Will The Alternative Energy Industry Survive The Oil Price Crash?

Will The Alternative Energy Industry Survive The Oil Price Crash?

Householders who were considering installing renewable energy technology as a hedge against the rising cost, and potential scarcity, of fossil fuels are now shelving plans as heating bills fall. CarbonFree points out that the green building sector is particularly vulnerable as falling property prices have already made renewable energy technology look more expensive in relation to the total price of a property. CarbonFree believes that companies exploiting the growing market for alternative energy should ensure their technology and services remain competitive, even if the price of oil falls as low as $30 per barrel.

Cambridge, UK -November 28, 2008 -- Two years ago CarbonFree warned that companies exploiting the growing market for alternative energy should ensure their technology and services remain competitive, even if the price of oil fell as low as $30 per barrel.

In recent weeks the price of oil has eased. The overshoot in the price of oil that inflated the market for renewable energy is being replaced by an undershoot, based on anticipated energy price reductions. Householders who were considering installing renewable energy technology as a hedge against the rising cost, and potential scarcity, of fossil fuels are now shelving plans as heating bills fall. CarbonFree points out that the green building sector is particularly vulnerable as falling property prices have already made renewable energy technology look more expensive in relation to the total price of a property.

While CarbonFree sees the oil price stabilising at a level reflecting its true underlying value, it believes house prices will continue to fall - perhaps by as much as 70% of their 2007 prices. It points out, in a report on domestic energy microgeneration, that as well as the credit crunch cutting off the supply of finance for new houses in the short term, a shift in demographics could keep house prices depressed for over a decade. It predicts that as more elderly people move out of private houses into residential care there will be a shortfall in the number of young householders who want to buy the vacated properties.

CarbonFree regards developers with business models based on the construction of low cost sustainable houses as being particularly exposed at the moment - especially in the UK where the government is scaling back plans for 'eco' housing developments.

Peter Kruger, founder of CarbonFree, who sponsored research into large scale solar energy schemes during the 1980s, believes the renewable energy sector is facing a crisis similar to the one it experienced 20 years ago. "The main difference today is that while in the 1980s the industry was in its infancy, today some key players have achieved the scale required to survive a downturn. Just as the Dot Com crash did not totally destroy the IT and communications sector so companies with robust business models will survive the bursting of the Green Tech bubble," explains Kruger, who goes on to state: "Just before the credit crunch triggered the current recession the global economy was experiencing problems caused by a shortage of energy and raw materials. A return to economic growth without sustainability is not really an option and any economic revival must also include an expansion of the renewable energy sector."

CarbonFree has produced reports that examine both large-scale and small-scale renewable energy generation markets and see both becoming realistic propositions if the technology can produce energy at the right price. The reports describe technologies and scenarios that would make this possible. At $30 per barrel of oil equivalent, given that renewable energy is cleaner for the consumer and has less environmental impact than burning fossil fuels, CarbonFree predicts that renewables would eventually displace most other incumbent energy sources.

CarbonFree reports are available from http://www.carbonfree.co.uk

About CarbonFree:
CarbonFree carries out research and analysis in a wide range of alternative energy related fields and disseminates results in its highly focused CarbonFree reports.

http://www.carbonfree.co.uk

Renewable Energy Stocks Sector Close-Up on Solar Stocks; Solar Stocks Get a Two Day Run with General Markets

Renewable Energy Stocks Sector Close-Up on Solar Stocks; Solar Stocks Get a Two Day Run with General Markets


POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC—November 26, 2008 -- www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com,
a leading investor news and research portal for the renewable energy sector within Investorideas.com, presents a sector close-up on solar stocks following a two day run for some of the leaders. Solar stocks traded up with the general markets but investors are cautiously optimistic following the recent speech from President-elect Obama, discussing job creation in the sector.

Renewable Energy Stocks solar expert, J. Peter Lynch commented in his most recent column, that this market may represent a generational buying opportunity, “I agree that solar P/E’s and expectations were FAR too optimistic and missed a number of rather obvious problems that were rapidly approaching (i.e. coming silicon over supply), however, at this time I believe that current expectations have moved equally to the opposite extreme with FAR too much pessimism.”
Renewable and Solar Energy Perspectives with J. Peter Lynch http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/PL/

XsunX, Inc.(OTC Bulletin Board: XSNX), a solar technology company engaged in the build-out of its multi-megawatt thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar manufacturing facilities in Oregon, announced that it had entered into a two-year supply contract for the sale of fifteen (15) megawatts of it ASI-120 TFPV solar modules (representing approximately $37 million dollars in total contract value ) to a full service solar power company specializing in commercial and solar farm projects located in the California and Hawaiian markets. The stock traded volume of 1,672,300 and was up on the day, closing at just under $0.25, from its opening of $0.19 on the news.

Investors can also track the Ardour Solar Energy Index (^SOLRX) (Market, News), a compilation of global solar energy stocks in three primary solar energy sectors: Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal, and Solar Lighting for sector indications.

Sector Close-Up as of Trading November 25, 2008:

First Solar, Inc. (BASDAQ: FSLR) (Market, News) closed at $117.19
Akeena Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:AKNS) closed at $1.79
Evergreen Solar Inc (NASDAQ:ESLR) (Market, News) closed at $2.38
LDK Solar ADR (LDK) (Market, News) closed at $12.73
SunPower Corporation (SPWRA) (Market, News ) closed at $30.57
Yingli Green Energy (YGE) (Market, News) closed at $4.49
XsunX: (OTCBB: XSNX) closed up at $0.245 on significant volume on news.
ICP SOLAR (OTCBB: ICPR) (Market, News ) closed at $0.211
WorldWater & Solar Technologies (OTCBB: WWAT) (Market, News) traded at $0.271.

For investors following solar stocks, the RenewableEnergyStocks.com website provides a comprehensive list of photovoltaic and solar stocks to research.
http://www.investorideas.com/Companies/RenewableEnergy/Stock_List.asp

Featured Showcase Solar Company XsunX: (OTCBB: XSNX) Based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., XsunX is developing amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell manufacturing processes to produce TFPV solar modules. To deliver its products the Company has begun to build a multi- megawatt TFPV solar module production facility in the United States to meet the growing demand for solar cell products used in large scale commercial projects, utility power fields, and other on-grid applications. Employing a phased roll out of production capacity, it plans to grow manufacturing capacities to over 100 megawatts by 2010. More info on XsunX, Inc. can be found on our media profile at: http://www.investorideas.com/co/xsnx/default.asp or http://www.xsunx.com/

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Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. Disclosure: XsunX compensate the website $5000 per month www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

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Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, XsunX

The Market and Solar Stocks- Renewable and Solar Energy Perspectives with J. Peter Lynch

The Market and Solar Stocks
Renewable and Solar Energy Perspectives with J. Peter Lynch
By Peter Lynch Exclusively for InvestorIdeas.com

First of all, the market has simply put, been terrible. This is certainly shaping up to be a year for the record books. In fact, as of the close Friday (8-21-08) the Dow Jones is having the SECOND WORST year in its history, with 1931 being the worst year with a yearly loss of -52.67%. The numbers below reflect the performance of the three main market indexes since June 1 2008.
DJIA Dow Jones Industrials -36.3
SPX Standard and Poor’s 500 -42.9
NASD NASDAQ -45.1

As to my opinion of this general market situation, I think it is either the beginning of very bad times or a generational buying opportunity in the market.

There is really no way to tell for sure, but based upon my experience in the market over the past 30 years and the opinions of numerous others that I respect, I believe we are very close to a great buying opportunity. It is impossible to ever “catch” the exact bottom, but I do feel that most of potential future bad times have already been incorporated into current stock prices by the market. Therefore, barring a financial Armageddon, I think that prices will be significantly higher in 6 months than they are now.

Regarding my opinion on solar stocks, the numbers below reflect the performance of solar stocks since June 1 2008. Obviously there has been a near total collapse of the average stock which was brought on by a combination of: sky high P/E multiples, an insanely volatile general stock market and dire predictions of future industry progress.

Symbol Name Performance %
AKNS Akeena Solar, Inc. -73.9
ASTI Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. -77.9
CSIQ Canadian Solar Inc. -89.8
CSUN China Sunergy Company Ltd. -87.1
DSTI DayStar Technologies Inc. -78.1
EMKR EMCORE Corporation -85.6
ENER Energy Conversion Devices Inc -66.9
ESLR Evergreen Solar, Inc. -77.4
FSLR First Solar, Inc. -65.3
JASO JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd -90.1
LDK LDK Solar Company Ltd. -76.1
RSOL Real Goods Solar, Inc. -44.6
SOL ReneSola, Ltd. (United Kingdom) ADR -90.6
SOLF Solarfun Power Holdings Co. -85.8
SOLR GT Solar International Inc -83.38
SPIR Spire Corporation -77.1
SPWRA Sunpower Corporation -74.8
STP Suntech Power Holdings (China) ADR -85.8
TSL Trina Solar Limited -85.9
WFR MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. -83.4
YGE Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (China) ADR -86

Average Loss = -79.31%
I agree that solar P/E’s and expectations were FAR too optimistic and missed a number of rather obvious problems that were rapidly approaching (i.e. coming silicon over supply), however, at this time I believe that current expectations have moved equally to the opposite extreme with FAR too much pessimism.
A great degree (a vast majority in my opinion) of this current activity in the market and in solar stocks is principally driven by FEAR. People are afraid NOT to sell because stocks are going to ZERO and people are afraid to buy because stocks are going to ZERO. Obviously BOTH cannot be correct. But the point is that the market is currently in the phase of market dynamics that is totally dominated by emotions. These emotions are rampant and further fueled by the silly people in the media jumping on every tidbit of information and trying to draw a conclusion from each of them (which is impossible), thereby helping, in a way, to compound and extend the panic underlying this this crisis.
With this said is there a way to look at solar stocks today and try to “pick” the ones that have the most potential? Once again, it is impossible to accurately determine which will be the winners and which will be the losers. However I think that there are at least three of areas an investor should look at that I would consider to be critically important. If a company possesses ALL three of these characteristics it would have much higher probability that it will be a leader in the next phase of the emerging solar boom.
First: CASH. During times like this CASH IS KING. So an investor will have to make sure to check each potential company’s balance sheet and insure that they have adequate cash reserves to carry them through at least 2009 without need of further financing.
Second: RELATIVE STRENGTH. In periods like this good stocks and bad stocks BOTH are carried down with the general market. However, the better stocks generally drop last and come back (when the tide changes positive) first. These stocks will also most likely be the ones with the most cash (best financial shape) therefore with the best future prospects. As a result, an investor should look for the solar stocks with the highest relative strength compared to the general market - they will be the early leaders in the next market stage.
Third: PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION. With a new industry like solar the longer term leaders are generally the companies with some form of competitive advantage or product differentiation. Remember these companies may have innovative products, but they must also pass the first two hurdles (cash and relative strength) in order to warrant further consideration as an investment. Five examples of this (not necessarily “official” recommendations) are listed below with their respective “differentiator” to give you a better idea of what I am referring to:
 First Solar (FSLR) – low cost market leader in the thin film sector
 SunPower (SPWRA) - highest efficiency product, therefore potential leader in the space constrained residential market segment.
 Energy Conversion Devices (ENER) – unique product, with high margins in the flexible PV market segment.
 SunTech (STP) – low cost producer in the crystalline PV market segment.
 Emcore (EMKR) – one of only two producers of very high efficiency PV cells for the Concentrating PV (CPV) market segment.
Remember that even though this MAY BE a generational buying opportunity in the general market and the solar sector you should always consider this as higher risk money and money that you can afford to potential lose and also be money that you can be patient with and allow the situation to work itself out over time.

Mr. Lynch has worked, for 31 years as an independent analyst and investor in small emerging technology companies. He has been actively involved in following developments in the renewable energy sector since 1977 and is regarded as an expert in this field. He was the contributing editor for the past 17 years to the Photovoltaic Insider Report, the leading publication in Photovoltaics industry that was directed at industrial subscribers, such as major energy companies, utilities and governments around the world. He can be reached via e-mail at: solarjpl@aol.com or at his new website: www.sunseries.net.

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Obama- Making the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change

The Obama-Biden Plan
http://change.gov/agenda/energy_and_environment_agenda/

The energy challenges our country faces are severe and have gone unaddressed for far too long. Our addiction to foreign oil doesn't just undermine our national security and wreak havoc on our environment -- it cripples our economy and strains the budgets of working families all across America. Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a comprehensive plan to invest in alternative and renewable energy, end our addiction to foreign oil, address the global climate crisis and create millions of new jobs.

The Obama-Biden comprehensive New Energy for America plan will:

Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future.
Within 10 years save more oil than we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined.
Put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars -- cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon -- on the road by 2015, cars that we will work to make sure are built here in America.
Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
Energy Plan Overview
Provide Short-term Relief to American Families
Crack Down on Excessive Energy Speculation.
Swap Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Cut Prices.
Eliminate Our Current Imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 Years

Increase Fuel Economy Standards.
Get 1 Million Plug-In Hybrid Cars on the Road by 2015.
Create a New $7,000 Tax Credit for Purchasing Advanced Vehicles.
Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
A “Use it or Lose It” Approach to Existing Oil and Gas Leases.
Promote the Responsible Domestic Production of Oil and Natural Gas.
Create Millions of New Green Jobs

Ensure 10 percent of Our Electricity Comes from Renewable Sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
Deploy the Cheapest, Cleanest, Fastest Energy Source – Energy Efficiency.
Weatherize One Million Homes Annually.
Develop and Deploy Clean Coal Technology.
Prioritize the Construction of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline.
Reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 Percent by 2050

Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change.

Driving Green; Electric Cars on the Rise at LA Auto Show – Oil Prices Might Be Down But Need to Reduce CO2 Emissions Still Driving Force

Driving Green; Electric Cars on the Rise at LA Auto Show – Oil Prices Might Be Down But Need to Reduce CO2 Emissions Still Driving Force

November 21, 2008 - Point Roberts, InvestorIdeas.com and its green investor portal Renewableenergystocks.com announce the most recent Podcast of Driving Green, discussing some of the new electric and green cars featured at the LA Auto show.

As oil and gas prices drop in the short term, the driving force behind electric cars has not diminished. Environmental impact, global warming and CO2 emissions are still concerns for consumers, industry and government. The new Obama administration has pledged to make fuel efficient cars part of their mandate. Just this week, a group of leaders called for 10% of cars to be electric by 2020, increasing to 50% by 2030 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To listen to the Podcast: click here: http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/dg112108.mp3

Podcast Transcript:

This is Driving Green at Investorideas.com http://www.investorideas.com/dg/

The Los Angeles auto show showcased the future of electric cars with some new and old players in the game .Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., announced a new electric-vehicle partnership with the state of Oregon, based on Nissan’s commitment to begin offering pure electric cars in 2010 in the United States and Japan.

Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO said “We see in Oregon the vision that is evident in all the places that are eager for sustainable mobility," said Mr. Ghosn. "Demonstrating their care for the environment, the state and its partners are creating the conditions that will promote zero-emission vehicles as an attractive choice for consumers."

He also announced plans to have 10 per cent of his cars with battery electric drivelines by 2010.

BMW also showcased their new line of electric minis. The company has built 500 minis that will be leased to select customers in LA and New York prior to a larger release.

Chrysler also displayed three advanced production-intent electric vehicle prototype vehicles where they will be making their worldwide auto show debut. Chrysler's Electric Vehicles utilize three primary components- an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow. The electric-drive system is being developed for front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive vehicle applications.

Surprisingly the green car of the year at the LA auto show was not electric or hybrid – it was Volkswagen's new Jetta TDI- a sporty diesel-powered sedan. The Jetta came in ahead of the Ford Fusion gasoline-electric hybrid and the Saturn Vue hybrid.

So with the US auto industry in a state of fear and uncertainty, it is clear that from Obama’s plan for a more fuel efficient auto industry to the LA auto show winners – green is still the color of money for the future .

To research our full list of Green Automotive Stocks - visit our stock directory at RenewableEnergyStocks.com
http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/Companies/RenewableEnergy/stock_list.asp

To research Fuel cell cars – visit Fuelcellcarnews.com within Investorideas.com

Sponsors - Featured Showcase Green Companies at Investorideas.com

OriginOil, Inc. (OTCBB: OOIL) is developing a breakthrough technology that will transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum.

Carbon Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB:CABN) is developing a breakthrough technology to transform carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the basic fuel building blocks required to produce gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel and other portable fuels.

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Publish Your Green and Environment News
Your news is featured on Investorideas.com Newswire, Renewable RSS Feeds, Environment Stocks.com, and Greentechinvestor.com & Renewablenergystocks.com
In addition – our Investorideas.com news feeds and Renewable News feeds are distributed on multiple business and industry sites!
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About InvestorIdeas.com: "One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.
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Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. (OOIL and CABN-$4000 month as green showcase company)
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To sponsor the Driving Green Podcast or send ideas, suggestions and feedback:

Contact: Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Energy & Environment -- Of the People, By the People

Share your thoughts and give your opinion on a green future with President Elect Obama at Energy & Environment -- Of the People, By the People
If we really want a green future and want to invest in the sector - you can forward your thoughts and opinions here -
visit -

http://www.change.gov/page/s/energyenviro

The Renault-Nissan Alliance and the State of Oregon Form Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership

The Renault-Nissan Alliance and the State of Oregon Form Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership


LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19 2008 -- The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan and the state of Oregon are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network. Portland General Electric (PGE) also is a participant in the partnership and is working toward the development of an easily accessible and reliable network of charging stations.

The Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). Nissan will introduce ZEVs in the United States in 2010 and will mass market ZEVs globally two years later. Ghosn announced the Oregon agreement during an address at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

"This partnership represents a major step toward reliable zero-emission mobility in the state of Oregon," said Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Renault SA,. "Together, we are creating conditions that will encourage consumers to consider an electric vehicle as an attractive choice that is also good for the environment."

The partnership supports Oregon Gov. Theodore Kulongoski's commitment to sustainability, which includes the effort to lead the nation in establishing the infrastructure necessary for a greener transportation system.

"Today's announcement shows that a state can create economic opportunity from its commitment to a greener future and the fight against global warming," Gov. Kulongoski said. "Oregon welcomes Nissan and is pleased to help lead the way in the transition to new, greener vehicle technologies. By partnering with Nissan and Portland General Electric, we can work together to build a consistent and reliable refueling infrastructure so consumers can make the switch to electric vehicles."

As part of the agreement, Nissan has committed to make available a supply of ZEVs to the state of Oregon and work with the state to develop plans to promote the EV Charging Network. The state, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, has committed to promote the deployment, operation and maintenance of the EV Charging Network by developing specifications for charging stations and seeking agreements with suppliers that may be used by entities such as local governments and utility companies.

The state, under Gov. Kulongoski's leadership, and Nissan are working with PGE towards the creation of the EV charging network. PGE, as part of its plug- in vehicle initiative, is striving to find innovative solutions to Oregon's transportation and energy challenges through the development of a model charging station infrastructure, as well as identifying its infrastructure needs related to vehicle-to-grid technology. Over the past several months, PGE has installed six charging stations- with the capability to charge several dozen vehicles - across the Portland and Salem areas, with more on the way.

"PGE is committed to playing a leadership role to bring this zero-emission transportation option to Oregon residents and businesses," said Peggy Fowler, CEO and president, PGE. "We look forward to sharing technical and educational information in the coming months as we grow our network of stations across the region."

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Kanagawa Prefecture (Japan), and with French electric utility company EDF. In the United States, the Alliance also has agreed to a ZEV partnership with the state of Tennessee the Tennessee Valley Authority, and other partners, to explore ways to promote zero-emission mobility in Middle Tennessee.

Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infiniti.com.

Renault-Nissan Alliance

The Renault-Nissan Alliance, founded in 1999, sold 6,160,046 vehicles in 2007. The objective of the Alliance is to rank among the world's top three vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality, technology and profitability.

State of Oregon

Gov. Ted Kulongoski has positioned Oregon as a national leader in sustainability. In his first term, he partnered with the states of Washington and California to create the pioneering West Coast Governors Global Warming Initiative, an effort that produced regional strategies to combat global warming for the entire West Coast. He has built upon that, implementing the most ambitious renewable electricity standard in the nation, among the most aggressive alternative fuel standard in the country, and other groundbreaking policies that promote renewable energy, conservation and energy efficiency, many of which have created economic opportunities for the state of Oregon. Because of Gov. Kulongoski's commitment to a greener future, companies and citizens alike look to Oregon for green business opportunities and increased quality of life.

Portland General Electric

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR - News), headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 814,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. Visit PGE's Web site at PortlandGeneral.com



Source: Nissan North America, Inc.

CLIMATE COUNTS RELEASES BANKING SCORE CARD-Research Shows Some Banks’ Money is Greener Than Others

CLIMATE COUNTS RELEASES BANKING SCORE CARD

Research Shows Some Banks’ Money is Greener Than Others

Energy Efficiency and Savings Key to Survival in Crisis



MANCHESTER, NH – HSBC, Bank of America and CitiGroup are the banks with the best performance on climate issues according to Climate Counts, which released its first scorecard ranking the climate protection efforts of major commercial banks. The scorecard is a reminder to institutions and consumers alike that energy conservation and waste reduction are important cost-saving measures in times of economic uncertainty.



“These challenging times represent a unique opportunity for the financial sector: consumers and investors have known for years that progress on climate issues can help bring down costs, bolster savings and streamline operations,” said Wood Turner, Climate Counts Project Director. “With the coming turnover in Washington, action on global warming is imminent, and financial institutions can be pacesetters on these issues, given growing consumer demand for climate progress even amidst continued economic uncertainty,” he added.



HSBC leads other major banks with a score of 65 out of a possible 100 points, with Bank of America and CitiGroup not far behind with scores of 60 and JP Morgan Chase in third with a score of 59. Three banks managed to earn just a single point, landing them at the bottom of the scorecard: National City, Regions and SunTrust banks.



Climate Counts’ company scores are on a 0-to-100 point scale and based on 22 criteria, measuring companies’ efforts to assess their climate “footprints,” reduce their global warming pollution, support (or oppose) progress on major climate legislation, and communicate their efforts clearly and comprehensively.



The Climate Counts Company Scorecard was developed with oversight from a panel of business and climate experts from leading non-governmental organizations and academic institutions. Criteria were chosen for their effectiveness at accomplishing a single goal – stopping global warming. Climate Counts researchers used these criteria to rate companies based on a point system for climate-related actions. Companies were given the opportunity to confirm and/or provide additional public data sources.



###



About Climate Counts

Climate Counts is a non-profit organization bringing consumers and companies together in the fight against global climate change. It was launched and funded by Stonyfield Farm. Please visit www.climatecounts.org for more information.

The Future of Renewable Energy and Cleantech under an Obama Administration; Investorideas.com Themes Online Investor Conference for 2009

The Future of Renewable Energy and Cleantech under an Obama Administration; Investorideas.com Themes Online Investor Conference for 2009

Investing in Renewable Energy Stocks for 2009- Solar Stocks, Wind Stocks, Biofuel and Energy Efficiency

POINT ROBERTS, WA –Nov 19, 2008, Investorideas.com, one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, cleantech and water sectors announces initial plans for a 2009 online investor conference themed, The Future of Renewable Energy and Cleantech Under an Obama Administration. Investorideas.com and its green investor portals have hosted several online green investor conferences in the past, featuring some of the industry’s leading experts.

The conference format is a one day presentation of leading experts and CEO’s providing insight into the industry with audio/ slide flash media presentations averaging 15 minutes each. The conferences are free to investors, requiring online registration. Tentative dates are late January, early February. Investorideas.com will announce dates and speakers as the conference progresses. To view previous conference formats and speakers: Forums/Conferences Page: http://www1.investorideas.com/Forums/

About Our Green Investor Portals:
http://www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.

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Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
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CEO of Algae-to-Oil Technology Company, OriginOil, Inc. (OTCBB: OOIL) Reminds Investors of the Bright Future for Advanced Biofuels

CEO of Algae-to-Oil Technology Company, OriginOil, Inc. (OTCBB: OOIL) Reminds Investors of the Bright Future for Advanced Biofuels



POINT ROBERTS, WA --November 14, 2008 www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com, a leading investor news and research portal for the renewable energy sector within Investorideas.com, announces new featured showcase company OriginOil, Inc: (OTCBB: OOIL), an algae-to-oil technology company.

The company’s technology is an advanced algae growth system that can grow multiple layers of algae biomass around-the-clock with daily harvests. According to the company, growing and harvesting algae on a high volume production basis is the key breakthrough that will allow algae to compete with petroleum.

The US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reports, “Algal biofuels are generating considerable interest around the world. They may represent a sustainable pathway for helping to meet the U.S. biofuel production targets set by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.” http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/pdfs/algalbiofuels.pdf

Petroleum is a depleting resource. Future sources of oil, the cost of producing it and the price consumers will have to pay for it are extremely uncertain. According to a recent report from the International Energy Agency, “there are growing fears the simultaneous plunge in oil prices and a pullback in spending on exploration and production will result in another massive energy price spike.”

One week earlier, Riggs Eckelberry, President & CEO of OriginOil, Inc. had made the same case. In his presentation to California lawmakers, he noted, “Energy demand is embedded and oil demand will return. If oil investment is neglected now, there will be new scarcity, driving prices much higher.”

“Climate change and CO2 emissions are also driving trends for renewable energy. These factors, as well as future oil shortages, have created excitement in the algae sector, in spite of the recent decline in oil prices”, Mr. Eckelberry went on to state.

“Current trends in energy supply and consumption are patently unsustainable – environmentally, economically and socially – they can and must be altered”, said Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency. “Rising imports of oil and gas into OECD regions and developing Asia, together with the growing concentration of production in a small number of countries, would increase our susceptibility to supply disruptions and sharp price hikes. At the same time, greenhouse-gas emissions would be driven up inexorably, putting the world on track for an eventual global temperature increase of up to 6°C.”

Company Showcase Profile page: http://www.investorideas.com/co/ooil/

About OriginOil, Inc: (OTCBB: OOIL)
OriginOil, Inc. is developing a breakthrough technology that will transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum. Much of the world's oil and gas is made up of ancient algae deposits. Today, our technology will produce "new oil" from algae, through a cost-effective, high-speed manufacturing process. This endless supply of new oil can be used for many products such as diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, plastics and solvents without the global warming effects of petroleum. Other oil producing feedstock such as corn and sugarcane often destroy vital farmlands and rainforests, disrupt global food supplies and create new environmental problems. Our unique technology, based on algae, is targeted at fundamentally changing our source of oil without disrupting the environment or food supplies. www.originoil.com.

About InvestorIdeas.com: One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors.
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences, Blogs, and a directory of stocks.
InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Become an Investorideas.com Member
With markets and investor sentiment changing daily- it is more important than ever to stay on top of key trends! Gain Exclusive Insight on Leading Sectors, Global Trends, and Insider Trading Ideas, News, Articles and Investor Ideas Members only Restricted Content including the complete renewable energy stocks directory.
Become an InvestorIdeas.com -Learn more: - click here http://www.investorideas.com/membership/

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. Disclosure: OOIL is a featured showcase company and compensates Investor Ideas $4000 month .www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For more information contact:
Investorideas.com
Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com,


Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, OriginOil, Inc: (OTCBB: OOIL)

New Energy Realities – WEO Calls for Global Energy Revolution Despite Economic Crisis

New Energy Realities – WEO Calls for Global Energy Revolution Despite Economic Crisis

12 November 2008 London -The International Energy Agency (IEA)http://www.iea.org

“We cannot let the financial and economic crisis delay the policy action that is urgently needed to ensure secure energy supplies and to curtail rising emissions of greenhouse gases. We must usher in a global energy revolution by improving energy efficiency and increasing the deployment of low-carbon energy,” said Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) today in London at the launch of the World Energy Outlook (WEO) 2008 – the latest edition of the annual IEA flagship publication. The WEO-2008 provides invaluable analysis to help policy makers around the world assess and address the challenges posed by worsening oil supply prospects, higher energy prices and rising emissions of greenhouse gases.

In the WEO-2008 Reference Scenario, which assumes no new government policies, world primary energy demand grows by 1.6% per year on average between 2006 and 2030 – an increase of 45%. This is slower than projected last year, mainly due to the impact of the economic slowdown, prospects for higher energy prices and some new policy initiatives. Demand for oil rises from 85 million barrels per day now to 106 mb/d in 2030 – 10 mb/d less than projected last year. Demand for coal rises more than any other fuel in absolute terms, accounting for over a third of the increase in energy use. Modern renewables grow most rapidly, overtaking gas to become the second-largest source of electricity soon after 2010. China and India account for over half of incremental energy demand to 2030 while the Middle East emerges as a major new demand centre. The share of the world’s energy consumed in cities grows from two-thirds to almost three-quarters in 2030. Almost all of the increase in fossil-energy production occurs in non-OECD countries. These trends call for energy-supply investment of $26.3 trillion to 2030, or over $1 trillion/year. Yet the credit squeeze could delay spending, potentially setting up a supply-crunch that could choke economic recovery.

“Current trends in energy supply and consumption are patently unsustainable – environmentally, economically and socially – they can and must be altered”, said Nobuo Tanaka. “Rising imports of oil and gas into OECD regions and developing Asia, together with the growing concentration of production in a small number of countries, would increase our susceptibility to supply disruptions and sharp price hikes. At the same time, greenhouse-gas emissions would be driven up inexorably, putting the world on track for an eventual global temperature increase of up to 6°C.”


In addition to providing a comprehensive update of long-term energy projections to 2030, WEO-2008 takes a detailed look at the prospects for oil and gas production. Oil will remain the world’s main source of energy for many years to come, even under the most optimistic of assumptions about the development of alternative technology. But the sources of oil, the cost of producing it and the prices that consumers will have to pay for it are extremely uncertain. “One thing is certain”, stated Mr. Tanaka, “while market imbalances will feed volatility, the era of cheap oil is over”.


“A sea change is underway in the upstream oil and gas industry with international oil companies facing dwindling opportunities to increase their reserves and production. In contrast, national companies are projected to account for about 80% of the increase of both oil and gas production to 2030”, said Mr. Tanaka. But it is far from certain that these companies will be willing to make this investment themselves or to attract sufficient capital to keep up the necessary pace of investment. Upstream investment has been rising rapidly in the last few years, but much of the increase is due to surging costs. Expanding production in the lowest-cost countries – most of them in OPEC – will be central to meeting the world’s oil needs at reasonable cost.


The prospect of accelerating declines in production at individual oilfields is adding to these uncertainties. The findings of an unprecedented field-by-field analysis of the historical production trends of 800 oilfields indicate that decline rates are likely to rise significantly in the long term, from an average of 6.7% today to 8.6% in 2030. “Despite all the attention that is given to demand growth, decline rates are actually a far more important determinant of investment needs. Even if oil demand was to remain flat to 2030, 45 mb/d of gross capacity – roughly four times the current capacity of Saudi Arabia – would need to be built by 2030 just to offset the effect of oilfield decline”, Mr. Tanaka added.


WEO-2008 also analyses policy options for tackling climate change after 2012, when a new global agreement – to be negotiated at the UN Conference of the Parties in Copenhagen next year – is due to take effect. This analysis assumes a hybrid policy approach, comprising a plausible combination of cap-and-trade systems, sectoral agreements and national measures. On current trends, energy-related CO2 emissions are set to increase by 45% between 2006 and 2030, reaching 41 Gt. Three-quarters of the increase arises in China, India and the Middle East, and 97% in non-OECD countries as a whole.

Stabilising greenhouse gas concentration at 550 ppm of CO2-equivalent, which would limit the temperature increase to about 3°C, would require emissions to rise to no more than 33 Gt in 2030 and to fall in the longer term. The share of low-carbon energy – hydropower, nuclear, biomass, other renewables and fossil-fuel power plants equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS) – in the world primary energy mix would need to expand from 19% in 2006 to 26% in 2030. This would call for $4.1 trillion more investment in energy-related infrastructure and equipment than in the Reference Scenario – equal to 0.2% of annual world GDP. Most of the increase is on the demand side, with $17 per person per year spent worldwide on more efficient cars, appliances and buildings. On the other hand, improved energy efficiency would deliver fuel-cost savings of over $7 trillion.

The scale of the challenge in limiting greenhouse gas concentration to 450 ppm of CO2-eq, which would involve a temperature rise of about 2°C, is much greater. World energy-related CO2 emissions would need to drop sharply from 2020 onwards, reaching less than 26 Gt in 2030. “We would need concerted action from all major emitters. Our analysis shows that OECD countries alone cannot put the world onto a 450-ppm trajectory, even if they were to reduce their emissions to zero”, Mr. Tanaka warned. Achieving such an outcome would require even faster growth in the use of low-carbon energy – to account for 36% of global primary energy mix by 2030. In this case, global energy investment needs are $9.3 trillion (0.6% of annual world GDP) higher; fuel savings total $5.8 trillion.

WEO-2008 demonstrates that measures to curb CO2 emissions will also improve energy security by reducing global fossil-fuel energy use. But the world’s major oil producers should not be alarmed. “Even in the 450 Policy Scenario, OPEC production will need to be 12 mb/d higher in 2030 than today.” Mr. Tanaka noted. “It is clear that the energy sector will have to play the central role in tackling climate change. The analysis set out in this Outlook will provide a solid basis for all countries seeking to negotiate a new global climate deal in Copenhagen.”

Fact sheet PDF- http://www.iea.org/weo/docs/weo2008/fact_sheets_08.pdf



Communication and Information Office: (+33) 1 40 57 65 50 ; e-mail IEAPressOffice@iea.org

Next X Prize: A $10 Billion Renewable Energy 401(k) Challenge?

Next X Prize: A $10 Billion Renewable Energy 401(k) Challenge?

First Company or Corporate team to Generate $10 billion in Renewable Energy Investment via Retirement Plans Could be the Winner of a Proposed New X Prize. Adding a renewable energy sector fund to 401(k) retirement plans will: 1)generate a significant number of new jobs 2)create a healthy economy, 3)increase clean energy production, 4)lower energy costs and combat climate change

Boulder, CO November 11, 2008 -- The X Prize Foundation, creator of the Ansari X Prize for suborbital spaceflight, has launched a contest to design a new X Prize that will boost renewable energy production. A unique entry format requires contestants to pitch their X Prize contest idea via a two minute video (http://www.TheRenewableEnergyInitiative.org) posted to YouTube.

Ken Beitel, a computer systems analyst and documentary film producer ("Grizzlies of the Canadian Rockies" Discovery Channel), has entered the contest and is proposing that the next X Prize be a $10 billion corporate challenge focusing on renewable energy investment. The first round of judging for the contest to design the next X Prize closes Friday (November 14, 2008).

"It will be outstanding for employees to have the opportunity to invest in renewable energy," explains contest entrant Ken Beitel, "Renewable energy is clean, cost effective, fast to build, and is ready to create a significant number of new jobs."

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Colorado National Monument during a desert sunset, the video includes majestic shots of wind turbines and a huge solar power plant. During the video, Beitel explains how retirement plan investment could play a major role in increasing renewable energy production.

The renewable energy sector is also expected to experience rapid expansion under President Elect Barack Obama who backs federal investment in renewable energy, along with regulatory and tax support for clean electricity and alternative fuels. The Obama administration plans to invest $15 billion annually in renewable energy, and sees the industry as a key source of new American jobs. This year in Colorado, Vestas, one of the world's largest wind turbine manufactures, has opened 2 new manufacturing plants that will employ more than 1,300 people.

Beitel acknowledges the tough economic times: "While $10 billion dollars sounds like a lot of retirement dollars to invest in renewable energy, in reality it is only about 1/3 of 1% of the roughly $2.7 trillion dollars in US 401(k) plans."

The proposed "Invest Renewable" X Prize will encourage Fortune 500 and smaller companies in the US and Canada to add a renewable energy sector investment option, such as the Calvert, Guinness Atkinson or Firsthand alternative energy fund to retirement plans. The first company or team of companies to generate $10 billion in renewable energy investment through their corporate retirement plans will split the $10 million X Prize amongst employees who have chosen to invest in renewables.

Ken Beitel is optimistic about his contest entry designing the next X Prize, "The 'Invest Renewable' X Prize will make it possible for employees to invest in the renewable energy sector which will help create a healthy economy and lower energy costs."

The "Invest Renewable" X Prize contest entry can be viewed at http://www.TheRenewableEnergyInitiative.org or http://www.youtube.com/xprize

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Ken Beitel at 720 436-2465.

Contest video can be used for B-Roll. Stills and video can be downloaded at http://www.TheRenewableEnergyInitiative.org

Courtesy credit GE for use of wind turbine or solar production plant video/stills

Background Information:

About Ken Beitel:
Originally from Calgary, Canada, Ken Beitel currently lives in Boulder, Colorado where he works as Computer Systems Analyst. A passionate environmental communicator, in 1997, Ken was awarded an International Digital Media Award for producing the "Windows On Wildlife" interactive kiosk for Parks Canada and the Calgary Zoo. The multimedia display features the hit game "Eat Like A Grizzly!"

Mr. Beitel used publicity from the 1999 national broadcast of "Grizzlies of the Canadian Rockies" documentary to lead the successful call for the creation of a new protected wilderness area in the mountains adjacent to Banff National Park in Canada. The rugged and spectacular Spray Valley Provincial Park area is featured in the Hollywood "X-Men" feature film series. Ken's hobby is to use his environmental communication talents to promote a rapid societal transition to renewable energy as an effective method of building a healthy economy, securing energy independence and combating climate change.

About the X PRIZE Foundation:
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured the world's attention when the Burt Rutan-led team, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world's first private spaceship to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE for suborbital spaceflight. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation and its partner BT Global Services are creating prizes in Exploration (Space and Oceans), Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit http://www.xprize.org.

Investorideas.com Green Investor Podcast Series; Interview with CEO of Solar Company, BrightSource Energy, Inc.

Investorideas.com Green Investor Podcast Series; Interview with CEO of Solar Company, BrightSource Energy, Inc.

POINT ROBERTS, Wash. November 11, 2008 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water, provides an audio interview/Podcast with John Woolard, CEO of a private California-based solar energy company called BrightSource Energy.

The Green Investor Audio series, hosted by well- known financial columnist Michael Brush, who also writes the Insiders Corner for Investorideas.com, is a series of audio interviews/Podcasts with some of the leading CEO's, investment banking and industry leaders in the sector.

The interview took place at the ACORE conference in New York earlier this year.

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/

Podcast Summary:

An Insider’s Outlook on the Potential for Solar Energy: John Woolard, CEO of a private California-based solar energy company called BrightSource Energy, offers his outlook on solar energy.

Listen to Podcast:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/gi111108.mp3

Michael Brush writes a weekly market column for MSN Money. Mr. Brush has also covered business and investing for the New York Times, Money magazine and the Economist Group.
Michael also writes the Insiders Corner Exclusively for Investorideas.com.

About BrightSource Energy, Inc.
BrightSource Energy, Inc. designs, builds, finances and operates utility-scale solar power plants
that deliver clean, low-cost solar energy to utility and industrial customers worldwide at prices
that compete with fossil fuels. BrightSource was formed with seed capital from VantagePoint
Venture Partners, which has increased its investment steadily over time. Privately held,
BrightSource is headquartered in Oakland, California.

Luz II Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of BrightSource Energy, Inc. Based in Israel, Luz II is
responsible for solar technology development, plant design and engineering.
Further information about BrightSource Energy and Luz II may be found at
www.brightsourceenergy.com.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News RSS Feed:
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Submit green, cleantech and renewable energy news & press releases
News is featured on Investorideas.com Newswire, Renewable RSS Feeds, and Greentechinvestor.com & Renewablenergystocks.com - click here
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The Global Green Marketplace at Investorideas.com – a meeting place for investors and business in cleantech: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/.

About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Become an Investorideas.com Member
With markets and investor sentiment changing daily- it is more important than ever to stay on top of key trends! Gain Exclusive Insight on Leading Sectors, Global Trends, and Insider Trading Ideas, News, Articles and Investor Ideas Members only Restricted Content.
Become an InvestorIdeas.com -Learn more: - click here http://www.investorideas.com/membership/

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For Additional Information:

Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Source – Investorideas.com

SunPower and Ecoware Sign 130 Megawatt, Four-Year Customer Agreement

SunPower and Ecoware Sign 130 Megawatt, Four-Year Customer Agreement


SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 10 2008 -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced it has signed a customer contract with Italian solar plant integrator Ecoware, S.p.A.

Under the terms of the agreement, SunPower will provide Ecoware with at least 130 megawatts of its high-efficiency solar panels over the next four years. Ecoware will begin receiving SunPower's solar panels under the agreement in the first quarter of 2009.

"As electric rates continue to rise, SunPower recognizes the long-term growth opportunity for solar power in Italy and throughout Europe," said Howard Wenger, SunPower's president, global business units. "SunPower's high-efficiency solar panels improve the energy delivery and will lower the levelized cost of energy of Ecoware's ground mounted trackers."

Ecoware is a leading Italian systems integrator, designing turn-key power plant solutions. It manufactures dual-axis ground mounted tracker systems, and has designed and installed many solar parks throughout Italy. Ecoware also plans to expand its business into Southern and Eastern Europe.

"SunPower's high-efficiency solar panels maximize the energy output from each of our proprietary ground-mounted tracker systems by up to 50 percent when compared to conventional solar panels," said Leopoldo Franceschini, president of Ecoware. "Italy's abundant sunshine and strong support for solar power offer us the opportunity to substantially expand our operations as one of Italy's leading solar integrators."

About SunPower

SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. SunPower high-efficiency solar cells and solar panels generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.sunpowercorp.com.

About Ecoware

Ecoware (belonging to Kerself Group, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange - Expandi Market), a leading Italian turn-key PV contractor, designs, manufactures and installs commercial and utility-scale power plants with its brand of bankable fixed and biaxial solutions. Member of Kerself Group, Ecoware offers a truly unique range of services including well established scouting operations in Italy and is expanding into both Southern and Eastern European markets. Ecoware headquarters are in Padua, Italy, forty minutes from Venice, Marco Polo Airport. For more information, visit http://www.ecoware.eu.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not represent historical facts. We use words such as "growing," "will," "continue," "plan," "expand," and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, our plans and expectations regarding (a) the growing demand for solar and the long term growth opportunity for solar power in Italy and throughout Europe, (b) electrical rates continuing to rise, (c) providing Ecoware with at least 130 megawatts of its high-efficiency solar panels over the next four years, beginning in the first quarter of 2009, (d) lowering the levelized cost of energy of Ecoware's ground mounted trackers, and (e) Ecoware's expansion plans into Southern and Eastern Europe. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and management's current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include a variety of factors, some of which are beyond the company's control. In particular, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ include: (i) the company's ability to obtain and maintain an adequate supply of polysilicon, ingots, wafers and other materials, components and products to manufacture its component products; (ii) business and economic conditions, including the current uncertain economic environment and credit crisis, and growth trends in the solar power industry; (iii) the continuation of governmental and related economic incentives promoting the use of solar power; (iv) the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements for the company's and Ecoware's customers; (v) construction difficulties or potential delays in the project implementation process, including transmission access and upgrades; (vi) unanticipated delays or difficulties securing necessary permits, licenses or other governmental approvals; (vii) the risk of continuation of supply of products and components from suppliers; (viii) unanticipated problems with deploying the system on the sites; (ix) the company's ability to ramp new production lines and realize expected manufacturing efficiencies; (x) unforeseen manufacturing equipment delays at the company's fabrication facilities and panel factories; (xi) the company's ability to utilize thinner wafers, reduce kerf loss and otherwise achieve anticipated improvements in polysilicon usage efficiency; (xii) production difficulties that could arise; (xiii) the success of the company's ongoing research and development efforts; (xiv) the company's ability to compete with other companies and competing technologies; (xv) liquidated damages or customer refunds for late installations arising on large scale solar projects (xvi) unanticipated changes in the mix of balance of systems sales; (xvii) unanticipated volatility in market rates for electricity; and (xviii) other risks described in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 2008, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company's views as of any subsequent date, and the company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any responsibility to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE SunPower Corporation

An ideal cleantech environment- the three basic macro trends behind the cleantech investment thesis remain wholly intact

Reprinted with permission from author- I thought this was a great article - reminding us of the key drivers behind investing in the sector. The general financial media focuses very short term and has forgotten about global warming in the midst of the economic crisis

An ideal cleantech environment- the three basic macro trends behind the cleantech investment thesis remain wholly intact


By Glen Schwaber- Israel Cleantech Ventures http://www.israelcleantech.com/
Now is a perfect time for Israeli cleantech entrepreneurs..

Crude oil has plummeted over 55% since it peaked at $147 in mid-July. Credit markets, necessary for large scale project finance in solar, wind, and water, have dried up. As of October 16th, the Goldman Sachs Renewables Composite was down 59% for the year, almost twice the drop in the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indexes. Q-Cells, one of the darlings of the solar industry is down nearly 60% in the last month alone, trading at just 24% of its peak value. M&A values will surely drop in tandem with the stock currency of the acquirers and the IPO window is shut completely. Meanwhile, rhetoric by world leaders on climate change is beginning to factor in the challenge of maintaining policy goals in the face of broader economic concerns.


So why are we not stopping our investments or recommending that our portfolio company CEOs stop theirs? The reason is simple. Banking crisis notwithstanding, the fundamental drivers of cleantech innovation have not changed one iota in the past few months.

Mean temperatures on the planet have not suddenly fallen with the stock market. Melting glaciers have not frozen up like the market for sub-prime loans. Endangered species have not stopped going extinct. People haven’t stopped needing to drink clean water. Nor have they ceased using electricity or driving their cars. Nor have they stopped having babies. And the Iranians have not suddenly become our friends.

Put another way, the three basic macro trends behind the cleantech investment thesis remain wholly intact:

Climate change is real and is unfortunately here to stay. Global mean temperatures have already risen in close correlation to greenhouse gas emissions / carbon dioxide equivalents. The pace of carbon dioxide emissions is still accelerating. We are already at over 384 parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere, where we haven’t been for millions of years and are on pace to warm our planet by an additional 2 degrees Celsius by mid-century, with resulting known and unforeseeable changes to sea levels, weather patterns, and humankind’s living conditions on earth.

The world’s population is rising at a remarkable pace. There are about 6.7 billion people on earth today, with projections reaching 9.2 billion by 2050. Even more significant than the raw population growth, the number of people moving to cities in search of a middle-class livelihood afforded through industrialization and economic growth has accelerated rapidly. According to the UN, by 2015 (which is just around the corner and is incidentally well within the 10 year time frame of a new cleantech venture fund) there will be 26 cities with 10 million people or more. In 1975, the number of these “mega-cities” was just 5. More people, particularly more middle class urban people mean far greater consumption of natural resources, potable water, and energy.

The West is dependent on oil and natural gas supplies from unstable and unpredictable regimes, some of whom are using oil revenues to fund terrorism and war. Regardless of whether oil is at $140 per barrel or $40 per barrel, the Western industrialized world is dependent on OPEC supplies and is therefore stuck in the position of funding some of its own worst enemies.

Taken together, these three drivers will continue to push policy, innovation, and investment in cleantech over the coming years. But even in the short term, we have already seen at least two encouraging signals about the future direction of the cleantech industry. First, on the policy side, it is noteworthy that the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act passed in the US, included a tax extenders bill containing several tax breaks and incentives for renewable energy and clean technologies.

This $17 Billion bill mandates an eight year extension of the investment tax credits (ITC) for all solar systems, and removes the $2,000 cap on residential systems. Passage of this bill gave long-awaited certainty to the solar markets in the US with both residential and utility scale solar companies set to benefit. In addition, the bill offers substantial incentives for wind, biofuels, and fuel cells. This is likely just a first step toward a more active US national policy approach towards renewables, given that President-elect Barak Obama supports carbon mitigation legislation at the federal level. And with the US consuming nearly 25% of the world’s energy, once the federal government starts putting effective price signals in place, the pace of cleantech innovation is likely to balloon.

A second encouraging sign came in the form of GE’s public announcement on October 20th, which included results and expectations from its environmental business. Despite the economic downturn, GE said it expects 2008 revenue from its energy efficiency products to increase by 21% to $17 billion since last year. Its annual investment in cleaner research and development will surpass $1.4 billion, a $300M increase over last year. GE also said it has cut greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by 8%, from about 7.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, since 2004. Energy cost savings to GE have so far been $100 million. "There is a green lining among the current economic storm clouds and GE customers and investors are benefiting," said Jeff Immelt, GE’s CEO. "Cleaner innovation and technology resonate in the marketplace, while we slash our own energy and water costs and emissions, further strengthening GE's competitive position and the advantage GE offers to its customers."

GE is betting its future on cleantech innovation, and they are not the only large company doing so. Policymakers in Washington extended renewable energy tax credits for 8 years and that is likely just a prelude to more far-reaching national legislation. So yes, in the short term, cleantech markets will likely be jittery as a result of financial volatility and the precipitous decline in oil prices. A reduction in the price of oil will go hand in hand with reductions in the price of natural gas and even coal-generated electricity. The immediate impetus for change at the consumer level may ease as energy bills come down.

Later stage cleantech companies that were counting on access to public markets or significant debt financing to fund their future growth are going to have a challenging time ahead. We can expect a drop in cleantech VC investments in Q4, as compared to Q3, and likely continuing into 2009. But the bigger picture is that unlike with previous oil price declines, this time the larger, more sustained drivers for cleantech innovation are not likely to disappear from the consciousness of policymakers and industrial giants.

To conclude, let me put things into a slightly more personal perspective. When we completed the first closing of Israel Cleantech Ventures in January 2007, oil prices were at $55 per barrel. At the time, that price was considered relatively high. We have now made nine investments and, despite the unprecedented drop in commodity prices of late, oil still has not returned to that price point. Yet just since January 2007, we humans have emitted about 50 billion additional metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents into the atmosphere, increased the world’s population by 150 million people (that’s about 20x Israel’s total population), and provided OPEC (including countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya) with $1.6 trillion worth of oil revenues (that’s the equivalent of 10x Israel’s GDP).

Needless to say, the motivating forces behind cleantech are here to stay. In fact, as former President Bill Clinton recently remarked, once we stop looking to make money out of money and go back to making money out of business innovation, the cleantech industry will be at the center of that innovation, leading us out of recession and into the next great phase of economic growth. Now, more than ever, is a perfect time for Israeli cleantech entrepreneurs to start new businesses and to secure this country’s part in that next great phase of growth.

The author is a partner at Israel Cleantech Ventures. http://www.israelcleantech.com/

Renewable Energy Stocks Sector Close-UP; Renewable Energy Stocks Trading Up in Anticipation of an Obama Win?

Renewable Energy Stocks Sector Close-UP; Renewable Energy Stocks Trading Up in Anticipation of an Obama Win?

POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC—November 4, 2008 -- www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com,
a leading investor news and research portal for the renewable energy sector within Investorideas.com, presents a sector close-up on renewable energy stocks and the recent trading activity pending the election. As the sector trades up, two experts comment on the future of renewable energy.

According to solar expert Peter Lynch, feature writer of the Renewable and Solar Energy Perspectives at Investorideas.com http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/PL/ ,
"Senator Obama truly understands that energy is the greatest problem that he will face as President. He realizes that the age of oil and fossil fuels are drawing to a necessary close. He also realizes that Global Warming is one of the greatest hazards of our time. Most thinking people realize this too, but to date, we have had no leadership capable of leading the world in a new direction. As President Obama can be this leader, he will be the catalyst for the dawn of the solar revolution.”

Dr. Robert Wilder, of the WilderHill Clean Energy Index (^ECO) comments , “ Like a rubber band that's been stretched quite far, the fact the U.S. fell behind other nations in clean energy the past eight years now looks like it may snap back the other way. Combining a fresh new White House outlook that's positive on green jobs, with a Congress led by a pro-renewable outlook in the House and possibly even 60 vote majority in the Senate means new thinking becomes possible. Old dominance by fossil fuels may even wane: the many harms from coal and oil for instance might be treated for the first time as the problems they are. And better energy independence too could be taken seriously. Whether by cap and trade, or a carbon tax, those carbon laden fuels may even help generate the revenues for new U.S. clean energy, and green jobs here at home.”

Solar Stocks Sector Close-Up as of Trading November 3, 2008:

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) (Market, News) closed up $18.21 (12.67%).
Akeena Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:AKNS) was up$ 0.20 (7.12%)
Evergreen Solar Inc (NASDAQ:ESLR) (Market, News) closed up 0.90 (23.75%)
LDK Solar ADR (LDK) (Market, News) increased $4.22 (23.20%)
SunPower Corporation (SPWRA) (Market, News ) spiked $5.02 (12.85%)
Clear Skies Solar Inc. (OTCBB: CSKH) was up $0.05 (16.67%)
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTI) was up $0.68 (13.08%)
Yingli Green Energy (YGE) was up $0.99 (18.79%)

The WilderHill Clean Energy Index (^ECO) was up 4.31 (4.22%).

Featured Showcase Solar Company XsunX: (OTCBB: XSNX) Based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., XsunX is developing amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell manufacturing processes to produce TFPV solar modules. To deliver its products the Company has begun to build a multi- megawatt TFPV solar module production facility in the United States to meet the growing demand for solar cell products used in large scale commercial projects, utility power fields, and other on-grid applications. Employing a phased roll out of production capacity, it plans to grow manufacturing capacities to over 100 megawatts by 2010. More info on XsunX, Inc. can be found on our media profile at: http://www.investorideas.com/co/xsnx/default.asp or http://www.xsunx.com/


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Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. Disclosure: Investorideas is compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. XsunX compensate the website $5000 per month. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

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Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, XsunX, WilderHill Clean Energy Index

VeraSun Energy Corporation Launches Chapter 11 Case to Enhance Liquidity While It Reorganizes

VeraSun Energy Corporation Launches Chapter 11 Case to Enhance Liquidity While It Reorganizes

Friday October 31, 10:00 pm ET
Production Facilities Expected to Continue Operations


SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Oct. 31 -- VeraSun Energy Corporation (NYSE: VSE - News), one of the nation's largest ethanol producers announced today the Company and 24 of its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to enhance liquidity while they reorganize.



The filing was precipitated by a series of events that led to a contraction in VeraSun's liquidity, impairing its ability to operate its business and invest in production facilities. The Company suffered significant losses in the third quarter of 2008 from a dramatic spike in its corn costs, reflecting in part costs attributable to its corn procurement and hedging arrangements, and historically unfavorable margins. Beginning in the third quarter, worsening capital market conditions and a tightening of trade credit resulted in severe constraints on the Company's liquidity position. Faced with these constraints, VeraSun and 24 of its subsidiaries filed their chapter 11 petitions to facilitate access to additional liquidity while they reorganize to take better advantage of VeraSun's position as one of the nation's largest producers of ethanol.

Company Intends To Maintain Operations

During the chapter 11 proceedings, VeraSun plans to resume normal operations. The Company has taken steps to ensure continued supply of product to its customers and to fulfill all customer obligations. In that regard, VeraSun is working closely with its lenders and expects to reach an agreement before the "first day" hearing on Monday for additional committed financing to provide adequate liquidity to fund operations in the normal course.

The Company expects that it will not scale back its purchases of raw materials, and corn and other suppliers will continue to be paid in full for all goods and services furnished after the filing date as required by the Bankruptcy Code. The Company has also sought authority from the bankruptcy court to pay for goods delivered to the Company on or after October 11, 2008.

VeraSun has also requested the bankruptcy court's approval to continue to pay employees in the ordinary course without interruption, and expects the request to be granted as part of the court's "first day" orders.

"Today's filing allows VeraSun to address its short-term liquidity constraints as we navigate historically challenging market conditions while we focus on restructuring to address the company's long-term future," Don Endres CEO said. "We appreciate the loyalty of our employees, customers and suppliers during this challenging time."

About VeraSun Energy Corporation

VeraSun Energy Corp. (NYSE: VSE - News), headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., is a leading producer and marketer of ethanol and distillers grains. Founded in 2001, the company has a fleet of 16 production facilities in eight states, of which one is still under construction. VeraSun Energy is scheduled to have an annual production capacity of approximately 1.64 billion gallons of ethanol and more than 5 million tons of distillers grains by the end of 2008.

VeraSun also markets E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline for use in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), directly to fuel retailers under the brand VE85®. For more information, please visit VeraSun Energy's websites at http://www.verasun.com or http://www.VE85.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In particular, statements by VeraSun and its subsidiaries (the "Company") regarding future events and developments and the Company's future performance, including statements regarding proceedings relating to the Company's petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code and the Company's operations and funding during the chapter 11 process, as well as other statements of management's expectations, anticipations, beliefs, plans, intentions, targets, estimates, or projections and similar expressions relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. Forward-looking statements in some cases can be identified by their being preceded by, followed by or containing words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by the Company's management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of the Company's future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Some of the factors that may cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements include the following: the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the ability of the Company to obtain debtor-in-possession financing and to operate pursuant to the terms of any debtor-in-possession financing; the Company's ability to obtain court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from time to time, including approval of motions relating to the priority of the lender's security interest under any debtor-in-possession financing; the ability of the Company to develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the chapter 11 cases; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the Company to propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7 cases; the ability of the Company to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers; the Company's ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the chapter 11 cases on the Company's liquidity or results of operations; the ability of the Company to fund and execute its business plan; the ability of the Company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and employees; the ability of the Company to attract and retain customers; the volatility and uncertainty of corn, natural gas, ethanol, unleaded gasoline and other commodities prices; the Company's ability to generate sufficient liquidity to fund its operations and capital expenditures; the results of the Company's hedging transactions and other risk mitigation strategies; risk of potential goodwill and other intangible impairment; operational disruptions at the Company's facilities; the effects of vigorous competition and excess capacity in the industries in which the Company operates; the costs and business risks associated with developing new products and entering new markets; the development of infrastructure related to the sale and distribution of ethanol; the effects of other mergers and consolidations in the biofuels industry and unexpected announcements or developments from others in the biofuels industry; the uncertainties related to the Company's acquisitions of US BioEnergy Corporation, ASA OpCo Holdings, LLC and other businesses, including the Company's ability to achieve the expected benefits from these acquisitions; the impact of any new, emerging and competing technologies on the Company's business; the possibility of one or more of the markets in which the Company competes being impacted by political, legal and regulatory changes or other external factors over which the Company has no control; changes in or elimination of governmental laws, credits, tariffs, trade or other controls or enforcement practices; the impact of any potential Renewable Fuel Standards waiver; the Company's ability to comply with various environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations; the success of the Company's marketing and sales efforts; the Company's reliance on key management personnel; the Company's ability to secure additional financing; the volatility of the market price of VeraSun's stock; the Company's ability to implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures and continue to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as amended; and the risk factors described in VeraSun's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the prospectus supplement filed on September 16, 2008. Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the Company's various pre-petition liabilities and VeraSun's common stock. No assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed in the chapter 11 proceeding to each of these constituencies. Accordingly, the Company urges that the appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of these liabilities and/or securities.


VeraSun Contacts:
Media:
Mike Lockrem
605-978-7055
mlockrem@verasun.com

Investors:
Patty Dickerson
605-978-7137
pdickerson@verasun.com




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: VeraSun Energy Corporation

US venture capital investment in cleantech companies reaches record $1.6 billion in Q3 2008 with a surge in later stage financings

US venture capital investment in cleantech companies reaches record $1.6 billion in Q3 2008 with a surge in later stage financings

Solar continues to lead US cleantech investment with seven of top 10 deals

San Francisco, October 30, 2008 — Venture capital investments in US cleantech companies reached a record $1.6 billion in Q3 2008, up 55% from the previous quarter, according to an Ernst & Young LLP analysis based on data from Dow Jones VentureSource. A total of $3.3 billion was invested in the first three quarters of 2008, surpassing the figure for the same period last year by 71%.

Later-stage rounds, which increased 177% to $906 million in Q3 from $327 million in Q2, were a major driver of the investment growth. These later-stage financings accounted for 55% of total capital invested in Q3, compared to just 36% in the prior quarter. This increase comes as many cleantech companies move into the capital intensive commercialization phase.

“In light of challenging economic times, the US cleantech market may be entering a transitional period. However, the structural market drivers of the cleantech sector remain intact, suggesting that the prospect for long-term market development is positive,” says Joseph Muscat, Americas Director of Cleantech and Venture Capital, Ernst & Young LLP. “Factors such as technological advances, consumer demand and programs at both the federal and state-level help to create the conditions needed for long-term growth in cleantech.”

A look at the investors in the 10 largest financings in Q3 suggests that cleantech companies are pairing venture financing with other funding sources to support their capital-intensive commercialization initiatives. Six of the 10 top deals incorporated private equity firms, hedge funds and sovereign wealth funds as first time investors in the entity. Two deals included initial investments by a strategic corporate investor.

Energy/Electricity Generation companies attracted the most investment of any cleantech segment in Q3 — $1 billion. Solar companies were by far the largest component of this segment with $990 million invested in 14 rounds, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 66% in capital, with no change in the number of rounds. Large follow-on rounds characterized solar financings in Q3. For example, SolarReserve, a company in Santa Monica, CA that develops solar thermal power plants, closed one of the quarter’s top deals with a $140 million second round. Solar companies closed on seven of the top 10 deals this quarter.

The Energy Efficiency segment also experienced continued growth with $186 million invested in Q3, an increase of 278% compared to the prior quarter and 48% compared to same period last year. This segment’s financings were led by Gridpoint, a smart grid company in Arlington, VA, that raised $120 million in a fourth round.

The third largest segment in Q3 was Alternative Fuels, which comprised 6% of overall US cleantech investment. The segment, made up entirely of biofuels, attracted $95 million of investment, a decline of 26% from the previous quarter. However, through the first three quarters of 2008 this sector attracted $455 million, an increase of 7% compared to the same period last year. Sapphire Energy, a biofuels company in Del Mar, CA, received the largest injection of capital in this sector with a $50 million second round of financing.

This was also a significant quarter for emerging cleantech segments. In the transportation sector, Fisker Automotive, Inc., an Irvine, CA green sports car company, raised $65 million to develop the first four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports car. The Water sector had its strongest quarter yet with three equity financings that totaled $45.5 million.


Q3 2008 cleantech market drivers and related developments

The cleantech market received a significant boost from the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, which extended tax credits for wind energy, geothermal, biomass and other renewable energy projects. The solar investment tax credit for utility-scale solar projects was extended for eight years. Qualified fuel cell properties received the same incentive, a development that could position this segment for additional investment.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a mandatory cap-and-trade program to reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector in ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states by 10%, became operational in September with its first auction of emission allowances. Potomac Economics reported that at the auction demand for certificates exceeded supply by more than four to one. At the same time, seven US states and four Canadian provinces endorsed the cap-and-trade plan developed by the Western Climate Initiative (WCI). RGGI and WCI will likely drive long-term demand for efficiency and emissions-reduction technologies.

Two of the seven US domiciled IPOs in Q3 2008 were completed by cleantech companies whose offerings raised $637 million (67%) of the $944 million total IPO proceeds in the period, demonstrating the ability of the sector to raise capital even in challenging market conditions. GT Solar International Inc., based in Merrimack, NH, raised $500 million in the largest US-domiciled IPO of the quarter. There are currently eight cleantech companies registered for an IPO seeking an average capital raise of $415 million, almost double the overall average for IPOs in registration ($222 million) according to Thomson Financial’s SDC. Merger and acquisition activity also continue to flow steadily with 14 alternative energy transactions in North America in Q3 and two additional deals in October 2008 according to J.S. Herold.


Note to editors:

Ernst & Young uses the following definitions to classify the cleantech industry and its sub-sectors:

Clean technology encompasses a diverse range of innovative products and services that optimize the use of natural resources or reduce the negative environmental impact of their use while creating value by lowering costs, improving efficiency, or providing superior performance.


Alternative Fuels - Biofuels; natural gas (LNG)
Energy / Electricity Generation - Gasification, tidal/wave, hydrogen, geothermal, solar, wind, hydro
Energy Storage - Batteries, fuel cells, flywheels
Energy Efficiency - Energy efficiency products, power and efficiency management services, industrial products
Water - Treatment processes, conservation & monitoring
Environment - Air, recycling, waste
Industry Focused Products and Services - Agriculture, construction, transportation, materials, consumer products


About Ernst & Young’s Strategic Growth Markets Network

Ernst & Young’s worldwide Strategic Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of rapid-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped many of the world’s most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business achieve its potential. It’s how Ernst & Young makes a difference.

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