Welcome to the Green Chip Review's Weekend Edition — our insights from the week in everything renewable energy and cleantech, as well as links to our most-read Green Chip Review and sister publication articles.
Emissions continued to be a driving theme this week. And that's expected, given the rapid approach of high-level climate talks in December. This meeting to be held in Denmark is known as COP-15.
Billionaire George Soros was in Denmark over the weekend to offer a bit of foreshadowing. It was there that he announced a $1 billion personal foray into the cleantech space. He'll invest $1 billion of his own money for profit, while funding his newly-created Climate Policy Initiative with an additional $100 billion.
He also underscored the need for swift action on climate change.
Goldman Sachs also extended their reach into the carbon game this week by selling $12 million worth of carbon credits in conjunction with offset provider Blue Source. The credits were sold to CE2 Carbon Capital.
This is another anticipatory move ahead of international climate talks and pending U.S. legislation in the same vein. As you know, the House passed a climate bill back in June. And it was announced this week by Barbara Boxer that her committee will pass a companion bill that could hit the Senate floor by December.
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"Certainly before Copenhagen," she said. While it would be nice. . . I doubt we will see passage of such a bill until next year, what with everyone's attention still firmly on health care.
But the week wasn't all about emissions. . . the solar sector fell victim to some conflicting news this week, too. On Sunday, Reuters reported that a leadership change in the German government would not lead to a slashing of their support for solar.
According to the source, a member of the new party coalition: "We're not going to take an axe to the EEG and we obviously won't agree to any changes that would damage such an important sector."
But by midweek, solar stocks were trading lower, based on rumors that the new government would, in fact, drastically alter the German tariff model. I'd have to say this was a case of solar bears exercising their right to free speech in an attempt to sway the market.
I suppose we'll learn the truth soon enough.
But rumors weren't enough this week to deter two of the world's largest industrial conglomerate from taking bold action in the sector. . .
GE announced it is taking a stake in Israeli start-up SolarEdge, which is promising increased module efficiency, and also in Tendril, a maker of communication equipment for the smart grid.
For its part, German-based Siemens announced a $418 million acquisition of Solel Solar Systems Ltd., yet another Israeli solar company.
I guess market rumors aren't nearly enough to scare away these juggernauts from what they know is a profitable sector.
In case you missed any of this week's most-read Green Chip articles and those from our sister publications, you can catch up on them, below.
Call it like you see it,
Nick
Investing in Battery Stocks: Making the Sun Shine at Night
Green Chip Review Editor Nick Hodge discusses investing in battery stocks after major global electronic companies take a plunge into the sector.
Siemens Wind Turbines: $888 Million for New Siemens Wind Turbines
Editor Jeff Siegel discusses how millions of dollars worth of orders further solidify Siemens's position as a leading turbine supplier.
Wind Power Stocks: How Wind Energy Leads to Yachts
Energy & Capital Editor Nick Hodge comments on recent renewable energy activity with special focus on the rapid expansion of wind energy and wind power stocks.
Make 32% a Month: How to Profit with Booming Cleantech and This System
Green Chip's Nick Hodge reveals how to use a new system to capitalize on the cleantech boom. So far, his readers have reported earning 32% in 30 days by using it! This system is sure to deliver more winners as more capital pours into the sector.
California Water Crisis: "Water is Our Future; Water is Our Economy," Governator Says
Editor Sam Hopkins reports from San Francisco on California's potential $9.4 billion addition to the water stock bull market.
On December 7, a group of the world's most influential leaders in politics, business, and policy will meet in Denmark to discuss the future of energy. What you should know about an event that could earn you a piece of a global market worth a staggering $45 trillion. . .
Cleantech Investing: Soros Pays $1 to Go Green
Wealth Daily Editor Nick Hodge discusses billionaire George Soros's recent $1 billion foray into clean energy.
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I am of the opinion that currently, this is one sector where the small investor can still get in at ground floor and ride this to some stunning heights. There is literally only a handfull, less than 20 miners in the world, all juniors,who currently have major deposits of these essential materials. And none of them outside of China, yet have major operational mines or ore processing. Only a couple have actual product facilities. This is where the really big international money will keep the lid on, until they have made their acquistions.
I think that soon after this COP 15, you will begin to hear of major financial institutions like those mentioned above, gobbling up whole companies and mining interests in a move to monopolize the supply and producers of magnets, batteries, superefficient energy transmission and storage, and even high tech insulation.
So do some DD on the REE industry and junior mining companies. BottomFish has a virtual complete list of these companies on its home page.
This is just one opinion of an old man, but the facts may convince you.