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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Race to Index 20,000; Dow or TSX?

New York and Toronto stock markets will both surpass 20,000


The Dow Jones industrial average closed at 11,555.63 today, and here in Canada, the S&P/TSX composite index closed at 11,732.50. As the only way out of the current morass involves printing enough money to get inflation re-started, one may feel that resource-rich Canada will move ahead and power its way to 20,000 before the Dow. It's possible, however it may be more likely that the resource panic peaks in 2011 / 2012 and technology / green energy takes over as the primary economic engine from 2013 onwards. In this scenario, I see the Dow hitting 20,000 in August 2018 and/or in the 3rd week of January 2019, Twin Peaks, before retreating below 16,000 by late September 2019.

The TSX will peak in July 2018 at 19,280 before a Summer / Autumn swoon, rally again to 18,900 by late January 2019, and then correct to below 16,700 by November 2019. The Toronto Market will have to wait for the glory of sailing through 20k until the Spring of 2021. At that point, Jah willing, we'll post a Race to 30,000 article.


Presidential cycle favours buying near end of 3rd year uncertainty

With regards to North American cycles, if you are playing the stock market (eg you are underweight equity funds and would like to move the weighting up a bit), the historical best time to buy equities is late November / early December in the 3rd year of the USA Presidency (eg now), a season where plunging markets can often be exacerbated by personal and institutional tax-loss sellers. The market almost always falls in the 3rd year because it is long over for the honeymoon phase and too early to pump the money supply and economy for the next election, as that starts early in the 4th year. So if you are into buying equities, the next few weeks of tax-loss selling should provide great opportunities for long term investors to do some tax-loss BUYING.

Remember:

"Markets climb a wall of worry."


Joseph Trainor, CIM
November 29, 2011

Friday, November 11, 2011

Technology that moves water will be key over next decade

As most of the world will soon have not enough or too much water, investing in water pumps and water pipelines seems like an intelligent move. Here's one to consider:

Energy Recovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: ERII), a manufacturer of water pumps for desalination plants.


For more water-related investments, visit Water Intell - Desalination, Irrigation, Hydro, Tidal and Wave Power

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Blue Chips go turquoise, seek green hue and $$$

Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW) unveiled its solar roof shingles, saying they'll generate $1 billion in revenue by 2015.


BP (NYSE: BP) announced it will invest $800 million to build the largest wind farm in Kansas.


GE (NYSE: GE) said it would build the largest solar factory in the United States. Larger than 11 football fields, the Colorado facility will make cadmium telluride thin-film solar cells, similar to those made by First Solar (NYSE: FSLR).

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Margaret Atwood publishes book made from straw

New paper source designed to protect forests



From TheSpec.com:

Atwood special-edition book printed on straw

Author Margaret Atwood has partnered with an environmental advocacy non-profit to release a limited special edition of her new collection of essays on a pioneering form of paper.

The 300 copies of In Other Worlds: SF and the Human Imagination that went on sale Tuesday are published on Second Harvest Paper, designed by Vancouver-based Canopy specifically for Atwood. It’s the first book in North America printed on straw.

“These pages were produced without any harmful impact on forests and their fragile ecosystems,” writes Atwood in the introduction. “Human beings need oxygen, and forests produce it; printed books require paper, but paper need not be made from virgin forests. This is an elegant solution to a pressing problem.”

Made from a combination of recycled material and the straw left over from harvesting grain, the innovative material gives the Atwood’s book half the ecological footprint of conventional paper.

“For us she was a logical person to approach to be the champion,” Canopy’s executive director, Nicole Rycroft, said of the organization’s collaboration with Atwood on the pilot project.

“We know and love her for being willing to dive out of the box and to try the unknown and to stand up for us and for our planet … . I just find it startling that in 2011 we still cut down, in Canada, 400- and 800-year-old trees to make Jackie Collins novels and bank statements, when this book proves that using straw to make paper is a viable alternative to using endangered forest.

“Using straw to make paper helps diversify the fibre basket and helps keep up to 830 million trees standing each and every year in our carbon-rich forests. At this juncture, that is really critical in terms of our keeping our climate stable.”

Although Canada is one of the world’s largest wheat-growing regions, it lacks the infrastructure to turn wheat straw into pulp, so the byproduct utilized for Atwood’s books was imported from China.

“That’s where we need government and paper industry leadership to really follow this demonstration of product viability,” explained Rycroft.

Although the digital age is upon us, the “mythical paperless office” may still be decades away, so Second Harvest Paper could have widespread uses from annual reports to toilet paper, she added.

The unique autographed copies of In Other Worlds are available at www.canopyplanet.org. With proceeds going to Canopy, the $100 price tag reflects its limited availability, said Rycroft.

“Straw paper should in fact cost no more than conventional paper,” she said

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Market Timing: Is Autumn 2011 a good time to invest?

Stock markets often bottom in 3rd year of USA Presidency


Historically the best day to invest is the first Tuesday morning in December, as that allows you to avoid the fall swoon, and buy in at the end of tax loss selling, but still be in place for year end rally and January, which is usually an up month due to New year optimism.

Also historically, the 3rd year in a US Presidency is the worst year for equity markets, as the honeymoon is over, and it is too early to pump the economy for the next year's election.

So yes, an awesome time to invest in stocks is here, or close.

I'd suggest putting about 20% of your stocks allocation in now, another 30% by mid-November and be fully invested by 1st week of December.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Water and Agriculture stocks to watch

If a global water shortage and potential food supply disruptions have you concerned, why not invest in water conservation and efficient food production? A wide range of water stocks are profiled over at WaterIntell.com, and here's a new one worth looking into:


Lindsay Corp. (NYSE: LNN) manufactures efficient irrigation equipment to assist farmers in increasing productivity per acre, utilizing a minimal amount of water.

Bunge (NYSE: BG) is dedicated to improving the global agribusiness and food production chain, via four divisions: agribusiness, sugar and bioenergy, food and ingredients and fertilizer. To be honest, I'm not sure how "green" this company is, however I do believe they will benefit from their bioenergy division.

Agriculture equipment companies like Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) and Deere (NYSE: DE) are also sure to be in demand in the years and decades ahead.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

FSLR worth accumulating before 2012

I have had this post on my "to-do" list for about 3 or 4 days now, ever since First Solar announced higher efficiency thin film solar cells. Still, even though the stock has gone from 59 to 73 in the past 24 hours, FSLR is a long term play that should do well in 2012.

If you have powder dry and are itching to get in, you may wanna start accumulating First Solar in the coming days and weeks, with the goal of having your full position in place by last week of November or first week of December.




Target is $120 Q1 or $140 Q2 2012.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Green Stocks to WATCH; Solar, Thorium, Clean Water

Here are a few green stocks worth keeping an eye on, and perhaps accumulating on any Autumn general market weakness (notes from company websites and Nick Hodge of Energy & Capital):


Amtech Systems (NASDAQ: ASYS), maker of the furnaces, cell transfer systems, and vapor deposition products necessary to produce today's solar panels. They win no matter which solar company wins: GE, First Solar, Sharp — it doesn't matter... They all need solar panel production equipment.


IBC Advanced Alloys (IB), is a leading manufacturer and developer of advanced alloys for the global market with a focus on specialty copper alloys and high performance beryllium aluminum castings. IBC’s engineered solutions are essential for many high technology products used in a broad range of market sectors including nuclear power, automotive, oil and gas, electronics and aerospace. Complementing the Company’s manufacturing operations are R&D programs and natural resource initiatives focused on enhancing and supporting IBC growing US manufacturing base.


Lightbridge Corp. (NASDAQ: LTBR), formerly known as Thorium Power Corp., researching thorium powered reactors, and possibly in the future, cars. According to the website txchnologist.com, owned by GE:

A 250-kilowatt unit (equivalent to about 335 horsepower) weighing about 500 pounds would be small and light enough to put under the hood of a car, Stevens claims. And because a gram of thorium has the equivalent potential energy content of 7,500 gallons of gasoline, LPS calculates that using just 8 grams of thorium in the unit could power an average car for 5,000 hours, or about 300,000 miles of normal driving.



Urban Barns (OTCBB: URBF) is the next generation of agriculture. We use advanced farming methods to grow fruits and vegetables in a controlled indoor environment, and our crop yields are much greater than a traditional greenhouse. We plan to put an Urban Barn in every major urban centre, so that our food can be on the shelf within 48 hours of being picked, for an unprecedented level of freshness and quality.


Seawater Greenhouse is a UK company not yet public, that builds greenhouses that use seawater and sunshine and produce vegetables and fresh water. A 2,000-square-meter version has already been completed in South Australia. It cost $2 million to build and will produce over 220,000 pounds of tomatoes per year. It needs no fossil fuels or pesticides, so its costs are up to 25% less than traditional greenhouses. Abu Dhabi, Oman, Jordan, and other arid countries by the sea are all in line to get them.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

3 Green Microcaps for speculative investors

CAUTION: Individual equity securities are for higher-risk, longterm investors, and speculative penny stocks are extremely high risk and should only be considered for gambling money or less then 3% of an investment portfolio.

ALCL, SAVW and XPWR: Three Green Tech Stocks in the News


ALCL announced a “green” acquisition, SAVW announced that their LED lighting solutions will appear at the IFA trade show and XPWR gets itself ready for stock promotions.

By John Udovich, SmallCapNetwork.com


Atlas Capital Holdings (OTC: ALCL), SavWatt USA (OTC: SAVW) and Xzeres Corp. (OTC: XPWR) are three small cap green or clean tech stocks that recently issued press releases or had other updates to report to investors. Specifically, ALCL announced the acquisition of a maker of "green" synthetic ground cover, SAVW announced that their LED lighting solutions will appear at the IFA trade show in Berlin and XPWR will present at the Ardour Capital 9th Annual Energy Technology Conference (and gear up for promotions). Of course, there is nothing wrong with small cap green or clean tech stocks issuing press releases or updates to investors about their activities. However, its also important to remember that just one well placed or well written press release or update from a small cap green or clean tech stock like ALCL, SAVW or XPWR can send shares soaring (and likewise, cause them to sink). Hence, here is a closer look at all three to help you decide whether their recent press releases or updates warrant further due diligence:


Atlas Capital Holdings (OTC: ALCL) Acquires a “Green” Synthetic Ground Cover Maker

Atlas Capital Holdings, formerly known as Micro Mammoth Solutions, is a development stage company. On Tuesday, Atlas Capital Holdings announced a letter of intent to acquire Textraw, Inc. a Florida corporation that makes and distributes an environmentally-friendly "green" synthetic ground cover that is made from recycled materials coming from common landfill items. The COO of Atlas Capital Holdings also added that the company plans to announce additional acquisitions of providers of alternative green products and services over the next few weeks. Nevertheless, Atlas Capital Holdings fell 43.83% to $0.132 (ALCL has a 52 week trading range of $0.05 to $10.50 a share) but it appears that the stock is soaring in after hours trading. Investors should also note that on Monday, Atlas Capital Holdings also announced the hiring of an “award winning green expert” as their new COO while earlier in August, the company announced a name change to GreenTech Holdings, Inc. However and on the financial front, Atlas Capital Holdings has been fairly inactive up until the end of the 1Q2011. Hence, ALCL should be considered a very speculative green stock at this point in time.



SavWatt USA (OTC: SAVW) Announces That Their LED Lighting Solutions Will Appear at the IFA Trade Show But…

SavWatt USA focuses on developing energy-efficient and cost-effective LED lighting solutions. On Tuesday, SavWatt USA announced that their water resistant LED lights will be displayed at IFA - the world's largest trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances which will take place from September 2 to 7, 2011 in Berlin. The product itself will be available to commercial customers during the first quarter of 2012. Nevertheless, SavWatt USA fell 5% to $0.0019 on 2.5 times its normal trading volume. However, investors should note that SavWatt USA was late filing their latest 10-Q for the 2Q2011. Moreover and for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, SavWatt USA reported only $4k in revenue; net losses of $1,323k, $2,056k, $249k and $130k for the previous four quarters respectively; and $27k in cash to cover $2,029k in current liabilities – not the most exciting financial picture.



Xzeres Corp. (OTC: XPWR) Will Present at the Ardour Capital 9th Annual Energy Technology Conference (And Gears Up for Promotions)

Xzeres is a renewable energy and clean energy technology company focused on designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing distributed generation and, wind power systems for the small wind power market. On Tuesday, Xzeres announced that it will present at the Ardour Capital 9th Annual Energy Technology Conference to be held on September 16th, 2011. Xzeres’ Chairman and CEO also noted that the appearance will be the beginning of an active investment community visibility program moving forward. In other words, XPWR is gearing up to actively promote itself to investors. Nevertheless, Xzeres closed at $0.750 (XPWR has a 52 week trading range of $0.50 to $3 a share). Investors should note that for the first fiscal quarter 0f 2011, revenue rose 57% over the previous fiscal quarter to $1,017,217. However, Xzeres also has net losses of $1,999k, $1,861k, $1,272k and $1,324k for each of the last four quarters and $324k in cash to cover $1,059k in current liabilities.


The Bottom Line: As with most green or clean tech stocks, ALCL, SAVW and XPWR remain speculative investments that have the potential for big gains or losses for investors.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Nick Hodge's Solar Energy 101, Solar Power primer

Props to Nick and all over at Energy & Capital for their consistent insights into global energy and resource trends. Here's an excellent article that originally appeared on the Energy & Capital website, and in Nick's newsletter.

Solar Power for Dummies

By Nick Hodge | Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

The headlines say it all...

Total (NYSE: TOT) Pays $1.4 Billion for Stake in SunPower

Army/Marines Charge Critical Equipment With Solar Panels

Google Invests $280 Million in SolarCity

Solar Market Tops $70 Billion in 2010


In only a few years' time, the solar market has gone from “That stuff'll never work” to a billion-dollar acquisition target of the biggest oil companies in the world.

At the turn of the century the world only had 1.4 gigawatts (GWs) of installed solar capacity.

By the end of last year 40.7 GW had been installed – a growth of 2,752%.

Oil didn't do that. Coal didn't do that. Nuclear didn't do that.

Most of the growth has come from Europe – particularly Germany with 17 GW – which boasts over 75% of all installed solar worldwide.

Their head start can be attributed to attractive policies the U.S. failed to embrace. But falling prices, as you'll soon see, will mean the spread and mass adoption of solar in the next few years.

Reaching Scale

All technologies are more expensive in the beginning.

I paid $1,300 for a 42” flatscreen TV in 2006. You can get one today for $450.

Solar is the same way.

Panels cost $60 per watt in the mid 1970s. Today the price is down to $1.50 per watt.


Mass production reduces solar energy costs

Just like similar industries – circuit boards, for example – costs will continue to fall with volume. For every doubling of solar manufacturing capacity, costs fall about 20%.

In some markets solar is already cheaper than grid electricity. And as more and more solar is installed, the costs will only fall further.

We're at a point now where solar installations are growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 65%.

Slightly more than 17 GWs were installed last year alone.

And as SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWRA) founder and chief technology officer Tom Dinwoodie (the man who just sold a majority stake of his company to Total for $1.4 billion) puts it:

That 17 gigawatts installed in 2010 is the equivalent of 17 nuclear power plants -- manufactured, shipped, and installed in one year. It can take decades just to install a nuclear plant. Think about that. I heard Bill Gates recently call solar "cute." Well, that's 17 gigawatts of "cute" adding up at an astonishing pace.

We'll still need nuclear baseload power to be sure. The point here is twofold.

Solar is being installed on a nuclear scale but much faster.

We've reached the point where increased installation rates and falling prices are feeding off each other.



Forecasts for Solar Power Growth

Between now and 2020, solar installations will double almost three times. Check out how that looks graphically:

Global Installed Solar Capacity 2000-2020

Germany will continue to dominate the market for the next few years, with the U.S. expected to come on strong in the second half of the decade.

China, Italy, Japan, Australia, Canada, and Spain are other countries to watch for coming installation growth.

But, at least as it stands right now, there's only one country to watch for when it comes to the actual production of solar equipment – not just the installation.


Solar Energy Industry - Global Leaders

In the early oughts Germany was by far the solar production leader. But as always happens in the manufacturing industry, China was quick to enter and dominate the game.

Though Europe is still the installation leader, China owns a majority of the production – as much as 60% by some estimates.

And for the first time last year, half of the largest solar companies in the world were Chinese. Though the list may vary slightly depending on the source, here's the current list along with 2010 shipments:

Suntech (NYSE: STP), 1,572 MW

JA Solar (NASDAQ: JASO), 1,464 MW

First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR)

Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE), 1,062

Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), 1,057

Motech (TAIWAN: 6244), 924 MW

Q-Cell (XETRA: QCE), 907 MW

Gintech (TAIWAN: 3514), 827 MW

Sharp (Other OTC: SHCAY), 774 MW

Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ), 588 MW


I know I've thrown a lot at you today, but a thorough solar update was long overdue. And in addition to future editorial and our paid services, this should serve as a good base for anyone looking to start investing in solar.

For more information, I've just recorded a short white-board video about materials of the future. It covers new solar materials that'll be used in the next few years, as well as new types of battery and rare earth technologies.

We'll start posting videos like this once a week to help you better capitalize on the topics we cover in daily e-letters.

Call it like you see it,


Nick

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Dreaded double-top means oil headed down, down, down

Price spike, as in 2008, inevitably followed by downturn



Barring an unforeseen event, fundamental and technical factors are conspiring to send oil prices into a 2nd half tailspin. I called the price tops in the oil market in both 2008 and 2011, ahead of time and within a few weeks, and just like in 2008 (and similar to stock market moves) the oil price will plummet a lot faster than it rose. People still blame the 2008 economic crisis entirely on the housing bubble however many people were much more affected by $120 to $140 oil, which was a catalyst in the near global collapse.

This Summer and Autumn will see some support for oil in the $70-75 range (today's Nymex Crude is $92.84), if it closes below 70 during the Summer of 2011, it is likely headed for a late Autumn bottom in the 40-45 range, at which point oil will become a Buy again.

For now, Sell oil!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Canadian Solar (CSIQ) building photovoltaic cell factory in Suzhou, China

Suzhou offering incentives for clean energy technology


A major city located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in Eastern China, Suzhou embraces 21st Century progress.

By Brianna Panzica, EnergyandCapital.com
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

The enthusiasm for solar energy is heating up across the globe.

Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ), an Ontario-based company that produces solar panels in China, has announced its plan to open a photovoltaic cell factory in Suzhou, China.

This new plant will be located just 8km – or in more American terms, 5 miles – from an existing Canadian Solar cell plant.

This is the result of an agreement between Canadian Solar, the Suzhou New District Economic Development Group Corporation, and Suzhou Science and Technology City Development Company, Ltd.

The solar cell manufacturing plant will be designed to have a yearly output of 600 megawatts.

The goal is to have the plant completed by 2012.

Shawn Qu, Chairman of Canadian Solar, believes “This is a major development, as we move toward more substantial wafer, cell and module integration.”

The ultimate target, he says, is to use this to “meet higher customer demand levels.”

A rise in customer demand? This can only mean a growing market for solar energy.

The new plant will use ELPS cell technology, a revolutionary way of making solar components that can actually raise cell efficiencies to as high as 19.5%.

This plan closely followed an earlier Canadian Solar agreement with GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd. (HK: 3800), a polysilicon production company, to build a wafer production plant.

The wafer plant, also to be built in Suzhou, China, will have an output of 600 megawatts.

Shawn Qu and the rest of Canadian Solar hope combining this output with that of the solar cell plant will boost annual output to as much as 1.2 or even closer to 2 gigawatts.

That’s a pretty substantial energy output.

It seems that the Germany’s not the only country going green.

Or should I say yellow?

Monday, June 13, 2011

7 GREEN ENERGY stocks for 2011 / 2012 profits

Solar power, Geothermal energy, microturbines all in play


Jeff Siegel, of Energy and Capital, and Angel Research, really likes these 6 alternative energy picks, and he feels they could easily double over the next year, following the next market rebound:.

Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL)

JA Solar (NASDAQ: JASO)

DQ New Energy (NYSE: DQ)

Satcon Technology Corporation (NASDAQ: SATC)

Western Wind Energy Corporation (TSX-V: WND)

Capstone Turbine (NASDAQ: CPST)


Siegel is also very big on one particular geothermal company right now, and the Stock Gumshoe has identified the geothermal company that Jeff Siegel likes, and it is:


US Geothermal (HTM)

Google Finance info and stock quote for HTM, US Geothermal Inc.

U.S. Geothermal Inc. (HTM) is engaged in the renewable green energy business. The Company, through its subsidiary, U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Geo-Idaho) are engaged in the acquisition, development and utilization of geothermal resources in the Western Region of the United States. The Company has interests in three areas in the Western United States. The interests include the Raft River area located in south-eastern Idaho, the Neal Hot Springs area located in eastern Oregon (near the Idaho/Oregon boarder), and the interests located in the north-western Nevada. The properties in north-western Nevada include San Emidio, Gerlach and Granite Creek.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Is BioteQ (TSE:BQE) a "BUY tech"?

One Year chart looks promising


Mining companies can no longer discharge toxic wastewater into streams, rivers and lakes, and so they must turn to companies like BQE tpo remedies.

BioteQ looks to be one of those emerging environmental technology companies worth researching, and accumulating prudently over time. After trading above $1 in January and February, the stock is now being accumulated between .70 and .80, though in a period of general market weakness as often happens during the 3rd year of a US Presidency, BQE could certainly trade lower in coming months. One strategy to consider would be to start picking up the stock now, with the intention of completing the position by the second Tuesday in December, which is generally the bottom after tax-loss selling and the launch pad for the year-end rally and the usual January optimism rise.

Here's what Google Finance says about BioteQ:

BioteQ Environmental Technologies Inc. (BioteQ) is an industrial process technology company. BioteQ has developed technologies for water treatment, sulphate reduction, and lime sludge processing. BioteQ’s process plants treat acid and metal contaminated water with concurrent recovery of saleable metals from the water and reduction of total dissolved solids. It is a water treatment company that applies technologies and operating to solve water treatment problems in the resource and power generation industries. BioteQ focuses on delivering lower life cycle costs for industrial wastewater treatment by removing dissolved heavy metals and sulphate effectively than conventional treatment systems, producing clean water for re-use or discharge, and recovering valuable metals from waste in the form of saleable products. Its customers include resource companies, utility operators, and regulators.

Google Finance information on BioteQ (TSE:BQE)

Water purification, wavepower, tidal energy stocks

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Sell in May and go away; Timely advice for 2011?

The old axim to "sell in May and go away" may turn out to be a wise aphorism again in 2011, as equity markets, oil and gold are all looking toppy, which could mean near-term trouble for green energy stocks and mutuals funds.

If your investment horizon is more than fifteen years away, you may want to ride this one out, however if your funds will be needed in five to ten years, consider moving 40% to 60% of your tax-free accounts to cash. For taxable accounts, contact your advisor to assess implications before making any moves.

When to get back in? Well, historically a great entry point has been the 2nd Tuesday in December, right near the end of the tax-loss selling, and just before the year end rally leads into a normally strong January.

Another strategy would be to inch back in if markets decline and plow back in if they tumble; in this scenario, you might start a dollar-cost-averaging plan to buy a specific amount each month, and then double or triple the amount if markets fall 15% to 20% or more.

I would only move all to cash if your investment horizon is less than 5 years, as 100% cash is too risky for longer term investors, who may be affected by inflation in the future.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

10 Solar-related stocks to profit from global solar energy capacity growth


Global PV Solar Capacity Growth 2000-2020


After last week's takeover/investment of 60% interest in SunPower (SPWRA) by Total Petroleum (NYSE: TOT) for US$1.38 billion (Total paid a 44% premium for its shares of SunPower — $23.25 per share versus the prior day's closing price of $16.22), investors may be seeking additional solar photovoltaic industry and related companies for longterm growth plus takeover possibilities.

Here are 10 solar energy industry companies worth looking into further:

Daqo New Energy (NYSE: DQ)

First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR)

GT Solar (NASDAQ: SOLR)

JA Solar (NASDAQ: JASO)

ReneSola (NYSE: SOL)

Satcon Technology Corporation (NASDAQ: SATC)

Sharp Corporation (ADR) SHCAY 9.73* +0.56 (6.11%)

Suntech Power (NYSE: STP)

Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL)

Yingli Green Energy (NASDAQ:YGE)



Happy hunting!!!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Renewable Energy finance Forum, June in NYC

June 21-22, REFF-Wall Street in New York City


Renewable Energy Finance Forum-Wall Street is renowned throughout the industry as the meeting place for financiers, investors and renewable energy project developers to network, strike deals and drive forward the future of the industry. June 21-22, 2011 marks the return of REFF-Wall Street to New York City for its 8th edition.

At the 7th REFF-Wall Street in June 2010, over 700 attendees from 23 countries and over 480 companies assembled, defying continued economic difficulties and an uncertain legislative outlook, to debate the key challenges facing the renewable energy sector, and identify lucrative future business prospects going forward.

With over 70% of attendees at Director level or above, REFF-Wall Street brings together the crème de la crème of the USA’s renewable energy industry, drawing attendees from the entire value chain, including financiers, manufacturers and developers.

Euromoney Energy Events and the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) are delighted to once again be bringing the USA’s premier renewable energy finance event to New York.


Register for REFF NYC June 2011



2011 Renewable Energy Finance Forum Program

JUNE 21 & 22, 2011
THE WALDORF=ASTORIA, NEW YORK CITY

Opening Reception-Monday June 20, 2011
6:00pm-8:00pm

Join us for our lavish opening reception, and make key
contacts ahead of the start of the conference sessions


Sponsored by Milbank & MUFG


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

7:00am Registration and Coffee

8:30am Welcome and Opening Remarks

Paul Clark, Conference Manager, Euromoney Energy Events
Senior Representative, ACORE

8:45-9:15am SESSION 1: OPENING KEYNOTES

This opening session will provide a backdrop for subsequent conference proceedings by giving high-level perspectives on public policy, financial markets and corporate strategy in the renewable energy sector.

9:15-10:15am SESSION 2: PUTTING RENEWABLE ENERGY IN PERSPECTIVE - MARKET DRIVERS

As the economic recovery continues, it is important to understand the changing global energy mix, and where renewable energy fits. With oil prices rising, the onset of growth in natural gas markets, and continuing global demand for coal, this session will put renewable energy into perspective, and address issues including:

World energy & economic outlook: How is renewable energy viewed globally and what is the outlook for its development as a greater part of the energy mix?

Capital market outlook: How are climate & sustainability drivers impacting on capital markets and investment decision-making?

Economic growth and job creation: The story on Germany and China and the implications of these on the US renewable energy market

Chair:

Michael Eckhart, Managing Director, Global Head of Environmental Finance and Sustainability, Citigroup

Speakers:

Michael Liebreich, CEO, Bloomberg New Energy Finance
Joseph A. Stanislaw, Independent Senior Advisor, Energy and Sustainability, Deloitte LLP & Founder,The JAStanislaw Group
Robert Bothwell, Executive Managing Director, Beecher Carlson
Roger Ballentine, President, Green Strategies Inc.

10:15-10:45am Networking Refreshment Break Sponsored by SunEdison

10:45am-12:00pm SESSION 3: SOLAR PV AND OTHER DG MARKETS, INVESTMENT & FINANCE

PV market growth throughout 2010 has been impressive. With minimal technology risk, projects remain attractive to investors. This session will address the key issues faced in financing PV projects in the US, including:
Overcoming PPA risk – how can we be sure assumptions in the PPAs will hold up?
The PPA/Ownership flip model versus leasing
Other Distributed Generation technologies: fuel cells, others
Financing the Distributed Generation model

Chair:

Nick Eisenberger, Founding Partner, Pure Energy Partners
Thomas Glascock, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Speakers:

Brad Nordholm, President, Starwood Energy Group
Brian Matthay, VP Environmental Finance, Wells Fargo
Brian Steel, VP Corporate Development, PG&E Corporation
Ben Cook, Vice President Project Finance, SolarCity

12:00-1:00pm SESSION 4: UTILITY SCALE SOLAR PV AND SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY

Despite attracting huge loan guarantee commitments, the solar thermal electricity market has not gathered the expected momentum, and several major projects have converted to PV at the eleventh hour. With investors and developers facing considerable technology risk in this arena, this session will feature success stories with a frank account of challenges overcome, showing you these projects are viable with the right expertise. In addition, the session will cover utility-scale PV financing and the difficulties in financing the scale-up.


Chair:

Laura Lovelace, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Wellford Energy
Eric Silverman, Partner, Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP

Speakers:

John Woolard, Chief Executive Officer, BrightSource Energy
Arno Harris, Chief Executive Officer, Recurrent Energy
Kevin Smith, CEO, SolarReserve
Daniel Alcolmbright, Vice President & General Manager, North America, SOLON SE
Warren Byrne, President & CEO, Foresight Renewables

1:00-2:30pm Lunch Sponsored by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

2:30-3:45pm SESSION 5: RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY - WIND POWER & GEOTHERMAL

The makeup of the renewable energy markets is changing. Wind power, once the stalwart of renewable energy in the US, is now a mature market and seems to be in momentary decline. By contrast, the geothermal power pipeline is at 7 GW and growing. Hydropower keeps moving ahead and ocean power is coming out of R&D into commercialization. This session will explore the changing state of play in these markets, addressing issues such as:

How can the wind industry overcome expiring support mechanisms, including the cash grant expiring 2011 and PTC expiring 2012?

What is the outlook for offshore wind in the US, and how does this compare with Europe’s achievements thus far?

With 29 state RPSs but no national RES, how can wind market demand be continued?

Moving geothermal projects to commercial deployment on time and on budget

Can we expect Federal support for geothermal projects or will private investors be enough to support their development?

Co-Chairs:

Kathleen A. McGinty, Senior VP and Managing Director for Strategic Growth, Weston Solutions, Katherine McAvoy Gillespie, Partner, Winston & Strawn LLP

Speakers:

John Anderson, Head Power & Project Finance, John Hancock
Hezy Ram, Independent, former President & CEO, Ram Power Corporation
Jim Adams, President, Natural Power North America
Marshal Salant, Managing Director, Head of Alternative Energy Finance, Citi
Dita Bronicki, CEO, Ormat Technologies, Inc.
Kevin Walsh, Managing Director, GE Energy Financial Services

3:45-4:00pm Networking Refreshment Break Sponsored by SunEdison

4:00-5:00pm SESSION 6: RENEWABLE FUELS OUTLOOK, INVESTMENT & FINANCE

Following insight from the major investment banking players and project financiers in the renewable energy sector, this panel will focus on the financing of renewable energy projects from a producer’s point of view. Hear leading renewable fuels producers addressing how they have achieved success and what they think makes a renewable fuels company bankable.

Chair:

Jeffrey McDermott, Managing Partner, Greentech Capital Advisors
Mark Riedy, Partner, Mintz Levin

Speakers:

Nancy Floyd, Founder & Managing Partner, Nth Power
Mark DeAndrea, VP of Strategic Capital, POET

5:00pm Close of Conference Sessions



Evening Networking Reception

5:30pm-8:00pm

Café St. Barts
109 East 50th Street
New York, New York 10022
View map

Join us for our popular networking reception at the end of Day One, for a chance to discuss the day’s proceedings with fellow delegates, cement existingrelationship and meet new business partners, in a
relaxed informal setting.

Sponsored by Orrick




Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Networking Breakfast
7:45am-8:45am

Raise your profile at our networking breakfast, where delegates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to their fellow conference attendees using a roving microphone.


Hosted by Santander



7:30am Registration Opens

8:50am Conference Opens

Paul Clark, Conference Manager, Euromoney Energy Events

9:00-9:30am SESSION 7: KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The opening session on Day Two will feature a keynote address from a senior level industry executive, considering changing dynamics in the renewable energy markets and providing a context for the day’s discussions.
Speaker:

J. Andrew Murphy, EVP & President, Northeast Region, NRG Energy


9:30-11:00am

SESSION 8: GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS - HOW THE INVESTMENT BANKS SEE IT

This session brings you the latest from Wall Street’s major investment banks, who are all actively leading deals in the renewable sector. Hear how the global financial landscape has changed, and how the markets are rebounding following the economic downturn. A panel of top energy bankers will give you first-class insight into how you can tap the capital markets this year.

Chair:

John Cavalier, Managing Partner, Hudson Clean Energy Partners

Speakers:

Andrew Safran, Chairman of Energy, Power & Chemicals and Vice Chairman of Global Banking, Citibank
Kevin Genieser, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley
Brian Bolster, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
Ray Wood, Co-Head Global Alternative Energy, Credit Suisse
Parker Weil, Managing Director, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
James Metcalfe, Managing Director, UBS Securities
Amy Corinne Smith, Managing Director, Co-Head Global Cleantech Investment Banking, Jefferies


11:00-11:30am Networking Refreshment Break Sponsored by GE Energy Finacial Services


11:30am-12:30pm SESSION 9:UNLOCKING PROJECT FINANCE - TODAY & TOMORROW

Having heard from the best and brightest in Wall Street’s investment banking community, this session will dig deeper into the financial structuring of renewable energy projects. This session will compare different financial models and their outlooks as we move forward, including:
Project debt and equity
Tax equity and other tax considerations
Leasing and other project finance structures
Deal structuring, issues and trends
Getting creative – how are tomorrow’s deals going to be financed and how can general project finance principles be applied to a broader scope of clean energy developments?

Chair:

Keith Martin, Partner, Chadbourne & Parke

Speakers:

Ed Feo, Managing Partner, US Renewables Group
Eric Redman, President, Summit Power Group
John Eber, Managing Director - Energy Investments, JP Morgan
Lance Markowitz, Senior Vice President & Manager, Leasing & Asset Finance, Union Bank CA
Jorge Camina, Head of Project & Acquisition Finance North America, Banco Santander
Thomas Eammons, Managing Director, Rabobank Group


12:30-2:00pm Networking Lunch Sponsored by SOLON


2:00-3:15pm SESSION 10: VENTURE CAPITAL & PRIVATE EQUITY PERSPECTIVES

A panel of leading venture capitalists and private equity players will give their perspectives on investing in renewable energy companies, answering your questions, including:

Where are the opportunities for early-stage renewable capital?
The current pressure is on expansion capital – where will it come from?
How are the corporate investors / acquirers playing the field?
Do we see an IPO window opening up, just in time for the backlog of exits?

Co-Chairs:

Michael Ware, Managing Director, Advance Capital Markets
Chris Groobey, Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Speakers:

David Prend, Managing General Partner, RockPort Capital Partners
Pat Eilers, Managing Director, Madison Dearborn Partners LLC
Stephen Dolezalek, Managing Director & Group Leader Cleantech, Vantage Point Venture Partners
Spencer Hempleman, Renewable Energy Fund Portfolio Manager, Ardsley Partners


3:15-3:45pm Networking Refreshment Break Sponsored by GE Energy Finacial Services


3:45-4:45pm SESSION 11: IDENTIFYING NEW REVENUE STREAMS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

This new session for REFF-Wall Street 2011 will examine new emerging revenue streams, and how they relate to the effective development and deployment of renewable energy. Issues for discussion include:

Using the eco securities market as a revenue source
The potential role of a feed-in tariff in the USA
State Renewable Portfolio Standards, Renewable Energy Credits and how these can be used successfully to generate additional revenue for your business

Chair:

Kenneth R. Locklin, Managing Director (North America), Impax Asset Management LLC

Speakers:

Jigar Shah, CEO, The Carbon War Room
Lenny Hochschild, Managing Director, Evolution Markets
Daniel A. Gross, Partner, Hudson Clean Energy Partners


4:45 - 5:00pm SESSION 12: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A selection of REFF-Wall Street Co-Chairs will look back over the two days and reflect on some of the key themes and issues that emerged, giving you key takeaway strategies to take back to your desk.

5:00pm Closing Remarks

Henry Hely Hutchinson, Managing Director, Euromoney Energy Events

5:15pm Close of REFF-Wall Street 2011.

Monday, April 11, 2011

9 green stocks profiting from smart grid development

USA and China each must rapidly develop new smart grid electricity infrastructure

Publicly-listed technology stocks benefiting from development of USA smart grid electricity transmission infrastructure:

Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI)

EnerNoc (NASDAQ: ENOC)

Comverge (NASDAQ: COMV)

General Electric (NYSE: GE)

Siemens (NYSE: SI)

Honeywell (NYSE: HON)

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO)

ITC Holdings (NYSE: ITC)

ABB (NYSE: ABB)



3rd annual China SmartGrid Forum - September 2011

The 3rd Annual China Smart Grid Forum 2011 will be held in Sept in Shanghai

China has surpassed the United States to become the world’s largest energy user, according to Paris-based International Energy Agency. As a rapid growing China’s GDP, it will continue to drive up the domestic energy consumption. The renewables, such as nuclear, wind and solar energy are no doubt seen as the favorable means to complement the energy shortage. A Stronger and Smarter Grid in China will pave the road of the renewables utilization and raise energy efficiency to cut emissions.

Grid is the world’s most complex man-made systems, information, mass, control complex, which also determines the different national conditions, the country’s development direction and focus of the smart grid are also different. In China, strong smart grid is primarily a strong grid, whose extra-high voltage technology has core characteristics including long distance, high capacity and low loss efficiency. But “should be ’strong’ and ’smart’ the advantages of a collection in one person.” This view is being more recognized and accepted. UHV grid as the backbone, with coordinated development of subordinate grids at all levels and support of IT & telecommunication platform, featured by IT-based, interactive and automated.

Strong and Smart are two basic requirements for modern power grid development. Strong is the basis and smart is the key. Combination of strong grid structure and grid smartness is the feature of describing modern power grid development by integral and systematic means. Furthermore, the end-users and distribution networks in China are not as mature as most developed countries, and the penetration rate of small-scale renewables are relatively low at the moment. In fact, growth of renewable energy in the country is primarily driven by large-scale projects that do not directly connected to end-users. Given these conditions, it is expected that initial stages of the Chinese smart grid plan will focus on the ability of controlling bulk electricity transfer efficiently, and then moves towards end-users and services integration in the next stages when the users are becoming more ready.

At the same time, the second stage of China’s Smart Grid plan, from 2011 to 2015, not only focus on accelerating UHV, urban and rural grids construction, but also establishing the basic framework for smart grid operation control and interaction, achieving the projected advancements in technology and equipment production, mass deployment. For example, in China 'smart grid', are estimated to be a nearly $100 billion opportunity over the next five years. With total power capacity set to reach 1,430 gigawatt by 2015 from 874 gigawatt at the start of 2010, China has to figure out how to bring trillions of kilowatt hours of power to more than a billion customers, sometimes over very long distances.

Smart-grid technology brings power grids into the telecommunications age, connecting "smart meters" in households and businesses to central monitoring systems capable of detecting and redressing outages or overloads in an instant.

The installation of smart meters alone will be worth $3.1 billion in 2011, up from $2.4 billion this year, according to estimates by the China Electricity Council -- and foreign firms are already looking to supply components, control and automation systems, and know-how.

With this mind, the CDMC Smart Grid Series Forum, as a professional and unparallel communication platform, concentrates on supporting an intelligent network and a global vision to our high-level worldwide industrial partners for three year. The 3rd Annual Smart Grid Forum China Focus 2011 (Sep. 14th -16th 2011) will bring industry thought leaders and a focused group of audience together to discuss the policy & the regulatory landscape, smart grid standardization, customer-side issues (billing, metering & CRM), ICT, smart distribution and smart integration of renewables.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Scientists in Spain creating eco-oil from algae

Spanish BioFuel Systems company brewing future fuel

By Virginie Grognou | AFP News

In a forest of tubes eight metres high in eastern Spain scientists hope they have found the fuel of tomorrow: bio-oil produced with algae mixed with carbon dioxide from a factory.

Almost 400 of the green tubes, filled with millions of microscopic algae, cover a plain near the city of Alicante, next to a cement works from which the C02 is captured and transported via a pipeline to the "blue petroleum" factory.

The project, which is still experimental, has been developed over the past five years by Spanish and French researchers at the small Bio Fuel Systems (BFS) company.

At a time when companies are redoubling their efforts to find alternative energy sources, the idea is to reproduce and speed up a process which has taken millions of years and which has led to the production of fossil fuels.

"We are trying to simulate the conditions which existed millions of years ago, when the phytoplankton was transformed into oil," said engineer Eloy Chapuli. "In this way, we obtain oil that is the same as oil today."

The microalgae reproduces at high speed in the tubes by photosynthesis and from the CO2 released from the cement factory. Every day some of this highly concentrated liquid is extracted and filtered to produce a biomass that is turned into bio-oil. The other great advantage of the system is that it is a depollutant -- it absorbs the C02 which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

"It's ecological oil," said the founder and chairman of BFS, French engineer Bernard Stroiazzo-Mougin, who worked in oil fields in the Middle East before coming to Spain.
"We need another five to 10 years before industrial production can start," said Stroiazzo-Mougin, who hopes to be able to develop another such project on the Portuguese island of Madeira.

"In a unit that covers 50 square kilometres, which is not something enormous, in barren regions of southern Spain, we could produce about 1.25 million barrels per day," or almost as much as the daily export of oil from Iraq, he said.

BFS, a private company, hopes to negotiate "with several countries to obtain subsidies for the installation of artificial oil fields," he said.
Other similar projects being studied in other parts of the world.

In Germany, the Swedish energy group Vattenfall last year launched a pilot project in which algae is used to absorb carbon dioxide from a coal-fired power plant. US oil giant ExxonMobil plans to invest up to $600 million in research on oil produced from algae.

Companies, in particular those in the aeronautic sector, have shown keen interest in this research, hoping to find a replacement for classic oil.

Source: Ca.News.Yahoo.com

Wikipedia's list of global clean energy stocks

Best green power companies - Worldwide renewable energy companies

The list from wikipedia consists of companies whose primary produce is either renewable energy or renewable energy products and services. Public renewable energy companies are listed by stock exchange and symbol.

Company Exchange Symbol IPO Industry

Abengoa, SA BMAD ABG - Solar thermal

Aleo solar FWB AS1 2006 Photovoltaics

Alternative Energy, LTD LSE ALR 2003 Renewables

Americas Wind Energy Corporation OTC AWNE 2006 Wind

Anwell Technologies SGX G5X 2004 Photovoltaics

Applied Solar, INC NASDAQ - 2005 Photovoltaics

Ascent Solar Technologies, INC NASDAQ ASTI 2006 Photovoltaics

Aventine Renewable Energy NYSE AVR - Bioenergy

Ballard Power Systems NASDAQ BLDP 1995 Fuel Cell

Canadian Solar, INC NASDAQ CSIQ 2006 Photovoltaics

Centrosolar Group, AG FWB C3O 2005 Photovoltaics

Ceramic Fuel Cells, LTD ASX CFU 2004 Fuel Cells

China Power New Energy HKSE 0735 1999 Wind/Hydro/Biomass

China Sunergy Co, LTD NASDAQ CSUN 2007 Photovoltaics

Clipper Windpower, PLC LSE CWP 2005 Wind

Comtec Solar Systems HKSE 712 2009 Photovoltaics

Conergy, AG FWB CGY - Photovoltaics

Clenergen Corporation, OTC CRGE - Biomass

DayStar Technologies, INC NASDAQ DSTI 2004 Photovoltaics

DelSolar Co, LTD GTSM 3599 - Photovoltaics

Dyesol, LTD ASX DYE 2005 Photovoltaics

Eaga, PLC LSE EAGA 2007 Energy Efficiency

Enbridge, INC TSX ENB 1957 Wind, Solar, Fuel Cell, Geothermal

Energy Conversion Devices, INC NASDAQ ENER 1993 Photovoltaics

E-ton Solar Technology Co, LTD TSE 3452 - Photovoltaics

Evergreen Solar, INC NASDAQ ESLR 2000 Photovoltaics

EnviroMission, LTD ASX EVM 2005 Solar Thermal

EDP Renováveis, SA BVLP EDPR 2007 Wind [1]

Finavera Renewables, INC TSX-V FVR 2006 Renewables

First American Scientific Corp. OTCBB FASC 1995 Biomass

First Solar Holding, LLC NASDAQ FSLR 2007 Photovoltaics

Gamesa Corporación Tecnológica BMAD GAM 2000 Wind

Gintech Energy Corporation TSE 3514 2007 Photovoltaics

Good Energy Group, PLC LSE GEGP - Renewables

Green Energy Holding Corporation OTC GEYO 2007 Renewables

Green Plains Renewable Energy, INC NASDAQ GPRE 2007 Ethanol Quote

GT Solar International, INC NASDAQ SOLR 2008 Solar Mfg Equipment

Iberdrola Renovables, SA BMAD IBR December 2007 Wind, Solar, Biomass

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. TSX INE 2007 Renewables

JA Solar Holdings Co, LTD NASDAQ JASO 2007 Photovoltaics

Kedco PLC AIM KED 2008 Bio Energy

Jetion Solar Holdings LTD AIM JHL 2007 Photovoltaics

LDK Solar Co, LTD NYSE LDK 2007 Photovoltaics

Mass Megawatts Wind Power OTC MMGW 2001 Wind

Motech Industries Inc. TSE 6244 2003 Photovoltaics

Neo Solar Power Corporation TSE 3576 2008 Photovoltaics

Nevada Geothermal Power, INC OTC NGLPF 2005 Geothermal

Nordex, AG FWB NDX 2001 Wind

Phoenix Solar, AG FWB PS4 2004 Photovoltaics

PV Crystalox Solar, PLC LSE PVCS 2007 Photovoltaics

Q-Cells, AG FWB QCE - Photovoltaics

Ram Power, Corp. RPG RPG - Geothermal

ReneSolar, LTD AIM SOL 2007 Photovoltaics

Renewable Energy Corp, ASA OSX REC 2006 Photovoltaics

Renewable Energy Generation, LTD LSE RWE 2005 Renewables

Renewable Energy Holdings, PLC LSE REH 2005 Renewables

Renewable Energy Resources, INC OTC RWER 2008 Hydro

Renewagy, AS OMX REN - Renewables

REpower Systems, AG FWB RPW 2006 Wind

Run of River Power Inc. TSX-V ROR 2005 Hydro

S.A.G. Solarstrom, AG FWB SAG - Photovoltaics

Solar-Fabrik, AG FWB SFX - Photovoltaics

Solarfun Power Holdings Co, LTD NASDAQ SOLF 2006 Photovoltaics

SolarWorld, AG FWB SWV - Photovoltaics

Solco, LTD ASX SOO 2000 Solar Thermal

SunPower Corporation NASDAQ SPWR 2005 Photovoltaics

Suntech Power NYSE STP 2005 Photovoltaics

Tiger Renewable Energy, LTD OTC TGRW - Ethanol

Trina Solar, LTD NASDAQ TSL 2006 Photovoltaics

Verenium Corporation NASDAQ VRNM - Biofuels

Vestas Wind Systems, AS OMX VWS - Wind

WaterFurnace Renewable Energy, Inc. TSX WFI 2001 Geothermal

Western Wind Energy Corp. TSX-V WND 2001 Wind

Windflow Technology, LTD NZAX WTL 2001 Wind

Yingli Green Energy Holding Co, LTD NYSE YGE 2007 Photovoltaics


Full Wikipedia list of green power companies with links to stock quotes and financials

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Green energy stocks up at mid-day; Solar power shining

Clean Power technology stocks on the rise

At the time of writing, the Dow Jones is up 64 and NASDAQ is up 18, with many renewable power companies up 2% to 6% so far today. Here are prices at about 12.50 pm, Tuesday March 29, 2011:


Name Symbol Last price Change▲

Active Power, Inc. ACPW 2.88 +0.21 (7.87%)

ReneSola Ltd. (ADR) SOL 9.95 +0.57 (6.08%)

Sharp Corporation (ADR) SHCAY 9.73* +0.56 (6.11%)

FuelCell Energy, Inc. FCEL 2.14 +0.10 (4.90%)

Broadwind Energy Inc. BWEN 1.35 +0.05 (3.85%)

American Superconductor... AMSC 24.36 +0.78 (3.30%)

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. CLNE 14.92 +0.42 (2.90%)

First Solar, Inc. FSLR 156.68 +3.40 (2.22%)

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Priority One must be phasing out oldest nuclear plants

If you are one of those calling for a moratorium on new nuclear plants, I would ask you to expand your scope to understand the real and present danger. The moratorium is winnable on economic arguments alone, for green energy industries provide far more jobs per dollar invested, but the key to moving beyond nuclear generated electricity is rapidly phasing out the oldest reactors.

In Ontario, Canada where I live, we are heavily dependent on coal and nuclear, which also provides us with a massive opportunity. Pickering was built in the 1960s utilizing 50s technology, whereas Darlington was built in the 70s using 60s tech. Pickering must be phased out over the next 2 to 3 years, and Darlington should be powered down over the next 5 to 7 years.

An expansion of our FIT and microFIT programs for solar energy and wind power to include geothermal and biogas, plus approvals for offshore wind in Lake Ontario, will combine to create tremendous job and skills / expertise growth and provide significant future export opportunities for Canadian businesses.

Regions that invest in 21st Century energy architecture early will reap the benefits for decades and generations to come.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Specific green energy stocks UP in today's DOWN market

Even though the Dow Jones was off 228 and NASDAQ fell an equivalent 51 points, a few rays of sunshine fought through the tumult. Most stocks were down today, however these names (primarily green energy companies) were flat or up on the day.

Stocks Up Today, Thursday, March 10th, 2011:

Name Symbol Last price Change Mkt cap Volume Open High Low

Carbon Sciences, Inc. CABN 0.0750* +0.0095 (14.50%) 14.76M 250,454.00 0.075 0.075 0.065
Applied Solar Inc APSOQ 0.0027* +0.0003 (12.50%) 363,535.00 2,000.00 0.0027 0.0027 0.0027
Solar Power Inc SOPW 0.440* +0.030 (7.32%) 23.01M 27,475.00 0.4 0.45 0.39
Shear Wind Inc SWX 0.265* +0.015 (6.00%) 38.66M 4,282.00 0.27 0.27 0.265
Cleanfield Alternative... AIR 0.095* +0.005 (5.56%) 2.91M 48,000.00 0.09 0.095 0.09
C&D Technologies, Inc. CHHP 0.210* +0.010 (5.00%) 7.64M 40,596.00 0.2 0.21 0.2
Catch the Wind Ltd. CTW 0.650* +0.030 (4.84%) 52.32M 11,650.00 0.59 0.65 0.59
ARISE Technologies Corp. APV 0.125* +0.005 (4.17%) 24.05M 353,680.00 0.125 0.125 0.12
AeroVironment, Inc. AVAV 33.80 +1.32 (4.06%) 740.13M 644,616.00 32 34.35 31.73
FuelCell Energy, Inc. FCEL 1.86 +0.07 (3.91%) 229.14M 6.33M 1.98 1.99 1.85
Solar EnerTech Corp. SOEN 0.0950* +0.0030 (3.26%) 16.29M 23,350.00 0.091 0.1 0.09
Nevada Geothermal Power... NGP 0.640* +0.020 (3.23%) 74.43M 199,185.00 0.64 0.64 0.6
Ascent Solar Tech., Inc. ASTI 2.69 +0.06 (2.28%) 86.87M 234,001.00 2.61 2.71 2.5
ReneSola Ltd. (ADR) SOL 8.79 +0.18 (2.09%) 764.05M 5.08M 8.33 8.88 8.3
Suzlon Energy Limited 532667 48.50 +0.95 (2.00%) 86.20B 3.75M 47.15 48.9 46.9
A-Power Energy Generatio... APWR 4.84 +0.09 (1.89%) 224.40M 460,630.00 4.76 4.87 4.65
Rare Element Resources... RES 10.94* +0.08 (0.74%) 472.28M 230,943.00 10.85 11.22 10.56
Ultralife Corp. ULBI 5.20 +0.03 (0.58%) 89.66M 99,564.00 5.12 5.45 5.08
5N Plus Inc. VNP 9.24* +0.05 (0.54%) 421.88M 97,759.00 9.32 9.32 8.96
Xinjiang Goldwind Sci &... 002202 20.23 +0.06 (0.30%) 44.42B 3.80M 20.1 20.28 20.05
Nordex SE NDX1 6.00* +0.02 (0.33%) 401.07M 371,045.00 5.95 6.11 5.92
Kopin Corporation KOPN 4.16 +0.01 (0.24%) 269.86M 507,426.00 4.09 4.17 4.02
Approach Resources Inc. AREX 28.75 +0.03 (0.10%) 809.63M 1.37M 28.32 30.5


Stocks Unchanged, Thursday, March 10th, 2011:

Name Symbol Last price Change Mkt cap Volume Open High Low

TNR Technical, Inc. TNRK 13.95* 0.00 (0.00%) 4.28M 0.00
SANYO Electric Co... SANYY 7.40* 0.00 (0.00%) 9.09B 175.00 7.4 7.4 7.4
New Energy Tech., Inc. NENE 1.02* 0.00 (0.00%) 63.04M 210,382.00 1.01 1.05 0.96
Ocean Power Tech., Inc. OPTT 5.01 0.00 (0.00%) 52.19M 13,130.00 4.97 5.01 4.95
Real Goods Solar, Inc. RSOL 2.60 0.00 (0.00%) 47.60M 28,200.00 2.65 2.66 2.5
Western Lithium USA... WLC 1.40* 117.45M 0.00
China Windpower Group... 0182 0.790* 0.000 (0.00%) 5.75B 530,000.00 0.78 0.79 0.78
SIERRA GEOTHERMAL POWER... SRA 0.210* 28.00M 0.00
Torrens Energy Limited TEY 0.083* 0.000 (0.00%) 5.28M 15,500.00 0.083 0.083 0.083
Q-CELLS AG THALHEIM QCLSF 4.07* 0.00 (0.00%) 608.31M 0.00
Nacel Energy Corporation NCEN 0.0520* 0.0000 (0.00%) 2.72M 465,593.00 0.05 0.062 0.05
XZERES Wind Corp. XWND 2.18* 0.00 (0.00%) 28.95M 750.00 2.18 2.18 2.18
Renegy Holdings, Inc. RGYH 0.200* 0.000 (0.00%) 1.30M 0.00
Akeena Solar, Inc. WEST 0.540 0.000 (0.00%) 24.72M 186,354.00 0.55 0.55 0.51
Magma Energy Corp MXY 1.42* 0.00 0.00% 352.93M 0.00
American Environmental... AEEI 0.0800* 0.0000 (0.00%) 2.40M 0.00
Hy Drive Technologies... HGS 0.165* 0.000 (0.00%) 12.54M 53,600.00 0.16 0.165 0.145
Maxim Power Corp. MXG 2.77* 0.00 (0.00%) 149.68M 2,900.00 2.72 2.77 2.72
GWS Technologies Inc GWSC 0.0450* 0.0000 (0.00%) 517,567.00 14,215.00 0.045 0.045 0.0275
Zongshen PEM Power... ZPP 0.770* 0.000 (0.00%) 102.79M 8,700.00 0.81 0.81 0.77
Solid Resources Ltd. SRW 0.165* 0.000 (0.00%) 13.10M 0.00
Cree, Inc. CREE 46.99 0.00 (0.00%) 5.14B 4.51M 47.29 48.38 46.51
Hydrogenics Corporation HYG 4.58* 0.00 (0.00%) 25.14M 8.00
WaterFurnace Renewable... WFI 27.67* 334.60M 0.00
Great Canadian Gaming... GC 7.96* 0.00 (0.00%) 659.00M 151,572.00 7.96 8.01

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Rare Earth Elements used in green energy, smartphones, hybrid cars

Specific Rare Earth Metals and Applications

Cerium

Technological applications:

- Cerium oxide used as a catalytic converter for the reduction of CO emissions in vehicle exhaust, particularly diesel engines

- Cerium oxide is a petroleum cracking catalyst in petroleum refining, resulting in reduced energy usage

- Cerium oxide is considered a very efficient agent for optical component precision polishing of optical components

. Cerium oxides, and other cerium compounds, go into catalytic converters and larger-scale equipment to reduce the sulfur oxide emissions. Cerium is a diesel fuel additive for micro-filtration of pollutants, and promotes more complete fuel combustion for more energy efficiency.


Dyprosium

- Cost has risen from under $7 a pound in 2006 to over $130 per pound in 2011

- Dysprosium is used, in conjunction with vanadium and other elements, in making laser materials

- Dysprosium's high thermal neutron absorption cross-section allows dysprosium oxide-nickel cermets to be used in neutron-absorbing control rods in nuclear reactors

- Dysprosium-cadmium chalcogenides are sources of infrared radiation which is useful for studying chemical reactions

- Dysprosium and its compounds are highly susceptible to magnetization, so are employed in data storage applications, such as hard disks


Erbium

- Silvery-white solid metal when artificially isolated, natural erbium is always found in chemical combination with other elements on Earth

Erbium is a rare earth element which is associated with several other rare elements in the mineral gadolinite from Ytterby in Sweden

- Erbium is often utilized as a photographic filter, and because of its resilience it is useful as a metallurgical additive

- Erbium is used in medical applications including laser surgery


Europium

Europium is not found in nature as a free element, and has no known biological role. It is a by-product of nuclear fission, and is used in television sets, lasers, fluorescent lamps and in medical tests for Down's Syndrome and other genetic illnesses.

Europium's use in fluorescent lighting is significant, as it can reduce power usage by 75% relative to traditional incandescent lighting. In the medical field, europium is used to tag complex biochemical agents, helping to trace these materials during tissue research.


Gadolinium

- Gadoliium is used in Rare-earth magnets, high refractive index glass or garnets, lasers, x-ray tubes, computer memories, neutron capture, as a MRI contrast agent, and as a NMR relaxation agent.


Lanthanum

- Lanthanum is most often found in the mineral bastnasite, and is extracted through a method known as solvent extraction

- Lanthanum is a strategically important REE due to its activity in catalysts that are critical in petroleum refining. Lanthanum additives, called "cracking-agents", increase refinery yield by as much as 10%, and at the same time reduce overall refinery energy consumption.


Lutetium

- Lutetium is named for Lutetia, the ancient city which later became Paris, Lutetium is used in PET Scan detectors, and high refractive index glass


Neodymium

– Used for magnets in hybrid cars including Prius, Insight, LEAF, Focus, pretty much EVERY hybrid car model available. Also used in the Dyson Vacuum's magnets.

- Neodymium is a critical component of strong permanent magnets

- Neodynium is used extensively in Cell phones, portable CD players, computers and most modern sound systems

- Neodynium magnets are used in a large variety of motors and mechanical systems


Praseodymium

- Praseodymium comprises about 4% of the lanthanide content of bastnasite, but is used as a common coloring pigment

- Along with neodymium, praseodymium is used to filter certain wavelengths of light. So praseodymium finds specific uses in photographic filters, airport signal lenses, welder's glasses, as well as broad uses in ceramic tile and glass (usually yellow).

- When used in an alloy, praseodymium is a component of permanent magnet systems designed for small motors. Praseodymium also has applications in internal combustion engines, as a catalyst for pollution control.

Samarium

- Though classified as a rare earth element, samarium is the 40th most abundant element in the Earth's crust and is more common than such metals as tin

- Samarium occurs with concentration up to 2.8% in several minerals including cerite, gadolinite, samarskite, monazite and bastnäsite, the last two being the most common commercial sources of the element. These minerals are mostly found in China, the USA, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and Australia; China is by far the world leader in samarium mining and production.

-An important application of samarium is samarium-cobalt magnets, which have a nominal composition of SmCo5 or Sm2Co17. They have high permanent magnetization, which is about 10,000 times that of iron and is second only to that of neodymium magnets. However, samarium-based magnets have higher resistance to demagnetization, as they are stable to temperatures above 700 °C (cf. 300–400 °C for neodymium magnets). These magnets are found in small motors, headphones, high-end magnetic pickups for guitars and related musical instruments.[8] For example, they are used in the motors of a solar-powered electric aircraft Solar Challenger and in the Samarium Cobalt Noiseless electric guitar and bass pickups.

- Samarium and its compounds are utilized as catalyst and chemical reagent. Samarium catalysts assist decomposition of plastics, dechlorination of pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as well as the dehydration and dehydrogenation of ethanol.

- Samarium triflate (Sm(OTf)3, that is Sm(CF3SO3)3) is one of the most efficient Lewis acid catalysts for a halogen-promoted Friedel–Crafts reaction with alkenes.

- Samarium iodide is a very common reducing and coupling agent in organic synthesis, for example in the desulfonylation reactions; annulation; Danishefsky, Kuwajima, Mukaiyama and Holton Taxol total syntheses;strychnine total synthesis; Barbier reaction and other reductions with samarium(II) iodide.



Yttrium

- Rare in bastnasite, it is usually recovered from even more obscure minerals and ores. Still, almost every vehicle on the road contains yttriumbased materials that improve the fuel efficiency of the engine. Another important use of yttrium is in microwave communication devices. Yttrium- Iron-Garnets (YIG) are used as resonators in frequency meters, magnetic field measurement devices, tunable transistors and Gunn oscillators. Yttrium goes into laser crystals specific to spectral characteristics for high-performance communication systems.

Yttrium (Y) is most commonly found in association with Heavy Rare Earth Elements deposits.


Related Green weblinks:

Rare Earth Metals companies info links

List of Publicly-listed Rare Earth Metals stocks

Geothermal energy investing info

21st Century Green Architecture

Green Mutual Fund Investing Info

Clean Power Investing; Best Green Stocks for 2009 / 2010

Rare Earth Stocks Research

Energy and Capital

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