Green Investing News

November 2005 News Archives

Hydrogen on the Highway: Driving a Fuel-Cell Car - 2005-11-30
Test driving hydrogen prototypes in California.

New Plant Doubles Its Ethanol Production - 2005-11-30
At Merrick & Company's new ethanol recovery plant, which opened at Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado, Merrick is to purchase the alcohol condensate waste stream from the brewery, upgrade it to fuel-grade ethanol, and sell it to Diamond Shamrock

Solar Installers Needed in Connecticut - 2005-11-30
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for firms to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in private residences in Connecticut.

UK Government to Review Current and Future Energy Policy - 2005-11-30
Major issues will include a continuation of the UK's ambitious renewable energy goals and the possible use of nuclear energy to help bolster carbon-free energy supplies.

Circular economy to lead new round of China's economic growth - 2005-11-30
China's top lawmaking body, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, plans to enact a law to promote a recycling-based economy. A draft of the law will hopefully be ready for deliberation in 2007.

Prominent Nevadans Launch Renewable Energy Company - 2005-11-30
In the wake of President Clinton's recent call to make Nevada the "alternative energy capital of the world," a group of prominent Nevadans has launched a new company to do just that.

SC Johnson, EPA Partner to Design Eco-Products for the Home - 2005-11-30
SC Johnson has entered into a voluntary partnership with The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the agency's Design for the Environment (DfE) Program

New Jersey Considers Doubling RPS Mandate - 2005-11-29
New Jersey already has the most generous solar incentives in the nation, and if new policies are adopted to the state's broad requirements, solar and all renewable energy technologies will stand to gain greatly over the next decade and beyond.

Seattle pumps up biodiesel sales - 2005-11-29
With gasoline prices to wallet-busting ranges and petroleum tainted in many minds by violence in the Mideast, demand for biodiesel is booming.

Carbon, Clean-Tech and Sustainable Markets Set to Attract Trillions - 2005-11-29
A newly formed alignment of legal, financial, and investment interests will direct "trillions" of U.S. dollars over the next 10 years into evolving markets linked to climate change, clean technology and sustainable use of natural resources.

BP Plans New Division with Clean Energy Focus - 2005-11-29
Already a major player in the solar photovoltaic field, BP now intends to double its investments in the entire umbrella of alternative and renewable energy technologies through a new division called BP Alternative Energy.

Green Roofs In Winter: Hot Design for A Cold Climate - 2005-11-29
A University of Toronto researcher has delivered the first-ever analysis of green roofs' ability to keep buildings warm in winter.

Enbridge to Develop 200 MW of Wind Power in Ontario - 2005-11-28
Enbridge will develop 200 MW of wind power on the eastern shore of Lake Huron in Bruce County, Ontario.

UK Consumers Now Spending Over GBP3 Billion to Combat Climate Change - Co-operative Bank Urges UK Go - 2005-11-28
Figures from the Bank's annual Ethical Consumerism Report show that the proportion of consumers considering the environmental impact of their purchasing has increased by 11 percentage points to 66 per cent, with individual expenditure to tackle climate ch

Solar power doesn't go out after a hurricane - 2005-11-28
Among the many solutions to hurricane power outages, one that has gotten little attention is the use of solar energy.

Landmark Solar Project Takes Cues from Nature - 2005-11-28
One of the most unusual sustainable buildings in the world, designed on nature's architecture and generating energy from daylight, was launched last week in a light show at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Bates Commits to Renewable Energy for All of Its Electricity - 2005-11-28
Bates College will purchase its entire electricity supply from renewable energy sources in Maine, specifically biomass generating plants and small hydroelectric producers.

Progressive climate policy is good business - 2005-11-28
On Dec. 6, a gathering of technology business leaders will attend a first-of-its-kind event at Stanford University to bridge the worlds of climate policy and commerce.

Report backs belief that environment is good for business - 2005-11-25
Better checks and balances could save British business almost £6 billion a year, according to a report published by Europe's regulators.

California settles on clean coal future - 2005-11-25
California energy regulators have approved new standards that embrace what’s known as clean coal and preclude importing electricity from conventional coal-burning power plants

Siemens to Build Geothermal Power Station in Germany - 2005-11-23
Germany isn't the first place that comes to mind when considering new geothermal power development, but that's exactly what's planned through a new arrangement between industrial giant Siemens and a community near Munich, Germany.

Brascan Power Awarded Wind Power Project in Ontario - 2005-11-23
This 90 MW project is an expansion to Brascan Power's 99 MW Prince Phase I Wind Energy Project, announced in November 2004, and is due to be operational in autumn 2006.

Government/Industry Biofuels Roundtable Develops 15-Point Action Plan - 2005-11-23
The French Government is accelerating its efforts to develop alternative energies in order to reduce national oil consumption and limit France’s energy dependence.

Affordable housing goes 'green' - 2005-11-23
Such homes may cost more to build, but cities are encouraging them for their long-term savings.

Deal Sets up 600 MW of Wind Turbine Manufacturing in the U.S. - 2005-11-22
Gamesa Wind US LLC, has been selected by Horizon Wind Energy, a wind energy developer owned by Goldman Sachs, for the supply of up to 600 MW of wind turbines for projects located in the U.S.

Goldman to Encourage Solutions to Environmental Issues - 2005-11-22
The big investment banking firm has announced a policy that details how its 24,000 employees - be they bankers, analysts or purchasing agents - should promote activities that protect forests and guard against climate change.

Saving the Environment, One Quarterly Earnings Report at a Time - 2005-11-22
This year, Wal-Mart, Wild Oats Market and many other retailers, as well as food suppliers like Del Monte and Newman's Own Organics, all embraced corn-based packaging for fresh produce.

Cline Cellars Throws the Switch to Solar Power - 2005-11-22
This week a 411 kW solar array for the Cline Cellers' winery operations reached substantial completion.

New York Adopts Biofuels Initiative - 2005-11-22
New York Governor George E. Pataki announced a major initiative to increase the production of biofuels in New York State, part of a comprehensive plan to develop and expand markets for ethanol and other biofuels, and help reduce the state's dependence on

Sharp Solar Panels Make Prime Time - 2005-11-22
Sharp Electronics, the U.S. subsidiary of Sharp Corp., donated a 4.5 kW system solar energy system which, together with a 1 kW wind generator, will generate the electricity for heat and hot water in a family's house reconstruction to be televised in Janua

A Shift in Wind Power? - 2005-11-21
European outfits have dominated the fast-growing market. With the U.S. and others looking to renewable energy, that dynamic may be changing

UNEP and Beijing sign pact for green 2008 summer olympics - 2005-11-21
The 2008 Games will promote and respect a healthier environment under an agreement signed today by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games.

Lawmakers Push for Solar Credit Extensions - 2005-11-21
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reported some subtle successes last week in their campaign to secure a long-term extension for solar tax credits.

Parliament wants 60-80% less greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 - 2005-11-21
Ambitious future greenhouse gas emissions targets, a European ecotax by 2009 and mandatory targets for the road and aviation sectors are the main elements of a climate change report adopted by the Parliament.

GERMANY: BMW makes cost savings through its ‘Clean Production’ programme - 2005-11-21
BMW has been drastically increasing investment in environmental protection measures at its plants, and has made major cost savings as a result. In 2004 it invested EUR34.2m, up from EUR5m in 1998.

Nearly Two-Thirds of Americans Have Tried Organic Foods and Beverages - 2005-11-21
The 2005 Whole Foods Market Organic Trend Tracker Finds More Than One Quarter of Americans Eat Organics Several Times per Month and They’re Consuming More Now than Ever Before

Business seeking Kyoto guidelines - 2005-11-21
In a remarkable about-face, some of the biggest names in Canadian business are now embracing the Kyoto Protocol.

San Francisco Mayor Kicks off New Solar Project - 2005-11-21
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom joined southeast community leaders and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to 'flip the switch' and officially begin operation of a new 255 kW solar electric system at the Southeast Wastewater Treatment P

Wind power projects eyed for Maine - 2005-11-21
At least four major projects are proposed for Maine, more than ever before. More than a dozen are on the table elsewhere in the region.

Green housing just taking root: report - 2005-11-18
Canadian housing developers are only just beginning to see the golden potential in "green" building, a recent housing market analysis suggests.

Fuel Cell Wastewater Treatment Plant to Run Methane - 2005-11-18
FuelCell Energy's (FCE) European partner, MTU CFC Solutions GmbH, and RWE Fuel Cells commissioned a high-temperature municipal wastewater treatment power plant incorporating FCE's technology in northeastern Germany to operate on sewage gas.

New Jersey Municipalities Back Renewable Energy - 2005-11-18
During the first state meeting of elected officials since the gubernatorial election, one issue of particular concern to many of the Garden State's cities, towns and villages was the best way to manage energy costs in the face of rising natural gas prices

Wind Power Project Slated for Chinese Mainland - 2005-11-18
CLP Power Asia has concluded commercial arrangements for a wind power project of 19.5 MW at Weihai on the coast of Shandong Province.

Senate Group Unveiling Oil-Saving Plan - 2005-11-17
Efforts to stem America's appetite for oil, nearly two-thirds of it imported, is getting new attention in Congress with a push from an unusual coalition of environmentalists, evangelical Christians and conservatives.

62 MW Solar PV Project Quietly Moves Forward - 2005-11-17
BP's solar-energy division has remained surprisingly quiet about a solar photovoltaic (PV) energy project destined for Portugal that would dwarf any silicon-based solar project ever constructed.

Dow Corning Expands Silicon Production - 2005-11-17
Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation -- which claims it is world's leading producer of polycrystalline silicon -- will begin construction of a $400-$500 million expansion at its Hemlock, Michigan, headquarters in December.

New Software Aims to Speed Green-Building Certification Process - 2005-11-16
As the number of businesses and organizations interested in sustainable green buildings increases, Johnson Controls, Inc. has developed software intended to simplify building certification.

Replenished Hope and Funds for California Solar - 2005-11-16
The recent proposed decision in California would add $300 million to the Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), a pot of money available for systems 30 kW and larger typically installed on businesses.

UK Law Could Streamline Renewable Energy - 2005-11-16
UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks outlined the Government's broad support for Mark Lazarowicz's Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Private Member's Bill, which had its second reading in the Commons this week.

Biodiesel Production Expected to Triple - 2005-11-16
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) anticipates 75 million gallons of biodiesel production in 2005, three times the 25 million gallons produced in 2004.

Ocean Energy Devices Deployed in Two Oceans - 2005-11-15
Today's Top Story Ocean Energy Devices Deployed in Two Oceans Ocean energy is making slow but steady progress. New Jersey-based Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) this week announced deployments of two of its ocean energy devices in two oceans, at sites o

Export Financing for Renewable Energy and Water Projects - 2005-11-15
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is offering export financing on repayment terms up to 15 years for U.S. exports of goods and services used in certain renewable energy and water projects.

Report Cites Benefits of Adopting Renewable Energy - 2005-11-15
A coalition of Virginia renewable energy stakeholders, led by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), released a report that outlines how adopting mandatory renewable energy legislation will save Virginians $30 million dollars in energy costs over t

Organic market soars to more than £1bn led by direct-from-the-farm sales - 2005-11-15
Britain's organic food revolution is spreading across all sectors and social classes, according to new figures which show that the market has surged well past £1bn a year.

EarthFirst Technologies Enters Global Biodiesel Industry - 2005-11-14
EarthFirst Technologies (EFTI), which formed EarthFirst Americas (EFA) to expedite international deployment of its technology, announced the manufacture and distribution of biodiesel produced from soy, rapeseed and palm fruit to customers in the U.S., Lat

1800 MW Formally Submitted for UK Offshore Wind - 2005-11-14
The UK offshore wind industry is making significant progress in its second phase of development with the recent submission for permitting approval of a new 300 MW project -- the third in the current roster of new offshore wind farms.

Hybrid Cabs Debut in New York City - 2005-11-14
Hybrid taxis that get double the gas mileage of traditional cabs while generating far less pollution have begun rolling in small numbers on New York's streets.

Renewable Energy Bill Introduced for Wisconsin - 2005-11-14
Lawmakers in Wisconsin have introduced new legislation aiming to increase the use of renewable energy in the state. The bill includes renewable energy mandates for utilities and state government.

UK Announces Consent Process for Wave and Tidal Projects - 2005-11-11
The UK Government just announced its new and official consent process for wave and tidal demonstration projects in England and Wales, a move expected to allow the marine industry to make increased progress in this growing renewable energy field.

Clarkson U. Research Improves Economics of Biodiesel - 2005-11-11
The goal of NextGen Fuel Inc. is to build technology based on its research that will advance alternative energy production and create a more cost-effective approach to making biodiesel.

Illinois Launches Community-based Wind Power Loan Program - 2005-11-10
Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced the launch of a $4 million Renewable Energy Development (RED) Fund that will support community-scale wind-energy projects throughout Illinois.

Global Renewable Energy Investments Top $30 Billion - 2005-11-10
Global investment in renewable energy set a new record of $30 billion in 2004, according to a report released by the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21).

Breakthrough on Vapor Deposition Could Improve Solar Cell Production - 2005-11-09
The University of New Hampshire and GT Solar Technologies were recently awarded a U.S Air Force grant to commercialize a new process with a host of potential applications, including lowering the cost of photovoltaic cells and shielding electronics from in

Floating Concept Debuts for Offshore Wind Farms - 2005-11-09
Hoping to open up offshore wind power to the strongest winds in the oceans, a Norwegian company is experimenting with ways to float large commercial turbines in deeper offshore waters.

Canada Calls for More Renewable Energy to Reduce Greenhouse Gas - 2005-11-09
New government initiatives in Canada encourage renewable energy power producers, individuals and industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase business opportunities, said Stephane Dion, Environment Minister, at the Canadian Hydropower Associat

Two California Staples Stores Go Solar - 2005-11-08
SunEdison and "SunE Solar Fund I" have financed and installed two solar power systems totaling 560 kW at two Staples, Inc. distribution facilities in Ontario and Rialto, California. SunE Solar Fund I is a $60 million fund created in June 2005, to install,

Sen. Obama Proposes National Renewable Biodiesel Standard - 2005-11-07
Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) introduced legislation calling for a Renewable Diesel Standard that would require 2 billion gallons of diesel alternatives by the year 2015 to help lessen national dependence on foreign oil.

In hot pursuit of Yoga Mamas - 2005-11-07
She's busy and choosy, but reach her, and you tap into her network, too

Trends Emerge for U.S. Wind Power Markets - 2005-11-07
Last week, more than 215 representatives from major debt, equity, and private equity investors came together with wind energy project developers at the American Wind Energy Association's second annual finance and investment workshop to hear the latest inf

Sharp and Sandia National Labs Secure Research Partnership - 2005-11-04
Sharp Corporation, the largest producer of solar photovoltaic modules in the world, recently signed its first major research partnership with a U.S. government research laboratory.

Russia to Reap Rewards from Renewables - 2005-11-04
With REEEP's new secretariat in Moscow, renewable energy and energy efficiency programs in Russia and Former Soviet Republics (FSU) will benefit from an exchange of expertise with the rest of the global energy community.

City Mandate Could Spur 8 MW of New Solar - 2005-11-04
The Roseville, California's City Council approved a first-ever program aimed at building 20 percent of all new homes with solar panels and other cost-saving energy efficiency measures.

Biodiesel for Both Sides of the Border - 2005-11-04
Thanks to a $69,777 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant, the Washington Technology Center's Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative will launch a project to convert waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel for utility line trucks that operate alon

Department of Defense Funds $53 M Solar Program - 2005-11-03
The last public display from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program pitted teams from across the country in designing autonomous, remote-controlled vehicles to travel hundreds of miles through the desert.

Few Barriers for Renewables says U.S. Trade Commission - 2005-11-03
Few barriers exist in the market for renewable energy services, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in its study Renewable Energy Services: An Examination of U.S. and Foreign Markets.

Commercial Wind Farm Unveiled for Washington State - 2005-11-02
PPM Energy announced the start of construction of the Big Horn Wind Project near Bickleton, Wash. The 200 MW Big Horn project is expected to be commercially operational in the summer of 2006.

NREL, Utility Agreement Focuses on Home Energy - 2005-11-02
A partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) will move forward energy-efficient home construction in California while advancing energy-efficient home

Canada Opens New Run-of-River Hydro Facility - 2005-11-02
With construction complete, water is spiraling down 145 meters of tubing to spin turbines at a new 25 MW "run-of-river" hydroelectric project in British Columbia.

Regulators Approve Major California CSP Solar Project - 2005-11-01
This week the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a contract for the initial deployment of 500 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP), with expansion options up to 850 MW.

Half MW Solar PV System for NJ University - 2005-11-01
New Jersey's best-in-the-nation solar rebates continue to drive a robust market in the state. Monmouth University's Board of Trustees said that installation will begin on the largest solar electric system at any New Jersey university in the next few weeks

What Is Organic? Powerful Players Want a Say - 2005-11-01
Through a deal with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Newman's Own, McDonald's will soon be serving a coffee that comes from organic beans and is certified Fair Trade because it meets higher standards in the treatment of coffee workers.