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Project and Location News |
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GE to Manufacture Sodium Batteries in NY
In a continuation of a series of project announcements reported last month on battery facilities, GE will invest $100M near its HQ in NY to manufacture sodium-based batteries.
In other project news:
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Market Update |
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Duke Implementing Distributed Solar Generation
Duke Energy will build between 100 and 400 solar photovoltaic systems throughout North Carolina over the next two years in one of the first large-scale initiatives of its kind in the U.S., CEO Jim Rogers said last week.
In other market news:
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Incentives and Policy News |
Corn Farmers and Biofuel Supporters Unhappy with EPA Proposed Emissions Calculations
Corn farmers and pro-biofuel groups are asking their supporters to contact the Environmental Protection Agency about the most recent efforts to consider South American farming in rating the carbon footprint of U.S.-produced corn ethanol and soy diesel.
Ethanol supporters are crying foul to the EPA's proposed revisions to the nation's Renewable Fuels Standard that will change how the greenhouse gas emissions from all biofuels are calculated. The new EPA formula will theoretically add any effect of farmland growth in Brazil to the carbon footprint of corn ethanol production in states such as South Dakota.
In other incentives and policy news:
Obama Administration Announcement Includes Biofuels Interagency Working Group and Stimulus Funds for Biofuels Research and Commercialization |
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Technology Update |
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OriginOil Processes Algal Biofuels More Efficiently
OriginOil, an algae biofuel company based in Los Angeles, has developed a simpler and more efficient way to extract oil from algae. The process combines ultrasound and an electromagnetic pulse to break the algal cell walls. Then the algae solution is force-fed carbon dioxide, which lowers its pH, separating the biomass from the oil.
"It's low energy, there's not a lot of machinery, and it's a simple process," says CEO Riggs Eckelberry. The algae and oil can be separated in a matter of minutes, he adds.
A number of companies are attempting to take advantage of the fact that algae naturally produce oil. But growing algae and extracting its oil efficiently is difficult, time consuming, and expensive. While some companies are focusing on better growing and harvesting methods, others, such as OriginOil, are focused on finding new ways to access the oil.
In other technology news:
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Workforce Trends |
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MO Workshop is Part of Effort to Replace Lost Mfg. Jobs with Green Jobs
Missouri is pitching itself to become a leader in the wind industry due to its proximity to the country's wind corridor (which is what also make states like Nebraska and South Dakota good candidates for wind energy). The state is turning to alternative energy to replace jobs lost due to economic turmoil that includes an auto industry near collapse. The Wind Energy Supply Chain Workshop series put on by the Missouri Partnership is part of the effort.
In other workforce news:
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Conference News |
4th Annual Southeast Bioenergy Conference
No one source of renewable energy -- biofuels, solar,or wind-is enough to break our reliance on fossil fuels. The 2009 Southeast Bioenergy Conference being held August 11-13, 2009 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, GA will focus on how each of these renewable energy technologies can work together to make change. Leading off the discussion will be Robert Zubrin, author of Energy Victory, who will set the tone for a convergence of our technologies. Co-keynoter Jack Boykin of Cello Energy, will inspire you with hope with an overview of his new biofuel process. Government and industry experts will share their views on the prospects for renewable energy businesses now and in the future. Register today at www.sebioenergy.org.
Sumesh Arora of Strategic Biomass Solutions will be representing Mississippi on the state panel during this conference to give an update on the types of projects going on the state. Questions? Email Sumesh. |
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Company Profile: General Electric |
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Manufacturer who Began 130+ Years Ago with Edison's Light Bulbs is Pioneer in Multiple AE Technologies
General Electric (NYSE: GE, motto "Imagination at Work") is a traditional manufacturer of electrical equipment headquartered in Fairfield, CT. It employs 323,000 individuals worldwide and its annual sales, more than $180B, have increased by 5.81% over the last year. Its current market capitalization is nearly $122B on a share price of $11.61/share (52-week high $30.39/share and 52-week low of $5.73/share). Its five primary business units are Energy Infrastructure, Technology Infrastructure, NBC Universal, Capital Finance and Consumer & Industrial. Its energy products include sodium-based batteries (see above), wind turbines, energy efficient hybrid water heaters, and solar electric power systems. GE gas engines and other technology can use biogas for fuel and protect water quality. As reported above, GE said that in 2008 it sold $17 billion worth of products and services that help customers conserve energy and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, a 21% increase over the previous year. In addition to its internal research and innovation, GE has also invested in A123Systems, a privately-held manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, as reported last month.
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