EIN Presswire: Biofuels Press Releases

White House Taps Macfarlane as New NRC Chair

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:11:39 +0000

Statement by Lisbeth Gronlund, Union of Concerned Scientists

WASHINGTON (May 24, 2012) – This afternoon the White House nominated Allison Macfarlane, a nuclear waste expert, to replace Gregory Jaczko as chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Below is a statement by Lisbeth Gronlund, co-director of the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

“The Union of Concerned Scientists applauds President Obama’s decision to nominate Allison Macfarlane as chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Professor Macfarlane is a scientist with a long history of working on complex technical public policy issues. She was receptive to public feedback during her tenure on the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, and understands the importance of openness to the commission’s effectiveness. We expect her to be a strong advocate for practical steps to enhance nuclear power safety and security.”

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading U.S. science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy environment and a safer world. Founded in 1969, UCS is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and also has offices in Berkeley, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

UCS and Chicago Community Leaders Speak Out in Support of EPA’s Proposed Carbon Pollution Standard

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:11:06 +0000

(CHICAGO) May 24, 2012 -- Local community leaders held a press conference at Kluczynski Plaza today to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to move forward with a federal carbon standard for new power plants. Speakers at the event also highlighted the fact that Chicagoans are taking action in their own communities to fight climate change.

Across the street from the plaza, more than 100 people packed into a Metcalfe Federal Building room to testify in support of the new standard at an EPA hearing.

“We need federal action because it's the cities - like Chicago - who are left holding the bag,” said Alderman Danny Solis of the 25th Ward. “Pollution is a very important issue to my constituents because it directly affects their quality of life. As a local leader, we need to be able to quickly respond to the urgent pollution and health concerns of the people of Chicago. The most effective way to address pollution quickly is for the EPA to set comprehensive carbon pollution emission regulations at the national level which allow city and state officials to protect the health and safety of our communities.”

Steve Frenkel, director of the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Midwest office, in Chicago, who moderated the press conference, noted that climate change is already bringing an earlier spring, heavier rains and hotter summers to Chicago. “Unless we reduce carbon pollution,” he said, “Chicago could see an entire month of over 100 degrees by the end of the century, which is why it’s critical that the EPA cuts carbon emissions from power plants, our nation’s biggest source of greenhouse gases.”

Brian Urbaszewski, the director of environmental health programs at Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, said the rising temperatures take a toll on public health.

“The new standard would help protect public health by reducing smog from carbon pollution,” said Urbaszewski. “Bad air quality is especially dangerous for children, who are at risk for asthma attacks and other health problems.”

Besides protecting public health, regional labor leaders say the carbon standard would benefit the economy.

“Clean energy standards are already creating jobs in Michigan and around the country,” said Bryan Grochowski, a member of Service Employees International Union Local 517 in Michigan who testified at the Chicago hearing. “We need smart policies and investments to continue that growth. This proposed standard will spur innovation in clean energy technologies, which will create more of these good jobs that are also good for our environment.”

Two press conference speakers described what Illinois residents are doing to address climate change. Jennifer Hirsch, senior urban anthropologist at the Field Museum, has worked with organizations throughout Chicago to help implement the region’s climate action plans and strengthen ongoing community work at the same time.

“For example, we worked with a Boy Scout troop on Chicago’s Northwest Side to install roosting boxes for bats in their neighborhood forest preserve. The boxes strengthen habitat corridors for this climate-sensitive species. The project had the dual goal of helping Boy Scouts earn top Scouting awards, and it also strengthened their connections to the natural areas for which the Northwest Side is well-known,” said Hirsch.

Rev. Clare Butterfield, the executive director of Faith in Place and the Illinois Interfaith Power & Light Campaign, said Illinois congregations also are taking action. Bridgeview’s Mosque Foundation, for example, now gets all its power from solar energy; Urbana’s St. Matthew Lutheran Church converted 4 acres into a community farm; and Evanston’s Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation built the world’s first LEED certified house of worship.

“People in the faith community are supporting this first-ever limit on the global warming pollution from power plants because we see it as part of our religious responsibility to care for creation,” said Butterfield. “We are here as stewards for our grandchildren, and for the one who placed us here.”

The proposed standard is the first under the federal Clean Air Act to set national limits on the amount of carbon pollution newly built power plants can emit. The Chicago hearing is one of two national hearings held by EPA to solicit public input on the standard.

The comment period runs through June 25. With about a month still left, the standard already has generated more comments in support of the rule than any other EPA rule in history.

US Navy's 'Great Green Fleat' Remains Armed with Algae, in Energy Digital

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:39:00 +0000

US Navy's 'Great Green Fleat' Remains Armed with Algae, in Energy Digital

PR Newswire

SAN DIEGO, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The US Navy's 'Great Green Fleet' initiative sets the bar high for the biofuels industry in May's issue of Energy Digital

This month, Energy Digital checks in on the US Navy's ambitious initiative to deploy a fleet of warships powered by alternative fuels by 2016. Touted as one of the most effective moves to jumpstart the use of renewable energy in the US military and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the Navy's "Great Green Fleet" is expected to boost the biofuels industry in the greater commercial market as well.

Along with the Air Force and Army, the Navy has tested and certified a number of ships and warplanes as biofuel compatible to run on a drop-in blend of conventional oil and green fuel that does not require engine modifications. With over $500 million invested in the biofuels industry, the Navy hopes to cut its use of fossil fuels in half over the next decade.

Signs of success are already surfacing. In November, in the largest alternative fuel test in history, the Navy's first biofuel-powered ship completed a trip along California's coast, running on a 50-50 mix of petroleum and algae-based fuel produced from Solazyme. The fuel burned just like traditional fuel, using the same engines. Later, in March, the Navy's USS Ford sailed over 12,000 miles on the fuel from Washington to San Diego, portraying similar results.

Other companies are working on a wide range of alternative fuel options in the competition to win supplier bids with the DoD's largest oil consumer. Besides San Francisco-based Solazyme, Dynamic Fuels is also one of the biggest players in the program. The Louisiana-based company sources its fuel from used cooking oil and non-food grade animal fats.

Despite some backlash from Washington, the Navy continues to steadfastly pursue the initiative, insisting that the nation rises above partisan politics in an effort to strengthen the operations of its armed forces. It's not about right vs left, the environment vs big oil; it's about giving our armed forces the tools they need to protect America.

"Alternative fuels for the Navy is not about being green, it's about combat capability," said Goudreau at a recent conference in D.C.

About Energy Digital

Energy Digital is a leading digital media source of news and content for C-level executives focused on business and all aspects of managing the environment. Energy Digital provides information for industry specific issues such as: Renewables; Global Operations; Exploration and Production, and Green Business. Energy Digital is the industry-dedicated arm of the WDM Group. Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Glen White, WDM Group retains a diversified portfolio of websites, magazines, mobile apps, daily news feeds and weekly e-newsletters that leverage technology to innovatively deliver high-quality content, analytical data, and industry news.

Energy Digital is headquartered in San Diego, California, with additional offices in Boston, Toronto, Mumbai, and Norwich, England. For more information, contact 1-760-827-7800 or visit http://www.energydigital.com.

Press Contact
Carin Hall
Energy Digital
Telephone: +1(760)607-5503
Email: Carin.Hall@wdmgroup.com

US Navy's 'Great Green Fleat' Remains Armed with Algae, in Energy Digital

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:39:00 +0000

US Navy's 'Great Green Fleat' Remains Armed with Algae, in Energy Digital

PR Newswire

SAN DIEGO, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The US Navy's 'Great Green Fleet' initiative sets the bar high for the biofuels industry in May's issue of Energy Digital

"Alternative fuels for the Navy is not about being green, it's about combat capability," said Goudreau at a recent conference in D.C.

About Energy Digital

Press Contact
Carin Hall
Energy Digital
Telephone: +1(760)607-5503
Email: Carin.Hall@wdmgroup.com

SOURCE WDM Group

Airlines for America (A4A) Lauds the Formation of Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:59:53 +0000

Airlines for America (A4A) Lauds the Formation of Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today commended the formation of the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI) to accelerate the commercial viability and deployment of alternative aviation fuel in the United States.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111201/DC15444LOGO)

"Today's announcement further demonstrates that the airline industry is committed to public-private partnerships to turn advanced biofuels for aviation into reality, enhancing America's energy security, building on our environmental commitment and creating U.S. jobs," said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. "We commend A4A member United Airlines and the other industry partners of MASBI for advancing sustainable aviation biofuels in the Midwest."

A4A is committed to the development and deployment of sustainable alternative fuels for use in jet aircraft. A4A co-founded and co-leads the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative® (CAAFI) and the Farm to Fly initiative, both of which are working to hasten the development and deployment of commercially viable, environmentally preferred alternative jet fuels.

In addition to supporting MASBI, A4A participated in and supported a previous regional initiative, Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN), which developed a groundbreaking assessment of aviation alternative fuel pathways in the Pacific Northwest. Both projects aim to establish regional supply chains and support rural development.

ABOUT A4A

Annually, commercial aviation helps drive more than $1 trillion in U.S. economic activity and nearly 10 million U.S. jobs. A4A airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For more information about the airline industry, visit www.airlines.org and follow us on Twitter @airlinesdotorg.

SOURCE Airlines for America

AVIATION AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGY LEADERS LAUNCH MIDWEST AVIATION SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS INITIATIVE

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:15:00 +0000

AVIATION AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGY LEADERS LAUNCH MIDWEST AVIATION SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS INITIATIVE

REGIONAL INITIATIVE WITH NATIONAL REACH WORKING TO ACHIEVE ENERGY SECURITY

PR Newswire

CHICAGO, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines (NYSE: UAL), Boeing (NYSE: BA), Honeywell's UOP, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Clean Energy Trust today announced the formation of the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI), designed to advance aviation biofuel development in a 12-state region holding significant promise for biomass feedstock, technology development, job creation and sustainable commercialization. MASBI will deliver a comprehensive evaluation of the region's biofuel potential and a plan to support regional and national needs in a responsible manner.

MASBI's Advisory Council will include national leaders in advanced biofuels, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of the Navy, other Federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.

"In just a few short years, aviation biofuels have developed from a hopeful vision of the future to an exciting reality of more than 1,500 passenger flights flown with advanced biofuels," said Jimmy Samartzis, managing director of Global Environmental Affairs and Sustainability for United. "Our industry is committed to advancing sustainable biofuels, and United is proud to launch MASBI with our partners to define appropriate solutions to make alternative fuel available at commercial scale, unlock the Midwest's economic potential for advanced biofuels and secure a sustainable future for aviation."

With the Midwest's strong agricultural, financial and academic institutions, and large aviation industry presence, MASBI Steering Committee members view the region as critical for biofuel development. Airlines operating in the Midwest transport more than 234 million passengers and consume nearly three billion gallons of jet fuel annually.

"Aviation's ability to connect the world to people, goods and services through the heartland of the country contributes significantly to the nation's economy and job growth," said Billy Glover, vice president of Environment and Aviation Policy for Boeing. "Biofuels are a critical part of commercial aviation's long-term fuel-diversification strategy, enabling sustainable growth and improving its overall environmental performance."

Organization stakeholders are developing a feasibility study and an action plan to advance the biofuels industry in the Midwest.

"Initially, MASBI will evaluate Midwest feedstock options, commercialization requirements and opportunities, logistics and infrastructure needs, and regional policy measures," said James Rekoske, vice president and general manager for Renewable Energy and Chemicals at Honeywell's UOP. "After this actionable roadmap is developed, the goal is for MASBI participants across the biofuel value chain to execute recommendations that will enable the development and commercialization of aviation biofuels."

MASBI invites a diverse set of stakeholders, including airlines, fuel producers, feedstock growers, logistics providers and investors to add their knowledge and expertise to the effort.

"The Midwest is ready to lead the nation in developing and using advanced aviation biofuels," said Rosemarie S. Andolino, commissioner of Chicago Department of Aviation. "Our region has significant feedstock availability and viability; clean technology leaders; an active funding community of large banks, venture capital and private equity investors; airports that are already committed to sustainable practices and support the greater use of biofuels in aviation; policymakers who advance biofuels as a priority; and end-users committed to action."

MASBI Steering Committee members believe their efforts in promoting sustainable fuel supplies ultimately will spur economic growth, create jobs and promote energy security.

"When you consider the U.S. aviation industry uses more than 20 billion gallons of fuel each year, the environmental and economic potential of commercializing biofuels technology becomes truly game-changing," said Amy Francetic, executive director of Clean Energy Trust. "Positioning the Midwest as the global aviation biofuels leader means long-term economic development and large-scale creation of permanent jobs in the region."

Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management and strategy consulting, is providing program management for MASBI. Sustainability requirements and evaluation will occur throughout every aspect of the initiative.

About the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative

The Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI) brings together partners from across the value chain to promote the development and use of biofuels. Its Steering Committee is comprised of the following founding members – United Airlines, Boeing, Honeywell's UOP, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Clean Energy Trust. To learn more about MASBI, visit www.masbi.org.

SOURCE United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Jaczko Resignation Leaves Big Hole at NRC

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:10:00 +0000

Statement by Edwin Lyman, Union Of Concerned Scientists

WASHINGTON (May 21, 2012) – After nearly eight years—and at least a year of bureaucratic infighting—at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Gregory Jaczko has resigned from his current post as chairman.

Below is a statement by Edwin Lyman, senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

“Gregory Jaczko’s resignation as chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will leave a big hole at the agency. Jaczko often took a more cautious approach on plant safety and security than his colleagues on the commission. He generally supported larger safety margins in the face of uncertainty.

“For example, as a commissioner, Jaczko led the effort after 9/11 to ensure that the agency formally evaluated new reactor designs to strengthen them against aircraft attacks. As chairman, he prudently called for U.S. citizens within 50 miles of Fukushima to evacuate, which was ultimately borne out by the extent of the radiation release. He had NRC staff support for this decision. An internal NRC synopsis of a March 18, 2011, staff briefing obtained through an FOIA request states ‘the 50 mile evacuation was a good call.’

“Looking forward, the president and Congress must do a thorough job vetting any new commissioner to ensure that he or she is as committed as Jaczko is to protecting public health and safety.”

ThermoEnergy to Deploy its Ammonia Recovery System with ProfiNutrients BV in the Netherlands

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

ThermoEnergy to Deploy its Ammonia Recovery System with ProfiNutrients BV in the Netherlands

Recovered Ammonia to be Converted into Fertilizer

PR Newswire

WORCESTER, Mass., May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ThermoEnergy Corporation (OTCBB: TMEN) (www.thermoenergy.com) has announced that it will be deploying a ThermoEnergy ARP™ (Ammonia Recovery Process) system at an award-winning biogas production plant outside of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The ARP system will be owned and operated by ThermoEnergy and its partner in the Netherlands, ProfiNutrients BV.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100816/CL50460LOGO )

The ARP system will be used to recover ammonia from anaerobic digester wastewater and convert it into ammonium sulfate fertilizer for European agricultural markets. The process is environmentally-friendly and the fertilizer product will meet all EU regulatory standards. The unit is expected to start operating in August 2012.

"Because our Thermo ARP™ systems convert wastewater ammonia into valuable fertilizer products, they not only make biogas production more environmentally friendly, they provide the industry with an additional source of revenue to offset cost," said ThermoEnergy Chairman and CEO, Cary Bullock.

"High natural gas prices in Europe have created strong demand for biogas, and we believe this is an exceptional market opportunity for ThermoEnergy," Bullock added.

About ProfiNutrients
Based in the Netherlands, ProfiNutrients specializes in removing and recovering nutrients and minerals from organic waste such as sewage, sludge, slurry and gas in ways that reduce costs and create new revenue opportunities. ProfiNutrients' provides consulting and project management for both pilot projects and full-scale installations. Visit www.profinutrients.nl

About ThermoEnergy
Founded in 1988, ThermoEnergy is a diversified technologies company engaged in the worldwide development, sales and commercialization of patented and/or proprietary municipal and industrial wastewater treatment and power generation technologies.

ThermoEnergy Corporation has spent nearly two decades developing sustainable water treatment and clean energy technologies that help clients operate more efficiently, save money, reduce their carbon footprints, and meet sustainability goals. Our award-winning wastewater recovery systems provide superior process economics and environmental compliance for a variety of industrial and municipal water treatment facilities. The Company's water division, specializing in custom-designed, turn-key solutions for a wide variety of clients, is being managed from its offices in Worcester, Massachusetts corporate headquarters, In addition, the Company has established a broad network of independent dealers and representatives throughout the U.S.

ThermoEnergy's clean combustion technology, Pressurized Oxy-Combustion ( POXC™), will allow power producers and manufacturers that rely on conventional fossil fuels to take advantage of cheaper energy sources while eliminating virtually all air emissions, as well as achieving full CO2 capture. With POXC™, toxic air emissions from stationary power plants will become a thing of the past. The Company is pursuing the commercialization of POXC™ through the Unity Power Alliance.

ThermoEnergy's corporate mission is to continue to grow its market share and technological leadership within the global municipal/industrial wastewater treatment and power generation industries. Visit www.thermoenergy.com.

THIS PRESS RELEASE INCLUDES STATEMENTS THAT MAY CONSTITUTE "FORWARD LOOKING" STATEMENTS, USUALLY CONTAINING THE WORDS "ESTIMATE", "PROJECT", "EXPECT" OR SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS INHERENTLY INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM CURRENT EXPECTATIONS. BY MAKING THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS, THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE THESE STATEMENTS FOR REVISIONS OR CHANGES.

SOURCE ThermoEnergy Corporation

Universal Lubricants Announces Partnership With Sustainable Fuel Provider

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Universal Lubricants Announces Partnership With Sustainable Fuel Provider

SeQuential Pacific Biodiesel Fleet Switches to ECO ULTRA® Motor Oil

PR Newswire

WICHITA, Kan., May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Lubricants announced today that Oregon-based SeQuential Pacific Biodiesel has switched the motor oil used by its fleet to the company's ECO ULTRA® line. SeQuential Pacific Biodiesel, an environmentally minded company, collects used cooking oil from restaurants throughout the Pacific Northwest, recycles it into biodiesel, and supplies hundreds of trucking fleets with the clean burning fuel. SeQuential Pacific Biodiesel's move to ECO ULTRA – a performance driven suite of motor oil that relies on used oil, instead of crude, as a feedstock to produce a re-refined base – demonstrates the transport industry's ability to promote impactful sustainability initiatives.

"Sustainability is a grounding premise for our business, so the decision to use ECO ULTRA in our equipment made sense to us," said Brad Marluke, Sequential Pacific Biodiesel's marketing director. "Our trucks average 38 quarts of oil a piece. We are greatly reducing our dependence on foreign oil between using ECO ULTRA motor oil and running our fleet on locally produced biodiesel."

The U.S. produces approximately 1.1 billion gallons of used motor oil every year, of which approximately 800 million gallons is collected for re-use. However, less than 20 percent of that 800 million gallons collected is re-refined. Most of the collected oil is burned as an industrial fuel, reducing supplies of limited petroleum reserves and perpetuating the need to import foreign oil. What's more, an estimated 200 million gallons of used motor oil is disposed of improperly, damaging the environment. Universal Lubricants is dedicated to reversing this trend with its Closed Loop Process™ by completely controlling every aspect of the proprietary system. The Company collects, re-refines, blends, packages and redistributes its own oil, the ECO ULTRA line—without ever losing guardianship within the chain—in an infinitely repeatable, sustainable cycle.

"Fleet operators across America, from the Pacific Northwest to the country's heartland to the East Coast, are finding that Universal Lubricants' ECO ULTRA line and its Closed Loop Process redefine what it means to be environmentally minded," said John Wesley, Universal Lubricants' chief executive officer. "Couple consideration of ECO ULTRA's competitive pricing with its long lasting, top-quality performance, and being environmentally minded also means being business savvy. The more fleet operators choose environmentally sustainable practices, the more petroleum we can turn into a truly renewable resource."

Added Wesley: "The fleet industry reduces the need for up to 24 barrels of crude oil from being imported or extracted with every 12 gallon motor oil change that uses a re-refined option. Imagine the consequence the industry could have if each fleet followed SeQuential Pacific Biodiesels' example."

For more information about Universal Lubricant's ECO ULTRA® products, visit www.ecoultraoil.com.

About Universal Lubricants

Universal Lubricants, since its founding in 1929, has balanced tradition with innovation to emerge over the past four decades as a driving force in used oil collection, base oil refining and distribution. The Company collects, re-refines, blends and re-distributes its own motor oil—never losing guardianship within the chain—to ensure that every quart, every gallon is of the highest quality for optimal performance. Universal Lubricants, with its Closed Loop Process™, boasts a national presence to supply ECO ULTRA® throughout the country by operating 36 facilities in 16 states. This includes one of the world's most technologically advanced re-refineries in Wichita, Kansas. The Company employs 465 workers and is a Pegasus Capital Advisors portfolio company.

Universal Lubricants, a leader in R&D and in the marketplace, will continue to drive progress and drive performance in the motor oil industry. For more information visit www.universallubes.com.

Media Contact:
Kelly Gerson
MWW Group
202.600.4524
kgerson@mww.com

SOURCE Universal Lubricants

BP And Sempra U.S. Gas & Power Announce Plans To Jointly Develop Hawaii Wind Farm

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

BP And Sempra U.S. Gas & Power Announce Plans To Jointly Develop Hawaii Wind Farm

PR Newswire

SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and BP Wind Energy today announced plans to jointly develop the Auwahi Wind farm in Hawaii. This is the fifth project developed under a strategic partnership between the two companies that includes more than 1,000 megawatts (MW) of wind generating capacity in operation or under construction.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120103/LA29138LOGO)

Located in southeastern Maui, the 21-MW wind farm will utilize eight Siemens wind turbines to generate enough renewable power for approximately 10,000 average Maui homes. Initial construction activities are underway and full mobilization at the site is slated to begin by the end of the second quarter 2012. The project will employ about 150 workers during the peak of construction and is expected to be in commercial operation by year-end 2012. The balance of plant contract has been awarded to RMT WindConnect.

Sempra U.S. Gas & Power will continue leading the development of Auwahi Wind and operate the project once construction is complete.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to further expand our highly successful strategic partnership with BP Wind Energy while helping Hawaii advance one step closer to its renewable energy goals," said Jim Sahagian, vice president of renewables for Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. "Our companies share a commitment to building and operating the Auwahi Wind farm in a way that reflects Maui's commitment to environmental protection. We look forward to providing a stable supply of clean power to the region and becoming a long-term partner with the local community."

"BP is once again proud to partner with Sempra U.S. Gas & Power to grow our investment in the renewable power sector to produce essential sources of cost-competitive energy to our customers," said John Graham, president and CEO, BP Wind Energy. "Today marks an important milestone as this is BP's first venture in delivering clean energy to the people of Hawaii."

The entire power output from the wind farm has been sold under a long-term power purchase agreement to the Maui Electric Company. This new source of locally-produced wind power helps Hawaii reach its clean energy goal to secure 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

In a first for the BP and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power strategic partnership, the Auwahi Wind farm will utilize a battery storage unit capable of storing in excess of 4 megawatt hours of renewable power. This stored electricity will help to regulate the intermittent wind power, providing a valuable source of grid stability for Maui Electric Company.

In January 2012, BP and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power announced an expansion of their strategic relationship by jointly investing more than $1 billion to build 560 MW of wind power. In Kansas, the companies are building the 419 MW Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm and are finalizing joint venture agreements for a 51 MW expansion project. In Pennsylvania, the 141 MW Mehoopany Wind Farm is in construction. Both the Kansas and Pennsylvania wind farms are expected to be in commercial operation by year-end 2012 and will be the largest wind projects ever constructed in their respective states. The companies are also equal partners on the 200 MW Fowler Ridge 2 Wind Farm in Indiana and the 250 MW Cedar Creek 2 Wind Farm located in northeastern Colorado.

About Sempra U.S. Gas & Power
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC is a leading developer of renewable energy and natural gas solutions. The company operates solar, wind and natural gas power plants that generate enough electricity for nearly 1 million homes, along with natural gas storage and pipelines, and distribution utilities. Sempra U.S. Gas & Power is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2011 revenues of $10 billion. The Sempra Energy companies' nearly 17,500 employees serve about 31 million consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.SempraUSGP.com.

About BP
BP is one of the world's largest energy companies. In the US, BP has approximately $52 billion in assets and employs some 23,000 staff. The company's main businesses are exploration and production of oil and gas; refining, manufacturing and marketing of oil products and petrochemicals; and transportation and marketing of natural gas. With growing businesses in wind power and advanced biofuels, BP Alternative Energy has invested around $7 billion in low carbon energy development since 2005, $4 billion of that in the US.

BP Wind Energy is a principal owner and operator of wind power facilities with interests in 13 wind farms. BP Wind Energy has a gross generating capacity of 1,955 MW – enough electricity to power over 586,000 average American homes. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.bpalternativenergy.com.

For Sempra Energy Investors
This press release contains statements that are not historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by words like "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "potential," "target," "outlook", "depends," "pursue" or similar expressions, or discussions of guidance, strategies, plans, goals, initiatives, objectives or intentions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Future results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon various assumptions involving judgments with respect to the future and other risks, including, among others: local, regional, national and international economic, competitive, political, legislative and regulatory conditions and developments; actions by the California Public Utilities Commission, California State Legislature, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, and other regulatory, governmental and environmental bodies in the United States and other countries where the company does business; capital market conditions, including the availability of credit and the liquidity of investments; inflation, interest and exchange rates; the impact of benchmark interest rates, generally the U.S. Treasury bond and Moody's A-rated utility bond yields, on the California utilities' cost of capital; the timing and success of business development efforts and construction, maintenance and capital projects, including risks inherent in the ability to obtain, and the timing of the granting of, permits, licenses, certificates and other authorizations; energy markets, including the timing and extent of changes and volatility in commodity prices; the availability of electric power, natural gas and liquefied natural gas, including disruptions caused by failures in the North American transmission grid, pipeline explosions and equipment failures; weather conditions, natural disasters, catastrophic accidents, and conservation efforts; risks inherent in nuclear power generation and radioactive materials storage, including catastrophic release of such materials; risks posed by decisions and actions of third parties who control the operations of investments in which the company does not have a controlling interest; wars, terrorist attacks and cyber security threats; business, regulatory, environmental and legal decisions and requirements; expropriation of assets by foreign governments and title and other property disputes; the status of deregulation of retail natural gas and electricity delivery; the inability or determination not to enter into long-term supply and sales agreements or long-term firm capacity agreements; the resolution of litigation; and other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the company. These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the reports that Sempra Energy has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are available through the EDGAR system free-of-charge on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov, and on the company's website at www.sempra.com.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forecasts or projections or other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC is not the same company as the utility, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) or Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC is not regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Media Contacts:	Scott Crider	Sarah Howell
	Sempra U.S. Gas & Power	BP
	(877) 855-7887	(202) 457-6575
	media@SempraUSGP.com	Howes8@bp.com

Financial Contact:	Scott Tomayko/Victor Vilaplana
	Sempra Energy
	(877) 736-7727
	investor@sempra.com

SOURCE Sempra U.S. Gas & Power

Bingaman Clean Energy Standard Turns on New Renewables and Reduces Carbon, But Needs Improvement

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:10:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (May 17, 2012) – The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing today on the Clean Energy Standard Act – a bill that the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) describes as “needing improvement, but providing a path forward toward a low-carbon energy future.”

“Senator Bingaman’s bill is a welcome first step to reopen the conversation about increasing renewables and reducing carbon emissions,” said Angela Anderson, director of the Climate and Energy Program at UCS. “But there is every indication that we could do much better. For comparison, this level is well below previously introduced Senate proposals, such as the Udall bill that would not only have increased renewable energy to 25 percent of U.S. electricity by 2025, but would have done so at only small costs to consumers.”

A recent analysis by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that under the bill, renewable energy generation (not including hydro) will increase to only 13 percent of total U.S. electricity use by 2025, compared to 9 percent under business as usual, and 15 percent by 2035. EIA also projects that the proposed CES would reduce total U.S. energy-related carbon emissions by 8 percent in 2025, and 18 percent in 2035.

“We believe that with minor improvements to the bill, we could expect even more truly clean energy to be turned on,” said Anderson. “For example, reducing the number of credits awarded to mature technologies like natural gas and nuclear power would increase the amount of renewables and reduce the cost of the CES. All economic reports indicate that the natural gas industry is wildly prospering and does not need the incentives in this bill that are better awarded to true clean renewables, such as wind, solar, and geothermal. While the magnitude of the risks around hydraulic fracturing and fugitive methane emissions remain largely unknown, there remain plenty of reasons to reconsider provisions that needlessly provide credits for natural gas.”

UCS disputes the cost assumptions that EIA used in its estimate of how much nuclear power and renewable energy might be deployed under the bill. For example, the EIA overestimated the costs of wind and solar in their computer model and greatly underestimated costs for nuclear. EIA's capital costs for wind are more than 20 percent higher than the average cost of several actual projects installed in 2011, according to a 2011 report by renewable energy experts at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Ryan Wiser, the lead author of that report, recently projected the costs to fall by another 8-18 percent in 2012 and 2013, which is consistent with two projects under development in Oklahoma.

“In addition, EIA’s cost estimates for solar photovoltaics don’t capture the dramatic cost reductions occurring in the industry,” said Anderson. “The cost of solar PV panels declined by more than 50 percent in 2011, while installed costs have dropped by 35 percent over the past two years. These trends should continue as global investment continues.”

In contrast, EIA’s cost estimates for new nuclear power plants is significantly lower than recent estimates from proposed projects. For example, EIA’s overnight capital cost estimate of $5,250 per kilowatt in 2016 is less than half of the all-in cost of $24 billion, or $10,900 per kilowatt (including financing costs), of Progress Energy’s proposed Levy nuclear plant in Florida. Georgia Power (a subsidiary of Southern Company) also recently announced a $900 million increase in the cost of its Vogtle project in Georgia. In addition, EIA projects the cost of new nuclear plants to fall significantly over time, which is the opposite of what is happening with Levy, Vogtle and other projects, and historical experience.

“If EIA used more realistic cost assumptions for these technologies, its analysis would likely show a much greater increase in renewable energy, far fewer new nuclear power plants, and lower costs to consumers,” said Anderson.

Energy efficiency is the cheapest and most readily available energy source. For technical reasons, the legislation could not accommodate the full suite of energy efficiency measures. While including combined heat and power systems is a good first step, this legislation should be accompanied by strong energy efficiency resource standards that numerous studies have shown can work to reduce the cost of the program.

SCS is First U.S. Certification Body Recognized under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) System

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:29:35 +0000

SCS is First U.S. Certification Body Recognized under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) System

PR Newswire

EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) is the first certification body in the United States to be accredited by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) biofuel certification system. SCS has been approved to conduct biofuel certifications, and in addition, to conduct "ISCC Plus" certification for food, animal feed and derivative chemicals produced from any feedstock.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120406/MM83171LOGO-a)

ISCC certification qualifies biofuels sold into the European Union for recognition under the Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED), which sets targets and minimum sustainability requirements for biofuel use throughout the EU. About 1300 certified companies have already been certified under the ISCC system, making it one of the world's fastest growing biofuel certifications.

"We are excited to begin certifying biofuel producers, processors and suppliers under the rapidly growing ISCC system," said Stan Rhodes, President of SCS.

To earn certification, a biofuel must have a reduced carbon footprint as compared to the conventional fossil fuel it replaces. Biomass and biofuel production must also meet minimum social, environmental and traceability criteria. The ISCC standard prohibits the harvest of biomass from highly biodiverse or carbon-rich areas and requires adherence to international fair labor practices.

Any type of biomass-based fuel is eligible for ISCC certification. An ISCC chain-of-custody certification provides biofuel depots, traders and retailers with a recognized system for documenting the handling of responsible biomass and biofuel production from the field to the end consumer. ISCC recognizes all EU RED-approved biofuel certifications, which provides increased flexibility for biofuel blenders and traders who source from multiple suppliers.

ISCC adds to SCS's expanding sustainable agriculture and biofuel certification services, which includes BONSUCRO certification for sustainable sugarcane, third-party certification for Fair Trade USA, and GlobalGAP.

Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has been a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development for more than 25 years. SCS programs span a wide cross-section of sectors, recognizing exemplary performance in natural resource management, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, retailing and more. SCS is a Certified B Corporation™, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

Contact
Nick Kordesch
+1.510.452.8035
nkordesch@scscertified.com

SOURCE Scientific Certification Systems

Butamax Granted Core Patent for Making Biobutanol and Distillers Grains; Offers Producers Efficient, Low-Cost Production of Biobutanol

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:03:39 +0000

Butamax Granted Core Patent for Making Biobutanol and Distillers Grains; Offers Producers Efficient, Low-Cost Production of Biobutanol

PR Newswire

WILMINGTON, Del., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels, LLC announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted Butamax Patent Number 8,178,328. The '328 patent covers a highly efficient engineered pathway for producing isobutanol from recombinant microorganisms at commercial scale. These novel microorganisms have been designed using advanced biotechnology to convert sugar to isobutanol.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120209/MM50763LOGO )

The '328 patent also protects extraction and distillation of the isobutanol, as well as steps for recovering the solids (distillers grains) produced during isobutanol fermentation. Protection of biobutanol processes that produce these grains is key in that distillers grains provide a significant economic advantage for Butamax's customers and provide local agriculture with a high-protein animal feed. With these added protections having priority back to 2005, the '328 patent extends Butamax's foundational patent estate to span key value drivers for commercialization.

The USPTO granted the '328 patent in view of the art cited against Butamax's '188 and '899 patents in reexamination requests filed by Gevo. This means that the USPTO has determined that the '328 patent is novel and inventive over all of the publications referenced in reexamination of the '188 and '889 patents.

"Grant of this new patent supports the Butamax view that the USPTO will ultimately affirm the '188 and '889 patents at the conclusion of the re-examination process," said Paul Beckwith, CEO Butamax.

Butamax will add the '328 patent to its ongoing litigation against Gevo. A decision on Butamax's request for preliminary injunction against Gevo for infringing its '889 patent is expected in the near term and trial for that lawsuit (which also includes the '188 patent) is scheduled for April 2013; subsequent trials are expected for July 2014.

About Butamax

Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels, LLC, a joint venture between BP and DuPont, was formed to develop and commercialize biobutanol as a next generation renewable biofuel for the transport market. The company benefits from the synergy of DuPont's proven industrial biotechnology experience and BP's global fuels market knowledge. Butamax's proprietary technology offers a cost-advantaged manufacturing process for isobutanol with value from field to pump. For more information, visit www.butamax.com.

Butamax™ is a trademark of Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels, LLC.

Media Contact:
Cory Ziskind 646-277-1232

SOURCE Butamax Advanced Biofuels, LLC

The Smart Energy Collective Initiates Design of Five Smart Grid Projects

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:08:00 +0000

The Smart Energy Collective Initiates Design of Five Smart Grid Projects

PR Newswire

ARNHEM, The Netherlands, May 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Twenty six partners of the Smart Energy Collective have signed a renewed cooperation agreement for the approval of the second phase of its smart grid initiative, which involves the development of five large-scale smart grid demonstration projects in the Netherlands. The signing follows a successful preparation period, and marks the start of the actual design phase of the five trial test sites. The projects will be implemented at Schiphol airport, in a few offices of ABB and Siemens, and in residential districtsin Gorinchem, Heerhugowaard, and Goes. Intelligent energy systems, also known assmart grids, are essential for the realization of an affordable and reliable sustainable energy supply. At the same time, the Smart Energy Collective wants to offer an important contribution to the standardization that this new field requires. The Smart Energy Collective is one of the largest sector-transcending initiative in Europe for the concrete development of smart grids and services. Current participants in the project (in alphabetical order) are: ABB, Alliander, APX Endex, BAM,DELTA, DNV KEMAEnergy & Sustainability, Efficient Home Energy, Eaton, Eneco, Enexis, Essent, GEN, Gemalto, Heijmans, IBM, ICT Automatisering, Imtech, KPN, Nedap, NXP Semiconductors, Philips, Priva, Siemens, Smart Dutch, Stedin and TenneT.

Pier Nabuurs, Chairman of the Smart Energy Collective Steering Committee:

"We all know that we are globally evolving towards an energy system in which the share of sustainable energy will be many times higher, and in which electricity generation will be far more decentralized than it currently is. In addition, the demand for electricity will rise, in part due to the increase in prosperity-especially in countries with high economic growth, such as China and India-and the shift in fuel consumption; for example, due to the further introduction of electric vehicles and heat pumps. In order to make this possible, an intelligent energy system is required that uses a combination of innovative technologies and services, and in which the consumer is central. This will enable us to keep the costs of our energy supply at a reasonable level with a comparably high level of reliability. It is without question a milestone that we have taken the next step in the realization of this new energy system with this large group of renowned players."

Based on the implementation of five demonstration projects involving different user groups-industry, offices, existing residential districts, and newly developed districts-the Smart Energy Collective wants to test the smart grids in actual practice, as well as to provide an important impulse to standardization; the need for this is high. During a survey conducted during the first phase, it was evident that there are more than 6,000 relevant standards that play a role in the new technologies, which will be introduced to the market over the coming years. Finally, the objective is to create a common market for energy services that is of a sufficiently large scale. Working groups have been established for standardization, market mechanisms, services and business cases, smart grids, privacy and security, and ICT infrastructure, in order to establish a solid foundation for the design of the five demonstration projects, as well as for future projects.

In the first phase of the project, five trial sites were selected in diverging environments as a means of acquiring an all-encompassing overview.

1. Industry: The Industry demonstration project will be implemented at Schiphol Airport (the GROUNDS) and is focused on small, medium, and large industries. The objective is to prevent local network congestion and to maintain a local energy balance through the use of local electricity generation with one or more combined heat and power (CHP) plants.

2. Offices: The Offices demonstration project will primarily investigate how the flexibility in the energy demand of these offices can be exploited by energy management systems, and the introduction of commercial generating sets with a complete portfolio of offices. The trial test site will consist of a few offices of Siemens and ABB, and potentially other partners in the collective.

3. All Electric Residential District: An entirely electric district provides a unique electricity market profile because the entire energy demand is electric, and local generation is effected through means of solar panels. The charging of electric vehicles and space heating, through electric heat pumps, requires flexibility to reduce the peak load. Storage of electricity, potentially supplemented by local generation using biogas-fired CHP plants, supports this flexibility and the network required for this demonstration project. The trial test site will be implemented in Gorinchem.

4. Gas and Electricity Network District: This trial test site-which will be implemented in Heerhugowaard-is focused on the potential of the existing residential buildings, where gas and electricity applications are brought into competition with each other. In addition, the project will investigate how to get the best out of these two worlds. This provides many opportunities for cost-efficient sustainable energy solutions with a high market potential.

5. District Heating Area: This demonstration project-in Goes-distinguishes itself from other demonstration projects, due to the fully integrated heat and electricity solution. Many possibilities will be investigated, including opportunities for introducing comfort-based services. The desired flexibility will be realized, as well as the smart electricity and heating market optimized on the basis of intelligent underground thermal energy storage systems.

About the Smart Energy Collective

The Smart Energy Collective is a sector-transcending cooperation involving a wide range of companies, on the basis of an open invitation, who share views on our future energy supply. This occurs in coordination with end-users and other involved parties. Smart energy and smart grid enable consumers to better control their own energy management. By improving the ease of use of the energy system and increasing its accessibility, cost savings can be realized. Furthermore, this will result in transforming our energy supply into a sustainable supply, and accelerate the commercial product innovation that is essential for this. The large-scale Smart Energy demonstration projects are required to implement and test intelligent energy concepts and networks in actual practice. To date, twenty six parties are currently participating in the Smart Energy Collective. For more information, please visit http://www.smartenergycollective.com.

Global Alternative Energy Industry

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:56:23 +0000

Global Alternative Energy Industry

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Global Alternative Energy Industry

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0155837/Global-Alternative-Energy-Industry.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Renewable

The global outlook series on Alternative Energy provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers an aerial view of the global Alternative Energy industry, identifies major short to medium term market challenges, and growth drivers. Regional markets elaborated upon include US, Canada, Japan, Europe, India, Australia, China, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and Latin America among others. The report also offers a recapitulation of recent mergers, acquisitions, and corporate developments in addition to an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of 617 companies active in the market.

1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 1Clean Energy Trends: The Changing Face of the Future 1Alternative Energy Gains Global Prominence 1China Dominates Global Clean Energy Industry 2Reduction in Prices Unravel New Growth Opportunities 3Current & Future Analysis 3Table 1: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis forAlternative Energy by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Europe,Asia-Pacific (including Japan), Latin America and Rest ofWorld Markets with Annual Consumption in Terawatt-Hours forYears 2010 through 2015 4

Table 2: World 5-Year Perspective for Alternative Energy by

Geographic Region Percentage Breakdown of Annual Consumption

in Terawatt-Hours for US, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific

(including Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets

for Years 2011 & 2015 5

Table 3: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis forAlternative Energy by Sector - Nuclear Power,Hydroelectricity and Other Renewables with Annual Consumptionin Terawatt-Hours for Years 2010 through 2015 6

Table 4: World 5-Year Perspective for Alternative Energy by

Sector Percentage Breakdown of Annual Consumption in

Terawatt-Hours for Nuclear Power, Hydroelectricity and Other

Renewables for Years 2011 & 2015 7

Market Dynamics 7

Global Renewable Energy Industry Recovers Post Economic

Recession 7

Consolidation Imperative in the Current Economic Environment 8

Renewable Energy to Transform Rural Landscape in Developing

Countries 8

Renewable Energy Targets and Initiatives 8

United States 8

Europe 9

Spain 9

Germany 9

China 10

India 10

Renewable Electricity and Green Power Purchasing Certificates 10

Market Challenges 11

Logistical and Financial Problems Force Closure of Clean-

Technology Mega-Projects 11

Clean Technology Economics - A Long- Term Initiative 11

Rising Concerns Over Natural Resource Depletion May Eclipse

Clean Tech Projects 12

2. REVIEW OF KEY SECTORS 13Solar Energy: Riding on GREEN Strength 13Solar Power: A Part of the Energy Mix Portfolio 13Solar Photovoltaics Market 14Long-term Prospects Upbeat for the PV Systems Market 14Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Market 15A Peek into the Government Efforts Worldwide to Promote SolarEnergy 15China Outstrips Japan in Solar Cells Production 16Table 5: World PV Cell Production (2010): Percentage ShareBreakdown by Country 16Key Statistics 17Table 6: Leading PV Module Suppliers Worldwide (2010):Percentage Share Breakdown by MW Shipped 17

Table 7: Leading Solar Panel Producers Worldwide (2010):

Percentage Breakdown by Production in MW 17

Wind Industry - An Overview 18

Wind Energy Recovers from Economic Doldrums 18

Europe and North America: The Wind Energy Heavyweights 19

What Makes Winds a Clean, Safe & Affordable Source of Energy? 19

Offshore Wind Energy: The Next Great Leap for the Wind Industry 20

Nuclear Power 20

Amidst Controversies Nuclear Power Makes a Comeback to the Fore 20

High Crude Oil Prices Stimulate Growth of Nuclear Power 21

Impact of Global Economic Recession on Nuclear Power Plans 21

Nuclear Energy: A Growing Need for Both Developed and

Emerging Economies 21

Nuclear Power Share Undeterred Due to Rise in Average Load

Factor 22

Capacity Expansions, Financial Incentives to Up Nuclear Power

Production 22

Global Warming Concerns to Drive Demand for Nuclear Energy 22

Regulations: The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) 23

Biomass Power 24

Biofuels 24

Geothermal Power 24

Ocean Energy 25

Hydropower 26

3. PRODUCT OVERVIEW 27Renewable Energy Sources 27Solar Energy 27Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Technology 27Solar Power Tower 27Solar Trough 28Parabolic Dish System 28Photovoltaics 28Evolution of Photovoltaic Technology 28Solar Technologies 29Solar Lighting Methods 29Daylighting Systems 29Hybrid Solar Lighting 30Uses of Solar Energy 30Horticulture and Agriculture 30Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling 30Solar Hot Water Systems 30Solar Distillation 30Solar Water Disinfection 31Solar Cookers 31Waste Water Treatment 31Process Heat 32Evaporation Ponds 32Solar Vehicles 32Solar Chemical 32Other Uses of Solar Energy 33Experimental Use of Solar Energy 33Solar Updraft Tower 33Thermovoltaic Devices 34Space Solar Power Systems 34Applications and Advantages of Solar Energy 34Methods for Storing Solar Energy 34Wind Power 35How Wind is Generated? 35Wind Turbines 35Drawbacks of Wind Power 36Hydropower 36Dedicated Hydroelectric Plants 36Small-Scale Hydroelectric Power Plants 36Benefits of Hydroelectricity 37Drawbacks of Hydroelectric Power 37Wave Power 37Energy Generation Methods 37Advantages of Wave Power 38Drawbacks 38Tidal Energy 38Earth-Moon-Sun: Tidal Energy Generators 38Types of Tidal Energy 39Tidal Stream Systems 39Barrages 39Tidal Stream Generators 39Shrouded Tidal Energy Turbine 39Advantages and Disadvantages of Shrouded Turbines 40Methods of Tidal Power Generation 40Barrage Tidal Power 40Ebb Generation 40Flood Generation 41Two-Basin Schemes 41Biomass 41Low Tech Methods 41High Tech Methods 41Impact of Biomass on Environment 42Wood Biomass 42Biofuels 42Nuclear Power 42Uranium - The Key Source of Nuclear Power Generation 43Alternative Vehicle Fuels 43Electricity 43CNG & LNG 43LPG 44Hydrogen 44Ethanol 44Methanol 44Biodiesel 44

4. EVOLUTION OF MAJOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES: AN OVERVIEW 45

Solar Energy 45

Solar Energy: Research & Development 45

Solar Energy: Market Development 45

Wind Energy 46

Wind Energy: Evolution and Development 46

Wind Energy: Advancements and Market Development 46

Hydroelectric Power 46

5. MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS 48

6. RECENT INDUSTRY ACTIVITY 66

7. PRODUCT LAUNCHES 98A REGIONAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE 104

1. NORTH AMERICA 104

1a. UNITED STATES 104Alternative Energy Resources Gain Focus 104Industry Regulations 105Renewable Energy Market Overview 105Solar Energy Market- An Overview 106Government Policies Fuel Solar Energy Growth 106Investment Scenario 107US - The Global Leader in Wind Energy 107Market Challenges 108A Windmap of Windpower Status 108California 108Illinois 108Minnesota 109Texas 109Iowa 109Washington 109Nuclear Energy Overview 109US - A Major Industry Contributor 109An Overview of Hydropower Industry 110Biomass 110Geothermal Market Overview 110

1b. CANADA 112

Wind Energy Overview 112

Ontario - A Leader in the Making 112

Solar Energy Overview 113

Table 8: Canadian PV Market (2010): Breakdown of Annual PV

Power Installed (MW) 113

End Use Market 113

Equipment Market 113

PV Technology: The Prospects 114

The Barriers 114

2. JAPAN 115Alternative Energy Overview 115Solar Energy Overview 115Japanese Players to Ramp Up Production to Regain Share 115The NEDO Contribution 116The METI Strategy 117Wind Energy Overview 117Geothermal Energy Overview 118

3. EUROPE 119

EC's Proposals for Promoting Renewable Energy Sources 119

Table 9: EU Renewable Energy Targets for EU15 Countries by

2020 120

Government Incentives for New Energy Plants 120

PV Overview 120

Wind Energy Overview 121

The Regional Wind Energy Leaders 121

Offshore Wind Energy to Grow Exponentially 121

Offshore Wind Energy Challenges 121

Table 10: Leading Turbine Makers for the Offshore Grid

(2010): Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales for Siemens,

Vestas and REpower 122

Central and Eastern Europe Exhibit Strong Growth Potential 122

High and Low Growth Countries 122

Market Analytics 123

Table 11: European Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for

Alternative Energy by Geographic Region - France, Germany,

Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe with Annual

Consumption in Terawatt Hours for Years 2010 through 2015 123

Table 12: European 5-Year Perspective for Alternative Energyby Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Consumption inTerawatt Hours for France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russiaand Rest of Europe Markets for Years 2011 & 2015 124

3a. FRANCE 125

Renewable Energy Overview 125

Solar Energy Overview 125

Governmental Support and Funding 125

Wind Energy Overview 126

3b. GERMANY 127Solar Energy Overview 127Wind Energy Overview 127

3c. ITALY 128

Italian PV Market to Witness Robust Growth 128

Research Programs 128

A Brief Overview of the Italian Wind Energy Market 128

Leading Wind Energy Producers & Turbine Manufacturers 129

Geothermal Industry Overview 129

3d. UNITED KINGDOM 130Renewable Energy Overview 130Solar Energy Overview 130Wind Energy Overview 130Government Promotes Offshore Wind Farms 131Natural Gas Overview 132Biofuel Overview 132

3e. SPAIN 133

Renewable Energy Overview 133

Solar Energy Overview 133

Issues Before the Industry 133

Wind Energy Overview 134

3f. REST OF EUROPE 135Romania 135Renewable Energy Overview 135Czech Republic 135PV Industry Overview 135Sweden 135Alternative Energy Overview 135Wind Energy Overview 136Turkey 136Wind Power Overview 136Switzerland 137Alternative Energy Overview 137Estonia 137Renewable Energy Overview 137Finland 137Renewable Energy Overview 137Lithuania 138Renewable Energy Overview 138Latvia 138Renewable Energy Overview 138Denmark 139Renewable Energy Overview 139Wind Energy Overview 139Netherlands 140

4. ASIA-PACIFIC 141

Renewable Energy Sector- An Overview 141

Southeast Asia Presents Immense Growth Prospects 141

Table 13: Renewable Energy Market in Southeast Asia:

Percentage Share of Installed Capacity by Technology for the

Years 2012 & 2015(E) 142

Geothermal and Biomass Energy Lead the Suite 142

Philippines Leads Southeast Asian Market for Renewable Energy 142

Solar Power Market- An Overview 143

Wind Energy - Asia-Pacific 144

China and India Drive Wind Energy Market in Asia 144

Wind Energy in Southeast Asia 144

Small Hydropower Plants - the Mainstay of Hydropower Sector in

Southeast Asia 144

Philippines and Indonesia Lead Geothermal Power Sector in

Southeast Asia 145

Substantial Resources Bode Strong Growth in Biomass Power 145

Key Markets 146

Biofuel Market Booming in Asia-Pacific 146

Market Analytics 146

Table 14: Asia Pacific Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis

for Alternative Energy by Geographic Region - China, India,

Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific with Annual Consumption in

Terawatt hours for Years 2010 through 2015 147

Table 15: Asia Pacific 5-Year Perspective for AlternativeEnergy by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown ofConsumption in Terawatt Hours for China, India, Japan, Restof Asia-Pacific for Years 2011 & 2015 148

4a. CHINA 149

Rising Energy Demand Shifts Focus to Alternative Energy Sources 149

Alternative Energy Opportunities in China 149

Renewable Energy Market in China 149

Government Support for Renewable Energy Market 150

The Renewable Energy Act 151

Solar Energy Sector - A Review 151

China Poised to Become Major Solar Energy Consumer 152

Table 16: Leading Solar PV Manufacturers in China (2010):

Percentage Share Breakdown by Revenues 152

Table 17: Top Solar Panel Producers in China (2010): Rankedby Estimated Production in Megawatts 153Wind Energy Exhibits High Potential for Growth 153

4b. INDIA 155

Renewable Energy Market in India - A Primer 155

Government Support 155

Renewable Energy Resources to Fulfill Growing Energy Needs 156

An Overview of Solar Power Market 157

Major Players 157

India Treads Forward in Wind Energy 157

Increasing Focus on Small Hydropower Plants 158

Biofuel Market on Growth Path 158

4c. AUSTRALIA 159An Overview of Renewable Energy Market 159Huge Prospects Lie Within 159PV Market - An Overview 159Geothermal Market Overview 160

4d. THAILAND 161

Renewable Energy Market- An Overview 161

Solar Energy: Proving to be the Best Alternative 161

Hydroelectric Power Generation to Increase 161

Thailand Falls Short of Alternative Energy Targets 161

4e. PHILIPPINES 162Alternative Energy - An Indispensable Constituent of Energy Mix 162

4f. INDONESIA 163

Renewable Energy Market- An Overview 163

4g. SOUTH KOREA 163

5. LATIN AMERICA 164

Renewable Energy Sources Gain Significance in Electricity

Generation 164

Renewable Energy: Challenges 164

Government Initiatives in Different Latin American Countries 165

Costa Rica 165

Chile 165

Mexico 165

Central America and the Caribbean 165

Solar Energy Market 166

Wind Energy Market 166

Market Scenario 166

Technology Advancements Fuel Wind Power Growth 167

Biomass Market 167

Robust Growth Ahead in Biomass-Based Power Generation 168

5a. BRAZIL 169Renewable Energy Industry - An Overview 169Wind Energy Market 169Biofuel Market Booming in Brazil 169

5b. MEXICO 170

Overview 170

6. REST OF WORLD 171Wind Energy Continues to Expand in MENA Region 171Nigeria 171Algeria 171Renewable Energy Production to Rise 171Table 18: Renewable Power Production Capacity Forecast inAlgeria by Domestic Consumption and Exports (In MW) for theYears 2010, 2015, and 2020 172GLOBAL DIRECTORY

To order this report:Renewable energy Industry: Global Alternative Energy Industry

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