Since CORA's founding in early 2009, our group of Partners has grown dramatically. Our decision to launch a newsletter was based in part on our desire to optimize the awareness of each Partner of the activities of the others. By so doing, we will be better able to identify and facilitate potential mutual business and research collaborations.
In addition to the periodic publication of the CORA Newsletter, we will provide occasional Breaking News Bulletins to keep our network apprised of major developments as they occur. We are mindful of the large number of emails that we all receive and will consider that in our decisions as to which developments deserve your attention.
Each issue will feature news from our Partners as well as information of general interest. All Partners are invited to apprise us of major developments as they occur for inclusion in our Breaking News Bulletins.
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Spotlight on Spirae
Spirae, a CORA Partner, is based in Fort Collins, Colorado and provides power management solutions to the utility industry for integrating large quantities of distributed energy resources (DER). These resources include, among others, wind generation, solar photovoltaic, conventional fossil fuel-based distributed generation, energy storage, controllable loads, and electric vehicles. Since Spirae's founding by Sunil Cherian, CEO, the company has become well known and admired for its contributions to smart grid projects in the U.S. and internationally. The company is a leader in providing advanced modeling and simulation capabilities and intelligent control of distribution systems. An early win for Spirae was its selection for the Cell Controller Project by Energinet.dk, the owner and operator of the Danish  transmission system. Denmark is the world leader in integrating renewable and distributed energy resources in electric power systems. Spirae's role is leading the ongoing development of an innovative grid management technology for optimizing distribution system performance by maximizing the contribution from renewable sources. In addition, Spirae's control system has demonstrated the ability to segment portions of a distribution system into "virtual power plants" with the ability for islanded operations, contributing to transmission system stability and security. These will provide the ability to more easily restore power in the event of system failures, including those that might be caused by cyber attacks, and also enable new markets for participating DER to provide ancillary services and other forms of grid support. More recently, Spirae was selected to participate in a smart grid demonstration project for the Northwest region of the United States. This project is one of 16 regional demonstration projects announced by the Department of Energy. Using smart grid technologies, the project will test new combinations of devices, software and advanced analytical tools that enhance the power grid's reliability and performance. Spirae's participation in the Northwest region project will focus on managing diverse forms of distributed energy resources and demand management deployed throughout the power systems that serve the participating test sites. These two projects, together with Spirae's selection as the technical lead in a DOE funded demonstration project in Fort Collins, has established the company as one of the leading smart grid and distributed energy integration leaders in the world. We were delighted that Sunil was able to join NREL representatives in the CORA-led delegation last October to Grenoble. It is safe to say that Sunil's contribution firmly established Colorado's leading role in smart grid technologies in the minds of the experts with whom we met.
Spirae has been described as a "Colorado treasure" for its world class knowledge of the smart grid landscape. We at CORA are very fortunate to count Spirae among our Partners.
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CORA Partner INPG Entreprise-Sponsored Start-Up Wins Major Award
INPG Entreprise's activity is focused on nurturing start-ups born for the majority from innovative research at its parent, the National Polytechnic Institute of Grenoble. Since the organization's creation in 1991, its "graduates" number over 100.
We are pleased to report that one of its success stories, EVEON, has won the 2010 Award for Innovative Young Companies presented by the magazine Usine Nouvelles. EVEON won in the category "Innovative Products". Henri-Marc Michaud, President of INPG Entreprise and instrumental in the company's launch, also serves on the Board of Directors.
EVEON is a pioneer in the design of automatic plunger-free medical injection devices. The company owns a portfolio of 6 international patents. |
| NREL and Tenerrdis Sign Historic Agreement
Following a delegation to Grenoble in October 2009 organized by CORA, the participation of key leaders from NREL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory based in Colorado, resulted in  discussions that led to the signing in Paris in April 2010 of an agreement between NREL and Tenerrdis, the French national cluster for new energy technologies based in Grenoble. The agreement calls for partnering on major research projects concerned with solar, smartgrid, and batteries for electric vehicles and other energy storage applications. This accord represents the first major win for CORA in its program to identify and facilitate potential research and business collaborations between Colorado and the Rhone-Alpes Region. Cobiz editor Mike Cote talks with NREL and its new French partner about forging a global partnership to move energy transformation forward. |
Schneider Electric--A Global Leader in Reducing Energy Costs
I t is hard to overstate the scope of Schneider Electric's role in every aspect of reducing the global costs of energy. While coal, oil and natural gas will be part of our world for some time to come, Schneider Electric understands that a huge reduction in our energy consumption is possible with technologies that are available today.
A few statistics make the case. World energy consumption has risen 45% since 1980, but is projected to rise another 70% by 2030. At the same time, consider that every unit of energy used r equires 3 units of production. In the latter case, the main issues are antiquated transmission infrastructures along with inefficiencies in our distribution systems.
Rebuilding transmission grids will require vast expenditures and availability of capital will be an issue for some time to come. However, once the electricity reaches the substations on its way to consumption in buildings, manufacturing processes, and consumers, there is a great deal that can be done now.
Schneider Electric estimates that there are potential savings of 30% that can be realized today through better energy management and implementation of energy efficiency technologies currently available. The math is simple - 3 units of energy produced for every unit of energy consumed means a multiple of savings that would have a huge impact on our consumption of fossil fuels.
No one argues that alternative sources of energy - primarily sun and wind - are among the solutions essential to sustain the health of the planet and quality of life for future generations.
However, less present in the public dialogue are the vast reductions in our dependence on fossil fuels that can be gained with available technologies. We can and must seek to realize these gains in the period from now until new energies achieve critical mass.
Looking beyond this reality, Schneider Electric understands the importance of new energy sources and is making huge investments in advancing efficiencies in conversion of solar energy to electricity on the grid and in energy storage critical to dealing with the intermittent flow of energy from the sun and wind.
There is much more to report in future CORA newsletters, but in the meantime there is something concrete that can be done by anyone. Schneider Electric has launched a "Energy University" website that provides the latest information and training on energy efficiency concepts and best practices. All you need to do is login and enroll. It's free and "vendor neutral." A little study time and you can earn a Certification that verifies that you have gained a comprehensive understanding of energy management. |
New Sky Energy--Another Win For Innovation in Colorado
On June 17, 2010, New Sky Energy was selected from more than 100 companies to receive the Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries Organization's Utility Technology Challenge. New Sky is also a 2009 Cleantech Open (Rocky Mountain Region) winner and finalist in the 2009 Nationals. Boulder, Colorado-based New Sky Energy is a carbon negative chemical manufacturing company that makes useful products out of  carbon dioxide. New Sky uses a proprietary capture process to scrub CO2 from the air or flue gas and converts it into safe, stable solids. These solids can, in turn, be incorporated into building materials, durable goods, fertilizers, and other manufactured products. New Sky's process is simple, sustainable chemistry, protected by nine US and international patent applications. New Sky's chemical inputs are waste salt, water and carbon dioxide; outputs are valuable carbon negative products - smart chemistry for a cleaner planet. New Sky Energy attended a program in May presented by CORA in connection with the delegation from Grenoble here to fete the new collaboration agreement with NREL. As a result of introductions from that event, New Sky is in discussions with French companies about applications for their technology in Europe and around the world and is seeking to participate in several Europe-based clean technology conferences in the coming months. Congratulations to Deane Little, New Sky Energy's CEO, for the development of what has deservedly been called a game-changing technology. |
Alstom Wind Partners with NREL
CORA Partner Grenoble-based Alstom Hydro's fellow division, Alstom Wind, has joined the NREL family of R&D partners. Both divisions are part of the global power-generation giant Alstom. Alstom Wind is based  in Barcelona. NREL's National Wind Technology Center will test the performance of Alstom Wind's Pure Torque design, a rotor support concept for wind turbines. Research is scheduled to begin in fall 2010 and will be completed by mid-2011. |
Grenoble Region Plays a Leading European Role in Electric Vehicles
Large scale deployment of electric vehicles is on the way and the Grenoble Region is positioned to play a major role in achieving
Lithium battery installation from an electric vehicle to measure energy performance  | France's goal of 500,000 EV and hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015. The Grenoble Region possesses the whole value-added chain, from basic research to technology platforms for developing prototypes. According to Claude Ricaud, Senior Vice-President at CORA Partner, Schneider Electric, "We are convinced the market is taking off and now is the right time" to capitalize on the region's significant assets in order to help achieve mass production. The latest important step is the launch of "STEEVE", a platform unique in Europe that brings together major research and industry leaders. STEEVE will provide a full range of R&D resources for research, battery prototyping, safety performance assessment, and certification. A major objective for STEEVE's laboratories is to be able to produce sufficient batteries to equip 50 EV's per month. The goal is to produce batteries that will double the distance available with today's technologies. A major challenge, in which Schneider Electric is playing a leading role, is developing the charging infrastructure essential to a significant roll-out of EV's. The necessary "plug to wheel" availability will require an infrastructure that includes public as well as private charging capabilities. One challenge in EV deployment is being uniquely met by RECUPYL, a Grenoble-based company - and CORA Partner - which has developed and patented a process to recover virtually all the metals contained in lithium ion batteries. According to Farouk Tedjar, President, "everyone is talking about developing and selling electric vehicles, but who is talking about the end-of-life issues so critical with lithium ion batteries"? RECUPYL, which has already established a number of processing plants around the world, expects its recovery process to represent a significant "above-the-ground" source of lithium in a world where supply is a critical concern. Through CORA, Colorado has found a great partner in the Grenoble Region to further leverage its already considerable assets in EV and PHEV research and development. |
| Upcoming Events and Activities |
Grenoble Innovation Fair. The second annual GIF will be held October 5-6, 2010 at the Grenoble - Alpexpo Convention Center. This international event brings together research laboratories, high-growth start-ups, and innovation-driven commercialized companies.
 The exhibition will feature over 100 technologies developed in the Alpine Region - Grenoble, Lyon, Turin and Lausanne - plus conferences on the themes of innovation and sustainability.
We our proud that, in addition to the GIF organizer, GRAIN (Grenoble Alpes Incubation), the Presenting Partners include five additional CORA Partners which we believe demonstrates the extent to which our organization has developed strong networks in the Grenoble Region. These include AEPI, the economic development agency for Grenoble and Isere, the surrounding region, Schneider Electric, INPG Entreprise, Tenerrdis (the national renewable energy cluster based in Grenoble) and, through CORA Partner Bank of the West, its parent BNP Paribas.
For more information click here. Pollutec. The 24th annual Pollutec exhibition will be held in Lyon from November 30 through December 3, 2010. The organizers expect 2,400 exhibitors and over 75,000 visitors.
The three major themes are prevention and treatment of pollution, preservation of the environment, and sustainable development. Pollutec is an excellent venue for Colorado companies involved in these three sectors to identify business development opportunities.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has granted Trade Fair Certification status to Pollutec 2010 There will be a U.S. Pavillion staffed with translators and U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists to help U.S. companies identify potential customers and partners.
For more information click here
 NREL Industry Growth Forum
The Forum attracts leading cleantech venture capital and investment banks and draws business development executives from global energy companies looking for strategic investments and partnering opportunities.
CORA Partners, including both companies and professionals serving clean energy companies, who attend the Forum will gain an up-to-date understanding of investors' strategies and, through networking and interaction with provocative panels, discover ideas that may contribute to their business development activities.
For more information, click here
Mission to Colorado from Grenoble. Thanks to the hard work of Virginie Ganivet, CORA Executive Director, and Karine Capelle from the international arm of the Chamber of Commerce for the Grenoble Region (GREX), a mission is being organized that will bring a group of executives from several of the region's software companies to Denver. The delegates will participate in the annual DemoGALA from October 6-8, presented by CSIA, the Colorado Software and Internet Association. The theme of the mission is "Colorado as an alternative to the Silicon Valley and the Boston region." Colorado is being promoted as a strong, but not well known, option for entering the U.S. market, given its business-friendly environment and significant assets in the fields of interest for the delegates. Virginie will be arranging individual appointments with prospective customers and business partners. She can be reached at Virginie@rmfacc.org or 303-695-7818 x101. |
| Recent CORA Events and Activities |
May 12-14: Grenoble Representatives' Mission to Colorado
The primary goal of the mission was to review the progress of the collaboration between NREL and Tenerrdis in two selected areas (PV & Smart Grid). Several meetings were held with local companies who have international development projects in the areas of renewable energy and cleantech. One meeting, organized at NREL, was held via video conference with INES and Grenoble INP.
While in town for the Mission, Claude Graff, Executive Advisor on New Energy for Schneider Electric, was the guest of honor at the Rocky Mountain French-American Chamber of Commerce's annual gala dinner, along with Dan Arvizu, Director of NREL. This event brought together over one hundred people for a program that was both business-focused and festive.
Representatives: Claude Graff, Executive Advisor on New Energy for Schneider Electric and Veronique Pequignat, the head of the international business investment department at AEPI, the Grenoble economic development agency.
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May 13: Opportunities in the French Cleantech Industry
A program at the Westin Tabor Center focused on Schneider Electric's role in research and business development and how their knowledge of renewable energy markets might present opportunities for Colorado companies.
Also discussed were current developments in France that might present market opportunities for Colorado companies, including the recently announced $100 million venture capital fund, Aster Capital, and how their plans for VC and scaling investments in North America might benefit Colorado companies
Speakers: Claude Graff, Executive Advisor on New Energy for Schneider Electric and Veronique Pequignat, the head of the international business investment department at AEPI, the Grenoble economic development agency. |
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LEN, PETALE Agreement Boosts U.S.--France Business Opportunities
CORA is pleased to announce the signature of a strategic collaboration agreement between the Longmont Entrepreneurial Network (LEN), a Longmont-based innovative technology incubator focused on assisting new start up companies in the fields of software, bioscience and biomass,with PETALE, a CORA partner.
Alex Sammoury, Executive Director of the Longmont Entrepreneurial Network said that "This collaboration  signifies an opportunity for Colorado companies to get more acquainted with doing business overseas, particularly in France. Our goal is to help companies expand their network through partnerships."
Created in 2002, LEN's mission and goal is to help innovative entrepreneurs develop, grow and build sustainable and profitable businesses. To date LEN has assisted over 50 startups.
Gilles Talbotier, Managing Director of PETALE, an organization in France that incubates start-up companies, commented that "  working in conjunction with LEN gives our member companies easier access to the U.S. market. French hi-tech start-ups face stiff competition. They need to know in advance if their product has a future in the U.S. market. Strengthened by the LEN, our members can more easily validate whether or not exporting to the U.S. makes sense. The partnership offers us both significant advantages."
PETALE, an acronym for Pepiniere Technologique Alpine d'Entreprises, was formed in 2006 to help young French start-ups to develop their business. It has succeeded in its mission and has 36 members being coached on matters such as commercial issues, fundraising, and international partnerships.
Both LEN and PETALE realize the synergies and similarities between their organizations as well as the potential benefits from a collaborative partnership. Each group is concerned with facilitating access to foreign markets and understanding best practices for their respective clients and members, most notably start-ups in Colorado and in Grenoble, France. The goal is to improve their members' international competitiveness.
This agreement came about as a direct result of the existing collaboration already in place between AEPI, the Grenoble-Isere France Economic Development Agency, and CORA. |
| Abound Solar Will Use Loan to Expand
This article originally appeared in the July 6, 2010 edition of the Boulder County Business Report
LOVELAND - The U.S. Department of Energy has offered Loveland-based Abound Solar Manufacturing LLC a $400 million, seven-year federal loan guarantee to expand its solar module manufacturing capabilities.
Abound Solar will use the DOE funds to increase production of its thin-film photovoltaic modules at its production plant east of Longmont and a new plant in Indiana.
Abound Solar has raised approximately $200 million in venture capital and private equity since 2007.
Abound anticipates using $100 million of the loan proceeds to increase the capacity of its existing Longmont facility to 200 megawatts per year by the end of 2011. The company plans to invest the balance of the guaranteed loan to support the construction of a larger manufacturing facility in Tipton, Ind. When both plants are complete, Abound Solar will be able to produce more than 840 megawatts of solar modules annually.
"The DOE loan guarantee program is essential to helping companies like Abound Solar scale-up innovations in photovoltaic manufacturing that are critical to reducing the cost of alternative energy," said Tom Tiller, Abound Solar's President and Chief Executive Officer.
"When Abound opened its first manufacturing plant in 2009, we committed to providing high-performing, lower-cost modules to our customers; DOE is helping us keep that promise. The proceeds of this loan will build on the momentum we have already established and confidently expand our operations.
The loan was announced by President Obama during his weekly radio address. |
CORA is a private non-profit organization dedicated to serving the interests of our Partners and contributing to the economies of Colorado and the Rhône-Alpes Region of France. For more information on CORA and how to become a Partner, visit our website.
CORA is an initiative of
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| A Message from the President--Bob Snyder
For our first newsletter, we believe it will be helpful to provide a brief overview of our history to readers who are not CORA Partners.
In 2008, we set out to create a bi-lateral economic development activity to help develop business and research opportunities between Colorado and the Rhône-Alpes Region of France. We chose the Rhône-Alpes Region as it is the second largest economy in France after Paris and, perhaps even more important, the seventh largest regional economy in Europe.
As can be seen from our website, the remarkable similarities in business, research and quality of life between Colorado and the Rhône-Alpes Region provide the basis for a natural partnership in developing research and business opportunities that can provide benefit not only for our businesses and research organizations, but also contribute to the economies of both areas.
As we honed our strategy, it became apparent that our venture would be best served by focusing our development efforts on the world- class new energy assets of Colorado and the Rhône-Alpes Region. These assets include renewable energy, smartgrid, advanced batteries for multiple energy storage applications, and the often underappreciated vast opportunities for reducing energy costs through advances in energy efficiency and management.
We were very fortunate in that Schneider Electric agreed to be our Founding Partner. Schneider Electric is a global company with operations in over 100 countries. The company's reach extends to all aspects of our chosen sectors. They are arguably the world leader in advances in reducing energy costs from consumer usage to building and production process controls. They are also deeply involved in research in energy storage, smartgrid, and electric vehicles.
Our unique organization and bi-lateral mission has been proven effective as can be seen from the articles in the newsletter. However, our very uniqueness has presented interesting challenges in communicating and gaining understanding of our activities which will be met in part by launch of the newsletter.
Both Colorado and the Rhône-Alpes Region deserve to be an option by organizations interested in international expansion. Not only does each present significant potential in their own markets, but they can be effective "platforms" for doing business in the U.S. and Europe in general.
Bob |
The Grenoble Region is home to 456 foreign-owned companies, with U.S. companies representing the largest group at 129 companies, four of which rank in the top 9 - Hewlett Packard, Tecumseh, Caterpillar and Becton Dickinson.
CNBC's recent survey of Top Business States for Doing Business placed Colorado 3rd on the list. They cited Colorado's quality of life, technology and innovation, and "business friendliness." |
Contact Us
Virginie Ganivet, Executive Director
www.coranetwork.org
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| The CORA Newsletter is edited and designed by Lois H. Feinstein
303-748-2024
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