Wednesday, July 02, 2008

New investment surpasses $148 billion in 2007, a 60% rise from 2006, Growth continues in 2008, UNEP study says

Clean Energy Investments Charge Forward Despite Financial Market Turmoil


With end of cheap oil, renewables and energy efficiency attracts fast-growing interest;
New investment surpasses $148 billion in 2007, a 60% rise from 2006, Growth continues in 2008, UNEP study says

Climate change worries, growing support from world governments, rising oil prices and ongoing energy security concerns combined to fuel another record-setting year of investment in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries in 2007, according to an analysis issued Tuesday July 1 by the UN Environment Programme(UNEP).

"The clean energy industry is maturing and its backers remain bullish. These findings should empower governments-both North and South-to reach a deep and meaningful new agreement by the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen in late 2009," Achim Steiner, the head of UNEP, says.

Over $148 billion in new funding entered the sustainable energy sector globally last year, up 60% from 2006, even as a credit crunch began to roil financial markets, according to the report, "Global Trends in Sustainable Energy Investment 2008," prepared by UK-based New Energy Finance for UNEP's Paris-based Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative.

Wind energy again attracted the most investment($50.2 billion in 2007), but solar power grew most rapidly:attracting some $28.6 billion of new capital and growing at an average annual rate of 254% since 2004, driven by the advent of larger project financings.

The picture since the end of 2007 has been somewhat subdued across the sector, with only mergers and acquisitions up as several substantial wind developers sold their portfolios-many realising that with the tightening up of the credit markets they could not finance the growth themselves-and the US ethanol industry undergoing restructuring.But in the second quarter of 2008 most areas of investment rebounded, even as global financial markets remained in turmoil. Sustainable energy venture capital and private equity in Q2 2008 was up 34% on Q2 2007, new build asset finance was up 8% and public market investment showing a strong recovery with the IPO of Portuguese utility EDP's renewable energy business, EDP Renovaveis.

"Just as thousands were drawn to California and the Klondike in the late 1800s, the green energy gold rush is attracting legions of modern day prospectors in all parts of the globe,"says Mr Steiner, who is also a UN Under-Secretary General.

"A century later, the key difference is that a higher proportion of those looking for riches today may find them. With world temperatures and fossil fuel prices climbing higher, it is increasingly obvious to the public and investors alike that the transition to a low-carbon society is both a global imperative and an inevitability. This is attracting an enormous inflow of capital, talent and technology. But it is only inevitable if creative market mechanisms and public policy continue to evolve to liberate rather than frustrate this clean energy dawn.

"What is unfolding is nothing less than a fundamental transformation of the world's energy infrastructure."

Most of the new money flowed into Europe, followed by the USA. However, China, India and Brazil draw growing investor interest, their share of new investment growing from 12% in 2004 to 22% in 2007, an increase in absolute terms of 14 times, from $1.8 billion to $26 billion.

Total 2007 sustainable energy transaction volume was $204.9 billion, of which $98.2 billion went into new renewable energy generation (especially wind in the US, China and Spain), $50.1 billion went into technology development and manufacturing scale-up, and $56.6 billion changed hands through mergers and acquisitions.

With 31 gigawatts of new installed generation, sustainable energy accounted for 23% of new power capacity added globally in 2007, about 10 times that of nuclear.

Sustainable energy companies accounted for 19% of all new capital raised by the energy sector on the global stock markets in 2007.

"Investment in the sustainable energy sectors must continue to grow strongly if targets for greenhouse gas reductions and renewables and efficiency increases are to be met,"says the report.

"Investment between now and 2030 is expected to reach $450 billion a year by 2012, rising to more than $600 billion a year from 2020. The sector's overall performance during 2007 and into 2008 sets it on track to achieve these levels."

Says Michael Liebreich, CEO of New Energy Finance Ltd, a leading provider of research and analysis on the clean energy and carbon markets and co-author of the report: "2007 was a banner year for the clean energy industry. Wind continued its strong progress, with installed capacity passing the 100 GW mark. Solar is maturing rapidly, with heavy investment to ease the silicon bottleneck and new thin-film technology beginning to reach scale. And there are plenty of other technologies lining up to be the next ones to begin a real march to scale-including biomass and geothermal. Carbon Capture and Storage(CCS)is the only sector where we did not see as much progress as we had expected, with the regulatory and funding environments for these projects remaining murky and timelines for the first commercial projects being extended."

The report offers a host of insights into sustainable energy investment worldwide:


Wind

Wind attracted more investment globally last year than any other non-fossil fuel based technology, including large hydro and nuclear power. In Europe and the US wind capacity additions in 2007 on their own accounted for 40% and 30%, respectively, of new power capacity.

Iberenova, the wind power development arm of Spanish power giant Iberdrola, raised $7.2 billion in a landmark flotation in December 2007, the largest Spanish IPO ever and the fourth largest public deal of the year.

Global installed wind capacity surpassed 100GW in March 2008.


Ethanol

With US feedstock costs up and ethanol prices down, venture capital and private equity investment in biofuels fell by almost one-third in 2007, to $2.1 billion. However, biofuels investment has not dried up altogether, shifting to Brazil, India and China.


Solar

Solar surged ahead in 2007, increasing its share of almost every investment category. Solar attracted by far the most venture capital and private equity investment ($3.7 billion), although biomass and waste to energy saw the fastest (432%) growth.

During 2007 Chinese solar companies raised $2.5 billion on the US and Europe equity capital markets.


Energy efficiency

Investment in energy efficiency technology reached a record $1.8 billion, an increase of 78% from 2006.

North America attracted most energy efficiency investment during 2007, followed by Europe, despite the fact that its energy legislation lags behind Europe.

Buildings offer by far the greatest energy saving potential (and represent the source of 40% of CO2 emissions). Industry and the transport efficiency follow, with the power sector (perhaps surprisingly) as the sector with the least scope for savings.

According to the International Energy Agency, each $1 invested in energy efficiency an average avoids more than $2 needed to create new supply.


Europe still leads

The EU remained the leading region for investment, particularly later-stage financing. Supportive policies, as well as an investor base that is comfortable with financing renewable energy projects and more intense competition for deals, drove European asset finance to a record level of $49.5 billion in 2007. This was 62% of asset finance worldwide.


Strong growth in USA

In the USA acceptance of sustainable energy became more widespread, extending beyond its traditional heartland of California, with Texas leading the wind energy charge. A new administration in 2009 is expected to make renewable energy and energy efficiency a political priority while recent uncertainty in the US (particularly over the possible introduction of a CO2 regulations) has put a significant number of coal-fired generation plants on hold.

The US financial sector is also gearing up for a major shift in political attitude. Citi, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley have jointly launched a set of "Carbon Principles", which will guide how they lend to and advise major power companies in the US.

The banks developed the principles to evaluate risks in financing carbon-emitting projects, given the growing uncertainty around regional and national climate change policy. They will also consider power companies' inclusion of energy efficiency and renewable resources in their portfolios as part of an "enhanced diligence process".


China

During 2007, investment in non-hydro renewables capacity in China increased by more than four times, to $10.8 billion, and new wind capacity doubled to 6 gigawatts.

The report says the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games "sharpened the country's political resolve and strengthened programmes to promote cleaner generation and cut energy intensity."

Besides a surge of Chinese solar companies listing on US and European stock markets, public market activity is also growing at home. Notably, the Chinese wind manufacturer Goldwind raised $243 million last year in the Shenzhen Stock Exchange's first IPO related solely to renewable energy.


Brazil

Brazil is the world's largest renewable energy market, thanks to its long established hydropower and bioethanol industries.

Sustainable energy investment in Brazil continued to be dominated by ethanol in 2007, as investor interest shifted there from the beleaguered US ethanol market. Infinity Bio-Energy(listed on London AIM) and the US agribusiness giant Cargill both made important investments in the sector.

Beyond ethanol production, investment in sugar cane cogeneration, biodiesel production and wind generation are also picking up.


India

Asset financing in India grew significantly, to $2.5 billion, mostly for 1.7GW of new wind projects. These installations place India fourth in the world, both in terms of new capacity added in 2007 and total installed capacity.

Funds raised on Indian stock exchanges reached $628 million in 2007, although companies increasingly looked to foreign markets for new capital, raising $1.4 billion overseas in 2007. Public market activity was marked by a series of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs) from established Indian renewable energy companies such as Suzlon($500 million raised) and Moser Baer($150 million).

The year 2007 also saw several aggressive cross-border deals involving Indian or Chinese acquirors, including Suzlon's $1.6 billion acquisition of Repower and China National Building Material Group's purchase of German turbine blade manufacturer NOI Rotortechnik.


Africa

Africa continues to lag other regions in terms of sustainable energy investment. Asset finance, however, was up in 2007 to $1.3 billion (five times as much as in 2006), reversing a gradual decline since 2004 and bearing witness to increasing installed renewable capacity. Investment was mainly in biofuels and geothermal. Promising large-scale solar developments were also initiated in North Africa and some signs of change in South Africa, where targets for renewable energy have been set and the country's first wind farm commissioned.

Sub-Saharan Africa, "arguably the region that has the most to gain from renewable energy," remains largely unexploited, according to the report.

Carbon finance shifting to the private sector

$13 billion had been invested in carbon funds by the end of 2007, an important source of investment for "Clean Development Mechanism" projects in developing countries. Most new investment was into private funds as carbon trading becomes more established.

The first quarter of 2008 saw the emergence of private interest in the post-Kyoto market, with investors beginning procuring post-2012 CDM credits eligible for trading in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.


Market broadens, diversifies into emerging technologies

Investments not only grew in 2007, but broadened and diversified. Mainstream capital markets are now fully receptive to sustainable energy companies, according to the report.

2007 also saw greater activity in so-called "next generation technologies," such as cellulosic ethanol, thin-film solar technologies and energy efficiency.

Early venture capital investment surged 112% to $2 billion in 2007, boosted by interest in emerging renewable technologies, rather than just those on the brink of commercialisation.

"The willingness to look beyond mature technologies suggests that investors are taking renewable energy and energy efficiency increasingly seriously," the report says.


Public investment

General public investments, through stock and other markets, more than doubled in 2007 to $23.4 billion, up from $10.5 billion in 2006.

The Wilderhill New Energy Global Innovation Index(NEX) rose 57.9% in 2007. It then fell 17.9% in first quarter of 2008 but recovered half this loss in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, assets under management in clean energy funds rose to $35 billion in 2007.

A record 17 new clean energy public equity fund launches occurred in 2007, up from just five in 2006. Several of these were 'climate change' funds launched by mainstream investment firms including HSBC, F&C, Schroders, Deutsche Asset Management and Virgin Money.

The arrival of such heavyweights in the market is "likely to encourage the larger publicly listed companies they normally invest in to expand into sustainable energy and other low carbon sectors,"says the report.


Research & Development

Research & Development spending on clean energy and energy efficiency was $16.9 billion in 2007, including corporate R&D of $9.8 billion, and government R&D of $7.1 billion.

Europe and the Middle East saw the most corporate R&D activity, followed by the Americas and then Asia. Patterns of government R&D are the reverse, with Asian governments(notably Japan, China and India)investing relatively heavily in R&D.


Corporate Mergers & Acquisition

Corporate Mergers & Acquisition activity increased 52% to $25.7 billion in 2007.


Says Mohamed El-Ashry, Chair of the Renewable Energy Global Policy Network REN21: "One reason for the steady growth of renewables is simple economics: while the cost of fossil fuel energy is rising, the costs of renewable energy technology are falling. And with renewables there are no fuel costs-and no carbon emissions."


According to Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change:"The positive trend in the renewable energy market is at least in part a business response to a policy expectation. If that expectation is not met, the conventional bottom-line will be the main driver for investment decisions.


"According to the IEA, a massive amount of US $20 trillion is projected to be invested to meet the world's energy demand in 2030. If these investments are not made in a climate-friendly way, emissions of green house gases might go up by 50% in 2050, while science tells us they need to be cut by 50% in 2050. I hear businesses crying out for clear policy signals to make the right investment decisions today. Setting a long term target for 2050 is useful, but I think it would give investors much more clarity if rich countries would indicate where they want to be in 2020 or 2030."


Contacts:

Nick Nuttall, UNEP Spokesperson, on +41-79-596-5737 (m); Nick.Nuttall@unep.org

Robert Bisset, UNEP Spokesperson for Europe,+33-1-4437-7613, +33-6-2272-5842(m),Robert.Bisset@unep.fr

Terry Collins +1-416-538-8712; +1-416-878-8712 (m),TerryCollins@rogers.c

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

CLEANTECH INDEX (CTIUS) EXPANDS GLOBALLY, ADDS 34 NEW COMPANIES

CLEANTECH INDEX (CTIUS) EXPANDS GLOBALLY,ADDS 34 NEW COMPANIES

European leaders Gamesa and Novozymes, India’s Suzlon
Added to Premier Cleantech Index

NEW YORK, June 30, 2008 The
Cleantech Group™, LLC in conjunction with the American
Stock Exchange (Amex), today announced its Cleantech Index™ (AMEX: CTIUS) added 34
companies to its portfolio of global cleantech leaders. The changes are also reflected in funds based upon CTIUS, including the PowerShares Cleantech Portfolio ETF (Amex: PZD) and KSM Cleantech ETF (Bloomberg: KSMCLNT: IT) in Israel.

“This expansion augments the Index’s coverage of the surging world demand for clean
technology solutions in the face of resource and environmental challenges,” said Rafael Coven,Managing Director of Cleantech Indices for the Cleantech Group, LLC, and Index Advisor.

“Many of the best cleantech companies trade on foreign exchanges, so the additions ensure CTIUS remains the premier index reflecting the growth of cleantech across a broad range of industry sectors and geographies.”
The Cleantech Group’s Cleantech Index is the first, and only, equity index to offer investors and index licensees an easy, liquid, and costeffective
way to track and invest in the broad cleantech category. Unlike indices that specifically track narrow sectors such renewable energy or water,
the Cleantech Index includes leading companies from a broad range of sectors such as advanced materials, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, in addition to energy efficiency, renewables and water.

“The broad cleantech category has shown superior performance than more volatile and narrowly defined vertical or sector products,” said Coven.
CTIUS is the industry gold standard upon which a growing range of financial products are based.

In 2007, the Index outperformed the S&P 500 by 37.4 percent, over the last 12 months by 26.3 percent and in 2008 (through June 27) by 6.5 percent.
NonUS companies now comprise approximately half of the 76company
Index. The expansion includes 24 European companies, six from Asia and four from North America. Index companies must derive at least half of their operating profits or revenues from clean technology businesses,and pass 16 other quantitative and qualitative screens.


The companies joining the Index are:
Accsys Technologies, UK (AXS.L)
Arcadis, Netherlands (ARCAD.AS)
Asahi Pretec, Japan (5855:JP)
Best Water Technology, Austria (BWT.VI)
Centrotherm PV, Germany (CTN.DE)
Chloride Group, UK (CHLD.L)
Christ Water Technologies, Austria (CWT.VI)
Energy Development Co., The Philippines (EDC:PM)
Eurofins Scientific, France (ERF.PA);
Fuel Systems Solutions, USA (FSYS)
Gamesa, Spain (GAM.MC)
Grontmij, Netherlands (GRONT.AS)
Gurit Holding, Switzerland (GUR.SW)
Hansen Transmissions International, Belgium (HSN.L)
Horiba, Japan (6856:JP)
Hyflux, Singapore (600.SI)
Iberdrola Renovables, Spain (IBR.MC)
Kingspan Group, Ireland (KRX.IR)
Kurita Water Industries, Japan (6370:JP)
Meyer Burger Technology, Switzerland (MBTN.SW)
Novozymes, Denmark (NZYM.CO)
Plant Health Care, UK (PHC.L)
Renewable Energy Corp., Norway (REC.OL)
Roth & Rau, Germany (R8R.DE)
Saft Groupe, France (SAFT.PA)
Schneider Electric, France (SU.PA)
Solar Millennium, Germany (S2M.DE)
Suzlon Energy, India (SUZLON.NS)
Tomra Systems, Norway (TOM.OL)
Vaisala, Finland (VAIAS.FH)
Vestas Wind Systems, Denmark (VWS.CO)
Waterfurnace Renewable Energy, USA (WFI.TO)
Westport Innovations, Canada (WPT.TO)
Xantrex Technology, Canada (XTX.TO)

The complete list of Cleantech Index companies is listed at http://www.cleantechindex.com


About Cleantech Group, LLC
The Cleantech Group pioneered the cleantech investment category in 2002. Today, it accelerates the
development and market adoption of clean technologies globally through membership in the largest global
network of investors and companies, representing more than $3 trillion in assets. Member investors, growth
companies/vendors, enterprises, service providers, and others receive access to capital, investment
opportunities, market leading research and data, insight, sales opportunities, human capital, and promotional
opportunities. The Cleantech Group also produces the premier Cleantech Forum events worldwide. Details
at http://www.cleantech.com
SOURCE:
Cleantech Group, LLC.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Caroline Venza
Antenna Group Public Relations
(+1 415) 9771939
caroline@antennagroup.com
WEB SITES:
http://www.cleantech.com

investors following wind stocks

For investors following wind stocks- here is the list of companies in the index -

The ISE Global Wind Energy Index provides a benchmark for investors interested in tracking public companies that are active in the wind energy industry based on analysis of those companies’ products and services.
ISE Global Wind Energy Index (GWE)


Download all ISE Index Components

As of: 07-02-08

TICKER NAME ASSIGNED SHARES PRICE WEIGHT
1133 HK HARBIN POWER EQUIPMENT CO-H 28,237,579 11.3 0.43 %
182 HK China WindPower Group Ltd. 315,747,475 0.5 0.21 %
2345 HK Shanghai Prime Machinery Co Ltd 89,194,202 1.61 0.19 %
2766 JP Japan Wind Development Co., Ltd 74,602 354000 2.60 %
658 HK China High Speed Transmission Equipment Group Co. Ltd. 40,829,415 16 0.87 %
8031 JP Mitsui & Co. 4,999,083 2425 1.19 %
AES AES Corp. 4,417,937 19.27 0.89 %
AGK AU AGL Energy Limited 6,763,469 14.1 0.95 %
AIR BB Air Energy S.A. 1,870,725 38.88 1.19 %
ALO FP ALSTOM 453,477 147.89 1.10 %
AMN Ameron International Inc 381,891 119.4 0.47 %
AMSC American Superconductor 1,600,640 35.38 0.59 %
ANA SM Acciona SA 345,660 142.95 0.81 %
ATI Allegheny Technologies Inc 1,349,255 58.04 0.82 %
BBW AU Babcock & Brown Wind Partners 307,430,401 1.66 5.07 %
BLX CN Boralex Inc 2,870,708 14.29 0.42 %
BP UN BP (ADR) 1,624,431 68.17 1.15 %
BWEN BROADWIND ENERGY INC 25,216,706 17.7 4.65 %
CEI FP Areva - Ci 55,139 745 0.67 %
CGY GY Conergy AG 2,044,199 13.39 0.45 %
CPST Capstone Turbine Corp 12,012,012 4 0.50 %
CPTC US Composite Technology Corp. 19,058,510 1.25 0.25 %
CWP LN Clipper Windpower Plc 39,990,773 5.32 4.41 %
CWSI CHINA WIND SYSTEMS INC 4,798,580 4.2 0.21 %
EDP PL EDP SA 15,621,317 3.25 0.83 %
EE El Paso Electric 2,082,682 19.7 0.43 %
EEN FP EDF Energies Nouvelles SA 1,403,066 40 0.92 %
EF CN EARTHFIRST CANADA INC 80,543,897 1.55 1.27 %
ELE SQ ENDESA SA 2,185,287 30.31 1.09 %
ELET3 B Eletrobras-ON (Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA) 3,669,585 28.25 0.67 %
EONGY E.On (ADR) 1,684,012 67 1.18 %
FDML FEDERAL MOGUL CORP CL A-W/I 3,472,222 16.32 0.59 %
FPL FPL Group 1,318,435 65.71 0.90 %
FRS SM Fersa Energias Renovables SA 45,437,335 4.45 3.32 %
GAM SM Gamesa Corp Tecnologica SA 14,308,586 30.76 7.22 %
GE General Electric 3,811,702 27.12 1.08 %
GES DC Greentech Energy Systems 17,244,977 78 2.96 %
GRH GREENHUNTER ENERGY INC 1,011,112 14.83 0.16 %
GUR SW GURIT HOLDING AG-BR 21,791 912 0.20 %
HRX0CN Heroux-Devtek Inc. 2,591,793 7.81 0.21 %
HSN LN Hansen Transmissions International NV 131,349,005 2.86 7.80 %
IBE SQ IBERDROLA SA 7,896,021 8.12 1.05 %
IBR SM Iberdrola Renovables 12,902,584 4.76 1.01 %
INE CN Innergex Renewable Energy Inc 2,599,370 7.9 0.21 %
KDN Kaydon Corp. 1,142,139 52.53 0.62 %
KHD CN Canadian Hydro Developers Inc 8,293,737 5.35 0.45 %
LNT Alliant Energy 1,794,527 34.08 0.64 %
MORPB S Morphic Technologies AB 10,820,751 9.55 0.18 %
NDX1 GY Nordex AG 13,652,080 26.1 5.85 %
NRG NRG Energy Inc 2,028,500 43.33 0.92 %
NVE LN Novera Energy PLC 12,516,280 0.85 0.22 %
OTTR Otter Tail Corp 1,123,753 40.3 0.47 %
PEP PW Polish Energy Partners SA 1,590,873 27.7 0.22 %
RDS/A U Royal Dutch Shell - A (ADR) 1,393,767 80.25 1.17 %
ROKKA G C. Rokas S.A. 2,099,007 12.74 0.44 %
RPW GY Repower Systems 1,875,115 208.54 6.42 %
RWE GY RWE AG 898,167 80.68 1.19 %
RWE LN Renewable Energy Generation Ltd. 52,419,098 1.09 1.18 %
SI UN Siemens (ADR) 966,520 111.19 1.12 %
SKFB SS SKF AB-B 5,185,654 93.5 0.84 %
TENERGY Terna Energy S.A. 3,893,320 7.2 0.46 %
TEO FP Theolia 15,094,477 16.65 4.12 %
TRN Trinity Industries 1,710,279 33.9 0.60 %
VWS DC VESTAS WIND SYST 5,581,223 618 7.59 %
WGOV Woodward Governor 1,675,884 36.76 0.64 %
WND CN Western Wind Energy Corp. 30,662,760 3.05 0.95 %
ZOLT Zoltek Cos Inc 2,261,420 23.14 0.55 %

Monday, June 30, 2008

How to Pick Winners in the Coming “Tsunami” of Renewable Energy IPOs

How to Pick Winners in the Coming “Tsunami” of Renewable Energy IPOs

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series

June 30, 2008

Michael Brush Audio Interview with Mr. Michael Eckhart, President of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)

Long-term renewable energy sector expert Michael Eckhart talks with Michael Brush about why we will soon see a “tsunami” of renewable energy stock initial public offerings, and what you need to know to pick the winners. Mr. Eckhart, President of the American Council on Renewable Energy, brings a unique level of passion and perspective to any discussion on the space because he has been following the sector for over 25 years. A former Manager of Strategic Planning for the Power Systems Sector of General Electric, Mr. Eckhart holds an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, and he has an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Audio file: click here:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/gi062608.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 Invesorideas.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.

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.

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. Featured Green Companies are showcased on: www.Renewableenergystocks.com.
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

RenewableEnergyStocks.com, Presents Ludlow Energy Investor Conference July 2008

Ludlow Energy Ventures, in conjunction with RenewableEnergyStocks.com Presents Ludlow Energy Investor Conferences


POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC—June 30, 2008 -- www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com,
a leading investor news and research portal for the renewable energy sector within Investorideas.com, is pleased to participate as a sponsor of the upcoming Ludlow Clean Tech Investor Conference to be held in New York, July 24, 2008. The conference wil provide public and private companies in the green sector an opportunity to present to an institutional audience.

Ludlow Energy Investor Conferences
http://www.ludlowenergy.com/events/

Ludlow Energy Ventures, in conjunction with RenewableEnergyStocks.com, is bringing together institutional and accredited investors from Wall Street to focus in on the alternative and renewable energy investment sector. The conferences will consist of company presentations, discussion workshops, and private diners and cocktail receptions on Wall Street.

Companies interested in presenting or sponsoring the event can sign up and register online at :
http://www.ludlowenergy.com/events/form/present_res.htm


New York City Ludlow Clean Tech Investor Conference
July 24, 2008
The New York Helmsley Hotel
212 East 42nd Street
New York, New York 10017

About Ludlow Energy Ventures

Based in New York City, Ludlow Energy Ventures is a venture capital and research advisory firm with a specific focus on the renewable and alternative energy markets. The goal of the firm is to promote investments into alternative and renewable energy projects and ventures worldwide. Ludlow Energy Ventures owns and operates the Ludlow Energy Indices, which tracks a wide basket of US traded large and small cap alternative energy stocks. www.ludlowenergy.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.

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. More info:
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For more information contact:

Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com

Sarah Kapchinske
Ludlow Energy Ventures, Inc.
Email: info@ludlowenergy.com

Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, Ludlow

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Invesco PowerShares to Launch Exchange Traded Fund Based On New Index ; NASDAQ OMX(r) Clean Edge(r) Global Wind EnergyIndex(sm)

Invesco PowerShares to Launch Exchange Traded Fund Based On New Index ; NASDAQ OMX(r) Clean Edge(r) Global Wind EnergyIndex(sm)


NEW YORK, June 26, 2008 - The NASDAQ OMX Group,Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) and Clean Edge, Inc. announced today theintroduction of the NASDAQ OMX(r) Clean Edge(r) Global Wind EnergyIndex(sm) (Nasdaq:QWND), a new benchmark for the global wind energysector.

The NASDAQ OMX(r) Clean Edge(r) Global Wind Energy Index is amodified market-capitalization index and includes companies that areprimarily manufacturers, developers, distributors, installers, andusers of energy derived from wind sources."Wind energy is one of the world's fastest growing energy industriesand the launch of this index brings more focus and definition to thisimportant source of clean energy," said NASDAQ OMX Executive VicePresident John Jacobs. "This index is also a valuable addition toNASDAQ OMX's current offering of environmental sustainabilityindexes.

""Wind energy was a $30 billion global industry in 2007 and isprojected to continue growing in the years ahead," said Ron Pernick,Clean Edge Co-founder and Managing Director. "This benchmark enablesinvestors to track the Performance of pure-play and multinationalcompanies that are key drivers of this rapidly expanding industry."Invesco PowerShares Capital management LLC, a leading provider ofexchange-traded funds (ETFs), will develop an ETF based on the NASDAQOMX(r) Clean Edge(r) Global Wind Energy Index and list the etf on theNASDAQ Stock Market."We believe the PowerShares Global Wind Energy Portfolio(Nasdaq:PWND) will represent a lower cost way for investors to accessthis key alternative-energy market with the structural benefits of anETF," said Bruce Bond, President and CEO of Invesco PowerShares.For more information about PowerShares ETFs, visitwww.invescopowershares.com/products/.The NASDAQ OMX(r) Clean Edge(r) Global Wind Energy Index iscalculated in real-time across the combined exchanges and isdisseminated by NASDAQ OMX in U.S. Dollars. The Index commencedcalculation today with a value of 250.00.The NASDAQ OMX(r) Clean Edge(r) Global Wind Energy Index is currentlycomprised of companies that are screened by Clean Edge and thecomponents are divided into two categories; pure play securities andmultinational corporation securities.

To view the companies in theNASDAQ OMX(r) Clean Edge(r) Global Wind Energy Index, visit ourwebsite www.nasdaq.com/indexes.


About NASDAQ OMX Global Financial ProductsNASDAQ OMX Global Financial Products (NOGFP) is engaged in thedesign, development, calculation, licensing, and marketing of NASDAQOMX indexes. NOGFP specializes in the development of indexes focusingon NASDAQ OMX's brand themes of innovation, technology, growth, andglobalization. NOGFP also provides custom index services and designsolutions as a third-party provider to selected financialorganizations. For more information about NASDAQ OMX indexes, visitwww.nasdaq.com/indexes

About NASDAQ OMXThe NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. is the world's broadest and most diverseexchange company. It delivers trading, exchange technology, andpublic company services across six continents, and with over 3,900companies, it is number one in worldwide listings among majormarkets. NASDAQ OMX offers multiple capital raising solutions tocompanies around the globe, including its U.S. listings market; theOMX Nordic Exchange, including First North; and the 144A PORTALMarket. The company offers Trading across multiple asset classesincluding equities, derivatives, debt, commodities, structuredproducts, and ETFs. NASDAQ OMX technology supports the operations ofover 60 exchanges, clearing organizations and central securitiesdepositories in more than 50 countries. OMX Nordic Exchange is not alegal entity but describes the common offering from Nasdaq OMXexchanges in Helsinki, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Iceland, Tallinn, Riga,and Vilnius. For more information about NASDAQ OMX, visitwww.nasdaqomx.com.About Clean EdgeClean Edge, Inc., with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area andPortland, Ore., is a leading research and publishing firm that helpscompanies, investors, and policymakers understand and profit fromclean technologies. Founded in 2000, Clean Edge and its network ofpartners and affiliates offer unparalleled intelligence and insightinto the clean-tech sector. Among its many activities, the companypublishes the annual "Clean Energy Trends" report, produces theannual Clean-Tech Investor Summit (along with IBF), and maintains anumber of clean-energy stock indexes. To keep abreast of the latestclean-tech news, access industry reports, learn more about thecompany's annual summit and stock indexes, or sign up for CleanEdge's free e-newsletter, visit www.cleanedge.com.


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThe matters described herein may contain forward-looking statementsthat are made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the PrivateSecurities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include,but are not limited to, statements about the NASDAQ OMX Clean EdgeGlobal Wind Energy Index and NASDAQ OMX Group's other products andofferings. We caution that these statements are not guarantees offuture performance. Actual results may differ materially from thoseexpressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertaintiesor other factors beyond NASDAQ OMX's control. These factors include,but are not limited to, factors detailed in NASDAQ OMX's annualreport on Form 10-K, and periodic reports filed with the U.S.Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation torelease any revisions to any forward-looking statements.The NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Global Wind Energy Index ("Index") is theexclusive property of The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc., (collectively, withits affiliates "NASDAQ OMX") and Clean Edge, Inc. ("Clean Edge").NASDAQ OMX has contracted with Standard & Poor's ("S&P") to calculateand maintain the NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Global Wind Energy Index. S&Pshall have no liability for any errors or omissions in calculatingthe Index.NASDAQ(r) and OMX(tm) are registered trademarks of NASDAQ OMX and TheNASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Global Wind Energy Index(sm) is a service markof NASDAQ OMX and Clean Edge. These marks are collectively licensedfor use by PowerShares. The PowerShares Global Wind Energy Portfoliohas not been passed on by NASDAQ OMX or Clean Edge as to its legalityor suitability. The PowerShares Global Wind Energy Portfolio is notissued, endorsed, or sold by NASDAQ OMX or Clean Edge. NEITHER NASDAQOMX NOR CLEAN EDGE MAKES ANY WARRANTIES OR BEARS ANY LIABILITY WITHRESPECT TO THE POWERSHARES GLOBAL WIND ENERGY PORTFOLIO.NDAQG

CONTACT: NASDAQ OMXMedia Contact:Wayne Lee+301.978.4875Wayne.D.Lee@NASDAQOMX.comIssuer & Investor Contact:Lisa Chaney+301.978.8281Lisa.Chaney@NASDAQOMX.comClean Edge, Inc.Ron Pernick+503.493.8681pernick@cleanedge.com.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

zouk Solar Opportunities Limited Raises €52M to Invest in Solar Infrastructure Projects

zouk Solar Opportunities Limited Raises €52M to Invest in Solar Infrastructure Projects

LONDON--June 25 2008--zouk today announces the launch of zouk Solar Opportunities Limited (“zSOL”), a closed-ended investment company. zSOL will be managed by zouk and will develop and own a portfolio of solar power projects in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

zSOL will provide investment equity in a diversified portfolio of solar projects in areas where optimal conditions, regulatory support and tariff structures create a suitable investment profile. zSOL will target projects in their development phase that utilize proven solar technologies with an initial focus on solar photovoltaic plants. zSOL has already identified a pipeline of suitable projects and is looking to build approximately 40MW within the next 12 months.

Colin Campbell, the zouk Partner dedicated to infrastructure, said, “zSOL’s focus on solar infrastructure projects represents a significant investment opportunity. This is an exciting time for solar with strong regulatory and financial support, rapid capacity growth and on-going technological advances.”

Samer Salty, CEO of zouk, commented, “zouk has developed solid expertise in the industry with investments in solar technology and distribution companies. zSOL will allow us to leverage our knowledge in the solar space and take advantage of solar infrastructure opportunities.”

John Mapplebeck, Non-Executive Chairman of zSOL, said, “I am pleased to say that zSOL was oversubscribed in raising an initial €52m. This will allow us to take advantage of a strong project pipeline and is particularly encouraging given that we intend raising follow-on funding with a full listing next year. I look forward to working with Colin and the rest of the zouk team to make zSOL a success.”

Notes to Editors:

About zouk

Founded in 1999, zouk is a London based investment manager focusing on Cleantech as well as renewable and environmental infrastructure. zouk currently manages two technology funds and invests in solar infrastructure projects through zouk Solar Opportunities Limited.

About zouk Solar Opportunities Limited

zouk Solar Opportunities Limited (“zSOL”) is a €52m closed-ended investment company managed by zouk. The main role of zSOL is origination, development and ownership of solar infrastructure projects. zSOL will build approximately 40MW within the next 12 months and will target projects in their development phase in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

For further information please visit www.zouk.com

Contacts
zouk
Philip Tomlin, Investor Relations
+44 (0) 207 947 3421

XsunX Thin Film Solar Module Manufacturing Facility Update

XsunX Thin Film Solar Module Manufacturing Facility Update



ALISO VIEJO, Calif., June 26, 2008 - XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX), a solar technology Company engaged in the build-out of its multi-megawatt thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar manufacturing facilities, announced today that the manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon is ready for inspection. The current tenants notified XsunX that demolition is ahead of schedule by 3 weeks and a walk through is scheduled for the week of July 7th. XsunX will as a result take possession of the manufacturing facility at least 2 weeks ahead of schedule.



The company recently released a detailed mid-year update on business development and the multi-megawatt thin film solar module factory initiative. For any shareholders that may have missed this report you can access it at either the company or U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) website:



XsunX Web site: http://www.XsunX.com



SEC Website: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039466/000114420408036498/v118104_8k.htm (Due to the long URL, copy and paste link into browser.)



Safe Harbor Statement: Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.



XsunX, Inc. is a featured Company on RenewableEnergyStocks.com



For full details, click here: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/CO/XSNX/Default.asp



Source: XsunX, Inc.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

InvestorIdeas.com Global Green Marketplace Listings in Solar, Geothermal, Organic Restaurant and more

InvestorIdeas.com Global Green Marketplace Listings in Solar, Geothermal, Organic Restaurant and more

InvestorIdeas.com Global Marketplace Update; Connecting Green Companies Seeking Funding, Acquisitions, Licensing, Management

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta B.C., June 25, 2008 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, a leading online global investor resource, updates the Investor Ideas Global Marketplace and the Global Green Marketplace for green and renewable energy companies with recent additions of cleantech companies as well as an organic restaurant start-up.

Companies in greentech include a broad range within renewable energy from geothermal to green engine technology to green oil, solar technology and more. With the growing global interest in green technology the Marketplace has become more active in terms of queries on both sides of funding and development from both the companies in the sector and the funding entities seeking opportunities.

The recent changes also include a new sign-up page for both companies and accredited funding entities. http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/signup.asp
Investorideas.com has expanded the options for participation to include three programs for entrepreneurs, start – ups, emerging business, venture capital, funds and accredited investors. Investorideas.com now offers three plans ranging from a 200 word ad, to an ad with logo and audio interview (Podcast) or entering into a success agreement upon approval.

View Marketplace: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/

The Marketplace is a meeting place created for connecting global companies in leading sectors, seeking strategic partnerships, funding, management, mergers and acquisitions, licensing or branding. The Global Green Marketplace has a growing network of green and renewable energy companies seeking funding /partners, management and a growing global network providing venture capital and equity funding with an intention to go public. Investorideas.com was one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy – with its Renewableenergystocks.com portal.
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, the Middle East and Australia and one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, homeland security and water.
Investor Ideas Online Services for Business:
Marketplace: Connecting Investors and Industry Servicing: Partnerships, Funding, Acquisitions & Mergers, Licensing, and Asset Sales, Personelle
To View out Current Featured Marketplace Companies: Visit: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/
To register for updates and additions to the Marketplace click here: http://www.investorideas.com/Resources/Newsletter.asp
Consulting: InvestorIdeas.com works with various groups around the globe in an advisory and networking capacity. Through the relationships, partnerships and global visibility InvestorIdeas.com has built over the past 7 years, the Company has created a powerful network of contacts within the financial community
Research: InvestorIdeas.com web site is a vital source of information and research on multiple sectors. InvestorIdeas.com can prepare research data and reports based on site stats, site visitors, industry feedback and the growing network of contacts for each sector. Please contact us with specific requests.
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, Blogs, and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.

Renewable Energy companies/industry members can contribute content and submit renewable energy news, articles, research and links to our site: click here. News will be featured on up to 3 sector portals and the Investor Ideas Newswire


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.

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. The site is compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. Investorideas.com is compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
For more information contact:
Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Renewable Energy Stocks Sector Close-Up on Solar Stocks; Solar Stocks on the Run

Renewable Energy Stocks Sector Close-Up on Solar Stocks; Solar Stocks on the Run

Raised Targets, Japan Reinstating Solar Subsidies and Technical Trading Incite Run


POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC—June 24, 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 with commentary from solar expert J. Peter Lynch, Adam Krop, Vice President-Equity Research at Ardour Capital Investments and Robert Wilder, Manager of the WilderHill Clean Energy Index.

Solar stocks were given a boost as Lehman Brothers raised targets on Evergreen Solar Inc. and First Solar Inc. First Solar was up $19.78 (7.37%) on the day following Lehman’s analyst, Vishal Shah,
increasing his price target to $335 from $280.

Renewable Energy Stocks solar expert, J. Peter Lynch, commented, “Solar stocks are beginning to come back from their recent correction. About half of the stocks I follow have broken above their 50- day moving averages. If the tax credits get extended the whole sector will run up, but it will require a close eye and the ability to exit quickly if the extension fails.”

According to Adam Krop, Vice President-Equity Research at Ardour Capital Investments, LLC,
“In addition to Lehman upgrade, solar stocks are moving higher on chatter that Japan may be on the verge of reinstating solar subsidies to make up for lost market share in the past two and a half years.”

The Ardour Solar Energy Index (Market, News), a compilation of global solar energy stocks
in three primary solar energy sectors: Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal, and Solar Lighting was up $9.20 at the close.

Robert Wilder, Manager of the WilderHill Clean Energy Index (^ECO) noted, “One needn't look very far to see why several solar stocks have seen increasing valuations lately. With oil around unprecedented highs, Saudis unable to calm concerns they cannot make up for growing depletion of existing supply, natural gas demand outstripping supply, and coal costs rising to boot, there's an environment of new attention to alternatives.” Full quote click here: http://www.investorideas.com/Articles/062408.asp

"Solar could make up 10% of U.S. generation by 2025 according to a recent utility solar assessment study by Clean Edge and Co-op America. This kind of projection evidences the growth potential of the Solar Industry to its participants, and we feel privileged to be a part of it," said Tom Djokovich, CEO of XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX).

Sector Close-Up as of Trading June 23, 2008:

First Solar, Inc. (Market, News) closed at $288.00 US, up $19.78 (7.37%) following Lehman’s upgrade.
Akeena Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:AKNS) was down $0.02 on the day but up in after markets $ 0.12 (2.06%).
Evergreen Solar Inc (Market, News) closed up 3.52%.
LDK Solar ADR (Market, News) increased $1.80 (4.80%) with additional gains after hours.
SunPower Corporation (Market, News ) had gains of $1.29 (1.59%).
Yingli Green Energy (Market, News) was down $0.48 (2.46%) with after market gains of$0.15 (0.79%).
Clear Skies Solar Inc. (OTCBB: CSKH) closed down $0.08.
XsunX: (OTCBB: XSNX) closed down $0.01 (1.27%).
ICP SOLAR (Market, News ) ended down$ 0.02 (3.23%).
WorldWater & Solar Technologies (Market, News) traded volume of 925,958.

For investors following solar stocks, the RenewableEnergyStocks.com website provides a comprehensive list of photovoltaic and solar stocks to research.

Coming soon to Investorideas.com - InvestorIdeas.com Green Investor:
Follow well- known financial columnist Michael Brush, who also writes the Insiders Corner for Investorideas.com, in a series of interviews with some of the leading CEOs, investment banking and financial leaders in the sector.

Featured Showcase Solar Company: Clear Skies Solar, Inc. (OTCBB: CSKH). Clear Skies Solar, Inc. (CSS) through its wholly owned subsidiary provides full-service renewable energy solutions to commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients across the country. CSS was incorporated in 2003 and launched formal operations in 2005. During that time period, CSS developed its proprietary systems, obtained licenses and certifications, and acquired technologies that could maximize the impact of its construction expertise on the renewable energy sector.

Leading the charge among the Clear Skies technologies is their patented XTRAXR, the first of its kind to handle the trading of carbon credits and its comprehensive billing procedures, designed and developed entirely by Clear Skies Group's in-house research and development department. XTRAXR will deliver reliable autonomous data readings for solar energy systems around the United States. Additionally, the XTRAXR system can also provide monitoring of energy production from wind, solar-thermal, geo-thermal, tidal and other types of facilities and installations that are fossil-fuel independent.

CSS has become one of the premier solar electric installation companies in the country. More info can be found on the Investorideas.com Company Showcase http://www.investorideas.com/CO/CSG/
or the company website at www.clearskiesgroup.com.


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/


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.

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 and Clear Skies Holdings compensate the website $5000 per month. In addition CSKH has issued options. More info:
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For more information contact:

Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com,
Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, WilderHill Clean Energy Index ,XsunX, Clear Skies Solar

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Harry Domash: How to find green energy stocks

Investorideas.com/ Renewableenergystocks.com Featured in San Fran Gate,Harry Domash: How to find green energy stocks
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/21/BU8911CDD5.DTL

Harry gives investors a list of financial online resources including our stock directory to research green stocks

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Renewable Energy Stocks Newly Listed Showcase Company, Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTCBB: MVTG-FSE: EDV 5MV;Building a Portfolio of Green Technologies

Renewable Energy Stocks Newly Listed Showcase Company, Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTCBB: MVTG-FSE: EDV 5MV;Building a Portfolio of Green Technologies

Carbon Capture Technology Recently Funded by Mantra Moves to Next Stage of Development

POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC -June 19 , 2008 www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com, a leading investor news and research portal for the renewable energy sector within Investorideas.com, presents featured showcase Mantra Venture Group Ltd. ( OTCBB: MVTG and FSE: 5MV), a public company that invests in and licenses a growing portfolio of green technologies. The company has licensed two key technologies developed at well respected University research departments.

The current portfolio of green technologies includes ERC (explained below), and “signal smoothing” which increases power efficiencies derived from wind, ocean & geothermal power. Mantra is interested in many other sustainable technologies and is investigating or negotiating some of these. An example is cellulosic ethanol: ethanol produced from wood and agricultural wastes (described below).
Mantra acquired the intellectual property for a process developed at the UBC Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) by Professor Colin Oloman (co-inventor with Dr. Hui Li) that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful products. The process, ERC (electro-reduction of carbon dioxide), takes carbon dioxide and water, combined with electricity, to produce commodity chemicals which can also be used as fuel to power a specially designed fuel cell. Together, ERC and the fuel cell are a clean renewable source of power in which the CO2 can be continuously recycled. It functions like CCS (carbon capture and storage, or sequestration) by taking up human-generated CO2 and ensuring it does not add to the atmospheric overload; it therefore shares the CCS market which is projected at hundreds of billions of US dollars in time.
The company recently announced new funding of $530,000 to fund the development of the ERC technology, the next stage is optimization. The work will be conducted at Mantra's new lab facility in Richmond, BC, and will focus on construction, testing, and optimization of an advanced prototype.
“I was personally excited to see this technology funded and into the next phase of development” commented Investoideas.com owner Dawn Van Zant. “I met Professor Colin Oloman at the UBC Clean Energy Research Department in April 2007, on a tour I set up for an investment group researching investment opportunities in BC in the green space. Colin gave us an in-depth view of the benefits of ERC vs. Sequestration. He is a well respected source in the industry and has developed a promising technology well ahead of the curve. “
Mantra has also acquired an exclusive option to a new technology, signal smoothing, developed at the University of Toronto to control electrical power developed from variable sources (e.g. wind farms, tidal, geothermal, etc.) It converts raw power into “grid standard”. Signal smoothing is a substantial improvement on the existing equipment and has a large potential market.
About Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTCBB: MVTG-FSE: EDV 5MV)
Mantra, through its group of sustainable energy, carbon reduction and consumer product subsidiaries, is active in the green technology marketplace with an innovative, multi-faceted approach focused on profitability through sustainability. By aggressively seeking out new technologies and innovating solutions for a cleaner earth for everyone, Mantra intends to provide a highly profitable and environmentally responsible investment for its shareholders.
For a list of company projects: http://www.mantraenergy.com/projects/index.php
More info can be found on the Investorideas.com at the company showcase http://www.investorideas.com/CO/MVTG/ or at the company website http://www.mantraenergy.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, Blogs, and a directory of stocks.

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.

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: Mantra Venture is a featured showcase company (program#2) for $2000 month and 150,000 restricted shares over 12 months.
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

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

To contact Mantra
Terry Johnston
Phone: (604) 267-3022
Email: tjohnston@mantraenergy.com

Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, Mantra Venture Group Ltd

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Intel Spins Off Solar Energy Technology; Intel Capital Invests in SpectraWatt

Intel Spins Off Solar Energy Technology; Intel Capital Invests in SpectraWatt

Cogentrix Energy, PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund, Solon AG also Invest in SpectraWatt to Deliver Solar Cells

SANTA CLARA, Calif.----To spur new development and demand for renewable energy sources, Intel Corporation is spinning off key assets of a start-up business effort inside Intel’s New Business Initiatives group to form an independent company called SpectraWatt Inc. Intel Capital, Intel’s global investment organization, is leading a $50 million investment round in SpectraWatt and is joined by Cogentrix Energy, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund (“CETF”) and Solon AG. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008.

SpectraWatt will manufacture and supply photovoltaic cells to solar module makers. In addition to focusing on advanced solar cell technologies, SpectraWatt will concentrate development efforts on improvements in current manufacturing processes and capabilities to reduce the cost of photovoltaic energy generation. SpectraWatt expects to break ground on its manufacturing and advanced technology development facility in Oregon in the second half of 2008 with first product shipments expected by mid-2009.

“SpectraWatt is a great example of technology resulting from entrepreneurial efforts inside Intel,” said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and Intel executive vice president. “This is an important investment for Intel Capital in the growing cleantech sector and we look forward to working with the company to support its expansion.”

Solar cells are the discrete components in a solar energy generation system responsible for converting sunlight to electricity. The end-user market segment for solar technology in 2007 was approximately $30 billion, a 50 percent increase from 2006, according to Photon Consulting. Solar industry growth of 30 to 40 percent annually is expected to continue in years to come as the economics of solar, which is currently approximately twice the cost of delivered retail electricity on a per kilowatt basis, begins to approach that of traditional electricity-generation technologies.

Intel has a long history of commitment to the environment and has applied technology innovation to drive energy-efficiencies within its own products and operations. The development of a small solar business within Intel is consistent with the philosophy to protect the environment as well as seek new business opportunities. Intel is on track to reduce its total worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent from 2004 levels through 2010, and also recently introduced lead- and halogen-free microprocessors. Additionally, Intel currently tops the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power list as the largest purchaser of renewable energy credits.

“The formation of SpectraWatt is an important step forward in the renewable energy market,” said Andrew B. Wilson, SpectraWatt CEO and former general manager in the Intel New Business Initiatives group. “We are pleased to work with these companies in the goal of moving toward long-term national energy independence.”

“We are very proud to be part of this exciting new venture,” said Thomas Krupke, SOLON AG CEO. “With the experience and commitment of all companies involved, we are confident to reach our common goal -- advancing solar technology to a new stage.”

About Intel Capital

Intel Capital, Intel's global investment organization, makes equity investments in innovative technology start-ups and companies worldwide. Intel Capital invests in a broad range of companies offering hardware, software, and services targeting enterprise, home, mobility, health, consumer Internet, semiconductor manufacturing and cleantech. Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested more than US$7.5 billion in approximately 1,000 companies in 45 countries. In that timeframe, 168 portfolio companies have gone public on various exchanges around the world and 212 were acquired or participated in a merger. In 2007, Intel Capital invested about US$639 million in 166 deals with approximately 37 percent of funds invested outside the United States. For more information on Intel Capital and its differentiated advantages, visit www.intelcapital.com.

About Cogentrix Energy, LLC

Cogentrix Energy, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is a leading owner and operator of independent power and cogeneration assets in North America. Cogentrix is a primary Goldman Sachs platform for the development and operation of both conventional and renewable power generation in North America and selected international markets.

About The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of services worldwide to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high net worth individuals. Founded in 1869, it is one of the oldest and largest investment banking firms. The firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong and other major financial centers around the world.

About PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund

The PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund is a co-mingled fund of funds and co-investment vehicle dedicated to investing across the spectrum of the global clean energy and technology value chain. The fund is managed by a dedicated cleantech investment team within PCG Asset Management, which oversees more than $15 billion of private equity commitments through a combination of fund-of-funds, separate accounts and advisory relationships and is based in La Jolla, Calif.

About Solon AG

SOLON AG für Solartechnik is one of the largest solar module manufacturers in Europe and a leading supplier of photovoltaic systems for large-scale solar power plants. The SOLON Group has subsidiaries in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and the United States, and employs more than 700 people worldwide. The SOLON Group's core business is the manufacture of solar modules in various performance categories and of complete photovoltaic systems for the construction of solar power plants.

Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.


Contacts
Intel Corporation
Amy Kircos, 480-552-8803
amy.kircos@intel.com

Al Yousuf Acquires 50 Percent Interest in ZAP Recharge-It-All Battery Line

Al Yousuf Acquires 50 Percent Interest in ZAP Recharge-It-All Battery Line



DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES and SANTA ROSA, CA, Jun 17, 2008 - Mr. Eqbal Al Yousuf has purchased a 50 percent interest of the Recharge-It-All Battery line of battery systems for mobile electronics from alternative transportation pioneer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) for US$1 Million ($1,000,000).



Mr. Al Yousuf made the $1 million purchase personally following his announcement last week of his intentions. Eqbal Al Yousuf is the President of The Al Yousuf Group and was recently appointed Chairman of ZAP's Board of Directors.



According to officials from ZAP and Al Yousuf, samples of ZAP's Recharge-It-All technology have been shipped to Dubai for testing.



ZAP's Recharge-It-All is a new rechargeable battery system for mobile electronics that can power or recharge low voltage handheld devices from mobile phones, to smart phones, digital audio players, cameras, PDAs, laptops and more. To order, visit http://www.zapworld.com.



RX4-C AA Universal Battery Charger from ZAP can power a variety of low-voltage consumer electronics through a built-in USB adapter, but you can also remove the four rechargeable AA batteries for use in other electronics. Learn more at http://www.zapworld.com.



The Al Yousuf Group is one of the largest trading groups in The Middle East. Subsidiary Al Yousuf Electronics, established in 1977, operates six sales offices with a staff strength of over 230 employees. In 2005, Al Yousuf Electronics opened the largest-ever LG Electronics Showroom in Dubai. The subsidiary markets a variety of consumer products, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, freezers, and water coolers. A Gallup poll of UAE consumers recognized Al Yousuf Electronics as 'No. 1 customer satisfaction and after sales services provider.'



About ZAP



ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, electric, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP has a joint venture called Detroit Electric to manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive Group. Detroit Electric is developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias. ZAP is also developing a new generation of vehicles using lithium batteries. The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. ZAP also makes an innovative, new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics from cell phones to laptops. For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.



This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



ZAP is a featured Company on Investorideas.com Green portals, China portal , Middle East and Tech portal.



For full details, click here: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/CO/ZAAP/Default.asp



Contact:

Contact:

Alex Campbell

ZAP

707-525-8658 x 241

acampbell@zapworld.com



Al-Yousuf Group

Mansoor Ali

97150-4578130

mansoorali@alyousuf.com



Source: ZAP

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Renewable Energy Stocks Close-Up; The Carbon Footprint of Solar Stocks

Renewable Energy Stocks Close-Up; The Carbon Footprint of Solar Stocks


"PV Technologies Generate Far Less Life-Cycle Air Emissions Than Conventional Fossil-Fuel-Based Electricity Generation Technologies"

POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC---Jun 12, 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 and their environmental impact.With the controversy faced over Ethanol stocks, investors can gain insight into their green portfolio of solar stocks.

RenewableEnergyStocks.com reports on environmental concerns associated with solar technology and how the industry is responding, featuring XsunX, Inc. (OTC BB:XSNX.OB - News) and First Solar.
The US Department of Energy reports, "Modern solar electric power-generation systems such as photovoltaics (or PV) are some of the most elegant and environmentally benign energy systems ever invented."
Quoting a report published in January 2008, 'Emissions from Photovoltaic Life Cycles,' "Photovoltaic (PV) technologies have shown remarkable progress recently in terms of annual production capacity and life-cycle environmental performances, which necessitate timely updates of environmental indicators." The report further states, "Overall, all PV technologies generate far less life-cycle air emissions per GWh than conventional fossil-fuel-based electricity generation technologies. At least 89% of air emissions associated with electricity generation could be prevented if electricity from photovoltaics displaces electricity from the grid."
Source: http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/esthag/2008/42/i06/abs/es071763q.html
Keeping tabs on life-cycle emissions of carbon, chemicals and heavy metals used in products is nothing new, but the trend now appears to be accelerating which may force some "Green" technologies such as solar PV to revisit their environmental impact and overall carbon and environmental footprint.
Tom Djokovich, CEO, of XsunX, Inc. (OTC BB:XSNX.OB - News), a solar technology company engaged in the build-out of its multi-megawatt amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar module manufacturing facilities, reports, "There's a growing interest within the sustainable energy industry in developing green credentials across the entire footprint of your brand. Here at XsunX we're working to balance our industrial manufacturing needs and product designs to minimize our impact on the environment we're working to improve."
He continued, "With XsunX, about half of the power our new 25 mega watt solar module manufacturing plant will use comes from renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest, we are recycling an existing building and numerous pieces of support equipment so as not to waste resources and the design of our thin film amorphous solar module does not transfer any toxic materials into the product or environment unlike the heavy metal concerns addressing some of the other module manufacturers in the industry."
As evidence of the growth in accessing long term environmental impact between various solar technologies the January 2008, 'Emissions from Photovoltaic Life Cycles,' report presents a comparative analysis between four PV technologies, "Based on PV production data of 2004-2006, this study presents the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions, criteria pollutant emissions, and heavy metal emissions from four types of major commercial PV systems: multicrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon, ribbon silicon, and thin-film cadmium telluride. Life-cycle emissions were determined by employing average electricity mixtures in Europe and the United States during the materials and module production for each PV system. Among the current vintage of PV technologies, thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV emits the least amount of harmful air emissions as it requires the least amount of energy during the module production. However, the differences in the emissions between different PV technologies are very small in comparison to the emissions from conventional energy technologies that PV could displace."
Companies that make cadmium-telluride solar cells include Q-Cells and First Solar. According to First Solar's website, "First Solar's advanced CdTe technology is instrumental in accomplishing our environmental mission. CdTe is uniquely capable of producing low cost solar modules, making widespread, cost-effective solar electricity a reality. Its physical properties are optimal for converting sunlight into electricity, resulting in highly efficient photovoltaics with thin (< 3 micron) semiconductor layers. CdTe is a robust material with the demonstrated capacity for high volume, low cost production."
Policies related to the introduction of heavy metals and other hazardous chemicals into the environment differ from region to region with the European Union adopting some of the most stringent guidelines. The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) effective in July 2006, in the European Union has attracted concern about its impact on some of the companies in the sector. The restriction mandates a maximum content of 0.1wt % lead (Pb) and 0.01 wt % cadmium (Cd) is allowed in homogeneous materials. The restrictions currently exempt the solar industry but there is a push for the reduction or substitution of the heavy-metal content in the Photovoltaic market in the EU to maintain its green image.
Investors following solar stocks can research the sector using the Renewableenergystocks.com stock directory and also read recent and past columns by on-site solar expert, J. Peter Lynch.
Featured Solar Showcase Company:
Solar Company XsunX, (OTC BB:XSNX.OB - News) is developing amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell manufacturing processes to produce TFPV solar modules. Visit Media showcase: http://www.investorideas.com/co/xsnx/default.asp or http://www.xsunx.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, Blogs, and a directory of stocks.
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. For disclosure purposes, the site is currently compensated by featured showcase companies, news submissions and online advertising. XsunX solar showcase company compensates the website $5000 per month http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp.

Contact: For more information contact: Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411 Email: Email Contact
Source: Investorideas.com; RenewableEnergyStocks.com; XsunX

Al Yousuf to Acquire 50 Percent Interest in ZAP Recharge-It-All Battery Line

Al Yousuf to Acquire 50 Percent Interest in ZAP Recharge-It-All Battery Line

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES and SANTA ROSA, CA - Jun 12, 2008 -- Mr. Eqbal Al Yousuf will acquire a 50 percent interest in the Recharge-It-All Battery line of battery systems for mobile electronics from alternative transportation pioneer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP).

Mr. Al Yousuf was recently appointed Chairman of ZAP's Board of Directors and attended his first board meeting as Chairman on June 2 at ZAP's Santa Rosa headquarters. Mr. Al Yousuf is the President of The Al Yousuf Group, but intends to make his commitment towards ZAP Recharge-It-All his own personal investment.

"With my role as Chairman, I want to assist ZAP with the same success I have assisted with the Al Yousuf Group in streamlining and focusing the company on its core business," said Eqbal Al Yousuf. "We will start working globally to establish markets for ZAP's Recharge-It-All, which will allow ZAP to focus on advanced technology vehicles."

ZAP's many years working on better electric car batteries was the basis for the introduction of the Recharge-It-All line of mobile re-chargers. The battery systems were designed to power and recharge a wide range of mobile electronics. More than just a battery, the systems are designed with a smart sensor that allows them to deliver the appropriate voltage to a wide range of products, from cell phones, to digital audio players, digital cameras, video cameras and laptops. The batteries help solve the growing battery dilemma for mobile electronics, offering a rechargeable source of power out in the field or a way of extending the battery life for many different electronic devices.

"As a traveler I really believe in these batteries," said Al Yousuf. "They are essential to anyone using portable electronic devices. The market for this new technology is wide open and this particular division deserves more focus in order to achieve its potential in the marketplace."

The Al Yousuf Group is one of the largest trading groups in The Middle East. Over the past 55 years, the Al Yousuf Group has grown into a leading business conglomerate in the Gulf Region with operations ranging from Motor Vehicles, Boat Manufacturing, Auto Rental, Real Estate Development, Home Electrical Appliances, Computer Operating Systems, Electronics, Transportation and more.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, electric, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP has a joint venture called Detroit Electric to manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive Group. Detroit Electric is developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias. ZAP is also developing a new generation of vehicles using lithium batteries. The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. ZAP also makes an innovative, new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics from cell phones to laptops. For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=778155

ZAP is a featured Company on Investorideas.com Green portals, China portal and Tech portal.

For full details, click here: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/CO/ZAAP/Default.asp

Contact:
Contact:
Alex Campbell
ZAP
707-525-8658 x 241
acampbell@zapworld.com

Al-Yousuf Group
Mansoor Ali
97150-4578130
mansoorali@alyousuf.com

Source: ZAP

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Arizona's Largest Renewable Energy Plant Commences Commercial Operations

Arizona's Largest Renewable Energy Plant Commences Commercial Operations

SRP, APS Customers Receive New Biomass Energy

SNOWFLAKE, Ariz., June 10, 2008 - Arizona's largest renewable energy facility to date -- a wood-fired biomass energy plant located near Snowflake, Ariz. -- today began providing commercial electricity to Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) customers. Owned and operated by Renegy Holdings, Inc. (NasdaqCM:RNGY - News), the 24-megawatt (MW) plant will provide renewable energy to more than 9,000 Arizona homes. The Snowflake White Mountain Biomass Power Plant is generating electricity through a wood-burning boiler using forest thinning (wood-waste material from the area's forest industries) and waste recycled paper fibers from an existing newsprint paper mill located adjacent to the biomass facility.

Renegy Chairman and CEO Bob Worsley stated, ``We are very pleased to bring on line the largest biomass power generation facility in the state of Arizona, and to begin supplying clean, renewable power to APS and SRP. The commercial operation of our Snowflake plant is a significant milestone for our company, and marks the first of many more biomass plants we plan to own and operate as we seek to rapidly grow our portfolio of renewable energy assets.''

``This project not only increases the renewable energy that SRP is able to supply to our customers, but it also responds to the state's Healthy Forest Initiative,'' said Richard Hayslip, SRP's Associate General Manager.

Don Brandt, APS President and CEO said, ``APS is aggressively providing renewable energy to our customers. With the addition of the Snowflake biomass plant and the soon-to-be-built Solana Generating Station, APS' renewable energy portfolio will reach 420 MW -- enough to power more than 133,000 homes.''

Each utility has signed separate long-term purchase power agreements with Renegy to secure the entire electrical output of the plant.

At least 75 percent of the Snowflake plant's production will be generated by forest-thinning efforts occurring on U.S. forest lands surrounding the communities of Arizona's White Mountains. The thinning efforts are in support of the Healthy Forest Initiative, a 2003 federal law enacted following the Rodeo-Chediski fire. The law was designed to help protect forest lands against catastrophic fires by focusing on responsible clearing of dense undergrowth and brush in critical areas adjacent to private homes and property.

The remaining 25 percent of the plant's energy output will be generated from unusable, recycled paper fibers discarded by the Catalyst Paper Corp. mill. The mill produces 250 bone-dry tons of unusable paper fiber each day. Prior to being consumed by the Snowflake biomass plant for the production of electricity, the mill's waste material was stored in a nearby landfill.

Already, every APS customer receives a portion of their energy from renewable sources, including wind, concentrating solar power, photovoltaic solar power and geothermal. APS also offers a Green Choice program, which gives customers the opportunity to purchase additional renewable energy for only 1 cent per kilowatt hour. More information on APS' renewable programs, including Green Choice, is available at http://www.aps.com.

The commencement of commercial operation at the Snowflake plant marks SRP's entry into the biomass power generation market and will be the newest addition to SRP's EarthWise Energy Program, which consists of 529 megawatts of renewable energy. SRP's EarthWise Energy Program is electricity generated from clean energy sources such as solar, landfill gas, hydro (including low-impact hydro), wind, geothermal and now biomass. SRP customers can participate in SRP's EarthWise Energy Program by paying a small premium on their monthly electric bill to support the continued development of clean energy for future generations. For more information, visit http://www.srpnet.com/earthwise.

Phoenix-based Salt River Project is the largest provider of power and water to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area with more than 925,000 electricity customers.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW - News).

Renegy, based in Tempe, Arizona, is a renewable energy company focused on acquiring, developing and operating a growing portfolio of biomass power generation facilities. Renegy's other business activities include an established fuel aggregation and wood products division, which collects and transports forest thinnings and woody waste biomass fuel to its power plants, and which sells logs, lumber, shaved wood products and other high value wood by-products to provide additional value to its primary business operations. Find Renegy on the Worldwide Web at http://www.renegy.com.

The Renegy Holdings, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4856



Contact: Renegy Holdings, Inc. Media Contact: Megan Meloni (650) 631-2847

Arizona Public Service Media Contact: Steven Gotfried (602) 250-3040

Salt River Project Media Contact: Patty Garcia-Likens (602) 236-2500

Source: Renegy Holdings, Inc.; Arizona Public Service; Salt River Project

Sunday, June 08, 2008

North American Biofuels Market Faces Best and Worst of Times

North American Biofuels Market Faces Best and Worst of Times


PALO ALTO, Calif.---Biofuels enjoy many inherent advantages such as regulatory, infrastructural, environmental, geopolitical, and agricultural support. However, their negative association with escalating food prices remains a major concern. To overcome this challenge, the North American market has adopted strategies such as improving yield, tie-ups with the developing world, and focus on alternative feedstock. Moreover, given the high feedstock prices for first-generation biofuels, next-generation biofuels have garnered increased attention and will likely be commercialized after 2012.


New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.financialservices.frost.com), North American Biofuels Market: Investment Analysis, reveals that the market earned revenues of $9.98 billion in 2007 and expects this to reach $18.52 billion in 2012.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the investment analysis and growth opportunities in the North American Biofuels Market, then send an e-mail to Johanna Haynes, Corporate Communications, at johanna.haynes@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state, and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.
“Regulatory support coupled with the need to address the geopolitical risk posed by relying on the turbulent Middle East and Venezuela is driving the growth of the North American biofuels market,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Shrikanth S. “Furthermore, there is a strong venture capital investment climate in the next-generation biofuels, which are expected to be more efficient, using algae, waste, straw, wood, and other forest-based inputs that can be found in abundance in the United States.”
The expanded Renewable Fuel Standard, Volumetric 'Blender' Tax Credit, Small Agri-biodiesel Producer Tax Credit, and Alternative Fuel Refueling Infrastructure Tax Credit provide the necessary regulatory support for the North American biofuels industry. Currently, the dependence on foreign oil continues to increase, and costs approximately $1 billion per day. Oil from Venezuela and the Persian Gulf accounted for 26.3 percent of the total imports in 2007. By 2012, biofuels are expected to account for 15.20 billion gallons of the total fuel source in the United States, up from the estimated 9.00 billion gallons in 2008.
However, the debate on food versus fuel remains a major challenge for the biofuel industry. Many respected organizations and media outlets believe that the focus on biofuels increases food prices, especially that of corn and soybean. The volatility of feedstock prices and their unpredictable profit margins has diminished the attractiveness for the market participants and the institutional investors for the first-generation biofuels.
“In the period between September 2006 and February 2008, corn prices rose by 83.6 percent and the soybean oil prices increased by 135.0 percent,” says Shrikanth. “It has been noted that economically disadvantaged people spend approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of their income on food, compared to 1 percent to 10 percent on energy.”
In the short term, only a significant improvement in the average yield of feedstock, such as corn and soybean oils, will mitigate this problem. While alternative feedstock such as jatropha is expected to help in the medium term, the next-generation biofuels will play a vital role in addressing the challenge by 2012-2013.
North American Biofuels Market: Investment Analysis is part of the Financial Benchmarking in the Chemical Industry program, which also includes research services in the following markets: Europe and U.S. Food Additives and Ingredients Market: Investment Opportunities, North American Paints and Coatings Market: Investment Opportunities, North American Electronic Chemicals and Materials Market: Investment Opportunities, Asia Pacific Paints and Coatings: Investment Opportunities, Asia Pacific Electronic Chemicals and Materials: Investment Opportunities, European Biofuels Market: Investment Opportunities, World Orthopedics Market: Investment Opportunities, and North American Electronic Access Control Market: Investment Opportunities. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.
Frost & Sullivan's Business and Financial Services group serves clients around the world in all aspects of financial analysis, market research and monitoring, due diligence, idea generation, opportunity analysis, investment valuation, and other proprietary research.
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan’s Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com.
North American Biofuels Market: Investment Analysis
N338
Contacts Frost & SullivanCorporate Communications – North AmericaJohanna Haynes, 210-247-3870Fax: 210-348-1003johanna.haynes@frost.com

Transportation Fuel Prices Hit New Records in May 2008, According to OPIS

Transportation Fuel Prices Hit New Records in May 2008, According to OPIS

WALL, N.J.----The OPIS monthly Transportation Fuel Index (TFI), http://www.opisnet.com/tfi.asp, shows that Americans spent more than $41.5 billion on motor gasoline in May 2008. That is an increase of almost $4.1 billion from the previous month and nearly 7.1 billion more than what was spent in May 2007. Five years ago in May 2003 motorists spent just $15.6 billion, a staggering $25.9 billion less than what consumers are currently paying.

Crude was the force that continued to push prices higher. The benchmark WTI started the month at $112 per bbl and reached a high of $132 per bbl just prior to Memorial Day.

Retail gasoline prices climbed to $3.96 per gal on May 30th, a 9.5% increase over where it closed on April 30th. It was 24.7% higher than the same time last year and a whopping 170% more than what consumers paid just 5 years ago.

Diesel prices continued their upward trajectory on strong global demand. Truckers were paying $4.78 per gal at the end of May a 12.6% increase from the end of April. Last year truckstops around the country had average pump prices of $2.91 per gal and over the past 5 years truckers saw an increase of 216% in the cost to fuel their rigs.

Wholesale jet fuel prices averaged $3.77 per gal in May an increase of more than 37.3 cts per gal over last month and $1.70 per gal over last year. Jet fuel prices increased 418% over the past 5 years.

OPIS tracks real-time retail gasoline and diesel prices at more than 110,000 locations around the country. OPIS is the leading provider of dynamic fuel price information to navigation and onboard device companies. No other source offers more timely petroleum information than OPIS.

For more information on the OPIS TFI or real-time fuel prices contact Fred Rozell, Director of Retail Pricing, 732-730-2568.

OPIS (http://www.opisnet.com), a UCG company based in Gaithersburg, MD., is the most widely accepted U.S. fuel price benchmark for supply contracts and competitive positioning. OPIS covers pricing, analysis and news for gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel, LP-gas, jet fuel, crude, propane, feedstocks, resid, and kerosene.

Contacts OPISFred Rozell, 732-730-2568Director of Retail Pricing

Friday, June 06, 2008

Renewable Energy Stocks Sector Close-UP; Tracking the Sector with Indices

Renewable Energy Stocks Sector Close-UP; Tracking the Sector with Indices

Investors Can Track Sector with the Ludlow Energy SmallCap Index, Ludlow Alternative Energy Index, WilderHill Clean Energy Index; Global RENIXX® (Renewable Energy Industrial Index)

POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC—June 6 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 some of the Indices tracking the sector.

The Ludlow Energy SmallCap Index, one of the only Indices tracking some of the small cap players, is currently made up of the following companies: Ascent Solar Technologies, Advanced Battery Tech, Alternative Energy Sources, Akeena Solar Inc (NasdaqCM:AKNS - News), American Sec Res Corp, Clear Skies Solar, Inc (OTC BB:CSKH.OB - News), Convergence Ethanol Inc, Capstone Turbine Corp, Composite Technology Corp, Better Biodiesel Inc, Biofuel Energy Corp, Bluefire Ethanol Fuels Inc, Biosolar Inc, Daystar Technologies Inc, Deli Solar Usa Inc, Dynamotive Energy Sys Corp, Earth Biofuels Inc, Ener1 Inc, Enova Systems Inc, Girasolar Inc, Green Energy Resources Inc, Hoku Scientific Inc, Hybrid Technologies Inc, HydroGen Corporation Comm, Hydrogen Engine Ctr Inc, Icp Solar Technologies Inc, Intrepid Technolog & Res Inc, Millennium Cell Inc, Mass Megawatts Wind Power, Newgen Technologies Inc, Nevada Geothermal Power Inc, Open Energy Corp, 02diesel Corp, Plug Power Inc, Startech Environmental Corp, Energy Quest Inc, W2 Energy Inc, Welwind, Energy International, Inc, Worldwater & Power Corp and XsunX, Inc. (OTC BB:XSNX.OB - News)

"We are extremely pleased to have XsunX selected to be listed on the Ludlow Energy Ventures renewable energy index, which as a reputable index, attracts long term investors with a buoyant viewpoint on alternative energy", said Tom Djokovich, CEO of XsunX, Inc.

The Ludlow Small Cap Energy Index is a basket of small cap alternative energy stocks. Clear Skies Solar, Inc. (OTCBB: CSKH), a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, recently announced it was added to the Ludlow Energy Small-Cap Index.

“It’s truly an honor to have Clear Skies Solar added to the much-respected Ludlow Energy Ventures renewable energy index,” said Ezra Green, Chairman and CEO of Clear Skies Solar.

The Index provides both institutional and individual investors a tool for tracking the day to day performance of a number of small cap alternative energy stocks in a diversified basket. The index is designed for investors who have a long-term bullish outlook on alternative energy, and may be seeking a diversified portfolio within the sector. http://www.ludlowenergy.com/indices/smallcap.html

The Ludlow Alternative Energy Index tracks some of the top alternative energy stocks. The Index provides both institutional and individual investors a tool for tracking the day to day performance of the alternative energy sector in a diversified basket. http://www.ludlowenergy.com/indices/

Dr. Robert Wilder, of the WilderHill Clean Energy Index (^ECO) reports, "I'm delighted our WilderHill Clean Energy Index (^ECO) was first to capture this new theme, and its tracking PowerShares ETF (symbol: PBW) too was an original investment product in this space. Having a lead of a few years also let us help define what investing in clean energy should look like, and in that time we've seen more than a billion dollars have come into that independent tracking fund, PBW. On the other hand I am also gratified to see so many new Indexes and trackers move into this space lately; a few are pretty close replicas to ECO, while others add interesting new dynamics such as an ability to invest in solar alone. In the meantime since 2004 we've also produced the first Index capturing opportunities found in a response to climate change and for improving dominant energy sources: its tracker is the PowerShares WilderHill Progressive Energy Portfolio (PUW). And most recently partnering with New Energy Finance in London, and Josh Landess in the U.S., we together co-produced the first Global Index for stocks around the world in the clean & new energy space: a tracker for this is the PowerShares Global Clean Energy Portfolio (PBD) and all three now capture key stocks worldwide. I'm excited by the progress made here as well as encouraged by the fact so many new Indexes have since entered this space, which I think reflects this is no longer seen as a niche or unimportant arena. Today, some of the world's biggest corporations are taking clean, new and progressive energy technologies all very seriously, and I believe 'alternative energy' may soon simply become just energy."

For investors following solar stocks in particular, The Claymore ETF (TAN) tracks the MAC Global Solar Energy Index, and the Market Vectors ETF (KWT) tracks the Ardour Solar Energy Index.

For investors tracking the global market, The RENIXX® (Renewable Energy Industrial Index) World is the first global stock index, which comprises the performance of the world’s 30 largest companies of the renewable energy industry whose weighting in the index is based on the market capitalization.

The www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com home page features a comprehensive directory of Indices and ETF’s for investors to research.

Featured Showcase Solar Company: Clear Skies Solar, Inc. (OTC BB:CSKH.OB ) through its wholly owned subsidiary, Clear Skies Group, Inc., provides full-service renewable energy solutions to commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients across the country. CSG was incorporated in 2003 and launched formal operations in 2005. During that time period, CSG developed its proprietary systems, obtained licenses and certifications, and acquired technologies that could maximize the impact of its construction expertise on the renewable energy sector. CSG has become one of the premier solar electric installation companies in the country. More info can be found on the Investorideas.com Company Showcase at http://www.investorideas.com/CO/CSG/
Or the company website at www.clearskiesgroup.com.

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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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 within the renewable energy sector.

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 and Clear Skies Holdings compensate the website $5000 per month. In addition, Investorideas.com has been granted options in CSKH at $1.50.
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For more information contact:

Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com,
Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, XsunX, Clear Skies Holdings, Inc, WilderHill Clean Energy Index