North American Clean Energy - Nov/Dec 08 issue

VOLUME 2

ISSUE 6

2009 WIND Buyers Guide

Impact of the Federal Investment Tax Credit Extension

The Next Generation Biofuel Crop

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VOLUME 2

ISSUE 6

contents

2009 WIND Buyers Guide

November/December 2008 Volume 2, Number 6

6

Renewable Energy in the Credit Maelstrom

8

Attaining More Wind Power by 2030 Are utility-scale solutions the answer?

Impact of the Federal Investment Tax Credit Extension

The Next Generation Biofuel Crop

MANAGING EDITOR CanSIA Solar Conference 2008 Show in Print

R. Keith Barker kbarker@nacleanenergy.com

POWER-GEN International Show in Print

EDITOR

Michelle Froese mfroese@nacleanenergy.com ART DIRECTOR

Rommel Ramirez production@nacleanenergy.com SALES MANAGER

Ian Stuart istuart@nacleanenergy.com CIRCULATION MANAGER

Kristy Vail circulation@nacleanenergy.com ACCOUNTING

Alison Bell abell@nacleanenergy.com

departments Wind Energy

255 NEWPORT DRIVE, SUITE 336

Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5H1 Phone: (604) 461-6223

When the Wind Blows Pitch control systems turn

14

A Few Reasons to go Solar A positive look at the energy tax credit extension

16

The Switch to LED Developing new solar technology

8

CanSIA Solar Conference 2008 Show In Print

11

Solar Energy

14

18 1

Manufacturing and the Growing PV Industry

2009 Wind Buyers Guide

25

20 2

Investing in Clean Energy

23

Residential Solar Power Increasing availability of PPAs

Geothermal Energy

45

23

Monetizing US Tax Credits in Solar Project Finance

PUBLISHER

Ian Stuart istuart@nacleanenergy.com

10

POWER-GEN International 2008 Show in Print

48

Waste to Energy

50

WIND BUYERS GUIDE

2009

25 45

Geothermal on a Grand Scale

46

Largest ever geothermal lease sale in Nevada

50

“Biodiesel man” has business Flowing in Barbados Waste vegetable oil could be a key to small island energy independence

53

Mexico’s President Applauds GE power plant as model for Latin America

56

The Next Generation Biofuel Crop

60

Harnessing Power The best technology does not always win

65

France is second in Europe for producing renewable energy

64

Beacon announces testing of first Megawatt flywheel energy storage

66

US renewable electricity generation surges by 32% while nuclear’s share decreases

Biomass and Biofuels 54 North American Clean Energy is published bi-monthly by Action Media Ltd. Subscriptions: $48 per year. Foreign $89 per year. Editorial, Advertising, Production and Circulation are at 255 Newport Drive, Suite 336, Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5H1 (604) 461-6223.

North American Clean Energy accepts no responsibility or liability for reported claims made by manufacturers and/or distributors for products or services; the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of North American Clean Energy. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. Copyright 2008, Action Media Ltd. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation department, 255 Newport Drive, Suite 336, Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5H1 email: circulation@nacleanenergy.com.

Return undeliverable U.S. addresses to 515 University Ave., Henry, IL 61537. Subscription updates can be made at circulation@nacleanenergy.com.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION Go to website for new subscriptions, renewals or change of address NACLEANENERGY.COM

Hydro and Marine Energy

60

Events Calendar

64

Advertiser Website Directory

66

2009 Wind Buyers Guide

Information will remain strictly confidential.

North American Clean Energy

NACE November December 2008.indd 5

5

11/20/08 8:33 AM

Renewable Energy in the Credit Maelstrom

Ed Feo is a partner in the international law firm of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP. He co-chairs the Firm’s project finance and energy practice and is a member of the Firm’s Global Executive Committee.

By Ed Feo

T

he Solar Power International conference held in San Diego this past October was attended by over 23,000 people. Enthusiasm about the prospects for solar energy could not have been higher, especially in light of an eightyear extension of the investment tax credit, including an increase of the credit for homeowners, and the expansion of the credit to include utility owners.

Unfortunately, that enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by the somber panels on financing issues. The word from lenders and tax equity providers was that the credit crisis had reached the renewable energy sector. Banks were not funding and investors were pulling back. Some of the better-known casualties of the credit crisis (such as Lehman Brothers and AIG) had been participants in the renewables tax equity market. Still, other institutions were ramping down because they were being acquired, preserving capital, or were simply unable to price accurately given the chaos in the credit markets. More than one solar energy developer was caught in the credit maelstrom – with projects in construction and tax equity investors bailing out pre-completion.

The next week, I had the opportunity to moderate a panel on financing at the Roger Williams University School of Law Marine Law Symposium on: “A Viable Marine Renewable Energy Industry: Solutions to Legal, Economic, and Policy Challenges.” The attendees were focused on offshore wind and hydroki6

November / December 2008

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netic projects. Although several offshore wind projects are being pursued in the northeast, not one has been built and the construction funding remains a future goal. At this meeting, there was a noted degree of optimism. Chris Brown, CEO of Deepwater Wind (recently selected as the prime bidder in the RFP for offshore wind by the state of Rhode Island), put it best by noting that they were confident capital would be available when the time for construction occurred a few years hence.

The conclusion of these tales: severity of a credit crunch very much depends on one’s proximity to it. So, I offer a few thoughts on where we are and where we are likely to go from here...

As I have written in this column before, the renewables business has enjoyed remarkable growth of debt and equity in just a few years. New Energy Finance reported that the level of renewable project financings last year had grown to $148.4 billion, an increase of over 344% in just three years. The renewable energy tax equity market, which involves the investment by taxpayers in project companies monetizing tax credits and depreciation, had grown from non-existent in 2002 to $5.2 billion in 2007, with the prospect for growth to nearly $10 billion in 2008. The credit crisis did not arrive in the renewables sector in force until late this summer. There was some use of “market flex” in debt financings earlier in the year, as lead arrangers found

syndications to be challenging. Interest rates and tax equity returns edged up slightly. But nothing compared to the price increases and ultimate unavailability of capital that had been visited upon the acquisition finance market months before.

September was not a kind month to the renewable energy finance business.

The rapid contraction of liquidity in the financial sector led to the demise of Lehman and AIG, two active players in the tax equity market (Lehman is the owner of SkyPower, a Canadian wind and solar company). Other tax equity players stopped taking on new deals and even backed out of committed deals.

The debt markets contracted as banks stopped issuing termsheets for new deals. New Energy Finance reported that renewable energy project financings fell from $23.2 billion in the second quarter to $17.8 billion in the third quarter. The end result was a game of financial musical chairs: lenders on turbine supply loans waited for construction loans that were slow in funding, and construction lenders waited for tax equity takeout financings that were slow to materialize. The cost of financing at each level went up.

As an example, the tax equity market, which had hit a low of under 6% on an unleveraged, after-tax internal rate of return in 2007, climbed to eight percent and even higher on especially troubled deals or especially desperate sponsors, in late 2008.

With that said, the debt and tax equity markets are still in business in the fourth quarter. Some banks are continuing to write new business, though volume is down. New debt financing is also being provided by private equity funds, although at rates well in excess of traditional bank rates. A number of new tax equity deals are being done by the likes of JP Morgan, Bank of America, MetLife, and New York Life. The prospect of higher returns is drawing interest from other investors, which have not been in the market previously.

What are the prospects going forward? Next year will be a period of recovery. I expect that liquidity will ease into the financial markets in the first half of the year. The renewable energy project finance business should be an attractive place for capital, at least for deals that are well structured – good equipment with strong warranties, minimal construction and operation risk, and robust purchase agreements with credit-worthy parties. The beauty of the project finance model in the electric sector is that market risk is largely squeezed out. The ultimate risk of failure is that a load serving entity cannot pay for the power being produced, and that should only be a risk arising from demographics of the service territory (putting aside side bets made on commodities, acquisition of unrelated businesses, or war with regulators – all of which utilities have from time to time managed to do).

nacleanenergy.com

11/20/08 8:33 AM

editor’s note About six months ago, I came onboard at North American Clean Energy (NACE) as a part-time editor that was fairly green to the industry (no pun intended). Though, at the time, I couldn’t have told you the difference between thin film and crystalline silicon PVs (see page 18 if you’re wondering), it seems renewable energy has always been, at least in some way, part of my life.

When I was only ten years old – and I won’t tell you how long ago that was – my parents built a house using geothermal energy to heat and cool our home. Two wells were dug, one to transfer water from the earth to a heat pump, and another to circulate water back to the earth. As a fairly new residential system at the time, it wasn’t without its share of complications.

Not only did the wells take a long time to dig (or so I’m told), but the heat pump, which was made of steel, also began to corrode. It was an expensive system to implement as well; though, once it worked properly, my parents say it worked very well. We moved cities a few years later and, unfortunately, my parents never did get to experience the long-term efficiency or financial payoff, which should be substantial by now.

Before then, I spent summers at my grandparents, mostly in their outdoor pool – which my grandfather attempted to heat using homemade solar panels. He attached black panels of plastic piping onto the roof of his home, pumping pool water up through these pipes, and back to the pool again. I suppose this made somewhat of a temperature difference, though if he were still around (rest his soul), he would have been astounded by today’s technology. What he wouldn’t give to have walked the aisles of Solar Power International with me in San Diego this past October, which hosted over 425 exhibitors and was attended by over 23,000 people.

Even in these tough economic times, my grandfather would have been optimistic about the future of renewable energy, if only because of how much the industry has grown since his first attempt at self-made solar panels. Of course, the recent eight-year extension of the investment tax credit in the US wouldn’t hurt either. This issue brings some mixed reactions to the extension, along with our 16-page 2009 Wind Buyers’ Guide. There is plenty to read and plenty to learn about. As my grandfather would sometimes say, ”Just imagine what the future holds!” I’m excited to begin as a full-time editor here at NACE and find out.

Sincerely, Michelle Froese

Tax equity will be the most challenging capital given that the Internal Revenue Code effectively limits use of the credits to large, tax paying US corporations. In addition, the tax equity market has been dominated by financial institutions, which as a class may not be as interested in tax credits.

So, the market needs to expand to other corporates, which likely means higher yields and more structuring to mitigate project level risks for investors not as versed in the energy business. The law might also need to change to open the scope of qualified investors. Trade organizations and others are currently working on proposed amendments to the Code to reduce the limitations on the use of tax credits in hope that more taxpayers will qualify to use the credits and, in turn, be willing to invest in tax equity transactions.

I also expect some of the renewable energy developers will have a rough ride in this period of financial uncertainty.

Projects will certainly be deferred. And, in some cases, projects that are caught in financings with failed take-outs will see asset sales as the avenue for repayment.

In this environment, those with strong balance sheets will gain over those without them. The bottom line: 2009 will be a transition year for renewable energy finance. We will see liquidity return, but prices will be up and volume down. New finance parties will emerge. One thing I am confident of, consistent with the sentiments expressed in Providence: the money will certainly be back by the time offshore wind needs it.

Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP www.milbank.com North American Clean Energy

NACE November December 2008.indd 7

7

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wind energy

Attaining More Wind Power by 2030 Are utility scale solutions the answer?

By Jim Fugitte

O

n May 12th, 2008, the US Department of Energy (DOE) released a report entitled, “20 Percent Wind Energy by 2030.” The report, which identified the possibility of wind energy accounting for 20% of the nation’s energy supply by 2030, focuses on the need to develop large-scale wind farms, new transmission lines, and an overall major expansion of the electricity grid system in the US. I think they have got it wrong. Although the US government and the renewable energy industry, in general, understand there is a very real energy crisis, they desperately need to re-examine the utility scale solutions that many see as the only answer. Focusing solely on traditional means to generate and deliver electricity is the problem, not the solution. Utility scale electricity, whether provided by fossil fuels or renewable sources like wind and solar, obviously has a role in our energy future. But there are

one of earth’s most renewable resources – namely, wind – without the need for large, open spaces, massive propellers, or an intricate transmission grid system.

A new generation of wind turbines makes distributive wind solutions feasible in urban areas and other settings where wind power is not an alternative today. At less than 20 feet tall, and made of ultra-strong, lightweight advanced composite materials, this new generation of turbine can harvest wind from all directions. Plus, micro-wind research is enabling applications and sites never before considered – meaning consumers, no matter where they are located, have the potential to harness a new energy resource for themselves.

A variety of plans have been proposed by “big wind” advocates to solve our energy problems. Like the government, these proposals are well intentioned, but they advocate more than one trillion dollars in investments and ignore the revolutionary

…the sole solution to our energy needs cannot simply be large wind farms located in high-wind areas and the construction of thousands of miles of new transmission lines. other options as well. I believe the inherent problems associated with utility scale electricity generation and distribution is paving the way to new solutions.

The best way for communities, institutions, and commercial enterprises to mitigate rising fuel costs, and ensure less reliance on fossil fuels, is to invest in onsite renewable energy generation assets that can work in conjunction with their traditional sources of power. Though solar energy has been an onsite energy option for years, new, state-of-the-art wind turbines are making it possible to harness 8

November / December 2008

NACE November December 2008.indd 8

options associated with smaller wind turbines. However, everything should work together. Although wind farms from Texas to North Dakota are a way for America to begin to break free from foreign oil in the future, smaller turbines, with the functionality to be used in settings as diverse as Detroit and Disney World, can help solve our energy crisis now.

Perhaps, more importantly, the distributive solutions I’m talking about can be used elsewhere. We often only think of solutions that will solve America’s problems, but the interdependence of

today’s populations requires us to focus on developing energy solutions for a wider audience. Although developing nations obviously are not in a position to dedicate their entire economy to creating large-scale wind farms and constructing electrical grids to dot the landscape, they can, piece-by-piece, begin to invest in onsite renewable energy generation assets like the turbines I have mentioned.

Though part of the answer, the sole solution to our energy needs cannot simply be large wind farms located in highwind areas and the construction of thousands of miles of new transmission lines.

Using distributive solutions, in virtually any environment, and putting wind energy directly in the hands of individuals, gives people everywhere the power they need without the costs associated with fossil fuels. Manufacturing facilities in China, hospitals in Central America, and population centers in Africa all have two things in common: they need reliable energy, and the wind is free. By continuing to develop onsite solutions that are more affordable and more efficient, we can empower people all over the world to break free from the fossil fuel oligarchs that give nothing back but a growing debt-burden and smog-filled skies.

Onsite wind generation assets on their own will not solve all of our problems, but neither will massive wind farms only available to those lucky enough to live in conditions suitable for their use and in countries rich enough to erect them. As oil prices rise and fall with the latest financial crisis or global conflict, it is critical that we not offer the same one-sizefits-all solutions to the energy debate.

Wind Energy Corporation www.windenergycorp.com

nacleanenergy.com

11/20/08 8:33 AM

wind energy news briefs John Deere Renewables has acquired the Noble Thumb Windpark (NTW) in Huron County, Michigan from Noble Environmental Power. The project consists of 46 GE SLE wind turbines and has a total capacity of 69 MW, which will produce enough electricity to power 20,000 homes.

Located near Ubly, the project is made possible by Michigan’s recently enacted renewable energy legislation. “The comprehensive energy package I, recently signed into law, sends a clear signal that Michigan is ready to diversify its economy, create jobs, and meet our 21st Century needs by becoming a leader in renewable energy development,” said Governor Jennifer Granholm. Phase one of wind turbine construction is currently underway, with completion expected by the end of 2008.

AAER Inc. has signed a reservation agreement for 61 1.65MW wind turbines to be delivered to Mont Louis Wind L.P., represented by NPI Wind Power GP II Inc. and Northland Power Wind GP II Inc., for its 100MW wind farm project in Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis, Québec, Canada. The 61 A-1650s are scheduled for delivery during the third quarter of 2010. The reservation agreement enables Mont Louis Wind L.P. to secure a manufacturing and delivery schedule for the 61 A-1650 wind turbines, while a Turbine Supply Agreement (TSA) and Warranty, Maintenance & Service Agreement (WMSA) are being agreed upon by Mont Louis Wind L.P. and AAER. The overall sale price is currently estimated at approximately $142 million.

Knight & Carver Wind Group has reached agreement with Northern Power to build several preliminary sets of 10-meter wind blades for community-scale wind power generation, and provide manufacturing engineering support. The blades will be utilized on the Northwind 100 turbine, as produced by Northern Power. The Northwind 100 turbine is sized specifically for generating wind energy in a wide range of community wind applications in towns, schools, and businesses around the world. The project begins immediately, with first-phrase product delivery expected by year-end.

Vestas Towers A/S, headquartered in Randers, Denmark, has selected Konecranes to supply 56 cranes for its new Wind Turbine Tower manufacturing facility in Pueblo, Colorado.

This will be the second plant Vestas has built in Colorado.

The first, located in Windsor, Colorado, near Fort Collins, manufactures the blade section of the company’s wind turbine line. The order includes both Konecranes CXT and SM Spacemaker type cranes, ranging in capacity from 10 to 45 tons, with spans up to 33 meters. Vestas has targeted completion of the tower manufacturing facility for October, 2009.

The Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan) announced the release of a favorable preliminary test report on Catch the Wind Ltd.’s Vindicator Laser Wind Sensor (LWS). In October of this year, the LWS unit began Phase One of WEICan’s Research Development and Demonstration program at its test facility at North Cape, PEI. The objective in Phase One is to establish correlation of Vindicator LWS wind data with various standard wind industry anemometry wind speed and direction sensors.

To follow, Phase Two of testing will incorporate the Vindicator LWS into the controls of a Windmatic 65 wind turbine at WEICan’s North Cape facility with the objective of demonstrating the impact of integrating the unit’s look-ahead and wind sensing capabilities into a turbine's control system.

“To our knowledge, this is the first time in the history of our industry that a laser wind sensor has ever been integrated into an operating wind turbine to report wind speed and direction for turbine control,” said Phil Rogers, president and CEO of Catch the Wind, and inventor of the Vindicator LWS.

BCC Research’s latest technical market research report, entitled, “Wind Turbines: The US Market,” shows that the domestic market for wind turbine components and systems will be worth $60.9 billion in 2013. This represents an increase from the 2007 market value of $7.9 billion and the estimated 2008 market value of $11.2 billion. The compound annual growth rate between 2008 and 2013 is expected to be 40%.

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Nordex USA, Inc. announced plans to locate its US manufacturing facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and will invest approximately $100 million in the new facility, which will employ 700 people. The company is building on 187 acres in the Craighead Technology Park. This operation will be an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that will comprise every component of a wind turbine except the tower, including the manufacturing of rotor blades and the assembly of nacelles. The facility will have a target annual assembly capacity of approximately 750 MW, with planned production to start

by January 2010. In Jonesboro, Nordex will focus on its largescale turbine family N90 and N100 (2.5 MW), which is one of the largest series in the world. The average size of the newly installed turbines in the US will amount to 1.7 MW.

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The Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative (BWEC), a government-industry conservation group alliance, has begun testing the effect of stopping wind turbines during low wind conditions to avoid killing bats. The study, a first of its kind in the US, would also determine the reduction, due to shutdowns, in the amount of electricity generated. Iberdrola Renewables offered its Casselman Wind Power Project site in Pennsylvania for the experiment, and is also providing funding for it.

Scientists hypothesize that shutting down turbines in times of low wind during periods of high bat activity could significantly reduce fatalities, with modest reduction in power production and associated economic impact on project operations.

5/2/08 6:03:02 AM

8/31/08 3:07:179 PM North American Clean Energy

11/20/08 8:33 AM

wind energy

When the Wind Blows Pitch Control Systems Turn

By Dr Sherif El-Henaoui

V

isit YouTube and type in the phrase “wind turbine explodes,” and you will see what could be fodder for an ad about the benefits of pitch control systems. Beyond those who design and make these systems, the technology does not attract a lot of attention. But it should. A pitch control system holds the key to maximizing and protecting a multimillion-dollar wind turbine.

Pitch control systems are found in the hub of a wind turbine’s prop. These unsung systems make it possible for a wind turbine operator to control the in-

and the wind turbine stops. Pitch control systems – which generally come in two forms, electric or hydraulic – do the turning. Pitch control is not limited to failsafe situations, though. To set the turbine’s blades at the best angle for superior output, these systems will also pitch (or turn) the blades a few degrees when the wind builds to roughly 12 to 13 meters per second (27 to 29 mph), which is when the turbine reaches peak performance. Reliably adjusting the angle of the blades is where pitch control systems earn their keep.

clination angle of a turbine’s blades. According to the European Wind Energy Association, pitch control systems cost approximately three percent of a wind turbine’s price. But, like an insurance policy, a small investment makes a large difference when conditions turn from good to bad. As of 2007, analysts with Intercedent Asia estimated that 90% of new wind turbines included pitch control systems. Although these systems are virtually ubiquitous, knowledge about them is less so.

When the wind blows at 25 meters per second (50 mph) or higher, a wind turbine needs a failsafe to put its blades at an angle where the load is reduced

The Danish Wind Industry Association recently wrote that “designing a pitch controlled wind turbine requires some clever engineering to make sure that the rotor blades pitch exactly the amount required.” Most wind turbine manufacturers – Enercon and Vestas are a few exceptions – tap others to make pitch control systems, so the subtleties of the designs may go undetected. For a buyer of wind turbines, it is important to know that most manufacturers are wedded to the use of either hydraulic or electric pitch control systems. Rarely do makers of wind turbines use both types.

And, according to research from Intercedent Asia: “The [end users] choice of

10

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pitch control system and design is wholly a function of their choice of manufacturer.” Nobody would advise a buyer to choose a wind turbine primarily for the type of pitch control systems it includes.

But understanding the differences between these systems will help a buyer’s overall purchasing decision.

Those familiar with pitch control systems will have varying points of view as to which system is superior and why.

With electric pitch control systems, there is no risk of leaking hydraulic fluid. As a result, these systems pose no environmental issues, which can arise with a system relying on oil under high pressure. There is also lower consumption, or energy waste. Electric pitch control systems tend to consume less power than hydraulic ones because the latter require a pump running at all times. That pump draws energy to keep the system’s oil at high pressure, as well as ready at a moment’s notice when rotor blades must be turned. In electric pitch control systems, however, the failsafe batteries or capacitors are a weakness. The lifetime for a pitch control system’s battery pack is two or, possibly, three years. When its life is over, it is an undertaking to replace it. Just imagine scaling a 2MW wind turbine to switch out a battery in the hub of the prop.

“Supporters of both the hydraulic and electric systems always claim advantages to each type of technology,” said Peter Baldwin, a researcher with Intercedent Asia. “On the one hand, there’s a strong appeal for electric because of environmental issues. Another advantage to electric is that it’s better for colder climates because the oil in hydraulic systems lose viscosity as the temperature plummets. But the speed and reliability of hydraulic systems is a clear strength.

“Maintenance and diagnostics are said to be easier with hydraulic because less technical components are used,” added Baldwin. “And, in spite of rising oil costs, the price of hydraulic fluid in

pitch control systems isn’t significant because it’s a closed system, recycling virtually all of the oil it needs.”

So which type of pitch control system is better? There is no clear winner, yet.

Developments on the horizon suggest that manufacturers of wind turbines may see a third option: a hybrid solution for pitch control systems. With hybrid technology, the wind turbine’s blades are turned electrically and the failsafe, which prevents damage to the blades, runs hydraulically. Proponents of developing hybrid solutions say the risk of leaking oil would be mitigated because the pitch control would rely mostly on electrical power. They contend energy costs would be lower, too. Since the hybrid pitch control systems would rely on a hydraulic system for failsafe power, advocates point out that buyers wouldn’t have to worry about their failsafe battery losing its charge within a few years.

Along with helping to efficiently produce power from the wind, the pitch control systems – no matter what type a buyer owns – play a critical role in protecting and capitalizing on an investment in a wind turbine. Whether someone selects electric, hydraulic, or hybrid, buyers owe it to themselves to understand this often overlooked system and use that knowhow when purchasing a wind turbine.

Dr Sherif El-Henaoui is the European marketing manager for Moog, Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B). He also manages activities for core industries, such as plastics machinery, and developing markets, such as wind energy and services.

Moog Inc. | www.moog.com

Resources Danish Wind Industry Association www.windpower.org European Wind Energy Association www.ewea.org Intercedent Asia www.intercedeasia.com

nacleanenergy.com

11/20/08 8:33 AM

CanSIA

Show in Print Features just some of the companies and technologies attendees will see at this year’s show.

CanSIA 2008 www.cansia.ca

CanSIA Solar Conference 2008 December 8 & 9, 2008 Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario

www.cansia.ca This year’s conference theme’s include: industry and technical updates, government activities, research and development, as well as attracting more investors.

Remote PV Tie accessory and safe guard service

Alternative energy focused R&D in community

Advanced Energy’s Solaron Remote PV Tie (RPT) accessory removes conventional PV design limitations, while reducing BoS installation costs and increasing system efficiency. Paired with a bipolar Solaron inverter, the RPT accessory connects the neutrals of the arrays without returning to the inverter. This eliminates the expensive, long-length, and large-diameter wires of the neutral DC homerun legs, so users can install the inverter up to a distance of 2000’ from the arrays. The reduction in resistive wiring losses amounts to a 2% efficiency gain, or the opportunity to use fewer panels in the system installation for the same energy harvest.

Advanced Energy also offers a SafeGuard service program, which allows users to take a proactive approach in maintaining high-performance longevity of Solaron inverters. AE routinely accesses the integrated IDS communications to remotely monitor inverters for data irregularities, and address any issues at off hours.

Located on the Ontario/Michigan USA border, Sarnia-Lambton provides immediate access to the Great Lakes industrial corridor and provides an excellent location for the manufacturing of solar panels and components. Companies can benefit from the area’s affordable and modern industrial infrastructure, and from significant cluster power in chemicals, manufacturing, and power generation.

Companies will have access to a technically oriented workforce and seven world-class universities and colleges in southern Ontario. Alternative energy focused R&D is underway in the community. Sarnia-Lambton is home to Canada’s Bio-industrial Innovation Centre and The Research Park, operated by the University of Western Ontario. (Canada / Ontario offer the most favorable tax treatment for R&D among the G7.) Sarnia-Lambton is realizing its strong community vision of becoming a leading alternative energy centre. OptiSolar Farms Canada Inc.’s planned six 10 MW solar power generation facility is currently under construction in Sarnia.

Advanced Energy | www.advanced-energy.com

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership | www.sarnialambton.on.ca

Renewable energy firm A national law firm of more than 500 lawyers, Stikeman Elliott LLP maintains offices in Toronto, Montréal, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, New York, London, and Sydney.

The firm’s Energy Group, which includes some of Canada’s main advisors to the renewable energy industry, has a wide range of participants (developers, purchasers, suppliers, and financing entities) that depend on the Group’s experience in development, debt and equity financing, mergers and acquisitions, and related regulatory processes.

Stikeman Elliott LLP has acted in a variety of specific sectors, including wind power, ethanol production and power, solar power, and power generation from biomass/waste.

The firm was recognized in 2008 as Canada’s Best Corporate & Commercial Team by World Finance and National Law Firm of the Year (Canada) in 2007 by the International Financial Law Review.

Stikeman Elliott LLP www.stikeman.com

Renewable Energy Overview Utility grade power conditioning systems Led by the industry’s most field tested and proven largescale, utility grade 500 kW power conditioning system, Satcon’s PowerGate Plus solutions deliver the capabilities required to effectively manage increasingly larger commercial and utility installations. With 11 power ratings, ranging from 30 kW to the 1 MW system, these units are a core element of many of the world’s largest solar power projects.

PowerGate Plus 1 MW solution is delivered as a fully integrated power conditioning system for rapid and reliable installation. Based on Satcon’s tested and proven 1.2 MW fuel cell inverters, the 1 MW PV system is designed from the ground up to maximize the energy from the solar array, and to ensure maximum energy delivery over much longer distances typical for large-area array systems.

Satcon Technology Corporation www.satcon.com

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CanSIA

CanSIA 2008 www.cansia.ca

Large-scale ground mounted systems Schletter FS-System (Free Field System) guarantees easy and cost-effective installations of large-scale ground mounted systems. With supports standing on one pole, this system is adaptable to almost any terrain, and grading of a site is rarely necessary.

Sixteen people are able to install a 1 MW system in 25 to 30 days (driving the poles, setting up the rack, clamping the modules, no wiring or electrical work). Dimensions are based on exact and detailed analysis of the installation site, including soil analysis, and pull-out and compression tests on the poles, as well as consideration of wind and snow loads.

Solar electricity Solar electricity in its simplest description converts sunlight directly into usable electricity. This system can provide electricity for a home or small business at a cheaper cost, with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. Solar Destination solar electricity systems reduce air and noise pollution that are often attributed with other systems. The company also offers solar heating, which reduces costs by limiting the amount of fuel needed to heat water using the sun’s renewable energy, and solar space heating, which supplements heat to a furnace during the day, further saving users money.

Schletter Inc. www.schletter-inc.us | www.schletter.de.

Solar Destination www.solardestination.com

We Know Renewable Energy Troutman Sanders LLP is one of the world’s leading energy law firms.

We have represented clients in energy matters since the 1920s, and our climate change practice has been active for nearly two decades.

From this foundation of experience, we have developed a dynamic renewable and alternative energy practice that advises clients worldwide at every stage, from investment and tax structuring to development, construction and operation.

As your plans for solar, wind and other renewable energy projects emerge, put the energy of our lawyers to work for you. For more information, contact: Craig Kline 212.704.6150 craig.kline@ troutmansanders.com

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Phil Spector 212.704.6004 phil.spector@ troutmansanders.com

Solar PV and solar thermal systems Energy markets are undergoing a revolutionary change. vZenergy, an Ontario-based energy solutions firm, both guides clients to take advantage of this rapid change, and implements stateof-the-art solutions to improve their bottom-line. Solar Energy is one of the core solutions offered by vZenergy for electric power generation (solar PV), and heating systems (solar thermal). The vZenergy Team has been on the leading edge of the new energy technologies for over 10 years, and has the insights and expertise to provide high quality solutions. vZenergy | www.vZenergy.com

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show in print VOLUME 2

Scientific and technical consulting Pivotry Consulting Group Inc. has expanded their services into the growing solar PV market sector and renewable energy industries. Pivotry is a professional service company offering scientific and technical consulting based upon 20 years experience in hi-tech manufacturing.

By applying successful methodologies from hi-tech manufacturing to the renewable energy industries, this convergence leads to lower overall production costs, improved quality, and increased margins. Pivotry provides independent subject matter expertise and practical support services for individuals and engineering groups implementing and executing business strategies, and tactics throughout their products’ life cycles.

Geothermal Show in print

Life Without the Production Tax Credit And its affect on wind power

A new approach to CO2

Solar

ISSUE 4

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Pivotry Consulting Group Inc. | www.pivotryconsulting.com

Solar water heating products and monitoring solutions Designed and Manufactured in Canada for the Canadian environment, GHM Engineering Group Inc.’s will showcase their SolEau evacuated tube collectors, together with their packaged domestic hot water solar appliance at the CanSIA Expo. GHM’s web-based control, monitoring and energy management systems will also be featured. Dealers and installers will be interested in the Dealer/Installer Certification and training program for the SolEau Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems. GHM Engineering Group Inc. based in Oakville, Ontario.

GHM Engineering Group Inc. www.ghmengineeringgroup.com/innovate.html

Complete systems for residential and commercial installations SunWize Grid-Tie Systems contain quality components such as Sharp and Sanyo modules, as well as SMA, Fronius, and Xantrex inverters. Traditionally, residential solar electric systems involve design, documentation, sourcing of individual components, off-site receiving, truck loading, and one-of-a-kind onsite installation. This method is complex, prone to error, and time-consuming. SunWize Grid-Tie System packages offer a simpler approach, saving installers substantial time and money. Each package includes UniRac SolarMount or Sharp On-Energy flush PV racks, and other necessary hardware and electrical components for a complete installation. Documentation contains: drawings, installation guide, warranties, and an operation/owner’s manual.

SunWize | www.sunwize.com

Solar thermal system EnerWorks’ Solar Energy Unit (SEU) for solar water heating in commercial and industrial applications is an innovative integration of the key components of a solar thermal system.

An integrated pump, heat exchanger, and an intelligent control system are all contained in a compact housing, eliminating the need to obtain and assemble components from various sources.

Available in three sizes and supporting 40 to 300 kW or 20 to 120 solar collectors, larger systems can also be built with multiple SEUs. Applications include hospitals, long-term care facilities, hotels, multi-family and institutional housing, industrial processes, commercial operations, and community centers.

EnerWorks Inc. | www.enerworks.com

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solar energy

A Few Reasons

to go Solar A positive look at the energy tax credit extension

By Natalie Beneviat

D

espite all of the economic woes of today’s financial markets, the federal government is letting the sun shine through in some areas of planning for the nation’s future. As part of HR 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, President George Bush has recently signed into law an eight-year extension of the 30% federal

nomic Stabilization Act of 2008, followed

by Bush signing it into law and the Senate passing it as well. Now, homeowners and commercial businesses are safe knowing that any investment into renewable energy, particularly those involving solar energy, will be worth the effort. Furthermore, $800 million was authorized for clean energy bonds for renewable energy

With the solar industry growing at 40%-plus per year, this is a tremendous opportunity for roofing businesses to take advantage of this huge economic opportunity… investment tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations.

Current solar tax credits were first enacted in 2005 and were set to expire at the end of this year, which led to the House of Representatives and Senate proposing several versions of an extension. Nothing came into fruition until recently, when the House passed the Emergency Eco14

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generating businesses, making commercial applications even more privy to money-saving advantages.

So, does this mean the commercial industry will take more part in going solar?

An analyst at US Energy Information Administration says the outlook was good even before the HR 1424. “Even before the extension passed, our projections

show commercial PV capacity growing by 8.4% on average per year, and this was projected through 2030,” shares Erin Boedecker, who adds that it is still too early to project how the recent extension will affect commercial building.

Solar and PV energy consumption in the States has been steadily growing over the past five years, according to data from Energy Information Administration, which relays official energy statistics from the US Government.

Renewable Energy as a whole was 7% of the nation’s energy supply in 2007, preceded by nuclear electric power at 8%, coal at 22%, natural gas at 23% and, finally, petroleum at 40%. With the energy tax credits secured right in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, it could grow even more.

Not surprisingly, companies in the solar industry are pleased with the results.

Rick Mowrey, president of EnergyPeak, a building integrated photovoltaic (PV) system for standing seam metal roofing, feels business owners should take advantage of the extension. “It’s a win-win situation for businesses, facilities, or any type of commercial building owner,” he says. “Not only can they benefit from the federal tax credits, but solar roofing saves on energy and helps the environment.

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“But, what is more important,” adds Mowrey, “is to study what payback they’ll be getting back from the system.”

Since commercial buildings account for 18% of total US energy consumption, according to an online report from the US Department of Energy (DOE) Building Technologies Program, it seems there is no time like the present to go solar. The program indicates that by designing and constructing energy smart buildings, owners can lower their energy costs by 50% or more, while decreasing maintenance and capital costs, increasing comfort, health and productivity, and conserving the nation’s energy resources.

“With the solar industry growing at 40%-plus per year, this is a tremendous opportunity for roofing businesses to take advantage of this huge economic opportunity,” says Neal Lurie, director of marketing and communications for the American Solar Energy Society.

“While the costs of fossil fuels are rising year after year, the costs of solar energy continue to decrease, making the economics of going solar profitable and compelling.”

There are also three little letters that make a big difference: ROI. Businesses are constantly looking to improve their return on investment (ROI) in any situation, and one way to start is by taking advantage of free ROI reports related to solar energy. For instance, recently San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom began a solar roof installation challenge, inviting all to join the Mayor’s Solar Founders Circle, where those members could receive free solar and energy efficiency audits. EnergyPeak, which is offered only through the nation’s metal standing seam roof manufacturers, also provides the same free ROI analysis.

It is also worth a visit to the DOE’s web page (www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings) for the latest news of renewable energy incentives. Did you know, for example, that the DOE is providing funding support for selected cities in its Solar America Initiative? For those going solar, other provisions in the new bill include the elimination of a monetary cap of $2,000 for residential solar electric property installations. Moreover, utilities are no longer excluded in taking part of the credit, furthering indicating that solar system installation requests outside of the residential market will probably increase.

And, despite all of the economic strains, federal funding history has been strong. In the DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Program for FY 2006 budget, total solar energy was appropriated $83 million, with $60 million reserved for PV energy systems. Total for solar energy technologies increased to $124.4 million in FY 2007, with $106 million or 85%, dedicated to PVs. So,

businesses and individuals may want to start investigating solar options and the related tax credits now.

For more information about renewable energy, visit the US Department of Energy Energey Efficiency and Renewable Energy at www.eere.energy.gov.

American Solar Energy Society www.ases.org EnergyPeak www.energypeak.com

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solar energy

The Switch to LED Developing new solar technology

By Shay Ahmed

C

lean technologies represent a huge component of the future of Silicon Valley. Investment in the sector is growing dramatically with wind, solar, and biofuel companies receiving $148 billion in new funding in 2007. While wind power currently receives the most financing, solar and LED technologies stand to be making the biggest gains in the coming years and have, on average, more than tripled over each of the last three years.

With fossil fuel prices at record highs and the American economy struggling, investment in renewable energy sources and reduced dependency on foreign oil is being viewed by many experts as an important step toward helping pull the economy out of crisis. The centerpiece of President-elect Obama’s energy policy revolves around job creation by strategically investing an additional $150 billion into green energy over the course of the next 10 years. Currently, only 2.4% of American energy comes from renewable sources. Under President-elect Obama’s energy plan, however, 10% of American energy would come from renewable sources by 2012, and 25% by 2025.

With legislation soon coming into effect forcing a transition to energy efficient lighting solutions, companies in the sector can position themselves to stay ahead of the curve by

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developing strategies to deal with the upcoming transition now. Aside from clear operational cost advantages driving a switch from incandescent to LED (with congress passing legislation in 2007 to phase out incandescent light bulbs by 2014), investment in this sector has notably surged. Congress speculates that over the course of the 15 years following the 2014 deadline, consumers will save an estimated $40 billion through LED usage and, consequently, the US will require approximately 14 fewer coal-fired power plants. While the industrial and consumer LED lighting sector stands to reap huge benefits, another lighting sector poised to thrive is commercial signage – which will be in a unique position, able to integrate LED and solar to develop technologies that should profoundly lower the operating costs of their products.

Of all the obstacles facing development of LED and solar technology, limitations in materials science will play the biggest role in mitigating progress in the coming years. New materials will be required for thermal management, cost efficiency, product life expansion, and outdoor ruggedness.

Currently, capturing solar energy from sunlight is a largely inefficient process, which merely aquires a small range of solar frequencies. However, promising developments in hybrid solar cell materials hint that commercial materials will be available within two to three years capable of absorbing all the energy from a visible light spectrum. Until then, a lack of materials capable of efficiently dissipating heat from a solar collection remains a challenge standing in the way of new solar technology.

Nanotechnology is expected to play a big role in expanding the realm of what is possible. Allocating resources now to the development of affordable, environmentally friendly, organic materials, with strong thermal dissipation properties, and the ruggedness to sustain 20to 30-year life spans, will yield huge benefits in the longrun.

Additionally, the investment in clean energy will foster economic growth because the emerging technology will be difficult to outsource. Like with any ‘young tech’ sector, many LED and solar technologies are relatively new, providing domestic manufacturers an opportunity to work with OEMs from the concept stage, and influence design for manufacturability and cost control.

Onshore manufacturing capabilities can prove cost effective from day one, considering that a new technology will continue to evolve over time. LED and solar technology development requires many unique, industry specific manufacturing processes, and the best ones are designed by taking advantage of manufacturing techniques already

used in the industry. Innovative and proprietary manufacturing processes are crucial to development, especially in the areas of thermal management, ruggedness, and optical/lensing.

Developing these adapted processes can be highly efficient, cost-effective, and enable domestic manufacturers

to stay ahead of their overseas counterparts. Unlike heavy outsourced ‘mature’ industries, with solar and LED production, nimble onshore manufacturing will allow design and process changes to occur in real time, both reducing cost and expediting the growth of the technology.

Shay Ahmed is a process engineer of Surface Mount Technology and the current CEO of FlexOne, a San Jose-based company at the forefront of clean technology manufacturing in the Solar and LED sectors.

FlexOne | www.flexone.com

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solar energy

Manufacturing and the Growing PV Industry

By Kristen Breunig

R

As Seen At Intersolar | San Francisco || Solar Power International | San Diego

Are You Protected?

Be Proactive Stop Surges Before They Stop You

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CITEL manufactures tures surge e protective devices (SPDs) (SPDs for Photovoltaic applications. SPDs that protect the AC main SP distribution charge controller & PV combiner di t ib ti panel, l inverter, i t h box against over voltages originating from the AC utility, industrial switching machinery & lightning strikes.

olar Utility-Interactive Photovoltaic (PV) Power plants are very demanding and cost intensive projects. They often require the Solar PV system to be fully operational for several decades before it can yield the desired return on investment.

In the past, many manufacturers would guarantee a system life of greater than 20 years. All costs and investments were calculated based on this time period.

However, many systems are not reaching maturity due to the nature of this exposed application to the lightning phenomena and its interconnection back into the utility AC power grid. For this reason, it is prudent to invest in surge protection to eliminate these potential threats and thus maximize the systems life expectancy.

Reliability In Surge Protection WWW.CITELPROTECTION.COM 1515 NW 167 Street Suite 6-303

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enewable energy sources have been a major focus over the last couple of years. Much like other companies in the solar industry, the photovoltaic (PV) industry is growing rapidly with new companies emerging frequently. Currently, there are two major types of PV technology: silicon and thin film.

Both are striving to achieve what is known as “grid parity.” Grid parity is an important phrase used to discuss the equilibrium point where a kilowatt of energy generated from solar is at par with a kilowatt generated conventionally (whether using coal, hydro, nuclear energy, etc).

To reach grid parity, it is important to have an efficient manufacturing process. Production of either crystalline silicon (CSi) or thin film PV modules requires world-class quality control, tools, as well as processes to achieve necessary efficiencies, yields, and unit costs. Regardless of whether the photovoltaic material is CSi or thin film, large areas of PV material need to be precisely isolated using scribing Understanding PV techniques. The “stripes” and “lines” you see when Technology holding a solar cell are actually areas where the PV Here is the low-down on the two most popular types of PV technologies in the solar industry: material has been removed to create the intended 1. Crystalline Silicon electrical pathways and performance characteris• technology on which approximately 80%, or more, tics. These isolated patches of PV act as individual of solar power products are based; power generating areas.

• considered to be efficient, stable, and low in toxicity; Speed and accuracy of scribing has a direct pri• efficiency ranges from 12% to 19%, half to twomary relationship to the performance and cost of a thirds of the theoretical maximum; PV product. Manufacturers have developed elabonote: the raw material, solar-grade silicon has limited rate and often proprietary methods for connecting availability due to manufacturing capacity issues.

PV cells, using parallel and serial topologies to attain the highest efficiencies and power creation 2. Thin Film (or alternative technology products) (voltage and current) in manufacturing each cell.

• often has costs similar to, or lower than, the CSi technology typically connects these cells with projected costs of products based on crystalline wires, enabling scalability, as any number of cells silicon technology; can be connected in a matrix limited only by size, • conversion efficiencies range from only 5% to 10%; voltage, and current considerations. On the other • has lower manufacturing costs; hand, thin film cell links are typically pathways scribed within the film itself, eliminating a need for • requires only 1% of crystalline silicon, and is less susceptible to increases in silicon costs; interconnecting wires and the associated costs. The • requires larger installed surface areas for equivalent size of a thin film product is limited by the size of power generation. the original manufactured surface carrier, which has been coated with the thin film materials and acts as one large PV cell.

Laser technology is now also competing with chemical and mechanical processes. To reduce material costs and improve yield, solar companies are using thinner material, but this has created a problem with many companies experiencing more breakage with these thin, delicate wafers, given the current handling processes. Furthermore, a concern with using laser technology involves being able to achieve a certain level of precision, accuracy, and resolution within each scribe. By using the latest innovations, however, technology today allows companies to overcome this challenge by using proprietary motion platforms and beam steering quality control techniques. For example, Advanced Solar Photonics, a division of Fonon Technology International, has developed a laser technology ready for integration in both CSi and thin film industries for edge deletion or isolation, wafer marking and dicing, coating removal, and scribing.

The technology needed for the solar industry is not new to the world, but has been used in industries before, such as in flat panel display and semiconductor markets. Working with partners who understand this technology is a key element in designing a solar processing plant and in achieving quality end results.

Miami, FL 33169

800-248-3548

Laser Photonics | www.laserphotonics.com Fonon Technology International | www.fonon.com

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Utility scale PV inverter

Expanded power supply line

Lead-free, costefficient mirrors

Printing technology for thin film PVs

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.’s introduces its latest Solaron offering: a 500 kW, utility scale, transformerless, grid-tie PV inverter, which is pending a 97.5% CEC-weighted (California Energy Commission) efficiency rating.

In addition to delivering more power per inverter for utility scale installations, the 500 kW Solaron model offers a once unachievable return on investment (ROI). Before installation is complete, integrators can save tens of thousands of dollars per panel section because multiple Solaron inverters can be routed into a single, medium-voltage station. Integrators who choose particular Solaron options can also save up to 50% on specified material costs like cables.

SolaHD has added two versions to their SCP-X Series that meet the needs of Ethernet/IP and DeviceNet applications. SCP100S24X-CP is designed to be used in the physical layer of Ethernet/IP control power applications where the power supply output is connected to ground.

SCP100S24X-DVN is designed to be used in the physical layer of DeviceNet applications where the power supply output is isolated from ground. All of SolaHD’s SCP-X power supplies are sealed in a metal case, eliminating the need for a separate enclosure.

Mini-change connectors simplify connectivity for distributed I/O devices on machinery.

Arch Aluminum and Glass Co., Inc. has developed mirror manufacturing techniques that meet the demand for lower cost and more efficient concentrator PV units. Arch parabolic mirrors optically focus sunlight onto a concentrator containing active solar cell materials that converts the intense light into electricity. The paint backing for these techniques are lead-free, allowing Arch to mass-produce environmentally friendly mirrors capable of withstanding high temperatures. This latest innovation at Arch has the potential to help bring the cost of generating solar power on par with coal-fired power plants.

Spartanics-Systec Fineprint Flatbed Screen Printing Line, designed for unprecedented throughput in roll-to-roll screen printing technology and used for thin film solar PVs, is now available from the Spartanics-Systec partnership. Distinguished by fully electronic controls that eliminate time-consuming manual adjustments, this Printing Line is custom-configured to dimensions that will allow optimized print formats for faster throughput – for the smallest print layouts to the largest, even with jobs as large as 80" x 165" (2032 mm x 4191 mm).

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. www.aei.com/inverters

SolaHD | www.solahd.com

Spartanics | www.spartanics.com Arch Aluminum and Glass Co. www.archaluminum.net

Scalable silicon PV Solutions Advent Solar’s Ventura Technology is a comprehensive cell-to-module solar architecture that couples semiconductor manufacturing methods with optimized PV cell design. This technology provides a platform-level design by combining Emitter-Wrap Through (EWT) back-contact cells with semiconductor device manufacturing methods to create a highly scalable platform for module manufacturing. With Ventura Technology, Advent Solar will develop solar cells and modules that deliver high-energy output by optimizing silicon light capture, and dramatically improving cell and module-level connectivity to minimize resistive losses. The architecture provides higher cell-to-module efficiency, while using thinner silicon wafers to reduce costs.

Advent Solar | www.adventsolar.com

Solar monitor Morningstar’s Remote Meter is a universal, four digit display with custom icons that provides comprehensive system information for easy monitoring, which includes voltage, current, and temperature. Compatible with several controllers and inverters, as well as the PC Meterbus Adapter, which converts a controller or inverter’s meter port for connection to a PC or other equipment, Remote Meter can be mounted in or on a wall using the included frame. It comes with 10 meters of wiring with RJ-11 connectors and mounting screws.

Morningstar Corporation www.morningstarcorp.com

Residential solar Seam metal roof water heating system PV attachments

Solar thermal collectors

Caleffi’s Solar Water Heating System for residential homes is a pre-packaged, specially engineered system, which includes all of the components needed for a standard installation – from the solar collectors, to the pump station and controller, to the storage tank, and all of the necessary hardware and plumbing components. Systems range in size from a one-collector system (intended for oneto two-person households) to a three-collector system (for households with four to six people). The system’s flexibility allows a variety of installation options, ranging from roof installations to ground mounts.

A standing seam metal roof has a life expectancy consistent with that of crystalline PV modules. The challenge has been how to attach solar paneling without piercing the paneling and voiding manufacturer’s warrantees. S-5-PV Kit offers a solution by utilizing S-5’s patented attachment clamps and attendant round-point setscrews, which enable an entire PV installation on a standing seam metal roof without a single penetration through the roof’s surface.

Installation is quick and easy, with costs as low as $0.10 a watt depending on the project.

Solar Skies Mfg. uses highly efficient copper absorber and tube assembly, along with a unique welding technique within their insulated solar collectors.

For additional durability and efficiency, a solar selective coating is also used. Solar Skies offers a multiple series of solar thermal collectors in a wide range of sizes, providing a 10-year warranty on collectors as well as a 30-year weld warranty on the copper tube/fin.

Caleffi | www.caleffi.us

S-5 | www.S-5.com

Solar Skies Mfg. | www.solarskies.com

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solar energy

Residential Solar Power Increasing availability of PPAs

By Alan Whiting

C

alifornia has taken an important step to increase the availability of residential solar power purchase agreements (PPAs), and to make it easier for homeowners to understand and evaluate their solar options. Assembly Bill (AB) 2863, authored by Assemblyman Mark Leno and co-sponsored by the Solar Alliance and Open Energy Corporation, received unanimous approval by both the California Assembly and Senate, and was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger in September of this year.

and define the regulatory landscape for the institutional investor that has been driving commercial solar installations.

This is a great win for consumers and investors,” added Leno.

The bill addresses two areas of concern: one from the homeowners’ perspective, and another from the perspective of third-party investors that actually own and operate these systems. For the protection of homeowners, AB 2863 institutes a series of disclosure requirements for independent solar energy producers

Assembly Bill 2863 will put key residential consumer protections in place and define the regulatory landscape for the institutional investor that has been driving commercial solar installations.

PPAs have become popular during the past few years for commercial solar systems, with over 70% of the commercial installations being financed in this way, however, “homeowners and renters have been largely left out of PPAs, an innovative solar financing mechanism that delivers clean, renewable solar power at a lower price than the electric utility,” according to the bill’s author, Assemblyman Leno. “AB 2863 will put key residential consumer protections in place

that enter into PPAs or leases with homeowners. They must now provide a disclosure to the homeowner that includes: • a good-faith estimate of the kilowatts hours that will be delivered by the solar system; • an explanation of the terms under which the pricing will be calculated, and a good faith estimate of the price per kilowatt hour; • an explanation of the operations and maintenance responsibilities;

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Alan Whiting is the vice president of Solar Communities for Open Energy Corporation.

He was also instrumental in drafting the bill, which was signed into law a few weeks ago.

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• an explanation of the disposition or transfer options available upon the transfer of ownership of the residence; • an explanation of the disposition of the solar system at the end of the contract term.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) may also require additional disclosures to the homeowner and/or to the commission in the future.

Finally, the bill requires that an independent solar energy producer record a notice against the title to the residence in the county in which the property is located. This notice does not constitute a lien against the property, but it serves to inform any prospective purchaser of the property that the residence receives part of its electricity from a solar system that is located on the property, but is owned by an independent solar energy producer.

For third party investors in these systems, the bill clarifies certain provisions contained in Section 218 of the CPUC code pertaining to third-party ownership of systems and the sale of electricity from these systems. Under one interpretation of previous law, independent solar energy producers selling power to multiple homeowners could be deemed to be “electrical corporations” if they sell to more than two persons or corporations.

AB 2863 clarifies that independent solar energy producers do not fall within the definition of electrical corporation or electric service provider and, as a result, are not subject to regulation as a public utility in the State of California.

Power purchase agreements and leases have become an increasingly popular method of financing residential solar systems for companies such as Open Energy Corporation, Solar City, and SunRun, and the passage of AB 2863 provides important protections for consumers, and provides the regulatory certainty necessary to attract additional institutional investment to this growing segment of the solar industry.

Solar Greening by Design

Open Energy Corporation www.openenergycorp.com Solar City www.solarcity.com SunRun www.sunrunhome.com The Solar Alliance www.solaralliance.org

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FINALLY, SOLAR POWER ON THE SCALE THE PLANET HAS BEEN WAITING FOR.

For over 40 years, Applied Materials has been the world leader in nanomanufacturing technology, helping make electronic innovations like flat panel TVs, smart phones and powerful computers both possible and affordable with our thin film engineering expertise. Today, we’re applying this same capability to help our customers make solar power accessible to everyone, everywhere. To learn more, visit appliedmaterials.com/solarleadership

Applied Materials and the Applied Materials logo are registered trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. Š 2008. All rights reserved.

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solar energy

solar news briefs Conergy Americas region is consolidating the SunTechnics and Conergy brands under a single name: Conergy.

Internal re-organization of the two companies has been underway for a year to streamline operations and take advantage of significant economies of scale. The single brand will be complet-

ed by year’s end. Conergy’s new Projects Group, focuses exclusively on commercial scale projects.

“We are currently finishing construction of a 3 MW project in Pennsylvania and we have several multi-megawatt projects underway,” said sales director of Conergy’s Projects Group Sarah

Hetznecker. “This is a unique skill set; not everyone can do large projects successfully.”

GE Energy Financial Services is investing $2.5 million and providing the power of GE’s ecomagination program to Soliant. This Monrovia, CA-based

company, founded by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists and engineers, is developing what it intends to be the most efficient and least costly technology available to generate electricity from the sunlight that shines on commercial rooftops – a market it estimates will reach $13.2 billion by 2010.

GE estimates that commercial and industrial buildings comprise 60 percent of the total roof area in the US. Compatible with conventional racks and inverters, Soliant’s modules leverage high-efficiency solar cells and integrated two-axis tracking to maximize the total energy harvest. This increased performance results in lower system costs, highenergy density, and corresponding high return on investment. Soliant plans to open a 40 MW production plant late next year.

SANYO North America, SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. has announced plans to increase production capacity of solar modules at its Mexico Monterrey Factory by nearly 2.5 times the current amount. This increase in production will serve rapidly rising demands for solar power in the North American market.

The Mexican plant currently has an annual production capacity of 20MW for solar module assembly of SANYO’s proprietary HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer) solar panels. The planned increases in production capacity would add up to a total production capacity of 50MW, more than doubling the current capacity of the factory.

Operations are expected to start from December, reaching full capacity within this fiscal year.

TUV Rheinland Group has joined forces with Arizona State University (ASU) to create TUV Rheinland PTL, LLC, a comprehensive facility for testing and certification of solar energy equipment in the world. Based in Tempe, Arizona, the new company substantially expands PTL’s testing capabilities in both volume and scope by adding state-of-the-art test equipment, and the capacity to test and certify PV panels and electrical components for Europe, Asia, and North America. PTL, in turn, provides TUV Rheinland with its university knowledge base, immediate entry to the US solar testing market, and the lab’s experience testing PV panels in both simulated and real outdoor environments. The new testing facility is expected to produce local, economic impacts by attracting solar energy manufacturers and entrepreneurs to Arizona, boosting the state’s solar energy credentials, and increasing employment in the solar energy industry.

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investing in clean energy

Monetizing US Tax Credits in Solar Project Finance

By Philip H Spector

A

fter nearly two years of intense lobbying by renewable energy industry participants and bi-partisan stalemate in both houses of Congress, an eight-year extension of the 30% solar energy investment tax credit (ITC) was finally enacted this October, as part of the federal bank rescue bill, H.R. 1424.

The bill also allows alternative minimum tax (AMT) filers and regulated utilities to claim the ITC, and removes the dollar cap on credit for residential solar. The bill also includes a one-year extension of the production tax credit for wind projects, and a two-year extension for biomass and other qualifying renewable resources.

The long-term extension of the ITC will spur greater investment in PV manufacturing facilities and commercial and residential PV installations. The ex-

Financing for any project requires a demonstration of revenue the project is expected to generate. The pro forma financing model will take into account revenue from the sale of power, as well as other revenues unique to renewable energy assets. tension is even more vital to large-scale concentrated solar thermal projects as these plants take a few years to build and require a predictable tax subsidy to arrange for long-term financing. Many investments in solar companies and projects put “on hold” pending Congressional action will now be revitalized, even in the current financial market turmoil.

Federal and state income tax benefits play a key role in financing renewable energy projects, especially solar. Rising costs of conventionally fuelled electrical generation, coupled with increased efficiency and reduced costs of solar energy, are gradually but inexorably creating “grid parity” – closing the gap between the cost per kWh of solar and conventional electricity. However, today, the ITC remains an essential component to make costs of financing a new solar plant competitive with conventional alternatives.

Financing for any project requires a demonstration of revenue the project

is expected to generate. The pro forma financing model will take into account revenue from the sale of power, as well as other revenues unique to renewable energy assets. The ITC and other tax benefits, such as accelerated tax depreciation deductions, are a source of revenue. The cash tax savings generated by these benefits are shared by the owner of the project with the power offtaker or the developer, reducing the cost of capital and effectively providing additional cash to the project.

The key federal tax incentive for solar is the ITC, equal to 30% of the asset owner’s cost basis for qualified solar facil-

ities. The ITC is a dollar-for-dollar credit against the project owner’s federal income tax liability for the year the project is “placed in service.” Currently, the ITC applies to qualified projects placed in service before January 1st, 2017. Another federal tax incentive for solar projects is five-year accelerated depreciation deductions. In addition, if the project is leveraged, borrowers are entitled to deductions for interest on the debt.

In solar project finance, the investment that takes advantage of the ITC is the permanent financing. A host of non-tax business considerations will Continued on page 24…

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investing in clean energy …continued from page 23.

influence how a project is financed, but optimizing tax benefits by allocating them to the party that can best utilize them is a critical goal in evaluating permanent financing structures. For example, a developer (a party that designs, supplies, builds, and installs a project) might not benefit from the ITC and other tax benefits. It may have net operating losses from its operations and no tax liability against which to apply the credits. It can introduce an investor that can utilize the tax benefits (has “tax capacity”). This investor might be a bank or other financial institution (the so-called “tax equity investor”).

Two financing models have developed to introduce tax equity to solar project finance – the sale-leaseback model and the partnership flip model. Each model has been applied to both distributed commercial photovoltaic (PV) installations, and utility scale solar thermal and

PV projects. Of course, other models and variations are possible, but here is a look at these two...

Sale-leaseback Model

In a sale-leaseback the developer enters into installation and power purchase agreements (PPAs) with a third party customer. This customer allows the developer to install the solar facility on its premises, at the developer’s expense, and agrees to purchase the power generated under a long-term PPA. The customer might be a utility seeking to satisfy an RPS requirement, or it might be an end-user of power, such as a commercial retailer or municipality that desires a rooftop PV installation. In either case, the customer has no capital outlay, no operating or maintenance responsibilities, and has the opportunity to fix a portion of its energy costs for the duration of the PPA.

Once the project is ready for commercial operation (“placed in service”), the developer sells the facility to a tax equity investor who immediately leases the project back to the developer for a term equal to or longer than the term of the PPA. The power sale revenue under the PPA funds and serves as collateral security for the developer’s rental payment obligations under the lease. The owner/lessor of the solar project is the tax equity, and it claims the ITC and other tax benefits. It passes the value of its tax savings on to the developer in the form of reduced rents, and the developer passes value to the customer in the pricing of the PPA. At the end of the lease and PPA the project belongs to the tax equity, although the developer and/or customer may have an option to purchase the facility at that time for its fair market value.

Partnership Flip Model

As an alternative to sale-leaseback, the developer may partner with a tax equity investor and allocate the ITC and other tax benefits to the tax equity, so as to effectively isolate the tax benefits in the equity investor. The developer will use its capital and outside debt financing to construct the project using a special purpose company (typically, an LLC) outside financing. When the project is “placed in service,” the tax equity makes a capital contribution to the company, which is used in part to repay the construction loan. The company is now a partnership between the developer and the investor.

This partnership technique takes advantage of tax rules that, with limitations, allow the partners to allocate by agreement how the tax benefits and the cash flow from the partnership is divided between them. The parties will agree to a fixed after-tax yield for the tax investor. Until that investment target is reached, the ITC and all other items of tax income and loss are allocated 99% to the investor and 1% to the developer.

Cash is allocated to the developer until it has been returned all, or an agreed portion of its cash investment in the project, and then is allocated to the investor. Once the investor’s investment yield target has been reached (the “flip point”), the allocations reverse and cash and the tax attributes are allocated 95% to the developer and 5% to the investor.

Resulting Tax Issues

Certain tax issues are common to both structures, and some are unique to each.

Both structures assume that the solar project is eligible for the ITC. Solar projects must meet several requirements for the ITC. One limitation is the project cannot be “used” by a taxexempt entity, such as a municipality, governmental entity, or school. If a 24

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project is leased to a tax-exempt entity, the ITC is lost. However, if the taxexempt merely purchases power from the project under a properly drafted PPA, the ITC survives. The ITC is not available until the project is “placed in service.” This means that the project must be in a condition of readiness for its intended purpose, and generally requires that all licenses and permits have been obtained, all tests completed, and the project is operational.

Another ITC issue for sale-leasebacks is the requirement that the “original use” of the property commence with the taxpayer claiming the ITC. Once the project is “placed in service,” the developer has three months to complete the sale-leaseback, in which case the “original use” is deemed to commence with the tax equity-lessor. The ITC and other tax benefits will not be available to the tax equity in a sale-leaseback unless the leaseback is a “true lease” for tax purposes.

Though, by its terms, the IRS ruling on partnership flips applies only to wind power, most financing participants are comfortable applying its principles in the solar context. Most partnership flip transactions generate negative earnings on a pre-tax basis, while sale-leasebacks can more readily be structured to achieve at least nominal pre-tax profit.

From a tax perspective, the specific Congressional intent to encourage investment in renewable energy assets and existing case law indicate that the IRS should not be successful in arguing that a partnership flip transaction lacks “economic substance” due to a lack of pretax profit. Finally, both a sale-leaseback and a partnership can be leveraged. In a sale-leaseback, the tax equity investor can leverage its purchase of the project by borrowing from lenders on a nonrecourse basis (i.e. the debt is recourse only to the project and its revenues). In the partnership context, the partnership can incur non-recourse debt at the partnership (project) level. This creates some tax complexity with respect to how non-recourse debt is allocated as among the partners. Alternatively, either partner can “back leverage” its investment in the partnership by borrowing at the partner level and securing the debt with a pledge of its partnership interest.

Philip H Spector is a tax partner in the New York office of Troutman Sanders, LLP, where he and the firm’s renewable energy team regularly advise developers, utilities, tax equity investors, and lenders and in a variety of asset finance transactions in the energy industry. He can be reached at phil.spector@troutmansanders.com.

Troutman Sanders LLP www.troutmansanders.com

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WIND BUYERS GUIDE

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2009

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BLADE / TOWER MANUFACTURER

AAER Inc. AAER Inc. is the only Canadian OEM of megawatt-sized wind turbines, offering a product portfolio of 1.0, 1.5, 1.65, and 2.0 MW wind turbines. Using proven European technologies to ensure optimal performance of turbines in all wind conditions and terrains, AAER Inc. focuses on flexibility and geographical proximity with their clients. www.aaer.ca

GS Manufacturing Midwest/Northeast GS Manufacturing provides custom-built, precise-mixing, high-flow dispensing systems for epoxy, polyester, vinylester resins, epoxy adhesives, MMA structural adhesives, RTM and infusion, low-emission gelcoaters and choppers. www.gsmfg.com

WIND BUYERS GUIDE DIRECTORY

BLADE / TOWER MANUFACTURER COMPONENT SUPPLIER CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS & SERVICES CONSULTING SERVICES CONTRACT MANUFACTURING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LARGE WIND TURBINE MFG (over 100 kW) OPERATIONS and MAINTENANCE SAFETY SMALL WIND TURBINE MFG (Under 100 kW) SOFTWARE SUPPLIER TRANSMISSIONS TRANSPORTATION WIND ASSESSMENT / FORECASTING OTHER

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BLADE / TOWER MANUFACTURER

NRG Systems, Inc. NRG Systems, Inc. has introduced a longer, more rigid mounting boom that minimizes the effects of tower flow distortion on the sensor and helps reduce uncertainty. The mounting boom is 95 inches long, and uses a dual-beam design that assures stability in high winds while minimizing effects from flow distortion. www.nrgsystems.com

COMPONENT SUPPLIER

CENTA Corporation CENTA Corporation recently broke ground on an expansion of their Aurora, IL USA manufacturing facility to allow room for installation of new machining centers and assembly equipment for their line of flexible couplings for wind turbine applications. These new machining centers will allow for in-house production of large shaft assembly, torque limiters, and flange hubs for the gearbox and generator shafts. Currently, the components are all produced in their parent company facility in Haan, Germany. www.centa.info

BLADE / TOWER MANUFACTURER

Hitachi Canadian Industries Ltd. Hitachi Canadian Industries Ltd. (HCI) manufactures wind towers at a 200,000 square-foot facility in Saskatoon, Canada. Located only a few hundred kilometers from the US border, Hitachi is situated near some of the world’s strongest wind resources. www.hitachi.sk.ca

ITW Plexus Three Plexus’ structural adhesives produce strong yet flexible bonds on composites, and offer medium- to long-working times for large assemblies. Dispensed manually, or with standard meter-mix equipment, these two-part methacrylates are 100% reactive, non-sagging gels. www.itwplexus.com

Knight & Carver Wind Group Knight & Carver Wind Group is dedicated to the repair, service, and manufacturing of wind turbine blades, utilized worldwide for costefficient renewable energy production. The company provides wind turbine blade repair and maintenance services to their customers. www.kcwind.com

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COMPONENT SUPPLIER

WIND

Chicago Industrial Fasteners, WIND CIF WIND is a division of Chicago Industrial Fasteners that specializes in the supply of fasteners for the wind industry. The company supplies bolts, nuts, washers, machined parts, blade studs, coatings of all kinds, blueprint fasteners, and other items that can be difficult to source. www.cifwind.com

Northstar Wind Towers Northstar Wind Towers has begun operations to produce a new generation of very tall MW towers for the wind industry. These towers are engineered to individual turbine manufacturer’s specifications, and are sold as an integrated part of the turbine assembly for several OEMs. www.northstarwind.com

COMPONENT SUPPLIER

3M Through its broad product and technology base, 3M offers multiple solutions for blade and tower manufacturing, nacelle assembly, turbine installation, and O&M operations.

Products include blade protection tapes, coatings, adhesives, abrasives, respirators and electrical splices, terminations, as well as high-capacity conductors. www.3m.com/wind

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Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co. Cardinal Fastener is the largest manufacturer of hot forged standard and special bolts and screws. Cardinal provides complete kits, including bolts, nuts, washers, plating, and special packaging, and is an approved supplier to the largest wind turbine manufacturers.

Products range up to M72 and 3" diameter with aggressive lead times to meet any delivery requirement. www.cardinalfastener.com Diversified Tooling Group DTG has a 30-year history of providing fullservice engineering to the most demanding industries in the world. With over 300,000 square feet of facility space and 300 technical personnel, DTG can manufacture and assemble components such as frames, hubs, gearboxes, various large fabricated components, and more. Capabilities: CNC machining, welded fabrication and assembly, foundry tooling, sourcing and buy-off of castings, inspection services, and rogram management. www.diversifiedtoolinggroup.com Fabsco Corp.

Fabsco Corp. has been a manufacturer of anchor bolts and rods for the outdoor pole and utility industries for over 48 years. Fabsco Corp. manufacturers anchor bolts and assembly cages for the foundations of transmission towers, light poles, and wind turbines. www.fabscocorp.com

FIBOX Enclosures FIBOX is a global manufacturer of corrosion-resistant plastic enclosures for the electronic and electrical industry. NEMA 4X enclosures protect products from hostile environments.

FIBOX offers over 1000 offthe-shelf sizes with numerous accessories. www.fiboxusa.com

Honeywell International Honeywell’s Obstruction Lighting business offers a return on investment when it comes to meeting FAA, ICAO, IMAG, and Transport Canada regulations for aircraft warning lights.

Honeywell offers a complete line of low-, medium- and high-intensity obstruction lighting products to meet any lighting needs. With installations on every continent, Honeywell’s products offer longevity and field-proven reliability. www.oblighting.com www.honeywell.com Leeco Steel Wind Energy Group Leeco Steel provides complete tower steel solutions to the wind tower industry, offering tower shell plates to both ASTM and EN standards, doorframe material to both ASTM and EN standards, and a turnkey solution for the internal components. www.leecosteel.com/wind.htm

Phoenix Contact Phoenix Contact’s ILC 150 VLC is a compact, low-cost embedded control platform for smallto medium-sized applications. This new control platform adds a controller choice at the low end of the Phoenix Contact VLC scalable controller architecture. The built-in Ethernet port on the ILC 150 VLC allows for easy networking and data exchange to a supervisory system using the EtherNet/IP protocol. www.phoenixcontact.com

New North, Inc. New North, Inc., a non-profit economic development organization, connects wind power companies to suppliers and vendors under the Wisconsin Wind Works collaborative initiative. www.thenewnorth.com

SIPCO Mechanical Linkage Solutions For nearly 30 years, SIPCO Mechanical Linkage Solutions has been active in the power transmission and electromechanical drive industries. And, for nearly 20 years, SIPCO has supplied the wind turbine industry in the areas of pitch and yaw electrometer, electromechanical gear drives, brakes, and rotors. www.sipco-mls.com

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Aristeo Construction Company Aristeo Construction is a full-service BOP/EPC contractor, which self-performs the major civil and erection activities required to construct wind energy facilities – this is supported by the company’s large equipment fleet, including five Manitowoc and 16,000 heavy lift cranes. www.aristeo.com

Brundage Bone Concrete Pumping, Inc. The largest concrete placement company in the US, Brundage Bone has dedicated equipment (pump trucks and Telebelts), as well as personnel across the country. Brundage Bone has years of experience placing concrete for wind turbines. www.brundagebone.com

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Flexible design means less stress on the gearbox. And on you.

Megawatt-class. Proven in Sweden, ready for the world. nordicwindpower.com

N o r d i c W i n d p o w e r 12 5 U n i v e r s i t y A v e n u e, B e r k e l e y, C A 9 4 7 1 0 U S A + 1.5 1 0.6 6 5.9 4 6 3 North American Clean Energy

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CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Fagen, Inc. Fagen, Inc. is a civil, mechanical and electrical contractor specializing in heavy industrial construction and maintenance work. www.fageninc.com

Five Star Products Inc. Five Star HP Epoxy Grout is currently the only expansive, non-shrink, epoxy grout system for wind turbine base-plate grouting. This high-performance product is formulated for high final compressive strengths necessary for today’s wind turbine structures. www.fivestarproducts.com ITH Engineering, Inc. ITH GmbH manufactures bolt tensioning cylinders, hydraulic torque wrenches, hydraulic pumps, torque multipliers (electric, pneumatic, manual), and large diameter bolts, studs, nuts and washers. www.ith.com

Pfister Energy Pfister Energy is a renewable energy company providing power solutions and energy efficiency measures for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. Pfister Energy specializes in photovoltaic, wind turbine, day lighting, solar lighting, energy efficiency, solar thermal, fuel cell, rainwater harvesting, green roofing, and geothermal technologies. The company is a national provider and installer of turnkey renewable energy solutions. www.pfisterenergy.com

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RMT WindConnect RMT WindConnect designs and builds wind facilities and transmission lines across the US. The team is committed to making a difference in the renewable energy market and improving the nation’s energy independence. RMT WindConnect has delivered over 3,000 MW of wind energy and nearly 400 miles of high-voltage transmission lines. www.windconnect.com Second Wind Second Wind’s PV-1 Wind Vane is a continuous rotation sensor that uses a potentiometer to record wind direction on a Nomad 2 Data Logger, or a similar data logging device. It is designed to offer a superior alternative to the most commonly used vane for wind resource assessment, including a smaller deadband, icing prevention, and static electricity reduction. www.secondwind.com SPX Hydraulic Technologies The Power Team brand of SPX Hydraulic Technologies introduces a new Predator Series of high-performance, high-pressure hydraulic pumps and tools serving the global bolting industry. Products include electric and air powered portable hydraulic torque wrenches, and more. www.spxhydraulictech.com

The Townsend Corporation The Townsend Corporation provides electrical construction services and vegetation management programs to energy providers and wind energy developers through its eight operating units. The company has participated in construction projects that in the past three years have brought over 1500 MW of wind power online within the US. Services include electrical construction, tower wiring, and integrated vegetation management programs. www.thetownsendcorp.com

Mortenson Construction Since entering the wind power market in 1995, Mortenson has become a EPC/BOP contractor building wind power projects in North America, with a commitment to safety and quality. In ‘09, Mortenson will celebrate its 10,000th megawatt installed throughout the US and Canada. Services include: engineering and procurement, pre-construction, substations, collection systems, transmission lines, foundations and roads, and turbine installation. www.mortenson.com

CONSULTING SERVICES BTM Consult ApS BTM Consult is the author and distributor of the “World Market Update” and other wind industry related reports. www.btm.dk Energy Management Solutions EMS provides energy conservation and management services for businesses to help strengthen their bottom line. The company’s goal is to help organizations make real, lasting conservation improvements that optimize energy usage and reduce power consumption. www.emsenergy.com SINDAL SINDAL is a business and marketing development company with expertise in international wind energy markets. SINDAL is a member of a number of business and marketing advisory groups. www.sindal-lundsberg.com

Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc. Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc. (SED) is an Ontario, NY-based company developing onsite wind projects with municipalities, industry, schools, farms, and homeowners. Working on projects from 10 kW to several megawatts, SED assists clients with wind assessment and feasibility studies, securing financing and funding, and construction and maintenance of wind turbines. www.sed-net.com Westwood Professional Services Westwood Professional Services has acquired ETG, Inc., a photogrammetric mapping company based in Overland Park, Kansas. This acquisition gives Westwood a unique opportunity to capture growth in the transmission, wind, pipeline, and other land development industries. www.westwoodps.com

CONTRACT MANUFACTURING

Spirae Spirae specializes in the characterization and integration of renewable and distributed energy into a seamless solution for system operators, utilities, and end users. Offerings and services include comprehensive power system simulation, controls and power management solutions, and applications expertise during integration and commissioning. www.spirae.com

John Deere Wind Energy John Deere Wind Energy invests in and provides value-added services to wind projects such as project financing, construction project management, wind turbine procurement, and wind energy technology and operations. www.johndeere.com

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CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Systems 3, Inc. A specialty electrical contractor with capabilities in general engineering and general contracting, System 3, Inc. primarily services the wind energy, utility, industrial, and public works commercial industry. The company specializes in the construction of new wind energy towers, solar fields, and the construction of rehabilitated substations and their distribution. www.systems3inc.com

Tetra Tech Tetra Tech has provided construction services on 18 wind energy projects (1,500+ MW). The company has the financial strength to stand behind large engineer, procure, and construct (EPC), balance of plant (BOP), and other construction projects, providing project management, procurement, civil, electrical and erection field services, construction management, safety planning and training, and environmental compliance. www.tetratech.com

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

American Superconductor PowerModule PM3000W Configurable Power Converter for Wind Energy American’s Superconductor PowerModule PM3000W is a fully programmable, flexible, and modular power converter developed specifically for wind power applications. It is highly scalable and designed for rapid integration into wind turbines, rated from 750 kilowatts up to six megawatts, supporting low voltage ride through and providing ground fault protection. www.amsc.com

DEHN DEHN is a supplier of lightning and surge protection with specialized knowledge and products designed for particularly harsh environments that wind generators are exposed to, including the risk of lightning.

With almost 100 years of experience, DEHN’s products include surge protection devices (SPDs) for electrical circuits including power, measurement and control, and instrumentation and communications. dehn-usa.com Fortune Electric Offering Amorphous Metal Core transformers for wind energy – the magnetic properties allows Fortune Electric to offer transformers with low core losses that promote the “greening” of the environment. Pad-mounted and distribution designs are available. www.fortune.com.tw

Together we’re building more than structures. We’re building for the future.

Proud to be your leading wind power contractor in North America.

69 Projects Completed • 5800+ MW • 20 States & Provinces • For information, contact Elling C. Olson 763.287.5489 elling.olson@mortenson.com www.mortenson.com North American Clean Energy

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CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS & SERVICES

White Construction White construction is a full-service contractor offering a turnkey approach to wind farm construction. Selfperforming all aspects of wind farm construction has helped build the company’s reputation as a trusted partner in the renewable enery wind industry. White Construction services include: Balance of Plant construction, wind turbine generator installation, and wind farm O&M. www.whiteconstruction.com

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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

The Power of Wind

How Chicago Industrial Fastener’s is making a difference As our country tries to shed its dependency on fossil fuels, there is an energy revolution sweeping through the manufacturing sector, and opportunities for forward-thinking companies abound. “Help wantedâ€? pages in all publications relating to wind energy are overowing with opportunity. You can’t say that about too many industries in the US these days!

To witness this ďŹ rsthand, all you have to do is stroll down the aisles of a related trade show, like Windpower ‘08, which took place in Houston, Texas this past June. This show offered an opportunity for all companies involved in wind power to prospect for new business opportunities, gather and share ideas, and re-establish acquaintance’s with old friends – Chicago Industrial Fasteners (CIF) did all three. The numbers vary depending on who you ask, but the Windpower show was huge and was attended by over 12,000 people. In comparison, the ďŹ rst show CIF attended was in Denver four years ago, where attendance may have been about 4000.

The growth of the wind energy sector has certainly provided its share of challenges for the supply chain side of the manufacturing equation. One area that has been highly publicized is the component supply chain. Chicago Industrial Fastener’s wind division, CIF Wind, has serviced this need since October of 2004. The company works with an array of talented and nimble manufacturers who can augment CIF’s capabilities and add to their value proposition. This ability, coupled with CIF’s in-house thread rolling, has made them an attractive supplier to many of the companies supplying turbines, towers, maintenance and repair, and ancillary items to the industry.

CIF has been ISO certiďŹ ed since 2004, and is always working to improve their processes. The company recently passed their re-audit for 2009. Tim Lausin, CIF’s sales manager, has learned over the years that many of his wind power customers have unusual needs, and are seeking a company that can deliver. “Either we ďŹ nd them or they ďŹ nd us,â€? he says. “However it happens, there is no better feeling than to connect with a customer who not only needs our help, but appreciates what we can do for them and respects us as a supplier. As a sales person, that deďŹ nes the ultimate relationship with a customer.â€?

One area CIF has developed and will continue to grow relates to their in-house thread rolling capabilities. With the purchase of a Tesker 600 series thread roller, the company can control the thread rolling of blade studs, and has the capacity to thread 8000 studs per week. Ultimately, CIF would like to add a second shift to increase that capacity.

Operations manager Michael Felicelli feels this is an attainable goal, “With the demand for precision rolled thread blade studs increasing dramatically, we think we can offer an attractive package to our customers,â€? he shares. “We can get the steel locally, roll the threads in our Sugar Grove facility, and then get the studs plated per our customer speciďŹ cations – some want Dacromet, some want Delta, and we have ready access to both products, along with any other that a customer may need. Our location in the Chicagoland WI ND area allows us to provide our customers with a wide range of products and services.â€?

The growth of the renewable energy sector, along with CIF’s participation in it, has made for exciting times at the company’s new Sugar Grove blueprint specials TOWER BOLTS nacelle hardware location, which offers 11,000 square feet of ofďŹ ce BLADE STUDS full test reports available DACROMET delta tone TZN and warehouse space. CIF prides itself on its MoS2 ISO & DIN SPECS all grades and sizes available ability to react to customer needs faster than the competition, and to understand that the industry demands responsive vendors. This is how CIF has built their business, and is the way they see it growing in the future.

CHICAGO INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS WWW CIFWIND COM SALES CIFWIND COM www.chicagoindustrialfasteners.com

AN ISO CERTIFIED COMPANY

toll free

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Hendrix Wire & Cable A provider of overhead and underground power distribution products for over 50 years, Hendrix Wire & Cable announces its offering of 34.5 kV TRXLP-insulated medium voltage cable for applications in the wind power industry. www.hendrix-wc.com Highline Products A new line of primary sectionalizing cabinets for wind farms that features rugged one-piece ďŹ berglass construction with rolled back lids for easy access is being introduced by Highline Products of Lexington, MA. www.highlineproducts.com

Ingeteam Since 1997, Ingeteam has worked worldwide in the provision of power converters, electric generators, control electronics, electrical pitch regulators, global wind farm management systems, and maintenance for wind turbines. www.ingeteam.com K-Line Maintenance & Construction Ltd. The K-Line Group specializes in turnkey Wind Farm Electrical Balance of Plant (EBOP) solutions from 600 V to 230 kV. In-house capabilities include regulatory and utility permitting submissions, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, distribution, transmission, construction, commissioning, and maintenance. www.k-line.ca

@

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CONTRACT MANUFACTURING

HPM America LLC HPM has a 400,000Ft² (37,161M²) facility on 81 acres (32.8 hectares), located in central Ohio, with easy access to all major intrastate highways and the CSX rail system, with a private rail spur that comes into their main assembly bay. HPM’s horizontal machining capabilities support a part envelope of 192" (4877mm) (V) x 360" (9144mm) (H). Lifting capacity of 150 tons (136 M/Ton). For heavy fabrication – cut steel plate up to 10.5" (267mm) and handle fabrications up to 100 tons (91 M/Ton). www.hpmamerica.com

LTi REEnergy GmbH LTi REEnergy specializes in electric drive technology and is a supplier in the field of renewable energies. For more than 10 years, the medium-sized company, with its headquarters in Unna, Germany, has been developing and marketing electrical PITCH systems and components for wind energy and marine current turbines. The company is represented with a central prototype development center in Unna, and various production sites worldwide. A large sales and service network in Europe, Asia, and America serves national and international customers. www.lt-i.com

SAB North America SAB North America is a focused supplier to the automation, wind, and robotics industry, providing solutions that meet, exceed, and set new standards in the flexible cable market. SAB ensures their customers’ success by providing 60 years of experience, speed, service, and dedication to quality. www.sabcable.com

Balance of system is our focus, and we treat the mounting structure as one of the key components of your solar installation. A solid and cost effective structure is vital to the success of your project.

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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Gexpro Services Gexpro Services is a supply chain services solution provider to the wind industry, supporting OEMs with production line material requirements by developing and managing value-add production inventory management programs on B and C items (hardware, fabrication, and electrical). They have helped many companies streamline their global quality, sourcing, procurement, inventory management, and point-of-use distribution logistics. www.gexproservices.com

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

LARGE WIND TURBINE MFG (over 100 kW)

S&C Electric Company S&C Electric Canada Ltd., worldwide specialists in electric power and protection, has received a PureWave DSTATCOM order for Scottish Wind Farm VAR Compensation. The order was issued through Powersystem UK, in Bristol, for the PureWave DSTATCOM Distributed Static Compensator. www.sandc.com

WECS Electric Supply Inc. WECS Electric Supply serves the wind energy industry electrical components needs from its 5000 square-foot warehouse in Palm Springs, California. With 25 years of knowledge in construction, operations, and manufacturing, WECS is an electrical solutions provider in North America. www.wecselectric.net

Come and meet us at

Xantrex Xantrex delivered electronic power converters to the first modern wind farm in America on the Altamont Pass in 1991. Over 3,000 MW later, Xantrex offers a range of electronic power converters for megawatt-scale wind turbines including doubly fed and full conversion products. www.xantrex.com

FCI Burndy FCI Burndy Products introduces its Break-Away HYLUG copper and aluminum line of compression terminals (types YBA, YBA-FX and YBA-A), which allows installers to convert a two-hole terminal into a one-hole terminal to suit specific applications. www.burndy.com

Nordic Windpower Nordic Windpowers’ utility scale wind turbines will be available for 2009 delivery to meet a backlog of demand across the industry. The flexible, two-bladed design is ideal for northern regions with turbulent wind or harsh climates, and offers a lower purchase price, fewer crane lifts, and easy maintenance. www.nordicwindpower.com

Booth 909, October 19-22

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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

ERICO ERICO has long been a major participant in the wind industry in terms of grounding systems, including CADWELD exothermic connections and ERITECH grounding products. With products installed and operational on more than 10,000 turbines globally, ERICO is one of the largest manufacturers of wind turbine lightning protection products in the world. www.erico.com

Siemens Energy Since 2002, the SWT-2.3-93 wind turbine (2.3 MW) has been a preferred design, due to its quality, reliability, and productivity. Equipped with the patented IntegralBlade technology, the Siemens proprietary vacuum injection process, the turbine’s 45-meter-long blade is cast in one piece and combines superior strength and performance, with low acoustic emissions.

SWT-2.3-93 turbine has been used in all of Siemens’ US installations. www.siemens.com/wind

Electro Static Technology By safely channeling harmful shaft currents away from bearings to ground, Electro Static Technology’s new AEGIS WTG wind turbine grounding ring prevents bearing damage that could otherwise cause generator failure, unplanned downtime, costly repairs, and lost revenues. Maintenance-free, effective at any RPM, and available for any size wind turbine generator, the ring is designed for OEM installation or easy up-tower retrofit. www.est-aegis.com

OPERATIONS and MAINTENANCE

CM Complete Lifting Systems | Columbus McKinnon As wind energy is one of the fastest growing sectors of renewable energy, CM Complete Lifting Systems has developed two wind turbine hoists with specific long lift electric hoist characteristics. Taking the existing reliable CM LODESTAR and CM SHOPSTAR, the designs were adapted to specifically create service hoists for wind turbines. www.cmindustrial.com

GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies’ XL Go VideoProbe is a portable, lightweight, highresolution video borescope available to tackle inspections in small, hard-to-reach places.

Weighing only 3.8 lbs., XL Go is cordless and has no tethers, offering increased access and flexibility. www.gesensinginspection.com

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ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Tetra Tech A provider of front-end services to the US wind industry, Tetra Tech has experience from more than 200 wind projects in 34 states. Their environmental services include due diligence, preliminary siting, GIS applications, biological/cultural resource studies, environmental review and permitting, and public involvement; and, their engineering services include conceptual design, detailed design, geotechnical and seismic studies, as well as design, surveying, and constructability reviews. www.tetratech.com

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

North American Clean Energy is published 6 times a year. To subscribe, go to

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INTERNORMEN Technology Inc. INTERNORMEN Technology’ Twin-fil Filter System is a specially designed lubricating system for gears. It performs reliably, supplying all lubricating points in the gear, filtration, and deaeration of the system, while ensuring low noise emission and indicating operating conditions. It is also simple to service. www.internormen.com

Magnetech Industrial Services / 3-D Service Magnetech Industrial Services, and its subsidiary 3-D Service, provide up-tower and in-shop electrical-mechanical repair and re-build services, including generators, AC/DC motors, gearboxes, transformers. PM/PdM services.

24/7 call out. www.magnetech.com

t )JghesU JOgrFTT rBUJOHT t 4VpFSJPS U7 rFTJstaOce t 3PCVsU strFOHUI t )JghFS JNQBDU rFTJstaOce t -JghtesU XFJgIU +*$ FODMPTVre t &BTJlZ NPdJöFE XJUI staOdarE UPPMT t 'JFME NBJOUBJOBCMF EFTJgO

Norbar Torque Tools, Inc. Norbar Torque Tools, Inc. offers torque tool testers, torque multipliers (both pneumatic and hand-powered), as well as torque measurement and monitoring. www.norbar.com

www.fiboxusa.com

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OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

FASTORQ FASTORQ designs and manufactures custom tools and engineered lubricants that improve speed, safety, and efďŹ ciency. FASTORQ tools include stud tensioners, zip nuts, hydraulic torque wrenches. FASTORQ engineered lubricants include anti-gall, anti-seize, high-pressure, high-temperature, and waterproof thread lubricants. www.fastorq.com

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

Swantech Going beyond traditional condition monitoring, SWANwind not only provides bearing and gear wear notiďŹ cation and fault isolation, but also determines lubricant condition by recognizing and avoiding secondary damage. www.swantech.com

Transcat Transcat distributes over 25,000 types of tools, test, measurement, and calibration instruments from more than 250 manufacturers. Additionally, Transcat provides calibration, repair, and 3D metrology services through a network of ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs in North America and Puerto Rico. Industries served include alternative energies, life sciences, utilities, product manufacturing, process manufacturing, and more. www.transcat.com

Titan Technologies International, Inc. Houston-based Titan Technologies has introduced Electric/Hydraulic Tensioner Pump for use in wind turbine erection and maintenance. www.titanti.com

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OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

SAFETY

GES USA Inc. GES USA Inc. is an independent services provider for the entire renewable energy industry, specializing in full-service projects, and providing engineering, site preparation, electro-mechanical installation, substation construction, evacuation line construction and operation and maintenance services. GES has more than 12,500 MW installed, and 7,500 MW BOP and 8,000 MW maintained in wind energy. www.services-ges.com

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE Volkswind GmbH Volkswind belongs to the Independent Power Producers in Europe, focussing on high-quality standards for investors and for ecological purposes.

Volkswind’s core business is to develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy wind farms. www.volkswind.com

SMALL WIND TURBINE MFG (Under 100 kW)

Enertech For over 30 years, the Enertech name has been associated with wind energy. Enertech manufactures smaller wind turbines for homes and farms, and larger units for industry and community wind projects. Enertech turbines have rated outputs between 5 kW to 750 kW. www.enertechwind.com

SAFETY

Gravitec Systems, Inc. Fall protection industry specialist Gravitec Systems, Inc. has released G4 Wind Rescue System. Designed for the wind energy industry, G4 Wind Rescue System addresses a need for a user-friendly, high-angle rescue system that can be used to quickly rescue or evacuate personnel from at-height locations on turbines. www.gravitec.com

UNISTRUT UNISTRUT Fall Protection offers engineered horizontal and vertical fall arrest systems that are chosen specifically to fit each application.

UNISTRUT’s engineers will design the safest and most economical solution for the most difficult projects, providing a turnkey solution for any situation. Their permanent certification of acceptance assures the most competent system design and installation. www.unistrutfallprotection.com

Clean Energy Technologies Clean Energy Technologies Inc. possesses the North American rights to a wind generator technology with increased turbine efficiencies, production of useable power at lower wind speeds, lower maintenance costs, and improved reliability. AFPM Windro generators are available from 1 kW to 500 kW powers, and vertical and horizontal Windro turbine systems are available in 1kW to 50kW configurations. www.cleanenergytechnologies.net

Glory Wind Turbines The developers of small wind turbines of 2 kW to 100 kW, pitch blades, controllers, and turbines. www.glorywind.com

Mariah Power Mariah Power manufactures Windspire, an affordable 1.2 kW vertical axis wind power appliance. Independently tested and UL-certified, Windspire features a fully integrated, plugn-produce design, including a high-efficiency generator, integrated inverter, hinged monopole, and wireless performance monitor. www.mariahpower.com

Powerful Supply Chain Solutions Custom Kitting • Industry Expertise • Product Availability to Site/Production Facility • Kitted per BOM/Installation Specifications • Single PO for all Shipped Materials • All Products Labeled with Packing List • Replacements/ Spare Parts Support • Value Engineering • And more…….

Contact us at: 972-9151814 www.gexproservices.com 40

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SMALL WIND TURBINE MFG (Under 100 kW)

TRANSPORTATION

Vbine Energy Vbine has developed a “ring” shaped permanent magnet generator that can be adapted to smoke stacks, chimneys, or even communication towers to make use of existing structures and provide power where needed. Vbine Energy has eliminated a need for drive shafts and gear boxes. It also has a low RPM and takes advantage of wind moving in any direction. www.vbine.com

Equipment Express Equipment Express specializes in transportation and logistics, with hauling capabilities to 565 metric tons and crane capacity up to 850 tons. www.equipmentexpress.com

WIND ASSESSMENT / FORECASTING

Wind Turbine Industries Corp.

The manufactures of Jacobs Wind Systems, one of the longest standing brands in the industry.

With a standard 20 kW system, Wind Turbine Industries can provide ample energy for most residential and small commercial applications. www.windturbine.net

SOFTWARE SUPPLIER

Con-Tech Systems Con-Tech Systems supplies Geo-Support Systems to anchor wind turbine tower foundations, as well as transmission line towers.

Con-Tech offers strand, high strength solid bar and CTS/TITAN Hollow Bar IBO Injection Bore System – the latter is suited for transmission line towers in all ground conditions. www.contechsystems.com

AAT, Inc. AAT Inc., which manufactures, sells, and services wind measurement tower products, recently introduced SCOUT50UP and SCOUT60UP products lines, which allow users to begin measuring at 50 or 60 meters and upgrade a shorter tower to a full MEGA80HD easily and quickly. AAT are also the pioneers in 80-meter tubular tilt-up towers. www.aat-solutions.com

Lectra Lectra offers integrated technology solutions that automate, streamline, and accelerate product design, development, and manufacturing processes for the soft goods industries.

Lectra develops specialized software and cutting systems, providing associated services to a broad array of markets. www.lectra.com

AWS Truewind, LLC Albany-based AWS Truewind recently announced the release of openWind, the next generation of wind farm design and optimization solutions. Built as an open source platform, openWind’s features include: flexibility, compatibility with leading files formats, userdefinition, and transparency. www.aswopenwind.org www.awstruewind.com

ERICO Wind Products ®

Leaders in Renewable Energy

EquipmentExpress.indd 1

TRANSMISSIONS Bell Lumber & Pole Co. For the past 100 years, Bell Lumber & Pole Co. has been supplying utility poles to customers throughout North America. Bell Lumber & Pole is a fourth generation, family owned company with a reputation for providing service and quality. Boasting a wide variety of sizes and species of poles, Bell is prepared to meet all pole requirements. www.blpole.com

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OTHER

ESAB ESAB is a world supplier of welding and cutting equipment, and consumables. The company brings global experience to the challenges of manufacturing at both local and international levels, whether using equipment and consumables for manual welding and cutting processes or for fully automated turnkey solutions. www.esab.com

WIND ASSESSMENT / FORECASTING

OTHER

Campbell Scientific Campbell Scientific manufactures measurement and control data loggers, ideal for wind energy prospecting and monitoring, and chosen for their rugged design, low power consumption, and versatility in making environmental measurements. www.campbellsci.com/windenergy Kintech Engineering With almost 10 years of experience, Kintech Engineering supplies everything required for wind assessment: wind data logger, tubular and lattice towers, a variety of sensors (anemometers, wind vanes, pressure, humidity, etc.), as well as technical support for professional wind assessment. www.kintech-engineering.com

Matrikon Matrikon Wind Power Solutions convert vast amounts of data into useful and insightful information that allows for effective asset condition monitoring, visualization, and assessment.

The company provides wind energy producers with accurate condition monitoring and predictive diagnostic capabilities. www.matrikon.com RP Machine Enterprises Inc. RP Machine has become a world provider of gear machines for the production of slew rings and pinion drives for wind energy. www.rpmachine.com

Intertek Intertek offers testing, inspection, and certification of power generation products for manufacturers and installers around the world, providing the wind turbine industry compliance services for meeting ANSI/UL, CSA standards, and CE marking requirements for Europe. www.intertek-etlsemko.com

Dr Shrink As wind energy products are not usually manufactured in the same location where used, Dr Shrink’s premium shrinkwrap provides protection from weather damage to ensure hubs, gearboxes, and blades are in proper working condition while in storage. www.dr-shrink.com PALFINGER Inc. PALFINGER North America, which has a successful history in building truck-mounted cranes, has teamed up with North America’s leading truck manufacturers. The result is to offer the ultimate in power and reach with superior performance for extreme applications. www.palfinger-northamerica.com Pro-Bel Enterprises, Inc. Pro-Bel is an engineer and design manufacturer of the service lift inside the mast of wind turbines. They offer special blade access platforms for maintenance, particularly for the inspection of the blades and special designs for mast cleaning and painting. www.pro-bel.ca Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development A community based economic development organization targeting the expansion of wind based manufacturing and O&M development in the West Texas region. www.sweetwatertexas.net

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Wind Energy Services Wind Facility Siting Environmental Studies and Permitting Civil, Structural, and Electrical Engineering Design Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) Balance of Plant (BOP) Field Services Safety

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A COMPLEX WORLD Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. Tetra Tech provides the full spectrum of wind energy environmental, engineering, and construction services for the development, construction, and operation phases of wind projects. Tetra Tech, a $1.5 billion company, has the ďŹ nancial strength to stand behind large turnkey projects. We have supported more than 200 wind projects in 34 states, and have provided construction services for 18 projects totaling more than 1,500 MW of wind energy. Tetra Tech offers smart, efďŹ cient solutions that make a difference in a complex world. www.tetratech.com

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geothermal energy

Geothermal on a grand scale

by Scott Ellenbecker

This project at a Virginia high school will drill 155 wells at 400 feet, using three T4W drill rigs with TD50 down-the-hole hammers and Secoroc bits.

R

.A. Simmons Drilling Co., Inc., of Buchanan, Virginia, has turned geothermal drilling into a specialty. The company operates 30 rigs, working in Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina, and does all types of drilling including quarrying, water wells, contamination, remediation and environmental wells. For the last 14 years, the company has been taking on geothermal projects and currently runs four to five crews specifically for geothermal work.

The Roanoke, Virginia, Northside High School will be the fourth school project Simmons Drilling has done in the area. Past commercial projects include post offices, courthouses, churches, historic buildings and military installations, and the company has drilled many residential projects as well.

“Having the right people makes it possible,” says Steve Brooks, Simmons Drilling’s project and geothermal manager. “Each driller understands the objective and realizes that client satisfaction is their ultimate goal.”

Brooks speaks very highly of the company’s drillers. “They have to know a multitude of tasks in addition to drilling. They are also truck drivers, geologists and welders. They are all real professionals.”

An educated decision

The population of Roanoke County is estimated at roughly 93,000 with 28 public schools in the county, serving over 14,000 students. Northside High School is renovating its facilities and has decided to use geothermal for its heating and cooling. Installing the system will cost the school about $1 million dollars, and is just part of a $28.3 million dollar renovation project.

The decision to install a geothermal system was made for several reasons.

Frank Moeller is the project manager for Spectrum Design, the architectural and engineering firm on the project.

Moeller said that Northside High

School is the fifth school where they’ve designed geothermal into the project.

“For a school that is spending public money and will own the building for decades, it is a no-brainer if the conditions are right.”

Moeller advises schools to at least drill test holes and perform a cost analysis. There have been times when a project didn’t work out, but it can be a solid solution for some. “We encourage our customers to at least give geothermal a fair shake,” said Moeller.

“School boards want to know that there will be a concrete payback,” Moeller continued. He estimates that Northside High School will see payback in five years, which could be even less if energy costs stay at the current rates.

For this school’s geothermal project, Simmons Drilling will drill one hundred and fifty-five 400-foot (122 m) wells.

They have three Atlas Copco T4W drill rigs onsite with the company’s TD50 down-the-hole hammers, drilling 5-½ inch (140 mm) holes, and Secoroc bits.

When complete, the 155 holes will equal 62,000 feet (18,900 m) of drilling, and 23 miles (37 km) of polypipe will be used in the ground. In total, the project was expected to take two months of 10-hour shifts. Because of the hardworking T4W and TD50 hammers, they are ahead of schedule, according to Driller Brent Jones.

conventional heating and cooling systems. The in-ground pipe is backed by a 55 year warranty and requires virtually no maintenance. As for installation, the footprint of the loop field can be placed almost anywhere – under ball fields, parking lots and under structures. In a closed-loop water-only system, ground water is not extracted or in jeopardy of contamination because the same water is circulated throughout the polyethylene pipe for life of the system.

Educating customers is very important, pointed out Brooks. “Many people still don’t understand that geothermal is a closed-loop system that’s safe for ground water and not harmful to the environment.” He adds that water is not pulled from the ground and there is no contamination. A closed-loop system has water running through black plastic tubes that are grouted in place.

Brooks says the geothermal industry is good business for the right drilling company. “It is not for those looking for a quick buck or the faint of heart,” he said. “It takes education to make money and do it right. It’s taken us 14 years to get good at it. To know what you’re doing when drilling is not good enough.

A good crew is critical. They need to know what they are doing, but also what each other is doing. If there is a deviation, they need to adjust.”

The geothermal advantage

Choosing the right equipment

Steve Brooks cites the many benefits of geothermal when selling a system, with key points being cost and value, reduced maintenance, and versatility of installation. Geothermal starts its payback immediately as an energy source. According to Brooks, the installation costs of a geothermal system can be comparable to a conventional system, but the big advantage is that the operational costs are so much less than traditional fossil fuel systems.

Maintenance costs of a geothermal system are extremely low compared to

“The T4W drill rig is simple to use,” according to Brent Jones, who has been with Simmons Drilling for 15 years and drills mainly geothermal wells.

“I’ve run other rigs, but the T4W is simple. That’s the best thing about it. It’s just easy to run. The fact that it’s a bigger drill makes it a versatile rig because it can do larger and smaller jobs, whereas smaller rigs can’t do the larger jobs.”

Brooks says that the TD50 is the best hammer for this geothermal job, and stressed the importance of having the

Brent Jones has been working for Simmons Drilling for over 15 years, and says the T4W drill and TD50 hammers they’ve been using have helped put their project ahead of schedule. most efficient hammer. He says it has taken 12 minutes per rod on this job.

Atlas Copco has also consulted with Simmons Drilling about the importance of using the tooling that is the best for their job.

“It is very important to understand the cost per foot so you know you’re getting the best value for your hammer and bits, but also look at the life of the tool,” says Brooks. “Don’t forget the longevity of the hammer.”

Brent Jones also commented on the TD50, “The one I’m running right now is the one I started with on this job. I get 200 feet (61 m) more a day – 1,000 feet versus 800 (305 m versus 244 m) – by using the TD50. With the savings in labor and fuel cost, it saves the company money every day.”

Jones explained that back pressure will slow drilling down and more air is usually required. “The TD50 has been designed not to build up the air pressure, while still maintaining a good penetration rate. A driller doesn’t need all that air pressure to get the results he’s looking for,” said Jones.

Scott Ellenbecker is editor-in-chief of Deep Hole Driller, an Atlas Copco in-house publication.

This article is courtesy of Atlas Copco.

Atlas Copco | www.atlascopco.com North American Clean Energy

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geothermal energy

Largest ever geothermal lease sale in Nevada According to a report from SustainableBusiness.com, a competitive auction of lease parcels for geothermal energy resources on federal public lands in Nevada held this past summer was the largest geothermal sale ever in terms of dollars bid, bringing in a record $28.2 million for a total of 105,211 acres.

North of Gerlach, Nevada.

50% of revenues from the lease sale – including bonus bids, rentals, and royalties collected on the leases – are to be distributed to the state, and 25% will be distributed to the counties where the leases are located.

The remaining 25% is distributed to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to be used for the processing of geothermal leases and geothermal use authorizations.

“The public lands system managed by the Bureau of land Management holds the largest supply of geothermal energy in this country and already

supplies half of the nation’s geothermal energy,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “The geothermal sale in Nevada opens the way for even more geothermal development and is just one step in our continuing effort to responsibly use and develop clean, renewable energy.”

All 35 parcels offered in the August 6 sale were sold. The high bonus bid per-acre was for a 2,707-acre parcel in Churchill County at $1,000 per acre by ENEL Geothermal LLC. The highest bid paid for a parcel was $3,204,000 by Standard Steam Trust, LLC, for 3,560 acres. Three parcels in Churchill County, consolidated and offered as a block, also sold for $585 per acre, bringing in $6,934,005 from Magma Energy US Corp.

This was the first auction held under revised rules published in May 2008 to make the process competitive. Previously the BLM had issued a total of 117 noncompetitive geothermal leases totalling 181,340 acres in Nevada since August 2005. Noncompetitive leases are charged a nominal first-year rental of $1 per acre.

Since 2001, the Bureau of Land Management has issued 380 geothermal leases, compared to 25 leases in the preceding four years, and currently has about 1,275 megawatts (MW) of geothermal energy installed on the public lands system.

SustainableBusiness.com Bureau of Land Management | www.blm.gov

Improvement of earth energy systems design and installation standard underway The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) is currently working with, and as a member of, the Canadian Standards Association’s (CSA) Technical Subcommittee to support a substantial revision of StandardCAN/CSA C-448-02 – Design and Installation of Earth Energy Systems. CGC seeks to ensure that industry concerns with the current standard will be addressed.

C-448 is the only standard for the installation of ground source heat pump systems in North America whose development and revisions are executed within the strict framework of an independent standards body. The neutrality of such an independent body is essential to ensure the final product is rigorous, fair and unbiased. CSA is accredited as a Standards Development Organization by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). The SCC represents Canada on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Among its principal tasks, the CSA Subcommittee will examine and work to incorporate Direct Expansion (DX), and Standing Column Well (SCW) technology, two well-understood but long-neglected areas of North American practise.

Installation techniques for both technologies have never been included in a relevant CSA standard, and the CGC has been working over the past 24 months to rectify this situation.

In October of last year, CGC organized a workshop on DX technology. The results of this workshop as well as a draft DX standard that emerged out of this event, will form the basis for subcommittee discussions. Standing Column Well technology will be discussed by the subcommittee based on a New York City guideline document prepared in 2000.

Other important changes sought by the CGC relate to piping and heat transfer fluid, and will also be considered.

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GEA survey shows 20% increase in geothermal projects since January

Additional technologies which are part of the discussions include cross-linked polyethylene pipe, current pipe manufacturing certification, and Standard C-748 – Performance of Direct Expansion Ground Source Heat Pumps.

Finally, the language of the standard C-448 will be thoroughly reviewed to eliminate confusion and difficulties in the interpretation of some articles.

“In the past few years we have seen a number of significant innovations in drilling, system configuration, and concepts that the Standard does not address. Standards review and revision, as well as a faster mechanism for incorporating valid changes and best practise, is critical to ensure this industry’s ability to deliver quality for North Americans” said Denis Tanguay, CGC President and CEO. CGC recognizes that a Standard by its nature defines baseline minimums and not necessarily best practise or highest standard of care in its field. The CGC’s Global Quality GeoExchange Program came directly from the long-expressed but never-addressed industry need to enforce the C-448 Standard through enhanced professionalism, and to ensure that best practices are pursued at the same time that CSA minimums are met. The quality program is designed to do exactly that.

CGC members have been invited since 2006 to submit comments to CGC for forwarding to the appropriate Subcommittee.

The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition acts as the industry catalyst to unite private and public sector stakeholders, to expand the market for geoexchange technology in Canada, and as a nexus of information, training, certification, industry standards and public awareness.

A survey released recently by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) shows continued growth in the number of new geothermal power projects under development in the United States – a 20% increase since January of this year.

The report identified 103 projects underway in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. When developed, these projects could provide nearly 4,000 MW of new electric power, enough electricity to meet the needs of roughly four million homes.

“These new projects will result in the infusion of roughly $15 billion in capital investment in the western states and will create 7,000 permanent jobs and more than 25,000 person-years of construction and manufacturing employment,” says Karl Gawell, executive director of the Geothermal Energy Association.

“The surge in new geothermal power development continues.”

Current geothermal capacity on-line is 2,957 MW according to the report, and with the new additions geothermal power could reach nearly 7,000 MW.

The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition www.geo-exchange.ca

Geothermal Energy Association www.geo-energy.org

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geothermal energy

geothermal news briefs Nevada Geothermal Power Inc. and Ormat Technologies Inc. announced in September that NGP Blue Mountain 1 LLC has issued a Full Notice to Proceed under its contract with Ormat Nevada Inc. to supply and construct the Phase 1 49.5 MW gross ‘Faulkner 1’ geothermal power plant at Blue Mountain, Nevada.

Ormat has completed the engineering and design and started procurement of certain plant components under Limited Notices to Proceed, which have been in place since February. Site work will commence immediately, and under the contract, Ormat has guaranteed to achieve substantial completion no later than December 31, 2009.

Blue Mountain is located 30 kilometers (20 miles) west of the town of Winnemucca, Nevada. The electric power generated by Faulkner 1 will be sold to Nevada Power Company under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.

Western GeoPower Corp. recently announced that testing of their well WGP-2, at the Unit 1 project located at Geysers Geothermal Field in California, has confirmed that the well is a producer, with an initial capacity of 2.6 MW (gross). Together with the flow rate demonstrated by the company’s well WGP-1, as announced in May of this year, these first two wells together have an initial capacity of 203,500 lb/hr (92,306 kg/hr) of steam, representing 12.6 MW (gross).

The wells will supply steam to the 35 MWe Western GeoPower Unit 1 plant, which is projected to start commercial operations in early 2010.

“We are pleased to report that the combined productivity of the initial two wells exceeds our earlier expectations,” said Kenneth MacLeod, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western GeoPower. “Current projections call for the drilling of four to six additional production wells and one injector well, scheduled for completion in late 2009.”

heat pump systems. The term itself is made up of “Geo” referring to the earth itself, and “Exchange” indicating the process used by geothermal heat pumps to move heat to or from the earth to heat and cool homes, businesses or government facilities.

U.S. Geothermal Inc. announced in October that the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) has chosen their Raft River site in Idaho to demonstrate the viability of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). The Raft River EGS program totals up to $9 million, with the DOE providing up to $6 million as part of the cost-sharing arrangement.

U.S. Geothermal will provide “in kind” contributions to the program through the use of several existing wells and technical data, and the program is designed to perform a monitored thermal stimulation of an existing injection well to improve permeability within the geologic horizon that hosts the Raft River geothermal reservoir.

“With this important DOE funding, our industry hopes to advance the state of knowledge to realize the vast potential of EGS, which may provide America with 100,000 MW of clean, baseload power according to a recent Massachusetts Institute of Technology study,” said Daniel Kunz, U.S. Geothermal president and CEO. The Raft River EGS project is one of 21 projects with up to $78 million in

funding provided by the DOE for research, development and demonstration to promote EGS.

forseo has released a new publication called: “The Investor’s Guide to Geothermal Energy“. Designed to provide comprehensive and market-driven insight into all important aspects of geothermal business and project development from an investor’s point of view, this new publication is meant to serve as a practical reference tool for the financial community, for stakeholders from the industry, and for those ready to enter the geothermal energy market.

The guide looks at each project stage, from site identification, exploration, site development, power plant construction to operation and maintenance.

“The Investor’s Guide to Geothermal Energy is a timely contribution,” said Ladislaus Rybach, president of the International Geothermal Association. According to forseo, many industry experts and stakeholders from around the globe contributed to the document, allowing for a diversified look at the present state of geothermal business and technology, and it has been endorsed by the International Geothermal Association, European Geothermal Energy Council, and UNEP’s Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative.

The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) has signed an MOE with Cambrian College in Sudbury,

Ontario to offer full-semester CGCrecognized courses as part of a curriculum approved by its provincial Ministry of Education. Cambrian College is the first college in Canada to execute this arrangement.

The Canadian GeoExchange Installers’ Course and the Canadian GeoExchange Residential Designers’ Course have been fully integrated into Cambrian’s three-year Energy Systems Technology program and are being offered as of September, to students studying at the College. The CGC is in the process of transferring its training courses to colleges and institutes of technology across Canada, and presently has approximately 15 active MOUs with college partners.

“An industry which is growing as fast as geoexchange is growing here in Canada requires a stream of well-trained graduates for the coming decade-plus of sustained rapid growth.” said Denis Tanguay, president & CEO of CGC. “Long-term industry capacity to deliver geoexchange at all levels of Canadian society requires skilled trades-people, and Cambrian has stepped up to this challenge.”

The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition also recently released a 380-page manual entitled “Design of Residential Ground Source Heat Pump Systems.” The manual, developed through a CGC partnership with a group of Canada’s leading technical Colleges and industry specialists, reflects over eight months of work.

According to the canadian

association for renewable energies

(www.renewables.ca) a settlement has been reached in an $80,000 claim against renewable energy groups for promoting the term ‘geo-exchange.’ The term is a registered US trademark of the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc. The lawsuit was filed in 2006, against the Canadian Association for Renewable Energies, the Earth Energy Society of Canada (EESC)and other parties.

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POWER-GEN show 2008

Show in Print Features just some of the companies and technologies attendees will see at this year’s show.

POWER-GEN International 2008 December 2-4, 2008 Orlando, Florida / Orange County Convention Center

www.pgi08.events.pennnet.com This year is the 20th anniversary of POWER-GEN International, which has been designed as a fast-paced, three-day information exchange to share practical experiences, knowledge and ideas on the latest power industry trends and challenges. Featuring discussions, educational conference sessions and networking exchanges with the power sector’s leading companies, attendees will have the opportunity to network and learn from thousands of experts about the technologies and trends on the forefront of the power industry’s future.

Tools and engineered lubricants

Versatility in energy

FASTORQ is located in Houston, Texas, and has been designing and manufacturing custom tools for over 25 years. Due to the high demand for tools and engineered lubricants, FASTORQ has expanded and are scheduled to move into their new 25,000-square-foot facility in the first quarter of 2009.

FASTORQ tools are designed for speed, safety, and efficiency. One of their more popular tools used in the wind power industry is the FASTORQ Auto-Zip Stud-Tensioner, which incorporates the patented “zip technology,” and is designed to tension nuts at a fraction of the time compared to other bolting processes on the market. FASTORQ also carries a line of engineered lubricants including anti-gall/anti-seize, high temperature, high pressure and waterproof lubricants. FASTORQ A/G, their flagship lubricant, is designed to stop galling and seizing.

GE Energy is a supplier of power generation equipment, energy delivery technologies, including those driven by renewable resources, and maintains an installed base in over 120 countries.

GE gas turbines and combined cycle systems range from 40 to 520 MW, and wind turbines from GE range from 1.5 to 3.6 MW technology, and are designed for both onshore and offshore applications. In solar, GE provides grid connected and stand alone technologies.

Other technologies from the company include gasification technology, aeroderivatives, and gas engines, as well as steam turbines, maintenance and environmental services.

FASTORQ | www.fastorq.com | Booth 409NP

GE Energy | www.ge-energy.com Booth 4600

United Association

WPC torches generate hot gases with temperatures up to 5,500°C (10,000°F), and are self-stabilized and provide non-transferred arc with nominal power of 80-2,400kW. These units are engineered for integration into Alter NRG Plasma Gasifiers to gasify and melt various feedstocks.

The Alter NRG Plasma Gasifier is the combination of a moving bed gasifier with WPC’s proven industrial plasma torch technology. The design is engineered for minimal feedstock preparation, modular construction with scalability, low capital and operating costs, produces an environmentally benign slag, and has the ability to capture and sequester CO2.

Westinghouse Plasma Corporation is a subsidiary of Alter NRG, with a focus on advanced plasma technology solutions including WTE for destruction of biomass, industrial, hazardous, municipal solid waste, and for converting these materials into green energy or liquid transportation fuels.

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) is a union labor organization for the Plumbing, Pipe Fitting, Sprinkler Fitting (Fire Protection), HVAC/R Service, and the Power Piping Commercial-Industrial Industries. The UA, based out of Washington and founded in 1889, provides training and support to approximately 326,000 members who belong to over 300 individual local unions across North America.

The UA serves as a collective voice for workers through negotiation and collective bargaining with employing contractor groups, such as the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, and the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors.

The UA is also a key member of the Building and Construction Trades Department, the AFL-CIO, and the Canadian Federation of Labour.

Westinghouse Plasma Corporation | www.westinghouseplasma.com Booth 5132

United Association | www.ua.org Booth 303NP

Plasma torches and gasifier technology

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Magnet generator TM4 recently introduced their latest addition to the family: a 660 kW permanent magnet generator, designed for the best volumetric power density. Key benefits for wind turbine manufacturers are small volume, low weight, high efficiency, as well as a totally enclosed and brushless machine.

TM4 | www.tm4.com Booth 3542

Green energy design/ builder Fagen, Inc. is a green energy design-builder specializing in wind and ethanol, as well as biofuels.

The company provides electrical collection systems, interconnects, foundation design services, and a large fleet of cranes including lattice boom crawlers up to 660 ton capacity, with certified and qualified crane operators available.

Fagen was involved this year as a sponsor of the 2008 Ellesmere Island Expedition, a 60-day dogsled trek across the high-arctic island with the goal of capturing the effects of global warming. The company also entered into a strategic partnership with Frontline BioEnergy earlier this year, in a joint marketing and construction agreement, to provide biomass gasification systems to displace natural gas at industrial facilities. The partnership combines Fagen’s extensive project development and construction expertise with the gasification technology developed by Frontline.

Fagen, Inc. | www.fageninc.com | Booth 3767 Frontline BioEnergy www.frontlinebioenergy.com

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show in print

Arc-Flash Detection Makes Electric Power Safer SEL announces its new high-speed arc-flash detection option for the SEL-751A Feeder Protection Relay. Install this innovative enhancement in power generation equipment to reduce arc-flash hazards. Arc-flash detection combines light-sensing technology with fast over-current protection to recognize the onset of a dangerous arc-flash condition and immediately open the circuit breaker. This fast interruption of the arc fault current reduces the energy level of the arc flash.

SEL-751A combines over-current, voltage, and frequency elements with flexible I/O and communications for many applications. Save time and expense integrating into existing systems with Ethernet, fiber-optic, and serial communications and protocols, including IEC 61850, Modbus®, DeviceNet™, and others.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. | www.selinc.com | Booth 615

GT Series grid tie solar inverters Xantrex Technology, Inc. is focused on the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for renewable markets. The company’s products convert and control electrical power into high-quality power.

Xantrex GT Series Grid Tie Solar Inverters are based on a reliable platform that is used in grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine applications throughout North America and Europe.

The company’s GT Three-Phase product line (GT100, GT250 and GT500) incorporates an advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm to maximize the energy harvested from a PV array. To reduce power losses during the conversion process, the inverter uses the latest switching devices and a highefficiency transformer to achieve a weighted CEC efficiency of 96%. The high reliability of the GT100 and GT250 three-phase units reduces system downtime and results in higher energy production.

Xantrex Technology, Inc. | www.xantrex.com | Booth 2371

Hydraulic pumps and tools The Power Team brand of SPX Hydraulic Technologies has introduced a Predator Series of high performance hydraulic pumps and tools, serving the global bolting industry. Products include electric and air powered portable hydraulic torque wrench pumps and square drive and low clearance torque wrenches. This series features a constant horsepower variable flow hydraulic pump designed for greater bolting speed and efficiency, low amperage operation, and a low sound level. The latest generation of torque wrenches features faster operation and a body that is 2/3rds the size of other lightweight wrenches.

Industrial applications of carbon and graphite Carbone Lorraine is one of the first companies to have developed the industrial applications of carbon and graphite around the world, over a century ago. As a materials expert, the Group currently excels in implementing solutions in highly demanding industrial environments and on developing critical systems for the smooth operation of motors and protection of electrical equipment.

Around the world, Carbone Lorraine draws on its ability to innovate for the benefit of its customers. With 6,500 employees in close to 40 countries, the Group provides its customers with local service focused notably on maintenance and technical assistance.

Carbone of America | www.carbonelorraine.com | Booth 4555

Power Team | www.powerteam.com | Booth 5418

Utility scale solar power system SkyFuel, Inc. has unveiled SkyTrough, said to be the highest performance, lowest cost utility scale solar power system available for generating electricity. With glass-free mirrors, a highly engineered space frame that allows compact transportation, rapid field assembly, and more efficient drive and control systems, SkyTrough cuts the cost of the parabolic trough concentrator by 35% compared to other commercially available systems.

SkyTrough is the solar collector system at the heart of several large solar thermal power plants, currently planned for the southwestern US. At 375 feet long, twenty feet tall, with the largest parabolic trough modules ever built, it was developed with the support of the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), as well as with a grant from New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s Energy Innovation Fund for SkyFuel’s research partnership with the University of New Mexico.

Emergency diesel generator sets

SkyFuel, Inc. | www.skyfuel.com | Booth 900

Fairbanks Morse Engine has been supplying Emergency Diesel Generator Sets to the nuclear power industry since 1968. The company has signed a Letter of Intent with AREVA NP Inc. to supply sixteen Emergency Diesel Generator Sets (EDGs) for AREVA Evolutionary Power Reactors (EPR), planned for construction in the US. The EDGs can deliver up to 14 MWe of electricity. They will be manufactured and tested at the Fairbanks Morse Engine facility in Beloit, Wisconsin, in accordance with US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) requirements.

AREVA EPR is a 1,600+ MWe net pressurized water reactor design based on proven technology. EPR incorporates significant improvements in safety and economics over previous technologies, providing lower total lifecycle costs and the greatest physical safety for 21st century scenarios.

Photo copyright of SkyFuel.

Fairbanks Morse Engine | www.fairbanksmorse.com | Booth 2258

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“Biodiesel man” has business flowing in Barbados Waste vegetable oil could be a key to small island energy independence

N

ative Sun NRG of St. Michael, Barbados recently partnered with New York-based Amelot Oil, Inc. The goal of the partnership is primarily to boost the island’s production of biodiesel and expand distribution throughout the region. The new company, Amelot Oil Barbados, Ltd, is now the largest commercial producer of biodiesel on the island.

Handel Callender, general manager of Amelot Oil Barbados, whom Barbadians have come to know as the “biodiesel man”, says interest and investment have accelerated the growth of their waste vegetable oil (WVO) project.

To date, Amelot Oil has invested over $100,000.00 in the project, and plans to invest another $1.2 million, and increase the number of employees from five to twenty by the end of the year.

While turning WVO into biodiesel is not a new concept and hasn’t had a significant impact on oil imports by large countries with major supply demands like the United States, WVO biodiesel production by small island economies

viders of waste vegetable oil feedstock, which is what is currently being used by Amelot to produce the island’s biodiesel.

Teachers and students at one of the schools participating in the project, the Lester Vaughan School, collected 3,943 liters (about 1,043 gallons) of WVO over a two-year period and sold it to the company. The coordinator at the school, Evadne Johnson, reported that they saved 6,151 tons of carbon dioxide as a result of the oil recycled, and added that although the project had formally ended, interest is so high that some teachers and children continue to bring in oil.

In future, Amelot may also begin working with the many cruiseliners who frequently come to port on the island, as well as the island’s poultry producers and fisheries as additional sources of WVO. Consumers of biodiesel on the island range from vehicle owners to small and large businesses which support the government’s initiative to promote environmentally responsible technologies to further the island’s energy independence.

Ev Every time I collect oil from a restaurant, or hotel, people a e are asking questions, are more aware of renewable energy and are willing to become more involved. can have a direct and measurable impact on these countries’ need for oil imports and their environments.

In fact, Amelot predicts that within five years it could supply up to 100 percent of the country’s diesel needs, and would thereby greatly contribute to Barbados’ efforts to become energy independent.

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Espousing the benefits of biodiesel

In his efforts to educate, Callender cites detailed research to demonstrate biodiesel’s many benefits over ordinary diesel fuel, while encouraging Barbadians to participate and “Go Green”. He starts by explaining that biodiesel has a higher viscosity and reduces wear and tear on vehicle engines and extends engine life

span. Likewise, he points to biodiesel’s higher Cetane number, as associated with reduced engine roughness and improved performance, and its higher oxygen content, which allows for more complete combustion.

Of course, there are many positive facts about biodiesel that Callendar can draw from when espousing its benefits to potential converts and customers. It offers huge environmental benefits over petro diesel. It burns much cleaner, and since there is no sulfur, sulfur dioxide emissions, which have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, asthma and lung cancer, are eliminated.

Further, carbon monoxide emissions, which have also been associated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as low birth weights and even birth defects, are decreased by over 40 percent.

Particulate matter and hydrocarbon emissions are reduced by about 50 percent, and overall, emissions of air toxins go down 60 to 90 percent, with cancercausing emissions cut by 94 percent.

And finally, instead of the unpleasant smell usually associated with diesel emissions, biodiesel produced from waste vegetable oil has been noted by many to smell like hamburgers or french fries.

Looking ahead

Amelot Oil extracts their biodiesel by combining the used oil with methanol (alcohol) and sodium hydroxide.

“Vegetable oil is made up of the fatty acid chain and glycerin (which makes it thick). Converting it to biodiesel involves taking out that glycerin and replacing it with methanol,” Callender explains.

With Amelot’s product being sold at 25 cents cheaper than regular diesel – $2.32 a liter compared to the $2.57

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Barbados’ hotels, bars, restaurants and schools have been the primary providers of waste vegetable oil feedstock for Amelot’s biodiesel production operations.

at the pump, Callendar says Amelot is currently working with the Barbados government to secure larger facilities to increase production and meet the everincreasing demand.

Callender says biodiesel is quickly becoming a buzzword in Barbados.

“Every time I go out, people say to me ‘you’re the biodiesel guy.’ Every time I collect oil from a restaurant or hotel, people are asking questions, are more aware of renewable energy and are willing to become more involved.”

Amelot is also currently working with landowners in Barbados interested in planting Jatropha Curcas, the easy to grow oil-producing shrub that would potentially boost biodiesel production on the island, and which would provide additional jobs for the local economy.

Recently, Amelot Oil Barbados Limited formed a partnership with McGill University in Montreal. The University has provided two students to assist Amelot’s efforts in the development of the island’s biodiesel refining facilities.

The students will be spending three months studying at the Bellairs Research Institute, Canada’s only research facility in the Caribbean, while working with Amelot Oil. The goal of the student internship is to help Barbadians realize the direct connection between their recycling initiatives and global environmental issues. The students will be developing a marketing program to promote the environmental and economical benefits of utilizing the island’s used cooking oil for the production of biodiesel fuel, and they will be working alongside Amelot

consultants to establish a geographical mapping system of the island’s collection routes. The students will also be aiding in the development of educational tools to encourage users of cooking oil to become involved in the program.

“We are very excited to be working with the students of McGill University,” stated Amelot CEO, Aziz Hirji.

“Through this program, we hope to promote awareness in schools and within the private sector. Our goal is to educate Barbadians about climate changes and the reduction of CO2 emissions through the usage of biodiesel fuel produced from refined cooking oil.

The partnership between our company and the University will be a tremendous learning experience for all involved.”

Apart from its operations in Barbados, Amelot Oil, Inc. is currently funding

a number of pilot projects worldwide with the goal of using algae for biodiesel production, and has established Amelot Oil Ghana, Ltd., which is breaking ground in the first quarter of 2009 on a 100,000-hectare Jatropha plantation.

Ghana is considered a prime growing location for jatropha and has access to sea shipping that will allow inexpensive transport of Amelot jatropha oil around the world. When the plantation reaches maturity, the 200 million jatropha trees on the plantation will conservatively produce 100 million gallons of “crude” jatropha oil annually. The 100,000 hectare plantation will initially create at least 2,200 local jobs and create new infrastructure that is desperately needed for the local economy.

Amelot Oil Barbados, Ltd. www.amelotholdings.com

CO2 Wash technology powers Green Energy Center FirmGreen, Inc. (FGI) recently announced the opening of a new Green Energy Center (GEC), near Columbus, Ohio.

The company built the landfill gas processing facility and fuelling station, which pumps compressed natural gas (CNG) processed from landfill gas, as part of a public-private partnership with the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). The process at the facility involves collecting and cleaning raw landfill gas (methane) using a patented technology developed in Ohio by Acrion Technologies called CO2 Wash.

Acrion’s CO2 Wash technology is specifically-engineered to produce a stream of contaminant-free methane and CO2.

Contaminants are concentrated in a separate small stream of CO2 for incineration in landfill flares. The contaminantfree methane and CO2 stream can then be used as medium Btu fuel gas, as a hydrogen source for the fuel cell, or as feedstock for chemical synthesis, such as with methanol processes. Alternatively, it can be further processed to separate CO2 from the methane to produce pipeline methane or transportation fuel (compressed or liquefied), and liquid CO2.

The cleaned methane produced by the CO2 Wash technology can also be converted into ‘green’ compressed natural gas (gCNG) for use in CNG-powered cars and medium-duty trucks.

“What started four years ago as a vision has become reality today. By making use of waste gases generated from SWACO’s landfill, we will produce renewable transportation fuels and skilled jobs for Ohio,” says Steve Wilburn, founder and CEO of FirmGreen, Inc. The facility being commissioned is Phase One of a multi-phase development that when completed will produce approximately 30,000 Gasoline Gallon Equivalents (GGE) per day. The facility can produce fuel at a GGE-cost lower than $2.00 per gallon, and compared to Ohio’s recent cost of $4.85 per gallon for diesel fuel, net savings of $60,000 per day can be achieved for Ohio fleets. The gCNG fuel will also meet OEM engine manufacturing specifications for CNG fuel.

Acrion Technologies | www.acrion.com FirmGreen | www.firmgreen.com

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Nexterra receives order for multi-million-dollar gasification system

Nexterra’s biomass gasification plant to be built for Johnson Controls at DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

Nexterra announced recently that it has received an order from Johnson Controls Inc. for a multi-million dollar biomass gasification system at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) located in Tennessee.

The Nexterra biomass gasification system is the cornerstone of an $89 million contract for Johnson Controls to undertake a wide range of building management and energy conservation measures at ORNL. The ORNL campus is home to the U.S. Department of Energy’s largest science and energy laboratory as well as the DOE’s Bioenergy Science Center.

The Nexterra system will replace ORNL’s existing natural gas steam plant by converting locally sourced woody biomass and waste into clean burning syngas.

The syngas will produce 60,000 lbs/hr of saturated steam to displace 75 MMBtu/hr of fossil fuel traditionally used to heat the campus. Once operational, the system will reduce campus fossil fuel consumption by 80 percent.

Nexterra is supplying the complete gasification system from fuel handling and storage through to the exhaust stack. Engineering design is underway and the system will be delivered in late 2009.

“This project showcases the opportunity for public institutions to partner with the private sector to deploy innovative clean energy technologies that can make us more energy independent,” said ORNL Director Dr. Thom Mason.

“We have a terrific partner in Johnson Controls and a proven gasification technology leader in Nexterra. The combination will help make us less reliant on fossil fuel and at the same time enhance our bioenergy capabilities at the practical and research levels.”

The Johnson Controls contract for ORNL was among the first awarded under the Department of Energy’s Transformational Energy Action Management (TEAM) Initiative. TEAM aims to reduce energy waste and greenhouse gases at DOE facilities nationwide by 30 percent and have those facilities acquire at least 7.5 per cent of all energy from renewable sources by 2010.

“ORNL is the flagship energy research institution in the country and we are very pleased to partner with Nexterra to deliver another state-of-the-art biomass gasification system,” said Don Albinger, Vice President of Renewable Solutions at Johnson Controls. “Nexterra has consistently demonstrated that its technology is a new standard for converting biomass into energy that is clean, reliable, versatile and ideally suited to institutional and urban environments.”

Nexterra Energy Corp. | www.nexterra.ca.

Johnson Controls, Inc. | www.johnsoncontrols.com Oak Ridge National Laboratory | www.ornl.gov

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Utility issues call for interest in waste to energy Terasen Gas, one of the largest natural gas utilities in Canada, has announced plans for a new British Columbia-wide alternative energy program. The company is seeking supplies of bio-methane developed from the conversion of organic waste from sewage treatment facilities, landfill sites, the agricultural sector and other industries that can be used as an energy source to heat homes and businesses, providing fuel for hot water heaters, stoves, clothes driers and barbecues.

“We are issuing a call to municipalities, waste management companies, farms and other businesses to bring forward opportunities whereby new facilities could be built or existing ones upgraded to allow the production of bio-methane and its conversion into a clean and renewable energy source,” said Doug Stout, Terasen Gas Vice President, Marketing and Business Development.

“This initiative supports the BC Energy Plan’s objective to increase the province’s production of clean and renewable energy, while reducing emissions from waste methane, which is 21 times more powerful in warming the atmosphere than CO2.”

The Terasen Gas Request for Expressions of Interest invites proposals to develop facilities that will collect and produce biogas from organic waste material.

The gas produced will then be converted to pipeline quality and injected into the Terasen Gas system.

“The Lower Mainland alone produces enough organic waste that once processed, could heat 45,000 homes, or provide the equivalent amount of energy to run 2,250 diesel-fuel buses per year,” said Stout. “Using innovative solutions, Terasen Gas would like to capture and use as much of this clean energy source as possible.”

The plan expands on an existing $1.1 million innovative pilot project already underway to capture and purify biogas from West Vancouver’s Lions Gate wastewater treatment plant, which will heat 100 homes. The new program will also target restaurant food waste, beer and winery by-products, and methane generated by other sewage treatment plants.

Information sessions to gather feedback and responses are planned for around B.C. this fall, after which the formal Request will be finalized. The submission deadline for expressions of interest is February 2, 2009.

Terasen Gas | www.terasengas.com/biogas

Driven to sustain: breaking the record for journey by car using waste oil from restaurants A world record breaking attempt by Canadians Cloe Whittaker (22) and Tyson Jerry (24) involving a 45,000 km road trip in a van powered by waste oil from restaurants was resumed on October 6 from Stanley Park in Vancouver. If all goes well, the team will roll in to the record books in several months for having made the longest journey by car using alternative fuel.

The team’s goal has been to beat the previous record set by a German team in 2006, who covered 38,137 km (23,697.19 miles) in a Volkswagen running on natural gas. Whittaker and Jerry have been (and will be) travelling in a Mitsubishi Delica through every province, state, and territory in North America, and along the way, are stopping at schools to talk about sustainability.

As well as visits to schools, the couple will also be visiting projects and people across North America who have embraced earth-friendly ventures, including sustainable farms, the largest wind farms in the world, and earth homes in New Mexico. The Driven to Sustain website www.driventosustain.ca includes a free downloadable curriculum for teachers, allows visitors to track Whittaker and Jerry’s journey, and includes video and text blogging in which the pair share their discoveries and experiences. Whittaker and Jerry also intend to create a documentary from footage gathered during their adventure.

Driven to Sustain | www.driventosustain.ca

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Mexico’s President applauds GE power plant as model for Latin America In September, Mexican President Felipe Calderón toured Monterrey’s newly expanded landfill gas-to-energy project where he praised GE Energy’s Jenbacher gas engine power plant as “a model renewable energy project” for Latin America.

The 12-MW project converts the Simeprode landfill’s gas into electricity, which is used to support the solid waste facility‘s operations as well as Monterrey‘s light-rail system during the day and city street lights at night. The electricity is also being sold at a discount rate to seven municipalities in the greater Monterrey region.

The landfill, operated by Bioelectrica de Monterrey, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary company from SEISA and Gentor, is located in Salinas Victoria just north of Monterrey, Mexico’s third largest city and capital of the northeastern State of Nuevo León.

The renewable, on-site power plant is one of the most powerful of its kind in Latin America, and is part of an ongoing solid waste modernization effort well-suited for developing regions where there is little or no access to transmission grids. The plant was recognized as a model alternative energy project, and qualified for funding from the World Bank’s Global Environment Fund to help reduce the region’s methane gas emissions.

“The financial viability of this project underscores our belief that Monterrey’s landfill gas plant will serve as a model renewable energy project for other countries throughout Central and South America,” President Calderón said at the ceremony to mark the landfill project’s expansion.

“This landmark project is supporting the State of Nuevo León’s – and Mexico’s – goals of expanding the use of landfill gas and other renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels to help reduce our industrial emissions,” said Nuevo León Governor José Natividad González.

The landfill plant’s expansion features five of GE Energy’s containerized J320 GS Jenbacher engines, which are capable of generating a combined 5 MW of electricity. The units were installed next to an existing 7-MW, “first phase” of the plant, powered by seven J320 GS Jenbacher engines, bringing the total to 12 engines.

GE Energy’s Jenbacher gas engines, produced in Austria, cover an output range of 0.25 to 4 MW and

operate on natural gas or a variety of specialty fuels, including flare gas and coal mine gas or alternative fuels like biogas, landfill gas, wood gas, sewage gas and industrial waste gas.

Patented combustion systems cou-

pled with advanced engine and plant management systems enable customers to meet stringent international emission standards while offering high levels of efficiency, durability, and reliability.

GE Energy www.ge.com/energy Gruppo Gentor / SEISA www.seisa.com.mx

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VECOPLAN is a leading global manufacturer of preparation systems designed specifically for biomass feedstock pretreatment solutions. Size reduction is our specialty and we have designed and installed many systems worldwide, including thousands of shredding systems in North America. We are the preferred solution in many biofuel, bioenergy, fiber recovery and recycling applications. While shredding and size reduction is our focus, our systems approach enables us to provide complete, turnkey systems including automated sorting, conveying and separation technologies.

VECOPLAN systems can be found in sophisticated, commercial-scale RDF plants to lower-volume W-T-E pilot systems. Vecoplan is experienced in both American and European methods of biomass preparation, and is known for its rugged, unique, and proven shredding technology.

Vecoplan pre-shredders and re-shredders offer a unique, patented cutting geometry which results in extremely low operational costs and produces a very homogenous particle consistency. Award-winning energy saving HiTorc™ drives provide more throughput per kilowatt than conventional shredders - maximizing net energy gains.

VECOPLAN designs pre-treatment shredders and systems for: Agricultural Crop Residues – stover and other cellulosic matter • Trees, Wood Residue and Green Wastes Energy Crops • MSW, Food Residue and Other Organics • Other Renewables ;dg BdgZ >c[d K^h^i

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biomass and biofuels Brazilian ethanol industry to boost demand and expand markets www.Renewableenergystocks.com recently reported that the Brazilian ethanol industry plans to boost ethanol demand abroad and expand markets. According to reports from Cosan, SA, Industrial Biotechnology Corporation, the EPA, and The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, Brazil is expanding its production and will harvest 12% more cane than last year, with plans to increase ethanol exports by 25%. Brazil is currently the second largest producer of ethanol in the world, after the US, and according to the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, in 2007 Brazil produced an estimated 487 million metric tons of sugarcane, which yielded 30.6 million tons of sugar and 22 billion liters of ethanol.

Louis Dreyfus Commodities, one of the top three sugar merchandisers and traders in the world (the company manages an estimated 2.5 million tons of sugar annually) recently announced a $433 million investment to open a new mill in Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul state. And according to Antonio Henrique Prado, manager for International Business Development of Cosan, a Brazil-based company active in the production of sugar and ethanol; “Currently 10% of Cosan’s revenues are related to ethanol exports. Even though exports are growing, the robust domestic demand for hydrous ethanol (due to the increasing Brazilian flex-fuel fleet) will likely keep exports importance within COSAN’s revenues mix stable in the near term. Over the medium and long-term, exports importance tends to increase. “ He notes Sugarcane ethanol provides several advantages over other feedstocks, and went on to say, “The challenge for the Brazilian ethanol industry is to boost ethanol demand abroad, which can be achieved by clarifying the benefits related to sugarcane ethanol adoption and developing alternative suppliers.

“It is our opinion that the current US import tariff on Brazilian ethanol exports compromises the country’s capacity to diversify its fuels supplier base and ultimately drains resources from American taxpayers.”

Presidential candidate John McCain recently quoted in an interview with a Brazilian newspaper stated, “We made a series of mistakes by not adopting a sustainable energy policy, one of which is the subsidies for corn ethanol, which I warned in Iowa were going to destroy the market, and contribute to inflation. Besides, it is wrong, to tax Brazilian-made sugarcane ethanol, which is much more efficient than corn ethanol.”

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson recently announced the decision to deny a request submitted by the State of Texas to reduce the nationwide Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). As a result, the required total volume of renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, mandated by law to be blended into the fuel supply, will remain at 9 billion gallons in 2008 and 11.1 billion gallons in 2009.

“After reviewing the facts, it was clear this request did not meet the criteria in the law,” said Stephen L. Johnson. “The RFS remains an important tool in our ongoing efforts to reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions and lessen our dependence on foreign oil, in aggressive yet practical ways.”

Following the EPA news, The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association representative in Washington, Joel Velasco, commented, “The next step – and one that Congress has yet to take – is to reduce the distortive tariff on imported ethanol. This one-of-a-kind tax on a clean energy alternative serves only to punish American drivers by artificially inflating the price of gasoline at the pump.” www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector. www.renewableenergystocks.com Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association www.english.unica.com.br

Biomass energy may be the answer to China’s pollution crisis Scientists have proposed that China could reduce pollution by as much as 60% in part through the use of biomass energy. This number is according to a study in AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, volume 37, issue 2.

Despite passing ambitious environmental measures, pollution and increasing fuel demand, along with decreasing resources, are of great concern. China has the highest SO2 emissions in the world and ranks second in CO2 emissions. Imported crude oil has increased from 30 million tons in 1993 to 120 million tons in 2004, and by 2010, there is expected to be a deficit of 100 million tons of petroleum and 4,000 million m3 of natural gas. For comparison, in 2001 the US spent 7% of their gross domestic product on energy, while China spent 13%.

According to the AMBIO study, one solution to these problems may be biomass energy.

Biomass produces approximately 10% of the contaminant materials produced by coal, and the authors of this study argue that the energy transformation efficiency – the effectiveness through which one energy is transformed into another – could be improved by 35 to 40% if advanced biomass combustion techniques were used.

China has begun making advances toward this goal. They have introduced a framework of energy development for the next 20 years. Although currently only 14% of energy is commercialized biomass energy, it is expected to eventually reach 40% or more of all energy consumption. As one step in this process, the researchers at AMBIO point out that public education on the use of renewable energy resources should be improved.

Another article in AMBIO supports this opinion. The authors state that most of the population trusts that a new energy source, or technology to dramatically increase efficiency, will be discovered before the exhaustion of the current oil reserves. They feel the public needs to be informed that this is simply not true and conservation methods must be employed. Although they may not disagree that for China, biomass energy will cut down on pollution, they state that hydroelectric power and nuclear fission, overall, are currently the most feasible options for meeting the population’s predicted energy demands.

One other study in AMBIO argues that before it can be determined which alternate fuel is most effective, there must be a standardized method for comparing energy sources. The authors state that many researchers are currently using various methods of comparison that lead to conflicting results. They propose implementing a commonly used method known as the energy return on investment (EROI) analysis, but altering it to allow for variables being measured. This analysis would lead to results that could be accurately compared.

AMBIO is a nonprofit publication of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The organization addresses the scientific, social, economic, and cultural factors that influence the condition of the human environment. Among the subjects covered are: ecology, environmental economics, geology, geochemistry, geophysics, paleontology, hydrology, water resources, oceanography, earth sciences, meteorology, and physical geography.

AMBIO | www.ambio.kva.se

Sapphire Energy unveils renewable gasoline Sapphire Energy announced this past Spring that they have produced renewable 91 octane gasoline that conforms to ASTM certification. The new gas is made from a process that produces crude oil directly from sunlight, CO2 and photosynthetic microorganisms, beginning with algae.

“Our goal is to produce a renewable fuel without the downsides of current biofuel approaches,” said CEO and co-founder Jason Pyle.

The end result of Saphire’s efforts is high-value hydrocarbons that are chemically identical to those in gasoline, and which, according to the company, will be entirely compatible with the current energy infrastructure – from cars to refineries and pipelines.

According to the company, their platform offers vast advantages – scientific, economic and social – over traditional biofuel approaches.

“It’s hard not to get excited about algae’s potential,” said Paul Dickerson, chief operating officer of the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy “Its basic requirements are few: CO2, sun, and water. Algae can flourish in nonarable land or in dirty water, and when it does flourish, its potential oil yield per acre is unmatched by any other terrestrial feedstock.”

Sapphire Energy | www.sapphireenergy.com

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Biomass burning furnace offers alternative to liquid fuels Year-A-Round furnaces are engineered specifically to burn biomass solid fuels in place of liquid fuels. Applicable feedstock for these furnaces includes corn, beans, rye, flax, wood pellets and any other burnable pelletized material. According to the company, burning biomass solid fuels in place of liquid fuels can save up to 40 percent on heating bills. Four YearA-Round furnace models are available ranging from 100,000 BTU to 950,000 BTU, and all units are designed to provide cleaner air, less humidity and continual burning, and are clinker-free for minimized cleaning time. A furnace control panel allows the operator to set and regulate the temperature, and patent-pending features include an air-cooled corn feeder, agitator and fire box.

Year-A-Round Corporation | www.year-a-round.com

Wagon-style cob collection system one of several new products Vermeer recently celebrated their 60th anniversary as an agricultural, environmental and construction industry manufacturer.

The company has also introduced several new models of machines, including the CX770 wagon-style cob collection system, which is designed to revolutionize corn harvesting by enabling farmers to harvest corn and cobs simultaneously.

“This new patented Vermeer cob harvesting machine is a solution for supplying corn cobs for cellulosic ethanol production,” says Vermeer Product Manager Jay Van Roekel. “It’s easy to attach to the combine, is self-contained and costeffective. This innovative product can help farms by diversifying their harvest in collecting biomass materials for resale or reuse...”

The CX770 is designed to tow immediately behind select corn harvesting combines to collect and unload cobs.

Besides use for ethanol production, cobs can be blended with coal to co-generate electricity or used in gasification processes to create various types of energy.

Other key product introductions of interest to the biomass and waste to energy industries from Vermeer this year include the HG8000 horizontal grinder and the BC2100XL brush chipper, both with large infeed openings, tier 3 engines and a range of operator-friendly and high-production features. Additionally available is the new heavy-built 605 Super M “Cornstalk Special” high-performance round baler, designed to improve speed, capacity, density and bale appearance for custom operators and high-volume producers of cornstalk bales.

Vermeer Corporation www.vermeer.com

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biomass and biofuels

The next generation biofuel crop Camelina sativa in bloom (left) and ready for harvest (right).

Camelina sativa is a non-food oilseed which shows tremendous potential for use as a substitute feedstock for production of biodiesel, jet fuels, gasoline and propane.

At the beginning of October, Great Plains – The Camelina Company entered into an agreement with the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota to utilize its proprietary technology to produce advanced fuels from the next generation biofuel crop – Camelina sativa.

Great Plains has studied the science and agronomy of camelina for over 10 years and for the past three years has contracted with growers throughout the United States and Canada to grow the crop. Currently, the company is processing camelina seed to create biodiesel, but says that with the EERC technology, the biofuels potential for the crop can be maximized.

The EERC has developed a feedstock-flexible process that can utilize various crop oils to produce combinations of jet fuel, diesel, gasoline, and propane that are identical to petroleum-derived fuels, enabling direct substitution with these fuels and providing renewable options across the spectrum of fuel needs.

“The EERC has strategically positioned itself to be the first to produce a truly sustainable renewable fuel that can be used the same way as traditional fuels with no special requirements,” said EERC Director Dr. Gerald Groenewold.

Camelina is a non-food oilseed from the same family as mustard, that shows tremendous potential for the EERC’s process and exhibits highly desirable traits for fuel conversion. It is a cost-effective feedstock, and quantities of the crop are presently available to begin fuel production. The EERC and Great Plains will utilize camelina oil for upcoming testing and are planning to develop an initial full-scale refinery focused on renewable jet fuel production.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us and we can’t wait to hit the ground running,” says Sam Huttenbauer, CEO of Great Plains. “Not only is camelina a non-food crop, but it will also provide for an identical replacement of the traditional petrochemicals with the technology that the EERC has pioneered. Camelina-derived fuels will be 100 percent produced within North America and will be both environmentally sustainable and high performing without disrupting the current fuel supply infrastructure. Together, we will supply America with the next generation of biofuel.”

With several crushing partners in North America (camelina seed is crushed to produce biodiesel) Great Plains has produced over 10 million road miles of camelina biodiesel to date, and plans to boost production to 100 million gallons by the year 2012.

“We’ve only scratched the surface of the potential camelina holds for biodiesel production, and we hope more growers will see the benefits of this crop and help to increase the available seed supply,” says Huttenbauer.

Ted Durfey, president of Natural Selection Farms, Inc. in Washington State is one of the crushing partners working with Great Plains. The company started handling camelina for Great Plains in the spring, and since that time their facility has been operating nearly 24-7.

“My main reasons for getting involved are to create greater sustainability through local production of livestock meal and oil for biodiesel, reducing dependence on foreign oil,” says Durfey. “Camelina fits nicely in low rainfall regions of our state and creates an additional low-input rotational crop, which aids in the reduction of weed and disease cycles.”

According to Great Plains, one of the major key benefits of Camelina is that it does not interfere with food crops. It offers a solution for reaching the biodiesel production goals set out by the US Energy Bill of 2007 (36 billion gallons by 2022). Camelina is also virtually 100 percent efficient. It can be harvested and crushed for oil and the remaining parts can be used to produce high quality omega-3 rich animal feed, fiberboard and glycerin. Additionally, it has the ability to grow on marginal land utilizing very little moisture, and it fits into many farming operations as an excellent rotational crop to break the cycle of continuous small grains cropping. Even more important to some growers, camelina has been shown to enhance the yield of subsequent crops such as wheat by up to 15 percent.

EERC - University of North Dakota | www.undeerc.org Great Plains – The Camelina Company | www.CamelinaCompany.com

Transloading unit increases efficiency and safety in liquid-handling As the use of transloading – defined as the process of transferring a shipment from one mode of transportation to another – continues to increase, shippers who move liquid goods ranging from industrial chemicals to renewable fuels have been looking for ways to quicken the process, while minimizing the risk that is inherent in liquidhandling. With this in mind, SafeRack, LLC, has developed its Mobile Transloading Unit.

Designed for fast, safe custody transfer of a wide variety of liquids, the SafeRack Mobile Transloading Unit features a four-wheeled towable trailer for ease of operation, and was designed to incorporate two distinct sides – one created for use in truck transloading and the other for use in railcar transloading.

Common transfer equipment – including hoses, filters, strainers, air eliminators, valves, sensors, overfillprevention equipment, pumps, meters and emergency shut-off, is located on the trailer beneath the transloading racks. When transloading needs to occur, the platform is wheeled between the truck and railcar. The truck side features grounding protection, overfill monitoring and metering of the custody transfer, while the railcar aside allows options for unloading, as well as safe access to the hatch area of the railcar.

For an added level of operator safety while on top of trucks and railcars, fall-protection safety cages are an available option on the unit’s gangways. Transloading can be accomplished through easy-to-use loading arms or through hose-loading, while the unit’s grounding system integrates with the transloading process to only allow transfer to occur with a positive ground.

SafeRack, LLC | www.SafeRack.com

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Biodiesel analysis uses radial plasma emission spectrometers The iCAP 6000 Series of ICP emission spectrometers incorporates unique capabilities designed to achieve dependable monitoring of elemental contaminants in biodiesel. The dedicated radial plasma view configuration of these systems provides enhanced analytical capabilities for important elements such as sulfur and phosphorus. Units also provide improved detection limits for lower concentrations of

samples, while their enhanced matrix tolerance (EMT) torch and swing frequency RF generator easily handles organic matrix samples and ensures improved stability, with the capability of providing accurate, dependable analysis of phosphorus, sulfur as well as potassium. The vast majority of biodiesel production plants currently use plant oils as a starting material for production. These plants usually have relatively

high phosphorous content, which is undesirable in fuels as it can lead to the corrosion of mechanical components of engines. Sulfur also affects engine wear if present in excess concentrations in starting materials, and causes environmentally-harmful sulfur dioxide emissions.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. www.thermofisher.com

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Flash-point tester Safety regulations require the flash point testing of various liquids, including biodiesel, diesel and jet fuels, to ensure their safe transport, storage, processing and disposal. Many open cup flash point testers still rely on open flames and large sample volumes to conduct flash point testing.

The MINIFLASH Series from Grabner Instruments automatically determines flash point according to the advanced ASTM D7094 Standard.

These units use a patented detection method that measures the instantaneous pressure increase inside a continuously closed test chamber resulting from a high-energy electric arc that ignites vapour from a 2-mL sample.

The MINIFLASH features a compact size and rugged housing, a continuously closed cup, user-friendly design and small sample volume, fast thermoelectric cooling, as well as minimal risk of fire hazard and odours associated with flash-point testing. A single position MINIFLASH can perform up to 10 flashpoint tests per hour, and an autosampling unit is available which can perform up to eight unattended flashpoint tests in 45 minutes.

Join us in Vancouver, British Columbia for Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009 and explore the BC Hydrogen Highway! Experience the latest in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and products, including micro fuel cells, back-up power, materials handling, stationary power generation, hydrogen fuelling and hydrogen powered vehicles.

For more information visit:

hfc2009.com

AMETEK Process & Analytical Instruments www.petrolab.com

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biomass and biofuels High volume screening and grinding system West Salem Machinery recently announced the completed delivery and installation of a high volume screening and grinding system to convert purchased biomass material into a finished fuel product.

This system (shown top) features a 60-12 disc screen for high volume pre-screening and secondary grinding of biomass material. Pre-screening directs acceptably sized and screened material to the finished fuel discharge conveyor, and over-sized material feeds by gravity into a WSM model 4048BP vertical feed grinder. Included in the scope of supply are support structures, access platforms and chuteworks. This integrated system design dramatically reduces engineering and installations costs, and provides single source responsibility for fuel preparation, and is rated at 150 tons per hour. WSM biomass processing machinery and systems are available in a wide range of sizes and feed configurations to handle various feedstock volumes from 50 to 1,000 tons per hour.

WSM also recently introduced their model 5472BH Titan Horizontal Grinder, designed to process high volumes of stumps, land clearing debris and urban wood material into biomass fuel.

This stationary electric grinder features dual electric drive motors and a fully-proportional hydraulic feed system for efficient processing of diverse feed stocks. A heavy-duty multi-strand drag chain infeed and large diameter power feed roll provide superior feeding of large batch loads, and units feature a 54-inch diameter by 72-inch rotor assembly with rigid hammers and replaceable tips. An 800-hp electric drive system utilizes dual 400-hp motors for efficient and economical operation, and modular sizing screens insure a consistent sized finished fuel product. Machine capacity ranges from 40-100 tons per hour, depending on feedstock and finished product size, and units are available in a range of sizes with drives from 500 to 1,500 hp.

West Salem Machinery | www.westsalem.com

“Green” Texan Glen Kertz, plant physiologist, president and CEO of Valcent Products, stands in front of Vertigro algae bioreactors at a lab in El Paso.

Mass-producing algae for biodiesel Vertigro is a bio-fuel oil production technology which employs a C02 sequestration system using high-density vertical bioreactors for the mass production of algae.

Glenn Kertz, who patented the technology, is the president and CEO of Valcent Products Inc. On October 1st, Valcent reached agreement with Global Green Solutions Inc. to purchase their 50% interest in Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC (VAT) for US$5 million, plus five million common shares of Valcent. VAT owns the worldwide rights to the sales, marketing, and commercialization of Vertigro proprietary algae production technologies, and is currently building a 100-panel algae bio-reactor, with intentions to begin production testing during the first quarter of 2009. Upon final closing of this deal, Valcent will increase their ownership to 100% interest in VAT. “This strategic purchase clears the way for senior sponsorship of Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC as it prepares to complete the 100 panel reactor which will then allow design of a commercial scale production unit,” says Kertz.

“Global Green was a significant partner during the start up phase of Vertigro over the last two years and Valcent fully intends to continue to work with them by providing algae technologies for deployment in their biomass power generation business, on normal commercial business terms,” he continued.

Kertz, an active innovator in the field of plant tissue and cell culture for over

30 years, emphasized that “Vertigro algae yields about 180,000 gallons of oil per acre, per year, and is suitable for bio-fuel blending with diesel and other applications.” He adds that algae are significantly more prolific than any other green plant and represent the ultimate in renewable energy, as the utilization of photosynthesis is “renewable” by its very definition.

After the Vertigro high-density vertical bioreactor (HDVB) algae-to-biofuel process mass-produces algae, the algae is used to convert C02 into vegetable oil. This oil is then suitable for refining into a costeffective, non-polluting biodiesel. The algaederived fuel has huge potential to be an energy-efficient replacement for fossil fuels and can be used in any diesel-powered vehicle or machinery. In addition, 90% by weight of the algae is captured carbon dioxide, which is “sequestered” by the Vertigro process and so contributes significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Kertz adds; “Algae doesn’t need prime farmland, vast quantities of fertilizer, or large harvest vehicles to be grown and harvested, unlike corn which is the main U.S. feedstock for ethanol, the top alternative motor fuel.”

The company also says that current data projects high yields of algae biomass, which can be harvested and processed into algal oil for biofuel feedstock as well as ingredients for food, pharmaceutical, and health and beauty products. And this is possible at a significantly lower cost than comparable oil-producing crops such as palm and soybean. Additionally, Valcent’s HDVB bioreactor system can be deployed on nonarable land, requires very little water due to its closed circuit process, does not incur significant labour costs and does not employ fossil-fuel-burning equipment, unlike traditional food/biofuel crops such as soy and palm oil. These other crops, besides requiring large agricultural acreage, huge volumes of water and chemicals, as well as the traditional farm equipment and labor, are also much less productive than the HDVB process. Compared to Vertigro’s 180,000 gallon yield, Soybean, palm oil and conventional pond-grown algae typically yield 48 gallons, 635 gallons and 10,000 gallons per acre per year respectively.

Valcent Products, Inc www.valcent.net

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biomass and biofuels news briefs The Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as co-chairs of an interagency board, recently released the National Biofuels Action Plan (NBAP), which outlines speciďŹ c actions and goals toward achieving renewable fuels production targets.

The NBAP outlines interagency actions, federally-supported research and development efforts, and future goals as well as required steps in seven areas, including: sustainability, feedstock production, feedstock logistics, conversion science and technology, distribution infrastructure, blending, and environment, health, and safety. Visit www.eere. energy.gov for access to the report.

OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae into a true competitor to petroleum, recently announced that prominent algae scientist, Takaaki Maekawa, has made a positive evaluation of the company’s technology. Takaaki Maekawa is professor emeritus at the University of Tsukuba’s Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences in Japan.

OriginOil co-founder Nicholas Eckelberry reported, “With our ďŹ rst prototype, we attained approximately 13.5 grams of dry mass per liter (g-dm/L) of algae mass in a 36 hour period and more as time progressed. Eckelberry added, “The early prototype has since been optimized and we expect to attain 20-25 g-dm/L within a 24-36 hour period.â€?

Industry production ďŹ gures in the algae industry vary widely. In open ponds, according to the company, a daily growth rate of 2.0 g-dm/L is considered excellent.

Professor Makoto Watanabe at the University of Tsukuba has reported achieving 3.5 g-dm/L in the laboratory, and in special cases, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart have reported a maximum concentration of 10 g-dm/L. Renewable Energy Group of Ames, Iowa, has announced it has technology capable of producing biodiesel from algae oil, and that it is working with several groups to commercialize algae production. REG has adapted multifeedstock technology to reďŹ ne oil from a variety of algae strains and produce biodiesel exceeding ASTM standards.

The results indicate the process can be commercialized when sufďŹ cient quantities of algae oil become available.

Daniel Oh, REG’s COO, is optimistic that commercial quantities of industrial algae oil will be available within three to ďŹ ve years. In REG’s process, crude algae oil is cleaned and reďŹ ned using pretreatment technology. It is then converted to biodiesel using a system similar to current commercial-scale biodiesel production.

Sanimax and StormFisher Biogas announced in October a strategic alliance to build eight biogas plants in the Great Lakes Region, for a total investment of over $160 million. These plants will transform organic by-products from the food processing industry, restaurants and institutions like schools into renewable energy and organic fertilizer.

Once operational, these eight plants will offset the carbon dioxide equivalent of 120,000 tonnes and divert half a million tonnes of organic by-products every year, creating enough energy to power 20,000 homes.

The ďŹ rst plant will be located at a site yet to be determined in Wisconsin and will process materials from Sanimax’s De Forest facility, among others.

UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, announced in September that it has signed a letter of intent with Ensyn Corp to form a joint venture to offer technology and equipment to convert second-generation biomass into oil for power generation, heating fuel and eventually for conversion into transportation fuels. UOP and Ensyn expect to ďŹ nalize terms for the venture in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The joint venture company will offer Ensyn’s proven Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP)(TM) technology, which converts second generation biomass like forest and agricultural wastes to bio-oil, also known as pyrolysis oil, for use in power and heating applications.

The joint venture will also accelerate research and development efforts to commercialize next-generation technology to reďŹ ne the bio-oil into transport fuels such as green gasoline, green diesel and green jet fuel.

Inbicon president and CEO, Niels Henrikson, announced recently the next step in its marketing strategy of partnering with North American biofuels companies and licensing its secondgeneration cellulosic technology for commercial-scale production of ethanol and livestock feed. “By partnering with Thomas Corle and his U.S.-based G-team,â€? says Inbicon’s Henriksen, “we’re accelerating the introduction of our pre-treatment concepts to bioreďŹ nery developers outside Europe. Our systems have been handling and converting biomass for a decade, and we’ve operated a pilot plant successfully since 2003.â€? “By December 2009, at the Kalundborg port in Denmark, we’ll showcase our large-scale (1.4 million US gallons per year) demonstration plant to world leaders at the COP15 UN climate summit being held in Copenhagen.â€?

New plant for the production of bio-DME diesel fuel being built in Sweden.

Chemrec and the seven international partners involved in the European project BioDME have announced plans to build the world’s ďŹ rst BioDME biofuels plant in Sweden, and say that within eighteen months, it will deliver 4 to 5 tons daily of the new biofuel dimethyl ether, DME. By then, Volvo Group, who is the coordinator of the project, will have the ďŹ rst of 14 DME-fuelled trucks ready and Preem will have built four ďŹ lling stations. This unique project is meant to demonstrate the entire chain – from biomass production to trucks running on DME. Chemrec will build and operate the plant where the DME fuel will be produced by gasiďŹ cation of black liquor.

The consortium agreement between the seven international partners involved in BioDME was recently signed and the project approved by the EU. The project is coďŹ nanced by the partners of the consortium, EU’s Seventh Framework Program (FP7) and the Swedish Energy Agency, with a total estimated cost of 28 million. “We are very proud to be part of the BioDME project,â€? says Chemrec CEO Jonas Rudberg. “DME from forest residues through black liquor gasiďŹ cation has been proven to be the most energy- and cost efďŹ cient amongst the second generation biofuels with environmental performance.â€?

WASTE

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Phone: (972) 790-7800 Fax: (972) 790-8733 sales@granutech.com North American Clean Energy

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hydro and marine energy

Harnessing Power The best technology does not always win

By Dr Ivan Sierralta

I

t is a sad fact that we do not always embrace technology that is most costeffective or time saving, or best for the environment. It is not uncommon for less practical options to win the hearts and minds of consumers, and indeed governments, and to come out on top in the commercial marketplace. For those of us old enough to remember the ‘70s, the Beta/VHS battle comes to mind.

These days, Microsoft and Mac are battling it out on prime time television advertisements. Let me give you two very different examples of innovations that are experiencing challenges to widespread adoption, even though they clearly provide viable solutions to customers.

New Energy Corp. is a manufacturer of the in-stream hydrokinetic power generation system. This system consists of harnessing power generated by a floating turbine and turning it into usable power for home and industrial use.

It can be used as a stand-alone power supply, or can be fed back into a main power grid – as well as in a wide variety of settings where traditional hydro plants are not practical or possible.

Although this “green” system was created with major markets in mind, with the intention of locating them downstream from dams, it turns out the most likely early adopters of this groundbreaking technology will probably be small remote communities that are not on a power grid, and that rely on diesel generators for their electricity. These communities are desperate for a solution that reduces their reliance on diesel and offers a more cost-effective solution. Essentially, News Energy Corp.’s technology provides a clean and renewable source of power without creating carbon emissions. It is one that does not require fossil fuels, put additional strain on the world’s food supply, and has virtually no impact on river ecosystems.

So, what is the problem? In Canada, at least, the problem lies in provincial regulations surrounding this country’s waterways. In British Columbia, for example, there is no provision for putting something in the water for power generation unless it is either a dam or it diverts water. The fact is this technology does neither (and, in fact, has virtually no impact on the waterway), and cannot be dealt with given current regulations.

While our governments spend a lot of money to encourage technology development and talk non-stop about their dedication to reducing our carbon footprint, they are, in this case, inadvertently acting contrary to their own interests.

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Take PCC Group of Calgary, a startup company with a smart alternative for IT cabling systems in new construction. As it has been successful in the UK market, the company decided to bring its cabling solution, the only true plug-and-play cabling system available, to Canada. Even though its solution offers a clear advantage in commercial construction over traditional IT cabling systems, it has had significant challenges in getting their product in front of its actual customers. The roadblock this time is the construction industry, which is not keen on a solution that eliminates the need to hire trades people for future upgrades. PCC’s cabling system makes it a snap to reorganize an office environment down the road without having to call in a trade’s person to rerun cable.

PCC also consistently delivers their installations on time and on budget – not popular for an industry that thrives on change orders.

The reality is, of course, that as consumers, we do not always get to choose the technology option we want.

Big industry players with huge market shares have the power to dominate the market and silence new technology developers who often have a better product offering. For a new company, it can be hard, or even impossible, to get a foot hold into an established industry market. Alternatively, for a large corporation, it might even be less expensive to simply buy out the small company and kill a product in favor of another product they have already launched. In other cases, government regulations may simply make it too costly or difficult for a company to get a new technology off the ground, or for the end user to adopt it. It is, nevertheless, incumbent that we all take a hard look at barriers that exist to hinder innovation in the marketplace, and do everything possible to clear them away.

Dr Ivan Sierralta is the director of business networking and cluster development at Calgary Technologies Inc. Calgary Technologies Inc. www.calgarytechnologies.com New Energy Corp. www.newenergycorp.ca

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hydro and marine energy news briefs The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) announced receipt of two grants from the US Department of Energy (DOE), totaling $1.7 million for advanced waterpower research and development. These awards address two topical areas under a DOE competitive solicitation: development and/or field testing of advanced water power technologies, and market penetration of advanced water power technologies.

The first, totaling $1.2 million over two years, is for the continued development of an advanced hydropower turbine. The project focuses on further developing and testing of the Alden/ Concepts NREC “fish-friendly” turbine that reduces fish mortality without sacrificing power conversion efficiency.

“This turbine design could reduce fish mortality rates to less than 5%, increase turbine efficiency to 90% or higher, and further support hydropower as a renewable, low-carbon energy option,” said Douglas Dixon, senior program manager for EPRI’s Fish Protection Program.

The second award, totaling $500,000, is for a wave energy resource assessment and geographic information system (GIS) database for the US. This project will determine the available resource base and the maximum wave energy potential, as well as the annual electrical energy that could be produced by wave energy conversion devices.

BC Hydro has completed a $65-million seismic upgrade of the Coquitlam Dam, which included construction of a new earth and rock fill embankment downstream from the original dam at Coquitlam Lake Reservoir. This new dam is 30 meters high and 300 meters long. More than 4,000 cubic meters of concrete, 65,000 kilograms of steel, and 300,000 cubic meters of glacial till, sand, gravel, and rock went into the making of the dam. This significant achievement ensures the first hydro system to supply electricity to Vancouver will continue to provide clean, reliable power for generations.

To minimize the project’s environmental footprint, disturbed areas will be re-vegetated. In addition, at the foot of the dam, BC Hydro constructed a salmon spawning channel and expanded the rearing pond. There is also a fish trap – part of the $1-million Kwikwetlem Sockeye Restoration Program, which is aiding the return of sockeye to Coquitlam Lake.

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has approved Hydro One’s Leave to Construct application for the Bruce to Milton Transmission Reinforcement Project with conditions. The project involves the construction a 180-kilometre, double-circuit 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line on a widened existing corridor between the Bruce Power Facility in Kincardine and Hydro One’s switching station in Milton. The line will transfer more than 3,000 MW of clean and renewable power from the Bruce area to southern Ontario. This project represents the largest expansion to Ontario’s transmission system in 20 years.

In its decision, the OEB found the project to be in the public interest in regard to its impact on price, reliability, and quality of electricity service to consumers. The OEB concluded that the economic benefits of the transmission line exceed its estimated costs of $635 million, and that it improves system reliability, which benefits all electricity consumers. Construction of the Bruce to Milton line is scheduled to begin once approvals are received and the necessary property rights are in place. The new line is planned to go into service in December 2011.

Plutonic Power and GE Energy Financial Services’ Toba Montrose run-of-river hydroelectric project is on budget and on schedule heading into the winter season in the Toba Valley. The $660 million project is one-third complete, with all of the major civil road and bridge access finalized, a focus on key groundwork preparation for the powerhouse, penstocks, and intake structures is the next phase of the project. Toba Montrose is on target for operation to begin mid-2010, creating enough energy for 75,000 homes.

Puget Sound Energy (PSE), part of Puget Energy, received a new, 50-year federal operating license this past October for the utility’s largest hydropower facility – the 190 MW Baker River Hydroelectric Projectis, which is located in Skagit and Whatcom counties in Northwest Washington state. The new license, from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, results from years of collaborative studies and negotiated agreements between PSE and a group of 23 other parties, including governmental entities, Indian tribes, fisheries interests, and environmental organizations. The first 50-year licence was initially awarded in 1956. Features of the resulting changes include improved flood control, public recreation facilities, and work on fish protection. In total, the cost of preparing for and meeting the new licence conditions, as well as operating the plant, will be about $360M, PSE estimates, more than half of which is for fish protection measures.

Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies is preparing the scientists of tomorrow with a unique line of educational products designed to explore the science behind clean energy technologies. Known for introducing the H-racer, an awardwinning miniature hydrogen fuel cell car, Horizon is launching a complete range of new products to encourage the development of new jobs in the fastgrowing cleantech industry.

One such product include the HydroWind Power Kit, which allows students to build their own applications using wind power to create hydrogen fuel from water. Hydrogen collected using wind power can supply a fuel cell, which then powers a small motor included in the kit that will run any application students dream up, at home, or in a classroom setting. The Hydro-Wind Kit offers hands-on experimentation with transport of zero-carbon energy from renewable wind-power sources to everyday electrical applications using fuel cells.

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Enclosures feature new sizes and mounting option Fibox Enclosures has expanded its ARCA enclosure product line with the addition of three new sizes, to a total of ten standard interior enclosure sizes ranging from 6 x 6 x 4” D to 18 x 16 x 10” D. This size range

targets OEM instrumentation, controls, and automation applications as well as accommodates larger components and high power applications in clean energy, including wind and solar, and in various other hostile indoor and outdoor environments. Units are UL Listed and NEMA rated Type 4, 4X, 12, and 13, and are designed to protect electrical and electronic equipment in industrial applications

Fibox also recently announced the availability of a new twist lock latch and mounting flanges, which can be used to allow the box to be mounted in both normal portrait orientation and in landscape orientation. Users can choose either mounting flanges or standard wall mounting feet. Fibox stylized ARCA enclosures offer ease of customization, robustness, superior chemical resistance, wide tem-

perature range, and are manufactured using injection molded polycarbonate high performance plastic.

All ARCA enclosure sizes offer opaque or transparent covers and feature an overlapping cover design providing superior protection of the formed-in-place polyurethane (PUR) gasket.

Fibox Enclosures | www.fiboxusa.com

“Smart Garage” technology is ready to fly Leaders of a movement toward the “Smart Garage” - a new energy paradigm that would allow America’s cars to plug in to homes and buildings, uniting transport, building, and grid energy systems - explained to reporters recently that Smart Garage technology is indeed ready. They also explained that the term does not refer to a physical garage, but that it is a metaphor for the place that buildings, the grid, and the vehicle come together. Using this system, cars can connect to the grid at the shopping center, in office parking lots, curb-side down town, or in driveways.

“In this time of economic uncertainty, Smart Garage is an important national opportunity to build out a new, green infrastructure in the U.S.,” said Michael Brylawski, cofounder and leader of the Mobility + Vehicle efficiency (MOVE) Team at the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI).

“The key Smart Garage technologies - batteries, PHEVs, charge stations, communications technologies - are ready,” said Brylawski. “Success depends on aligning a diverse array of companies on the vision, and ultimately engaging customers on the dramatic benefits it can have in their daily lives.”

“We found there were many misconceptions - including that technology to make all this possible was not available - when in fact the opposite is true,” “There are still definitely some barriers currently preventing the immediate adoption of Smart Garage,” said Laura Schewel, a transportation systems expert with RMI and manager of the Smart Garage project.

“To move forward, the group at the [RMI summit held October 8 to10 in Portland] created several key initiatives, which RMI is driving, to break down these barriers even further. These range from research into advanced batteries and their potential second life options, to convening a group of leading ‘seed’ cities to make themselves a welcoming ‘ecosystem’ for electrified vehicles.”

Rocky Mountain Institute www.move.rmi.org.

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Powerful monitoring and control system provides eagle-eye view xChange Point is a powerful monitoring and control system designed to allow companies to track their energy usage and CO2 emissions - at the product level, plant level and corporate level. xChange Point hardware and software will integrate system-wide information in real time, providing executive and

operational management with the data to track and adjust energy consumption and carbon emissions. The product provides an eagle-eye view of a facility’s systems and subsystems and gives decision-makers the ability to have near real-time information to make decisions on a micro and macro level.

“Executives have the information they need to inform their customers and shareholders of the specific reductions their companies are making in energy use and carbon emissions on a product, facility or even company-wide basis, in both sustainable and financial terms,” said CEO and Founder Jay Zoellner.

This product is sold on a subscription basis and has modular “plug-and-play” components. eps corp | www.epsway.com

40 AMP DC connectors provide pluggable solutions Wieland’s new PST 40i1 pluggable connectors are engineered to provide 40 Amp DC current capability to satisfy demanding high load applications in solar, power generation as well as in motor connections for tracking systems, and inverting on-board voltage.

Both PST 40i1 connector versions, pre-assembled, as over-molded, cutto-length, cable assemblies, or fieldwired on-site, carry their rated current throughout the entire -40°C to + 85°C temperature range, and there is no need to reduce the current based on temperature.

The PST 40i1 pre-assembled, overmolded cable assemblies, delivered tested and ready-to-install, are designed to eliminate time consuming on-site operations, reduce errors, and speed installation, and the IP 68 ingress protection rating and robust design ensure operation in harsh conditions. PST 40i1 connectors offer quick assembly, easy handling, mate compatibility with industry standard types, resistance to UV, and high conductivity. Specifications include rated voltage, 1000V, wire size 16 – 8 AWG (1.5 mm² – 10 mm²), TUV certified, and UL in progress.

Wieland Electric www.wielandinc.com North American Clean Energy

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eventscalendar DECEMBER 2008 2-4

POWER-GEN International 2008 Orlando, FL – Orange County Convention Center; www.pgi08.events.pennnet.com

7-9

CanSIA Solar Conference 2008 Toronto, ON – The Westin Harbour Castle; www.cansia.ca

10-11

Waste to Energy 2008 Bremen, Germany – Bremen Exhibition Center; www.wte-expo.de

JANUARY 2009 26-29

US Composting Council 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show Houston, TX – Westin Galleria; www.compostingcouncil.org

FEBRUARY 2009 1-4

EUEC 2009 Energy & Environment Conference Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix Convention Center; www.euec.com

25-27

RETECH 2009 Las Vegas, NV – LV Convention Center; www.acore.org

MARCH 2009 10-12

REenergized Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo Las Vegas, NV – Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino; www.renewableenergyworld-events.com

30-APR 3 National Hydrogen Association Conference & Hydrogen Expo Columbia, SC – Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center; www.hydrogenConference.org APRIL 2009 7-8

Carbon TradeEx America Washington, DC – Walter E. Washington Convention Center; www.carbontradeexamerica.com

15-17

Canadian Geothermal Energy Association Conference and AGM Vancouver, BC; www.cangea.ca

27-28

2009 International Biomass Conference & Trade Show Portland, OR – Oregon Convention Center; www.biomassconference.com

27-29

Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition 2009 Paris, France – Palais des Congres; www.eeglobalforum.org

MAY 2009 3-6

Solid Waste & Recycling Conference with Trade Show Lake George, NY – Sagamore Resort Hotel ; www.nyfederation.org

3-7

Clean Technology Conference & Expo 2009 Houston, TX – George R. Brown Convention Center; www.csievents.org/Cleantech2009

4-7

WINDPOWER 2009 Chicago, Il – McCormick Place Convention Center; www.awea.org

8-14

SOLAR 2009 - American Solar Energy Society Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Convention Center; www.solarrochester.com/Solar 2009

18-20

NAWTEC’s North American Waste-to-Energy Conference Chantilly, VA – Westfields Marriott; www.nawtec.org

18-20

OPTOmism Conference & Exhibition Santa Clara, CA – Santa Clara Convention Center; www.optomismshow.com

27-29

INTERSOLAR 2009 Munich, Germany – New Trade Fair Centre; www.intersolar.de

JULY 2009 14-16 InterSolar North America 2009 San Francisco, CA – Moscone Center ; www.intersolar.us

Send us your clean energy show and event listings.

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Beacon announces testing of first Megawatt flywheel energy storage Beacon Power Corporation recently announced that it has built and tested an integrated matrix of ten high-power flywheels, which operated together, will absorb and supply a full megawatt of electricity. The system, The “pod” contains the storage container and flywheels which located in the are housed in the blue cement containers shown here. A 20 company’s TyngsMW plant will have 20 such “pods”, with container and 10 boro Massachuflywheels (five on each side) in underground concrete cylinders. setts headquarters, will be the first of up to five megawatts of flywheel-based regulation capability that will be produced this year and commercially deployed to generate revenues from the provision of regulation services.

Flywheel-based energy storage systems, unlike lead-acid batteries, are sustainable “green” technology solutions that do not use hazardous materials for production, nor create them during operation. Unlike batteries, flywheels operate reliably for many years with little or no maintenance. Their life cycle cost benefits and ROI have proven to be far superior to those of lead-acid batteries, and despite higher initial costs, they offer an attractive and long-term cost-effective energy storage alternative.

Until now, Beacon has been building and running individual flywheels in preparation for its first full megawatt implementation. Based on internal testing of an integrated matrix of ten flywheels, the company has now shown that its one-megawatt Smart Energy Matrix can ramp up and down to absorb and supply a full megawatt of power. The Smart Energy Matrix is the combination of 10 flywheels, a 40-foot container with power electronics, and control software. Each Smart Energy Matrix is capable of providing 1 megawatt, and 20 of them can be fully integrated to form a 20 MW plant.

After system testing in conjunction with ISO New England, during which time the flywheel matrix will respond to actual ISO test signals to absorb and supply power, Beacon plans to meet its schedule to interconnect live to the grid and to begin performing frequency regulation services under the ISO New England Alternative Technologies Pilot Program (Approved in September, this program is designed to provide revenue for regulation services until permanent market rules have been developed.)

“This is another significant achievement in our company’s history and for the electric power industry,” said Bill Capp, Beacon Power president and CEO. “We’ve proven that a matrix of our Smart Energy 25 flywheels, together with associated electronics, software and other components, can store and release a megawatt of electricity. ...our flywheel production rates have ramped up with continued good results.

Based on this progress, we’re looking forward to responding to live ISO signals in the near future.”

Beacon Power Corporation |www.beaconpower.com.

Clean Energy website roundup dsireusa.org is a comprehensive source of information on US state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visitors to this site can click on a state and find out about available government incentives.

alternativeenergy.com now features a “green-collar” job board. Powered through Career Builder, http://alternativeenergy.com/jobs provides a site where visitors can search over one million listings.

carbonoffsetsdaily.com A news site, designed as a free resource on “all things carbon”.

Website correction note: The company ECO-Heater, as featured in our September/ October issue can be found at www.eco-heater.com. The website www.ecopanelheaters. com, which was indicated in the issue, is the address of one of the product’s distributors.

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France is second in Europe for producing renewable energy The fight against global warming is the main priority for the current French EU presidency, as determined by the French government during the recent Grenelle Environment Round Table. Energy control and the development of renewable energy in France have been the cornerstone of a sector with revenues reaching EUR 33 billion in 2007 and 220,000 jobs created, according to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME). The EU objectives, established in March 2007, fixed a target for renewable energy sources to comprise 20% of total primary energy consumption by 2020.

France’s electricity production from sustainable sources was estimated at 12% of total domestic consumption in 2006, according to the France’s Energy Observatory (Observatoire d’Energie).

Hydraulic power remained the leading source, accounting for approximately 91% of total electricity production. Electricity produced by wind power doubled to 3.5%.

Wood energy remains stable at 2.3%. Solar photovoltaic and thermal energy are increasing rapidly: the capacity of solar collectors connected to the grid doubled in 2006 according to ADEME (6,100 KWC compared with 3,075 in 2005). Energy from urban waste recycling accounts for 2.5%. The production of geothermal energy is due to develop soon in response to the continual increase in the cost of fossil fuels used for domestic heating. Also included is energy from heat pumps and agricultural waste as well as biomass sources.

Sustained industrial activity supports equipment efforts, particularly for the photovoltaic and wind power industries. This is

driven mainly by EDF New Energy (Energies Nouvelles) and numerous small investors. In an effort to meet environmental challenges within the economy, the French government has launched its Ecotech 2012 plan, entrusted to the Eco-industry Strategic Committee.

Foreign companies with renewable energy operations in France include: (for wind parks) Gamesa (Spain), Vestas (Denmark), General Electric (USA); (for wind energy and photovoltaic systems) AS Solar (Germany), SMA (Germany), HaWi Energies Renouvelables (Germany), Silpro (Netherlands), Photowatt (Canada), and Apex BP Solar (United Kingdom).

Philippe Favre, President of the Invest in France Agency, says, “France is the location of choice for these kinds of industries: the tariff buyback program is one of the most attractive in Europe and France has high-skilled labour in the electricity network domain and significant potential in wind power. Thanks to the ambitious program of the next 12 years, there are great opportunities for sustainable energy in France.”

Invest in France North America www.investinfrance.org/northamerica

Hybrids show huge potential to cut construction industry CO2 emissions New research is showing that the construction equipment industry could reduce its carbon footprint by millions of tonnes per year and radically cut fuel consumption by a wholesale adoption of hybrid technology. This was the message in a recent speech given by Volvo Construction Equipment’s Arvid Rinaldo. The presentation, to a group of international business journalists in Sweden, said that continuing research into diesel-electric hybrids showed benefits in fuel reduction, CO2 emissions and performance significantly larger than previously stated.

“Hybrids are not a gimmick – construction equipment responds extremely well to the technology,” said Mr. Rinaldo. “We are facing the very real prospect of fuel savings up to 50%, significant performance increases and a reduction in CO2 emissions in the order of millions of tonnes a year if adopted industry-wide.”

Volvo CE was the first company to officially launch a commercially available hybrid wheel loader when it unveiled its L220F Hybrid in the US this past March. Offering fuel reductions of 10% (depending on the application) the L220F’s overwhelmingly positive reaction from customers and other stakeholders encouraged Volvo CE to redouble its development efforts into hybrid technology.

Working in cooperation with Volvo Group companies Volvo Technology and Volvo Power train, Volvo CE will start deliveries of its L220F Hybrid in late 2009. The heart of the hybrid system is an ISG – Integrated Starter Generator. Fitted between the Volvo D12 engine and the transmission, the ISG is coupled to a state-of-the-art battery that has many times the power capacity of a normal lead acid battery. The ISG allows the diesel engine to be turned off when stationary – and then almost instantly restarted by rapidly spinning the engine up to optimum working speed using a burst of energy from the high power battery. As up to 40% of a wheel loader’s time can be spent with the engine idling, this will be a major benefit.

“What we are looking at here is a true case of ‘disruptive technology’,” concluded Mr. Rinaldo. “Our ongoing research shows that such are the benefits of hybrid systems that we could well see a paradigm shift in the power train of modern construction equipment.”

Volvo CE www.volvo.com/constructionequipment/na/en-us/products/Innovations/hybrids/

INNOVATIVE INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF ALL TYPES OF ENERGY PRODUCING COMPANIES Daren Gretz 312 527 7040 energygroup@willis.com www.willis.com

Visit www.nacleanenergy.com for all of our issue content, past issues, advertising rates, and so much more.

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US renewable electricity generation surges by 32% while nuclear’s share decreases According to the October 3rd “Monthly Electricity Review” issued by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, net U.S. generation of electricity from renewable energy sources surged by 32 percent in June 2008 compared to June 2007.

Renewable energy (defined here as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind) totaled 41,160,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) in June 2008 up from 31,242,000 MWh in June 2007. Renewables accounted for 11.0% of net U.S. electricity generation in June 2008 compared to 8.6% in June 2007.

Compared to June 2007, wind power grew by 81.6% in June 2008 while solar

and conventional hydropower experienced increases of 42.6% and 34.7% respectively.

Geothermal energy also enjoyed a slight increase (0.8%) while biomass (wood and waste) remained relatively unchanged.

The review also claims that renewable energy sources now account for 37% of the non-fossil net electricity generation in the United States.

Net electricity generation from non-hydroelectric renewables (i.e., biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind) increased by 24 percent to 10,357,000 MWh and now accounts for just under three percent of total net U.S. electricity generation.

By comparison, nuclear power’s share of total net U.S. electricity generation

dipped from 19.0% in June 2007 to 18.8% in June 2008. Total U.S. net electricity generation increased by 2.9% to 373,632,000 MWh. The SUN DAY Campaign is a nonprofit research and educational organization founded in 1993 to promote sustainable energy technologies as cost-effective alternatives to nuclear power and fossil fuels. The full EIA report “Electric Power Monthly” can be accessed at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/ cneaf/electricity/epm/epm_sum.html SUN DAY Campaign www.sun-day-campaign.org

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