Solar Fenway newsfeed

Voltaix Raises $12.5 Million for Semiconductors and Solar Cells

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:00 GMT

07/30/2009 - Voltaix, a provider of materials that enhance the performance of semiconductor chips and solar cells, recently announced that it has received $12...

India Mulls Plans to Issue Renewable Energy Certificates

Fri, 22 May 2009 07:00 GMT

05/23/2009 - The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has said that it plans to introduce renewable-energy certificates to promote the inter-state trade of green power...

Article: Interview with Alexei Janssen, director, Aquascientific Ltd - Tidal Energy Special

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:00 GMT

"Life cycle routines and costs are often far more important than the device itself"

ICELAND: Filling Up on Hydrogen

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:54 GMT

The hydrogen generator replaces an oil-based generator. It is particularly appropriate for the whale-watching ship as the generator is silent, which means that when whales are spotted and the ship's main engines are switched off, there is no background rumble of a diesel generator.

Nexterra Ignites With $3.6M for Gasification

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:00 GMT

At 1,500-1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, wood chips don't stand a chance, but under the right conditions, those chips can be efficiently turned into clean, energy-rich syngas. That's what Vancouver, B.C.-based Nexterra Energy does with its gasification technology, for which it just raised C$3.8 million ($3.6 million) in a fourth round funding, the startup said yesterday. The round was led by return investor ARC Financial Corp., which has invested C$20 million in gasification venture to date.

Nexterra's technology uses wood chips or other solid fuels to create relatively clean syngas, which can then be burned in a traditional gas power generation system. The feedstock is put through a tightly controlled series of steps including drying, pyrolysis, gasification and reduction, and in the end, the incombustible and dirty ash is removed and the hydrocarbon-rich syngas is piped away. The company is targeting plant-scale operations in the forest products, institutional, power generation and pulp and paper manufacturing sectors.

Gasification technology is key to the hopes of so-called “clean coal” advocates. Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plants turn coal into syngas, removing some of the polluting impurities before combustion. The technology needs more commercial-scale testing to prove its economic and environmental feasibility. There are only two IGCC plants in operation in the U.S., and financiers and regulators are hesitant to green-light new coal-fired power plants.

Other startups are trying to apply gasification technology to their clean energy endeavors. Plasco Energy, a fellow Canadian cleantech company, uses “plasmagasification,” where a gasified garbage stream is exposed to an electrical arc — the so-called “plasma torch.” Gasification is also the key to GM-backed Coskata's ability to turn any carbon-based feedstock into syngas, which its proprietary microbes metabolize into ethanol.

Graphics courtesy of Nexterra.

‘Cleantech for Obama’ Group Starts Rallying

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:30 GMT

This week's Democratic National Convention could go down in history as the one with the most mentions of green and clean technology. In attendance were members of the newly formed group Cleantech for Obama, which was created to help rally the cleantech community behind Barack Obama, and spearhead fundraising.

Several national co-chairs of the organization, including Sunil Paul, Jason Scott, Josh Becker, Aimee Christensen, Jeff Anderson and Andrew Beebe, helped host a reception near the convention center in Denver on Tuesday afternoon. Carol Browner, former EPA administrator and Albright Group principal, who is an Honorary Co-Chair of the Cleantech for Obama organization, was signed up as a “special guest” at the event.

But the DNC appears to be just a low-profile warm-up for Clean Tech for Obama. Next Wednesday, Sept. 3, the group plans to hold a launch event in downtown San Francisco, called the “CT4O” (Cleantech 4 Obama) Thoughtraiser, dubbed a “townhall-style dialogue.” The lineup plans to include introductory remarks from Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, and speeches from Google's Dan Reicher; green collar job advocate Van Jones; UC Berkeley energy researcher Dan Kammen; Steve Westly, former California State Comptroller and Managing Partner of the Westly Group; and Heather Zichal, Energy and Environmental Policy Staff Adviser for the Obama Campaign.

The upcoming event, along with the rousing endorsement speech by Nth Power investor Nancy Floyd at the DNC this week, shows just how high-profile cleantech has become in political circles. With the high prices of gas and concerns over global warming hitting the news at the same time as the election cycle, politics has been swept up by a variety of energy plans from well-known politicians.

Obama's comprehensive strategy to tackle carbon emissions is the hands-down favorite of the cleantech crowd — his campaign has grabbed donations from cleantech investors 6 to 1 over McCain. And as of yesterday he now has the added clout of his official vice president choice, Joe Biden, who has been pushing for climate change and energy legislation for decades.

The return of solar mega-deals

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:27 GMT

It’s been amazing, as a long-time follower of energy policy and politics, to see just how central energy tech has been in the convention out in Denver. If you weren’t watching C-Span, you likely didn’t get to see it (the cable news networks seem to prefer showing us their own hired analysts instead of [...]

Solar Tree Gadget Charging Concept Is Natural Geek Beauty

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:56 GMT

I've seen many solar charging devices for various gadgets and gizmos, but this is the first one I can think of that I might actually want to show off in my living room. From designer Vivien Muller, this modular little bonsai tree features up to 54 mini-photovoltaic cells to act as leaves and soak up the sun. Meanwhile, your gadget adaptors and various cables can all get tucked away and connected underneath.

I want one. Too bad it's still only a concept. Check out more images over on Gizmodo.

Toyota Plugs All-Electric Vehicle As 2009 Sales Outlook Dips

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:30 GMT

Toyota (TM) says it has rolled back its sales predictions for the upcoming year, but the company remains committed to hybrid car production and its plans to produce an electric vehicle to compete with rival auto manufacturers.

Despite a 700,000-vehicle predicted drop in sales, Toyota says it is still on the path toward its goal of selling 1 million hybrids a year by the early 2010s. The company also announced that Toyota would start producing an electric car by early next decade, which offers a direct challenge to the plans of Nissan and Mitsubishi that plan to mass produce their own electric vehicles within the next two years. Toyota stock rose slightly, indicating that The Street agrees with the company's pursuit of efficient technologies.

Are slower sales sign of tough economic times? Yes, of course, but they also point out that Toyota can't get away with producing larger, fuel inefficient vehicles any more than Ford or GM or Chrysler. Toyota's big sales drops have, like Detroit's big three, largely come in the full-sized truck and large car segments. Hybrid and small car sales remain robust.

The heart of Toyota's future growth remains hybrid vehicles, and Toyota is not slacking off on its hybrid push one iota. Toyota still plans to unveil the next-gen Prius as promised, on schedule, next year as well as to introduce a new Lexus hybrid. It's also forging ahead with other, more fuel efficient models. President Katsuaki Watanabe says Toyota plans to use the foreseen slowdown to streamline its already lean manufacturing operations, making its production system in the U.S. more agile, and to develop more hybrid cars and other fuel-efficient vehicles.

The undercurrent here seems to be, ‘OK, we were a little off in our production estimates, but we're still pressing ahead with the next Prius, and we're serious about producing an electric car too!' To which we can all say, “Good!”

United States, Australia, and Iceland to Promote Geothermal Energy

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:00 GMT

The United States, Australia, and Iceland signed a charter on August 28 to launch the International Partnership for Geothermal Technology, which will foster and promote cutting-edge geothermal technologies and help address energy security and address global climate change.

BMW has biggest reduction in CO of any major automaker

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:36 GMT

German automakers like BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche have been at the forefront of battling the proposed EU carbon dioxide emissions limits. Those manufacturers have traditionally had among the highest fuel consumption averages because of all the high performance cars they build. In spite of that, BMW actually had the greatest reduction in CO₂ emissions from its fleet in 2007. BMW's fleet average fuel consumption dropped by 7.3 percent from 2006 to 2007 and its CO₂ emissions went from 184 g/km to 170 g/km. The average improvement for all the big manufacturers was only 1.7 percent. That's still well above the 158 g/km average for all large manufacturers and the 130 g/km target for 2012. Nonetheless it shows the progress that's possible even without sacrificing too much performance capability. BMW has already declared that it will not pursue building supercars instead focusing on more efficient powertrains. Hyundai and Daimler also made significant improvements of 3.9 and 3.5 percent respectively. The final form of the new regulations are still being debated and are scheduled for a vote in the European Parliament's Environment Committee on Sept. 8-9.

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Toyota to Accelerate Development of HEVs, PHEVs and EVs; Downgrades Sales Target for FY2009

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:36 GMT

Watanabe characterized the rapid change is the US market toward more fuel-efficient vehicles as structural. Click to enlarge.

Outlining Toyota’s response to rapidly changing global market conditions, growing environmental issues and increasing material costs, President Katsuaki Watanabe said that the company was accelerating its development of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all electric vehicles. Watanabe said that Toyota would advance its delivery of plug-ins for fleet deployment to 2009 from 2010, and was planning series production of a next-generation electric vehicle in the early 2010s.

Watanabe also said that Toyota had dropped its global sales target for fiscal 2009 to 9.7 million vehicles from the earlier target of 10.4 million. Toyota is expecting flat sales in North America for FY 2009 (approximately 2.70 million units) and Japan (approximately 2.25 million units). The company expects growth in Europe (1.3 million units, up from 1.25 million); Asia (1.75 million units, up from 1.65 million) and Central and South America, Africa and the Middle East (1.7 million, up from 1.65).

Toyota will tailor its operations to various conditions in each of five major regions: Japan; the US; Western Europe; India and Brazil; and China and Russia. Japan remains the core of global operations. Watanabe characterized the US as a growing market in the medium-to-long term, but one that had undergone a structural shift towards more fuel efficient vehicles. In response, Toyota is trying to optimize its North American production, consolidating the production of its trucks, while increasing the supply of fuel efficient hybrids.

Western Europe will see successive launches of low-emission vehicles, including the new iQ with CO₂ emissions of 99 g/km and new hybrids. Toyota has scheduled 18 new low-emission models between late 2008 and 2009.

For India and Brazil, Toyota plans a full-fledged entry through new plants and newly-developed compact vehicles. For China and Russia, Toyota will increase local production and expand sales and service networks.

To support its basic strategy of increasing hybrid sales, Toyota is targeting a 1-million unit production capacity of battery packs at PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy), and a large increase of production capacity in 2009 for the new Prius and new dedicated hybrid vehicle. Fundamental to the expansion of the hybrid strategy is ongoing reductions in size, weight and cost for the hybrid drive systems.

On the cost front, Toyota is organizing a special team to review vehicle size, weight, and number of parts of compact vehicles in order to realize cost reductions.

For the medium- to longer-term environmental strategy, Watanabe reiterated Toyota’s focus on electricity, bio-energy and hydrogen as the key elements of a diversified response.

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Electric car from Audi to be a Volkswagen up!?

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:36 GMT

It was only last April that Audi was saying that it had no plans for an electric car (EV) in the immediate future. It's possible they're operating under a different definition of “immediate future” than us or maybe they have just changed their minds because, according to Car Magazine Online, Audi has unofficially said it will offer an electric version of the Volkswagen up! when they become available, possibly before 2011. In terms of vehicle development lead times that sure sounds like “immediate future” to us! Of course, it is conceivable they may be as just as flaky with their EV plans as they have been with their Q5 and Q7 hybrid programs. If there are more up! production delays, Audi may may a plan B. According to another bite-sized article in Car Magazine Online, Audi is also considering reviving its A2 (R.I.P. 2005) with an aluminum space frame (ASF) and stuffing it full of batteries. With all Audi's indecision though, a more sure bet may be Volkswagen making an electric Volkswagen.

[Source: Car Magazine Online]

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Vauxhall launches the Astra ecoFlex

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:36 GMT

Click for high-resolution pictures of the Astra ecoFlex

GM's brand in the United Kingdom, Vauxhall, has launched the Astra Ecoflex version. As with the array of green signatures created by all European automakers (see: Bluemotion, Ecomotive, Eco2, Airdream…), the Vaxuhall Ecoflex takes a standard Astra, and greens up the base diesel engine while adding tweaks to the car to lower CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption. The good news is that the engineers not only managed to get the 1.7 CDTi engine to produce only 119 g/km of CO₂while keeping mileage at 62.8mpg Imperial (52.3mpg U.S. or 4.5 l/100 km) but they increased the engine's power from 100 to 110hp. Other improvements include a 30kg (66 pound) reduction in kerb weight, lowered suspension to improve aerodynamics, modification of the front air intakes and a drag-reducing lower engine compartment panel. Engineers also reduced the power steering pump's idle speed and fitted low rolling-resistance tires. Prices start at £16,340.

Vauxhall is preparing two additional ecoFlex models for 2009: a 109g/km Corsa 1.3 CDTi good for nearly 69mpg Imperial (57mpg U.S. or 4.1 l/100 km), and a low-emissions version of the new Insignia sedan. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Vauxhall Astra EcoFlex

[Source: Vauxhall]

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Australia, Iceland and US Launch International Partnership to Promote Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:36 GMT

The US, Australia and Iceland have formed the International Partnership for Geothermal Technology (IPGT), designed to foster and promote enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).

The US Department of Energy (DOE) will work with Australia’s Ministry of Resources, Energy and Tourism and Iceland’s Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism to identify and encourage research, development and deployment projects critical to widespread deployment of EGS and deep drilling technologies, exchange best practices and support education and training programs.

The IPGT will foster close working relationships among the international partners to support an accelerated evolution of geothermal technology through knowledge gained from projects in different countries and geologic settings.

In addition to establishing the IPGT, ministerial representatives of Australia, Iceland and the US held a two day workshop bringing together experts from government, industry and academia to discuss research, development and deployment priorities for geothermal energy. The IPGT is open to expansion and in the future may include members from other countries with commitments to emerging geothermal energy technologies.

Resources

DOE Geothermal Technologies Program

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Daimler Trucks Opens Global Hybrid Center in Japan

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:36 GMT

Daimler Trucks inaugurated its new Global Hybrid Center at Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) in Kawasaki. Located within the company’s R&D facilities, the new center will be the worldwide hub for Daimler Trucks’ hybrid development. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks division of Daimler AG, and one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.

With the opening of the new Center, Mitsubishi Fuso also announced it will double the number of its dedicated hybrid engineers to about 35 people.

The role of the new Global Hybrid Center is to direct and synchronize Daimler Trucks hybrid development activities on a global basis. All of Daimler Trucks hybrid activities will be aligned under the Center, including regional hybrid personnel at Daimler Trucks divisions MFTBC, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Trucks North America LLC. A total of 50 people will be affiliated with the Center.

MFTBC was chosen as the location for the Center because of the company’s history and expertise in hybrid vehicle innovation. Mitsubishi Fuso has been developing hybrid vehicles for more than 10 years and today offers products such as the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck and the Aero Star Eco Hybrid bus for the Japan market. The company has also developed the Canter Eco-D, a concept hybrid light-duty dump truck.

MFTBC had already been serving as the hybrid competence center for Daimler Trucks. The founding of the Global Hybrid Center expands this role and creates a formal organizational structure for coordinating hybrid development on a global basis.

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Con Edison of New York Orders Three E450 Hybrids from Azure Dynamics

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:36 GMT

Con Edison of New York has placed an initial order with Azure Dynamics for three Balance Hybrid Electric vehicles, based on the Ford E450 chassis.

The Azure Balance Hybrid Electric system specified by Con Edison has attributes such as engine-off at idle and at below 20 miles per hour, while electronically supporting key ancillary functions like air conditioning, power steering and braking.

The powertrain, with a Ford 5.4L engine, can improve fuel economy by up to 40%, while reducing carbon emission by up to 30% in city conditions. The powertrain also offers a significant reduction in maintenance costs including up to 75% reduction in brake maintenance versus conventionally equipped competitors.

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French Government Declares Car Feebates System a Success

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:36 GMT

Basic parameters of France’s feebate system. Click to enlarge.

French environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo declared a bonus/malus (“feebate”) system introduced to encourage car buyers to make greener purchase choices a success.

According to official figures, sales in France of vehicles consuming less than 130 g/km CO₂ increased 45% increase in the eight months since the scheme was introduced. In that time, average CO₂ emissions from new cars sold fell by 9% (8 g CO₂/km). There was, however, a surge in purchases of 4×4s between the scheme’s announcement and its introduction.

The highest bonus for the buying the lowest carbon car (below 60 g/km—essentially only EVs qualify) is €5,000 (US$7,349), while the highest malus (extra tax) is €2,600 (US$3,821). Buyers of low emissions vehicles who also scrap a vehicle older than 15 years receive a super bonus of €300.

In 2007, nearly 50% of the vehicles sold in France emitted less than 140 g CO₂/km, according to ADEME (Agence de l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Energie). Vehicle CO₂ ratings are available on the ADEME site.

The cost to France’s budget is reported to be around €140 million (US$206 million) because of the greater-than-expected impact of the scheme.

Encouraged by the early indications from the scheme, Borloo has called for the system to be applied to other types of products, including televisions, computers, tires and some electrical products.

(A hat-tip to Chris!)

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Green Mountain Energy Cites Policy, Not Price, for FPL Program’s Death

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:22 GMT

After the Florida Public Service Commission unceremoniously shuttered FPL's leading utility green power program earlier this month, citing high marketing and sales costs, Green Mountain Energy has released data disputing the claim.

Costs for sales and marketing accounted for just 52 percent of Green Mountain’s revenues. That figure is comparable to other top-ranked programs in the U.S., including Portland General Electric. Thor Hinckley, green power program manager for PGE, says Green Mountain Energy spends 56 percent of its budget on marketing costs for the Portland program. The Florida PSC told Earth2Tech in early August that voluntary programs like FPL's were no longer necessary, thanks to the state's forthcoming Renewable Portfolio Standard.

First Solar Power Station in Israel is Up and Running

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:18 GMT

In the department of “How has this not already happened?”, Haaretz reports that Israel’s first solar power station is now functioning. The 50 kW solar array is on a farm in the Negev, and will be hooked up to the national power grid in two weeks.

The reason for the long wait? Israel’s state solar incentives just kicked in on July 1st. They allow home and industrial customers to receive NIS 2.01 per kWh for electricity produced. Household power plants are limited to 15 kW, and business plants are limited to 50 kW.

Food for Thought is Closer than You Think

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:51 GMT

By John Addison (8/28/08). About half of the global warming caused by transportation is the result of goods and services that we all use; the other is from our personal vehicles ride. We can buy an organic apple that was grown locally, or we can buy an apple grown ten thousand miles away that used oil-refined fuel and natural gas derived fertilizers sourced another ten thousand miles away. Fish caught in Norway are shipped to China for cutting and packaging then shipped back to Norway.

Food is just one example of our potential to save. Food often requires large amounts of fossil fuels for farming machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, food processing, distribution and packaging materials. Transporting fresh products overseas by air, rather than sourcing them locally requires up to 50 times more fossil fuel energy. An air shipment of 1 kg of vegetables consumes 4 to 5 liters of petroleum, whereas the same amount of locally grown produce consumes about 0.1 to 0.3 liters (“Climate change: beyond whether,” UBS Research Report).

Millions are now buying produce locally to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, while avoiding this tragic shipping cost. During my last trip to Whole Foods, they stated that 60% of their produce is local. Each bin included a label stating where the fruit or vegetable was grown, making it easy to buy local. Organic food is more likely to be local. Many communities have local shops, farmers markets, and co-ops which offer locally grown food.

Type “CSA” and your zip code into Google or your favorite search engine. You are likely to be presented with choices of where you can buy locally grown seasonal food and/or have the food delivered to you.

Slow Food Nation, the largest celebration of American food in history, will take place in San Francisco over Labor Day weekend (August 29 to September 1, 2008). An unprecedented event, Slow Food Nation will bring together tens of thousands to experience the connection between plate and planet. The majority of Slow Food Nation’s events will be free and open to the public; certain events are ticketed.

Copyright 2008 © John Addison. Permission to reproduce if this copyright notice is preserved. John Addison publishes the Clean Fleet Report and writes about how people are reducing their petroleum dependency and carbon footprint.

Xcel Energy: Did We Say Profit? Not When We Count Carbon

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:35 GMT

While cleantech investors are betting that global warming will make their investments perform well, most publicly-traded companies have had their head in the sand when it comes to warning its investors about the financial risks of global warming. That is until now — in an agreement between environmental crusader New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Minnesota-based Xcel Energy (XEL), the utility will disclose to its investors in detail the risks global warming pose to its business. This first of its kind disclosure could be a sign of things to come for the electricity generation industry, the single largest contributor to the nation's greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the agreement, Xcel will disclose in SEC filings the risks of future climate change regulation and legislation, climate-change related litigation and physical impacts of climate change. Additionally, Xcel will also disclose its current carbon emissions, projected emissions from proposed coal power plants and its plans to reduce emissions.

Xcel already provides such information to the voluntary Carbon Disclosure Project and in its annual “triple-bottom-line” report. Xcel estimates that, at $9 per ton (lower than EU prices, but higher than current prices on RGGI), its carbon emission would have cost the company $603 million last year, according to TwinCities.com.

In 2007, Xcel reported just $577 million in profit. (Numbers like these are why banks have been taking into consideration what carbon regulation could mean for their investments and scaled back their plays in areas like coal.)

Xcel is the first of five utilities subpoenaed by Cuomo. The Attorney General's office is still negotiating with AES Corp., Dominion, Dynegy and Peabody Energy. In the carbon-constrained economy of the future, just as the SEC likes to keep track of corporations' financial dealings, they will want to know about companies' carbon dealings as well.

Man Heats 4,000 Sq. Ft Home for $2.50 Per Day Using Passive Solar Technology

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:27 GMT

Why spend lots of money heating your house when nature can do it for you? Upstate New York resident John Kosmer has taken passive solar to a new level in his home, which only costs $2.50 a day to heat. That’s less than $1,000 a year of heating expenses in an area of the country that gets mauled with snow multiple times a year.

Kosmer worked with Building With Integrity and Adirondack Alternative Energy to construct his passive solar house. Four-inch thick rigid polyurethane is installed on the exterior walls and under the roof, while pre-finished concrete siding covers the exterior of the home.

Alternative Energy Stocks Power Plays for August 28, 2008

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:27 GMT

CONSTELLATION ENERGY PARTNERS – To Sell its Upstream Gas Assets

Constellation Energy Partners LLC (NYSE: CEP) is trading off 3.6% following the Company's August 28, 2008 announcement that it intends to sell its upstream gas assets.

“We have been informed of Constellation Energy's decision to sell its upstream gas assets,” said Stephen R. Brunner, president and chief executive officer of Constellation Energy Partners. “Constellation Energy informed us that they are committed to continuing to provide all the services to the company as agreed to in its Management Services Agreement. We value our strategic relationship with Constellation Energy and appreciate their commitment to continue to provide ongoing support to our company. We intend to work closely with our Board of Managers and the management team at Constellation Energy to evaluate the potential impact that their current and future decisions may have on our company. As we move forward through the process we will focus on developing a plan that is in the interests of our company and unitholders.

“We do not expect any immediate impact on our business operations and we remain focused on running the business and executing on our strategic plan. We continue to focus on achieving our 2008 commitments and delivering cash flow stability and future growth to our unitholders.” To read the entire story, click here:

Visit Alt-EnergyStocks.com - Your resource for Alternative Energy Stocks

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES – Reports Net Income of $.24 per share for Q4.

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq: ENER), the leading global manufacturer of thin-film flexible solar laminate products for the building integrated and commercial rooftop markets, is trading down 4.75% despite the Company's August 28, 2008 announcement of its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

Total consolidated revenues for the quarter were $82.4 million, up 18 percent from third quarter revenues of $70.0 million, and 129 percent higher than fourth quarter fiscal 2007 revenues of $36.0 million. Solar product sales were $77 million, a 19 percent sequential increase and a 161 percent increase over the prior-year quarter.

Net income for the fourth quarter was $9.9 million, or $0.24 per share, compared to net income of $7.0 million, or $0.17 per share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, and a net loss of $13.1 million, or $0.33 per share, in the year-ago period. To read the entire story, click here:

Visit Alt-EnergyStocks.com - Your resource for Alternative Energy Stocks

INVESTOR EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP ) announced on August 28, 2008 its schedule of investor events. Click here for more
:
Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLR) announced on August 28, 2008 an upcoming investor event. Click here to read more:

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) announced on August 28, 2008 an upcoming investor event. Click here for more:

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F ) - announced on August 28, 2008 an upcoming investor event. To read more click here:

Visit Alt-EnergyStocks.com - Your resource for Alternative Energy Stocks

Renewable Energy Fair at Chena Hot Springs: Geothermal and Hydrogen in the Alaskan Wilderness

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:23 GMT

If you happened to be in Chena, Alaska last weekend, you may have attended the third annual Chena Renewable Energy Fair, chowed on some hot dogs barbecued on the hydrogen-powered grill, toured the the geothermal power plant, or visited the Aurora Ice Museum that’s kept cool in the summer using the patented absorption chiller.

Bernie Karl is all about renewable energy. Proprietor of Chena Hot Springs Resort, located 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks and 33 miles off the grid, Bernie acquired the ramshackle resort in 1998 from the state of Alaska. From the very beginning Bernie’s vision was to run his operation using only the abundant thermal energy of the surrounding hot springs.

Despite having more geothermal resources than any other state in the country, Alaska hadn’t developed any of those resources until Bernie’s geothermal power plant came online in 2006. Developed in partnership with United Technologies Corporation, the patented power plant is the lowest temperature geothermal resource used for commercial power production in the world. A step many hope will spur development for low cost geothermal development throughout Alaska and the world.