North American Clean Energy - Jul\Aug 08 issue by North American Clean Energy

VOLUME 2

ISSUE 4

GEA Geothermal 2008 Show in print

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

A new approach to CO2

Intersolar 2008 Show in print NACE July August 2008.indd 1

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FINALLY, A POWER PLANT WHOSE ONLY EMISSION IS POWER. Our crystalline silicon and thin film solutions enable solar panel production on a gigawatt scale, making large-scale solar power affordable for everyone, everywhere. To learn more, visit appliedmaterials.com/solar.

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VOLUME 2

ISSUE 4

contents Geothermal

Show in print

July/August 2008 Volume 2, Number 4

Life Without the Production Tax Credit

The emergence of a new contender

And its affect on wind power

MANAGING EDITOR

R. Keith Barker kbarker@nacleanenergy.com

A new approach to CO2

Powering a government facility with sustainability —and grid-tied technology

EDITOR

Michelle Froese mfroese@nacleanenergy.com ART DIRECTOR

Rommel Ramirez production@nacleanenergy.com SALES MANAGER

Solar Show in print

Ontario program changes could put solar energy in the shade

Cover photo courtesy of Geothermal Education Ofﬁce, Tiburon, California

Ian Stuart istuart@nacleanenergy.com CIRCULATION MANAGER

Kristy Vail circulation@nacleanenergy.com ACCOUNTING

Alison Bell abell@nacleanenergy.com WEBMASTER

Ariel Savion-Lemieux ariel@nacleanenergy.com

departments Solar Energy

Solar 2008 Show In Print

Wind Energy

Investing In Clean Energy

Power purchase agreements —the driving force behind the commercial solar market

PUBLISHER

Ian Stuart istuart@nacleanenergy.com

255 NEWPORT DRIVE, SUITE 336

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

Geothermal Trade Show 2008 Show In Print 32

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 necessary 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.

Geothermal Energy

Western States Lead the World in Geothermal Electricity Production

Geothermal is the Future of Renewable Energy

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

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

Biogas-anaerobic digester system

Waste to Energy 37 Biomass & Biofuels

Hydro & Marine Energy 46 Multi-Industry Technology

Electro-reduction of carbon: a new approach to CO2

The impact of ethanol on world oil prices

First large-scale Jatophra for biofuel project is underway

Events Calendar 48 Advertiser Website Directory 50

Marine and river energy focus of new interest group

Hydropower industry primed to contribute to energy future

Information will remain strictly conﬁdential.

North American Clean Energy

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The emergence of a

new contender

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 & Marco McClees

s interest in renewable energy sources and technologies continues to grow, hydrokinetic energy projects (commonly referred to as tidal or wave energy) hold the potential for a significant addition to the world’s energy supply. It has been estimated that the ocean could provide 2-TW of energy. Though tapping into the ocean to generate energy has a history dating back to at least the Middle Ages, there has been a recent renewal in efforts that promise to make hydrokinetic energy projects a significant, viable alternative in the renewable energies market. However, these projects face significant hurdles before they can become commercial contenders. Currently, ocean hydrokinetic energy projects can be divided into two basic categories: wave energy (projects converting energy from the motion of ocean waves), and tidal or current energy (projects converting energy from the motion of ocean currents or tides). These can further be divided into those that transmit to existing electrical grids and those that serve as local sources of power. There are various technologies in the marine renewables market, with at least 80 different devices being tested and deployed globally as of 2007. In the wave field, the four best known devices are: point absorbers, oscillating water columns, overtopping terminators, and attenuators. In the tidal field, the four best known categories of devices are: vertical-axis turbines, horizontal-axis turbines, Venturi systems, and oscillatory systems.

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By May 2008, in the US alone, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued 40 permits to ocean hydrokinetic energy project developers (mainly for testing), 32 for tidal/current projects, and 8 for wave projects. Of the 21 ocean projects still awaiting permits, 21 are for tidal/current projects, and 7 are for wave projects. These permits and testing processes are crucial if hydrokinetic energy is ever going to reach its estimated potential of providing 10% of US energy. However, FERC is not the only governmental agency with jurisdiction over marine projects. At the federal level, the Army Corps of Engineers (Dept. of Defense), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Dept. of Commerce), the Marine Management Service, the Coast Guard, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Minerals Management Service (Dept. of Interior), and the Fish and Wildlife Service are just some of the departments or agencies that may be involved in the regulation of hydrokinetic projects. In addition to the need for an efﬁcient regulatory framework, government support for the advancement and increased use of these technologies will be critical to the industry becoming competitive early on. At present, governmental support appears to be strongest in the UK and Western European countries with rich marine resources. For example, in the UK, there are at least two forms of governmental support for hydrokinetic energy projects providing grant support for capital costs and revenue

subsidies: one by the Scottish Executive and another by the Marine Renewable Deployment Fund (through the Dept. of Trade and Industry). Last year alone, the Scottish Executive announced roughly $26 million in grants for these projects. The US has also begun to show support through bills introduced in Congress (such as The Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2007), which could provide funding for research as well as tax credits. Compared to other renewable energy projects, like solar or wind, hydrokinetic energy projects benefit from well-documented collections of global tide, current, and wave data that provide wouldbe developers with significant advantages in the planning phases. Moreover, these data collections provide operators with advanced notice of fluctuations in the power levels so that preparations can be made to provide consistent power levels to users. Load factors for wave energy projects are also higher than wind and solar, ranging between 30-40%, whereas wind is between 25-35%, and solar is between 10-20%. These higher load factors translate to more efficient and higher output projects. Another benefit to hydrokinetic projects is the minimal visual impact created by the various technologies used. It is further presumed that the environmental impact of these projects will be very small to none at all (though significant studies have yet to be completed). Unfortunately, there are uncertainties surrounding this nascent market that may prevent its ability to move past the R&D phase and into the commer-

cial market. A major one is determining which technologies will become market leaders. This is due, in part, to the uncertainty of the industry, as well as to the sheer number of technologies. The manufacturers also tend to be small companies that have not achieved economies of scale in production. Yet another concern is the level of collective experience in the industry. By 2007, only 15 companies globally had “in-water” experience (mostly small testing). Due to the lack of significant experience “inwater,” other concerns arise over access to the devices for maintenance, longevity of the devices under the conditions produced by the marine environment, and the potential impact on the environment. Finally, the industry doesn’t currently have manufacturers with the financial standing necessary to provide the kind of warranties of performance to support long-term project financing. An additional hurdle to commercial viability is the estimated cost per kWh. Notably, some estimates suggest that costs would be lower than those faced by the wind energy field during its early commercial development. Current estimates for wave energy projects are in excess of 25¢ per kWh (varying depending on whether the sources supply local power or plug into a grid). With much higher volumes the estimates fall to a range of 3-4¢ per kWh (for those integrating into a grid system) and 7-10¢ per kWh (for those local sources). These latter rates would compare favorably with wind and solar based on expected cost curves. There are a handful of pilot projects deployed globally. Verdant Power has

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editor’s note It's ofﬁcially Intersolar season. The ﬁrst ever Intersolar North America runs July 15-17 in San Francisco, in partnership with SEMICON West, which is dedicated to the semiconductor and nanoelectronics side of the industry. At press time, the show is expected to utilize 350,000 square feet of exhibition space, and draw about 1,400 exhibitors overall (200 of which are international), as well as around 10,000 total visitors. Just having the "world's largest interna-

tional solar technology trade show dedicated to PV, solar thermal and solar architecture" coming across the pond for the first time is significant. The solar industry is visibly globalizing, growing at unprecedented levels, and North America is becoming a more significant part of it every year. Intersolar 2008 took place from June 12 to 15th in Germany, and reportedly broke all records this year. The show was held at the New Trade Fair Center in Munich, where the

grounds included an exhibition area of 76,000 sqm (124% growth since 2007), while the number of exhibitors grew by 65% to a total of 1,053. The ﬁnal poll counted 51,861 visitors from 140 countries (up 62%). Companies from Italy, Spain, France and Austria made up the largest international numbers, and the US was amongst the top ten visitor nations. There were also approximately 578 media representatives at this year's show in Munich - including our very own Publisher

and founder Ian Stuart, along with more than 100 others from abroad.

(See our Intersolar North America show in print this issue, starting on page 16.) Letters and comments welcome anytime. Email: kbarker@nacleanenergy.com. Email: kbarker@nacleanenergy.com.

Sincerely, R. Keith Barker

GE Energy

one pilot tidal energy project installed in New York City’s East River generating 210-kW. To provide a sense of scale, in 2003, the International Energy Agency determined that the average US residence used 1.3-kW of energy, therefore, Verdant’s project could power roughly 161 homes. Another developer, Ocean Power Technologies, has deployed three 40-kW buoys for the US Navy’s Hawaii base. In December 2007, Finavera Renewables Ocean Energy’s 1-MW wave buoy project, located two nautical miles off of Washington’s coast, became the first hydrokinetic project to obtain a FERC license (as opposed to a permit) and the first wave project with a power purchase agreement from a public utility. Other test projects are being installed off the coasts of Spain, Scotland, France, Australia, Portugal, and Canada, among others. The marine environment clearly holds an enormous untapped potential for the energy markets; however, unless the hurdles of technology, permitting and financing can be overcome, hydrokinetic energy developers may never cross the R&D horizon or successfully enter the commercial market. It will be crucial for developers to prove successful technologies to lead the market, for governments to streamline the permitting process (at least in the early days of this market), for governments to provide incentives (whether it be tax credits or grants for R&D) and, ultimately, for cost per kWh to decrease for these projects to realize their potential in the renewables energy market.

Our customers have high standards. So do we. That’s why we’re teaming with other GE businesses to help bring added value to you. From Global Research to Consumer & Industrial, from Transportation to Commercial Finance – with locations in more than 100 countries and 300,000 team members worldwide, we’re working together to raise the bar when it comes to advanced, cost effective and reliable wind technology and services. Our goal is to help you succeed. Our capabilities cover the full range of wind energy supply, support services and project development assistance. What you can imagine, we can make happen. www.ge-energy.com/wind

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

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solar energy PV conduit mount

The new Quick Mount PV Conduit Mount utilizes proprietary technology to ensure secure waterproofing and structural attachment to a roof. The QMPV Conduit Mount meets and exceeds the NEC code requirements for securing conduit runs to an asphalt shingle or wood shake roof. The QMPV Conduit Mount lifts the conduit off the roof, allowing for improved air flow, and thereby reducing heat transfer between the roofing material, and the conduits internal wires. The Quick Mount PV product line does not void a roof’s warranty, is designed to be labor saving, quick and easy to install, requires no roof cutting, and is IBC code compliant. Quick Mount PV | www.QuickMountPV.com

Optimized concentrator PV system sets new record

Concentrix’ FLATCON CPV Systems are especially suited for sites with very high solar radiation, providing high yields even at very high ambient temperatures. System output is guaranteed on a Nominal AC Power Curve over the whole range of radiation, and negligible interconnection losses are achieved in power plants through AC field cabling. Units feature a high-precision tracking system with high stability and near loss-free operation at wind speeds up to 11 m/second. According to Concentrix, a new record was set recently by the company in Freiburg, Germany for its concentrator PV system. During the measurement period in May 2008, AC system efficiencies of 23% and higher were measured under normal operating conditions for a demonstration system located at the test site of the company’s new partner, Abengoa Solar in Seville, Spain. A new generation of improved concentrator PV modules, and the inverter used were decisive factors in achieving such high efficiencies. “We are overjoyed that we have succeeded in even exceeding the projected values”, said CEO Hansjörg Lerchenmüller. “At 23%, our concentrator system based on multijunction solar cells produces almost exactly double the electricity yield of conventional PV power systems.” Concentrix Solar GmbH | www..concentrixsolar.de

letters to the editor... Dear Mr. Barker, The US Supreme Court is about to make its first decision on the worst energy crisis in American history: The California energy crisis of 2000-2001. The legal repercussions of this decision could change the way energy is bought and sold in America for generations. For good or bad. As a former member of the California legislature when this disaster of a law was passed unanimously (yes, I voted for it), I saw first hand how bad regulators turned this consensus law into such an epic disaster. Here’s the crux of the story: In 1996, the California legislature “deregulated” the state’s energy markets. (Ironically, the first act of this “deregulation” was to impose price controls.) Within five years of the “deregulation,” prices had exploded, blackouts were common, and the state’s largest utility went bankrupt after wholesale prices rose to as high as seven times the retail price. In that superheated environment, several large utilities in the Western US and the state of California entered into long term contracts for energy - just as the price peaked. 6

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Soon after, prices tumbled and some buyers – suffering buyer’s remorse -claimed the high prices were the result of unlawful trading – by Enron among others – and that the long-term contracts should be renegotiated. And money refunded. Some energy generators insisted their contracts were fairly negotiated without coercion between sophisticated buyers and sellers. They were unable to reach an agreement to change the contracts. So the buyers asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to rip up the expensive, long term contracts. The energy providers said that the failure to maintain the sanctity of the contracts would wreak havoc in the energy markets by introducing a dangerous element of uncertainty into the creation of energy supplies. About two years ago, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the buyers and ordered FERC to modify the contracts. Soon after, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case on appeal. A recent Associated Press story indicated the Supreme Court appears unwilling to invalidate the contracts. This case was one of several that grew

out of the energy crisis in California and throughout the West during 2000-2001. In addition to the long-term contract case before the Supreme Court, there are other proceedings in which the state and the large utilities are seeking refunds for the high price of energy purchased on the spot market during the crisis. To date, the utilities have recovered about $6.2 million in refunds. As a state legislator in California when this law was passed - I’ve seen ﬁrst hand how much damage this law – and even more importantly – its implementation has done. And could continue to do if the Supreme Court does not reverse the Ninth Circuit. Howard Kaloogian, San Marcos, California

Dear Keith, I have been doing biomass since the OPEC oil crisis of the early seventies. My ﬁrst paper was to the APS Meeting in Austin, TX, in October, 1975, “Slot Flame Stability with Hohlraum Radiation Pattern”, followed by a TIME article, December 22, l975, “The Physicist’s Fire”. See www.texasﬁrefame.com

That crisis was followed by wide interest in wood burning for domestic heating, which rapidly tapered off, and there is as yet no recurrence of such interest – an as-yet unexplained anomaly. Especially anomalous are the following facts. Wood accounted for 20% of national energy use in 1850, and we still have as much usable wood resource as we had then, but today wood accounts for only a few percent at most of our energy consumption. Yet there are 41 million wood burning fireplaces in American homes. They cost almost half a trillion dollars to install, but today stand very little used, despite the inimitable charms of a properly made wood fire, technical advances that have eliminated the risk of chimney fires..., and despite substantial improvements in energy efficiency and ease of starting and operation. Energy and market anomalies are familiar historical facts. I hope NA Clean Energy can contribute to resolving some of those anomalies. I will be pleased to help. Lawrence Cranberg, Ph. D. Senior Fellow, American Physical Society, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering

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solar energy

Powering a government facility with sustainability —and grid-tied technology

The Government of Canada Jean Canfield building, Charlottetown, PEI uses an array of 539 Sanyo solar modules with a combined surface area of approximately 636 square metres. This solar array is mounted in a single plane, tilted at 25 degrees from horizontal, on a freestanding custom steel support structure. n the spring of 2008, the Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada celebrated the opening of the new Jean Canfield Building in Charlottetown, PEI, declaring it “one of the most environmentally friendly buildings ever constructed by the Government of Canada.” Based on the impressive list of environmental technologies integrated within, it’s easy to see why. Constructed largely from local recycled and renewable materials, the $53.8 million facility uses rainwater to reduce water requirements, controls room temperatures through chilled or heated slabs, provides natural ventilation through a system of windows and an atrium exhaust, and offers natural and reflected light wherever possible with user-adjustable lighting levels. To help increase efficiency and reduce energy costs, a grid-tied solar power system generates up to 111,000 watts of electrical power. Named for Ella Jean Canfield, the first female member of the Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly, the innovative new building embodies the uncompromising dedication of this political pioneer, while exemplifying the PEI Government’s guiding principles of sustainable development, connectivity, and supportive work environments. Located on a brownfield lot in downtown Charlottetown, the new building has been designed to minimize any negative impact on the environment while maximizing operational efficiency, both during the construction process, and throughout the facility’s day-to-day operation. With this in mind, the building was equipped with a grid tie solar power system, ranking among Canada’s largest to date.

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Designed and provided by Carmanah Technologies of Victoria BC, the building’s rooftop solar power system consists of an array of 539 Sanyo solar modules with a combined surface area of approximately 636 square meters. The solar array is mounted in a single plane, tilted at 25 degrees from horizontal, on a freestanding custom steel support structure which was designed by SCL Engineering of Charlottetown, PEI, and fabricated and erected by MacDougall Steel of Borden, PEI. An additional system of solar shades installed along three of the building’s four floors generates power while protecting south-facing offices from the heat and glare of direct sunlight. Working in conjunction with the rooftop system, the solar shades add another 11.5 kW to the 100 kW produced by the Carmanah rooftop solar array. Throughout the day, the photovoltaic modules convert the sun’s energy to direct current (DC), which is then converted to alternating current (AC) by the system’s SatCon AE-100 inverter. The inverter provides three-phase electricity at 575 VAC, 60Hz in a three-wire configuration, like that supplied by the utility, to be used throughout the building. To help track the amount of energy generated by the solar power system, a web-based data acquisition system (DAS) from Fat Spaniel Technologies monitors the system’s performance, and provides real-time updates of the energy produced. While tracking voltage, current and power from the solar array, the DAS also reports on environmental conditions such as the level of available sunlight, temperature of the solar cells, and ambient temperature on the rooftop. By reporting on environmental conditions as

well as energy generation, the DAS provides all the information needed to ensure the system is performing optimally. Using the web-based monitoring system, visitors and employees can view the system’s energy generation performance as real time or historical data from a display screen in the lobby. This information is also publicly available on the Jean Canfield Building “live data feed” page on the Carmanah web site at www.solarforbuildings.com. The display presents the building’s energy information in a graphical format, along with a constantly updated summary that depicts the equivalent amount of greenhouse gases avoided. Using this online reference tool, viewers can easily monitor the performance of the building’s solar power system at any time – which is especially useful for facility management personnel, system technicians, or anyone evaluating the benefits of a grid-tied solar power system. This visual representation is also useful as an educational tool, illustrating how renewable energy can help reduce energy consumption, conserve natural resources, save money, and minimize the production of greenhouse gases. As a complement to the Jean Canfield Building’s primary electricity supply, the grid-tie solar power system provides ongoing benefits in many ways. Electricity derived from the sun’s energy offsets the amount of power drawn from the grid, reducing the building’s dependency on the electrical utility, and helping to keep monthly power bills as low as possible. According to Ron St. Onge, project manager with Public Works and Government Services Canada, the grid-tie solar power system supplies approxi-

mately 8-10% of the building’s electrical requirements, helping to keep demand — and electricity bills — under control. Other benefits include the shared knowledge that this technology is helping the Jean Canfield Building to set a new standard in sustainable development. “The building operators take pride in knowing the system is currently one of the largest roof-mounted arrays in Canada,” said St. Onge. “It requires virtually zero maintenance, and aside from monitoring electrical production, it’s self sufficient.” Also, according to Carmanah, the potential for significant savings extends well into the future; though electricity costs may rise, the sun’s energy remains a free and limitless resource, and with long-lasting components – including solar panels expected to last 40 years or more – a solar power system offers an increasingly attractive long-term energy alternative. As one of the Government of Canada’s most environmentally friendly buildings to date, and estimated to be at least 55 percent more energy efficient than conventional buildings, the Jean Canfield Building is a showcase of innovative design and efficient “green” technology. The building is currently registered with the Canadian Green Building Council, and is aiming for a LEED Gold certification. Carmanah Technologies Corporation www.carmanah.com Fat Spaniel Technologies www.fatspaniel.com Sanyo North America Corporation www.us.sanyo.com/solar SatCon www.satcon.com

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Menova Power-Spar to undergo rooftop testing The Menova Power-Spar system is a high-efficiency solar concentrator platform that can be configured for electricity, heating and/or lighting solutions. A typical Power-Spar Array takes up 43x43 feet of land or roof top space and the panels sit five feet off the ground. The array concentrates the sun’s light to produce 28 kW of electricity, while simultaneously delivering 30 kW of heat. A single Power-Spar Array can also produce 4.4 million lumens of light (equal to 560 eight-foot-long high-output T8 fluorescent tubes). The power density of the Power-Spar is 195 direct current watts per square meter, and the system’s arrays track the sun in two directions. Roof top load is the same as ballast or rocks that are used to hold most rooftop membranes in place, and approximately the same weight as traditional PV cells. Power-Spar also requires minimal structural roof membrane penetration, and is designed for easy integration with heat recovery systems, turbines, thermal based chillers and geo-thermal solutions to maximize the thermal, electrical and lighting outputs. The efficient cogeneration achieved by the Power-Spar system – capturing up to 75% of the sun’s energy – has been demonstrated to reduce energy bills by as much as 60% per year. The Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) and Wal-Mart Canada announced recently that they are pursuing a project with Menova Energy that would provide up to $5.9 million to support the demonstration of the company's Power-Spar solar concentrator technology. The intention is to test and install the technology on the roof of a Wal-Mart store in Ontario. Under the proposed project, Ontario would provide Menova Energy with a $2.8 million forgivable loan awarded through the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation’s Innovation Demonstration Fund. Wal-Mart Canada would provide up to $3 million to support the testing and installation of the technology on one of their store roofs. This demonstration would be used to assess the potential benefits of the Menova system as a candidate technology to help Wal-Mart Canada meet its long-term sustainability goal to be supplied by 100 per cent renewable energy. "This is an example of Ontario’s growing world leadership in solar energy," said Menova Energy president David Gerwing. "The Menova technology was developed in Ontario and will remain in Ontario thanks to the forward

looking policies and commitment from this provincial government." Menova Energy Inc. www.power-spar.com

Menova’s PowerSpar solar concentrator technology.

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solar energy Sunfilm to expand solar module production

Due to strong demand for its solar modules, Sunfilm AG announced recently that it has awarded US-based Applied Materials, Inc. a contract for a second Applied SunFab Thin Film Line. This second production line will be installed next to Sunfilm’s first line in Grossroehrsdorf, near Dresden, Germany. Sunfilm’s first Applied SunFab Line, ordered last year, is expected to begin initial production runs this July, with the second line scheduled for start up approximately one year later. This will bring Sunfilm’s annual capacity at this site to over 120MWp. According to the company, with these production lines, Sunfilm is manufacturing the world’s first tandem junction, silicon thin film photovoltaic modules using 5.7m2 glass panels. These ultra-large substrates also offer the flexibility to produce finished solar modules of half and quarter size, depending on customer preferences. “Sunfilm’s lines will be a first in the industry, demonstrating the significant advantages of scale by applying large area nanomanufacturing technology and tandem junction efficiency to reduce cost,” said Dr. Mark Pinto, Senior Vice President and GM of Applied’s Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. Applied Materials’ SunFab Thin Film Line features tandem junction cell technology that combines amorphous and microcrystalline layers to absorb both the shorter and longer wavelengths of sunlight. These tandem junction cells deliver significantly higher conversion efficiencies at a competitive cost per watt, relative to single junction technologies. By combining tandem technology with ultralarge 5.7 m2 substrates and volume manufacturing, Sunfilm has stated that they expect a substantial reduction in the cost of solar electricity. Sunfilm will add a 20.000 m² manufacturing plant next to their first line, to be completed by spring of 2009.

Sunﬁlm AG | www.sunfilmsolar.com

Solar lighting systems donated to earthquake victims Sol Inc. (Solar Outdoor Lighting) recently arranged for the donation of 42 solar lighting systems to 11 communities in Peru affected by the August 2007 earthquake. Philanthropist David Russell, who, funded the donation with the assistance of Practical Action of Peru and local governments facilitated a partnership with Sol Inc. to ensure the donated lights were installed where they were needed most. The solar lighting systems have been installed in the Peruvian communities of Nuevo Sol Inc.’s stand-alone Amanecer, Marcas, Quilca, Yanapampa, Huancho, solar lighting systems Buenavista, Tantas, Uchapa, Chacará, Huayao and Caslight up a Peruvian trovirreyna, where they are lighting streets, pathways, village and community “plaza” squares. “We felt compelled to do what we could for the victims of this earthquake and we thought that our solar lighting would help address some of the challenges facing these communities so affected by this tragedy.” said Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, chairman of Sol Inc. The stand-alone system used in Peru consists of a patented ﬂat mount basic mounting system with CCFL cobra lights. Key features of Sol’s technology on this project include: immunity to power outages, high wind tolerance, vandalresistant hardware, no trenching or wiring, no maintenance, and easy installation with quick connect plugs. Sol Inc. | www.solarlighting.com

Pulsed-DC power supply for critical reactive processes The Pinnacle Plus+ product line enables higher ﬁlm quality for reactive sputtering, bias, and high-quality metal sputtering applications. Available in single- and dual-output 5 kW and single-output 10 kW models, this product line is ideal for extending the performance of existing processes as well as for expanding the possibilities for developing new, previously unachievable DC processes. The Pinnacle Plus+ line provides individually controllable, dual-output, pulsed-DC power from a single unit; increased process ﬂexibility (up to 350 kHz pulsing, wide tap range, variable duty cycle up to a minimum of 55 % on time or a maximum of 45% reverse time); active front panel; and CE compliance. Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. | www.advancedenergy.com VOLUME 2

ISSUE 4

mal Geotherm Show in print

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

A new approach to CO2

Solar

Show in print

DESIGNED IIGNED GNED DF FOR O OUR READERS AND OUR ADVERTISERS Go to www.nacleanenergy.com to see all our print content subscription and advertising information, and much more. 10

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New line of grid-tied inverters Solectria Renewables has introduced a new line of residential grid-tied PV inverters with California Energy Commission efficiencies of 96%. Power levels for these transformer-isolated inverters – models PVI 3000, PVI 4000, PVI 5000, and PVI 5300 – range from 3,000 to 5,300 watts. New features include a quick-mount wall bracket, built-in direct current (DC) disconnect, and fused PV combiner. In addition, units are lightweight and have a flat profile. All four models also include the following standard features: universal 240 VAC and 208 VAC operation; transformer isolation; PC software with RS232 and RS485 communication ports; low profile, all-aluminum NEMA 3R outdoor-rated rainproof enclosure; and certification to the latest UL 1741/IEEE 1547 standard. Solectria has also recently introduced a line of heavy-duty string combiners for commercial and industrial PV systems, which include a choice of preinstalled 600 VDC fuses. Solectria Renewables, LLC | www.solren.com

groSolar brings solar hot water to Fenway Park

Boston’s Fenway Park gets a solar hot-water system. Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park now has more green than just their ﬁeld and their 37 foot, two inch left ﬁeld wall, nicknamed the Green Monster. The major league baseball stadium has been undergoing an environmentally-friendly makeover that includes the installation of a groSolar hot water system. The groSolar system is part of the Solar Boston program, a two-year, $600,000 initiative to increase the city’s solar energy output 50-fold by 2015. Solar Boston is meant to help the city respond to climate change, rising fuel prices and the need for energy independence by supporting the development of clean, alternative sources of energy citywide. groSolar installed 28 Heliodyne solar hot water collectors and four 400 gallon storage tanks that will be tied to Fenway’s existing water system. The solar-heated water will supply the park and the restaurants on the lower levels of Fenway, and is expected to reduce the park’s annual carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 18 tons.

Please visit us at InterSolar NA, San Francisco,CA,July 15-17,Booth #: 9112

groSolar | groSolar.com North American Clean Energy

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solar energy Largest solar-powered affordable housing community in the US

A new solar installation at the Crescent Park apartments in Richmond, California dedicated on June 10, is now the largest solar-powered affordable housing community in the US, according to Sun Light & Power who installed the system. EAH Housing, a nonproﬁt affordable housing developer and manager based in San Rafael California recently announced the dedication of the solar system, which serves 24 buildings and 378 family apartments, built on nearly 25 acres. The solar installation at Crescent Park – a $7 million dollar project – will help reduce the production of greenhouse gases while providing lower utility costs for this large, family complex. The installation will also help the city of Richmond meet almost 20% of its ﬁve MW goal for usage of solar power. Producing nearly a megawatt of clean, renewable energy, the 908 kilowatts system includes 4,323 SunPower, 210-watt modules and 180 SunPower M Series inverters. Gary Gerber, President of Berkeley's Sun Light and Power said: "I am honored and pleased that EAH chose Sun Light & Power to build America's largest affordable housing solar project here at Crescent Park." "We are proud to provide solar power for all 378 apartments as part of our major rehabilitation and improvement of this important affordable housing community that has served Richmond since the 1960s," said Mary Murtagh, President and CEO of EAH Housing. Sun Light & Power | www.sunlightandpower.com SunPower Corporation | www.sunpowercorp.com

Rooftop solar air heating and PV/thermal system SolarDuct is a new line of rooftop solar air heating and PV/thermal systems based on Conserval’s SolarWall system. This modular technology has been speciﬁcally engineered for roof settings and for applications where a traditional wall mounted system is not feasible. Like SolarWall technology, SolarDuct is designed to reduce onsite energy costs by heating ventilation air before it enters air handling units. The patented system uses an all-metal collector panel and is designed for ﬂat-roofed buildings in commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. The SolarDuct product can also be used for PV/thermal cogeneration to reduce the ROI timeframe on a PV system. With a SolarDuct PV/T system, all-metal SolarWall panels double as a racking system, while also removing heat from the back of PV modules and using it to offset a building’s heating load. Conserval Engineering Inc. | www.solarwall.com

PV combiner box delivers improved design, faster installation OutBack Power Systems, Inc., has introduced the FLEXware Advanced PV Combiner Box, the most recent addition to its standard-setting PV solutions product suite. Developed in response to installer demand for reduced implementation time and assistance in complying with new codes, the new FLEXware PV Combiner Box is engineered to make wiring during solar panel installations easier and faster. The FLEXware PV Combiner Box reﬁnes combiner design for installers of North American off-grid, grid-tie, residential, commercial, and utility PV installations. It is expected to cut installation time with optimized wire routing, which minimizes right angle bends of heavy gauge wire, a uniquely angled negative terminal bus bar design, and an increased number of knockout locations that ensure larger output conductors don’t block access to smaller wiring terminals. The FLEXware PV Combiner Box is ideal for either small or large systems, utilizing the FLEXware PV 8 model, which can hold up to eight 150 VDC rated breakers or up to six 600 VDC rated fuse holders, or the larger FLEXware PV 12 model, which can hold up to twelve 150 VDC rated breakers or up to eight 600 VDC rated fuse holders with either one combined or two separate output circuits. FLEXware PV accommodates dual 2/0 AWG output wiring, and includes a removable, tinted ﬂame-retardant polycarbonate dead front panel to meet NEC 2008 code compliance for installation. The FLEXware PV Combiner Box provides the ability to combine multiple strings of solar panels into one array, and like all OutBack Power products, the FLEXware PV Combiner Box is encased in a durable, rainproof, UL 3R, powder coated aluminum enclosure, for mounting on a wall, pole or even directly on a sloped roof. OutBack Power Systems | www.outbackpower.com

Solar panels show potential for use as road surface Solar Roadway’s technology, currently in the testing and early stages of development, consists of solar panels that can be used as road surface. The heart of the Solar Roadway is the Solar Road Panel, made up of three layers; a translucent, high-strength road surface layer, an electronics layer with an array of cells which both collect and store the sun’s energy, and a base plate layer which distributes power and data signals “downline”. Each Solar Road Panel (roughly 12’ x 12’) is designed to interlink with neighboring panels to form a Solar Roadways system. Solar Roadways distributes its electrical power to any businesses or homes connected to the system via parking lots and driveways, made up of Solar Road Panels. In Artist’s conceptions of a addition to electrical power, data signals (cable TV, single Solar Road Panel and high-speed internet, telephone, etc.) can also travel a completed Solar Roadway. through Solar Roadways. Each Solar Road Panel will use some of its own power to light up embedded LEDs, which “paint” the road lines from beneath the road surface. This feature allows messages to be spelled out on the road surface, road lines can be instantly “repainted” to direct trafﬁc to a single lane or detour, and at night the road lines are illuminated. Plus, Solar Road Panels heat themselves for snow and ice management. Solar Roadways will produce clean, renewable energy, no pollution, no greenhouse gases, no by-products, and they are completely recyclable or reusable. Additionally, as Solar Roadways is effectively an “electric road”, it will make the use of electric vehicles more practical. According to Solar Roadways, this technology is currently being developed with help from both Penn State University and the University of Idaho. Solar Roadways | www.solarroadways.com

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Ontario program changes could put solar energy in the shade The Canadian Solar Industries Association is “shocked” following the Ontario government and the Ontario Power Authority’s sudden move this past spring to suspend its Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP), pending further review. The announcement that came from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was particularly surprising given that the program was set to make Ontario the leader in Canada in solar energy production. “The province was just starting to go places, attracting significant interest from both Canadian and international investors. The expansion of this market was promising to translate into a new clean economy, green collar jobs, and as well as generate growth in areas of the province in need of economic stimulus. Now the provincial government has decided to put everything on hold. You cannot build an industry in this sort of uncertain environment,” said Elizabeth McDonald, CanSIA Executive Director. According to CanSIA, over the past year, Ontario has been very supportive in creating the RESOP, which encouraged developing projects of 10 megawatts (MW) or less. Similar to some successful European programs but the only one of its kind in North America, the program pays an incentive or a “feed-in tariff” of 42 cents per kilowatt hour of solar power produced, in order to create a diversified and sustainable supply energy mix for Ontarians. Like many new programs, it has experienced some growing pains. But by taking action to greatly restrict the program without warning the industry and the companies who have relied on, and invested heavily in the program, going forward the province may put the efforts of recent years in jeopardy. “We know what the official lines are surrounding the new rules but we understand that a lot of the decision-making has to do with addressing technical constraints and protecting future large scale centralized energy projects,” added McDonald. “We’re not saying that shouldn’t be part of the focus but it definitely shouldn’t be the only goal.” CanSIA has stated that it will continue to offer to work with the Ontario government in partnership to bring the program back on track immediately, to ensure longevity and stability to the industry, its investors and the workforce it employs. Polling has indicated that Ontarians want to “go green” and be the leaders in deploying a renewable energy strategy for Canada. The RESOP program is an important part of that according to the organization. “To begin, we ask that the Ontario Government immediately reinstate the program so the industry can continue to build, while we figure out how the entire renewable energy industry can move ahead,” said McDonald. “At the moment, we risk losing millions of dollars and hundreds

of large and small scale solar projects, which were just starting to get off the ground. We can assure the Government that CanSIA will support measures that will improve the efﬁciency and effectiveness of the program.” The Canadian Solar Industries Association’s mission is to develop a strong, efﬁcient, ethical and professional Canadian solar industry, able to service an expanding domestic energy market, to provide innovative solar solutions to world energy problems, and to play a major role in promoting the transition to a solar energy future worldwide. Canadian Solar Industries Association | www.cansia.ca

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solar energy Bifacial solar panel produces from both sides

Carmanah and BETA partner to create brighter solar area lights

The HIT Double is a new solar panel that captures sunlight and produces energy from two sides of the module simultaneously. This technology uses SANYO’s proprietary bifacial HIT solar cells, (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer) and has two glass layers – one in front and one in the back – which allows some sunlight to pass through the module where space exists between cells and tabbing. The sunlight which has passed through the module, along with light reﬂected off nearby surfaces, is captured on the rear side of the module, increasing the amount of energy produced from 5% to 34% (depending on tilt angle) compared to single-sided HIT modules. These modules are designed for maximum energy kWh performance and are ideal for residential and commercial installations. According to Sanyo, unlike specialty modules made previously using glass on both sides, with the HIT Double, reﬂected light can be captured by the backside of the module. This produces more energy than single-sided HIT solar modules, while simultaneously providing a more aesthetically pleasing solar system.

Carmanah solar-powered area lights are now better and brighter than ever, thanks to a new partnership between Carmanah Technologies Corporation and Beta Lighting. Based on THE EDGE line of light emitting diode (LED) commercial and industrial light fixtures from Beta Lighting, the company has developed a BetaLED fixture designed specifically for Carmanah’s EverGEN solar engine. The result is Carmanah’s brightest solar powered area light to date: a versatile stand-alone lighting solution that can be installed in minutes to illuminate parks, paths, kiosks and other outdoor areas. Directing light only where needed, the new solar-powered area light is also “dark-sky friendly”, as specified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). “Beta Lighting has developed a leading product with this line of LED fixtures. When combined with Carmanah’s stand-alone solar power supply, it provides the best and brightest illumination we’ve ever seen from a solar-powered area light,” said Ted Lattimore, Carmanah’s CEO. Carmanah’s EverGEN solar engine is a compact, solar-powered energy source that uses the sun’s energy to power outdoor area lighting applications. All components (including photovoltaic modules, rechargeable batteries, sensors and electronics) are integrated within a compact and durable pole-mounted design. With no trenching or cabling required, the EverGEN solar engine can be installed in minutes, with minimal technical expertise, at a fraction of the cost of a hard-wired system.

Sanyo North America Corporation | www.us.sanyo.com/solar

Technology to advance solar cell measurement MTI Instruments, Inc. has introduced the PV1000, a thickness measurement system for the solar cell production industry. “Our PV1000 addresses a critical need for solar cell manufacturers around the world who are now experiencing signiﬁcant growth and need to manufacture higher quantities of solar cells for mass consumption,” said Peng Lim, CEO of MTI. “Our new PV1000 can be incorporated into solar cell production lines to help them quickly determine quality control issues, saving manufacturers time and money.” “We are opening a new market for MTII by bringing our extensive experience in precision measurement to the solar cell industry,” said Robert Kot, Vice President and General Manager of MTII. “By working closely with solar equipment suppliers and cell manufacturers, we designed a system that meets both current and future needs for high speed, precision measurement that can be easily integrated into any solar cell production line. The ﬂexibility of our PV1000 product helps us to quickly adapt to this rapidly evolving sector.” MTI Instruments, Inc. | www.mtiinstruments.com

Carmanah Technologies Corporation | www.carmanah.com Beta Lighting | www.BetaLED.com

Solar-driven adsorption chiller SorTech AG, a spin-off company from Fraunhofer ISE, has recently introduced their first generation ACS 08 solar-driven adsorption chiller. In comparison to its predecessor, the ACS 05 (which is the first prototype of this machine, with a cooling power of 5.5 kW) the ACS 08 unit has a one-third increase in cooling power and a 25% decrease in volume, providing a nominal cooling capacity of 7.5 kW at a COP of 0.56. This latest model also features simpler integration into solar systems due to an optimally designed heat rejection unit – RCS 08 – which enables an integrated control. “Due to the lower driving temperature from 60°C, the system is very compatible with solar cooling and district heating,” explains Walter Mittelbach, Managing Director of SorTech AG. The ACS 08 adsorption chiller operates as both a chiller and a heat pump. Solar energy supplies the driving heat of the system by means of a flat collector field situated nearby. In the machine, cold is produced using water which is evaporated at very low pressures of about 10mbar, and due to its compact design, the ACS 08 unit is ideal for residential or small and medium-sized companies. SorTech AG | www.sortech.de

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solar news briefs GE Energy announced in June that it has increased its equity share in PrimeStar Solar, Inc., a solar thin-film technology and manufacturing company. PrimeStar Solar, headquartered in Golden, Colorado, was formed in June 2006 to develop and commercialize thin-film photovoltaic modules. “Increasing our stake in PrimeStar Solar to a majority interest underscores our continuing commitment to solar energy,” said Victor Abate, VP of renewables for GE. “We are pleased by GE Energy’s vote of confidence in the PrimeStar team,” said Brian Murphy, chairman and CEO of PrimeStar Solar. GE Energy’s installed fleet of more than 8,500 1.5-megawatt wind turbines recently surpassed 115 million operating hours in commercial service worldwide.

enXco has been contracted to develop, construct, own and operate a 1.8 megawatt DC solar photovoltaic array in an agreement with Hall’s Corporation in South Plainﬁeld, New Jersey. When completed, the solar array will be one of the largest net-metered installations in the US, according to the company. enXco will supply the project’s output to Hall’s Corporation under a PPA on a netmetering basis, and expects to be producing energy in November, 2008. The roof mounted ﬁxed tilt solar array, to be built on Hall’s Warehouses, will consist of approximately 25,000 First Solar modules, and the installation is estimated to save Hall’s Corp. $1 million in energy costs over the life of the project. Atlantic Solar Assets, a subsidiary of Clean Energy Holdings co-developed the project with Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC as the installer. New Jersey is the second largest solar market in the country, with growth of 114% from 2006 to 2007. The State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires that 22.5% of electricity will come from renewable sources by 2021.

Ventizz has signed agreements with Robert Bosch GmbH (Bosch) regarding the sale of its holdings in ersol, amounting to 50.45% of the company’s share capital. The purchase price for the shares is € 546.4 million. In May, ersol also concluded a cell supply contract with aleo solar AG. The contract volume amounts to about 250 MWp. The conclusion of this latest contract marked an increase in ersol’s order volume for solar cells to well over € 3 billion.

SMA Technologie AG has broken ground on an 82,000-square-foot solar inverter manufacturing plant in Kassel, Germany, which will feature a carbon dioxide neutral energy concept. The largest of its kind on the planet, according to the company, the new facility is designed to

triple SMA’s current production capacity to meet global demand for its solar inverters. It will support all manufacturing efforts for SMA America and construction is expected to wrap up in the fall.

SCHOTT Solar inaugurated its new plant for solar receivers in Aznalcóllar, Spain (near Seville) this past May. The absorber tubes which will be manufactured at the plant are a key component of solar thermal parabolic trough power plants used in Concentrated Solar Power applications. Some 25 million euros have been invested towards the new facility, and annual production volume corresponds to a power plant capacity of up to 200 megawatts (MW). SCHOTT also recently announced the ofﬁcial opening of expanded PV module production facilities in Valasské Mezirící, Czech Republic. According to the company, they will produce more than one million solar PV modules per year on ﬁve production lines at the 200,000 square metre facility, and by the end of 2008, the annual production capacity is expected to reach 200 megawatts. GridPoint Inc announced recently that Xcel Energy has selected the GridPoint SmartGrid Platform for its SmartGrid City in Boulder, Colorado. The platform applies information technology to the electric grid to provide utilities with an intelligent network of distributed energy resources that controls load, stores energy and

produces power. Xcel Energy’s advanced, smart grid system is estimated to be a $100 million effort when fully implemented.

Q-Cells AG, as part of the company’s internationalization strategy, has agreed with the Mexican Federal Government, the Government of the State of Baja California and Silicon Border Development – a developer of industrial parks for hightech-companies – to build a production complex for thin-film modules in Mexicali, the state capital of Baja California. Q-Cells expects to achieve a better access to American growth markets and hedge against currency fluctuations. NTR plc recently announced an agreement to invest $100 million (€ 63 million) for a controlling interest in Stirling Energy Systems, Inc. (SES). SES is developing two of the world’s largest solar generating projects in the Imperial Valley and Mojave Desert to bring clean, renewable power to Southern California. Combined, the two projects will initially produce 800 megawatts (MW) of power and up to 1,750 MW with contract extensions when the plants are fully constructed. SES’ SunCatcher concentrating solar energy technology combines a mirrored concentrator dish with a high-efficiency Stirling engine specially designed to convert reflected sunlight to electricity.

GT Solar Inc. announced recently that it has entered into a con-

tract to supply Nexolon Co., Ltd. of South Korea with DSS450 furnaces and accessories worth approximately $8.8 million (US). The DSS450 (Directional Solidiﬁcation System) model furnace is GT Solar’s newest and most technically advanced furnace. DSS450 enables solar panel producers to “grow” multi-crystalline silicon ingots, which are processed into wafers and converted into solar cells. According to GT, their latest furnace will allow producers to increase silicon ingot output by approximately 30% over previous designs. Ingots produced annually from a DSS450 furnace are capable of providing enough electricity to power up to 1,000 average US homes for one year.

Clear Skies Solar, Inc. has announced the purchase of 34 acres of land in Cantil, California – the future site of a $44 million 8MW solar farm. Along with project development partner California Sunrise, Clear Skies Solar purchased the Cantil property from a private land holder. The 34-acre farm will produce electricity that will be sold under a Power Purchase Agreement between Clear Skies Solar and the local utility company. “Clear Skies Solar’s solar farm in Cantil, California is just the beginning of several large utility scale projects we’re developing and executing around the globe,” said Ezra Green, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer and Chairman of Clear Skies Solar.

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Intersolar 2008

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solar

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Intersolar North America 2008

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

July 15-17, 2008 Moscone CenterSan Francisco, California

www.intersolar.us Held in conjunction with Semicon West, Intersolar North America will be the largest trade event in the United States serving the complete solar energy supply chain. Offering unique insight into what the American and international solar markets have to offer, over 10,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Wire management clip for PV installation SunLink’s cable clip simplifies wire management by reducing installation time, minimizing errors, and delivering a clean, professional look. Fabricated from stainless steel to last the life of the array, the cable clip eliminates future maintenance issues associated with standard plastic cable ties, and snaps on and off easily without any tools. The design also secures multiple wires while allowing flexible routing on the inside or the outside of the SunLink spar. The cable clip, combined with other SunLink product improvements (such as the foot assembly redesign), are significantly reducing installation times and costs. Sunlink | www.sunlink.com

High efficiency mounting structures Allied Tube & Conduit uses an advanced processing technique on their in-line galvanized products for mounting structures which provides three layers of corrosion protection. This differs from secondary operations, such as hotdip galvanizing, by creating finished goods directly from the production line. The majority of the company’s steel profiles are manufactured to a 50ksi yield, with higher properties available. The need for less material for structural support and reduced labor creates a cost savings, and with a variety of shapes including rounds, rectangles, squares, channel, and angle available, users will benefit from design flexibility. Allied Tube & Conduit | www.alliedtube.com TYCO Electrical & Medal Products | www.tyco-emp.com

Pre-insulated flow and return pipes SolarFlex is a system solution with preinsulated flow and return pipes for solar hot water heating systems. Two flexible stainless steel pipes (inside two EPDM closed-cell insulation) are included, along with an integrated sensor cable, which saves installation time and costs as a torch or special tools are not needed. With a 50-foot continuous coil, SolarFlex meets the highest requirements for modern solar heating systems. Caleffi North America, Inc. www.caleffi.us

Magnetic-bearing vacuum pumps The compact STP iX2205 range of vacuum pumps feature power supply and control modules that can be mounted in various configurations; directly on the pump or remotely. This design eliminates cables and accessory racks, saving space and offering flexibility to fit a wide range of equipment. The pump’s five-axis magnetic bearing system and new motor and drive system ensure low operating costs with maintenance intervals as long as five years. IP54-rated for protection against water and dust, they are also made to work in high ambient temperatures where external condensation on cooling can be an issue. Edwards | www.edwardsvacuum.com

Low-input voltage, series parallel inverter TerraWatt Power’s ecoJoule 2500 inverter harnesses solar power and is engineered to keep power ﬂowing to the maximum extent possible, even when solar panels become partially shaded. Developed with assistance from NYSERDA and the US Department of Energy, ecoJoule 2500 is a low-input voltage, series parallel inverter that can deliver up to 2500W of electric power. Unlike most inverters, which shut down and cease producing in a power outage, even if the sun is still shining, ecoJoule 2500 still functions when the utility grid goes down. Further beneﬁts include incremental system installation, optional battery back-up, and utility interaction. TerraWatt Power www.terrawattpower.com North American Clean Energy is published 6 times a year. To subscribe, go to

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show in print Solar Boost charge controller Transfer valve for FPD production systems

Blue Sky Energy, Inc. has received ETL/cETL listing to UL1741 - CAN/CSA E60335-1/2E and CE Label certiﬁcation for its Solar Boost 3024iL charge controller – which includes optional IPN-Remote and IPN-ProRemote display panels. Ideal for small to medium size off-grid PV applications, the Solar Boost 3024iL includes ﬂexible dusk-to-dawn lighting control, 20A LVD load control and 2A auxiliary battery charge capability. According to Richard A Cullen of Blue Sky Energy, “The increase in output current rating to 40A for 12V systems will provide 33% more power handling capability compared to the previous 3024i. The product will now process up to 540 watts of PV for 12V systems after NEC 1.25 de-rating.” Blue Sky Energy | www.blueskyenergyinc.com

Designed to minimize costs and maintenance, the Series 06 XL-VAT Transfer Valve offers modular technology with an o-ring sealed gate that is accessible for service through a removable top cover in the body. Additional features include an adjustable gate sealing force (high/ low pressure), a pneumatic control unit for communication via logic interface, and a sealed shaft-feed-through actuator (optional bellows) with a pneumatic locking device. These transfer valves are available in aluminum in sizes ranging from 4" x 54" to 12" x 100", and can be operated up to one bar differential pressure on the gate in either direction, and up to one million cycles until ﬁrst service, under unheated and clean conditions. VAT | www.vatvalve.com

High-power inverters AE’s line of Solaron PV inverters are high-power, transformerless, grid-tie units designed to convert raw, solar DC power to high-quality, AC grid electricity. The Solaron 333 kW inverter typically operates at 97.5% efﬁciency, and features robust, bipolar architecture and patented, soft-switching technology. Units are NRTL certiﬁed to UL 1741-2005 by CSA International. A wide MPPT window ensures maximum, day-long processing power and both local and remote data access enables operators to monitor the system’s high performance and reliability data – from anywhere at anytime. Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. www.advanced-energy.com North American Clean Energy

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Intersolar 2008

Direct-flow collector for higher heat With a service life of more than 10 years, the newly designed Direct-ﬂow Collector from Changzhou HeJia Solar Energy Co. now offers higher efﬁciency. It has double copper channels in the solar glass tube and manifold that not only ensure full heat-transfer, but also a higher heat output. Changzhou HeJia Solar Energy Co., Ltd. www.hjsolar.com.cn

Front access design solar inverters With a 20-plus year design life and 96% efficiency, PVP 100kW and PCP75kW solar inverters are now designed to be more reliable and easier to install and maintain. A front access design offers load-rated AC and DC disconnects; bottom, top and side cable entry options; generous cable bending area; oversized cable landings; exterior mounting flanges for fast and easy anchoring; and a complete range of fused DC subcombiner options. Solar installers can also take advantage of a wide operating voltage range (295 to 600 volts), providing an array of stringing options. Along with a 10-year standard warranty, benefits of these new inverters include lower lifetime cost, higher uptime, and increased energy harvest. PV Powered | www.pvpowered.com

Power Generation | Air Conditioning | Process Heat

Solar panel and tank water heating system Stiebel Eltron’s indirect domestic hot water storage tank (with one or two heat exchangers) paired with a solar ﬂat plate collector panel(s), is designed to offer an economical and reliable solar domestic hot water (DHW) system. The solar closed-loop system includes panels and mounting hardware, a storage tank with heat exchanger(s), a pump station with expansion tank, as well as various temperature/pressure gauges, pressure relief and check valves, and a controller unit with corresponding sensors. Each SOL 25 PLUS panel offers a large absorber surface (28 sq.ft.), low iron tempered solar glass (with 92% optical UV transmittance), and a maximum output of 21,000 BTU per day/panel. SB/SBB series water heaters are indirectly ﬁred with a urethane foam insulation that ensures hot water stays hot and standby heat losses are minimized. Stiebel Eltron | www.stiebel-eltron-USA.com

Solar cell thermal profiling system Datapaq’s new Solar Cell system is designed specifically to monitor wafer temperature as it passes through the contact/metallization firing process. Consisting of data logger, thermal barrier and Insight software, Solar Cell is critical in the manufacturing of wafers to ensure PV cell efficiency. By using this system, users are able to pinpoint any hot or cold spots in a process, ensure that products meet specifications, save time and money setting up the furnace, and maximize product throughput. DataPaq | www.datapaq.com

Solar cells, modules & applied PV products Jiangsu Aide Solar Energy Technology Co.,Ltd., in partnership with Taiwan Panjit, recently completed production on a high-efficiency mono solar cells production line with a 40 MW yearly capacity, and an enlarged solar modules annual production capacity to 150 MW. Jiangsu was recognized by ISO quality management system certification, and its products are certified by TüV, IEC, UL, CE, KNREC, and RoSH. The company’s aide solar modules, which are widely applied in PV grid-in, independent electricity generation system, lighting, communication, and transportation, are also covered by product liability and product quality warranty insurance. Jiangsu Aide Solar Energy Technology Co. Ltd. | www.aidesolar.com

Design and simulation programs

The Total Solar Solution Power Generation Air Conditioning Process Heat

Modular Design Dispatchable Power Cost-effective

(866) 767-6491 (866-Sopogy1) · www.sopogy.com 18

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Valentin Energy Software specializes in design, planning, and simulation software for photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. The company’s PV*SOL Gridcon includes over 350 inverters and, for the PV modules selected, a Quick Design facility determines possible module conﬁgurations for combinations of up to three inverter types. With PV*SOL Standalone Quick Design, sizing can be based on the days of autonomy and the system recovery period, and an Internet update feature automatically checks for new module or inverter data, which can be downloaded free of charge. T*SOL Professional is a design and simulation program for solar thermal systems, and The Standard Module offers a large number of systems for domestic hot water and space heating. Each program contains approximately 1,000 international climate data records, and users can select between ﬁve languages. Valentin Energy Software | www.valentin.de

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show in print PV cell manufacturing plant In April 2008, ARISE Technologies Co. opened its first PV cell manufacturing plant in Bischofswerda, Germany. The division is developing proprietary technology with a target of achieving step-by-step progression to a high-efficiency level of greater than 20%. “While ramping up production on Line 1 and moving forward to bring Line 2 into production in the first quarter of next year, we are planning the installation of the third line for this building,” says Sjouke Zijlstra, vice-president and general manager of ARISE. “We also now have determined that the current building will be able to accommodate our fourth line that we are currently targeting to put into production in the first half of 2010.”

New systems for professional power generation DegerEnergy recently introduced complementary new products for the singleaxis TOPtraker 8.5 and the dual-axis DEGERtraker 5000NT/7000NT series. This includes a wide variety of systems for professional power generation with up to 60 sq. miles of module surface on which all popular types of solar modules can be mounted. In addition, a line for building integration and galeforce wind zones (like offshore islands) will be available as the production of solar energy on buildings in many countries is reimbursed higher than on open spaces. With the basic conﬁguration, wind speeds of 170 km/h are covered and through individual dimensioning this value can be considerably increased.

ARISE Technologies Corporation | www.arisetech.com

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Introduces the

ecoJoule 2500 Inverter ®

Maximizes system productivity Operates during power outages

DEGERenergie | www.DEGERenergie.com

good for the bottom line, good for the roof

Light-weight solar hot water system SunGrabber is a lightweight, all-polymer, solar hot water system that reduces water heating bills by up to 50%, and typically pays for itself in less than 10 years. It replaces heavy, expensive, and difﬁcult-to-ship glazed copper collectors with lightweight, inexpensive, easy-to-install, and easy-to-ship polymer collectors. Offered to builders, remodelers, HVAC and plumbing professionals, utilities, and distributors, SunGrabber is designed to work with any conventional residential hot water tank, ﬁts in a single box, and weighs 70 pounds.

Your building is a valuable asset. SunLink® helps keep it that way with the most roof-friendly solar panel mounting system in the industry. 415.925.9650 www.sunlink.com

www.terrawattpower.com

engineering the solar revolution

PowerGate Plus 500kW Photovoltaic Inverter

Fafco Inc. | www.fafco.com

Modular solar thermal systems Schüco’s solar thermal systems are fully modular so they can be mounted on rooftops of any size in various ways, integrated into facades, or installed in open spaces to create large-scale solar collection systems. For larger buildings, Schüco also supplies individually conﬁgured collectors, storage systems, control electronics, as well as advice and assistance in planning and executing new projects.

Proven and Durable Industry Leading Efﬁciencies Extended Energy Harvesting Ease of Installation and Care Low Audible Noise Remote Monitoring UL and CE Certiﬁed

The next generation inverter for commercial and utility-scale, grid-connected PV power systems

Contact: pvsales@satcon.com • www.satcon.com • 905.639.4692_prompt 2 for sales

Schüco | www.schuco-usa.com Power Systems NACleanEnergy Ad 2.indd 1

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Intersolar 2008

Control solutions for solar trackers

Simplifying customized off-grid system management

Solar power plants using solar trackers typically generate 30% more energy than fixed systems. To help overcome flexibility challenges for the solar industry, ABB is contributing intelligent automation solutions with their PLCs. Controlling the variable speed drives, which orientate the Photo Voltaic modules across two axes to achieve maximum exposure, the PLC seeks the input from the sun and tracks its pattern every day of the year. In case of a windy or snowy day, the PLC and drive place the position of defense (vertical or flat). Along with a large scope of automation products, which can be tailored to your unique needs, optimized processes, minimized costs, and higher profitability are all attainable. ABB | www.abb.us.com

Inverter with country configuration Solar-Fabrik’s “convert 8T” (power rating 8kW) provides flexible combination options for all solar plant sizes, and is the first inverter in the “convert T” series to come with switches for configuration for different EU countries as standard. The appliance can be configured for Belgium, Germany, France, Greece (continent/islands), Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, and Spain – individual country versions are no longer required, which is a major advantage in terms of exports and logistics.

Winner of the 2008 German PV Symposium Innovation Award, the Phocos’ Modular Power Management family enables installers to construct their own customized, stand-alone system electronics. Installers can build battery charging systems up to 320A and control DC loads up to 200A, while choosing from the following features: Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT); Pulse-width Modulation (PMW); 2-Point Series Switching; Bank Switching; Low-voltage Disconnect (with Programmable Prioritization); Advanced Diversion Control; Generator Control; PC Interface; Inverter Integration; DIN Rail Mounting; and more. Phocos | www.phocos.com

Commercial fused PV string combiners This new line of heavyduty string combiners for commercial and industrial photovoltaic (PV) systems (listed to UL1741/IEEE1547) includes a choice of preinstalled 600 VDC fuses. The 8, 10, 12, or 15-amp fuses are preinstalled in 8-30 positions. The string combiners come with fuse holders, terminal blocks, ground bars, and labeling. They’re also packaged in a heavy-gauge, polyester powder-coat painted steel box that’s waterproof and NEMA 4 certiﬁed. Solectria Renewables, LLC www.solren.com

Thin film PV modules Applied Material’s SunFab Solar Module Production Line enables customers to manufacture affordable, thin ﬁlm, silicon PV modules. With an area of 5.7 m2, these frameless modules are 8-times larger than conventional modules, and provide production cost savings that drive a fast path to grid parity. From reduced mounting hardware and cabling costs to an overall installation labor savings, SunFab modules offer an overall BOS cost savings of >17% compared to traditional thin ﬁlm modules. They can also scale to Gigawatt capacity, and are supported by a portfolio of services to fully optimize customers’ overall factory operations and yield. Applied Materials | www.appliedmaterials.com

Building-integrated PV

SOLAR

Competence in Stainless Steel

Schäfer + Peters GmbH Zeilbaumweg 32 DE-74613 Öhringen Tel. +49 (0) 7941 6094-0 Fax +49 (0) 7941 6094-70 info@schaefer-peters.com www.schaefer-peters.com

Rost- und säurebeständige Verbindungselemente Stainless steel fasteners Fixations en Acier Inoxydable

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Schäfer + Peters GmbH

Solar-Fabrik Group | www.solar-fabrik.com

Scaleable solution uses CSP

Suntech Power Holding Co. recently introduced three of its products to the European market: Just Roof™, Light Thru™, and QuikSnap building integrated PV (BIPV). Just Roof is an integrated PV system designed to form a complete roof, replacing tiles or other roof coverings. The system features interlocking panels mounted on specially designed rails that offer an aesthetic, weatherproof-building skin for easy and quick installation. Light Thru glazing encapsulates cells between two sheets of glass with enough spacing for light to pass through. Made to order, it allows designers ﬂexibility in specifying the desired size, cell type, and cell spacing. QuikSnap panels integrate mounting ﬁxtures Suntech Power Holdings Co. www.suntech-power.com

MicroCSP is a scalable solar solution that uses concentrating solar power (CSP), to provide electricity, and power for medium temperature heat and air conditioning applications. MicroCSP systems are industrial-sized solar concentrators (see image) that can be sized to provide power between 200 kW to tens of megawatts. These systems are also an excellent source of high-grade steam that can be used in industrial or agricultural processes, and working ﬂuid in the 250 to 400 degrees F range is an ideal source of energy for driving absorption and adsorption chilling. A smaller scale enables MicroCSP power plants to be distributed within commercial and industrial sites, as well as small utility distributed generation sites. In addition, MicroCSP incorporates a fab-less manufacturing model, in which the solar concentrator components are shipped to and assembled on the job site. This minimizes overall solution cost and provides local jobs to the region where the energy is to be produced. Sopogy, Inc. | www.sopogy.com

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show in print Monocrystalline Sunmodules production line SolarWorld, manufacturer of PV wafers, cells and modules in North America, announced completion of a new module production line in Camarillo, California, for its monocrystalline Sunmodules. The fully automated 100 MW module assembly line is part of SolarWorld’s ongoing expansion around the world to reach 1.5 GW, which includes a new 500 MW cell factory in Oregon, as well as aggressive expansions of cell and module production in Germany. SolarWorld | www.solarworld-usa.com

Connecting options for solar thermal panels

Antennas and tracking structures Patriot Solar Group, a spin-off company of Patriot Antenna Systems, is supplying structures and tracking structures to a number of PV, solar thermal, and parabolic antennas for troughs and reﬂectors. The company has developed its own control system to track the sun to maximize light collection by using antennas to harness solar energy in order to heat water to power electric turbines. With a complete line of antenna sizes, ranging from 60cm to 18m, Patriot also offers associated RF products that round out a fully integrated system for each customer. Patriot | www.sepatriot.com

Pitched or flat-roof mounting system Krannich Solar USA plans, consults, and provides PV systems for commercial and residential installers throughout North America. A major component in the company’s product portfolio is the K2 solar panel mounting system for pitched and ﬂat roof applications. K2 mounting system is an integral part of the PV solutions Krannich offers, along with brand name solar electric panels and inverters. Krannich Solar USA | www.krannich-solar.com

Inverters for PV power systems The manufacturers of rapid pipe work systems has extended its product range to provide installers with more connecting options and security for solar thermal panels. The patented connecting technology ISICLICK, a metallic dense connection system, provides installation without special tools or loose parts, ensuring maximum safety in service of the piping system. The latest product in the line, the Aeroline Inox Combi Split, is a stainless steel twin tube system ending in two separated panel connection tubes that is protected by a bite-proof, wire mesh jacket for outside.

PowerGate Plus Inverters are the next generation of PowerGate Inverters for commercial and large-scale grid connected PV power systems. Incorporating many of the features of their predecessors such as reliability, energy efﬁciency, and ease-ofuse, the PowerGate Plus also offers several improvements. Features include: a proprietary enclosure constructed from long-life G90 galvanized steel; advanced digital signal processing control; an advanced human machine interface (HMI) with display visible in sunlight; and a membrane keypad for easy identiﬁcation of power system status and inverter setup. Satcon | www.satcon.com

Aeroline Tube Systems www.aeroline-tubesystems.de

PV surge protection for gridtie solar power systems High-efficiency solar solutions Morphing once clunky, roofdamaging panels into thin, adhesive backed, highefficiency solar solutions, Lumeta PowerPly addresses the demand for aesthetically pleasing, costeffective and easy-to-install solar panels. With an installation time of just 34 minutes for a 2.2 kW system, each panel is created with a low profile (1/3 of an inch) to eliminate wind uplift, has a Teflon front sheet that offers durability without added weight, and comes with an adhesive backing that facilitates installation while avoiding all rooftop penetrations and mounting structures. Lumeta | www.lumetasolar.com

Citel, Inc. has expanded its surge protector line to include models DS60PV and DS50PV, two wire and ground DC power surge protectors for applications up to 1000Vdc. Designed for the most severe applications, DS60PV is a heavy duty DC surge protector, rated to withstand a direct lightning strike (10/350us waveform) as deﬁned by ANSI/IEEE C62.41-2002 and IEC 61643-11. It is typically installed at the DC input to the inverter of a solar power system. For more general duty applications, DS50PV is surge-rated at 40kA 8/20us, and engineered to protect against indirect lightning, ac utility grid surges, and internally generated switching transients and faults. These din rail mount devices can be integrated into a PV combiner box or a standalone enclosure. Citel Inc. | www.citel.com North American Clean Energy

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wind energy

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

By John Wilson & Melissa Turczyn

ongress ﬁrst adopted the production tax credit (PTC) in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Today, the PTC provides a 10-year income tax credit equal to two cents/kilowatt-hour (adjusted annually for inﬂation) for production of electricity from various sources of renewable energy, including wind energy. Between 1999 and 2004, Congress allowed the PTC to expire on three different occasions. The “on” again “off” again nature of the tax credit has produced a boom and bust cycle for new wind projects. Each of the previous expirations has brought with it a large decrease in

There are a number of factors potentially contributing to the market’s behavior, and it is possible those factors may lead to the death of the PTC – this time for good. As of early 2008, 26 states (including Washington DC) enacted mandatory renewables portfolio standards (RPSs). These standards operate in addition to, not in place of, the PTC. Currently, the only commercially viable form of renewable energy capable of even coming close to meeting ever increasing RPS targets is wind. As a result, lower cost becomes a casualty to the broader policy goal.

Continued concern about the impact of global climate change and the ever-rising costs of natural gas and coal are combining to make wind look even more environmentally friendly and cost competitive new wind capacity. For example, between 1999 and 2000, new capacity decreased a staggering 93%. Between 2003 and 2004, the industry experienced a 77% decline in new capacity. These declines led to corresponding job layoffs, higher cost projects, and a rush by the developers to complete projects before their expiration, leading to smaller projects and added costs. Typically, ﬁnancial markets begin to taper their capital lending six to eight months before the PTCs are set to expire. Similarly, when the PTCs were set to expire in past years, the wind industry tended to pull back eight or nine months beforehand. At present, however, the industry and ﬁnancial markets do not appear to be exhibiting these typical behaviors. Despite draconian impacts associated with expiration of the PTCs, Congress appears to be content to let them expire again, and the wind industry seems curiously calm about the situation. 22

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Continued concern about the impact of global climate change and the everrising costs of natural gas and coal are combining to make wind look even more environmentally friendly and cost competitive. The industry has already signaled its intent to move forward, regardless of the outcome of the PTC debate in Congress. Sheer demand for wind turbines has caused a backlog in which most manufacturers are already sold out into 2009 and 2010. Finally, regardless of the election outcome this fall, Congress is likely to adopt an energy policy that includes a cap and trade system to regulate carbon output. The inevitable result will be that wind will become even more cost competitive with coal and natural gas generation. Taken together, the explosive adoption of RPSs, rising fuel prices, turbine shortages, and likely carbon regulation, may lead Congress to conclude there is no need for an extension of the PTC.

The incentive seems unnecessary, especially given the industry’s willingness to invest billions of dollars in turbines today for delivery during a period where a PTC guarantee does not exist. As a result, Congress may take the position that the industry is no longer in the infancy stage and, therefore, is no longer in need of the incentive provided by the PTC. To be sure, a decline in growth levels is still likely if Congress does not pass an extension of the PTC. However, based on current markets, the dramatic declines in new wind capacity that accompanied the previous expirations will likely be a thing of the past. Although many in the wind industry still expect the PTC to be extended, it would be wise to start thinking about a world in which the PTC no longer exists, at least for wind. Even if the production tax credit is extended, for the reasons described above, each additional extension will be harder to achieve. Congress’ failure to provide a deﬁnitive answer at this point may be a signal itself and, perhaps, the industry as a whole needs to start bracing for life without the PTC. Michael Best & Friedrich LLP www.michaelbest.com

About the authors John Wilson is a partner at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, and has practiced energy law for more than 20 years. As a member of the firm’s Renewable Energy Group and co-chair of the firm’s Wind Energy Practice, he has significant experience in all phases of project development. Melissa Turczyn is an attorney at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, and a member of the Business Practice Group and the Renewable Energy Group. Her practice focuses on all aspects of corporate law with an emphasis on corporate tax.

nacleanenergy.com

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Vertical shaft wind turbine Environmental Technologies LLC has completed a patented, innovative vertical shaft wind turbine system that is efďŹ cient and environmentally friendly. The VSWT is one-third the height of traditional wind turbines, yet produces twice the output. Its unique blade design, which resembles a set of Venetian blinds stacked on top of each other, enables the turbine to catch wind from all directions, and transform it into usable energy beyond the Betz theorem of 59%. The VSWT is also relatively quiet, at a projected 65 decibels at a distance of 120 feet, and is designed not to harm birds or bats because of its slow rotor rotation (10-15 RPM, diameter 100ft), and its no motion smear. Environmental Technologies, LLC www.etllc.org ADVERTISEMENT

The Power of Wind How Chicago Industrial Fastenerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is making a difference

Independently rated vertical axis wind turbine Mariah Powerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Windspire is a 1 kW vertical axis generator that features a fully integrated plug â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n produce design, including a high efďŹ ciency generator, integrated inverter, wireless performance monitor, and tilt-up monopole. UL-certiďŹ ed, Windspire is engineered to provide a low-cost and noise-free solution for residential, business, and commercial markets, as well as off-grid applications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Windspire is the ďŹ rst vertical axis wind generator to base its ratings on independent, real-world test data measured by a respected independent wind test facility,â&#x20AC;? says Mike Hess, CEO of Mariah Power. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Windspireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efďŹ ciency is on par with most propeller-based wind turbines, but it is priced much lower. It is also much quieter because the rotor glides through the air at only a third the speed of propeller blades and it can capture wind instantly from any direction.â&#x20AC;? Mariah Power www.mariahpower.com

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. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Help wantedâ&#x20AC;? pages in all publications relating to wind energy are overďŹ&#x201A;owing with opportunity. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;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 acquaintanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with old friends â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 Fastenerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 CIFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capabilities and add to their value proposition. This ability, coupled with CIFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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, CIFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Either we ďŹ nd them or they ďŹ nd us,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? 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, â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the demand for precision rolled thread blade studs increasing dramatically, we think we can offer an attractive package to our customers,â&#x20AC;? he shares. â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 ChicaWIND goland area allows us to provide our customers with a wide range of products and services.â&#x20AC;? The growth of the renewable energy sector, along with CIFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in it, has made for exciting times at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Sugar Grove blueprint specials TOWER BOLTS nacelle hardware location, which offers 11,000 square feet of ofBLADE STUDS full test reports available DACROMET delta tone TZN ďŹ ce 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

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wind energy Rapid data management for energy management applications

Wind turbine lighting and surge suppression upgrade kit

For temporary but critical on-site data acquisition, the portable, high-speed MeasuringPAD offers a convenient and economical alternative to an elaborate test and measurement installation. Rapidly collecting, monitoring, and displaying multiple sensor inputs, the sturdy, handheld instrument is ideal for troubleshooting, process tuning, fault recording, maintenance, and even energy reduction studies and trend analysis. Conﬁgured and operated through a touch-screen interface, MeasuringPAD continuously scans all active inputs, digitizing with 16-bit A/D while checking for limit-violation triggers, and refreshing its memory buffer at 10 kHz per input. Dranetz-BMI | www.dranetz-bmi.com

Longer boom minimizes tower wake effects NRG Systems’ mounting boom is 95” long, and uses a dualbeam design that assures stability in high winds while minimizing wake effects caused by tower shadowing. The boom meets or exceeds IEC 61400-12-1 recommendations for tower and boom offset distances, and provides a mast offset of 100” (10 diameters) for 10” diameter tubular towers, and 99” (12.38 diameters) for 8” diameter tubular towers. The boom’s galvanized steel mounting bracket uses three heavy duty hose clamps, assuring secure tower mounting. The product is available in volume, and can be ordered with NRG Systems complete NOW measurement system packages.

Raycap Inc. has expanded its wind turbine surge suppression upgrade kit, which protects critical equipment located inside a wind turbine. Using patented Strikesorb® surge protection device (SPD) technology, these upgrade kits can be retroﬁtted to replace failed DIN rail SPD components. Strikesorb modules provide high-surge handling capability, combined with ultra-low let-through voltage to the load, enabling them to absorb, and dissipate excess energy from lightning strikes and power surges in a completely safe manner. Designed to meet the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61643-1 standard for surge protection devices and the revised UL 1449 -2nd edition - safety standard, these upgrade kits can sustain multiple and successive lightning induced power surges without requiring maintenance, and offer uninterrupted protection from direct lightning strikes that induce up to 200kA (8/20’s) surges. Raycap Inc. | www.raycapinc.com

NRG Systems | www.nrgsystems.com

Specialized sealing system

T H

A N N U A L

C O N F E R E N C E

Wind energy is clean, safe, renewable — and growing. Join 2000+ wind energy experts, advocates, and companies from all over the world at Canada’s largest renewable energy conference. OCTOBER 19 – 22, 2008 VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE, BRITISH COLUMBIA For more information or to register visit www.canwea.ca or call 1-800-922-6932

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A N D

T R A D E

S H O W

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Denmark-based AVN Energy A/S have joined together to develop a sealing conﬁguration that is specially engineered to enhance lubrication, and optimize friction characteristics while preventing any external leakage for continuous pitch systems. The speciﬁed solution is a complex arrangement of seals ranging from o-rings to specialized Turcon PTFE-based geometries, and Slydring in Orkot that meet the dynamic criteria required from the constant movement of the actuator. The solution also offers maximized seal life, resulting in minimal turbine maintenance requirements. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions www.trelleborg.com AVN Energy | www.avn.dk

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Web-based wind prospecting application Created by AWS Truewind’s MesoMap system, windNavigator is an interactive tool that allows for exploration and purchase via the Internet of highly accurate and detailed wind resource maps, and data for the conterminous US. Along with an unprecedented level of accuracy, windNavigator provides ﬂexible purchasing options geared toward diverse end-users and various phases of project development. Unlike previously published maps, the program also covers all the lower 48 states – with Alaska and Hawaii soon to follow, along with other countries. Explains the company’s chief technical ofﬁcer, Michael Brower: “These are not the same maps the public has seen before. In creating windNavigator, we applied a sophisticated errorcorrection procedure using data from over 1,000 wind-monitoring towers across the country.” AWS Truewind, LLC | www.awstruewind.com

Pneumatic wrench with sealed housing The Raptor pneumatic wrench runs fastest when it counts – during actual torque. Accommodating torque needs from 120 ft/lbs to 6,000 ft/lbs with an accuracy of +/- 5%, the Raptor works with a variety of applications, and ranges in ﬁve sizes from the RP-500 to the RP-6000. After studying issues with typical pneumatic wrenches, the Raptor’s manufacturers saw that other pneumatics allow water into the body, which creates rust, friction, and eventual failure. To prevent water damage, the Raptor is designed with a sealed housing that ensures reliability, less downtime, and fewer repairs. It also comes with a patented gear technology and a custom-designed motor for the heavy industrial sector, allowing for greater durability, lower operational temperatures, and increased efﬁciency. TorcUP | www.torcup.com

Safeguarding wind energy products during storage and transit

THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK...

...AND IT COULD BE FREE!

During storage and in transit, Dr. Shrink’s premium shrinkwrap provides protection from weather damage to ensure hubs, gearboxes, and blades are in proper working condition when arriving at their ﬁnal destination. Unlike tarps which can move and chafe, shrinkwrap stays in place and won’t damage the covered products. Thoroughly waterproof, it can be sealed around entire equipment units to help prevent weather-related losses, and is available in widths of 12' to 40', and thicknesses of 6-10mils and 12mil.

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wind energy

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C3 Anemometer with Measnetcertified calibration Designed to provide exceptionally accurate wind-speed measurements, the Measnet Calibrated C3 anemometer from Second Wind is calibrated at the Svend Ole Hansen ApS wind tunnel in Denmark – one of only seven facilities in the world approved to calibrate to Measnet standards. Previously, customers who required this assurance have had to place special orders, or purchase the anemometer and send it to a Measnet facility. Second Wind is the only US supplier to offer a standard calibration option, according to the company. Second Wind | www.secondwind.com

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ABB’s AC drive combines advanced technology and enclosed cabinet design while featuring a compact size, modular construction, high output quality, and remote diagnostics and control. The active and passive power-converting components and controlling electronics are liquidcooled, and completely enclosed with no air inlet or outlet openings. This ensures that harsh ambient conditions do not inﬁltrate the cabinet, that the environment inside remains free of dust, salt, and extreme temperatures, and that the electronics remain stabilized. From 1.5 MW upwards, a full converter system can also be conﬁgured from two or three individual subsystems, which can be operated together, or one at a time. This approach not only provides redundancy, but also the freedom to choose the optimum location of the frequency converter within a turbine system. ABB | www.abb.com

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wind news briefs Barriers to US wind energy Transmission issues and federal policy are the greatest barriers to the development of wind energy in the United States, according to a poll conducted by NRG Systems, Inc., a wind measurement equipment manufacturer, at the American Wind Energy Association’s WINDPOWER 2008 Conference and Exhibition held in June. More than 400 conference attendees participated in the poll, and 37% of respondents believe that transmission or interconnection issues pose the greatest barrier to wind development in the US; 34% see US policy as the next greatest barrier. Financing issues, supply chain constraints, and public attitudes toward wind energy were of much less concern. Nearly all of those asked (92%) expect their company sales to increase in the next year, with 36% expecting to see sales grow by 25% to 50%. These projections come on the heels of a US Department of Energy report stating that wind energy can provide 20% of the nation’s electricity by 2030, which would require unprecedented growth in the industry.

NaREC to develop wind energy campus UK-based New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) announced that it will spearhead an aggressive initiative for developing sustainable and renewable energy by building the world’s largest wind energy research and development facilities. By dedicating a comprehensive range of independent facilities for wind R&D, the campus will provide the world’s only conﬁdential platform for developing wind turbines above the current 5MW benchmark. NaREC’s progressive proposition also includes the world’s largest blade testing facility, which will be capable of testing wind turbine blades up to 100m in length. Engineering teams, manufacturers, and operators will have the opportunity to utilize all of NaREC’s facilities and resident team of wind technology specialists. These plans are synergistic with the UK government’s ambitious efforts to generate 15% of the country’s electricity from renewable resources by 2020.

Wire and cable acquisition cost management program American Wire Group, Inc. (AWG) ofﬁcially opened enrollment to their wire and cable cost savings, and product management program. The Best

Alliance to a Negotiated Agreement, or BANA program, reduces costs in the wire and cable spend by combining several companies purchases of the same product and size, and passing on the volume cost efficiencies. “We see the industry segment needs real solutions to help contain copper and aluminum price volatility, and help to develop contingencies of supply in a volatile market,” commented Michael Dorfman, vice president of American Wire Group. Offered on a membership basis, members are targeted to save 5-15% on the wire and cable spend in the first year of participation, and an additional 5% each year thereafter. There is no annual fee, but members must first qualify to join.

partners of the wind sector (including CanWEA and the CORUS Centre), as well as Helimax as representative of the private sector. WESNet’s research objective is to afﬁrm and reinforce Canadian wind energy expertise on the international

level. In the context of its ﬁve-year mandate, the network will complete R&D activities falling under four themes: wind resource assessment; harvesting of wind energy; wind energy in electrical power systems; and technoeconomic models and optimization.

Wind turbine industry steps up to global demand The wind turbine industry ﬁnds itself in a crucial transition period as it races to catch up with booming global demand for wind power (which surged to nearly 20 GW in annual installations during 2007), and is on track to more than double within a decade, led by rapid growth in the US and China. Emerging Energy Research (EER) expects global installed wind base to grow more than ﬁvefold from its 2007 total of 94 GW, to more than 576 GW by 2020. As a result of this booming demand, competition for wind turbine orders has moved from project-driven, national agreements, to multi-year frame agreements spanning several regions. These orders increasingly focus on supply of multi-megawatt turbines as the global wind market has made a steady shift toward 1.5 MW and larger turbines, encouraging a number of new suppliers to enter, according to EER’s just-released market study, Global Wind Turbine Markets and Strategies 2008-2020.

Canada’s Wind Energy Strategic Network (WESNet) research fund A strategic wind energy research and development network has recently been created with the financial support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). With financing of $5M over five years, Wind Energy Strategic Network (WESNet) brings together 16 Canadian universities, federal (including NRCan and EC) and provincial (including Hydro-Québec and Manitoba Hydro) agencies, institutional North American Clean Energy

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investing in clean energy

Power purchase agreements the driving force behind the commercial solar market

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, lenders and equity investors in a wide variety of asset finance transactions in the energy industry.

by Philip H. Spector

s America’s love affair with renewable energy begins to blossom, the ordinary homeowner can legitimately consider installing solar panels on his rooftop to reduce energy costs, and his personal “carbon footprint.” While many have taken the step or are working energy efficiencies into the design of new homes, most homeowners still find the costs of solar rooftop projects too high to justify the longterm economic and moral benefits. Why, then, have numerous big corporations like Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Walgreens and Staples embraced solar PV rooftop installations for their retail stores, warehouses and distribution centers? And why have so many municipalities and school districts decided to have solar PV installed on the rooftops of their administrative buildings and schools? What makes solar economical for them? A good part of the answer is the “power purchase agreement.” Unlike homeowners, big box retailers and municipalities are not buying and installing their solar energy panels. Instead, they are merely buying the power generated by the panels. Under the financing model that has emerged as a predominant method for commercial installations, the building owner lays out no capital expenditure for the solar sys-

tem. Instead, owners agree to purchase the power generated by the system under a long-term “power purchase agreement” or “PPA.” The PPA requires a service provider to design, procure, install and maintain a solar PV panel system on the owner’s rooftop. The owner agrees to purchase the power generated by the system for a period of years (typically 10 to 25 years) at a scheduled rate that is less than the rate charged by the local utility. Typically, the system will produce 30 to 60 percent of a particular building’s power requirements. Aside from the obligation to purchase the power delivered, the owner is obligated to give the service provider access to the premises for installation and maintenance, and is required to cooperate in obtaining available grants, subsidies, and interconnection with the local utility. From the owner’s perspective, the benefits of the PPA model are clear: the owner has no capital outlay for the system; the owner locks in a fixed rate (or a rate with an inflation or other agreed adjuster) for a defined portion of its power requirements for a long period of time; the owner can look to the service provider to provide all maintenance and operations for the system; and the owner achieves positive “green” public relations.

Largely because of the Power Purchase Agreement, big corporations like Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Walgreens and Staples have all embraced the beneﬁts of solar PV rooftop installations for their retail stores, warehouses and distribution centres. 30

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The owner in effect “goes green” with no upfront cost and achieves a long-term hedge against rising energy costs. Many retailers and other owners of suitable buildings have found this combination of benefits quite attractive. And owners with a volume of properties can readily achieve economies of scale by replicating the model over hundreds of properties. Various service providers (or “developers”) have emerged as popular choices for commercial end-users, including companies such as SunEdison and SunPower. By focusing on creditworthy endusers with a large volume of suitable flatroofed properties, such providers achieve volume and economies of scale that allow them to obtain third-party financing for their projects. The PPA serves as the backbone of this financing, constituting a long-term predictable stream of revenue (power sales) from a credit-worthy entity (the end-user). As long as the underlying PPA credit is good and the bank is comfortable that the project will be operated and maintained properly, banks and other financiers will finance projects that produce such a revenue stream. While a single project on a single residential rooftop will not get the attention of financiers, multiple projects aggregated into a single program do find an audience. This is why some developers have sought to enter into PPA contracts with high-quality credits and a high volume of rooftop space. By aggregating many rooftop projects into a single fund, the transaction becomes large enough to justify the resources required to complete it. Better still, the combination of a high volume of transactions and multiple quality credit end-users provides the financiers with a diversification of credit they find attractive. Even in the currently tight credit market, many large national and regional banks have evaluated and financed aggregated commercial rooftop PV programs for major developers. Investment in and financing of solar projects (and other renewables) has withstood the pressure of the current credit environment for several reasons. Some investors and banks are under pressure to achieve internal benchmarks for reduction of their “carbon footprint” and investment in renewable energy.

Equally important, various federal and state incentives allow these transactions to generate attractive returns. Under the typical PPA, the end-user cedes these incentives to the service provider and/or its financiers. Another reason why this market is thriving: some states now offer outright grants and subsidies for qualified investments. The majority of states have enacted “renewable portfolio standards” (“RPS”) requiring regulated utilities to derive a specified portion of their energy from renewable sources. This has created a market for “renewable energy credits or certificates” (or “RECs”) – commodities that reflect the environmental attributes associated with renewable energy generation. RECs allow electric consumers, wholesalers and utilities to purchase “green power” on a notional basis without regard to the specific source of the generation. Many states also permit utilities to use REC purchases to satisfy RPS requirements. Commercial solar PV projects generate RECs that add a valuable source of revenue for repayment of financing. At the federal level, the owner of a qualifying solar facility is eligible for a 30 percent investment tax credit. The ability of the developer or financier to claim the credit effectively provides another source of cash flow from a commercial PV solar project. Without these incentives, financing solar projects might not be feasible. Presently, the 30 percent investment tax credit will expire at the end of 2008, and Congress is under considerable pressure to enact legislation to extend it. The PPA model has found a home in the commercial and municipal sector, which provides a combination of large volume rooftops and creditworthy power-purchasers. For developers, financing from major institutions most often results from the ability to aggregate projects to achieve transaction size and economies of scale, as well as attract high-quality end-users. When and how will this model find application in the residential sector? Many believe the utilities will have a hand in this development. Stay tuned. Troutman Sanders LLP www.troutman-sanders.com

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Geothermal show 2008

GEA Geothermal Trade Show 2008 October 5-8, 2008 Peppermill Hotel & Casino Reno, Nevada Show in Print Features just some of the companies and technologies attendees will see at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show.

www.geo-energy.org/2008_ts/ In cooperation with the GEA, The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) will host their Annual Meeting during this year's show. Visit www.geothermal.org for more information about the GRC. Every year, the Geothermal Energy Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trade Show hosts a wide range of companies from the US and abroad within the geothermal power industry. With dramatic growth underway in geothermal power projects nationally and internationally, the 2008 GEA Geothermal Trade Show is expected to be the largest event to date.

Cryogenic equipment Part of the Linde group, Cryostar specializes in cryogenic rotating machinery equipment for applications in industrial and natural gas, and for biogas liquefaction plants. The company recently expanded its activities with the development of its Lo-C (low carbon) products line, and is now offering expertise for CO2free power generation (pressure-let-down, geothermal, waste heat recovery, etc.) with a full range of turbo expanders. Cryostarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s installed base comprises over 130 radial inďŹ&#x201A;ow turbines and more than 60 MW installed globally, including 20 machines on natural gas distribution networks. Recently, at the Unterhaching geothermal project (in Germany), Cryostar played a crucial role by supplying a TG-500 expansion turbine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; capable of producing up to 3.7 MW electricity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and which is adapted to the Kalina-based power plant cycle. In Soultz-sous-ForĂŞts (France), Cryostar supplied a TG-400 unit for the Hot Dry Rock ORC project, which is capable of producing 2.5 MW electricity. Both of these turbines were adapted from the existing Cryostar range of turbogenerators. Cryostar | www.cryostar.com

Vaccuum pumps, compressors, and steam jet ejectors Downhole cameras and calipers

Gardner Denver Nash is a global, preeminent supplier of gas removal systems for geothermal power plants, with over 100 years of experience designing and manufacturing liquid ring vacuum pumps, compressors, and steam jet ejectors. As every geothermal resource and plant site is unique, each system is engineered for maximized performance and prolonged resource life. The company has over 90 geothermal installations operating around the world, many for over 20 years. Gardner Denver Nash | www.gdnash.com

Expro Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wireline Intervention portfolio includes a range of downhole camera systems and Kinley calipers. The camera systems offer operators a cost-effective way to see downhole. Downhole video is a proven technology, and over 5,000 video surveys have been successfully run in a wide range of oil and gas well conditions. Kinley calipers, which have been providing the oil industry with caliper data since 1913, are cost-effective and 100% mechanical â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making them the only tool available for high temperature (600Â°F) high pressure (20,000psi) work. Expro Americas LLC www.exprogroup.com

See Exproâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovation in a new light The 6IEW-AX sideview camera is Exproâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest development in high resolution downhole video technology. ViewMaxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ground-breaking technology provides the capability to view either straight down the well or to the side with a full 360-degree rotation view. It can be used in openhole or cased hole conditions and provides operators with rapid diagnosis of their problems. Find out more from EXPROGROUP COM

The Viewmax downview image shows the position of three holes in a foggy gas environment.

The sideview images reveal much more and allow a rapid diagnosis.

Solutions for well-field and cooling systems Nalco is a global leader in water and process chemical treatment services, creating value for customers by offering differentiated solutions that are ďŹ nancially, technically, and environmentally sustainable. For the geothermal industry, Nalco provides solutions for well-ďŹ eld, process, and cooling system problems associated with deposits, corrosion, and emission problems. Nalco | www.nalco.com

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show in print Geothermal pump column and thread 101 Pipe & Casing, Inc. has adapted a classic oil field 8 round thread to work on standard line pipe, as geothermal wells often operate at lower depths and in more aggressive conditions than standard water wells. Stronger and more forgiving than comparable 8V thread, the 8 round thread keeps costs down and allows for seamless integration between all other equipment. As the outside diameters of oil field pipe differ from standard line pipe, using oil field pipe can become problematic when water well pumps and heads come in standard line pipe sizes. Pipe length is another critical dimension that differs between water well and oil field pipes. Designed to meet each of these criteria, 101 Pipe & Casting has perfected the length of thread as well as the length of pipe, and their Geothermal Pump Column is engineered to be made up to very specific lengths to match the oil lubricated Tube & Shaft, which drives the pumps. 101 Pipe & Casing, Inc. www.101pipe.com

Engineering solutions for geothermal

Valve actuators for asset management Rotork’s IQ Pro electric, non-intrusive valve actuators include a powerful data-logging feature that monitors valve performance so users can forecast when valve maintenance might be required, and manage assets for maximum productivity. IQ Pro actuators are particularly useful in harsh, geothermal steam and hot water environments where valves become sticky due to seat wear and bearing contamination caused by corrosion and erosion. IQ Pro allows users to track valve characteristics over time, and store historical and current operating data including valve torque proﬁles, number of operations, valve and actuator positions, as well as performance and operational statistics. Users can download data wirelessly by pointing an intrinsically safe Rotork IQ Pro setting tool at the actuator, and can upload data to virtually any laptop PC or desktop computer. Rotork | www.rotork.com

WE DO WATER

WELL. 101 is Second to None. 101 Pipe & Casing has been an industry leader in stocking, manufacturing and fabricating prime carbon and stainless steel pipe products since 1986. Find out what our customers already know – 101 puts it all together and keeps water wells flowing. Designed Specifically for Geothermal Wells: • Pump column

As an engineering firm with expertise in geothermal power, as well as wind, solar and various other kinds of electrical power projects, the POWER Engineers team can provide a range of solutions including conceptual and detailed design, capital cost estimates, generation feasibility assessments, site assessments, advanced controls and communications systems, as well as field engineering. Recent projects include the Kalina cycle geothermal plant in Iceland and the Las Pailas geothermal project in Costa Rica, as well as a recently completed 12 MW turnkey wind farm project in Ireland. POWER Engineer’s additional geothermal capacity credits include more than 400 MW of efficient, clean new generation in countries including Turkey, Mexico, Kenya, the U.S., Indonesia, and the Philippines.

• Tube & shaft • Stainless and carbon steel casing • Slot perforated casing/well screen • Custom fabricated discharge heads & elbows • Any and all steel tubular products

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geothermal energy

Western States Lead the World in Geothermal Electricity Production Geothermal hot spots paving the way for US to become energy independent By Leslie Blodgett Desert Peak 2 in Churchill County, Nevada, has a total of 11 MW generating capacity. Photo courtesy of Ormat Nevada Inc.

olcanoes in Washington, hot springs in Alaska, deserts in Nevada…what do they all have in common? Each of these features of nature

veils the power of geothermal energy beneath the surface. In a time when communities, individuals, investors, and governments are beginning to recognize the life-saving merits of renewable energy and are seeking out ways to offset the effects of climate change – with this save-the-earth mentality – what better source to turn to than the earth itself? With strong state policies promoting renewable energy production, growing concerns about global warming, and higher energy prices, this year has seen a surge of new development. There are projects underway in over a dozen states, including those that have had no previous geothermal power production. Technology advancement has paved the way for a range of new projects, from small-scale lower temperature power to enhanced geothermal system (EGS) demo projects. Together, projects now under development will represent over $11 billion in new investment. A strong starting base

Across the west, geothermal hot spots sprinkle the map. Though much of the potential resource has, as of yet, remained untapped, some states, like California and Nevada, have gained reputations as the largest suppliers of geothermal energy in the country, and in the world. A giant in the US geothermal energy world is The Geysers field in northern California. The largest geothermal development in the world, it has been in operation since 1960 and provides power to several counties. Calpine Corporation operates the majority of the power plants at The Geysers today. Near Reno, Nevada, is another firmly established crossroads in the geothermal world. Ormat Nevada Inc. operates the Steamboat complex, which added a new plant, Galena III, in May. Strong, stable geothermal fields, like The Geysers and Steamboat, are important models for the development and enhancement of new projects, showing the clear benefits of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy does not disrupt ecosystems and it is one of the only renewables considered to be a base-load power. It is economical in the long run, providing reliable electricity for consumers, and it is homegrown, which reduces dependence on foreign oil. “Tapping into the earth’s geothermal energy resources is a clean, green, renewable process that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions and does not consume a product on the earth,” says Dan Kunz, president and chief executive officer of US Geothermal, Inc., who is currently operating, developing, or exploring geothermal potential in three western states. 34

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projects under development in a dozen states across the west. Although technological advancements are providing opportunities for expansion in new areas, this would still be tapping only a fraction of what’s possible. As far back as 1978, a US Geological study found that US capacity for geothermal energy was between 95-100 GW. More recent studies by NREL and MIT estimate even

greater potential contributions from geothermal resources. “We are in the midst of a renaissance for developing geothermal power,” says Kunz. “The industry has gone through a lot of changes in recent years as the power production process has been reﬁned and improved with new technology. Twenty years ago a number of geothermal plants were built, and then there was a

slowdown as years passed. Now, we are seeing resurgence in geothermal power production and the timing couldn’t be better. Meeting growing energy demands using cost-effective, renewable methods has never been more important.” Geothermal energy, the power of the earth, is here to stay. Geothermal Energy Association www.geo-energy.org

The Galina III plant is the newest addition to the Steamboat geothermal complex near Reno, Nevada. Photo courtesy of the Geothermal Energy Association. Celeste Eisenberg of Ormat says, “The technology is established and is environmentally sound. As global demand increases and nations move toward cleaner, more cost-effective energy sources, the market opportunity becomes greater.” It’s with this in mind that investors are looking at the geothermal industry as the country’s new gold mine. “I think the real story is the way development companies are involved in a boom of investment and activity in conventional geothermal,” says Mark Taylor, an associate at New Energy Finance, who provides research for investors in renewable energy markets.

THE REMEDY FOR GREEN IS ACTUALLY RED

Off the beaten path: new regions and new technology

Other projects are springing up in areas that have not historically had a lot of geothermal development. These projects show that geothermal is a credible option in more areas than ever before. In Beaver, Utah, Raser Technologies just broke ground for the first geothermal power plant in Utah in 20 years. The planned geothermal power plant is anticipated to produce up to 11 MW of clean renewable energy this year alone. In Oregon, there are currently no electricity-producing plants, so the projects that have sprung up will be the first to win Oregon a place in geothermal history. The volcanic power underneath Newberry Crater is being drilled by Davenport Power and, in eastern Oregon, US Geothermal is drilling on the first full-size production well at the Neal Hot Springs Project. At Desert Peak, Nevada, the Department of Energy has invested over $5 million in the first application of EGS technology. The system applies high-pressure water to allow resources to be accessed at lower temperatures. Lastly, at Chena Hot Springs in Alaska, the Department of Energy is part of an effort to explore low temperature system possibilities. Blowing the top off

As of January 2008, the total online geothermal power capacity in the US was 2936.5 MW, according to the “Update on US Geothermal Power Production and Development” released by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). This same survey found over 3,000 MW of new power

Looking for green solutions? Look no further. POWER Engineers is just what the doctor ordered for relief from the anxiety of going green. Our plant design specialists have more than two decades of experience with green power; efficient, profitable, renewable and sustainable plants including geothermal, wind, solar thermal and CHP. Fast, effective and resourceful help is simply a phone call away. www.powereng.com l 208.788.3456

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geothermal energy

Geothermal is the Future of Renewable Energy By Nicole Robson

s the world faces energy shortages and increasing demands for electricity from renewable resources versus the traditional coal, oil, and gas, geothermal energy is a valuable, largely untapped resource. Geothermal literally means, “Earth’s heat.” The earth’s heat naturally moves from hotter to cooler regions along a geothermal gradient, from the centre of the earth to the surface. Some of this heat is concentrated in the form of steam or hot water at temperatures and depths favorable to commercial extraction for the production of electricity. A geothermal plant simply converts the hot water to steam, and uses it to power a turbine. There are many beneﬁts to geothermal energy because it is a base-load power – meaning that it is producing 24 hours a day, and unlike wind or solar energy, it has the ability to be turned on or shut down when needed. Geothermal power sources produce long-term revenues with no fuel costs and no dependency on outside factors such as oil and gas supply, and prices. Leaving only a small, ecological footprint, geothermal energy has minimal impact on the environment, and requires a relatively small area

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Harnessed vs Available – Source: Bertani, R “What is Prince Piero Ginori Geothermal Potential”, International Geothermal Association, Conti and the worlds first at http://iga.igg.cnr.it/documenti/IGA/potential.pdf geothermal power station of land for production. Plus, it produces virtually no air emissions compared to other renewables, which allows the land surrounding a geothermal plant to be used for agriculture, livestock, and hunting. Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable, and reliable resource that can be tapped by many countries around the world. It has been produced as far back as 1904 in Larderello, Italy, where, at present, they produce 10% of the geothermal energy worldwide. As of 2005, there was an installed capacity worldwide of 8,933.20 MW of electricity from geothermal, and a 2007 report issued by Glitnir Bank estimated geothermal potential worldwide at 148,800 MW – this would be enough energy to power over 119 million homes. Commercial scale projects are typically found along the Pacific Rim, and are common in areas such as Mexico, Japan, Western United States, and Chile. Currently, geothermal production in the US exceeds all other countries, and is concentrated mainly within the western states. Production can be found in six states including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho, with New Mexico, Wyoming, and Oregon soon to be added to the list. As of January 2008, there was 2,936.5 MW of production operating online in the US, where California alone accounts for 2,541.3 MW. California has long been a supporter of renewable energies, driven by the State’s legislated Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (RPS), which requires a retail seller of electricity to purchase at least 20% of that electricity from renewable energy resources by the year 2010. The State government is actively considering increasing the RPS percentage to 33% by 2020. In 2006, approximately 15% of all electricity consumed in California came from renewables such as geothermal, wind, and small hydro. Geothermal is the largest non-hydro renewable energy source in California, and the state is home to the largest dry steam field in the world, The Geysers Field. With 21 geothermal power plants producing approximately 900 MW of electricity, current operators include Calpine, Ormat, CalEnergy, and Northern California Power Agency. New projects are being developed in The Geysers Field by Western GeoPower Inc. and Calpine, which could add up to an additional 100 MW of production. Another area on the Pacific Rim of fire with geothermal potential is in British Columbia. BC has not yet developed its potential for geothermal production; however, there is ongoing exploration at several locations. The Geological Survey of Canada has identified the Meager Volcanic Complex in BC as the best geothermal prospect in Canada. BC Hydro, British Columbia’s public power utility, recently completed an updated Resource Options Report of renewable energy potential in the province, which incorporated details on just four “conceptual” geothermal prospects. Subsequent to release of the report, an additional project was publicized and could be added to the conceptual category. Together, these geothermal projects total a maximum geothermal potential of some 1,550 MW according to resource estimates from BC Hydro and the project developers. Although British Columbia is a province rich in hydroelectric power resources, current power demand exceeds supply. As a result BC Hydro has been a net importer of energy for the past seven years. The province will require 1,200 MW of new capacity by 2010, increasing to over 4,000 MW by 2023. BC Hydro recently announced a call to the independent power producers (IPP’s) for 5,000 gigawatt hours of electricity from proven renewables such as geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro. This is the largest call for power since 2006 in the province, and marks further evidence of rising power demands. As the world focuses on how to lessen the impacts of global warming and combat the rising costs of oil, and gas, the tremendous untapped potential of geothermal energy will prove to play a significant role in finding an answer to the worldwide call for cleaner, sustainable energy sources. Western GeoPower Corp. | www.geopower.ca

CanGEA website change The Canadian Geothermal Energy Association’s website has changed, and is no longer www.geothermal.ca. Going forward, CanGEA’s website is www.cangea.ca.

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waste to energy

Biogas-anaerobic digester system Synergy Biopower is a range of containerized, closed-loop turnkey power plant systems (150 kW to 500 kW) which run on biogas. These power plants use biogas created from manure and other farm by-products and waste in an anaerobic digester, generating electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week for supply to a local power grid or farm operation, or both. Powerbase systems also recover valuable waste heat which can be utilized for various on farm-heating requirements. In farming applications, a Powerbase Biogas - Anaerobic Digester system will create a second stream of income, simplify manure handling, decrease electricity costs, reduce heating fuel costs, as well as reduce manure odor, water pollution, pathogens, weed seeds, and greenhouse gas emissions. The power generator site can be monitored and controlled remotely via interactive high-speed internet (ethernet, or wireless /satellite) connection. Plus, from its corporate headquarters, Powerbase can upload software revisions, download data streams of information, and control a vast array of switches, valves, contacts and equipment functions - enabling and disabling as

Nexterra wins multiple awards Nexterra Energy Corp., the Vancouver-based biomass gasiﬁcation company whose technology converts waste biomass into clean burning “syngas”, recently received both the2008 Gowlings Clean Tech Award and the 2008 GLOBE Award for Technology Innovation and Application. The Gowlings award was presented at the 23rd annual CATA Alliance Innovation and Leadership Awards Gala held in Ottawa. (www.cata.ca), and the Globe award was presented at GLOBE 2008, held this past spring in Vancouver (www.globe2008.ca) Among Nexterra’s current projects, the company in partnership with Johnson Controls, recently completed construction of a cogeneration plant at the University of South Carolina. When fully operational later this year, the $20 million USC plant will provide 85% of the Columbia campus’ energy requirements using renewable, locally sourced wood residue. Nexterra Energy Corp. www.nexterra.ca

required. From the site, ﬁeld service personnel can access Powerbase’s main terminal and perform various systems diagnostics. Powerbase Energy Systems Inc. | www.powerbase.com

A “farm-placed” Synergy Biopower containerized system takes biogas produced in a digester to run engine generators for electricity production.

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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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waste to energy

Electro-reduction of carbon:

a new approach to CO2 arbon dioxide levels in the Earth’s atmosphere are currently registering as high as 395 parts per million. This is a full 40% higher than preindustrial levels of about 280 ppm (Celsias.com, February 23, 2008). Governments and industry are now scrambling to respond to the enormous output of CO2, which is pegged at about 80 million tonnes per day, worldwide. Carbon capture and storage technologies, which would allow us to continue relying on the smokestack model of industry, are being invested in heavily, despite criticism that it may prove ultimately impractical and prohibitively expensive. There may be another method for dealing with carbon dioxide however – one that creates resource by-products. At UBC’s Clean Energy Research Centre, professor emeritus Colin Oloman and his research partner Dr. Hui Li, have discovered a process – dubbed the Electro-chemical Reduction of Carbon – that essentially electrolyses carbon dioxide gas, converting it into a formic acid. This chemical can then be used in industrial applications, or potentially in fuel cells. “Recent laboratory work has shown that reduction of CO2 to formate (HCO2), may be carried out in a tricklebed continuous electro-chemical reactor under industrially viable conditions,” explains Oloman. “Presuming the problems of cathode stability and formate cross-over can be overcome, this type of reactor is proposed for the basis of commercial operation. In particular, the

Mantra principals, at their new lab space. From left to right, Larry Kristof and John Russel of Mantra, and Norman Chow and Joey Jung of Kemetco Research.

A bench-scale unit for the Electroreduction of carbon.

potential use of CO2 -derived fuels in so-called regenerative fuel cells holds interesting prospects for future energy systems.” The Electro-chemical Reduction of Carbon (ERC) is a patent pending process, and the license to the process has recently been acquired by Mantra Venture Group, a cleantech venture capital ﬁrm out of Vancouver, BC. In April 2008 Mantra leased laboratory space to develop and scale up the ERC process, alongside other sustainability-based technology projects. Oloman continues to be involved with the research and development of ERC, which at the end of its optimization phase, is aiming to process about 100 tonnes of CO2 per day, according to recently published

By Randyn Seibold

Formic acid is a basic element of many different industrial products and processes, and is one of the most potent organic acid bases. A future Mantra project could see fuel cells re-tooled to utilize formic acid as an energy carrier, and the company has recently acquired its own research facility in which to further R&D on what they are calling a potentially “game-changing” technology. “The ERC process is a signiﬁcant shift from the idea of CCS (carbon capture and storage), which instead of trying to bury CO2, actually harnesses its useful properties,” says John Russell, Mantra’s VP of technology evaluation. “The ERC process essentially turns the current carbon dioxide management scenario from a very expensive waste to

Instead of trying to bury CO2, the ERC process harnesses its useful properties… report in a European industry journal, ChemSusChem, written by Oloman. The complete term for the process is “The Continuous Co-current Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide”. The basic premise of ERC is the treatment of carbon dioxide gas with electrical currents and water, reducing it to a solid formate, or liquid formic acid.

a productive, economical resource.” The research paper exploring the ERC process which was recently published in Europe’s ChemSusChem industry journal, notes that the electrochemical conversion of CO2 has been studied for over 100 years, with reference to the paper – Carbon Dioxide Chemistry: Environmental Issues, by W.M. Ayers, published in 1994. However, it is only recently that this research has been applied to the capture and control of the gas for the purposes of climate change mitigation. Mantra Venture Group hopes to have a commercial demonstration model of the ERC technology by the ﬁrst quarter of 2009. Other projects the company is involved in include a process which would convert wood waste into cellulosic ethanol, as well as several projects in hydrogen and windpower, and a signal smoothing technology being developed at the University of Toronto, which converts raw power into “grid standard” electricity from various renewable energy sources, including at wind farms, tidal and geothermal installations. Mantra Venture Group www.MantraEnergy.com

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Process creates mineral diesel from MSW

Rotary waste shredder The RG 70-XL industrial shredder is designed speciďŹ cally for processing waste materials for waste-to-energy, reclamation and recycling applications. These rotary waste shredders will handle paper and plastic waste, large extruder purgings and reject parts, trim scraps, baled or loose ďŹ lm, synthetic ďŹ bre, carpet, wood processing scrap, medical waste, and cardboard. The RG 70-XL features a larger rotor diameter and taller feed ram which dramatically improves the throughput and overall processing efďŹ ciency of bulky scrap materials, and other large dimension waste products. Units feature true dump and run operation, so entire containers of waste can be fed into its hopper. The hopper has a volume capacity of 10.25 cubic yards and a 70â&#x20AC;?x82â&#x20AC;? infeed opening, and its 25â&#x20AC;? diameter rotor has 84-126 cutting inserts. The RG 70-XL is powered by a 150-200 hp motor, turns at 125 rpms, and is fed by a 10-hp two speed hydraulic feed ram. VECOPLAN | www.VecoplanLLC.com.

Using a proprietary technology called KDV, Israel-based Global Energy is currently commercializing a process which produces high-quality mineral diesel from Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW), including plastic, rubber, paper and cardboard. According to the company, the end product is a high-quality diesel fuel suitable for any of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engines. Besides MSW, the process can be applied to other industrial waste feedstocks including reďŹ nery residuals such as petcock, tar and parafďŹ n, used oil from engines, organic wastes, sewerage sludge, animal manures, and glycerin. Additionally, the process works for all types of waste biomass, including such items as the body plant of corn, sunďŹ&#x201A;owers and any other crop where signiďŹ cant amounts of biomass remain in the ďŹ eld after harvesting. The KDV process utilizes proprietary technologies developed by the German company, Alphakat Gmbh and its owner, Dr. Christian Koch. The diesel fuel end-product has cetane of over 60, as compared to normal diesel oil (52) and super diesel (56), which gives engines greater power and a quieter operation. And according to this company, because the end product is a mineral, the diesel does not require certiďŹ cation from car and engine manufacturers in Europe, provided it fulďŹ lls the EU Norm. Also, because the KDV-process-produced diesel is a biodiesel it is therefore eligible for tax beneďŹ ts in certain countries. KDV is processed using closed circulation, in which the added basic materials are mixed with a catalytic converter. The catalytic converter splits the molecular chains, and diesel fuel (steam) is released. Global Energy Inc. | www.globalenergyinc.com

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Waste heat recovery installed on dissolving tank exhausts Thermal Energy International Inc. (TEI) has announced that the company has begun installation at one location and entered into the ďŹ rst phase at another, of its FLU-ACE waste heat recovery technology on a dissolving tank exhaust. The Thermal Energy FLU-ACE system was recently installed in Quebec on the Thurso Millâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dissolving tank exhaust, and according to the company, is recovering waste heat at an average rate in excess of 12 mmBTU/hr. At the second installation, the ďŹ rst phase has begun on the dissolving tank exhaust at a ďŹ ne paper mill in the northeastern US. According to TEI, a preliminarily study for the customer in 2007 estimated the capital investment of a FLUACEenergy recovery solution at approximately $3 million, with a simple payback of less than 1.5 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[The] successful FLU-ACE application on a dissolving tank exhaust opens a tremendous market for Thermal Energy, as hundreds of mills across North America have similar exhaust sources and can beneďŹ t from this solution,â&#x20AC;? said TEI President and CEO Tim Angus. Thermal Energy International Inc. | www.thermalenergy.com

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waste to energy “Green Machine” for energy recovery from low temperature waste heat

ElectraTherm, Inc. recently announced the successful installation of its ﬁrst commercial waste heat generator. The Elec-

traTherm Green Machine makes electricity from residual industrial heat that has, until now, gone to waste. Using patented heat and pressure recovery technology, ElectraTherm employs minimal heat (200 degrees F liquid) to generate fuel-free, emissions-free electricity at a very low cost: three to four cents per kW/hr during payback period, and under a penny/ kW hour thereafter. Testing of the 50kW ElectraTherm Green Machine, installed at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, by Gulf Coast Green Energy and ElectraTherm has exceeded expectations, reaching output well beyond its 50kW rating. “ElectraTherm has unlocked the power of recycling the largest source of renewa-

ble energy in the US – waste heat,” stated Richard Langson, CEO of ElectraTherm. “This technology has the power to increase electrical output at every fossil fuel burning power plant without burning oil, gas or coal, and without further pollution or damage to the environment.” The US Department of Energy reports that available waste heat sources exceed the current production of all other US renewable power sources combined – seven quadrillion Btu. With a subsidy-free payback period of three years or less, the implications on the world stage of a modular, scalable (50-500kW output) unit making electricity from unused, accessible heat are huge. ElectraTherm’s patented Twin Screw

Laser-based sensor for moisture detection Ideal for use in applications where methane is being extracted for transportation through pipelines and for conversion to biogas, such as from landﬁll applications, oil pipelines, pasturelands, forests and waste treatment plants, SpectraSensors TDL-based gas analyzer uses laser (light) absorption spectroscopy to

identify and measure one or more gases in a ﬂow of mixed gases. According to the company, the ability of advanced, laserbased sensors to detect moisture, hydrogen sulﬁde and other contaminants in gases can help smooth the way for biogas as a resource for electric utilities. The SpectraSensors’ gas analyzer line is designed to provide extremely fast and accurate readings without expensive labor and replacement costs. This is because the gas is analyzed away from the stream in a sample cell. As the laser light passes

through the gas sample in the cell, the presence of any target gas is detected and its concentration measured. The patented technology that SpectraSensors employs in its gas analyzers is tunable diode laser (TDL) based absorption spectroscopy. This is an optical measurement technology used to detect moisture (H2O), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Hydrogen Sulﬁde (H2S), Ammonia (NH3), Oxygen (O2) and others. SpectraSensors, Inc. www.spectrasensors.com

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Expander enables the Green Machine. According to the company, the expander is 1/10th the cost of a turbine as the energy block. And because the energy block generally constitutes 30 to 40 percent of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system cost, the ElectraTherm Green Machine costs approximately 30 percent less than any turbine ORC system. The unit operates without gearboxes or high end electronics required to synchronize a turbine to a generator. Plus, inline process lubrication eliminates oil pumps, ﬁlters, separator tanks, parasitic loads and maintenance issues usually associated with lubrication. ElectraTherm, Inc. www.electratherm.com

Plasma Gasification project potentially first of its kind in the US In May, Koochiching County, Minnesota announced the start of an extensive feasibility study for a Waste-To-Energy Plasma Gasification Project. The project is named the Renewable Energy Clean Air Project (RECAP), and its goal is to convert municipal solid wastes (MSW) to a renewable energy source in an environmentally sound manner. Plasma Gasification will be used to convert the organic materials in the MSW into a synthetic gas that can be used for energy use. And unlike other waste-to-energy solutions, this project would not produce byproducts that would need to be landfilled. If the project proceeds, it will be one of the first of its kind in the United States. The feasibility study will independently review all aspects of the project including environmental impacts and emissions, operational performance, and economic viability. If the county decides to proceed, the demonstration project will process over 100 tons per day of MSW using all of Koochiching County’s waste, and waste from neighboring counties in northern Minnesota. One possible user of the synthetic gas produced is a nearby paper mill located in International Falls. Heading the preliminary design work for the gasification reactor and torch design is Westinghouse Plasma Corporation, who is owned by Alter Nrg, a firm based in Calgary. The developer and project manager, Coronal, LLC anticipates taking the knowledge and system efficiencies learned from this demonstration project to build other new and larger projects in the US and internationally. According to the EPA, the US alone dumps over 140 million tons of MSW, consisting largely of organic materials, into landfills each year. Coronal, LLC | www.coronal.us Westinghouse Plasma Corp. www.westinghouse-plasma.com

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biomass & biofuels High capacity grain processor Haybuster recently debuted their new high capacity GP-50 Grain Processor, which has been built with the proven grinding technology of the Haybuster H-1100 tub grinder, but with added capacity. According to Haybuster, the GP-50 has just completed three years of testing and will be available in limited quantities for the remainder of 2008. Al Goehring, Marketing Manager for Haybuster, stated: “It is the result of many modiﬁcations to existing technology speciﬁcally designed around the demands, desires, and requests of those

that will be using the equipment on a daily basis.” The GP-50 is standard as a PTOdriven machine, but can easily be converted to electric motor drive. Units will grind all types of grain, and can be used in applications such as grinding corn for ethanol production. The GP-50 utilizes hammermill technology to provide a ﬁner product as opposed to a rollermill. The unit’s recommended horsepower requirement is 200 to 300 hp, and a 50-inch (127cm) hammermill is ﬁtted with triple ham-

mers (132 hammers) placed in a spiral V pattern for increased grinding capacity. A variable speed hydraulic folding stacking conveyor carries product away from the hammermill and belly auger. Haybuster / DuraTech Industries www.haybuster.info/clean

Tractor-pulled mobile chipping machine Designed for the treatment of forest wood residue, the tractor-pulled CHIPPO 500 is the first in a new generation of mobile chipping machines from Komptech and the very first one designed for drive power up to 500 hp (370 kW). The CHIPPO uses a gripper for grabbing material, two horizontal and two vertical rollers, together with a steel element belt, all of which work to reliably transport pre-compressed material to the unit’s rotor. A load-dependent controller regulates feed proportional to the drum speed and minimizes stop and start phases. Shrubbery as well as branch and tree-top material is pulled in continuously, without a noticable drop in rotation speed. The high rotation speed of the drum (560 rpm) ensures high throughput, and a fill volume of 120 cubic metres per hour is possible. These machines also handle wood trunks, and with the press of a button, switch to conveyor belt discharge, making more power available to the chipping process. At the same time, the drum rotation speed can be set to 400 rpm, maximizing shredding power. The entire chipping process is geared towards the production of high-quality wood chippings that conform to the norm. Komptech GmbH | www.komptech.com

Algae technology recycles smokestack CO2 GreenFuel’s algae farms are designed to proﬁtably recycle the GHG carbon dioxide found in industrial smokestack emissions. Algae that are cultured, grown, harvested, dewatered, dried, and extracted using the company’s methods can be a valuable ingredient in feeds, foods, and fuels, and especially in algae biodiesel. According to GreenFuel, unlike other energy crops,100% of algae biomass can be converted into valuable products, and it can be at least 20 times as productive as corn or soy, growing year round and harvested daily. Although algae farms need hundreds to thousands of hectares of land adjacent to their CO2 sources, they do not need agricultural land or clean water. GreenFuel recently closed a $13.9M venture capital round led by Access Private Equity, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Polaris Venture Partners. The company intends to use these funds to prepare for algae farm technology development and scaling projects during 2008. “GreenFuel’s algae farming technologies are advancing in our 100m2 bioreactors, but they are not yet fully developed or scaled. ...we expect to announce signed development and scaling projects, the arrival of our scaling CEO, and the raising of a strategic C round. These announcements will mark successful completion of our seven-step Interim Plan, begun in June 2007. GreenFuel Technologies Corporation | www.greenfuelonline.com

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biomass & biofuels

The impact of ethanol on world oil prices by John M. Urbanchuk, Director, LECG LLC

iofuels have come under withering attack in recent months. Critics contend that federal government-mandated use of ethanol and biodiesel made from grain and vegetable oil is driving up commodity prices, damaging the livestock, dairy and poultry industries, and prompting sharp increases in domestic and world food prices. Critics also charge that biofuels damage the environment and do little to ease dependence on foreign petroleum.

The reality is something altogether different. Commodity prices have indeed reached record levels, and retail level food prices have been increasing faster than the inﬂation rate. But ethanol is only one of the many factors behind high commodity prices, which include record world oil prices, strong demand for food and energy from China and India, a weak US dollar, bad weather in major commodity-producing and exporting countries, and speculation. In short, biofuels play a relatively minor role in the spike in commodity prices.

World Ethanol Production (Million Gallons) 2004 2005 3,403.9 3,905.1 3,874.0 4,244.9 658.0 747.1 924.7 924.7 325.5 290.6 1,560.3 1,599.9 10,746.4 11,712.2

US Brazil EU-27 China India All Others WORLD

2006 4,857.2 4,710.4 898.2 937.9 435.9 1,750.2 13,589.8

2007 6,487.7 5,958.1 951.1 990.8 647.3 1,907.1 16,942.1

Source: F.O. Licht, EIA

2008 8,926.0 6,895.6 1,195.1 1,017.2 607.7 1,727.2 20,368.7

2008 Share 43.8% 33.9% 5.9% 5.0% 3.0% 8.5% 100.0%

Cumulative Share 43.8% 77.7% 83.5% 88.5% 91.5% 100.0%

Critics generally fail to recognize that biofuels are increasingly important to enlarging the supply of motor fuel and reducing pressure on world crude oil supplies. The increasing global demand for oil, combined with constrained global production, means that a relatively small shortfall in the oil supply can translate into significant short-term price increases. According to the UK research firm F.O. Licht, global production of ethanol is projected to reach 20.4 billion gallons (485 million barrels) this year. In terms of energy content, 485 million barrels of ethanol are the equivalent of 320 million barrels of gasoline. So, if this ethanol were not available for use, the world’s refiners would need an additional 1.9 million barrels of crude oil per day (700 million barrels), or 2.2 percent of current world production. A gap of even this small magnitude would likely result in a short-term price increase of about 27.5 percent, which would push crude oil prices up as much as $36 per barrel to more than $167 per barrel.

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World ethanol production has nearly doubled in just the last five years. The two largest producers – the US and Brazil – account for nearly 78 percent of global ethanol production. A large share of the growth in global ethanol production is attributable to government policies aimed at improving energy security and combatting rising oil and gasoline prices, which have displeased consumers and bloated trade deficits. And global ethanol production is expected to continue growing as world crude oil prices remain high. The market for ethanol in the US has benefitted from the decision made by refiners to voluntarily remove MTBE (an oxygenate found to contaminate ground water supplies) from the market, and from the Renewable Fuels Standard provisions of recent federal energy legislation. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires that 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels – largely ethanol – be used in the nation’s motor fuel supply by 2022. This will amount to nearly 30 percent of motor fuel use. The Renewable Fuels Association says the US ethanol industry currently has the capacity to produce more than 8.5 billion gallons of ethanol annually. Plants that would account for an additional 5.1 billion gallons are currently under construction and will be producing within a few years. Ethanol does expand the quantity of gasoline available to consumers around the world. However, since ethanol has a lower energy content than gasoline, there is not a one-to-one substitution of one for the other. The btu content of ethanol is about two-thirds that of gasoline (76,330 btu/gal for ethanol compared to 116,090 for gasoline). It seems clear that the only realistic avenue available, for consuming nations that have to reduce the impact of skyrocketing oil and motor fuel prices, is to increase supply. Since the American Congress continues to refuse to authorize drilling in domestic crude oil reserves such as the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR), or offshore, biofuels represent an increasingly important tool for expanding fuel supplies and moderating prices. LECG, LLC | www.lecg.com

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Commissioning begins on first cellulosic ethanol demonstration-scale plant in US

Whole tree chipper geared for biomass

Verenium Corporation, a company involved in the development of next-generation cellulosic ethanol and high-performance specialty enzymes, announced recently that it has begun the commissioning phase at its demonstration-scale cellulosic ethanol facility in Jennings, Louisiana. “This is a first for the US and as we take the next step Verenium employee handling toward commercialization, we are breaking sugar cane bagasse biomass at new ground and setting new standards for our Verenium’s cellulosic ethanol industry,” said Carlos A. Riva, President and facilities in Jennings, LA. CEO of Verenium. Start-up activities will continue as the facility transitions into a comprehensive commissioning phase which will allow Verenium to evaluate its process for making ethanol at scale and validate cost and performance assumptions to prepare for the development of its first series of commercial plants. This phase puts Verenium on track for its goal of beginning construction in the middle of next year on a 30 million-gallon-per-year commercial plant, which according to the company, will be the first of its kind located in the southeastern United States. Verenium’s demonstration-scale plant in Jennings is rated to produce 1.4 million-gallons-per-year of next-generation ethanol that uses specialty enzymes and the Company’s proprietary technology to convert non-food biomass.

Morbark’s all-new Model 40/36 Whole Tree Chipper is designed as a compact, affordable and productive drum chipper, and is specifically geared for high volume fuel production in the biomass industry. Equipped with the same internal drive as used on the company’s horizontal grinders, along with an extra wide feed opening, the Model 40/36 aggressively feeds brushy tops and limbs. This whole tree chipper effortlessly fills a chip van to maximum legal load capacity, and at 8’6” wide, is easily transportable and requires no permits to move. Units offer low fuel consumption per ton of chips produced, and a 36” diameter by 40” wide drum holds eight knives in a staggered configuration. Additionally, Morbark’s unique IQAN system monitors engine parameters as well as hydraulic pressures and temperatures and also allows for utilization of remote diagnostics. Power options are available in CAT or John Deere, and up to 700 hp. Wireless remote control and four hydraulic stabilizers complete the package. Morbark | www.morbark.com

Verenium Corporation | www.verenium.com

Project to demonstrate that gasification can convert any biomass component One of the primary difficulties with creating biofuels from wood products is the glue-like substance called lignin found in wood. According to Steve Peretti from North Carolina State University’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, lignin is not a sugar, so fermentation methods - like those used in creating ethanol from corn, for example - don’t work. Peretti is currently involved in a three-year, $3.2 M research project, in partnership with RTI International and the University of Utah, and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Even though it’s harder to work with, Peretti calls lignin a “higher-energy feedstock almost like crude oil” that is lower in oxygen. Less oxygen, he says, translates to higher energy value per gallon. “Demonstrating that a gasification process can be used to convert any biomass component - sugars, lignin, bark and different process residues - in any combination into liquid fuels” is a major goal of the project,” says Steve Kelley from NC State’s Department of Wood and Paper Science. Unlike the common methods used to ferment sugars into ethanol, gasification processes can use almost any biomass feedstock, circumventing the issues with decay of stored biomass. Gasification processes can convert any biomass or hydrocarbon feedstock to a synthesis gas, or syngas, a reactive mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The process requires chemical catalysts to convert the syngas to the liquid fuels. During this project, Lignin will be combined with forest residues to serve as a lignin-rich feedstock for gasification and will be sent to the University of Utah, which has a pilot-scale gasifier. In the device, the material will be incinerated in little to no oxygen, producing the reactive syngas. The syngas will then be cleansed of any remaining impurities - like soot - using technology developed by RTI. The cleansed material can then be converted at high pressure into ethanol or other fuels using the RTI catalysts. “Anything that has organic molecules in it - clean wood, dirty wood, forest thinnings, bark, waste paper, solid waste, even plastics - can be used in this process,” says Peretti, and adds; “Diverting these materials from landfills to cranking out ethanol would help displace petroleum streams.”

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biomass & biofuels

First large-scale Jatophra for biofuel project is underway fter two years of meticulously researching new biodiesel fuel sources of clean energy, Global Energy Trading Company (GETCO) is ready to roll. The source: Jatropha curcas L. Call it “the little tree that could”. As many in the alternative energy industry already know, Jatropha is a weed-like shrub or small tree that can grow nearly anywhere frost doesn’t occur, has a 40-year fruit production life-cycle, is not part of the food chain supply, and requires few pesticides or fungicides. Its golf ball-sized fruit contains seeds that are pressed to extract the oil that has been used as a lighting and heating energy source for decades in communities throughout the world. With Jatropha as its designated biofuel feedstock, GETCO is now “at the point of execution in creating a capital market”, according to a recent announcement by chairman and CEO, James Fanning. To reach that goal, the company is currently working with international scientist, Dr. Esperanza Morales, and is involved in the daunting task of acquiring large tracts of land in Colombia and Peru for the ﬁrst successful large-scale propagation of Jatropha.

Through her company and other scientists under her direction, Dr. Morales, who is CEO of Live Systems Technology (LST) in Bogota, is in charge of all research, development and propagation for GETCO. She employs experienced scientiﬁc and technical teams dedicated to the study and production of microbiological products and their use in integrated pest and crop management. Dr. Morales purchased LST, formerly a division of Agrobiologicals of AgrEvo, from Bayer Crop-Sciences. LST isn’t just going to grow the designated biofuel feedstock for GETCO, it’s studying what, if any possible ill effects might befall Jatropha when planted as a monoculture on a potential 25,000 acres. “The idea is to create from seed, Jatropha curcas cultivars that will result in optimal productivity and yield,” she explained. Though used in India, Africa and other countries for many decades as fuel and for medicinal purposes, Jatropha surprisingly has never been mass cultivated. And GETCO plans to plant a lot of Jatropha. For starters, the company is in the process of purchasing 15,000 hectares (approximately 60 square miles)

for a plantation to be established in Colombia, and ﬁnalizing negotiations on a 10,000-hectare (approximately 40-square-mile) parcel in Peru.

Fields of Jatophra curcas L, a weed-like shrub that can grow anywhere frost does not occur, and which does not need agricultural land to grow.

Sustainable growth

Without the need for farming machinery, carbon emissions and land degradation are kept to a minimum. Fanning said that his company’s selfestablished environmental ethical code prohibits them from destroying any forests. So they will plant only in clusters around any existing forested areas on their properties. An added environmental benefit is that Jatropha doesn’t remove any land suitable for food crop production. And its decaying leaves enrich poor quality soils so well that the plant is already used extensively to restore vitality to barren lands. Several years ago, Fanning’s sister, an environmental chemist, introduced him to the then-new Kyoto Protocol, which created emission credits as a financial incentive for industries and governments to reduce their fossil fuel use, as well as an opportunity for savvy businesspeople like him to become energy trading brokers. It was at an Amsterdam trading conference that he discovered his new career as a broker was only a partial calling. “After that conference, I realized how serious global warming is. I thought, ‘how can we help make an impact on the threat of global warming and make money?’ GETCO partners focused on biodiesel fuel for several obvious reasons: diesel fuel’s probable long term demand, its simplistic nature to produce, and the fact that diesel engines run on biodiesel without any modifications needed. After investigation, GETCO chose Jatropha because of its many attributes. Though experts project a strong global demand for alternative feedstock from Jatropha and other sources such as waste vegetable oil, and algae (“Biodiesel 2020: A Global Market Survey,” by Will Thurmond, Emerging Markets Online Global Energy & Biofuels Intelligence), Fanning and his investors are realistic about the timing of their venture’s profitability. “We believe that to address the long-

Jatropha fruit must be hand-picked, because though it grows in clusters, each fruit ripens variably. GETCO sees this as advantageous because it can help empower poor communities with capitalistic self-determination, effectively enabling local populations to improve their standard of living, instead of eroding it due to the degradation of the surrounding environment. “Our corporate core policy is to strive to protect the local environment and at the same time, improve the living standards of the rural communities where we purchase land for Jatropha production,” says Fanning. Hand harvesting also decreases the company’s potential carbon footprint.

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term sustainability of biodiesel it’s essential not only to produce it economically – at less than the price of crude fossil oil – but also help create micro-capitalism in impoverished villages,” said Fanning. “We’re not another big corporation Jatophra seeds have been pressed to extract oil for use as a lighting and heating energy source for decades, but have never been mass cultivated.

with a feudal system that’s going to come in, take, and leave. We will improve the villages’ quality of life.” He also compares GETCO’s long-term investment thinking to the American automobile industry’s beginnings. “Henry Ford created communities for his workers with beneﬁt packages for their families. He used technological innovation and made the automobile economically viable so people could afford it.”

He added: “Our projections are based on 40-year commitments to each project. There’s no quick ﬁx answer to our growing global energy demands and our response to solving them. We know Jatropha oil is going to be one of the world’s future fuel options – if we take our time and do this right.” Global Energy Trading Company (GETCO) www.getco.la

biomass & biofuels news briefs Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. and VBV LLC, together with subsidiaries, announced in May that they have entered into a deﬁnitive merger agreement. Upon closing, the companies will combine, creating a verticallyintegrated ethanol company with expected operating capacity of 330 million gallons of ethanol per year. The transaction is anticipated to close by late summer.

Blackhawk Biofuels, LLC recently announced it has completed the acquisition of assets of a 45-million-gallonper-year biodiesel production facility under construction in Danville, Illinois, from Biofuels Company of America, LLC. As part of the signed agreement, Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG) is providing ﬁnancing, and will manage operations and staff at the Danville facility, procure feedstocks, and market the biodiesel. REG has also announced that in a recently signed purchase agreement, U.S. Biodiesel Group will invest cash and merge its largest assets into REG, including the company’s biodiesel production facility near Houston, and an existing liquid storage terminal in California. The Canadian House of Commons overwhelmingly passed a “Milestone” bill in May that will implement a national Renewable Fuel Standard, requiring ethanol and biodiesel blended transportation fuels in Canada. It is the ﬁrst legislation of its kind in the country. “Today, the House of Commons voted to grow beyond oil,” said Gordon Quaiattini, President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. “Thanks to this vote, we will lower greenhouse gas emissions, provide new opportunities for Canadian farmers, and bring about competition at the pump.”

Dynamotive Energy Systems Corporation and its subsidiary Dynamotive Latinoamericana S.A. recently announced the execution of contracts for the provision of biomass for two of its proposed plants in the Province of Corrientes in Argentina. The contract envisages the delivery by the Municipality of Virasoro, Corrientes, of 250,000 wet tonnes of biomass per year for 10 years.

The development plan envisages up to six plants with further potential within the Province of Corrientes. Dynamotive also recently signed a cooperation agreement with Marketech International Corporation (MIC) to jointly review the commercial feasibility and, if warranted, develop and construct the ﬁrst two commercial BioOil plants in Taiwan. The Companies also entered into a memorandum to explore further cooperation to develop BioOil projects in the Greater China area.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has launched Phase 2 of its biomass testing at Nanticoke Generating Station. OPG is currently testing the use of biomass as a new energy source for the province. Biomass used in OPG’s program consists primarily of wood pellets and agricultural by-products such as grain screenings and milling spoils that can be burned to generate electricity.

To date, OPG’s Nanticoke Generating Station has successfully co-ﬁred milling byproducts with coal to produce over 1.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity; enough power to meet the energy needs of 1,300 Ontario homes for one month.

At the beginning of June, leaders from the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, the European Bioethanol Fuel Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association welcomed the approach world leaders took in assessing biofuels’ role in the current world food crisis. An excerpt from their joint statement follows here: “We welcome today’s UN FAO proposal to undertake further study of biofuels in agriculture. We are conﬁdent it will underscore the valuable contribution biofuels can make to ease the energy and agriculture challenges confronting all nations. “Faced with record high oil prices and a variety of other challenges to the ready

and equitable supply of food to all peoples, it is now time to move toward sustainable solutions. Our industry recognizes that the production of biofuels provides both opportunities and challenges. We are eager to play our full part in securing a comprehensive, coordinated and, most effective strategy to ensuring both food and energy security around the world. “The growing recognition that increased use of biofuels is helping world economies address the dire impacts of record oil prices by reducing oil consumption over a million barrels of oil a day and by lessening global warming emissions is also welcome. But the industry believes that even more can be achieved. “Moving forward, we hope that the leaders of the G8 summit meeting in Japan [in July] will seriously consider the World Food Summit’s measured approach to biofuels and agree on the continued need to advance the world’s biofuels industry”

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hydro & marine energy

Marine and river energy focus of new interest group The Marine Technology Society (MTS) has created a technical interest group for individuals, businesses, and government entities interested in renewable marine and river energy. With â&#x20AC;&#x153;blue energyâ&#x20AC;? gaining the attention of businesses and governments worldwide, the MTS

Renewable Energy Professional Committee is meant to provide a home for the engineers and visionaries who are working on these technologies. According to the chair of the new committee, Burton Hamner, founder and President of Hydrovolts, Inc. of Seattle,

over 100 companies around the world are currently working on blue energy technologies. The industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s buoys, turbines, and other devices require a broad range of skills (such as mechanical and electrical engineering) and technologies (such as data sensing and transmission, structures

and moorings, ship design and construction, and subsea power-cable production and installation) which are already wellrepresented by MTS members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This new committee will add underwater power generation and turbine design to the mix of MTS membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interests,â&#x20AC;? notes Hamner. He envisions the committee helping to accelerate the production of blue energy through a diverse membership, task forces and subcommittees, as well as strategic alliances with other organizations and associations. The Marine Technology Society www.mtsociety.org

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Hydropower industry primed to contribute to energy future The hydropower industry is primed to make a substantial contribution to the clean energy future of the US, according to a recent message to Congress at a June hearing. The hearing was held by the Water and Power Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee, who has been examining the growth potential of hydropower resources. A report by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) found 90,000 MW of untapped generation potential from hydropower and new waterpower technologies across the US. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This could produce enough energy to serve the needs of 22 cities the size of Washington, DC,â&#x20AC;? stated Tim Culbertson, general manager of Public Utility District No. 2 of Grant County, Washington, in testimony before the Subcommittee. For conventional hydropower, opportunities include capacity gains and efďŹ ciency improvements at existing facilities, new small hydropower projects, and new facilities installed on existing non-powered dams. Recent statistics by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) further demonstrate growth of the industry. Currently pending before the Commission are license applications for 430 megawatts of conventional hydropower capacity, and 900 megawatts of pumped storage capacity. Another 448 megawatts of conventional hydropower and 2,783 megawatts of pumped storage are in the pre-ďŹ ling stage. National Hydropower Association www.hydro.org

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Energy Tide I Turbine-Generator Unit prototype testing complete

Innovative battery inverter for various sources

Ocean Renewable Power Company, LLC (ORPC) has successfully completed the at-sea testing of its proEastport Maine’s Western Passage. totype turbine-generator unit (TGU) with results that positively demonstrate the technical feasibility of the TGU. The testing was conducted at ORPC’s Cobscook Bay and Western Passage tidal energy sites in Eastport, ME. The $1.2 million prototype TGU demonstration project commenced last summer, and the prototype TGU and deployment barge (the ORPC “Energy Tide I”) were launched on December 8th, 2007. The initial at-sea testing involved a series of push and tow tests of the Energy Tide I while the prototype TGU was deployed 30-feet below a barge, and a full range of current flow speeds up to 8+ knots were achieved using this series of tests. The testing was concluded by securing the Energy Tide I to stationary moorings near Dog Island in Western Passage, and allowing the natural flow of tidal currents to power the TGU for a period of six consecutive days. The TGU’s testing in Western Passage confirmed the basic TGU design feasibility, including its unique horizontal configuration, and showed various very positive results with respect to the TGU’s operation. Positive results included the fact that the unit’s underwater proprietary permanent magnet generator performed flawlessly as the TGU generated electricity continuously, and in direct proportion to current speeds, throughout the range of current speeds, between cut-in and cut-out points. Plus, the TGU and its support frame was stress-tested in current speeds of over 8 knots with no excessive vibration or deformation. The sole disappointment in the testing, according to ORPC, was the output of the TGU, which was below expectations due to less than expected efficiency of the advanced design cross flow (ADCF) turbine.

SMA America, Inc. recently announced their latest battery-based inverter: the Sunny Island 5048U. Units are designed to provide continuous, reliable off-grid power from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro, with the ability to handle grid input for backup applications. The new model has the added capacity of 20% more wattage, plus a new, more intuitive, user-friendly interface. The 5048U provides continuous power of 5,000 watts at 120VAC at 25°C (or 77°F) – a signiﬁcant boost over the Sunny Island 4248U’s 4,200 watts. This makes it ideal for starting large loads such as water pumps and refrigerators. Operation is silent and virtually maintenancefree, and units can be remotely monitored. In charge mode, the 5048U can supply a connected battery with up to 100 amps of electricity. When the battery’s stored power is needed, units change to invert mode in 0.02 seconds – turning its DC input into clean AC output. SMA America, Inc. | www.sma-america.com

Ocean Renewable Power Company | www.oceanrenewablepower.com

Zinc energy storage system ZESS is a green energy storage system that is highly compatible with wind and solar for the storage and re-supply of generated power during high demand periods, and can be used to eliminate damage to utility infrastructure during peak demand periods. ZESS is manufactured from plastics that are recyclable and is available in a 50 kWh ZESS 50 model, or a 500 kWh ZESS 500 model. “The zinc energy storage system is the future of energy storage,” said Rob Parry, ZBB’s CEO. According to Parry, ZESS 50 and ZESS 500 units are designed to provide superior technical performance at a significantly lower overall cost than batteries such as traditional lead-acid, and other energy storage sources. ZBB’s core module is an aqueous flow system using a circulation loop to continuously feed reactants to the module’s three cell stacks. The ZESS 500 unit consists of ten 50kWh modules electrically configured in two series strings to achieve 500kWh of energy storage, and both the ZESS 500 and ZESS 50 models include a Power Conversion System (PCS) and an overall system control package. Units can be configured for applications in fully grid interactive systems (AC), fully grid independent systems (AC) (AC or DC for the ZESS 50), or as a chargeable system for operation with a variety of power generation sources from solar and wind to biomass and ocean power. ZESS units feature ‘plug n play’ product design, turnkey capabilities, quick installation, ambient temperature operation, and require no fuel-handling, fuel-scheduling or air permitting. Units are fully containerized, portable, accessible and space compatible for residential, commercial and industrial applications, and a modular concept allows for customization of scalable systems. ZBB Energy Corporation | www.zbbenergy.com North American Clean Energy

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eventscalendar AUGUST 2008 20-22

33rd Annual Conference Of The Solar Energy Society Of Canada & 3rd Canadian Solar Buildings Research Network Conference

Fredericton, NB – Delta Fredericton; www.solarbuildings.ca 25-28

Power Plant Air Pollution Control “Mega” Symposium Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Marriott Waterfront; www.megasymposium.org

SEPTEMBER 2008 5-6

2008 GreenSummit Pheonix, AZ – Pheonix Convention Centre; www.greensummit.net

8-10

Green Fuels Summit & Expo Toronto, ON – Metro Convention Centre; andrew@thebodisagency.com or vania@mandalagp.com

9-13

HUSUM WindEnergy 2008 Husum, Germany ; www.husumwind.com

17-19

Inaugural International Summit on Algae Biofuels New Delhi, India – ICAR Conference Facilities; www.algaebiofuelsummit.com

24-25

US Carbon Finance Forum New York New York City, NY – The Metropolitan Club; www.uscarbonﬁnance.com

Compact power unit for various applications Ideal for use in solar, wind, hydro and marine applications, HAWE Hydraulics newly redesigned KA compact power unit for intermittent service is designed for a wide range of machine tool, high pressure and clamping applications. The KA serves as a compact power supply that delivers operating pressures up to 10,000 psi (700 bar), and combines a pump, electric motor and tank in one unit, offering both minimal use of space and easy mobility. This low-expense unit has reservoir capacities up to two gallons, uses less ﬂuid, and creates less waste. The modular KA is available with single and 3-phase motors, in single or dual stage pump versions, and can work with an array of valves (directly mountable) and accessories. Vertical and horizontal installation is possible, and turnkey solutions and customized versions are available. HAWE Hydraulics | www.hawe.de

OCTOBER 2008 5-8

Geothermal Energy Association Trade Show 2008 and GRC 2008 Annual Meeting Reno, NV – Peppermill Resort Hotel; www.geo-energy.org

8-9

CSP & CPV Investment & Finance Summit 08 Madrid, Spain – Mirasierra Suites Hotel; www.csptoday.com/euﬁnance

13-16

Solar Power 2008 San Diego, CA – San Diego Convention Center; www.solarpowerconference.com

14-16

Energy from Biomass & Waste 2008 Pittsburgh, PA – David L. Lawrence Convention Center; www.ebw-expo.com

19-22

CanWEA 2008: Fast Forward to Wind Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Convention Centre; www.canwea.ca

23-24

US - Mexico Border Energy Forum XV Monterrey, Nuevo León – Crowne Plaza Hotel; www.borderenergyforum.org

27-28

Renewable Energy Finance Forum - West Seattle, WA – Grand Hyatt; www.euromoney.com

29-31

Global WindPower 2008 Beijing, China – China International Exhibition Center; www.globalwind.org.cn

NOVEMBER 2008 4-5

Canadian Hydropower Association’s Forum on Hydropower: Past, Present, and Future Ottawa, ON – Fairmont Château Laurier; www.canhydropower.org

18-19

APPrO 2008 - 20th Annual Canadian Power Conference Toronto, ON – Metro Toronto Convention Centre; www.appro.org

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

Send us your clean energy show and event listings. Email information to the Editor at kbarker@nacleanenergy.com

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Remote power management system DCL energy management technology is designed to provide immediate, wireless control of every lighting fixture in a building or multiple buildings. This product is designed to give building owners and managers the power to slash energy use during peak hours, and according to Universal Lighting Technologies, the product’s manufacturer, the first DCL customers in California have already reduced utility bills by 25 percent to 30 percent. DCL (or Demand Control Lighting) allows company’s to reduce lighting levels throughout a building with a single command. A control unit communicates with the building’s lighting ballasts at the circuit level in order to reduce power anywhere from 1 to 50 percent. DCL Systems communicate with DemandFlex ballasts on varying circuits (such as120V and 277V), and there is no need for additional two-wire low voltage control wiring, as required by many lighting control systems, making DCL an ideal fit for retrofit projects. “We’re proud to be the first lighting manufacturer to offer business owners and building managers this level of remote power management,” said Chris Dimino, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for Universal Lighting Technologies. “Between incentives from utility companies and the financial rewards of reducing power consumption, DCL can provide forward-thinking companies with a rapid return on investment – in addition to other practical and environmental benefits.”

Differential temperature controller ART•TEC LLC recently released a design revision of its Solar Differential Temperature Controller - model DTC-1. This unit now has the capacity to switch 24 Volt DC pumps in addition to 12 Volt pumps, and is designed speciﬁcally for closed loop solar heating systems in which the pump is powered by a solar panel. The DTC-1 is rated to operate from 3.5 to 30 Volts DC and can switch pump loads of up to 6 Amps. Designed to control solar powered pumps in closed loop solar heating systems, this controller will improve performance by preventing the pump from running if the collectors become cooler than the storage tank. This typically occurs on overcast days and early and late on cold days when there is enough sunlight on the solar panel to power the pump, but the collectors are not hotter than the storage tank. ART•TEC LLC | www.arttecsolar.com

Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc. | www.unvlt.com

Italian and German merger creates ALMECO - TiNOX GmbH At this year’s InterSolar 2008 in Munich, German-based MAGE Group and the Italian-based ALMECO Group announced the merger of their Coating Activities in the Solar Thermal business field. The Chairman and CEO of the Italian Almeco Group, Onorato Fiorentini, and the Managing Director of the German MAGE Industrial Group, Markus Feil, signed an agreement to integrate their activities in the Solar Thermal Industry. MAGE Group will transfer 50% of the shares of their Munich-based company TiNOX GmbH, to ALMECO Group. While the Italian firm will transfer a minority share of ALMECO GmbH, established in Bernburg, Germany, to the MAGE Group. Since 2003 TiNOX GmbH has been part of the Energy Technology Division of the MAGE Group. ALMECO recently invested in a modern production plant for high quality coatings. Due to this agreement, TiNOX GmbH will change their name to ALMECO – TiNOX GmbH and will serve as the basis for all sales and marketing activities of both groups in the Solar Thermal field. Production sites will remain based in Munich and Bernburg, and all commercial and marketing activities will be carried out in Munich, and in San Giuliano Milanese for the Italian market. After transferring the Reflective Solar Coatings (Speculars) from ALMECO, the Joint Venture is now offering two comprehensive product lines; VEGA energy – high reflectance materials for thermodynamics (e.g. solar power plants), and TiNOX-energy – highly selective absorber coatings on copper and aluminium substrates for high quality solar thermo applications. “Integrating the two group’s solar thermal activities, we plan to go far beyond the current product portfolio,” said Dr. Markus Feil, CEO of MAGE Industrie Holding AG. “The global sales and distribution networks as well as the joint R&D competences and knowledge promise interesting synergies for the development of future business opportunities of the Joint Venture ALMECOTiNOX GmbH.” Onorato Fiorentini, Almeco’s Chairman said; “In our plant in Bernburg, Germany, we have one of the world’s most technologically advanced production lines using metal-coating systems. The acquisition of 50% of TiNOX by Almeco represents a very important step for our company.”

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First natural gas conversion of two stroke engine for commercial use Energtek Inc. announced recently that in the Phillipines, a three-wheeler with a two-stroke engine has been successfully converted to operate on natural gas. Over the next year, thousands of similar small vehicles with two-stroke engines are scheduled for identical conversions as part of the company’s commercial project there. The ﬁrst converted vehicle, a Yamaha RS100T motorcycle with a locally-produced sidecar, is now operating on natural gas, utilizing Energtek’s proprietary Adsorbed Natural Gas technology. The conversion of a two-stroke vehicle engine

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47 Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP www.milbank.com

43 WEIMA www.weimaamerica.com 33 Western GeoPower Corp. www.geopower.ca

to natural gas fuel is the first recorded success of its kind for a large-scale commercial project, and the company says its natural gas tanks can be replaced in local garages in less than a minute. Adsorbed Natural Gas (ANG) technology enables hi-tech and cost-effective storage of natural gas, by maximizing the quantities of gas stored in a tank. It greatly reduces the infrastructure, fuelling, and energy costs of supply solutions to consumers where no pipeline or refuelling infrastructure is present, and according to Energtek, ANG enables new markets for motor vehicle fleets and large commercial consumers to benefit from natural gas. According to Energtek, natural gas is an available resource that can serve as an alternative to tradition fuel sources, and is the world’s cleanest fossil fuel (and arguably cleaner than many renewable fuels). Additionally, natural gas is much cheaper than oil and does not need to be refined. Drivers have long been attracted to two-stroke vehicles due to their relatively low purchase price, but many governments, including in the Philippines, because of the high pollution levels from two-stroke engines powered by gas, are now attempting to limit or completely ban their use. The Phillipines government feels the engines are so bad for the environment that they were on the verge of a complete ban.

“Energtek’s technology provides a solution for the [Phillipine’s] more than two million tricycle drivers to continue to operate their vehicles, preventing them from suffering a signiﬁcant loss of livelihood that would have been brought on had they been forced to stop using them,” said Ariel P. Lim, the Philippine President’s Special Advisor for Public Transport Affairs. “We are very excited about the conversion to natural gas of many of the country’s two-stroke engine vehicles and expect that it will drastically reduce the Philippines’ high pollution levels.” Energtek also recently announced the signing of a $25 M Joint Venture with DML PTE to commercialize and market ANG technology for use in vehicles and at factories in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Several Natural Gas bulk transportation projects utilizing Energtek’s proprietary Low-pressure Mobile Pipeline (LMP) technology have already been planned following extensive feasibility studies and will proceed to commercial stages in the coming months. Other projects will focus on the conversion and subsequent ongoing supply of Natural Gas to both large and small vehicles. Future projects will focus on the production of Natural Gas directly from refuse, which can then be supplied to industrial businesses as an energy source, and on the manufacture of special ANG ships. Energtek | www.energtek.com

Net metering legislation to help future of wind energy in NY state Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc. (SED) continues to make renewable energy education and growth its goal in the northeastern US. The most recent step in doing so was the company’s part in the passing of net metering bills in the state of New York. According to SED, these bills will not only generate more interest in renewable energy, but will give those pioneers who have already taken the bold step to use wind energy a reward for their choice to go green. Net metering allows electricity customers who have installed renewable energy generating systems, such as a wind turbine, to receive retail credit when they produce more electricity than they use. The old policy only allowed electricity customers to receive wholesale credit, which is typically half the value of retail credit. This policy ensures a fair return for customers who choose to invest in renewable energy. Specifically this legislation would allow non-residential customers with generators of up to 2 Megawatts and farmers with generators up to 500 Kilowatts to receive these benefits. Currently full retail net metering is only provided to residential and farm projects up to 10kW. This new net metering legislation allows a larger portion of the State’s ratepayers to harvest the financial benefits of wind energy projects and to contribute to the State’s growing renewable energy industry. NY Senator George Maziarz, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, was the voice and driving force behind the passing of the net metering bills. According to SED, Maziarz along with fellow NY Senator Mike Nozzolio and his staff, relied on the knowledge that their company has earned in over six years of working with successful renewable energy policies in states like Massachusetts. Kevin Schulte, SED’s VP for Business Development, and one who played a significant role in helping the Senator’s efforts to pass the net metering bills said; “I believe that net metering can be the tip of the spear to a vibrant on site wind energy market here in New York State. This policy can increase the economic benefits of onsite wind power by 30% or more for schools, industry, farms, government facilities and more.” Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc. | www.sed-net.com

nacleanenergy.com

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