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All CleanTech Sectors Rake in Top Dollars in 2006

By Candace Stuart and Linda HitchcockAlmost half of the 11 segments tracked by the Cleantech Venture Network had a deal that exceeded $50 million in 2006, according to a preliminary analysis of the year’s activities. Three of the four energy-related categories captured more than $100 million each in a single deal, and even segments that historically attract smaller deal sizes received venture financing above the average venture capital investment* in 2006.Below is a list of top deals by segment, ranked by amount. The selection is based on information that was compiled and verified through Dec. 21.Energy Generation Cilion Inc., a California-based ethanol company, received more than $200 million to operate modular ethanol plants that it claims will be less expensive and greener than standard corn-to-ethanol plants. Cilion was formed in June through a partnership of Western Milling, a grain milling business, and Khosla Ventures, a venture capital firm. Cilion’s goal is to have eight plants in production by 2008. Three of those likely will be in California. In a deal unveiled on Sept. 12, Cilion announced that it raised $200 million in a round that included Khosla Ventures, Western Milling, Virgin Fuels, Advanced Equities Inc. and Yucaipa Companies.Energy Infrastructure Everyone […]

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Transport for the Future

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Changing our energy infrastructure may seem daunting, but remember, it's only 100 years old - and that in life, the only real constant is change.

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Swiss Re Rebates Employees to Reduce Carbon Footprint

As part of the Clinton Global Initiative, Swiss Re, one of the world’s largest reinsurers, has decided to support measures taken by its employees that contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Under it’s new “COYou2 reduce and gain” program, which runs through 2011, Swiss Re will pay for half the costs for employees to implement measures that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in relation to mobility, heating and electrical energy. Qualifying measures include the purchase of hybrid cars, use of public transport, and the installation of solar panels or heat pumps. According to Ivo Menzinger, Head of Sustainability & Emerging Risk Management, who is in charge of the “COYou2 reduce and gain” programme, “Swiss Re is actively engaged in mitigating climate change and its consequences. This programme is an investment that will encourage our employees to make a personal contribution and further raises awareness of the issue.” In 2003, Swiss Re declared that it would make its own operations carbon neutral by 2013. Website: http://www.swissre.com     

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SunOpta Projects Strong Growth for 2007

SunOpta Inc. (NASDAQ:STKL; TSX:SOY) announced its financial guidance for the calendar year 2007. Revenue is expected to be in the range of US$740 – $760 million, an increase of about 25% over projected 2006 results (prior to acquisitions). SunOpta intends to continue its current acquisition program which has added $100 – $125 million in annual revenue each year over the last several years. Net profit per diluted common share, prior to any acquisitions, is expected to be in the range of $0.35 – $0.40 per share in 2007 reflecting continued growth, further leverage in selling, general and administration costs, and improved margins resulting from product mix, cost reduction projects including automation and high plant utilization. About SunOpta Inc. SunOpta Inc. is an operator of high-growth ethical businesses, focusing on integrated business models in the natural and organic food, supplements and health and beauty markets. The Company has three business units: the SunOpta Food Group, which specializes in sourcing, processing and distribution of natural and organic food products integrated from seed through packaged products; the Opta Minerals Group, a producer, distributor, and recycler of environmentally friendly industrial materials; and the SunOpta BioProcess Group which engineers and markets proprietary steam explosion technology […]

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