to grow mushrooms and for the reduction of runoff in almond
orchards.
MEMS USA, Inc. (OTCBB:MEMS) and Central Pacific Power Inc. have
entered into a second joint venture to design, build and operate a biomass-to-ethanol facility in Canada. The plant is expected
to cost $150 million and be able to produce 160,000 gallons of ethanol a day. MEMS USA is to be primarily responsible for
the engineering of the facility, while Central Pacific Power is primarily responsible for sales, distribution and marketing
of the ethanol as well as the sourcing of biomass materials and related operational tasks.
Gamesa has reported that it has received an order for twenty
G58-850 Kilowatt wind turbines from Pioneer Asia Wind Turbines, enough to generate 17 megawatts of power. The new addition
will add to the 8.5 megawatts of power currently generated at the Tamil Nadu wind farm in India.
London Array, a consortium that represents CORE Limited, E.ON UK
Renewables and Shell WindEnergy Limited has announced that it has submitted consent and planning applications for a proposal
to build a $2.7 billion wind farm to generate electricity for London. The London Array project, if completed, is expected
to generate 1,000 megawatts and power for over 750,000 homes. Considered the largest wind energy project in the world to date,
the plan is to place 270 wind turbines on offshore platforms about 60 miles outside of London.
The completed project according to Core Director Erik Kjoer Sorenson,
"will supply the equivalent of a quarter of London's domestic load and will surely, once and for all, bury the myth that wind
energy is insignificant. Furthermore, it is merely the first of a number of similar sized wind power schemes that will place
the U.K. market at the forefront of offshore renewable energy development worldwide."
The U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory reports
that polymer nanocomposites may have broad implications for the development of solar cells with higher efficiency ratings,
displays that are thinner, and biosensors.
Polymer nanocomposites, the laboratory notes, have the natural ability
to self-organize or self-assemble into building blocks that have dimensions in the order of a nanometer. According to Tom
Vogt, a physicist at Brookhaven, "Polymer nanocomposites have been attracting a lot of attention because of their potential
to improve many technologies. The polymer imparts unique mechanical properties, such as the ability to bend and stretch, and
both components are good electrical conductors." The polymer component referred to here is polyaniline. Specifically for the
case cited, the polymer component was combined with the metal vanadium to form vanadium oxide.
Stratcor, Inc. based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a supplier
of high purity vanadium oxide. That company indicates that vanadium can be used to double the strength of steel.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
13th, 2005
Based on an array of vertically aligned collector nanostructures
that include nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibers or nanoparticle chains, NanoHorizons has now made available a new photovoltaic
cell design through a license program. The company indicates that the technology permits the production of solar cells on
common materials that can be inexpensively produced with low cost roll or spray based manufacturing processes. The company
also noted that because the design lengthens the light absorption path, the efficiency of solar cells has been "dramatically"
increased. According to one of the co-inventors, Dr. Ali Kaan Kalkan, the design overcomes the inefficiencies of the traditional
layered design approach, "Layered designs face an inherent paradox. Thicker light-absorbing layers are needed to capture sufficient
light energy, but their thickness makes it difficult for electrons to reach collection layers. Thinner layers reduce loss,
but thin layers absorb too little light. What's been needed is a new approach that allows the light absorption path to be
optimally long, while simultaneously moving efficient collection much closer to the source of energized electrons."
Stephen Fonash, PhD., founder of NanoHorizons and another co-inventor
elaborated further, "Solar energy development has been held up by barriers inherent in cell design. These barriers have now
been broken. Our nanoscale approach can enable collection lengths as small as a few tens of nanometers, opening the door to
the use of inexpensive materials and fabrication processes, while simultaneously enabling a truly optimized absorption length.
This technology is poised to greatly stimulate growth in the solar energy and Organic LED sectors."
NanoHorizons also indicates that the integration of its vertical
nano-spike collectors into the absorption material permits energy collection at 90 degrees to the absorption process, which
permits according to the company, "an optimally thick absorption layer while dramatically shortening collection distance by
as much as 1000-fold (tens of nanometers vs. tens of microns in today's best two-layer cells). "
NanoHorizons also reported that it has received notice of allowance
from the United States Patent Office for the technology.
Low Cost Energy and Energy Jobs Drive Rensselaer $20 Million
Energy Research Center
In a growing trend away from oil and towards cost-effective energy
technology, the opening of The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Center for Future Energy Systems helps further establish
renewable energy as the replacement for the black oil that fueled the industrial revolution.
Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson spoke about energy in the
context of one of the most important races of the 21st century, "The need for an adequate supply of affordable, accessible,
sustainable energy is the overarching issue of the 21st century. Energy security is the 'space race' of this millennium. She
went on to comment on about the need for renewable energy innovations and the goal to create energy related jobs, "But we
cannot just drill our way to energy security, we must innovate our way to energy security, which is why the research taking
place at the Rensselaer Center for Future Energy Systems is so vital. Our goal is to make New York state a world leader in
energy research and a powerful generator of energy-related businesses and jobs. We applaud Governor Pataki, Senator Bruno,
the legislature, and NYSTAR for their leadership in providing the spark that will ignite this powerful collaboration among
New York state universities, industry, and government."
The event was attended by numerous politicians, business leaders
and member of the energy technology community. These included New York State Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue, State Senate
Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR) Executive Director
Russell Bessette, Plug Power Chief Operating Officer Greg Silvestri, and Rensselaer Vice President for Research Omkaram "Om"
Nalamasu, among others.
The $20 million research center, focused on the commercialization
of innovative energy conservation and renewable energy systems, was a result of a partnership between Cornell University and
Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Standard Architectural Design Techniques Save Power
by 50 Percent
Common sense can go along way to the reduction of power in today's
factories, office complexes and even skyscrapers. According to TERI, an award winning energy research institute based in India,
up to 50 percent of the power consumption can be eliminated in many buildings through the incorporation of basic architectural
methods that require very little or no capital investment.
TERI will conduct an energy audit of a building on request. As part
of that audit, TERI can estimate energy savings at various levels of capital investment. TERI can also help a company completely
break its power grid habit. In order to accomplish this TERI has several energy technology programs: Biomass Energy Technology
Applications, Centre for Research on Environmentally Sound Technology Applications, Centre for Research on Sustainable Building
Science, Industrial Energy, Renewable Energy Technology Applications, Resource Efficient Process Technology Application
The Reva G-Wiz has begun to take hold in England as an alternative
to higher priced cars and high maintenance costs. The all electric vehicle, with a top speed of 40 miles per hour, is considered
a reasonable alternative as a second car for trips to the grocery store, PTA meetings and dropping off the kids at school.
Parents with teen-agers also may find the car a safer alternative to other more expensive high speed gasoline counterparts.
Besides these advantages, the two door hatchback is free from congestion charges, a tax applied to gas burning cars. The car
sells for about 7000 English pounds and costs about one pence per mile to drive - making it ideal for students on a budget
- who can charge up the car for free at the many car parks throughout England.
One of the features of the car is low-maintenance. The car doesn't
have an engine, radiator and the many other parts that often fail in gasoline cars. For those that want more power another
car is due out with a top speed of 75mph.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
10th, 2005
Two companies that have been the target of venture capital funding,
Konarka Technologies, Inc. and Solaris Nanosciences, have joined forces through a joint development agreement. As part of
that agreement, the two companies will evaluate solar cell technology that comes as a result of the combination of Konarka's
light activated power plastic and Solaris's nanoscale metallic light oriented structures.
Executives at both companies talked with interest about the combination
of the two company's technologies. Russell Gaudiana, Ph.D., Vice President of R&D at Konarka spoke about the company's
goal to bring solar technology to its zenith, "One of Konarka's goals is to push photovoltaic science as far and as fast as
possible, and exploring how well our materials work with Solaris' in a shared program is one way to make that happen. Konarka's
solutions are chemistry-agnostic. We believe in finding the best possible combination of materials to create power plastic
that meets the performance needed for a specific application, and this project with Solaris holds promise."
Robert Afzal, the Vice President of R&D at Solaris Nanosciences
talked about the concept of the solar antenna, "Through our proprietary nanotechnology, we uniquely design the optical properties
of our NanoAntenna materials. Our nano-antennas enhance the absorption of the solar spectrum much like a conventional antenna
enhances the reception of a radio receiver. This leads to high absorption in thinner structures with highly favorable electrical
properties possibly resulting in higher efficiencies."
The companies indicated that Solaris' nanoscale metallic structures
are to be used as an additive to Konarka's light sensitizing materials. The metallic structures are said to attract light
sensitive molecules - acting as nanoantennas. One inference is that the metallic nanostructures offer lower resistance to
light.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), a diversified research organization
with significant operations in energy generation and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), has developed a radial flow
gas turbine. The turbine was developed as an alternative to the over 50,000 technically complex industrial complex turbines
that are in use today. The traditional turbines to be replaced, the organization notes, in general, have over 1,000 moving
parts.
Dr. Klaus Brun, who was instrumental in the development of the design
at SwRI's Mechanical and Materials Engineering Division, highlighted the fundamental differences in the design and primary
commercialization features, "The fundamental difference between the SwRI centrifugal gas turbine and conventional gas turbines
is that the compressor and turbine section are installed on the same side of the rotating wheel, while the combustor and nozzle
are mounted on the stationary shroud. This is the most basic arrangement possible and allows the design to be extremely rugged,
simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The entire gas turbine assembly consists of only two relatively easy-to-manufacture
components. Because there is only one rotating part, costs of manufacture, maintenance, repair and replacement are low."
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
9th, 2005
Biosphere Development Corporation, which has developed a system
to convert all types of biomass to energy, including your common household and industrial waste, has confirmed that it has
received a loan commitment from its financier, Diamond Ridge. The $3.4 billion commitment is considered a major vote of confidence
of the company's energy technology and a signal that the energy industry is on the threshold of a significant change.
Biosphere has planned to use the funds to go ahead with plans it
has made for the manufacture and deployment of its Biosphere Process System. These plans include an Agreement of Intent with
Shenzhen Branch of Yankuang Group Co., Ltd., and the Shenzhen Rayes Group Co. Ltd. Under the plan Biopshere is to form new
joint venture companies in China with these two organizations for the deployment of over 1,300 Biosphere Process Systems'
in China by 2010.
The Biosphere Process System, a cogeneration system, is used to
convert traditional and non-traditional waste materials into electricity, thermal energy and other marketable by-products.
Waste sources that the company lists as viable sources of electrical energy for its system include agricultural effluents
and parts, agricultural surpluses, chemical and biological waste, flared natural gas, forestry wastes, high sulfur oils, industrial
wastes, medical waste, municipal solid waste, munitions, oil contaminated top soil, petroleum and polychlorinated biphenyl
(PCB) waste, sewage sludge, shale oil, sloppy gas, sour or wet natural gas, tires, waste bilge oil, waste drilling muds and
fluids.
The Biosphere Process, according to the company, also is reported
to have no toxic emissions or residue, and passes the environmental and permit requirements of modern countries. Besides the
generation of energy, the system also generates useful byproducts including potable water, fertilizer, cement, compost and
metals.
Biosphere Development Corporation is a subsidiary of Global Environmental
Energy Corp., (OTCBB:GEECF) (FWB:LFT).
The new Honda Civic GX is arriving in the United States according
to American Honda. The natural gas powered car will be offered in California on a market evaluation basis. The car comes complete
with a device called Phill. This device enables the Civic to be filled with natural gas straight from the natural gas line
in one's home - eliminating the need for a trip to the gasoline station.
According to Gunnar Lindstrom, Senior Manager of Alternative Fuels
at American Honda, the car has an emissions level of nearly zero, "The car uses only natural gas that is the same fuel you
have in your home. The car is extremely clean, virtually zero emissions and it also uses natural gas which is a domestic fuel."
John White at the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies
also commented on the Civic and the home fueling device it comes with, "Honda with its Civic GX and Phill home fueling appliance
are staying on the cutting edge at a time of high gas prices and global warning concerns."
Green shoes are another green item that consumers may want to add
to their shopping list now that Northern Power Systems has entered into a contract with Timberland, a major producer of outdoor
shoes. That agreement calls for Northern Power Systems to design and construct a 400 Kilowatt solar power system at Timberland's
429,000 square foot distribution center in Ontario, California. The photovoltaic system to be built there is expected to provide
approximately 60 percent of the distribution center's power in addition to providing shade for the automobiles in the company's
parking lot.
According to Timberland, the benefits of a renewable energy system
are many. Besides reducing green house gas emissions that would be incurred from further dependence on the power, Timberland
will also qualify for $1.5 million rebate under California's Self-Generation Incentive Program and receive green credits,
which can be exchanged in the emerging energy credit market with other companies.
On the announcement of the contract, Betsy Blaisdell, Manager of
Environmental Stewardship of Timberland, stated, "The proposed PV system offers a tremendous value, combining a sound business
decision with Timberland's ongoing commitment to social responsibility. We examined the proposals of multiple vendors over
a period of 18 months, and Northern's creativity in finding a solution that met our economic and environmental objectives,
as well as their track record of designing and installing successful renewable power projects, were determining factors in
the contract award." Blaisdell also noted that the renewable energy system was a natural fit for Timberland, "The system's
alignment with Timberland's core values makes it the natural next step in our exciting evolution."
Electrovaya Inc. (TSX:EFL) has begun shipment of its new PowerPad
300 - Phosphate series battery. The Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery has a power rating of 300 Watt-hours and has been targeted
toward the health care mobile notebook computer market. In support of the battery, Electrovaya cited a statement from Rey
Flores, Client Engineer - Microsoft MVP and Editor of MobileGadgetNews.com, "In my initial tests, the PowerPad 300 ran some
of my Notebook & Tablet PCs for up to 27 hours of continuous run time. I consider the PowerPad 300 an excellent product
for the mobility needs of a hospital or any power needy road warrior!"
Dr. James. K. Jacobs, Chief Technology Officer of Electrovaya commented
on the company's line of batteries for different computer users needs, "With its proprietary Lithium Iron Phosphate based
chemistry, the PowerPad 300 - Phosphate series meets the objective of complete mobility for mobile computing. Electrovaya's
SuperPolymer(R) rechargeable battery technology is materials independent and we can incorporate most new materials as they
emerge. For small batteries, Electrovaya will continue to use industry standard Lithium cobalt oxide, which meets rigorous
requirements for the highest energy density. We are pleased to be in a position to commercialize this unique phosphate based
material invented by Dr. Goodenough and his team at the University of Texas, and further developed by groups in Canada,"
Electrovaya noted that the PowerPad 300 battery weighs less than
3 kilograms and has dimensions of 12X8.75X1.25 inches. The company states that the battery has run time of up to 24 hours
- which offers those that must be off the grid a reliable energy source as well as a reliable back-up source of power from
black-outs and other grid problems. The battery technology is based on a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cathode powder from
Phostech Lithium Inc.
Power Integrations, Inc. (NASDAQ:POWI) has introduced a 3-watt charger
reference design that it estimates reduces no-load energy by 97 percent over linear transformer based designs. The company
says that the new design consumes less than 30 mW of no-load power. The design has been developed for portable applications
such as cell phones, cordless phones, MP3 players and PDAs.
The new design, DI-84, is a 5 V, 600 mA charger based on the company's
TinySwitch-II power conversion IC family. The DI-84 operates on AC voltages from 85 VAC to 265 VAC. The Y capacitor less solution
also meets CISPR-22 Class B conducted EMI limits. This feature, according to the company, assists in the development of low
component count and low cost solutions without undesirable "touch current" associated with metallic cell phones.
Doug Bailey, Vice President Marketing at Power Integrations
noted that the product’s energy reduction contribution to total world energy demands would be significant, "The sheer
number and ubiquity of products that use external chargers and adapters makes their overall contribution to energy waste significant.
The DI-84 low-power charger design will allow manufacturers to rapidly bring products to market that exceed all worldwide
mandatory and advisory efficiency and standby power consumption regulations." One of the markets Mr. Bailey refers to is
the cellular phone market. About 600 million cell phones a year are sold.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
8th, 2005
Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA) has reported another contract
win for its ORMAT Recovered Energy Generation (REG) power plant. This time it is with a pipeline company located in Western
Canada. The new power plant will recover waste heat from a gas turbine on one of the company's pipelines and convert the wasted
heat to 5 megawatts of electrical power. In turn, the pipeline company will sell the electricity back to the local Utility.
Lucien Y. Bronicki, CTO and COB at Ormat Technologies, with the
release of the announcement, listed the Ormat’s recent successes in the recovered energy market, "This agreement
provides further validation of the importance of recovered energy, a market with high growth potential. The agreement marks
ORMAT's third achievement in recovered energy this year. As previously announced, Ormat had entered into a power purchase
agreement to supply 22 MW from recovered energy generation plants in North and South Dakota, and separately, entered into
a letter of intent to provide a 4.95 MW facility to a utility in the Northwestern United States. We are very pleased with
our progress on this area."
XsunX has now gone beyond its transparent solar cell-on-window glass
technology to develop a transparent solar cell-on-low-cost thin-film plastic. The company says it will soon provide qualified
manufacturers with samples of its Power Glass on plastic films.
Tom Djokovich, XsunX's CEO gave his assessment and reasons why the
new Power Glass on plastic films is important to the glass industry, "The modern glass industry has grown very familiar
with the wide use of PET and PEN films with special coatings to reduce heat gain or provide UV filtering properties. Our goal
has been to deliver to the industry the ability to use these same films coated with the XsunX Power Glass transparent solar
cell. We believe that leveraging the glass industries familiarity with the manufacture and use of products that employ these
types of high performance coatings on PEN and PET plastics will open up new markets for the glass industry that extend far
past simple solar heat and UV control."
Marlyn Nutraceuticals, a quality enzyme supplement manufacturer,
has won the 2005 Manufacturer of the Year award from the Arizona Association of Industries. The technology in Marlyn’s
energy efficient factory was taken in part from technology developed by space pioneer, NASA. The ceramic roof coating of the
factory, which protects the factory from the Arizona summer heat, was developed at NASA. Other energy independent features
of the factory include solar panel heated water, a non-freon air conditioning system, based on just one energy efficient chiller,
as well as shade trees. The company pointed out that the shade trees can reduce internal building heat up to 10 percent.
Besides a quality oriented energy solution, Marlyn Nutraceuticals
also strives to produce the highest quality and research proven nutraceuticals. The company states that it "conducts clinical
trials on products even through industry regulations do not require them." The company also stays away from chemicals in the
manufacturing process. The company's tablets are air dried in a humidity controlled room and the plant is cleaned with environmentally
friendly bio-cleaners.
Marlyn Nutraceuticals' CEO, Joe Lehmann, summed up the company in
one short common sense statement, "Most importantly, our practices ensure that our distinctive enzyme products are superior
in quality to support the health of people who use them."
Direct Drive Propulsion System Lowers Mass and Energy
Needs for Space Ship
Aerojet, a GenCorp Inc. (NYSE:GY) company, has received a contract
from NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate for the complete development and delivery of a sub-scale electric propulsion
direct drive system. The direct drive system will deliver power directly from the spaceships solar panels to electric propulsion
Hall thrusters. According to the company, the design will result in a net mass (weight = mass X gravity) reduction of over
1,000 kilograms (2,205 pounds). This in turn will result in reduced propellant for the launch of the Moon and Mars bound vehicles
from the planet Earth. The two-phase contract, with all of its options, was valued at $12.3 million.
In what appears to be a trend, Power Mohawk Paper Mills has scheduled
the use of 45 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of wind power to run its two paper mills in New York and a new facility in Ohio.
The company is reported now to be second in the United States in the use of wind power. The number one company is Johnson
& Johnson.
As some studies suggest, business that are environmentally conscience
are often preferred vendors. A statement from Thomas D. O'Connor, Jr., Mohawk's Chairman and CEO, supports that belief,
"Many U.S. paper mills have moved their production facilities offshore. Mohawk Paper, by contrast, is thriving in New York
State and has recently doubled its size through the acquisition of the Fine Papers group from International Paper Company.
Our commitment to environmental excellence has sustained -- even propelled us -- to where we are today. Response to our Wind
Power Portfolio has opened up new markets with customers committed to preserving the earth's natural resources."
Mohawk purchased its first wind turbine in 2004. Since then it has
continued to expand its wind energy resources. Commenting
on the financial aspects of wind investment was George Milner, Mohawk's Senior Vice President, Energy, Environmental and Governmental
Affairs, "There is a misconception that choosing the environmentally correct path costs a lot more but with the technological
advances in windmills, the cost of wind power is within range of traditional energy sources. And our customers find it a tangible
way to express their own commitment to sustainability."
WORLD ENERGY
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June 7th, 2005
From down under, comes news that the Low Emissions Technology Demonstration
Fund is now accepting applications. According to Ian Macfarlane, Federal Industry Minister, "The Statement of Challenges
and Opportunities is an opportunity for industry stakeholders to have a say on the operation of the program before first round
applications are called later this year," He added that, "The fund is likely to drive total investment of more than
$1.5 billion in cleaner technologies ranging from renewable energies to more conventional fuel sources. It's an exciting opportunity
to usher in a new generation of low emission technology."
The organization, the Australian Greenhouse Office, Department of
the Environment and Heritage, has a comprehensive web site, which gives eligibility requirements and a wealth
of information related to energy and emissions independence technology and programs, such as the government’s solar
cities program.
Appealing to a growing consumer trend to support responsible business
energy practices, Atahotels has made it plans public to power more of its resorts with clean and safe energy. To accomplish
this, the hotel operator has singed another agreement with Enel Energia, a subsidiary of Italian utility, Enel, for the supply
of renewable energy for a period of one year. That contract covers the supply of energy to its Capotaormina Resort, in Sicily,
and to the Planibel Resort, in Valle d'Aosta. Other green resort locations, powered green in 2004 are the Naxos Beach Resort
in Sicily and its Tanka Village Resort in Sardinia.
The new contract is for the supply of 6. 6 million Kilowatt Hours
per year of wind related, solar, geothermal and biogas energy. As a result of the agreement, the Atahotels chain will be granted
the "100 pct green power energy" brand.
In an effort to improve the town’s energy efficiency and to
become an exporter of electricity, the town of Kuzumaki, in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, has also seen its revenue increase from
tourism. The small town, with a population of only 9,000, in an effort to bring economic stability to its rural countryside,
has increased its energy independence level to 78 percent. This level also includes vehicle energy independence. This however
is not enough for the small town. It now aims for 100 percent and more. In order to achieve this, the town, based in a forest,
plans to add leftover biomass from forestry operations and domestic animal waste to add to its supply of wind energy, of which
it has plenty of. The company has several windmills, which it recently built to take advantage of the high winds that
sweep through the area.
Although the town initially installed the windmills as a way to
survive in the windy climate, along with dairy cows, which arrived over a 100 years ago, and a wine plant and an energy research
center (with University research ties), in recent years, the company now sees tourism as a major revenue resource. Since
completion of its windmills, the number of tourists has increased five fold, to 500,000.
One day, perhaps, instead of wooden roofs, houses will be built
with solar roofs. Until that day, Sharp has introduced interlocking and individually removable Flat Panel Roof Modules. The
company notes that besides easy module installation, addition and removability features, the modules withstand high wind conditions,
have a moisture resistant coating, work in low light conditions and come complete with a 25 year warranty.
With the product announced, Sharp Corporation also reported that
it increased its solar cell production output to 400 megawatts (from 315 megawatts) per year, which in part will be accomplished
through a new solar panel assembly facility in Memphis, Tennessee.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
6th, 2005
With the appointment of Martin (Marty) Goldenblatt to the position
of Vice President of Sales, GreenFuel Technologies Corporation plans to establish market share for its proprietary advanced
biotechnologies. The goal of that biotechnology, the company indicates is "to profitably transform exhaust gases from power
plants and industrial sites into renewable biofuels."
Mr. Goldenblatt is credited with numerous marketing successes in
his energy career. Most recently he was Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development at World Energy Exchange.
While there, he helped that company increase its revenue in the area of online energy procurement.
On his appointment, Marty underlined the great product he will help
market, "I am immensely proud to represent GreenFuel's unique proposition of converting waste gases to fuels, and the great
value that process offers to plant owners and operators. I'm looking forward to joining such a progressive enterprise, and
am eager to start engaging with prospective customers." The company has already been in negotiations with facility installations,
concerning its product, on a worldwide basis.
With all the focus on cars, a researcher at Lawrence Berkeley Labs
indicates that the conversion of lanterns to LED light bulbs, would save about 1.3 million barrels of oil a day, or the equivalent
of about $38 billion a year, or approximately 1.6 percent of total world daily oil consumption. In order to convert from lanterns,
most of the world’s poor, which rely on the energy inefficient and green house gas emission laden kerosene lanterns,
would have to replace the lanterns with the latest solid state White LED Lamps.
The researcher, Evan Mills, of Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy
Technologies Division, wrote prolifically about the subject in the May 27, 2005 issue of Journal Science. In that article
he indicated that a $25.00 LED lamp would not only reduce the demand for oil in the world, reduce green house emissions, but
would bring a return on the investment. From his data, the payback period would be about one year.
The results of Evan Mills’ research suggest that it may be
wise from many standpoints to loan or subsidize those that find it difficult to come up with the $25.00, which can be as much
as one month’s pay for those in poor nations, for the solar powered White LED lamps. Such a tactic would lower world
oil demand and most likely the price. In addition, the standard of living would improve for those poor, who must now read
by the toxic fumes of the dim kerosene lanterns. Additionally, the adoption of these lamps by the world’s poor would
increase the demand for the expensive and relatively new LED lamps, and in theory, with the increase in LED light bulb production;
the cost of LED light bulb production would decrease - as has been the case with all solid state devices throughout history.
Such a subsidy would also benefit the LED light bulbindustry and
help bring its innovative energy saving product to market. So should the LED light bulb industry subsidize or gain
energy credits in return? For that matter, should developed countries provide tax credits for consumers who purchase LED lamps
to replace the inexpensive but inefficient incandescent lamps that now light most of their homes? Should laws be enacted to
require apartment owners to change all light bulbs to LED light bulbs? To put that into perspective, what would be the energy
savings if every light bulb in every apartment in the United States was changed to a LED light bulb? That calculation
will be left, for now, to researchers such as Evan Mills or the White LED light bulb companies, themselves.
Renewable Ventures LLC, a provider of renewable energy financing
and operator of five renewable energy plants, has completed the management buyout of the renewable energy subsidiary of nv
Nuon, the largest utility company in the Netherlands. The acquisition of the United States based subsidiary is part of company's
plan to address the clean energy market, a market the company pegs at $16.1 billion.
According to Matt Cheney, CEO at Renewable, the company will continue
to offer financing for green energy projects, "Through this acquisition, we are delighted to continue the work that Nuon,
one of the world energy industry's leading proponents and marketers of green electricity, has begun by offering commercial
and government customers innovative renewable energy financing solutions. Our focus on project financing and third party operation
of alternative-energy generation facilities encourages customers to fulfill the promise of renewable energy by mitigating
set-up costs, simplifying ongoing operation and managing energy price volatility; in short, we make it a lot easier to become
a producer of clean power."
Spire Corporation (NASDAQ: SPIR) and Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.,
based in Tokyo, have entered into a joint development, manufacturing and sales agreements. As part of the agreement, Nisshinbo
acquired a license from Spire to sell Spire's module manufacturing equipment for a period of ten years. The agreement also
involves joint R&D work and a worldwide marketing program, which splits the world into Eastern and Western Hemisphere
divisions.
Roger G. Little, CEO and Chairman of Spire, commented on the relationship
with Nisshinbo, a company that has been in the business for over 25 years, "With the explosion of the photovoltaic industry
and its demand for module manufacturing equipment, we are excited to enter into a direct relationship with Nisshinbo, a major
global diversified general equipment manufacturer. Nisshinbo is already familiar with Spire's module manufacturing equipment
technology as a result of being a sub-licensee over the past seven years. Under this sub-license arrangement, Nisshinbo has
already manufactured Spire equipment for many of the major module manufacturers in Japan and the Pacific Rim. We look forward
to expanding our global sales and advancing our equipment as a result of this relationship."
Noting the potential for new technology developments was, Yoshihiro
Sakaki, Director on the Board of Nisshinbo, , "Under the new collaboration with Spire, a global leader in the solar module
manufacturing equipment business, we believe we can supply high quality equipment and develop new technology for the worldwide
solar business industry. We shall start joint development programs with Spire immediately, with the intent to be the number
one equipment supplier in the world."
Designed for a number of wireless sensor applications, which range
from industrial to household applications, EnOcean has introduced its STM100 solar powered wireless sensor module. Based on
a custom two-stage solar cell, the (2 x 4 x 1 cm) device includes a solar cell energy source, an energy reservoir, sensor
interface, analog and digital sensor, a microprocessor and a radio transmitter.
Armin Anders, EnOcean's VP of Product Marketing gave further details
about EnOcean's technology, "EnOcean's patented technology lets STM100 generate a surprisingly long-range radio signal with
extremely minute amounts of harvested energy. With just 50 microwatts, a standard EnOcean transmitter will comfortably send
a signal 300 meters outdoors, 30 meters indoors through walls. The secret is in the signal duration; the entire process is
initiated, undertaken and completed in approximately 1/1000 of a second."
Christian Genter, CEO of Omnio AG, a manufacturer of building automation
systems, noted the battery free and other benefits of EnOcean's product, "EnOcean-based systems allow us to deliver unmatched
sensor networking flexibility via battery-free, maintenance-free wireless switches, temperature sensors and window contacts.
The system provides unmatched simplicity through an ingenious 'learn-in' programming feature that doesn't require time-consuming
PC programming or personnel training."
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
3, 2005
Green Energy Resources (otc pk:GRGR) reported on a contract, to
begin in 2006, for the construction of three biomass power plants. The three power plants are planned for completion in 2009.
The largest plant, which will be built last, is to have a power generation capacity of 250 megawatts. That plant will require
4 million tons of biomass each year to generate the electricity.
Green Energy Resources states that it "conforms to the European
Unions environmental sourcing and procurement requirements" and that "Green Energy Resources UTCS (urban tree certification
system) is 100% Kyoto compliant and environmentally certified wood biomass." Joseph Murray, CEO of Green Energy Resources,
further clarified the source of its biomass material, "its UTCS program will have a major positive impact on how American
cities and towns handle wood waste and storm damaged wood in the future. The contract firmly establishes a new market place
for UTCS certified wood. Its an opportunity for United States communities and local governments to reduce greenhouse emissions,
recycle, and participate in global carbon reduction."
In support of UTSC, Green Energy Resources indicated that its UTCS
software would be ready for the market this year.
DynaMotive Energy Systems Corporation (OTCBB: DYMTF), as part of
the West Lorne BioOil Cogeneration Project, funded by the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), a $550 million
fund (Canadian), reported that it would ship 12 tons of BioOil to Classic Power, Inc. Classic Power plans to obtain information
from the test and analysis of the BioOil for use in its marketing program.
The BioOil, based on fast pyrolysis technology, which coverts renewable
biomass, otherwise refereed to as organic material, to a clean burning fuel for gas turbines and other machines. Biomass includes
agricultural and forest products and byproducts such as wood, bark, sugar cane bagasse and sawdust
To date Dynamotive has reported that the BioOil has "performed to
similar standards as natural gas in industrial tests conducted."
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
2, 2005
GT Equipment Technologies Inc., which provides complete turn-key
fabrication lines for solar wafers, cells and modules reported for its latest fiscal year, ended March 31, 2005, that its
revenue, productivity and employment growth is at an eleven year high. The company stated that the $38 million in orders it
has booked for the next fiscal year is way ahead of the $23 million in total revenues it had for its latest fiscal year, which
ended March 31, 2005. The company also has doubled its work force in the past 9 months to 75. The company is still looking
to hire assemblers, technicians and engineers.
Tom Zarrella, President and COO commented on the company's productivity
and growth, "There has also been a dramatic cost reduction in the manufacturing process with the costs of solar PV production
declining by 80% to 90% over the past 20 years. With the solar photovoltaics market growing by more than 30% a year, the solar
division of GT Equipment Technologies is a beneficiary of that growth, and we have positioned the company accordingly."
SHEC-Labs, which now has a prototype solar hydrogen generator that
has in operation for about 1,200 hours, plans to demonstrate a commercial-scale solar-powered hydrogen production module at
a landfill gas site. The plans eventually include 30 modules, which will be used to produce 1.2 million kilograms of hydrogen
per year, or 550 million cubic feet.
The company's solar powered hydrogen generator is considered a solution
to distributed based energy generation plants and able to overcome the energy efficiencies associated with other type of powered
hydrogen extractors. The company estimates that the current market for hydrogen is in the order of 42 billion kg per year.
For the most part, that hydrogen is used mainly in ammonia fertilizer manufacturing.
SunPower Corp. has reported that its solar cells are now used in
SOLON AG's solar power plant in Germany. The solar cells have been deployed in about one-third of SOLON's Mover systems, which
tilt and rotate with the movement of the sun. SunPower indicated that although they are used in only one-third of the systems
at the power plant, they account for a higher percentage of the overall energy generated. Alex Voigt, SOLON's CEO, gave more
specifics about the efficiency of SunPower's solar cells, "SunPower's solar cells are the most efficient on the market today,
and allow us to generate between 30-50 percent more power per mover, compared with conventional solar cells. Our goal with
the Mover program was to develop a truly industrial solar power system. Our recently announced $300 million, five-year purchase
agreement with SunPower for their high-performance cells provides SOLON with the supply security and visibility necessary
for us to address the rapidly growing market for megawatt-scale solar power plants."
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
June
1, 2005
Automation Tooling Systems Inc., a company with major operations
in solar technology, as well as automation systems and precision components, reported that its Solar division (Photowatt),
had revenue of $143.8 million for the 12 months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $88.5 million for the 12 months ended March
31, 2004 - up 62 percent. For the latest three months, also ended March 31, 2005, solar revenue was $41.0 million compared
to $26.1 million for the same three month period a year ago.
The company forecasted that demand for solar products should
be strong into fiscal 2006. The company attributed the healthy forecast to continued European subsidy programs and growing
demand for renewable energy. Complicating revenue growth though has been silicon supplies. Reduced raw supplies of silicon
are expected to increase the company's silicon purchasing costs in fiscal 2006. The company states that a new solar cell factory
it is building, for the production of its Spheral Solar Power, has been planned to have an annual solar cell production capacity
of 20 megawatts. No timetable was revealed as to when that factory would ramp up from its current pilot level to full yielding
production levels.
Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSX:BLD) (NASDAQ:BLDP), EBARA Corporation
EBARA BALLARD Corporation have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to fund a cogeneration fuel stack and system
technology. Ballard is expected to receive $30 million in cash as part of the agreement. As part of the agreement, Ballard
will receive $18 million for the development of 1 kW combined heat and power generation fuel cell stack over a period of four
years. Additionally, Ballard will receive $11.7 million in two payments, one at the close of the agreement and another in
2006.
Ballard points out that their cogeneration systems are installed
at consumers' homes and are used to generate electricity and hot water at the same time. The cogeneration systems are planned
to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Japan as dictated by the Kyoto Protocol.
Malcom Wicks, the United Kingdom's Energy Minister has announced
£2.68 million for TidEl, a prototype tidal energy project. SMDHydrovision, a manufacturer of underwater water machines, as
part of the project will build a 1 megawatt TidEl prototype at a facility in Blyth, Northhumberland. On acknowledgement of
the £2.68 million grant funding, SMDHydrovision noted that there was a potential to develop 7000 megawatts of energy from
tidal sources around the United Kingdom.
Malcolm Wicks also indicated that over £20 million has already
been committed to tidal and wave energy technology over the next five years. Additionally, a new fund, the £50 million Marine
Renewable Deployment Fund is expected to also be used for bringing the water energy technology closer to commercialization.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May 31st, 2005
The Kansas City Star reports that the price of blended e85, which
consists of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline, could be purchased in the Midwest for $1.69 a gallon, significantly
below the $2 plus price tag throughout the rest of the United States. Although the price is right, e85 is not available at
most gas stations and only certain types of vehicles can use it.
Because ethanol is made from corn, soy and other agricultural products,
the fuel has gained popularity with politicians and farmers in the Midwest. For example, Governor Dave Heineman, R-Neb., recently
signed an executive order that that directs all state employees, who drive state flexible-fuel or diesel powered vehicle to
use E-85 ethanol and biodiesel fuel whenever reasonable possible. Because of the economic benefits to the Midwest, it may
be safe to predict that more e85 fuel pumps will be seen at Midwest gas stations in the future.
Geothermal surveys of Casita Concession in Nicaragua by Sinclair
Knight Mertz (SKM), an independent geoscientific firm, have revealed that the site has a 90 percent probability to provide
115 megawatts of power over the next 20 years. Previous studies indicated just 85 megawatts. Polaris Geothermal Inc. (TSX
VENTURE:GEO), reported the preliminary results. Polaris has made plans, contingent on the data supplied in the final report
from SKM for experimental drilling to determine the overall feasibility of Casita as a viable energy resource.
MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. was named 2005 Fuel Cell Entrepreneurial
Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan. MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Incorporated,
(NASDAQ:MKTY), developed the Mobion direct methanol micro fuel cell technology, a energy source designed for a variety of
portable electronic devices. The company indicates that a simple design was used in the fuel cell to manage water inside the
flow fuel cell - eliminating the need for a complex microfluidic network inside the fuel cell. In reference to a fuel cell
it provided to Intermec, a leader in the RF Reader market, MicroFuel stated, "The micro fuel cell was designed to deliver
up to five times the runtime of lithium-ion battery-based readers."
At Engine Expo 2005, to be held in Stuttgart, expect Dana Corporation
(NYSE:DCN) to introduce its family of advanced Intelligent Cooling pumps. The family, which consists of three brushless direct-current
electric coolant pumps, have been designed for both today's automobile engines as well as to meet the cooling needs of hybrid
and fuel cell vehicles. With built-in precision temperature control, the pumps can be used for charge-air circuit cooling,
standard engine cooling, and hybrid-vehicle powertrain cooling.
In regards to the benefits of the technology, the company stated,
"Because the new pumps enable accurate temperature control, engines warm faster, which, among other benefits, reduces harmful
emissions during the critical cold-start cycle. Accurate thermal control can also improve fuel efficiency by up to 5 percent
and improve the comfort of vehicle occupants as a result of faster cabin warm-up."
In order to ensure the Intelligent Cooling products work with all
types of vehicles, both today's and tomorrow's. the pumps work with voltages from 9 volts to 440 volts.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May 27th, 2005
The United States Department of Energy announced that it would fund
over 70 hydrogen research projects at a cost of $64 million. These projects are to be focused on five distinct areas related
to the development of an affordable hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by the year 2020. Specific research project areas mentioned
were novel materials for hydrogen storage, membranes for separation, purification, and ion transport, catalyst design at the
nanoscale, solar hydrogen production, and bio-inspired materials and processes.
The energy department indicated that for the most part the projects
would be assigned to universities and government research laboratories. However, industrial partners have been included. Technology
developed through government research programs is however available to the public through government license programs.
Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX VENTURE:CMH) has entered
into a definitive agreement to acquire Soltek Powersource Ltd., a supplier of solar systems for end-markets that range from
residential to industrial. Soltek, which Carmanah reports had sales of about $17.5 million in its last fiscal year, has offices
in British Columbia and California. The purchase price is expected to be in the order of $10 million.
CEO of Carmanah, Mr. Art Aylesworth, said that the acquisition of
the company will make it the largest solar company in Canada. He also spoke about new products that will arise from the acquisition,
"The synergies we see from this purchase are extensive. We anticipate a new range of co-developed solar/LED general illumination
products, including security lighting, street lighting and sign lighting, for applications in all of the markets we currently
serve. We also foresee an entirely new product line of standardized 'plug-and-play' solar power sources that would take advantage
of SPS's existing range of 'solar engines' and Carmanah's world-leading energy management technology."
Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE:MOD), in order to commercialize
Volkswagen’s fuel cell hybrid vehicle, the Touran HyMotion, Modine is now supplying the company with its humidification
and water management components. According to Mark Baffa, Director of Modine's Fuel Cell Products Group, "This opportunity
allows Modine and Volkswagen to combine their years of expertise toward making fuel cell vehicle systems commercially viable."
Modine also indicated that the agreement was to extend over the next year to further optimize the components to be used in
Volkswagen’s fuel systems.
Golden Gate Technology Inc., an EDA company focused on integrated
circuit design algorithms that reduce power consumption, has added Power Optimize Gold and Power Plan Gold to its designer's
tool kit. Through the generation of complex power grids, multi-voltage islands and the company's WiresFirst technology, the
company indicates that significant savings in power can be achieved. In support of the design tools' power capabilities, Kelvin
Chun, Director of Design Center Application Engineering at Oki Semiconductor pointed to their internal benchmarks, "We have
over 50 successful tapeouts with Power Plan Gold. From our benchmarks, we determined that, out of all the tools we evaluated,
Power Optimize Gold consistently produced exceptional results."
Two basic components of power consumption are central to the operation
of the company's WiresFirst patented power optimization methodology. These are wire related power consumption and transistor
related power consumption. According to the company, wire power consumption becomes more critical as process feature size
scale. Specifically the company estimated that "wires account for 5x more power consumption than transistors at the 90 nanometer
node, and 30x more power consumption than transistors at 35 nanometers."
Both Power Plan Gold and Power Optimize Gold are available now and
are priced at $115,000 and $395,000 respectively for time-based licenses.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May
26th, 2005
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the United
States government’s main energy research organization, has released new information related to the use of nanotechnology
for the improvement of solar cell efficiency. The organization reported that nanocrystals, also know as quantum dots, are
capable of increasing the number of electrons emitted per absorbed photon. Currently, with present day materials, only one
electron, at most, is emitted per photon absorbed from sunlight. With the nanocrystals, the number of electrons emitted increases
to three per photons.
Arthur Nozik, a lead researcher with the project gave efficiency
numbers that solar technology could reach with nanocrystal technology, "We have shown that solar cells based on quantum dots
theoretically could convert more than 65 percent of the sun's energy into electricity, approximately doubling the efficiency
of solar cells." Lead selenide is given as one of the materials used to develop the solar quantum dots.
American Biofuels, LLC (ABF), which is owned in part by Green Star
Products, Inc. (OTC:GSPI), is now producing biodiesel with a low-cost biodiesel production process. The company utilizes a
patent pending continuous flow, waterless biodiesel production process. The company, like other companies throughout the world,
uses a low-cost source for its biodiesal, namely used restaurant cooking oil.
The company indicates that its ABF Bakersfield Plant is highly productive
and requires just a small factory to produce large quantities of biodiesel. At present the company can produce five million
gallons of biodiesel per year.
The company indicates that its waterless process has lower operational
costs than a conventional batch plant technology. The company noted that its Bakersfield plant required only 14 weeks to build.
American Biofuels reports that it was ranked the 8th largest production
of biodiesel in the United States and number one on the west coast (USDA Bioenergy Program website). The company is a member
of the National Biodiesel Board and has three EPA certificates for its biodiesel fuel and fuel additives.
The United Kingdom has added £1.35 million pounds in awards for
solar projects in the United Kingdom. The new awards this time around will go to retrofit churches, schools, housing projects
and museums. Among the museums slated for solar include the London Transport Museum.
Kirk Archibald, Solar PV Programme Manager at the Energy Saving
Trust, which manages the funding from the Department of Trade and Industry has been impressed with the applicants and welcomed
new applicants for the next tranche, "We are delighted that we have been able to offer grant funding to such a wide variety
of projects. We were impressed with the overall standard of applicants and encouraged to see the excellent work being carried
out throughout the UK to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. With the next round of funding approaching, we look forward to receiving
applications for more innovative and exciting projects."
The latest funding tranche brings the total solar awards by the
UK government to £18.8 million. The fund was started in 2002.
India Moves towards Larger Renewable Energy Projects
Unsubstantiated reports indicate that India plans to set up its
largest renewable energy program in the estuarine delta of the Bay of Bengal. Initial costs for the project are estimated
at Rs 1.5 billion (approximately 43.6 Indian Rupee to the U.S. Dollar). The program is expected to encompass the building
of biomass, solar, tidal or wind energy facilities with an energy capacity of 10 megawatts. The West Bengal renewable energy
development agency (Webreda) is one of the key proponents of the project.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May
24, 2005
ZAP (OTCBB:ZAPZ), one of the leaders in the emission-free hybrid
auto market and Apollo Energy Systems have demonstrated a new method to power zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells. Apollo's
Alkaline Fuel cells, which have their roots in space exploration technology, are hydrogen fuel cells that are powered
from ammonia. Apollo's Ammonia Cracker fuel cell technology breaks down ammonia (NH3) into hydrogen, which as the company
explains is 75 percent hydrogen
With the fuel cell battery, a new inexpensive infrastructure,
according to Apollo, could be set up easily without the high cost of other proposed hydrogen fueling systems such as costly
hydrogen extractors. According to Mr. Robert Aronsson President of Apollo Energy Systems, "Ammonia fueling stations could
be set up at very little cost, as the infrastructure already exists throughout the country. By making weekly deliveries of
ammonia to gas stations in the 100 largest metropolitan areas of the U.S., ammonia distributors could reach 70 percent of
the population. Former plans, proposed by others, of equipping gas stations with mini-factories for producing hydrogen by
electrolysis at a cost of $1 million per gas station, could be replaced by this new, low-cost system. The new fueling system
would make it possible for thousands of ZAP Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars to operate throughout the country, silently, and with
zero emissions."
ZAP signed an exclusive licensing and distribution contract with
Apollo in 2004 for the patented Alkaline Fuel Cell, Ammonia Cracker and Lead-Cobalt battery technologies. ZAP and Apollo have
plans to develop a prototype Smart Car, which will be powered by a 60 kW Apollo Fuel Cell and have a 8.7 gallon Ammonia fuel
tank. That prototype is expected to have a cruising range of 200 miles without refueling - or in other words over 20 miles
of zero emissions free travel per gallon.
Ten yen per kilowatt is the price Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
places on electricity if a new technology it plans to commercialize in two years is successful. The energy source it targets
would be from water treatment plans. Mitsubishi indicates, through a report through Asia Pulse, that its technology recovers
methane and other gases from water treatment plants. That technology ferments the microbes used to clean the water to produce
methane gas at rates about 50 percent higher than normal.
Waste, despite being one of the biggest environmental problems,
has the potential to become one of the largest energy resources, especially as waste to energy technology becomes
cleaner and more efficient.
International Power Group, Ltd. (Pink Sheets: IPWG) , a company
that implements waste to energy plants has just entered into a contract with Naanovo Energy to build a $300 million, twelve
module waste to energy plant. The plant , to be built in Mexico, will be based on Naanovo's proprietary waste to energy technology.
That technology will allow each of the modules at the facility to convert 180 tons of solid waste per day to generate a total
of 6 megawatts of electricity. Additionally, as a byproduct, each Waste to Energy Module will produce 145,920 gallons
of distilled water per day.
The waste to energy facility is expected to be built and generating
electricity in about 26 months or sooner. 16 months is required to build the facility and another 12 months is required to
fine tune the operating facilities.
The Associated Press and Ocean Power Delivery Ltd. have
reported on one of the first commercial wave energy generation facilities, known as a wave farm. The wave farm is expected
to generate electricity off the coast of northern Portugal as early as 2006. Unlike the wave energy facility planned for the
United Kingdom, the wave farm will float on top of the water instead of being submerged underneath.
The first phase of the project will produce an estimated 2.25 megawatts
of electricity. Although not a significant amount of energy in terms of world total power consumption, Ocean Power Delivery,
which provides the wave energy generators, estimates that the Portuguese market will reach 1 billion Euros in the next ten
years, that is according the Managing Director Richard Yemm. The company in addition to the initial 2.25 megawatts anticipates
another order for 20 more magewatts.
The wave farm to be 3 miles off the coast will deliver electricity
to land via and underwater power cable. Norsk Hydro AS and Ocean Power Delivery are two of the major companies involved in
the project.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May
23, 2005
Flexcar's Ingenuity Brings Transportation Cost Savings to
Arlington
Taking advantage of everyday inefficiencies in how Americans get
around time, Flexcar, a car-sharing services company, announced it was expanding the number of available vehicles in Arlington
County, Virginia, a suburb of Washington D.C. In the announcement, the company stated that the public-private partnership
program, which started over a year ago in the County, exceeded expectations. Attributed to the success of the program was
the participation of Arlington County. Jay Fisette, Chairman of the Arlington County Board spoke about the importance of the
program and its goals, "Carsharing provides the 'missing link' to the transportation mix of walking, biking and transit, and
fits perfectly with Arlington's integrated approach to transportation. We want to make it easier for folks to get around without
owning a car. Adding more car-sharing vehicles helps accomplish this goal."
As a result of the program and support, Flexcar said that membership
increased 116 percent to more than 2,500 members. This was accompanied by a usage increase of 150 percent. Lance Ayrault,
President and CEO of Flexcar emphasized the importance of local governments getting involved in car-sharing programs, "Our
experience in car-sharing across the country tells us one thing. When local governments share the vision and help make car-sharing
part of the transportation fabric, the results are phenomenal. We salute Arlington County for its leadership in expanding
the program."
Flexcar, a cost-performance enhanced transportation alternative,
is a member based, on-demand car-sharing program, where members can reserve a car for a specific time slot. With the Flexcar
service, Flexcar provides the car, insurance and maintenance, freeing the general public from expensive cost of ownership
bills. Through volume automobile, insurance and maintenance purchase contracts, transportation costs are also reduced.
OSRAM with the development of its OSTAR "Lighting LED" appears to
be in striking distance of the common light bulb. The company states that OSTAR is enabled "to become a serious contender
for general lighting applications, such as spotlights, reading lights and safety and effect lighting." Ellen Sizemore, Director,
LED Products Group at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors elaborated on the new type of light bulb, "OSRAM's high-performance OSTAR
Lighting LED offers an ideal design comprising small dimensions and a low, six-millimeter profile in conjunction with extremely
high luminance. This combination gives designers enormous freedom to incorporate the OSTAR into luminaires and other traditional
light sources where size, consistent lighting coloration and performance are critical."
OSTAR measures 3x1 centimeter, has a lighting specification of 200-lumen
with a drive current of 700 miliamps, and a 50,000-hour lifetime rating. OSTAR is expected to be available soon in small quantities
with production scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2005.
Rohm Co., Ltd., Cotco Holdings, Ltd. and Stanly Electric Co., Ltd.
all have received white LED licensees from Cree, Inc., (NASDAQ: CREE). According to Cree, the license gives these companies
the right to manufacture and sell white LEDs that incorporate Cree's LED chips.
The license relates to LED patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,600,175, referred
to as the '175 patent. Noting the momentum of the LED lamp technology was Scott Schwab, Vice President and General Manager
of Optoelectronics at Cree, "We licensed the '175 patent to Nichia Corporation in our cross-license announced earlier this
year. These additional licenses further reinforce the importance of this patent and the increasing awareness and respect for
intellectual property in the industry. These licenses are a result of our ongoing IP awareness activities, and can enable
increased sales of our high performance chips for white LED applications. We continue to seek ways to make Cree products,
and our partners who use them, more competitive while defending our technology and IP in the market."
RWE SCHOTT Solar GmbH has received a contract from CMC International
Tendering Corporation for the electrification of about 26 villages in Gansu province in China. The project is part of the
Brightness Program, which is under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government. The program establishes "minigrids" in these
villages. The plan for these localized village grids relies on solar energy for about 90 percent of the power.
Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV), a subsidiary of ORMAT Technologies,
Inc., (NYSE:ORA), plans to complete refinancing for its Puna Geothermal Project located on the Big Island, Hawaii. The refinancing,
in part, will be used to drill two new geothermal wells.
Dita Bronicki, Ormat's CEO itemized the details of the refinancing,
"We are very pleased that we were able to finance Puna in a form of a lease as this enabled us to (i) monetize tax efficiencies
otherwise not available in the next few years, and (ii) enjoy reduced effective rates of financing in comparison to conventional
debt- or capital-market financing. By excluding the geothermal resource from the financed assets, we have preserved the ability
to develop additional developments ("PGV-II") of Puna utilizing the same resource. We expect to start testing the resource
for PGV-II following the completion of the drilling program of 2005."
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May
20th, 2005
A hybrid vehicle, billed as a concept plug-in hybrid vehicle or
PHEV, developed by EnergyCS and Valence Technology won first place position in the modified hybrid category for fuel efficiency
at the Tour de Sol's Monte Carlo-style Rally. The fuel efficiency award was based on its energy performance, which was measured
at 102 miles per gallon (MPG) and nine kilowatt-hours. Besides that award, the EnergyCS-Valence PHEV also won the Innovative
Technology award.
The award-winning hybrid vehicle is based on Valence Technology's
metal-free safe Saphion lithium-ion batteries. EnergyCS, an alternative consulting and prototype company, is associated with
Clean-Tech LLC through EDrive Systems. The two companies partnered to form EDrive Systems, LLC and plan to offer EnergyCS
PHEV conversion kits based on Valence's Saphion batteries in early 2006.
Raymor Industries Inc. (TSX-V: RAR), a company that has developed
a new light-weight nanoalloy of importance to the energy and transportation markets, will speak at NanoBusiness 2005. Raymor's
presentation at the conference, considered one of the most important related to nanotechnology, will include an overview
of Raymor's carbon nanotube portfolio and operations, and a chance to find more details about nanotube-based product development
strategies.
Vincent Caprio, Event Director for NanoBusiness 2005, spoke highly
of Raymor's technology and production capabilities, "For us to have such an innovative company as Raymor Industries presenting
at our conference is the validation that NanoBusiness 2005 is truly a global event. The production capacity of carbon nanotubes
announced by Raymor will finally allow for large-scale commercialization of numerous applications in nanotechnology."
Adding to the optimism about Raymor's technology was J. Andrew Braswell,
Equity Analyst with Newbridge Securities, "In our discussions with nanotech-focused companies-including some of those in our
Newbridge Nanotechnology Index (NNIX)-we often hear that the high cost and low quality of available carbon nanotubes are inhibiting
the commercialization of more products incorporating these novel materials. The new production process being introduced by
Raymor attempts to address these critical issues."
The conference will be held May 22nd to May 25th, 2005 at the Marriott
Financial Center in New York City.
Fluent, Inc, a computational fluid dynamics design tool company,
has released version 4.1 of its Icepro analysis tool. The tool permits the conversion of arbitrary CAD models into thermal
models. The new version contains a conversion model that is used to make a CAD model thermal analysis friendly - eliminating
many of the tedious manual steps that are involved in that process. The tool is also now capable of importing flow objects
such as holes, vents and fans, and even arrays of holes, also known as vents or grilles.
Icepro 4.1, which is available now, is priced at $3000.00 per user
node.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May
19th, 2005
WorldWater & Power Corp. (OTCBB:WWAT.OB), a producer of high-power
solar systems, has signed a $7.8 million contract to install its solar systems to provide power for an avocado ranch . The
contract was signed with Farm ACW, based in Fallbrook, California and is contingent on obtaining approval for the necessary
connections to the local power grid. The avocado farm contract adds to three other projects, which are from two water utilities
and the Cocopah Tree Farm.
Quentin T. Kelly, CEO of WorldWater & Power Corp. noted the
relative size of the agricultural project, "We believe Farm ACW will be the largest farm operation to be powered by solar
systems anywhere in the world, replacing a Megawatt diesel generator now being used for power. Work on the project is scheduled
to begin after the grid interconnection is secured and is expected to be completed in the fall."
WorldWater stated that the total value of projects signed in 2005,
thus far, has reached $12.2 million, over double the company's 2004 revenues of $5.8 million.
Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc. (London AIM:SIT.LN), a provided
of photovoltaic roofing systems for buildings, has received a tranche of funds. GE Commercial Finance Energy Financial Services,
a company that focuses on financing for the clean energy markets, provided the funds as a result of Solar Integrated
completion of ten solar roofing projects for San Diego City Schools. Solar will receive the remainder of the financing when
it completes four roofing projects for the schools. So far, the schools project has resulted in over one megawatt of solar
power installed.
With the announcement the company also stated, "Following an initial
investment of approximately $17 million for the SDCS projects, GE Commercial Finance Energy Financial Services has the right
of first refusal on up to $500 million to fund existing and prospective solar roofing projects as they come from Solar Integrated."
Other customers of Solar Integrated include Coca-Cola Enterprises and Frito-Lay.
Spire Corporation (NASDAQ: SPIR) has entered into an agreement to
provide PA.SOL Italia S.p.A., based in Varallo Pombia, Italy, a production line for the manufacture of solar cells. PA.SOL,
which was just recently formed to produce photovoltaic modules for its local market, will incorporate Spire's automated equipment
used for stringing and lay-up, lamination and module testing.
Spire, which specializes in the facilitizing of new solar manufacturing
operations, provides turnkey production lines for module, cell and wafer manufacturing. These production lines have capacities
from a low as a few hundred kilowatts to as high as 25 megawatts per year.
Spire provides a complete production package oriented towards companies
that are new to the solar cell manufacturing process. The company, with its offerings, includes technical assistance and training
for the installation and operation of a solar cell production line.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May
18th, 2005
GE Energy's investment in renewable energy appears to have been
a success. GE Energy announced at Windpower 2005 that its wind energy bookings have reached record levels. For 2005, the company
has received orders for 2,400 megawatts of wind power. That would amount to a 300 percent increase in revenue over 2002 levels,
the first year of operation of the wind unit.
GE Energy's wind revenue in 2002 was not small change - $500 million.
For 2005, GE Energy forecasts $2 billion. That revenue is expected to be generated from orders for 1,600 wind turbines worldwide.
Of the 1,600 wind turbines, 1,100 of the wind turbines are planned for the United States, representing 1,650 megawatts of
new wind power for that country. That level, based on data obtained by GE Energy from the American Wind Energy Association
is 66 percent of the 2,500 megawatts of the total new wind energy capacity forecast for the United States this year.
Mark Little, Vice President Power Generation at GE Energy commented
on the winds' place in the overall energy market and GE's commitment to cleaner energy, "Wind power continues to be the fastest
growing segment of the global energy industry, and it certainly is a very significant part of the diverse energy solutions
portfolio that we offer to our customers around the world. As evidenced by GE's recent ecomagination launch, our commitment
to cleaner energy solutions, including wind power, is at the forefront of our company's business initiatives."
Konarka Technologies, Inc., a company that has developed plastic
that can generate energy from light, has secured $7 million in venture debt financing from Lighthouse Capital Partners. The
funds are planned for the further expansion of its research laboratory and capital equipment expenditures. Ned Hazen, Managing
Director at Lighthouse Capital Partners., the financier, noted the potential for Konarka to become a renewable energy leader,
"The quality of Konarka's team and the compelling value proposition of its innovative power plastic have positioned the Company
to become a leader in making renewable energy mainstream. We have a great deal of confidence in the business Konarka is building
and its market potential."
Via the Latin America News Digest, comes news that Pacific Hydro,
based in Australia, has announced plans to add 1,000 megawatts of hydro power energy through the installation of several hydroelectric
plants on Chile's Tinguiririca river.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May
17th, 2005
Universal Communication Systems, Inc. (OTC BB: UCSY) has developed
another renewable energy power source to drive its air-to-water conversion machines, wind energy. The larger air-to-water
conversion systems have so far been limited in their applications because of their reliance on electrical generators or the
power grid. Michael J. Zwebner, CEO of Universal elaborated, "We are all very excited with this new technology development.
Recognizing the overall need for large consumption of (electrical) energy to power all our AirWater machines, and the fact
that the cost of the energy is the single most inhibiting barrier to sales we have successfully developed a new energy powering
system for AirWater machines by utilizing Air Turbine Powered Electric Generators (Wind Power). These air propelled turbine
systems operating in combination with our AirWater machines can co-generate a substantial amount of the electrical power needed
to produce water from air. We now believe we have a key new solution for AirWater machines that produce water from air, and
now also from this same air, much of the energy needed to do so. We have filed for patent protection for this unique and important
development."
With wind power, air-to-water machines placed on top of tall buildings
or mountaintops may someday become another source of renewable energy. The air-to-water machines could be used to fill reservoirs,
which in turn could drive water wheels placed in rivers or turbines located in dams.
DayStar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSTI), a company that produces
silicon-free solar sells, announced TerraFoil, a sunlight conversion foil targeted as a replacement for silicon based photovoltaic
solar cells modules. Terry Schuyler, Director of Sales and Product Management at DayStar, indicated that there was no shortage
of demand for its new products, "The Company's Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)-based TerraFoil has been designed to
comply with the technical requirements of Modco's (module manufacture companies). We are currently encountering a large and
growing demand for our products, in part, based on the present and forecasted silicon cell supply shortages. As with LightFoil,
our ultra-light PVFoil product, the flexible form factor of TerraFoil cells will also enable intriguing new consumer products
outside of the flat- plate module environment, including use in unique building integrated materials."
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) (NASDAQ:ENER) through
its subsidiary, Ovonic Battery Company, Inc., has granted a nonexclusive license to BYD Company Limited, a company based in
Shenzhen. The agreement gives BYD the right to manufacture and sell Ovonic's nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries for nonpropulsion
applications.
The license is part of Ovonic's plan to enter the Chinese market.
According to Robert C. Stempel, Chairman of Ovonic Battery, "We are pleased to grant BYD access to recent Ovonic patents and
advanced technology. We have watched BYD's rapid growth in nickel metal hydride over the last few years and, as part of our
strategy to participate in the growing Chinese economy, we hope to assist their efforts in developing premium performance
nickel metal hydride products."
The financial stakes in Tenesol have changed. AFX News Limited reports
that Total SA and Electricite de France now each own fifty percent of the company. The two companies bought out the ownership
positions held by the founders and management. Tenesol, which was named Total Energie, produces solar cells. Sales at the
company, last year, were estimated at about 115 million.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May 16th, 2005
Sandia National Laboratories, which has been working on the development
of electronic components to withstand high temperature and high pressure, indicates that its technology may help reduce energy
costs as well as find new energy resources.
Research uncovered during the course of the project, which was originally
to overcome the hurdles to drilling deeper for geothermal energy and natural gas, has revealed other applications. As Randy
Normann, one of the engineers on the project explains, "In most airplanes all the control electronics are in the cockpit with
the pilot because they're too (heat) sensitive to go anywhere else. But if you can move them onto the engine where it's hotter,
that would save hundreds of wires and about 600 pounds of weight per aircraft." The researchers estimate that about 600 pounds
of wire could be removed from an aircraft and over $30 million in fuel costs could be saved over the life of the airplane
if the electronics could be moved from the cockpit to the engine compartment.
Other applications that the researchers talked about include brake
systems in cars and earthquake analysis. Normann indicated that the high temperature electronics technology could eliminate
the need for hydraulics in automobiles. The capability to drill into the earth deeper has also given geologists more information
about the results of seismic activity and ways to predict it.
The original project was to develop electronic components that could
withstand temperatures of over 600 degrees Fahrenheit for sustained periods of time - ideally to permit drilling deeper than
the current 20,000 feet limitations - at depths greater than 20,000 feet the drill temperature becomes to hot and the electronics
fail. One of the goals of energy seekers has been to drill down to 35,000 feet. Apparently, geothermal energy and natural
gas may exist in abundance at those depths. The center of the earth, if one remembers from middle school, is extremely hot.
Agile Systems Inc., a producer of power electronic modules and integrated
circuits, has completed $7 million in financing. Financiers included Expansion Capital Partners, LLC on behalf of the Clean
Technology Fund II, LP, as well as RBC Capital Partners, Covington Capital, RoyNat Capital Inc. and BEST Total Return Fund.
The Technology Lending business of GE Commercial Finance, as part of the package, will provide revolving/term credit.
Ralph Steedman, CEO of Ajile indicated that the funding would be
used for new high-efficiency product launches, "this funding will underpin our aggressive product development schedule and
help to launch several new high efficiency motor control products over the next 18 months." Agile estimates that electric
motors consume over 50% of the annual generated energy in North America.
Giving specifics about the markets that Agile addresses was Bernardo
Llovera, General Partner of Expansion Capital Partners, "High performance motion control and electronic drives for brushless
DC motors are two of the fastest-growing portions of the overall motor drives and controls market. As manufacturers and assemblers
look to reduce costs while improving performance, they are increasingly turning to smaller, faster, more accurate motion controllers
and electronic motor drives. Agile's superior controller and drives designs make it uniquely positioned to capitalize on this
trend."
Bill Demars, Managing Director, Technology Lending at GE Commercial
Finance, in line with GE's emphasis on clean energy companies, said, "Agile is a good example of the very promising companies
successfully raising capital these days, in part because of the high level of interest within the Clean Energy segment."
Agile Systems, besides its electronic motor control systems, offers
DPC digitalPOWER integrated circuits. This family of chips is based on a number of CMOS and DMOS process cells, which include
analog, mixed signal and digital components such as high side drivers, analog to digital converters (ADC) and pulse width
modulators.
The Wireless Semiconductor Division at Agilent's Semiconductor Products
Group has reported that its new CDMA power amplifier modules, based on its CoolPAM technology, have extended the cell phone
talk time up to 30 minutes. Bryan Ingram, Vice President and General
Manager at the wireless chip division discussed the motivation of the development and plans to further increase the talk time.
"These 3 mm x 3 mm power amplifiers were developed based on requests from our handset customers for both smaller footprints
and the efficiency and performance of Agilent's CoolPAM technology. We expect to further extend mobile handset talk-time capabilities
by integrating CoolPAM into next-generation front-end modules that incorporate low-loss FBAR duplexers."
Agilent's FBAR duplexers enable simultaneous two transmission of
voice signals. The FBAR, based on RF MEMS technology, and the CoolPAM technology were the focal point of a development program
with Agilent's Korea R&D center which was formerly Wavics. Wavics , the original developer of the CoolPAM technology,
was acquired by Agilent in 2005.
QuickLogic Corporation (NASDAQ:QUIK), a company with core low power
FPGA technology, reported that its revenue for its first quarter ended March 31, 2005, was up 21 percent year-over-year and
13 percent sequentially. The company's ESP and Advanced ESP products contributed 34 percent of the revenue for the first quarter
of 2005.
Tom Hart, Chairman, President and CEO at Quicklogic commented on
the companies bookings and the design momentum of its FPGA products, "We are very pleased with 13% sequential revenue growth
and particularly our return to profitability in the first quarter. Net bookings in the quarter were at an all time high. In
addition, our new QuickPCI II and Eclipse II FPGAs -- the lowest power FPGAs in the industry -- continue to build design momentum
with our customers and partners. Our confidence in the revenue potential from these products continues to grow."
Syntroleum Taps the Untapable - Abundant Supply of Ultra-Clean
Fuel
Back in late March, Syntroleum Corporation (NASDAQ:SYNM) along with
the U.S. Department of Energy, Marathon Oil Company and Integrated Concepts and Research Corporation gathered to commemorate
the production of over 140,000 gallons of ultra-clean fuels at Syntroleum's plant in Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. This group
was there not only to celebrate the hard work required to put the plant on-line, but also to celebrate the vast reserves of
natural gas that the new technology may bring cleanly and safely to market.
The plant, designed and built under the Department of Energy's Ultra-Clean
Fuels program, utilizes the Syntroleum Process, which converts natural gas into liquid transportation fuels that can be used
in cars, trucks and buses. These fuels, through a series of tests, have been shown to produce lower emissions levels. Syntroleum
indicated that the emissions from their ultra-clean fuel been found to be virtually free of aromatics, sulfur, metals and
other contaminants that petroleum based products emit. The company also indicated that the fuel surpassed all federal and
state environmental regulations.
Besides these features, Syntroleum goes on to list a number of other
benefits. For one, the company says the technology it developed enables the company to tap the one to three trillion cubic
feet of natural gas that oil and gas companies cannot economically harvest - called stranded natural gas. Furthermore, the
Syntroleum process is environmentally friendly - the company says its process will eliminate flaring - the process of burning
natural gas to reach oil reserves trapped underneath.
Syntroleum indicated that the amount of natural gas flared could
supply one-fourth of the energy requirements of Europe. The company also estimates that the 2500 trillion cubic feet of natural
gas reserves stranded is equivalent to Saudi Arabia's oil reserves.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
May 13, 2005
HyRadix, Inc., which through its Adeo reformer has supplied SunLine
Transit (Palm Desert, CA) its hydrogen supply for a year, has completed a new round of financing. Investors included Koch
Genesis Company LLC, the lead investor, Caisse de depot et placement and SAM Sustainable Asset Management AG.
Robert L. Gray, Jr., CEO of HyRadix indicated that the funding has freed
the company to commercialize its renewable energy products, "With this round of financing, HyRadix is fully funded to
implement its planned business activities. We can now focus our efforts on commercializing our Aptus, Adeo, and Agilon hydrogen
generation products. HyRadix will also continue to pursue strategic relationships that add value to the company. There are
a number of excellent opportunities which can expand our business further and HyRadix will continue to identify and evaluate
these relationships."
The funding amount was not disclosed.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
MAY 12th, 2005
SDTC Funds Quantium's Nanomaterial Efforts to Reduce Chemical Industry's Energy
Costs
A Canadian consortium
led by Quantiam Technologies, a nanomaterials company, has announced that the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)
has contributed $1.45 million to develop a technology for the more efficient manufacture of olefins. Olefins, used in to produce
plastics, lubricants and antifreeze, require an enormous amount of energy to produce, - in the neighborhood of $10 billion
a year is used to provide the energy required for the hydrocarbon steam cracking process used in olefin manufacture. It was
indicated that the process being developed by Quantium, at a pilot plant that is now being built, could save up to 20 percent
on the energy costs associated with olefins manufacturing. In addition to the $1.45 million in funding, the project has also
been funded through an investment of $8.3 million, which included funds from consortium partner NOVA Chemicals Corporation,
also a producer of olefins.
Vicky J. Sharpe, President
and CEO of SDTC, which is a $550 million clean fund, talked about the organizations role and the importance of the investment
for Canadian companies, "SDTC invested in Quantiam because we
see the potential for the consortium's technology to succeed in a number of ways, in both reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and contributing to the increased productivity and competitiveness of Canadian companies in the energy, materials manufacturing,
and petrochemical sectors. SDTC does more than fund projects. We connect partners at all points of the supply chain and help
entrepreneurs to validate their business plans. This strengthens the value proposition of technologies, making them more attractive
to downstream investors and getting them to market faster. In the case of Quantiam, the participation of its consortia members
indicates that industry players support what we're doing and recognize the opportunities of the clean technologies in development
today."
Two
important Canadian political figures also commented on the technologies importance to Canada and the environment, Senator
Tommy Banks on behalf of the Government of Canada said, "Today's announcement clearly shows that Canadian companies, like
Quantiam and its partners, are leading the world in developing clean energy technologies. We believe that these kinds of technologies
will not only help us address climate change, but also create new economic opportunities in the years to come." The Honorable
Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness also underscored the environmental
and economic importance of the technology, "I'm pleased to congratulate Quantiam on its progress to date on an initiative
that will change how the world produces olefins, one of the most widely used petrochemicals. The potential for this technology,
both environmentally and economically, is tremendous and I'm proud that the Government of Canada, through SDTC, is supporting
the project."
General Electric to Double Investment in Clean Energy - $1.5 Billion
Reports from Agence France
indicate that General Electric will double its investments in clean technologies to $1.5 billion by 2010. The funds are expected
to be invested through General Electric's Ecomagination program, which will focus on solar energy, fuel cells and light weight
materials to reduce energy costs and green house emissions.
WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
MAY 11th, 2005
NanoLogix, Inc., a diversified nanobiotechnology company with operations
in BioChips, BioMEMs and alternative energy, has reported on a potential low-cost production method to produce hydrogen -
an alternate and clean energy source. Underscoring the point, NanoLogix announced an agreement with the Department of Environmental
Science and Engineering of Gannon University to conduct a feasibility study to develop a bioreactor based on NanoLogix's bacterial
culturing methods.
Miniature bioreactors, used for the production of bacteria and their
related fuel byproducts, have received considerable attention from researchers over the last few years. MEMs based bioreactors
can be used to create a precisely controlled living environment for bacteria, enabling companies to successfully and cost-effectively
increase the yield of bacteria and their byproducts. The optimized growth of bacteria has also been cited as the doorway to
the development of low-cost pharmaceutical drugs.
NanoLogix, besides the bioreactor technology, also has patents related
to diagnostic test kits used to quickly identify over 34 types of bacteria that result in disease. The patents relate to M.
tuberculosis (TB), Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI), pseudomonas, and nocardia bacteria. These bacteria often result
in the death of the seriously ill. Another important patent that NanoLogix owns is for nontoxic induction of apoptosis in
cancer cells. This technology offers a potential way to destroy cancer cells within the human body without injury to neighboring
healthy and vital human cells and tissue.
Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXWL) with the release of its
first quarter financials indicates that it sees no let up in the demand for its products - specifically its high voltage capacitors.
The company states that demand from electric utilities, the automotive market and the weather satellite market are expected
to accelerate revenue growth. According to Dr. Richard Balanson, Maxwell's President, "We are penetrating key strategic markets,
as evidenced by major contract wins in Q1 for automotive ultracapacitor modules with the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium
and single board computers for Northrop Grumman, the prime contractor for the next generation weather satellite program, both
of which created new, ongoing revenue streams. In addition, global demand for our high voltage capacitors for electric utility
infrastructure continues the growth trend that began in the second half of last year."
Balanson also stated that ultracapacitor revenue doubled quarter-to-quarter,
to approximately $2.5 million in the first quarter, driven by production ramps that are expected to sustain continuing rapid
growth, "The rate of growth in demand for ultracapacitor-based energy storage and power delivery solutions is accelerating,
and continues to outpace our previously announced initiatives to increase production capacity and improve efficiency. We are
stepping up our investments in facilities, product development and process improvements to close that gap and move the company
toward profitability."
Maxwell reported revenue of $9.8 million for its first quarter ended
March 31, 2005, a 15 percent sequential gain over the $8.5 million recorded in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004.
MAY 10th, 2005
Self-Powered Factories Emerge from Fuel Cell Technology?
Perhaps one day, the kitchen garbage disposal will be one of the main sources of energy
for your house. Or, chopped grass from your lawn. These are the promises of nanotechnology, micromachines and microfluidic
technology. Devices that attach to your lawnmower, which feed the fuel tank with freshly cut grass, will be the norm instead
of the eccentric exception. Gone will be the days of the garbage bin, in its place will be the biomass-to-energy converter.
Instead of monthly utility bills, the average house will receive monthly energy royalty statements. A little hard to believe?
The evidence however is pointing in that direction. Take for instance Ener1's use of orange peels as the main fuel source
for its fuel cells for a Florida highway project. FuelCell Energy Inc. may also envision such a day. Their technology has
been implemented in Japan. The Kyotango City' plant has planned to make use of FuelCell's 250-kilowatt Direct FuelCell power
plant to convert waste from a food factory to power their city. Other changes are in the wind. Consider the recent $1.6 million
dollar contract Konarka has received for its solar powered cloth, needed to eliminate the need for soldiers to carry loads
of spare batteries.
MAY 10th, 2005
Intersil Announces Universal Battery Charger Chips Intersil Corporation (NASDAQ:ISIL) released two battery charger chips intended for notebook
and portable electronic device applications. The two chips, the ISL6251 and ISL6255, feature the following: +/-0.5 percent
voltage regulation accuracy, +/-3 percent full charging current accuracy, a programmable adapter current limit and charge
voltage, and a 7V to 25V input voltage range, which permits the device to be used with a variety of different battery types
such as lithium ion, nickel-metal hydride, and nickel-cadmium (NiCd). The company indicates that the devices allow for safer
operation and improved battery life primarily because of the accuracy of the devices. Furthermore, Intersil states that the
chips permit the use of lower cost and smaller AC adapters for a complete design.
The ISL6251 in a quad flat no-lead
(QFN) package is priced at $2.25 and the ISL6255HRZ (QFN) is $2.75 - quantities, 1000.
Intersil, a mixed signal integrated
circuit company, offers a wide range of power management chips. These include battery management, hot-interchange controllers,
linear voltage regulators, power MOSFET drivers, supervisors, and switching DC / DC regulators. In addition, the company produces
analog switches and multiplexers, crosspoint switches, data converters, DSL line drivers, operational amplifiers, optical
storage laser diode drivers, and chips for VoIP applications.
MAY 9th, 2005
MicroPlanet Obtains $5.6 Million - To Save Utility Customers
10% On Energy Bills
MicroPlanet Technology Corp. (TSX VENTURE:MP), an energy grid voltage
regulation company, has obtained financing valued at $5.56 million through a merger and financing transaction with HF Capital
Corporation. MicroPlanet Chief Executive Officer Brian Reidy indicated that the company's technology would save the average
utility customer 10 percent, "This financing allows MicroPlanet to commercialize our products and introduce them to the energy
infrastructure marketplace. Based on electric utility experience and our research, MicroPlanet believes by regulating incoming
line voltage its technology has the potential to reduce the amount of energy used by an average utility customer by 10 percent
-- decreasing the likelihood of brownouts and blackouts during the peak energy season."
MAY 5th, 2005
Solaris Nanosciences Corporation, a company that plans to improve
solar cell technology efficiency with its nanomaterial technology, announced today that it has closed on an investment made
by the Slater Technology Fund. The investment came in the form of a $150,000 convertible note.
Ron Unterman, Ph.D., Managing Director of the Slater Technology
Fund was impressed not only with the solar cell technology but applications of Solaris' technology for eyewear and displays,
"Solaris' technology is one of the most innovative approaches I have seen for improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness
of solar energy. In addition, their core nanotechnology holds tremendous opportunity for other market sectors, including improved
viewing angle for video displays, and enhanced vision for patients with macular degeneration. With its strong IP position
and creative technology team, Solaris will continue to expand on its nanotechnology platform which underlies these and other
potential products for both commercial and military markets."
Solaris's technology is based on an optical absorption phenomena
called plasmons. Plasmons, a type of optical absorption, occurs when metals are dissolved into the glass. Colors different
than the dissolved metals appear in the glass when a plasmon occurs. For a plasmon to occur, the dimensions of the metal particles
must be smaller than the wavelength of light.
MAY 3rd, 2005
ZAP (OTCBB:ZAPZ), which has tripled purchase orders this year to
the $750 million dollar market, plans to triple the run time of its three and four wheeled vehicles through an agreement with
Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:ABAT). Initial tests have shown that ABAT's Lithium Polymer batteries will increase
the run time of ZAP's autos by a factor of three times when compared to Lead-Acid batteries.
ZAP CEO Steve Schneider pointed to other benefits of the new type
of battery, "We look forward to the weight reduction and range extension we expect from the ABAT battery technology. Our research
has indicated that another vehicle company in Japan has already found success with their technology. On our recent trip tip
to China we road-tested several of their vehicles, ranging from scooters to a complete Lithium powered electric bus. We are
continuing to expand our electric transportation product line at all levels, from personal to public transportation. We are
also exploring the possibility of making an electric version of the Smart Car."
Zhiguo Fu, Chairman of ABAT, on the other hand, spoke about the
retrofit status phase of the agreement, "The first shipment of ZAP vehicles has already arrived, and our engineering team
is working to install and range-test the vehicles provided. We're very pleased to have ZAP as our strategic partner and we
believe that our new relationship will accelerate the introduction of our advanced lithium polymer batteries into the U.S.
electric vehicle market."
MAY 2nd, 2005
Millennium Cell Inc. (NASDAQ: MCEL), a hydrogen battery company,
has completed a private placement of its Series C convertible preferred stock and warrants valued at $10 million for the company.
Millennium Cell's CEO, H. David Ramm, commented on the financing and the company's end-markets, "Today's announcement of this
successful financing will enable us to further build on the recent momentum established in our business. With this additional
capital and continued support from our commercial partners and federal government agencies, we look forward to realizing our
goal of broad military and commercial availability of hydrogen batteries based on our technology."
MAY 2nd, 2005
Reality Wireless Networks Inc. (OTCBB: RWLN) and its merger partner
Genesis Electronics Inc. have announced plans to develop a SunBlazer, a mobile solar powered holster, for the iPod. The holster,
designed to carry the iPod conveniently, will power the iPod with on the go charging for its music driven customer base.
Jerry Bessa, CEO of Genesis, gave the planned release date and remarked
about iPod's market size, "The SunBlazer for the iPod is a natural extension of Genesis's mobile power product line expected
to be released later this summer. Given that Apple has sold approximately 10 million iPods since 2001 and is expected to sell
an additional 20 million this year, the SunBlazer(TM) for the iPod is an ideal product application and design extension of
our technology."
ENERGY TRENDS 2005
April 29, 2005
ZAP (OTCBB:ZAPZ), the Zero Air Pollution company, through its ZAP
Energy division, has entered into a distribution agreement with Target Corporation, one of the United States' largest retailers.
As part of the agreement, Target is to distribute ZAP's high energy density portable battery products. The battery products,
now available on-line at Targets web site, are reported to offer four times the power of typical portable batteries. The ZAP
smart charge controller, which determines and delivers the correct voltage level needed for a device, give ZAP's batteries
the capability to power a wide range of electronic devices -from cell phones to laptops.
ZAP CEO Steve Schneider discussed the importance of the agreement,
"The distribution agreement will enable us to leverage Target's superior brand value and its reputation for innovative design
and products to obtain wide exposure for ZAP's advanced Portable Energy products. Our battery products offer unique and significant
advantages over other products on the market. Target's powerful distribution capabilities will help us move more quickly into
the red-hot electronics market with our unique solutions. We are excited that our battery line is catching the interest of
mass retailers such as Target. ZAP Portable Energy helps keep disposable batteries from entering the waste stream and helps
the Company expand its efforts towards creating larger-format batteries for our advanced electric vehicle drive trains."
ZAP's success in the energy market has been underscored with record
orders growth. The company, which just a few weeks ago reported breaking the $200 million mark and then the $500 million purchase
order mark, now has indicated that orders have continued to rocket past the $750 million mark.
ZAP has also recently announced that the Smart Car Americanized
by ZAP has been cleared for sale in the United States. Mr. Schneider commented on the implications for the company, "ZAP is
thrilled to announce that with the receipt of an official letter of notification from the U.S. Department of Transportation,
the Smart Car has now received all federal approvals necessary for sale in the United States. This is the final step in ZAP's
initiative to create an advanced transportation distribution network to meet the growing demand by American consumers for
automobiles that will meet their transportation needs while cutting gas expenditures, and also helping to reduce polluting
emissions. Dealers have been clamoring for more energy-efficient vehicles options, and ZAP is preparing to supply them from
various manufacturers."
Cypress Semiconductor, along with its quarterly financials, has
reported that its SunPower division saw a revenue increase of 142 percent. Revenue was $11.00 million in the first quarter.
The increase in revenue correlates to the start of the production ramp of its solar cell facility in the Philippines.
SunPower plans a second 25 MW solar cell line in the Philippines
scheduled for initial volume production in the fourth quarter. The second line will bring SunPower's capacity up to 16 million
solar cells per year. SunPower so far has shipped one million solar cells. That record was set five months after the first
25-megawatt facility was enabled. Yield at that facility went from 20 percent to 90 percent in that five month period. Cypress
also has reported that the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has rated SunPower's flagship A-300 solar cells at 21.5% efficiency
- noted as one of the of the highest in the solar industry.
T. J. Rodgers, CEO at Cypress, commented about the overall company
revenue, which is heavily focused on semiconductors, "Our revenue for the 2005 first quarter came in at the bottom of the
range we provided in guidance at the beginning of the quarter. However, we believe that the first quarter was the bottom of
this current slowdown. We have started the second quarter with a better backlog position than last quarter's, and bookings
to date are strong. Most of our revenue shortfall in the first quarter was the result of a decrease in sales of memory products
to the wireless handset market, which experienced softness towards the end of the quarter. On the other hand, SunPower Corp.
-- our silicon solar cell subsidiary -- exceeded its revenue target slightly, posting sales of $11 million in the first quarter."
In a statement after the release of its earnings, T. J. Rogers further
detailed the demand and supply situation at SunPower for its solar cells. "With the demand for solar cells far outstripping
supply, and the projected output of its production plant in the Philippines booked out through 2005, SunPower's ability to
grow is constrained only by its ability to quickly ramp its manufacturing operations and its access to capital."
Xantrex Technology Inc. (TSX:XTX), a supplier of solar inverters,
which convert direct current from solar panels to alternating current used in homes, offices and industry, has received a
$2 million order from Grupo Enerpal of Spain. The inverters are to be used in one of Spain's major solar projects, a six megawatt
facility under construction near Murcia, Spain. The order is for Xantrex's GR100E grid tie industrial solar inverters. The
order is expected to be completely filled in 2006.
Mossadiq S. Umedaly, Xantrex's Chairman, commented on the order
and the solar market in Europe, "This order reflects the traction that Xantrex's industrial solar inverters have gained since
we introduced them in Europe last year. Europe is a world leader in industrial-scale solar photovoltaic power generation,
and Xantrex's objective is to become a leading supplier of industrial solar inverters in Europe. We have been the leader in
the industrial solar market in North America for many years."
Canada to Increase Renewable Energy Production
From Environment and Energy Publishing comes news that Ontario Canada
plans to increase its reliance on renewables to 5 percent in 2007 and 10 percent in 2010. According to the report, Energy
Minister Dwight Duncan indicated that the government is seeking bids from suppliers for wind, water, solar, biomass and landfill
companies that can supply over 20 megawatts. The province, apparently as part of the program, plans to close down five coal
fired power plants.
EPCOR has entered into an agreement with Port Albert Wind Farms
Ltd. for the purchase of the development and interconnection rights to 270 megawatts of wind power. The rights pertain to
a region near the western shores of Lake Huron and a 660 kilowatt turbine currently in operation. The land is near Goderich,
Ontario, where EPCOR currently has a 39.6 megawatt facility under construction. That project, known as The Kingsbridge Wind
Power Project, is scheduled for completion in late 2005 or early 2006.
According to the Asia Africa Intelligence Wire, Rewo International
and Arab Affor Asean are investing in biodiesel oil, which is obtained from food factories as used vegetable oil. The release
indicated that the biodiesel oil procured in Thailand could be sold at a profit as biodiesel fuel.
APRIL 28th, 2005
Reports from AAP NEWSFEED indicate Geoynamics has made a significant
energy steam strike. Tests confirm the well produced 10 megawatts of thermal power at Cooper Basin. According to Geodynamics,
"The region has the potential to generate 1000's of megawatts of emission-free electricity."
Geodynamics plans to proceed with further testing.
APRIL 28th, 2005
Despite the advantages of solar, wind, wave and thermal differential
energy technologies, biomass, most often burned plant and tree material, is considered one of the most pragmatic ways to solve
the world's energy problems. Part of the reason is nanotechnology. Advances in nanotechnology indicate that products
will be developed that nearly completely eliminate the pollutants from energy sources that rely on fire and burning.
Nanotechnology may also be able to harness the power of forest fires to put them out and generate energy at the same time.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO)
estimates that up to 13 percent of the worlds petroleum supply could be replaced "in the shortterm" with biofuels. Today,
notes the FAO, petroleum accounts for 35 percent of the world’s energy consumption, coal, 23 percent and natural gas,
21 percent. Biofuel, mainly fuelwood and charcoal represents 10 percent.
APRIL 27th, 2005
With the rise of in-house electricity generation modules at the
office and home, the need to interface with the electrical grid has grown. Most home owners and office workers, in order to
multiplex power into and out of their buildings for purchase and resale on the emerging Energy Internet, need simple one electric
plug and play systems that connect all of their in-house and out of house energy sources together. In that vane, Nextek Power
Systems, Inc. and Ballard Power Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLDP) have announced a 75 kilowatt Digital Power Gateway to be manufactured
as part of an agreement between the two companies.
Mark Robinson, Nextek's Vice President of Sales, commented
on new market opportunities that the technology opens up, "Until now, Nextek's power networks have been most applicable to
new construction and buildings undergoing lighting refits. Our dealer network can now take advantage of opportunities in existing
buildings that need higher efficiency, backup power systems, and lower-cost metering, monitoring and control systems."
Ballard Power Systems is a provider of zero-emission proton exchange
membrane fuel cells as an alternative to internal combustion engines. Nextek Power Systems, Inc. offers direct current (DC)
power networks for buildings and accessories for a diverse range of home and industrial markets.
APRIL 27th, 2005
Asia Pulse Pte Limited reports that over $41 million (Australian)
has been granted to three major car makers, Ford, Holden and Toyota for the research and development of environmentally intelligent
vehicles - primarily fuel economy. According to the release, Ford obtained the vast majority of the funding, pegged at $A28
million, which is to be used for engine research for its Falcon and Territory. Holden's share is planned for use for fuel
economy and emissions as well as smart design and safety. Toyota has a software project it plans to use the money on.
APRIL 26th, 2005
Reports indicate that cities, specifically green cities - a primary
market of the green industry, are able to save the town 20 percent on gas consumption through the retiming of stoplights.
Besides fuel economy other benefits include cleaner air and less driver exposure time to the noxious air that surrounds intersections
and crowded city streets. Improved stoplight timing algorithms, which take in real time automobile traffic flow throughout
the entire city and the city's main feeders and exits, are expected to reduce fuel consumption even more as the technology
advances.
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.
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