Greener Miles
Ford (F) is offering Ford owners a new way to balance their choice of automobiles with a growing need to be environmentally responsible. As consumers find the shift difficult to make , they can feel they are making a positive contribution to a future generation of clean energy users . "Greener Miles" will allow Ford owners to go to the Web Site to determine the amount of carbon dioxide they produce in one year of driving. They can offset the negative impact by investing the equivalent dollar value in clean technology .
Ford has partnered with TerraPass http://www.terrapass.com/ funds that invest in clean energy projects like wind farms and methane capture
If you aren’t quite ready to change your car- you can at least invest in the future green generations
Get insight into cleantech and renewable energy stocks with news and the cleantech and climate change podcast. This blog is part of www.investorideas.com cleantech investor content .
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
Fuel cell stocks up following President's statements
Fuel cell stocks gained investor attention , as high oil prices were a topic of discussion and a big thanks to statements from President Bush -
President George W. Bush: "I believe that today's children will one day take their driver's test in a hydrogen-powered, pollution-free car. That's the goal of the United States."
Two noticeable leaders in today's renewable stocks included Ballard Power Systems Inc.(BLDP) http://www.ballard.com/ that reached a new 52 week high , up over $2.30 for the day . Ballard makes and markets (PEM) fuel cells . Also FuelCell Energy Inc. (FCEL) http://www.fuelcellenergy.com, a company that makes fuel cell power plants for electric power generation was up 0 .75 closing at $13.65.
For a comprehensive list of renewable energy stocks visit:
Renewable/Alternative Energy Stocks Directory
http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/Companies/RenewableEnergy/Stock_List.asp
President George W. Bush: "I believe that today's children will one day take their driver's test in a hydrogen-powered, pollution-free car. That's the goal of the United States."
Two noticeable leaders in today's renewable stocks included Ballard Power Systems Inc.(BLDP) http://www.ballard.com/ that reached a new 52 week high , up over $2.30 for the day . Ballard makes and markets (PEM) fuel cells . Also FuelCell Energy Inc. (FCEL) http://www.fuelcellenergy.com, a company that makes fuel cell power plants for electric power generation was up 0 .75 closing at $13.65.
For a comprehensive list of renewable energy stocks visit:
Renewable/Alternative Energy Stocks Directory
http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/Companies/RenewableEnergy/Stock_List.asp
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Focus on Energy in China
With the visit of China’s President Hu Jintao this week , energy and clean energy discussions are on the table. China is one of the key members of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, formed by the US in July 2005 and launched in January 2006 . Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate was created to promote research and development of “clean”, or low-carbon, energy technology.
Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate
http://www.dfat.gov.au/environment/climate/ap6/index.html
Vision Statement of Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States of America for a New Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate
"Development and poverty eradication are urgent and overriding goals internationally. The World Summit on Sustainable Development made clear the need for increased access to affordable, reliable and cleaner energy and the international community agreed in the Delhi Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainable Development on the importance of the development agenda in considering any climate change approach.
We each have different natural resource endowments, and sustainable development and energy strategies, but we are already working together and will continue to work to achieve common goals. By building on the foundation of existing bilateral and multilateral initiatives, we will enhance cooperation to meet both our increased energy needs and associated challenges, including those related to air pollution, energy security, and greenhouse gas intensities.
To this end, we will work together, in accordance with our respective national circumstances, to create a new partnership to develop, deploy and transfer cleaner, more efficient technologies and to meet national pollution reduction, energy security and climate change concerns, consistent with the principles of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The partnership will collaborate to promote and create an enabling environment for the development, diffusion, deployment and transfer of existing and emerging cost-effective, cleaner technologies and practices, through concrete and substantial cooperation so as to achieve practical results. Areas for collaboration may include, but not be limited to: energy efficiency, clean coal, integrated gasification combined cycle, liquefied natural gas, carbon capture and storage, combined heat and power, methane capture and use, civilian nuclear power, geothermal, rural/village energy systems, advanced transportation, building and home construction and operation, bioenergy, agriculture and forestry, hydropower, wind power, solar power, and other renewables.
The partnership will also cooperate on the development, diffusion, deployment and transfer of longer-term transformational energy technologies that will promote economic growth while enabling significant reductions in greenhouse gas intensities. Areas for mid- to long-term collaboration may include, but not be limited to: hydrogen, nanotechnologies, advanced biotechnologies, next-generation nuclear fission, and fusion energy.
The partnership will share experiences in developing and implementing our national sustainable development and energy strategies, and explore opportunities to reduce the greenhouse gas intensities of our economies.
We will develop a non-binding compact in which the elements of this shared vision, as well as the ways and means to implement it, will be further defined. In particular, we will consider establishing a framework for the partnership, including institutional and financial arrangements and ways to include other interested and like-minded countries.
The partnership will also help the partners build human and institutional capacity to strengthen cooperative efforts, and will seek opportunities to engage the private sector. We will review the partnership on a regular basis to ensure its effectiveness.
The partnership will be consistent with and contribute to our efforts under the UNFCCC and will complement, but not replace, the Kyoto Protocol. "
Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate
http://www.dfat.gov.au/environment/climate/ap6/index.html
Vision Statement of Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States of America for a New Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate
"Development and poverty eradication are urgent and overriding goals internationally. The World Summit on Sustainable Development made clear the need for increased access to affordable, reliable and cleaner energy and the international community agreed in the Delhi Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainable Development on the importance of the development agenda in considering any climate change approach.
We each have different natural resource endowments, and sustainable development and energy strategies, but we are already working together and will continue to work to achieve common goals. By building on the foundation of existing bilateral and multilateral initiatives, we will enhance cooperation to meet both our increased energy needs and associated challenges, including those related to air pollution, energy security, and greenhouse gas intensities.
To this end, we will work together, in accordance with our respective national circumstances, to create a new partnership to develop, deploy and transfer cleaner, more efficient technologies and to meet national pollution reduction, energy security and climate change concerns, consistent with the principles of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The partnership will collaborate to promote and create an enabling environment for the development, diffusion, deployment and transfer of existing and emerging cost-effective, cleaner technologies and practices, through concrete and substantial cooperation so as to achieve practical results. Areas for collaboration may include, but not be limited to: energy efficiency, clean coal, integrated gasification combined cycle, liquefied natural gas, carbon capture and storage, combined heat and power, methane capture and use, civilian nuclear power, geothermal, rural/village energy systems, advanced transportation, building and home construction and operation, bioenergy, agriculture and forestry, hydropower, wind power, solar power, and other renewables.
The partnership will also cooperate on the development, diffusion, deployment and transfer of longer-term transformational energy technologies that will promote economic growth while enabling significant reductions in greenhouse gas intensities. Areas for mid- to long-term collaboration may include, but not be limited to: hydrogen, nanotechnologies, advanced biotechnologies, next-generation nuclear fission, and fusion energy.
The partnership will share experiences in developing and implementing our national sustainable development and energy strategies, and explore opportunities to reduce the greenhouse gas intensities of our economies.
We will develop a non-binding compact in which the elements of this shared vision, as well as the ways and means to implement it, will be further defined. In particular, we will consider establishing a framework for the partnership, including institutional and financial arrangements and ways to include other interested and like-minded countries.
The partnership will also help the partners build human and institutional capacity to strengthen cooperative efforts, and will seek opportunities to engage the private sector. We will review the partnership on a regular basis to ensure its effectiveness.
The partnership will be consistent with and contribute to our efforts under the UNFCCC and will complement, but not replace, the Kyoto Protocol. "
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Corporate Changes and Positioning- Home Depot Eco Options
As posted before, (Top 10 List of Retail Green Power Partners) large corporations are now taking the movement to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency to new levels never seen before. It is no longer just to appease a small demographic customer base, but now part of corporate business plans moving forward.
HOME DEPOT INC (NYSE:HD)http://www.homedepot.com is addressing their customers that are “more concerned than ever about energy consumption and the quality of the air, water, forests and health of their home & environment. The Home Depot's Eco Options brand helps customers improve homes and the environment."
I remember seeing this green movement start in the 70's, but never really gain the exposure and momentum necessary to go mainstream.
It always comes down to cost and economics. As we are confronted with oil prices over $70 and we face the price hikes at the pump, the average person that represents a typical customer that may shop at Home Depot is looking for new choices being dictated by their wallets.
Customers in Home Depot can look for the symbols helping to find energy-efficient products that will lower their energy bills, or products that can improve air quality and reduce emissions that contribute to global climate changes.
HOME DEPOT INC (NYSE:HD)http://www.homedepot.com is addressing their customers that are “more concerned than ever about energy consumption and the quality of the air, water, forests and health of their home & environment. The Home Depot's Eco Options brand helps customers improve homes and the environment."
I remember seeing this green movement start in the 70's, but never really gain the exposure and momentum necessary to go mainstream.
It always comes down to cost and economics. As we are confronted with oil prices over $70 and we face the price hikes at the pump, the average person that represents a typical customer that may shop at Home Depot is looking for new choices being dictated by their wallets.
Customers in Home Depot can look for the symbols helping to find energy-efficient products that will lower their energy bills, or products that can improve air quality and reduce emissions that contribute to global climate changes.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
India’s growing renewable energy market
India’s growing renewable energy market
India and China’s growing economies are adding to the current global oil dependency as world oil demand is estimated to reach 90 million barrels per day (bpd) before the end of this decade. With current prices fluctuating in the $60’s and experts such as T Boon Pickens saying we could see $100 barrel, there is a global push and demand to seek alternative energy solutions.
India and China could see the high growth they are experiencing come to a significant slow down if oil prices are too high and no solutions are in place.
Technology to reduce the dependency on oil and gas needs to be implemented to find short-term and long-term solutions.
India is taking heed and now ranks fourth in the world for wind energy behind Germany, Spain and the United States. The country's monsoon winds, contribute to their current annual power production . The World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) sees India as a leader in Asian countries in the area of generating wind power. India, with overall capacity (4,430 MW) and additions (1,430 MW) is taking steps to deal with a pending energy crisis.
The world is listening to the voices of the winds as wind energy currently delivers worldwide 1 per cent of the global electricity generation.
China moved up from 10th position in 2004 (764 MW) to 8th in 2005 (1,260 MW), and with installations, has reached the sixth position worldwide. The Chinese Government adopted a renewable energy law in 2005 with the goal of strengthening its manufacturing industry so it can produce an increased number of turbines to meet its future demands. .
Global energy players are being asked to make progress in addressing a global-energy policy approach to secure energy efficiency and environmental protection.
India and China’s growing economies are adding to the current global oil dependency as world oil demand is estimated to reach 90 million barrels per day (bpd) before the end of this decade. With current prices fluctuating in the $60’s and experts such as T Boon Pickens saying we could see $100 barrel, there is a global push and demand to seek alternative energy solutions.
India and China could see the high growth they are experiencing come to a significant slow down if oil prices are too high and no solutions are in place.
Technology to reduce the dependency on oil and gas needs to be implemented to find short-term and long-term solutions.
India is taking heed and now ranks fourth in the world for wind energy behind Germany, Spain and the United States. The country's monsoon winds, contribute to their current annual power production . The World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) sees India as a leader in Asian countries in the area of generating wind power. India, with overall capacity (4,430 MW) and additions (1,430 MW) is taking steps to deal with a pending energy crisis.
The world is listening to the voices of the winds as wind energy currently delivers worldwide 1 per cent of the global electricity generation.
China moved up from 10th position in 2004 (764 MW) to 8th in 2005 (1,260 MW), and with installations, has reached the sixth position worldwide. The Chinese Government adopted a renewable energy law in 2005 with the goal of strengthening its manufacturing industry so it can produce an increased number of turbines to meet its future demands. .
Global energy players are being asked to make progress in addressing a global-energy policy approach to secure energy efficiency and environmental protection.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Top 10 List Of Retail Green Power Partners
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released the national list of Top 10 Retail Partners featuring the largest retail purchases of renewable energy by members of the Green Power Partnership, reflecting renewable energy purchases made through March 27, 2006.
At the top of the list is Whole Foods Market, followed by Starbucks. Members of the top six purchasers of green power include Safeway Inc., Staples, FedEx Kinko's, and HEB Grocery Company, showing the investment community that going green can be associated to some of the market's "stars".
Whole Foods Market, Starbucks, Safeway Inc., Staples, and FedEx Kinko's additionally are listed on the EPA's most recent overall Top 25 list of the largest corporate green power purchasers in the Green Power Partnership. Combined, the green power purchases of the Top 10 Retail Partners resulted in 877,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of green power annually. This is enough renewable energy to power approximately 82,000 average U.S. homes per year or is equivalent to removing the emissions of 107,000 cars from the road annually. The Top 10 Retail Green Power Partners, listed in descending order of purchase size, are as follows: Retail PartnerPurchase Size (MWh)1. Whole Foods Market463,1282. Starbucks150,0003. Safeway Inc.87,0004. Staples49,4565. FedEx Kinko's40,6006. HEB Grocery Company/Austin Region Operations27,6007. Liz Claiborne, Inc./NJ Corporate Headquarters25,0008. prAna16,5009. Lowe's Home Centers in NC, NM, SC, TN, TX16,47310. MOM's - My Organic Market1,488EPA’s Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program helping to increase the use of green power among leading U.S. organizations. For more information on EPA's Green Power Partnership, visit: www.epa.gov/greenpower. For more info on EPA's Top 10 List of Retail Partners, visit: www.epa.gov/greenpower/partners/top10retail.htm. For more information on EPA's overall Top 25 list of Partners in the Green Power Partnership, visit: www.epa.gov/greenpower/partners/top25.htm.
SOURCE: U.S. Environmental Protection
At the top of the list is Whole Foods Market, followed by Starbucks. Members of the top six purchasers of green power include Safeway Inc., Staples, FedEx Kinko's, and HEB Grocery Company, showing the investment community that going green can be associated to some of the market's "stars".
Whole Foods Market, Starbucks, Safeway Inc., Staples, and FedEx Kinko's additionally are listed on the EPA's most recent overall Top 25 list of the largest corporate green power purchasers in the Green Power Partnership. Combined, the green power purchases of the Top 10 Retail Partners resulted in 877,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of green power annually. This is enough renewable energy to power approximately 82,000 average U.S. homes per year or is equivalent to removing the emissions of 107,000 cars from the road annually. The Top 10 Retail Green Power Partners, listed in descending order of purchase size, are as follows: Retail PartnerPurchase Size (MWh)1. Whole Foods Market463,1282. Starbucks150,0003. Safeway Inc.87,0004. Staples49,4565. FedEx Kinko's40,6006. HEB Grocery Company/Austin Region Operations27,6007. Liz Claiborne, Inc./NJ Corporate Headquarters25,0008. prAna16,5009. Lowe's Home Centers in NC, NM, SC, TN, TX16,47310. MOM's - My Organic Market1,488EPA’s Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program helping to increase the use of green power among leading U.S. organizations. For more information on EPA's Green Power Partnership, visit: www.epa.gov/greenpower. For more info on EPA's Top 10 List of Retail Partners, visit: www.epa.gov/greenpower/partners/top10retail.htm. For more information on EPA's overall Top 25 list of Partners in the Green Power Partnership, visit: www.epa.gov/greenpower/partners/top25.htm.
SOURCE: U.S. Environmental Protection
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Online Energy and Renewable Investor Conference April 26th
Gain insight from industry speakers and public renewable energy and oil and gas companies as to the future trends and opportunities in energy
Keynote Speakers Peter Beadle Peter Beadle, CEO of GreenJobs - Mr. Beadle has over 25 years experience in the energy industry, 20 of which were with BP. Mr. Beadle is currently the CEO of Greenjobs, which aims to become the focus for employment in renewable energies and currently provides recruitment services at all levels, from simple job listing to recruitment. In addition, it provides news on the RE sectors with a special focus on people and will also provide analyses of employment and remuneration across the sectors.>> full bio Cornell Capital Partners Cornell Capital Partners - Founded in 2001, Cornell Capital Partners (“Cornell”) is a private investment firm that specializes in structured finance and, according to Knobias Pipe Trac, was one of the most active investors in the U.S. in terms of the number of structured equity financings in 2005. Knobias also reported that Cornell has structured over $1 billion in committed equity capital in over 100 transactions within the last 12 months. Cornell works closely with management to design custom-tailored, alternative financing structures that meet each individual company’s capital needs and corporate goals. www.cornellcapital.com Neal M. Dikeman Neal M. Dikeman is a co-founder and partner at Jane Capital Partners LLC, a specialty merchant and investment bank providing buy-side M&A and strategic advisory services, primarily in the cleantech, information and energy-related technology sectors and with an emphasis on cross-border transactions. Jane Capital represents Macquarie Bank’s Technology group in the US.
Mr. Dikeman is the Head of Jane Capital’s Energy & Environmental Group, and focuses on cross-border transactions for IT, energy & environmental technology companies. Some of Mr. Dikeman’s recent credits at Jane Capital include advising on the spin-out, creation and venture funding of Fideris, Inc. in fuel cell test systems; the merger of @Pos with Symbol Technologies; advisory to ConocoPhillips on its energy technology investment activities; the creation of SC Power (formerly Australian Superconductors) in superconductor technologies; the international launch and subsequent acquisitions and financings of PalmTEQ Ltd, an Australian POS wireless applications company. >> full bio Toddington Harper Toddington Harper is President, Founder and CEO of Fuel Cell Markets Ltd. He studied the commercialisation of Fuel Cell technologies in his thesis whilst taking a BSc Honours degree from UMIST University & Manchester School of Management (UK). Toddington is a qualified PRINCE2 practitioner (the ultimate UK qualification for Project Management) and this combined with his significant skills in utilising the internet and online communications as a business tool led to the establishment of Fuel Cell Markets in 2002 to assist with the development and integration of these technologies into industry and society. Toddington is actively involved with many organisations, steering groups and think tanks across the globe. These include the European Commission’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform, the World Fuel Cell Council, Fuel Cell Europe, the London Hydrogen Partnership, Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association to name but a few.>> full bio Philip J. McPherson Philip J. McPherson is Director of Research for C. K. Cooper & Company, an investment banking boutique that focuses almost exclusively on smaller independent oil and gas companies. http://ckcooper.com
Mr. McPherson joined the firm in July of 2001 to initially augment the firm’s Institutional Sales Group, and then joined the Oil and Gas Group in December of 2001. Mr. McPherson assists in a wide range of research and corporate finance related issues. In this role, Mr. McPherson is responsible for assisting C. K. Cooper & Company in expanding its research coverage of smaller exploration and production companies within the United States. Mr. McPherson assists in identifying investment ideas, developing necessary financial models, and recommendations in preparation of reports thereof. In addition, Mr. McPherson will assist in adding to C. K. Cooper’s Watch List of Companies of lesser-known issues.>> full bio Richard Stuebi Richard Stuebi has nearly 20 years of experience as an executive, entrepreneur and consultant in the energy industry, with most of the past decade focused on advanced energy technologies and business opportunities.
Mr. Stuebi is currently the BP Fellow for Energy and Environmental Advancement at The Cleveland Foundation, where he works with various public and private sector stakeholders to promote commercial activity in advanced energy in the Cleveland area.>> full bio Robert Wilder, J.D., Ph.D. Dr. Wilder is CEO & Founder of Wildershares, LLC; he is the Manager of the WilderHill Clean Energy Index. He holds a Ph.D. from University of California at Santa Barbara and a Law Degree from University of San Diego School of Law. In addition Dr. Wilder is a Visiting Faculty at University of California, San Diego. www.wildershares.com>> full bio Jamie Wimberly Jamie Wimberly founded and currently serves as the CEO of the Distributed Energy Financial Group (DEFG) LLC, a specialized consulting and financial services firm focused on distributed energy and energy technologies.
DEFG offers a suite of consulting products and services focused on commercialization and raises capital for energy technology firms and projects. †In addition to DEFG, Jamie Wimberly serves on the Board of the Center for the Advancement of Energy Markets (CAEM, a think tank in the energy sector that he also co-founded). http://www.defgllc.com>> full bio Bruce Woodry Bruce Woodry, Chairman & CEO Sigma Capital Group, Inc., a boutique investment bank which provides representational and advisory investment banking services on ranging from $5 Million to $250 Million in deal size in the energy industry sector. Collectively, the partners of Sigma Capital have over $24 billion of transactional experience with over $1 billion of renewable energy project finance. www.sigmacapital.net>> full bio
Participating Companies Alchemy Enterprises, Ltd. Alchemy Enterprises, Ltd. (OTCBB: ACHM) (Corporate Profile, News and Info) has acquired and owns the intellectual property in a new technology for generating and managing power, electricity, and propulsion systems. Alchemy’s system produces clean energy that is non toxic and environmentally safe. It reuses its primary fuel components and costs less than gas to refuel and is reliant on commonly found and abundant base earth metals. The company is now in the process of preparing these new products for manufacture, and establishing itself as a major global company for strategic deployment of its products into the world markets. http://www.alchemy-energy.com/ CSMG Technologies CSMG Technologies (OTCBB: CTUM) owns the patents and all world rights to a patented CO2 separation technology, which processes low-quality raw landfill gas that is approximately 50% carbon dioxide and 50% methane into a usable commercial gas. The technology's efficiency is derived from an advanced technique for landfill gas, financed by the company and developed by the Ukrainian Scientific Institute. The technology absorbs carbon dioxide and other impurities from the gas without the use of filters or membranes that become clogged over time. http://www.ctum.com/ Encore Clean Energy, Inc. Encore Clean Energy, Inc. (OTCBB: ECLN) (Corporate Profile, News and Info) Encore Clean Energy intends to leverage ownership of its revolutionary low-cost, high-efficiency clean energy technologies to form valuable partnerships with local industrial leaders best positioned to market, sell and profit from the social, economic, environmental and political benefits of its low-cost, high-value, in-demand clean energy-generating products. Encore Clean Energy is currently focusing its corporate efforts on product development of potential breakthrough clean and renewable energy technologies, which the Company has been researching, developing, prototyping and testing. www.encorecleanenergy.com Smart Cool SmartCool Systems Inc. (OTC.PK: SSCFF;TSX.V.SSC) (Corporate Profile, News and Info) is a marketer of advanced energy saving technologies which reduce the electricity consumption (Kwh) and maximum demand (Kw/KVA) of refrigeration and air conditioning compressors. As a distributor of the Abbotly System 4000 Energy Savings Module (ESM)®; a system of micro-computer digital optimization modules which work with existing compressor equipment and controls, SmartCool enables businesses to reduce the electricity usage of refrigeration and air conditioning compressors by 10% to 20% while maintaining temperature performance. The Company holds exclusive distribution rights for the ESM in Canada and in twelve states within the United States. www.smartcool.ca XsunX, Inc. XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) (Corporate Profile, News and Info) Building-Integrated Photovoltaics - Based in Aliso Viejo, California, XsunX is the developer of Power Glass -- an innovative solar technology that allows glass windows to produce electricity from the power of the sun. This proprietary process is intended to allow manufacturers to apply a transparent and photovoltaic glazing to glass and other transparent substrates. When XsunX glazing is exposed to light, the light energy is converted into electrical energy for use as a power source. XsunX believes that its solar electric glazing technology has a number of major market opportunities in the worldwide architectural glass, optical film and plastics markets. www.XsunX.com (If you are interested in participating in our conference please contact Dawn Van Zant or Ann-Marie Fleming)
Sponsors Alternative Energy: News - a daily news service providing daily consolidated global news stories related to alternative energies and peak oil. www.alternative-energy-news.info / www.peak-oil-news.info/links.php The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is a collaboration of utilities, energy service providers and the photovoltaic industry working together to create and encourage commercial use of new solar electric power business models. www.solarelectricpower.org Brae Consulting is a catalyst in the transforming cleantech and sustainability markets. The company occupies a unique niche, bringing together marketing, business development, and communications expertise with in-depth knowledge of social entrepreneurship and clean
Keynote Speakers Peter Beadle Peter Beadle, CEO of GreenJobs - Mr. Beadle has over 25 years experience in the energy industry, 20 of which were with BP. Mr. Beadle is currently the CEO of Greenjobs, which aims to become the focus for employment in renewable energies and currently provides recruitment services at all levels, from simple job listing to recruitment. In addition, it provides news on the RE sectors with a special focus on people and will also provide analyses of employment and remuneration across the sectors.>> full bio Cornell Capital Partners Cornell Capital Partners - Founded in 2001, Cornell Capital Partners (“Cornell”) is a private investment firm that specializes in structured finance and, according to Knobias Pipe Trac, was one of the most active investors in the U.S. in terms of the number of structured equity financings in 2005. Knobias also reported that Cornell has structured over $1 billion in committed equity capital in over 100 transactions within the last 12 months. Cornell works closely with management to design custom-tailored, alternative financing structures that meet each individual company’s capital needs and corporate goals. www.cornellcapital.com Neal M. Dikeman Neal M. Dikeman is a co-founder and partner at Jane Capital Partners LLC, a specialty merchant and investment bank providing buy-side M&A and strategic advisory services, primarily in the cleantech, information and energy-related technology sectors and with an emphasis on cross-border transactions. Jane Capital represents Macquarie Bank’s Technology group in the US.
Mr. Dikeman is the Head of Jane Capital’s Energy & Environmental Group, and focuses on cross-border transactions for IT, energy & environmental technology companies. Some of Mr. Dikeman’s recent credits at Jane Capital include advising on the spin-out, creation and venture funding of Fideris, Inc. in fuel cell test systems; the merger of @Pos with Symbol Technologies; advisory to ConocoPhillips on its energy technology investment activities; the creation of SC Power (formerly Australian Superconductors) in superconductor technologies; the international launch and subsequent acquisitions and financings of PalmTEQ Ltd, an Australian POS wireless applications company. >> full bio Toddington Harper Toddington Harper is President, Founder and CEO of Fuel Cell Markets Ltd. He studied the commercialisation of Fuel Cell technologies in his thesis whilst taking a BSc Honours degree from UMIST University & Manchester School of Management (UK). Toddington is a qualified PRINCE2 practitioner (the ultimate UK qualification for Project Management) and this combined with his significant skills in utilising the internet and online communications as a business tool led to the establishment of Fuel Cell Markets in 2002 to assist with the development and integration of these technologies into industry and society. Toddington is actively involved with many organisations, steering groups and think tanks across the globe. These include the European Commission’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform, the World Fuel Cell Council, Fuel Cell Europe, the London Hydrogen Partnership, Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association to name but a few.>> full bio Philip J. McPherson Philip J. McPherson is Director of Research for C. K. Cooper & Company, an investment banking boutique that focuses almost exclusively on smaller independent oil and gas companies. http://ckcooper.com
Mr. McPherson joined the firm in July of 2001 to initially augment the firm’s Institutional Sales Group, and then joined the Oil and Gas Group in December of 2001. Mr. McPherson assists in a wide range of research and corporate finance related issues. In this role, Mr. McPherson is responsible for assisting C. K. Cooper & Company in expanding its research coverage of smaller exploration and production companies within the United States. Mr. McPherson assists in identifying investment ideas, developing necessary financial models, and recommendations in preparation of reports thereof. In addition, Mr. McPherson will assist in adding to C. K. Cooper’s Watch List of Companies of lesser-known issues.>> full bio Richard Stuebi Richard Stuebi has nearly 20 years of experience as an executive, entrepreneur and consultant in the energy industry, with most of the past decade focused on advanced energy technologies and business opportunities.
Mr. Stuebi is currently the BP Fellow for Energy and Environmental Advancement at The Cleveland Foundation, where he works with various public and private sector stakeholders to promote commercial activity in advanced energy in the Cleveland area.>> full bio Robert Wilder, J.D., Ph.D. Dr. Wilder is CEO & Founder of Wildershares, LLC; he is the Manager of the WilderHill Clean Energy Index. He holds a Ph.D. from University of California at Santa Barbara and a Law Degree from University of San Diego School of Law. In addition Dr. Wilder is a Visiting Faculty at University of California, San Diego. www.wildershares.com>> full bio Jamie Wimberly Jamie Wimberly founded and currently serves as the CEO of the Distributed Energy Financial Group (DEFG) LLC, a specialized consulting and financial services firm focused on distributed energy and energy technologies.
DEFG offers a suite of consulting products and services focused on commercialization and raises capital for energy technology firms and projects. †In addition to DEFG, Jamie Wimberly serves on the Board of the Center for the Advancement of Energy Markets (CAEM, a think tank in the energy sector that he also co-founded). http://www.defgllc.com>> full bio Bruce Woodry Bruce Woodry, Chairman & CEO Sigma Capital Group, Inc., a boutique investment bank which provides representational and advisory investment banking services on ranging from $5 Million to $250 Million in deal size in the energy industry sector. Collectively, the partners of Sigma Capital have over $24 billion of transactional experience with over $1 billion of renewable energy project finance. www.sigmacapital.net>> full bio
Participating Companies Alchemy Enterprises, Ltd. Alchemy Enterprises, Ltd. (OTCBB: ACHM) (Corporate Profile, News and Info) has acquired and owns the intellectual property in a new technology for generating and managing power, electricity, and propulsion systems. Alchemy’s system produces clean energy that is non toxic and environmentally safe. It reuses its primary fuel components and costs less than gas to refuel and is reliant on commonly found and abundant base earth metals. The company is now in the process of preparing these new products for manufacture, and establishing itself as a major global company for strategic deployment of its products into the world markets. http://www.alchemy-energy.com/ CSMG Technologies CSMG Technologies (OTCBB: CTUM) owns the patents and all world rights to a patented CO2 separation technology, which processes low-quality raw landfill gas that is approximately 50% carbon dioxide and 50% methane into a usable commercial gas. The technology's efficiency is derived from an advanced technique for landfill gas, financed by the company and developed by the Ukrainian Scientific Institute. The technology absorbs carbon dioxide and other impurities from the gas without the use of filters or membranes that become clogged over time. http://www.ctum.com/ Encore Clean Energy, Inc. Encore Clean Energy, Inc. (OTCBB: ECLN) (Corporate Profile, News and Info) Encore Clean Energy intends to leverage ownership of its revolutionary low-cost, high-efficiency clean energy technologies to form valuable partnerships with local industrial leaders best positioned to market, sell and profit from the social, economic, environmental and political benefits of its low-cost, high-value, in-demand clean energy-generating products. Encore Clean Energy is currently focusing its corporate efforts on product development of potential breakthrough clean and renewable energy technologies, which the Company has been researching, developing, prototyping and testing. www.encorecleanenergy.com Smart Cool SmartCool Systems Inc. (OTC.PK: SSCFF;TSX.V.SSC) (Corporate Profile, News and Info) is a marketer of advanced energy saving technologies which reduce the electricity consumption (Kwh) and maximum demand (Kw/KVA) of refrigeration and air conditioning compressors. As a distributor of the Abbotly System 4000 Energy Savings Module (ESM)®; a system of micro-computer digital optimization modules which work with existing compressor equipment and controls, SmartCool enables businesses to reduce the electricity usage of refrigeration and air conditioning compressors by 10% to 20% while maintaining temperature performance. The Company holds exclusive distribution rights for the ESM in Canada and in twelve states within the United States. www.smartcool.ca XsunX, Inc. XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) (Corporate Profile, News and Info) Building-Integrated Photovoltaics - Based in Aliso Viejo, California, XsunX is the developer of Power Glass -- an innovative solar technology that allows glass windows to produce electricity from the power of the sun. This proprietary process is intended to allow manufacturers to apply a transparent and photovoltaic glazing to glass and other transparent substrates. When XsunX glazing is exposed to light, the light energy is converted into electrical energy for use as a power source. XsunX believes that its solar electric glazing technology has a number of major market opportunities in the worldwide architectural glass, optical film and plastics markets. www.XsunX.com (If you are interested in participating in our conference please contact Dawn Van Zant or Ann-Marie Fleming)
Sponsors Alternative Energy: News - a daily news service providing daily consolidated global news stories related to alternative energies and peak oil. www.alternative-energy-news.info / www.peak-oil-news.info/links.php The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is a collaboration of utilities, energy service providers and the photovoltaic industry working together to create and encourage commercial use of new solar electric power business models. www.solarelectricpower.org Brae Consulting is a catalyst in the transforming cleantech and sustainability markets. The company occupies a unique niche, bringing together marketing, business development, and communications expertise with in-depth knowledge of social entrepreneurship and clean
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Post Renewable and Clean Energy News and Articles
News Submission, Press Release Distribution Targeted to Your SectorPublic & Private Companies: Submit your press releases to industry and investor sector portal covering Renewable Energy :
Fuel Cell Stocks / Biogas/Ethanol Stocks / Biomass / Energy Efficiency Stocks / Flywheel Stocks / Geothermal Stocks / Micro Turbines Stocks / Photovoltaic/Solar Stocks / Sustainable/Electric Transportation / Wind Power/Wind Energy Stocks / Renewable Energy Investment - General
http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/NewsUploader/
Fuel Cell Stocks / Biogas/Ethanol Stocks / Biomass / Energy Efficiency Stocks / Flywheel Stocks / Geothermal Stocks / Micro Turbines Stocks / Photovoltaic/Solar Stocks / Sustainable/Electric Transportation / Wind Power/Wind Energy Stocks / Renewable Energy Investment - General
http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/NewsUploader/
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Renewable Energy IPO's
Recent IPO news : Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings, Inc., a company that produces and markets ethanol announced that it has filed a registration statement with a proposed initial public offering of up to $50 million in common stock. VeraSun Energy Corp., the U.S.’s second largest ethanol producer, plans to go public in an initial offering of stock worth up to $150 million and has applied to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VSE. Additionally, Ormat Technologies(ORA) , announced it plans to offer 3.5 million shares in a follow-on public offering with net proceeds from this offering which may include construction of geothermal and recovered energy generation power plants and other investments, and financing possible acquisitions
Monday, March 20, 2006
The Sun May Shine Down on Nano-Solar Sooner Than Expected
The promise of nano-solar technology—the application of nanotechnology to the development of solar cells—has received a lot of attention over the last year. By manipulating matter at the scale of a billionth of a metre, scientists believe they can significantly improve the efficiency of solar cells, on the order of a threefold increase in the electric conversion rate over the next decade.
There are a number of nanotechnologies demonstrating real efficiency gains and costs savings in photovoltaic applications, including carbon nanotubes, quantum dots and dye-sensitized solar cells. Dye solar cells (DSC), however, seem to be breaking out of the pack.
Dyesol, listed down under on the Australian Stock Exchange as DYE, is up 300 percent in 2006 and climbed 1,000 percent in February. This week, Konarka, which licenses DSC technology in North America, received $20 million in a private equity investment, raising its capital fundraising efforts to $60 million. In Japan, auto parts maker Aisin Seiki is producing dye sensitized solar batteries. Major semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics announced its intention to ramp up its commitment to a dye solar cell product line.
Dye solar cells are essentially nano-engineered photosynthesis--a nanocrystalline layer of titanium dioxide absorbs photosensitive dye to generate a voltage—that can produce electricity even when the shine is not shining. The technology is demonstrating efficiencies of 10 percent, higher than other thin film solar cells, and can be produced at a much lower cost than silicon solar cells.
Yet amidst all the buzz around solar IPOs last year, the first solar nanotech IPO in August failed to rise above the din. Following an international conference last month, however, international investors started to scoop up shares of Dyesol. Certainly, the solar hype helped. But the real attraction was the appointment of Michael Graetzel—the inventor of dye solar cells—to chairman of Dyesol’s Technology Advisory Board. DSC production is quickly establishing a global footprint.
The major market for these photosynthesis replicating cells is building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). When I spoke this summer with Toby Meyer of Solaronix, one of Professor Graetzel’s protégés at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, his Swiss-based company expected to be in production within 12 months and planned to establish an early market in parking meters and garden lamps. Dye solar cell manufacturing facilities also are being negotiated across Asia, Europe and North America.
There are a number of nanotechnologies demonstrating real efficiency gains and costs savings in photovoltaic applications, including carbon nanotubes, quantum dots and dye-sensitized solar cells. Dye solar cells (DSC), however, seem to be breaking out of the pack.
Dyesol, listed down under on the Australian Stock Exchange as DYE, is up 300 percent in 2006 and climbed 1,000 percent in February. This week, Konarka, which licenses DSC technology in North America, received $20 million in a private equity investment, raising its capital fundraising efforts to $60 million. In Japan, auto parts maker Aisin Seiki is producing dye sensitized solar batteries. Major semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics announced its intention to ramp up its commitment to a dye solar cell product line.
Dye solar cells are essentially nano-engineered photosynthesis--a nanocrystalline layer of titanium dioxide absorbs photosensitive dye to generate a voltage—that can produce electricity even when the shine is not shining. The technology is demonstrating efficiencies of 10 percent, higher than other thin film solar cells, and can be produced at a much lower cost than silicon solar cells.
Yet amidst all the buzz around solar IPOs last year, the first solar nanotech IPO in August failed to rise above the din. Following an international conference last month, however, international investors started to scoop up shares of Dyesol. Certainly, the solar hype helped. But the real attraction was the appointment of Michael Graetzel—the inventor of dye solar cells—to chairman of Dyesol’s Technology Advisory Board. DSC production is quickly establishing a global footprint.
The major market for these photosynthesis replicating cells is building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). When I spoke this summer with Toby Meyer of Solaronix, one of Professor Graetzel’s protégés at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, his Swiss-based company expected to be in production within 12 months and planned to establish an early market in parking meters and garden lamps. Dye solar cell manufacturing facilities also are being negotiated across Asia, Europe and North America.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Biofuels Indices and the Globalization of Trading in Biofuels
The first biofuels index was launched this week—the UBS Diapason Global Biofuel Index—by Swiss bank UBS and commodity firm Diapason. The index should allow all parties along the biological fuels chain (Biomass Feedstock Information Network) to increase their exposure to opportunistic fuels that are derived from agricultural and organic waste sources. By providing a pricing benchmark, biofuels producers, consumers and investors can enter into contracts to hedge their exposure to volatile biofuels prices. The index composition is 30 percent ethanol and 29 percent sugar, and smaller weightings in wheat, barley, rice, lumber and a biodiesel component.
The index, to be denominated in USD, EUR, CHF and JPY, also reflects the globalization of the biofuels industry.
Part of the economic case for biofuels has always been the ability to use on-site opportunistic fuels, thereby eliminating fuel costs and the transportation costs associated with natural gas and oil. The leading example is Brazil’s use of its domestic sugar cane industry to make ethanol to power its transportation sector. In today’s high natural gas and oil price environment, however, it is becoming more economical to ship biofuels across the world’s oceans like oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
A recent BBC article says that Japan wants to import six billon litres of Brazil’s ethanol by 2008. The exporting of wood chips to Europe for use in power generation is becoming a growing business for Canada’s lumber industry. Closer to home, President Bush estimates that the United States’ sizable surplus of wood chips and switchgrass could meet 10 percent of energy needs one day. Yet until the US and Europe divert more of their lumber resources to biofuels and as long as energy prices remain high, Canada’s lumber industry has a captive market for its residual waste. The BBC article estimates that oil would have to fall to $35 a barrel to compete with ethanol.
While there are ethanol, sugar and many other major commodity indices that capture biofuel stocks, the biofuels index provides an important global price benchmark to help reduce price risk in the growing international trade of biofuels. The next development will be a futures market in biofuels, in the same way that we trade futures on ethanol or blends of oil on commodity exchanges today. It’s all good. An increase in financial instruments available to manage volatile price risk in the biofuels market will result in an increase in the usage of carbon neutral commodities.
The index, to be denominated in USD, EUR, CHF and JPY, also reflects the globalization of the biofuels industry.
Part of the economic case for biofuels has always been the ability to use on-site opportunistic fuels, thereby eliminating fuel costs and the transportation costs associated with natural gas and oil. The leading example is Brazil’s use of its domestic sugar cane industry to make ethanol to power its transportation sector. In today’s high natural gas and oil price environment, however, it is becoming more economical to ship biofuels across the world’s oceans like oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
A recent BBC article says that Japan wants to import six billon litres of Brazil’s ethanol by 2008. The exporting of wood chips to Europe for use in power generation is becoming a growing business for Canada’s lumber industry. Closer to home, President Bush estimates that the United States’ sizable surplus of wood chips and switchgrass could meet 10 percent of energy needs one day. Yet until the US and Europe divert more of their lumber resources to biofuels and as long as energy prices remain high, Canada’s lumber industry has a captive market for its residual waste. The BBC article estimates that oil would have to fall to $35 a barrel to compete with ethanol.
While there are ethanol, sugar and many other major commodity indices that capture biofuel stocks, the biofuels index provides an important global price benchmark to help reduce price risk in the growing international trade of biofuels. The next development will be a futures market in biofuels, in the same way that we trade futures on ethanol or blends of oil on commodity exchanges today. It’s all good. An increase in financial instruments available to manage volatile price risk in the biofuels market will result in an increase in the usage of carbon neutral commodities.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Alternative Energy: A Review of Technologies & Investment Vehicles
A Wells Fargo report Identifying the Opportunities in Alternative Energy has received a lot of attention this week. After reviewing the report, I think it is worth mentioning again. It provides a good overview of investment opportunities in the alternative energy sector.
You can access the report at: https://www.wellsfargo.com/downloads/pdf/about/csr/alt_energy.pdf
You can access the report at: https://www.wellsfargo.com/downloads/pdf/about/csr/alt_energy.pdf
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Clean Coal: The Economics Work
The selection by the US Department of Energy of FuelCell Energy (NASDAQ: FCEL) to participate in its clean coal program has significant upside potential for the maker of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Clean coal is a controversial clean technology. Yet the reality is that the world has a lot of coal and its major energy consumers, including China and the United States, have placed clean coal at the center of their clean energy strategies.
The economics of the SOFC power plant are attractive. FuelCells is targeting 50 percent energy efficiency. The fuel source, coal, is cheap at a few cents per kilowatt hour. Furthermore, in prototypes such as the DOE’s FutureGen—a 275 MW coal-fueled zero emissions power plant—carbon capture and storage is part of the SOFC-based model. CO2 sequestration can add another 3 – 5 cents per kwh. Additionally, there are many ultra-clean spin-offs or value-added processes from coal derivatives, including sulfur-free diesel and hydrogen.
The technology and economics work. However, if dirty coal wants to come clean, it also has to invest in human capital and make coal mining safer.
The economics of the SOFC power plant are attractive. FuelCells is targeting 50 percent energy efficiency. The fuel source, coal, is cheap at a few cents per kilowatt hour. Furthermore, in prototypes such as the DOE’s FutureGen—a 275 MW coal-fueled zero emissions power plant—carbon capture and storage is part of the SOFC-based model. CO2 sequestration can add another 3 – 5 cents per kwh. Additionally, there are many ultra-clean spin-offs or value-added processes from coal derivatives, including sulfur-free diesel and hydrogen.
The technology and economics work. However, if dirty coal wants to come clean, it also has to invest in human capital and make coal mining safer.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Sector Targeting Clean Technologies
Several new clean technology indices were announced over the last month. The Cleantech Capital Group’s CleanTech Index (CTIUS) launched on the American Stock Exchange this week. In January, Cronus Capital Markets (CCM) and the International Securities Exchange launched the ISE-CCM Alternative Energy Index (POW). ISE is the largest equity options exchange in the world. WilderShares announced it is launching a global clean energy index—the Clean Energy Global Innovation Index (NEX) —together with New Energy Finance. WilderShares introduced the first cleantech index, the Wilderhill Clean Energy Index (ECO), in August 2004 on the American Stock Exchange.
Closely tracking the emergence of cleantech indices is the trend toward exchange traded funds (ETF). In February 2005, PowerShares launched an ETF that tracks the WilderShares index, the $250 million PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio. WilderShares also plans to launch an ETF to track the new global fund. 2005 saw a movement of socially responsible investment funds into exchange traded funds. Clean technology funds are expected to follow and may be the better place to put your money. An article this month in Ethical Investing suggests that investors who apply more than one social screen to SRI investments tend to see poorer performance. In other words, the number of social screens is closely correlated with returns. The PowerShares Wilderhill ETF is up 70 percent since its inception a year ago. In contrast, SRI funds are up 11.3 percent and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index 10.3 percent over the same period.
Closely tracking the emergence of cleantech indices is the trend toward exchange traded funds (ETF). In February 2005, PowerShares launched an ETF that tracks the WilderShares index, the $250 million PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio. WilderShares also plans to launch an ETF to track the new global fund. 2005 saw a movement of socially responsible investment funds into exchange traded funds. Clean technology funds are expected to follow and may be the better place to put your money. An article this month in Ethical Investing suggests that investors who apply more than one social screen to SRI investments tend to see poorer performance. In other words, the number of social screens is closely correlated with returns. The PowerShares Wilderhill ETF is up 70 percent since its inception a year ago. In contrast, SRI funds are up 11.3 percent and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index 10.3 percent over the same period.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Fuel Cells Firing Up Homes & Stocks
Australia’s Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited listed on the Alternative Investment Market this week. CFCL makes solid oxide fuel cells for use in combined heat and power (CHP) applications. The company’s plan is to capitalize on the attractive subsidies for residential CHP systems in Europe by locating a plant in the north of England. In the meantime, Ceramic Fuel Cells is diversifying its revenue streams. It has just partnered with Precision Flow Technologies to manufacture and market fuel cell test systems.
What is notable about this initial public offering is the number of large investors. Over 90 institutional investors participated in the oversubscribed deal, which raised $65 million. All in all, investors were in love with residential fuel cells this week, an early commercial market. Ballard Power Systems was trading high ahead of reporting a 1 1/2 fold increase in sales to the power generation market. It markets the leading natural gas powered fuel cell used in residential cogeneration applications in Japan. Ballard’s 1kw fuel cell captured 43% of the Japanese market in 2005.
What is notable about this initial public offering is the number of large investors. Over 90 institutional investors participated in the oversubscribed deal, which raised $65 million. All in all, investors were in love with residential fuel cells this week, an early commercial market. Ballard Power Systems was trading high ahead of reporting a 1 1/2 fold increase in sales to the power generation market. It markets the leading natural gas powered fuel cell used in residential cogeneration applications in Japan. Ballard’s 1kw fuel cell captured 43% of the Japanese market in 2005.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Clean Energy Mines for Gold on AIM
Following up on my microwind power posting last week, some of you asked how you can invest in this sector. Of the 10 companies mentioned in the article, only Clipper Windpower is public. The California-based company began trading on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in London as CWP in 2005.
And that brings me to my next topic, the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The listing last week of Biodisen Biotech, a Chinese maker of environmentally friendly fertilizers and pesticides, is a sign of AIM’s growing attraction to clean technology companies. More Chinese cleantech is venturing abroad. Notably, Chinese solar company SunPower (NYSE: STP) was the top technology IPO last year.
The AIM difference is that the subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange has become the place for earlier stage, entrepreneurial companies to gain access to the public market. There is no minimum listing requirement or outside regularly review on AIM. In addition to Clipper Windpower, other US-based clean technology companies listing on AIM over the last year include Polyfuel (PYF.L) and Solar Integrated Technologies (SIT.LN). All of these IPOs were oversubscribed.
In 2005, KPMG reports that UK initial public offerings were up 40 percent to 307 in 2005 over 2004, reaching 2000/2001 levels, while US IPOs fell 14 percent to total 206 deals. Of the UK IPOs, 207 were on the AIM market and 20 on LSE’s main market, raising £3,442 million and £5,091, respectively, reflecting the smaller sized deals on AIM.
Although AIM may be better known for its junior mining and oil exploration companies, more clean technology companies are expected to take advantage of the strong appetite for IPOs in Europe. Other cleantech companies venturing to Europe’s AIM include Australia’s Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd. (ASX: CFU) and another microwind power IPO is rumored. It is worth noting that microwind turbine makers like Bergey Windpower and Southwest Windpower have been installing their wind turbines throughout the world for almost two decades. We may also see some new wind issues on the big boards.
And that brings me to my next topic, the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The listing last week of Biodisen Biotech, a Chinese maker of environmentally friendly fertilizers and pesticides, is a sign of AIM’s growing attraction to clean technology companies. More Chinese cleantech is venturing abroad. Notably, Chinese solar company SunPower (NYSE: STP) was the top technology IPO last year.
The AIM difference is that the subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange has become the place for earlier stage, entrepreneurial companies to gain access to the public market. There is no minimum listing requirement or outside regularly review on AIM. In addition to Clipper Windpower, other US-based clean technology companies listing on AIM over the last year include Polyfuel (PYF.L) and Solar Integrated Technologies (SIT.LN). All of these IPOs were oversubscribed.
In 2005, KPMG reports that UK initial public offerings were up 40 percent to 307 in 2005 over 2004, reaching 2000/2001 levels, while US IPOs fell 14 percent to total 206 deals. Of the UK IPOs, 207 were on the AIM market and 20 on LSE’s main market, raising £3,442 million and £5,091, respectively, reflecting the smaller sized deals on AIM.
Although AIM may be better known for its junior mining and oil exploration companies, more clean technology companies are expected to take advantage of the strong appetite for IPOs in Europe. Other cleantech companies venturing to Europe’s AIM include Australia’s Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd. (ASX: CFU) and another microwind power IPO is rumored. It is worth noting that microwind turbine makers like Bergey Windpower and Southwest Windpower have been installing their wind turbines throughout the world for almost two decades. We may also see some new wind issues on the big boards.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Wind Goes Urban
Wind turbines are going urban. Micro-wind turbines (up to 3 kW) aligned in rows on top of city buildings may not only prove to be cheaper than large-scale wind turbines but could soon compete with low-cost nuclear power. Global sales of large-scale wind turbines, 500 kW and above, are growing at an average annual rate of 30 percent plus. Analysts expect the growth rate of micro-wind turbine sales to quickly eclipse that of other renewable energies.
The small-scale wind sector is receiving a lot of attention as cities such as Manchester, England begin to install the first micro-wind farms on rooftops. In the United States, a recent C-Net article states that Chicago, Illinois-based Aerotecture is in negotiations to place micro-wind farms on top of the Daley Center in Chicago and under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Additionally, Atlanta, Georgia-based Ecoloft will be the first condominium development powered by wind.
As the urban wind concept takes off, micro-wind will benefit from economies of scale in production, according to a study by the Association for the Conservation of Energy, which concludes that micro-wind can ultimately compete with nuclear on costs per kWh—2 to 3 cents--in addition to the avoidance of costs associated with grid investment, transportation and distribution. Large-scale wind turbines can generate electricity at a cost of 5 cents/kWh today, down from 30 cents/kWh in the 1980s. Micro-wind turbine costs may initially range between 4 and 6 cents/kWh
Some of the companies gearing up to harness urban wind include Abundant Renewable Energy, Bergey WindPower, Clipper Windpower and Southwest Windpower. The CNet article also mentions Windside (Finland), Windsave (UK), Renewable Devices (UK) and Urban Turbines (Dutch).
The small-scale wind sector is receiving a lot of attention as cities such as Manchester, England begin to install the first micro-wind farms on rooftops. In the United States, a recent C-Net article states that Chicago, Illinois-based Aerotecture is in negotiations to place micro-wind farms on top of the Daley Center in Chicago and under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Additionally, Atlanta, Georgia-based Ecoloft will be the first condominium development powered by wind.
As the urban wind concept takes off, micro-wind will benefit from economies of scale in production, according to a study by the Association for the Conservation of Energy, which concludes that micro-wind can ultimately compete with nuclear on costs per kWh—2 to 3 cents--in addition to the avoidance of costs associated with grid investment, transportation and distribution. Large-scale wind turbines can generate electricity at a cost of 5 cents/kWh today, down from 30 cents/kWh in the 1980s. Micro-wind turbine costs may initially range between 4 and 6 cents/kWh
Some of the companies gearing up to harness urban wind include Abundant Renewable Energy, Bergey WindPower, Clipper Windpower and Southwest Windpower. The CNet article also mentions Windside (Finland), Windsave (UK), Renewable Devices (UK) and Urban Turbines (Dutch).
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Taking Stock of Ethanol Crops
In his fifth State of the Union address, President Bush finally fessed up, “…we have a serious problem. America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world.”
In reality, the United States has been hedging its oil exposure for many years with billions of dollars in investments across a wide range of alternative energy technologies. However, in announcing the Advanced Energy Initiative, which plans to up investments in clean energy research by 22 percent, the president’s main focus was on weaning America off its oil dependence by upping its use of ethanol to fuel automobiles.
America’s corn belt has been an enthusiastic promoter of ethanol derived from corn, but the government also wants to develop a market for cellulosic ethanol, the non-food parts of grains and other cellulosic material—such as “wood chips, stalks and switch grass”—that can be produced and burned with lower pollutant emissions and at a lower cost. The objective is to see the price of cellulosic ethanol competitive with gasoline within six years.
While ethanol-related stocks soared upon the early release of the State of the Union Address and Bush’s ethanol plug, there are, in fact, few pure ethanol plays. Nonetheless, the media has been abuzz with ways in which investors can get an ethanol fix.
Cellulosic technology—Fortune magazine cites several biotech companies that are improving the cost and efficiency of producing ethanol with low-cost enzymes that speed up the fermentation process. It is not easy for the individual investor to invest directly in these companies today. Genencor went public in 2004 but is now part of Danish food and feed producer Danisco. Canada’s Iogen Corporation is partly owned by Royal Dutch Shell, clearly an oil over an ethanol play. However, do not be surprised to see spin-offs and IPOs to tap the growing potential in ! the bio-enzyme market. It is a safe bet that BC International, part of Vinod Khosla’s growing ethanol venture capital portfolio, Khosla Ventures, is being prepped for a private sale or public offering.
Biorefineries-Pacific Ethanol, the only biorefinery pure play, was the media darling Monday as it soared ahead of the president’s address. It also was the first stock to fall amidst the profit taking in alternative energy-related stocks that followed. It may be worth riding out the volatility, though, as the West Coast’s largest ethanol producer brings five more plants online.
Farm equipment-MSNBC has been sweet on Deere (DE) and Agco (AG) this week; both companies expect to see high demand for the machinery that plants and harvests biofuel feedstocks.
Corn and ethanol marketers- High oil prices and advanced technologies that are driving down the costs of producing ethanol will continue to contribute to attractive margins.
The best ethanol play is likely grain futures. Ethanol futures this week were moving on hard supply and demand numbers rather than the presidential-speak that boosted alternative energy stocks. The Chicago Board of Trade launched a corn-based ethanol futures contract in 2005.
This blog does not endorse the specific stocks mentioned. Stocks are cited for the express purpose of supporting the discussion of general investment trends.
In reality, the United States has been hedging its oil exposure for many years with billions of dollars in investments across a wide range of alternative energy technologies. However, in announcing the Advanced Energy Initiative, which plans to up investments in clean energy research by 22 percent, the president’s main focus was on weaning America off its oil dependence by upping its use of ethanol to fuel automobiles.
America’s corn belt has been an enthusiastic promoter of ethanol derived from corn, but the government also wants to develop a market for cellulosic ethanol, the non-food parts of grains and other cellulosic material—such as “wood chips, stalks and switch grass”—that can be produced and burned with lower pollutant emissions and at a lower cost. The objective is to see the price of cellulosic ethanol competitive with gasoline within six years.
While ethanol-related stocks soared upon the early release of the State of the Union Address and Bush’s ethanol plug, there are, in fact, few pure ethanol plays. Nonetheless, the media has been abuzz with ways in which investors can get an ethanol fix.
Cellulosic technology—Fortune magazine cites several biotech companies that are improving the cost and efficiency of producing ethanol with low-cost enzymes that speed up the fermentation process. It is not easy for the individual investor to invest directly in these companies today. Genencor went public in 2004 but is now part of Danish food and feed producer Danisco. Canada’s Iogen Corporation is partly owned by Royal Dutch Shell, clearly an oil over an ethanol play. However, do not be surprised to see spin-offs and IPOs to tap the growing potential in ! the bio-enzyme market. It is a safe bet that BC International, part of Vinod Khosla’s growing ethanol venture capital portfolio, Khosla Ventures, is being prepped for a private sale or public offering.
Biorefineries-Pacific Ethanol, the only biorefinery pure play, was the media darling Monday as it soared ahead of the president’s address. It also was the first stock to fall amidst the profit taking in alternative energy-related stocks that followed. It may be worth riding out the volatility, though, as the West Coast’s largest ethanol producer brings five more plants online.
Farm equipment-MSNBC has been sweet on Deere (DE) and Agco (AG) this week; both companies expect to see high demand for the machinery that plants and harvests biofuel feedstocks.
Corn and ethanol marketers- High oil prices and advanced technologies that are driving down the costs of producing ethanol will continue to contribute to attractive margins.
The best ethanol play is likely grain futures. Ethanol futures this week were moving on hard supply and demand numbers rather than the presidential-speak that boosted alternative energy stocks. The Chicago Board of Trade launched a corn-based ethanol futures contract in 2005.
This blog does not endorse the specific stocks mentioned. Stocks are cited for the express purpose of supporting the discussion of general investment trends.
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