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ConocoPhillips, ADM Form JV for Next-Generation Biofuels

Oil giant ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and ag giant Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) announced they will collaborate to develop renewable transportation fuels from biomass. The alliance will research and seek to commercialize two components of a next-generation biofuel production process: The conversion of biomass from crops, wood or switchgrass into biocrude, a non-fossil substance that can be processed into fuel; and The refining of biocrude to produce transportation fuel. “ConocoPhillips believes that the development of next-generation biofuels is a critical step in the diversification of our nation’s energy sources,” said Jim Mulva, chairman and chief executive officer, ConocoPhillips. “We are hopeful that this collaboration will provide innovative technology toward the large-scale production of biofuels that can be moved efficiently and affordably through existing infrastructure.”

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Solon to Increase Capacity to 500 MW

Germany-based SOLON AG (SOO1.DE), one of largest solar manufacturers in Europe, announced plans to expand production capacity from 210 MW coming online by the end of year, to 500 MW by the end of 2008. Solon plans to invest about EUR 40 million in the expansion, which will occur at existing facilities.

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Federal Energy Bill in Process Isn't Enough

In the Democratic debate which took place last night at Dartmouth University, we were again astonished (although we’re getting used to it) that there was no meaningful discussion about how the candidates plan to deal with climate change or any other environmental issue. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Democratic and Republican committee staffs are continuing a bipartisan exploration of the House (H.R.3221) and Senate (H.R.6) energy bills. An analysis released today by Environmental Defense shows that even if the energy legislation under consideration is passed by the House and Senate, greenhouse emissions would continue to increase for the next three decades – even if the best fuel-saving and renewable energy provisions in both bills were combined in conference committee. The analysis underscores the urgent need for this Congress to pass comprehensive climate change legislation that reduces emissions far below today’s levels by the middle of this century. “Most scientists say we need to cut emissions around 80% below current levels. These bills cut 0% below current levels,” said Steve Cochran, national climate campaign director at Environmental Defense. “They certainly have important provisions and we hope they pass, but they cannot be the last word on climate change from this Congress.” “These […]

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EPURON Enters the American PV Market

At SolarPower in Long Beach, an American trade fair for renewable energy, EPURON GmbH conclued a power purchase agreement with Exelon. The company is one of the largest electricity suppliers on the American East Coast. The agreement includes the purchase of solar power by Exelon. EPURON, a daughter company of Conergy AG, which is listed on the stock exchange, has thereby established itself on one of the most important global markets for renewable energy. The aim in the next few months is to develop and finance solar energy projects with a total output of about 10 megawatts, which corresponds to an investment volume of at least 65 million US dollars. The power that is fed into the grid will be generated at a 3 megawatt photovoltaic plant which EPURON is developing in Pennsylvania. SunTechnics, another Conergy Group company, has been contracted to build the photovoltaic plant in Morrisville, Bucks County. The plant will generate 3,700,000 kWh of electricity per year; that’s enough to supply power to about 400 US households. “With this power purchase agreement, we have reached a milestone in opening up the US market. We will develop and finance one of the largest photovoltaic plants in the country. […]

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Conti Launches Spin-off for Wind Power Projects

A 100-year-old construction and engineering firm has spun off a new business to help developers engineer, construct and commission wind power projects in North America. The Conti Group, based in New York, has formed Alternity Wind Power LLC. The spin-off will work with early stage wind project developers, landowners, turbine manufacturers, utilities and local communities to develop wind farms with capacities of 50 megawatts and greater. It plans to build a portfolio of more than 2,100 megawatts of wind power capacity by 2012, said Jack Gelman, president and CEO of Alternity Wind Power.

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