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Check out the Canadian Association for Socially Responsible Investment

The Social Investment Organization is a national network committed to integrating social responsibility and environmental sustainability with investment. We are a membership-based organization that includes financial institutions, investment firms, financial advisors and investors. Our members serve more than half a million depositors and investors in Canada.

The SIO's mandate is to promote the practice of socially responsible investment (SRI), which includes screening on social and environmental issues, shareholder advocacy to improve corporate responsibility and community investment to help local development.

SIO members believe that SRI represents a useful tool to improve investment returns and to reduce risk. It is also a powerful catalyst to help make corporations more responsible and sustainable.


Call to Action: You have a right to know how your pension is invested


Call to action: The SIO is calling for rules to require federal pension plans to lift the veil on their social and environmental policies and how they use the power of their shareholder votes.



About the Social Investment Organization

Established in 1989, the Social Investment Organization is the national non-profit association for the socially responsible investment (SRI) industry in Canada. It is funded primarily from membership dues and is accountable to its membership. The SIO has more than 400 members across Canada, representing the following:

Socially- and environmentally-screened mutual funds and their staff

Financial institutions providing socially responsible investment products or operating according to corporate social responsibility principles

Investment advisors providing advice and assistance on socially responsible investment

Investment managers managing socially responsible investment assets

Institutions investing according to socially responsible investment guidelines

Retail investors investing according to socially responsible investment guidelines

Non-governmental organizations and other groups with an interest in responsible investment

Our members serve more than half a million depositors and investors in Canada.

The mandate of the SIO is fourfold:

To take a leadership role in furthering the use of social and environmental criteria within the investment community in Canada.

To raise public awareness of socially responsible investment

To establish the case for environmental/social analysis with other investment organizations.

To provide a forum and information source on socially responsible investment for our members and the public

The Social Investment Organization defines SRI as the process of selecting or managing investments according to social or environmental criteria. The SIO estimates there is approximately $65.5 billion in socially responsible investment assets in Canada. The practice of SRI includes a number of unique investment approaches:

Screening based on exclusionary or inclusionary criteria, such as tobacco, alcohol, environmental performance, human rights violations, community involvement and employee relations. This is sometimes called a top-down approach because it involves the application of pre-determined social or environmental values to investment selection.

Stock portfolio analysis and management based on social responsibility and/or sustainability policies, integrating social and sustainability indicators with traditional financial analysis. This is sometimes called a bottom-up approach because it incorporates social and sustainability analysis to inform the investment decision-making process without necessarily screening out particular holdings based on pre-determined social or sustainability choices.

Shareholder advocacy and corporate engagement strategies, which involve the use of shareholder power to influence corporate behaviour through corporate communication, shareholder proposals, proxy voting policies and divestment.

Community investment, which is the placement of capital into local loan or equity vehicles targeting community development or serving low-income or disadvantaged groups.

Sustainable venture capital, which is the placement of funds - primarily private investments outside the public markets - in startup firms and small businesses that produce products or services that optimize the use of natural resources while reducing environmental impact.

SIO members believe that socially responsible investment represents a useful investment tool to enhance returns and reduce risk by incorporating social and environmental factors traditionally excluded from portfolio management. It is also a catalyst for positive social change.

Read more about the Canadian Association for Socially Responsible Investment.


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REEEP announces new RFP for international renewable energy projects

Beijing, China [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (REEEP) announced its fourth Call for Project Proposals from organizations, including REEEP partners that are active in policy and in the financing of renewable energy and energy efficiency.


REEEP will deploy more than USD$3.5 million to support projects identified under its fourth round. The funding for the fourth round is from the UK government. REEEP, which funds projects from around the world, will give priority for this funding round to Angola, Brazil, China, India, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia and South Africa.

"This is our largest funding round since the inception of the REEEP," said Marianne Osterkorn, International Director. "The UK government should be recognized for its leadership in addressing issues of energy security and climate change, issues which energy efficiency and renewable energy can mitigate. We hope that other governments will become supporters of our partnership and provide the funding required to make clean energy a reality."

A combination of new projects, wait-listed projects from the third round, such as events, regional and partnership projects and strategic projects will be supported in this fourth program round. REEEP intends to support more than 40 additional projects and five events. Of these about 18 new projects would be supported through the time-bound open global call for new projects. Once selected, the projects would begin next spring.

The REEEP Program portfolio currently consists of 58 projects in 25 countries, primarily funded by the UK Government. These projects represent an investment of more than USD$5.8 million from REEEP, which has achieved a leverage of about USD$37 million.


For more info, check out REEEP's Fourth Call for Proposals for Renewable Energy

US' Export-Import Bank offers lt financing for solar, wind and water projects

Export Financing for Renewable Energy and Water Development Projects


Washington, DC [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] 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.

The longer repayment terms are available in accord with an agreement of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that permits export credit agencies of OECD countries to offer enhanced terms for renewable energy and water projects.

Eligible for the 15-year repayment term are U.S. exports for the renewable energy projects including wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, geothermal, ocean thermal, tidal and tidal stream power, wave power, and bio-energy. Also eligible for the 15-year term are U.S. exports for water and wastewater projects.

"Ex-Im Bank's offering of the 15-year repayment term for U.S. renewable energy and water-related exports is a significant enhancement for U.S. exporters in these sectors," said Ex-Im Bank Board Member Linda Conlin, who heads Ex-Im Bank's Environmental Exports Program. "We believe that this enhancement further strengthens the ability of U.S. environmental exporters to compete internationally, and it will help to support highly skilled U.S. jobs in these industries."

"This action will allow U.S. environmental technology firms to compete successfully in the global arena by making water and wastewater projects more commercially viable and by reducing the need for tied aid that foreign governments have used in the past to eliminate competition," said Dawn Kristof, president of the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association Inc.

"With this kind of forward-thinking government leadership, the United States will continue to be a net exporter of solar energy," said Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association. "Progressive export financing terms are essential for U.S. companies to remain competitive in the global solar industry, which is currently growing at 45 percent each year. We applaud Ex-Im Bank for its initiative in supporting a robust U.S. solar industry."

In response to recommendations from U.S. renewable energy and water industries, Ex-Im Bank encouraged the OECD to permit export credit agencies to offer the extended repayment terms for these environmental exports. In June 2005, the OECD agreed to extend the maximum repayment term from the previous limits for these sectors to 15 years. The OECD agreement permits the 15-year term for a two-year trial period beginning July 1, 2005.


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UK ramps up offshore windpower development

1800 MW Submitted for UK Offshore Wind Projects

from RenewableEnergyAccess.com

A new round of UK offshore projects is now formally in the pipeline for approval. Here construction was under way of the UK's North Hoyle wind power project in 2003.

London, England [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] 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.

This latest announcement from Thanet Offshore Wind Limited means that all three of the large-scale wind farms planned for development in the Thames Estuary strategic area -- a total of 1800 MW of capacity -- are now being considered by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

According to the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), both organizations will be seeking views from statutory and non-statutory consultees over the coming weeks.

"This is excellent progress for the UK offshore sector, showing developers' enthusiasm to invest in these large-scale projects. While the offshore wind industry continues to face key challenges on the economic and technical fronts, confidence remains high that solutions can be found," said BWEA's Head of Offshore, Dr Gordon Edge.

Among this round of offshore wind farms, first past the line was the London Array in June this year. The 1,000-MW flagship project, being developed by the consortium of CORE Ltd, E.ON UK Renewables and Shell WindEnergy, potentially represents sufficient green electricity to power one quarter of greater London homes, while meeting 10 percent of the Government's 2010 targets for renewable.

Next to submit was the 500-MW Greater Gabbard project, developed by Airtricity and Fluor, in October this year. This project is unique as it is the first offshore wind farm to seek consent outside UK territorial waters, enabled by the Energy Act 2004 under which a Renewable Energy Zone has been declared for the UK continental shelf.

Thanet Offshore Wind Farm recently applied for consent to construct and operate 300 MW, noting the high level of public support received locally for the project, with 73 percent of people who attended public exhibitions about the scheme in June this year saying they were supportive, and only 7 percent against.

All three projects have accompanied their applications with rigorous environmental and technical surveys, and are seeking permission to build arrays of up to 270 turbines at sea, cables to shore buried under the sea floor, and onshore infrastructure such as substations required to link the generators to the national grid. If consents are awarded within 12 months, then construction could start in 2007-08, with the projects being built out over a number of years after that.

The second phase of development of the UK offshore wind industry, Round 2, comprises 15 sites, totaling as much 7,200-MW, to be developed in three strategic areas around the UK coastline, the Thames Estuary, the Greater Wash, off the East of England coast, and the North West, including the Liverpool Bay area.

The first of the projects in the North West, npower renewables' 750-MW Gwynt y Mor, is expected to apply for its consent to build and operate soon.

Round 2 follows on from the successful Round 1 of development, where a total of 18 sites, limited to 30 turbines per site, were proposed at 13 locations around the UK. Three of these projects are now generating electricity, including the newly completed Kentish Flats, with a fourth, Barrow Offshore, expected to be commissioned in early 2006.

Meanwhile, the DTI has also announced consenting guidance for wave and tidal stream projects. These arrangements allow for the deployment of what the DTI has called 'pre-commercial demonstration projects' of around 3-5 MW by outlining that the consenting process will be proportionate to the scale of the project.

By announcing GBP 2 million (USD $3.4 million) for generic monitoring DTI also allows for an information gathering process that will help inform decision making for larger projects going forward. As expected it also states that any lease at this stage will also be limited in time.

Ethanol a clean green fuel for vehicles and more

Setting the Record Straight on Ethanol

Focusing on the Nexus of the Agriculture and Energy Value Chains

by Nathan Glasgow and Lena Hansen, RenewableEnergyAccess.com


Biofuels, and specifically ethanol, have been the subject of a great deal of criticism in recent months by detractors claiming that more energy is required to produce ethanol than is available in the final product, that it is too expensive, and that it produces negligible carbon reductions. These critiques are simply not accurate. State-of-the-art technologies have been competently forecasted-even proven in the market-to produce ethanol that is far more cost-effective and less energy-intensive than gasoline. We'll explore why, and why the critics have gotten it wrong.

When we say biofuels, we mean liquid fuels made from biomass-chiefly biodiesel and ethanol, which can be substituted for diesel fuel or for gasoline, respectively. The technology used to produce biodiesel is well understood, although its biomass feedstocks are limited and production today is fairly expensive. We will instead focus on ethanol, which we believe has significantly greater potential.

Ethanol, which can be substituted for or blended with gasoline, has traditionally been produced from either corn or sugarcane feedstocks. In fact, Brazil currently meets more than 25 percent of its gasoline demand with ethanol made from sugarcane. (The sugar is so cheap that the resulting ethanol sells in New York for $1.10 a gallon-with about 81 percent the energy content of a gallon of gasoline-after paying a 100 percent duty, illegal under WTO rules, to protect U.S. corn farmers. Undeterred, the Brazilians are merrily expanding their ethanol exports to Asia.) Even gasoline in the United States contains, on average, 2 percent ethanol (used as a substitute for MTBE to oxygenate fuel). American ethanol is almost exclusively made from the kernels of corn, accounting for about 7 percent of the corn crop. But conventional processes and feedstocks used to make ethanol are not feasible in the United States on a large scale for three reasons: they're not cost-competitive with long-run gasoline prices without subsidies, they compete with food crops for land, and they have only marginally positive energy balances.

Happily, in addition to starch-based feedstocks, ethanol can be produced from "cellulosic" feedstocks, including biomass wastes, fast-growing hays like switchgrass, and short-rotation woody crops like poplar. While not cost-competitive today, already observed advances in technology lead us to believe that in the next few years, ethanol made from these crops will become cost-competitive, won't compete with food for cropland, and will have a sizeable positive energy balance. Indeed, because these crops are expected to have big biomass yields (~10-15 dry tons/acre, up from the current ~5 dry tons/acre), much less land will be required than conventionally thought. Further, cellulosic ethanol will typically have twice the ethanol yield of corn-based ethanol, at lower capital cost, with far better net energy yield.

A common complaint about ethanol is that the quantity of feedstocks is limited and land used to grow feedstocks could be put to better use. For cellulosic feedstocks, the situation is quite the contrary. Cellulosic feedstocks are plentiful: for example, municipal and agricultural wastes can be used to create ethanol, with the positive side-effect of reducing the quantity of waste we must dispose of. Using waste to produce fuel has the clear benefit of a virtually free feedstock, and because energy is generally expended to create the product, not the waste, this type of ethanol obviously has a positive energy balance.

Not quite as obvious is to what extent dedicated energy crops can be used to produce ethanol. We believe the answer is straightforward. Research by Oak Ridge National Laboratory shows that dedicated energy crops can be grown without competing with food crops because they can be grown in marginal areas unsuited for food crop production, or on about 17 million acres of Conservation Reserve Program land that is currently being withheld from agricultural use.

Cellulosic crops have additional environmental benefits for several reasons. First, because crops like switchgrass are deep-rooted perennials, growing them actually prevents soil erosion and restores degraded land. For this same reason, cellulosic crops also have significantly lower carbon emissions. While corn-based ethanol reduces carbon emissions by about 20 percent below gasoline, cellulosic ethanol is predicted to be carbon-neutral, or possibly even net-carbon-negative.

We can't remember how many times we've been asked the question: "But doesn't ethanol require more energy to produce than it contains?" The simple answer is no-most scientific studies, especially those in recent years reflecting modern techniques, do not support this concern. These studies have shown that ethanol has a higher energy content than the fossil energy used in its production. Some studies that contend that ethanol is a net energy loser include (incorrectly) the energy of the sun used to grow a feedstock in ethanol's energy balance, which misses the fundamental point that the sun's energy is free. Furthermore, because crops like switchgrass are perennials, they are not replanted and cultivated every year, avoiding farm-equipment energy. Indeed, if polycultured to imitate the prairies where they grow naturally, they should require no fertilizer, irrigation, or pesticides either. So, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, for every one unit of energy available at the fuel pump, 1.23 units of fossil energy are used to produce gasoline, 0.74 of fossil energy are used to produce corn-based ethanol, and only 0.2 units of fossil energy are used to produce cellulosic ethanol.

Critics further discount cellulosic ethanol by ignoring the recent advancements of next-generation ethanol conversion technologies. A recent example that has received significant attention is David Pimentel's March 2005 paper in Natural Resources Research, which argues that ethanol production from cellulosic feedstocks requires more fossil energy to produce than the energy contained in the final product. However, Pimentel bases his analysis on only one technology used to produce ethanol, ignoring two other developing technologies. His chosen conversion technology, acid hydrolosis, is the least efficient of the three.

A superior option, thermal gasification, converts biomass into a synthesis gas composed of carbon oxides and hydrogen. The gas is then converted into ethanol via either a biological process using microorganisms or a catalytic reactor. Both of these processes show good potential for increased energy yields and reduced costs by using cellulosic feedstocks. This conversion technology is currently being tested in pilot plants in Arkansas and Colorado.

Still better, enzymatic reduction hydrolosis already shows promise in the marketplace. Such firms as Iogen and Novozymes have been developing enzymes, and "smart bugs," that can turn biomass such as corn residues (leaves, stalks, and cobs) into sugars that can then be converted into ethanol. Historically, the biggest cost component of this technology was the creation of enzymes. Earlier this year, though, in combination with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Novozymes announced a 30-fold reduction in the cost of enzyme production in laboratory trials. Expected benefits from this process include low energy requirements, high efficiency, and mild process conditions. A pilot plant exists in Ontario and another is planned in Hawai'i. The first commercial-scale enzymatic reduction hydrolosis plant is scheduled to be built and operational by Iogen within two years, producing ethanol at a targeted cost of $1.30 per gallon.

No matter which of these conversion technologies ultimately wins, it is clear that cost-effective and efficient ethanol production from cellulose is on the horizon-which is good news for the United States, where mobility consumes seven of every ten barrels of oil we use. Our voracious appetite for that oil comes at a cost-we have to buy it, we have to deal with the pollution that comes from using it, and, because 12 percent of our oil comes from the Middle East, we have to defend it. Because mobility consumes 70 percent of the oil we use, mostly by burning gasoline, it's the first place to look for a solution.

Our recent publication Winning the Oil Endgame (www.oilendgame.com) shows that the critical first step to reducing our oil consumption is tripled automobile efficiency-which can improve safety, maintain or improve performance and comfort, and repay its extra cost (if any) within two years at today's U.S. gasoline prices. But there's no reason to stop there. Using biofuels instead of gasoline to power our cars has the potential to displace 3.7 million barrels per day of crude oil-that's a fifth of our forecasted consumption in 2025, after more efficient use. In fact, an 85/15 percent blend of ethanol/gasoline in the tank of RMI's designed 66-mpg SUV would result in the vehicle getting ~320 mpg per gallon of fossil fuel burned (because the majority of fuel burned is ethanol).

Clearly, focusing on the nexus of the agriculture and energy value chains will create huge opportunities for business and huge wins for our country. The critics simply have it wrong.

Nathan Glasgow and Lena Hansen are researchers/consultants at the Rocky Mountain Institute.



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Renewable Energy Investments top $30 billion globally in 2004

Global Renewable Energy Investments Top $30 Billion

Beijing, China [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] 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). Technologies such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and small hydro now provide 160 gigawatts (GW) of electricity-generating capacity, about 4 percent of the world total, the report finds.

The fastest growing energy technology in the world is grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV), which grew in existing capacity by 60 percent per year from 2000-2004, to cover more than 400,000 rooftops in Japan, Germany, and the United States. Second is wind power capacity, which grew by 28 percent last year, led by Germany, with almost 17 GW installed as of 2004.

Renewables 2005: Global Status Report "Renewable energy has become big business," said Eric Martinot, lead author of Renewables 2005: Global Status Report. Martinot, who is a Senior Fellow at the Worldwatch Institute and a Lecturer at Tsinghua University in Beijing, notes that renewable energy is attracting some of the world's largest companies, including General Electric, Siemens, Sharp, and Royal Dutch Shell.

The report estimates that nearly 40 million households worldwide heat their water with solar collectors, most of them installed in the last five years. Altogether, renewable energy industries provide 1.7 million jobs, most of them skilled and well paying.

The Global Status Report was compiled by Martinot, working with more than 100 researchers and contributors from at least 20 countries. It provides an assessment of several renewables technologies -- small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels -- that are now competing with conventional fuels in four distinct markets: power generation, hot water and space heating, transportation fuels, and rural (off-grid) energy supplies.

The report finds that government support for renewable energy is growing rapidly. At least 48 countries now have some type of renewable energy promotion policy, including 14 developing countries. Most targets are for shares of electricity production, typically 5-30 percent, by the 2010-2012 timeframe. Mandates for blending biofuels into vehicle fuels have been enacted in at least 20 states and provinces worldwide as well as in three key countries-Brazil, China and India.

Government leadership provides the key to market success, according to the report. The market leaders in renewable energy in 2004 were Brazil in biofuels, China in solar hot water, Germany in solar electricity, and Spain in wind power.

Other findings in the report include:

-- The fastest growing energy technology in the world is grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV), which grew in existing capacity by 60 percent per year from 2000-2004, to cover more than 400,000 rooftops in Japan, Germany, and the United States. Second is wind power capacity, which grew by 28 percent last year, led by Germany, with almost 17 GW installed as of 2004.

-- Production of biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) exceeded 33 billion liters in 2004, when ethanol displaced about 3 percent of the 1,200 billion liters of gasoline globally.

-- An estimated US $500 million goes to developing countries each year as development assistance for renewable energy projects, training, and market support, with the German Development Finance Group, the World Bank Group, and the Global Environment Facility providing the majority of these funds, and dozens of other donors and programs providing the rest.

-- More than 4.5 million "green" power consumers in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan purchased renewable electricity at the retail level or via certificates in 2004.

The Global Status Report fills a gap in the international energy-reporting arena, which has tended to neglect the emerging renewable energy technologies. Regular updates will be produced in the future. The report was produced and published by the Worldwatch Institute and released today at the Beijing International Renewable Energy Conference 2005, sponsored by the Government of China. This Conference brings together government and private leaders from around the world, providing a forum for international leadership on renewable energy and connects the wide variety of stakeholders that came together at the International Conference for Renewable Energies in Bonn, Germany, in 2004.


For further Information please visit the
Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21)



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Spain passes legislation designed to attract US$27 billion in renewable energy investments

Spain: New Plan for Renewable Energy
by Jose Gil and Hugo Lucas


Madrid, Spain

Spain's new energy law, passed earlier this summer, is designed to attract 23 billion Euro [approx. USD$27 billion] in investment by improving the legislative environment for renewable energy.

The challenge is to make the renewable energy sector attractive to private investors, and to maintain and strengthen the interest that has been consolidated in some sectors, and extend it to others in which only timid steps have been taken so far.

-- Plan de Energias Renovables The Energy Context in Spain

One of the characteristics of the Spanish energy system is its high degree of dependence on imports. 80 percent of energy consumption has to be met from imported sources. Spain imports approximately 64 percent of the coal, 99.5 percent of the oil and 99.1 percent of the gas it uses. Moreover, oil accounts for around 50 percent of primary energy consumption.

The strategies defined for the energy sector have been shaped by the international commitments of the European Union as a whole, and those of Spain in particular relating to energy supply and climate change. Promoting the use of energy from renewable sources plays a fundamental role in meeting both commitments.

Clearly, as is necessarily the case, Spain's energy policy objectives coincide with those established by the European Union: a competitive and transparent liberalised market, security of supply, improved energy efficiency and protection of the environment.

In Spain the development of renewable energy sources has been supported by various instruments over the last twenty-five years. A law promoting their use was first passed in 1980.

On August 26, 2005 the Spanish government approved the new Renewable Energy Plan (Plan de Energias Renovables, PER), which supersedes the Renewable Energy Promotion Plan, which dates back to 1999. The overall aim of the new Plan is to make it possible to achieve the target of 12 percent of primary energy being met from renewable sources by 2010 and to do so it sets more ambitious objectives in those areas that have been developing successfully and establishes new measures to support technologies that have not yet managed to take off.

The Renewable Energy Plan for 2005-2010 (PER)

Renewable energy sources contribute to reducing energy dependence and increasing security of supply. Moreover, the development of renewable energy can make an active contribution to job creation, generally in less favored and sparsely populated areas. They can therefore contribute to rural development and stemming the rural exodus.

The PER is an indicative Plan, meaning that it is not binding upon the actors in the energy system. However, it is hoped that slightly more than 97 percent of investments will come from the private sector. The aim is therefore to create a sufficiently attractive framework based on stability and profitability. The contribution of public funds to these investments is estimated to be just 2.9 percent.

The Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (Instituto para la Diversificacion y Ahorro de la Energia, IDAE), a public state-owned body, has been entrusted with the task of preparing the PER. The methodology applied during the preparation of the Plan was aimed to ensure the participation of national government, the governments of Spain's autonomous regions, and academic and professional institutions.

In each area an exhaustive analysis was conducted of state of the art technologies together with an evaluation of the requirements to overcome the main barriers to developing renewable energy sources in Spain. Concrete proposals for actions to overcome these barriers were then put forward. IDAE is also the body in charge of the monitoring of the PER.

Forecasts in the PER

In the most likely energy scenario the 2005-2010 Renewable Energy Plan targets will enable 12.1 percent of primary energy consumption to be met from renewable sources by 2010. Within this overall target, in 2010 electricity generation from renewable sources will account for 30.3 percent of gross consumption and liquid biofuels will account for 5.8 percent of petrol and diesel consumption for transport purposes.

The table below gives detailed information on the current situation and the targets for 2010.

Spain Renewable Energy Plan and Targets

Technology Targets

As the table shows, a large share of the target is based on the contribution of wind power, which is forecast to reach 20,155 MW of installed capacity in 2010. The starting point is an installed capacity of 8,155 MW at the end of 2004.

This figure has already placed Spain in second position worldwide, just behind Germany, and ahead of the United States. The development of wind power in Spain has been accompanied by the creation of companies that have developed their own technology and who compete successfully on international markets.

By contrast, biomass, which is the other fundamental pillar to achieving the PER's targets, has not developed as fast as expected. The current Plan envisages new mechanisms to overcome the barriers to its development and, as a new feature, it includes the setting up of a co-combustion programme (for the joint combustion of biomass and coal in existing power stations).

Regarding liquids biofuels for transport (LBT) the results achieved so far make it possible to be optimistic about achieving the objectives set for 2010. In the case of bioethanol Spain is the first producer in Europe.

In solar energy, within a short space of time Spain has achieved a position of international leadership in photovoltaics, with three companies in the European top ten. By contrast, one of the challenges in the Plan is to overcome the barriers to the development of solar-thermal energy. Another important innovation envisaged in the Plan is the development of the first 500 MW solar-thermoelectric power stations in 2010.

Alongside these energy targets it is hoped that other social and environmental goals will be achieved. In terms of employment over 1,300 companies are currently registered as being active in the sector. And in terms of the environment, the application of the Plan will avoid 27.3 million tons of CO2 emissions in 2010.

Funding of the Plan

Achieving the goals set implies a volume of investment estimated at approximately 23.6 billion Euros [approx. USD$27.7 billion]. Of this 97.1 percent is expected to come from private sources. Just 681 million Euros [approx. USD$799 million], 2.9 percent of the total, will be in the form of public investment aid.

The challenge is therefore to make the renewable energy sector attractive to private investors, or rather, to maintain and strengthen the interest that has already been consolidated in some sectors, and extend it to others in which only timid steps have been taken so far.

Of the approximately 22.9 billion Euros [approx. USD$26.9 billion] that it is hoped the private sector will attract, it is estimated that 4.7 billion Euros [approx. USD$5.5 billion] will come from direct contributions from developers and the remaining 18.2 billion Euros [approx. USD$21.4 billion], will come from bank loans provided through the usual financial mechanisms.

In addition to the direct investment subsidies already mentioned, there are two other modes of public aid that are fundamental from the economic point of view. These are the premiums paid for electricity generated from renewable sources and the tax exemptions for LBT.

The premiums for electricity generated from renewable sources are fundamental. This system has been used successfully to date and has created the favorable conditions for the spectacular growth of certain sectors, in particular wind power. The premium is a supplement to the price electricity producers can obtain on the market.

The total value of the premiums related to the new generating facilities brought into operation over the period 2005-2010 is predicted to reach 4.9 billion Euros [approx. USD$5.8 billion]. From 2010 the annual premiums are forecast to be worth 1.8 billion Euros [approx. USD$2.1 billion]. It is worth stressing that although the figures are large in absolute terms, the impact on electricity prices of the premium policy is an increase of around 0.6 percent a year.

The tax incentives for the use of LBT consist of an exemption from the tax on hydrocarbon fuels of the retail price. With this measure, the price of biofuels to the final consumer can be brought down to a level that allows them to compete with petroleum derivatives.

About the Authors:
Jose Gil and Hugo Lucas are in the International Relations Department of
The Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (Instituto para la Diversificacion y Ahorro de la Energia, or IDAE), a public state-owned body based in Madrid, Spain.

Spain is one of eight donor countries (excluding the European Union) to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program (REEEP). Austria, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union all contribute funds to the REEEP.



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Ballard Power (BLD / BLDP) fuel cell buses pass 1 million km, 4 million passengers

Ballard-powered Fuel Cell Buses Surpass 1 M km Mark

Vancouver, British Columbia [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Ballard Power Systems' fleet of 33 Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuel cell buses currently operating in Europe, Iceland and Australia has surpassed one million kilometers of service. The buses have carried more than four million passengers.

"We are delighted that the strong performance of Ballard's fuel cell technology has contributed to the success of these fuel cell bus demonstration programs."

-- Noordin Nanji, Ballard's Vice President, Marketing & Business Development The buses, powered by Ballard fuel cells, have been on the road since late 2003 as part of the Clean Urban Transport for Europe, Ecological City Transport System and Sustainable Transport Energy for Perth programs.

"Our congratulations go to our Alliance partner, DaimlerChrysler AG, on reaching this record-breaking one-million kilometer milestone," said Noordin Nanji, Ballard's Vice President, Marketing & Business Development. "We are delighted that the strong performance of Ballard's fuel cell technology has contributed to the success of these fuel cell bus demonstration programs."

Ballard's fuel cells have proven themselves in a variety of terrains and environments over the duration of the demonstrations. Of the 33 buses in operation, 17 have exceeded 2,000 hours of operation, 10 have exceeded 2,500 hours, and one has exceeded 3,000 hours.

Ballard fuel cells are also powering three Gillig-built fuel cells buses in Santa Clara, California. An additional three Ballard fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses are expected to enter service on the streets of Beijing, China, before the end of the year.

USA Senator Barack Obama calls for national Renewable Diesel Standard to wean off America off oil

Washington, DC [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] 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.

"We must continue down the path of reducing our reliance on foreign oil," said Obama. "Like corn to ethanol for gasoline engines, we also can make soybeans, animal fats and coal into diesel. We have the technology, we have the interest, and we have the need. We just need the federal commitment."

Obama's legislation is modeled after the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), a bipartisan initiative that passed this summer requiring that the national gasoline supply consist of at least 7.5 billion gallons of homegrown ethanol by the year 2012. The RFS also commits the country to the greater use of biodiesel in our fuel supply.

"Creating a Renewable Diesel Standard will help alleviate diesel costs, create jobs, promote rural development, and help insulate our economy from oil shocks. And it will create new markets for Illinois soybeans and Illinois coal. We should pass this legislation immediately to take another concrete step towards energy independence," said Obama.

Today there is an estimated 180 million gallons of biodiesel production capacity in the United States. Fifty-four companies have reported their plans to construct dedicated biodiesel plants in the near future, but those plans are dependent upon regional and national demand prospects. A Renewable Diesel Standard would stabilize demand and encourage alternative domestic diesel production to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Petrodiesel is used in a wide variety of transportation modes: transit buses, semi trucks, ships, heavy duty construction, military vehicles, locomotives, barges, large scale generators, farm and mining equipment, and in many individual cars and trucks.

Courtesy of TargetedNews.com / RenewableEnergyAccess.com

China Aims for 15% Renewables by 2020

Beijing, China [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Speaking at the Beijing International Renewable Energy Conference (BIREC), Chinese officials this week announced a bolstered commitment to renewable energy that includes a doubling of its current use of renewable energy to 15 percent of the country's energy mix by the year 2020.

China's new national renewable energy law comes into effect next year that sets tariffs in place to foster renewable energy use. Leading up to this proposal, the Chinese government had originally stated a goal of reaching 10 percent renewable energy use by 2020. This higher-level 15 percent commitment raises a renewable energy standard that had already been lauded around the world as a crucial step for a nation with limited and largely coal-based energy resources and a rapidly growing economy.

According to China Daily, investments of up to 1.5 trillion yuan (USD$ 184 billion) will be made in order to reach this goal. China is already the world leader in the use of solar thermal hot water systems and these new commitments could make it a major player with the other renewable energy technologies like solar photovoltaics, wind power, and biofuels.

Zhang Guobao, vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, told China Daily that the business sector, instead of Government, will play a leading role in the investment and that international cooperation would be essential for China to meet its goals.

There will be many stand-alone and distributed-generation renewable energy opportunities as the government planned to specifically step up efforts to make renewable energy electricity available to the country's approximately 30 million people who do not have access to grid electricity.

A 15 percent renewable energy commitment will mean a lot of renewable energy but the reality is that the bulk of this commitment will be in large hydropower.

According to reporting from the Reuters news agency, Zhang Guobao also said that hydropower-driven generators would generate 290 million kilowatts (kW) by that year, while biomass energy capacity would hit 20 million kW, wind 30 million kW and solar 2 million kW.

The UK-based Guardian Unlimited newspaper said environmentalists have characterized Beijing's new renewable energy target as a good first step but "still not ambitious enough to offset the climatic damage caused by its spectacular economic growth, which will continue to be predominantly fuelled by coal."

"Environmentalists concerned about the impact of dams, which are ruining some of the world's most beautiful rivers, will be alarmed that hydropower is considered the main alternative to coal and oil," the Guardian article stated.

It's little coincidence that GE Energy's hydropower operations in Asia celebrated the grand opening just over a week ago of a new, 43,000 square-meter, flagship manufacturing, engineering and service center in Hangzhou, China. Company officials described it as a "critical platform" in China and Asia for GE Energy.

Despite what may appear as a good first step effort, an inescapable reality for China is that the country's ongoing commitment to renewables -- whether largely through hydropower or not -- will do little to lesson the country's use of coal as the primary means for electrical production. The country currently uses coal for 70 percent of electricity in China and speakers at BIREC admitted that figure was not expected to change anytime soon.

Evergreen Solar (ESLR) posts stellar 3rd Quarter

Marlboro, MA, USA: Evergreen Solar Reports Third-Quarter 2005 Results

Evergreen Solar has released financial results for the quarter ended October 1, 2005. For the quarter, product revenues were $11.1 million, nearly double the $5.6 million reported for the third quarter of 2004 and an increase of 4 percent from the $10.7 million reported in the second quarter of 2005.

For the third quarter of 2005, Evergreen Solar achieved positive product gross margin of 10.4 percent. This compares with negative 29.0 percent for the third quarter of 2004 and positive 6.2 percent in the second quarter of 2005. Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the third quarter of 2005 was $4.6 million, or $0.07 per share, compared with a net loss of $4.6 million, or $0.10 per share, for the third quarter of 2004.

"The third quarter was another period of significant accomplishment for Evergreen Solar as we pursue our vision of becoming the low-cost provider in the solar industry," said Richard M. Feldt, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We achieved record product revenue at our Marlboro facility of $11.1 million, with gross margins of 10.4 percent. We made good progress on our research and development programs, and plan to begin converting our Marlboro factory to our thin wafer manufacturing process by year end. We also ordered five Quad ribbon production prototype furnaces to further the development of that platform."

"The state-of-the-art 30-megawatt manufacturing plant we are constructing in Thalheim, Germany through our EverQ venture remains firmly on schedule," Feldt continued. "The construction phase moved rapidly in the third quarter as we broke ground in July and celebrated the plant's roof closing in October. Hiring and training for this facility are progressing extremely well. In order to accelerate the start up of the Thalheim plant, we are shipping 10 furnaces to an offsite location in Thalheim this month. These will be used to train our EverQ employees and provide wafers for use in the startup of our cell and module lines."

"Demand for solar energy continues to strengthen worldwide and is expected to exceed supply for the foreseeable future," Feldt said. "Evergreen Solar is capitalizing on this growth while investing in ongoing technology initiatives. In Marlboro, we will continue to advance toward full production implementation of our promising thin wafer technology."

"In Thalheim, we remain on track with our aggressive construction schedule. We anticipate installing our first pieces of manufacturing equipment in the facility by the end of 2005. We expect to begin manufacturing our first wafers in the Thalheim plant in the first quarter of 2006, with full-scale production slated to commence during the summer of 2006."


More info at the Evergreen Solar website.


View Evergreen Solar stock chart.

Polymide Flexible Solar Cells reach 14.1%, Swiss research

Zurich, Switzerland: Flexible Solar Cells on Polymer Foil Reach 14.1% Efficiency

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) has set a new record for thin film solar cells on plastic (polyimide) foil.

The research team of Professor Ayodhya Nath Tiwari, Dr. Dominik Rudmann and David Bremaud developed polycrystalline thin films solar cells of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (called CIGS) on very thin polyimide foils at the Thin Film Physics Group, Laboratory for Solid State Physics, ETH Zurich. A multilayer structure of about 4 micron thickness was grown with a combination of thin film deposition methods.

The achievement of a solar cell conversion efficiency of 14.1% under standard AM1.5 illumination condition was certified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg, Germany, which is a renowned European agency for certification of solar cell and module efficiencies. These researchers have surpassed earlier record of 12.8% for CIGS cells on polyimide established in 1999.


A thin film solar cell on plastic (polyimide) foil
A significant improvement in the efficiency occurred because of change in the CIGS deposition process in such a way that the CIGS phase formation is not inhibited at low temperature of deposition, while Na is added with a post deposition annealing method to passivate the grain boundaries in CIGS, and therefore, improving the electronic properties of CIGS layer and efficiency of the solar cells.

During the 31st IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference-2005, Orlando, USA and the 20th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference-2005, Barcelona, Spain they presented papers towards the development of solar cells with efficiency exceeding 15% which requires application of anti reflection coating for reduction of about 13% reflection losses from the top surface.

Such high efficiency of solar cells on plastic (polyimide) foils transforms to a very high, above 2.5 W/g, specific power (ratio of electrical power generated to the weight of the solar cell), which offers several advantages related to portability. Another feature of these solar cells on plastic foil is very small radius of curvature - less than 1 cm - for roll-ability.

Such highly efficient, lightweight and roll-able solar electricity generators will enable a large variety of terrestrial and space applications technically possible which are otherwise either not viable or not attractive with other rigid, fragile, heavy solar cells based on wafers and glass substrates. Besides the value added consumer electronic applications to provide power for recharging batteries in laptops, i-pods, mobile phones, solar jackets, etc., high specific power and roll-able solar electricity generators can be integrated in tents and canopies. These solar cell integrated tents would be a valuable tool to provide emergency services when established infrastructure fails because of any disaster and natural calamities.

CIGS solar cells are known for highly stable long term performance not only for terrestrial - but according to recent studies- also for space applications. CIGS solar cells exhibit superior radiation (electron and proton) tolerance compared to conventional Si or GaAs solar cells. This means that the performance of such solar cells in space, when the satellite passes through the van Allen radiation belt of high energy charged (electron and proton) particles, will not degrade significantly. Flexible and lightweight solar cells can facilitate lightweight and simple solar power generating arrays that are easy to deploy in space. Such lightweight and highly efficient solar power generating structures have potential to save millions of Euro only in the launching cost of the satellites.

Potentially lower manufacturing cost (€/W) of polycrystalline thin film solar cells makes them also interesting compared to expensive wafer based solar cells.

The next step is to transfer the research results to large volume industrial production. The roll-to-roll manufacturing of solar modules will enable reduction in the manufacturing cost and energy pay-back time.

Further details: Dr. Ayodhya Nath Tiwari, Thin Film Physics Group, Laboratory for Solid State Physics ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) Zurich Tel: +41-44-4451474 or email at tiwari@phys.ethz.ch

Canadian Hydro (KHD) opens run-of-river facility in BC

Vancouver, BC, Canada [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]

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. With no dam to alter the river's flow, the design attempts to mitigate the environmental concerns traditionally associated with commercial dam-based hydro projects.

The Upper Mamquam Hydroelectric Plant near Squamish, developed by Canadian Hydro Developers, is expected to deliver 98,000 MWh per year. Power from the CAD $39 million (US$ 33 million) project will be sold to BC Hydro under a 20-year power sale contract; BC Hydro has also purchased Renewable Energy Certificates from the project.

The 25-MW project is located upstream of a 15 m waterfall on the Mamquam River. The distance from the water intake to the powerhouse of the Upper Mamquam Hydroelectric Project is 1.7 km. At full flow, 513 million gallons of water per day (at 27 cubic meters per second) will pass through the turbines. Four unique features of the plant include the 145 m tunnel allowing the buried steel penstock to pass through a rock wall, a bypass valve for uninterrupted river flow, the project's proximity to an urban area, and its location just upstream of another run-of-river hydro facility.

Run-of-river hydro plants, which do not require dams, rely on the natural downward flow of the stream to guide water through pipes to a generating station. The force of the water spins a turbine, which drives an electric generator that creates electricity. Of the two major types of hydro projects, the environmental 'footprint' of run-of-river facilities is considered low-impact compared to the facilities that have large storage reservoirs.

"Independent power producers are one of the key priorities for BC Hydro when it comes to meeting the province's future electricity needs," said Dave Kusnierczyk, BC Hydro's Manager of Power Acquisitions and Contract Management. "The Upper Mamquam project is an exceptional example of how the industry can step up to the plate and help BC Hydro meet its goal of electrical self-sufficiency."

Now that the plant is operational, Canadian Hydro will seek certification as a Green Power facility under the Environmental Choice Ecologo program, which requires that projects use a renewable resource, and be environmentally and socially responsible.

For more info, check out the Canadian Hydro website.

Washinton State gets 200 MW Wind Farm

Commercial Wind Farm Unveiled for Washington State

Klickitat County, Washington [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] 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.

Located in Klickitat County, across the Columbia River and approximately 25 miles from PPM's existing Klondike Wind Power Plant, the Big Horn project is expected to have a generating capacity of 200 MW. A 200-MW wind farm with a 35 percent capacity factor can provide clean, renewable electricity to more than 57,000 average American homes, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

The Big Horn project will use 133 1.5-MW GE turbines. PPM Energy recently announced the purchase of 500 MW of GE turbines, 300 MW for delivery in 2006 and another 200 MW for delivery in 2007.

PPM is in advanced discussions to sell the output of the Big Horn project to a major load-serving entity. This month PPM completed the sale of all output from its 150-MW Shiloh wind project now in construction in Northern California, with purchases by Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Modesto Irrigation District, and the City of Palo Alto.

"PPM owns seven wind projects, with Big Horn being the largest wind project we have developed to date," said Terry Hudgens, PPM Energy's CEO. "We are pleased with the enthusiasm of Klickitat County and the surrounding community for this outstanding project with many local benefits."

The project will support the local economy through royalty payments to about five landowners and property tax payments to Klickitat County. Up to 200 jobs will be created during the peak of construction and approximately 6 to 8 full-time positions during operation.

"Our county recognizes the economic benefits wind power projects bring to our ranchers and we have strongly encouraged wind power development through our energy overlay zone," said County Commissioner Don Struck. "At the same time, Klickitat County and its residents are proud to be a part of the national effort to increase the use of a non-polluting, renewable energy resource we have in abundance, the wind."

While the entire project spans approximately 15,000 acres, the actual footprint of the turbines and associated facilities uses less than one percent (about 70 acres) of the total acreage. Landowners will continue using the remainder of the land for wheat farming and grazing.

"Finding ways to strengthen the County's agriculture sector is a major goal of our economic development efforts in Klickitat County and wind power projects are an excellent way to achieve that goal," said Dana Peck, director, Klickitat County Economic Development Department.

Approximately 22 miles of newly constructed access roads and nearly seven miles of county roads will be temporarily widened and improved during construction.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-WA) said the wind farm would provide a vital economic boost to Klickitat County, help meet the state's growing need for electricity, and help reduce the nation's overdependence on fossil fuels.

Information courtesy of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)

Hydro Quebec Windpower RFP - 2,000 megs required

Hydro-Quebec RFP Calls for 2,000 MW Wind Power - Delivery 2009 to 2013


[RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Hydro-Quebec Distribution is issuing a call for tenders today for the purchase of 2,000 MW of wind power generated in Quebec to meet the long-term electricity needs of Quebec customers. Deliveries must begin between December 1, 2009 and December 1, 2013. Projects must have the following Quebec and regional content: a minimum of 60 percent of the total cost of each wind farm must be incurred in Quebec; a minimum of 30 percent of all wind turbine costs must be incurred in a region defined as the regional county municipality of Matane and the administrative region of Gaspesie-Iles-de-la-Madeleine. A bid may deal with all or a portion of an annual requested quantity. In addition, projects that contribute to the development and participation of local communities and Native communities will be encouraged. The terms of the contracts may vary between 15 and 25 years and are subject to approval by the Regie de l'energie.

UK announces 30 million funding for renewable electricity

New Government Funds to promote renewable energy

By Richard Black

Environment Correspondent, BBC News website

Story from BBC NEWS


The UK government has unveiled a £30m funding package aimed at promoting renewable electricity sources and reducing carbon emissions.
The fund, called Low Carbon Buildings, is intended to increase uptake of technologies such as solar cells, biomass, and small-scale wind turbines.

Industry has given a mixed reaction, with disappointment that the sums are less than in previous years.

Britain lags behind many European nations in the use of renewable power.

Announcing the new fund, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said that micro-generation projects were an excellent way for individuals, communities and businesses to make a contribution to tackling climate change.

"As these become more widespread, they can help to teach children and future generations about the benefits of renewable energy and the need to use our resources more responsibly," he said.

Funding fall

The Low Carbon Buildings fund replaces two previous government schemes, the Clear Skies and Major PV Demonstration programmes, which have disbursed about £43m over the last four years.

Philip Wolfe, chief executive of the trade group the Renewable Power Association, said he was concerned that the new scheme appeared to represent a fall in funding.


"We are pleased to see the government giving some priority to micro-renewables," he told the BBC News website, "but in terms of the size of funding, it looks like a backwards step.

"It won't accelerate the growth in this sector, and our objective and theirs is that the sector should be growing."

Chris Tomlinson, head of Onshore at the British Wind Energy Association, agreed.

"The total amount of money available for these technologies is still very small in comparison to their potential," he said.

"The best way for the public and industry to respond is to demonstrate its appetite for renewable power by ensuring this scheme is a sell-out and to build a powerful case for even more government action on small-scale renewables."

The industry was, however, pleased that the government has decided to bridge what would have been a gap of at least seven months in funding between the end of the previous two schemes and the start of the new one, by bringing forwards the first grant disbursement under Low Carbon Buildings to February.

No silver bullet

The 2003 Energy White Paper set a goal of stimulating Britain's nascent micro-renewables industry, which has seen a rapid rise in the installation of photovoltaic solar cells, solar thermal hot-water systems, and heat pumps.

The drive has since acquired more urgency, with high oil and gas prices and the growing reliance on imported gas. Last week, Mr Wicks said some heavy energy users, such as chemical companies, might have to cut back if the winter is colder than average, putting supplies under pressure.

The government is now keen to involve more industrial sectors in micro-renewables, persuading companies in electricity generation, construction and buildings management to invest in the technologies.

Shell, EDF Energy, SSE and Scottish Power are among the companies which have been called upon to support micro-generation.

Vincent de Rivaz, chief executive of EDF Energy, said: "There is no silver bullet for dealing with the challenge posed by climate change. Energy efficiency will be vital.

"I am convinced there is a great deal more to be done to encourage changes in behaviour which can really make a difference to energy consumption."

But for the house-holder, it is difficult to divorce behaviour change from economics; and the open question is whether the Low Carbon Buildings fund is large enough that the demand for micro-renewables will continue to grow.


Story from BBC NEWS

Solar homes being built by Kyocera (KYO) & US' largest homebuilder D R Horton

Kyocera Supplies MyGen Meridian ™, Building-Integrated Solar Electric System for D.R. Horton Model Home



SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (November 4, 2005) – Kyocera Solar, Inc. today announced the successful installation of a 2.5 kilowatt MyGen Meridian™, building-integrated solar system on a D.R. Horton model home located at 1673 Montrose Lane in Lincoln, California.

D.R. Horton, Inc., the largest homebuilder in the United States, is now offering the MyGen Meridian system as an option on its new homes in the Horton Augustus development. Now home buyers will be able to see the system in operation, making the decision to add a solar system to their new home easier.

“Kyocera’s MyGen Meridian system serves as a roof surface and a pollution-free, aesthetically pleasing electrical generator,” said Mark Voitek, vice president of sales at Kyocera Solar, Inc. “This raises the value of the home without impacting its curb appeal.”

The solar arrays feature a unique free-airflow framing system for increased thermal efficiency and a “cassette” type module installation. The “cassette” design, unlike other systems, allows for ease of installation, and individual module access for serviceability without disturbing the roofing material.

Kyocera’s newly developed d.Blue manufacturing process is incorporated in the MyGen Meridian system. This process yields increased power output, and an attractive “deep blue” color by reducing reflectance and maximizing the amount of sunlight the solar module absorbs.

For more information on MyGen Meridian systems, contact Kyocera Solar, Inc.’s Customer Service Division at 800-544-6466, or visit the company’s web site at www.kyocerasolar.com.

The companies that comprise the D.R. Horton (NYSE: DHI) family of builders have been dedicated to building quality crafted, distinctive homes across the United States since 1978. This family of builders has developed a reputation for high quality homes with features and amenities other builders often consider options or upgrades. Flexible home designs, attention to detail and sensible pricing are what make D.R. Horton a national leader in the residential home building industry. D.R. Horton is currently building new home communities in Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Lincoln, Natomas, Rocklin, Sacramento and Reno. For additional information please visit www.sacramento.drhorton.com.

Kyocera Solar, Inc. is a world-leading supplier of environmentally sound, solar electric energy solutions, with headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ and sales affiliates in the Americas and Australia. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc. of San Diego, the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation.

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE: KYO), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera Corporation has become a leading supplier of solar energy systems, telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers and industrial ceramics.

PM Tony Blair switched on UK Solar Tower

Manchester, United Kingdom: Prime Minister Blair Switches on Co-operative Insurance Society Solar Tower

Story from SolarBuzz.com

Prime Minister Tony Blair, MP yesterday switched on the Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) Solar Tower project, the largest of its kind ever undertaken in the UK. Although the work to cover the 400 ft service tower of the landmark building in the centre of Manchester is not totally complete, panels on the South side of the building went live for the first time today after Mr Blair pressed the switch feeding electricity into the national grid.


CIS Tower Steadily Going Solar

Once all the 7,000 photovoltaic panels are in place, it is expected that the solar panels will create 180,000 units of renewable electricity each year - enough energy to make nine million cups of tea.

David Anderson, Chief Executive of Co-operative Financial Services (CFS), said, "We are delighted that the Prime Minister has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit this important environmental project in the centre of Manchester."

He added, "The building, which is grade II listed, is now more than 40 years old and the small mosaic tiles that clad the service tower of the building needed replacing and solar panels are the ideal solution. They will not only protect the tower from the elements but will also enhance its appearance and generate significant amounts of renewable energy, regardless of the weather."

Bryan Gray, Chairman of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said, "The NWDA is working hard to ensure that the Northwest is a pioneering region for sustainable development and we are delighted to provide support for this groundbreaking project, which demonstrates the Agency's commitment to tackling climate change in the region."

"It is vital that we work to promote renewable energy and energy efficient solutions in order to meet national and regional targets in this area. The Northwest is a region known for its leadership and this project highlights that as climate change continues to move up the political agenda, the Northwest is yet again leading the way for the rest of the UK."

Work commenced late last year on the ambitious £5.5m project which is being supported by a GBP885,000 grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and a £175,000 grant from the Department of Trade & Industry.

The ground-breaking initiative has been project managed by Solar Century, a UK based solar integrator.