Posts for Ticker ‘global warming’

Coming Clean With Solar Woes (AMAT, JASO, SPWRA, SOLR, STP, FSLR, TAN)

"Future, Or Fracture?"

"Future, Or Fracture?"

Last year was the year that alternative energy  was  set to take the world over.  High energy prices and election promises made green energy look like it had unlimited growth.  Then came the massive drop in energy prices. Then came the recession. Then came the lack of credit.  Combine all that with lower stock valuations and this is looking like solar companies will get hit with a wave of rolling blackouts.

Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) gave us the impression that what we are setting up for is the third wave of negatives for the sector.  What we saw out of JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: JASO) only adds fuel to that fire.   SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA) and GT Solar International Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) are both up since their earnings, but these might not be representative of the whole group. Investors’ negative bias toward te will effect  earnings expectations for Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) next week and  First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) the following week.
Read More »

Posted on: February 12, 2009 – 12:24 pm in Alternative Energy, Cult Stock, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (BP, GE, RZ, CCTC, SAI, ASTI, TTEK)

BP plc (NYSE: BP) announced that it has moved into full construction of Phase One of the Sherbino Wind Farm, a 150 megawatt renewable wind energy project that is roughly 30 miles east of Ft. Stockton, Texas.  BP also valued its green businesses in wind, hydrogen, bio-mass, and solar as being worth $5 to $7 Billion, and said it will look at how best to realize that growing value for shareholders. This may be a sale or spin-off, if not look for joint-ventures or partnerships.

General Electric (NYSE: GE) disclosed that it entered into a more than $700 million supply pact for more than 500 megawatts of renewable wind energy with Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc., an Austin, Texas, wind developer, with wind turbines for projects in 2009 and 2010.

We’d also note that last night Jim Cramer interviewed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and they briefly discussed "all renewables" as a solution to dependence upon foreign oil.  No mention was made of nuclear though.

We saw some key downgrades in the solar sector yesterday out of Banc of America.

Raser Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Arca: RZ) signed a memorandum of understanding with Tecstar, LP and Wheel to Wheel, LLC, outlining their intent to work together with Raser to manufacture plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) for utility, government, and other fleets.

Clean Coal Technologies, Inc. (Pink Sheets:CCTC) signed an agreement with The Benham Companies, LLC, a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corporation or SAIC, inc. (NYSE: SAI) to support commercialization of CCTI’s coal cleaning plants in China.

Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTI) and ITOCHU Corporation of Japan announced that the companies will begin work toward the development of one or more strategic cooperation relationship in machinery for Ascent Solar’s planned 100 MW manufacturing facility, raw materials for solar modules, future distribution of Ascent Solar products in Japan, and more.

Tetra Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTEK) was awarded three wind energy projects for engineering, procurement, and construction services totaling about $150 million by western utility PacifiCorp. Work on the three projects will begin immediately and is expected to end in December 2008.

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 247WallSt.com covers it. Green business has become big business, and this affects many public companies today.

Jon C. Ogg
February 28, 2008

Posted on: February 28, 2008 – 12:05 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (LDK, CPST, USU, FPL, ZAAP, FTEK, HVAG)

LDK Solar Co. (NYSE:LDK) stock fell 7% to $30.05 in the last hour of trading today after yesterday’s earnings, but it was mainly a lackluster guidance.  This was actually up in after-hours trading yesterday.  This solar player had already warned us about the same issues back in January, so this shouldn’t have been that big of a surprise.

Capstone Turbine (NASDAQ: CPST) scored another small gain of 2% or 3% before coming off at the end of the day, after a huge run yesterday.  This remains our own top pick of the small emerging alternative energy players, and this now represents a 50% gain for our "10 Stocks Under $10" weekly newsletter sent out every Monday. 

FPL Group Inc. (NYSE: FPL) had a power outage today in much of South Florida for what was being reported as "a loss of off-site power" without the cause being elaborated on besides workers taking the nuclear reactor down.

USEC (NYSE: USU) was horrible today, and many of you might not like "nuclear" as one of our "green" energies.  But a new uranium enrichment facility in Ohio is running 50% more expensive than budget.  Sounds to me like someone forgot to hedge steel and metals costs.

In an announcement last night, electric car maker ZAP (OTCBB:ZAAP) said it has filed a lawsuit against DaimlerChrysler, Smart Car and various officials on October 28, 2005, alleging severe misconduct attempting to destroy ZAP’s business model to bring the affordable and environmentally friendly smart for two to the US public.

Fuel-Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: FTEK) reports earnings next week, and this one has had one heck of time getting off the floor.  It is a great company that helps clean coal into much less nasty power, but its valuations may still be excessive in a time when low-risk is still preferred.  Coal is unfortunately going to be with us for another generation or more.

T. Boone Pickens gave a prediction that oil was coming off as much as $15/barrel in Q2 just last week.  He admitted he was short, but we were told by some oil traders this last weekend that his fund is doing far worse than his -5% he admitted to in energy.

High Velocity Alternative Energy Corp. (OTC-PK: HVAG) lost half of its value after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last night.  That’s the wrong way to go for an alternative energy play, and it is obviously poor management that can’t make alternative energy fly in this environment.

Point Carbon, a world-leading provider of independent analysis and consulting services, has predicted that the global carbon market will see 4.2 billion tons carbon emissions transacted during 2008, up 56% from 2007, and at today’s prices that would make the market worth $92 billion after converting Euros.

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it. Green business has become big business, and this affects many public companies today. 

Jon C. Ogg
February 26, 2008

Posted on: February 26, 2008 – 3:41 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (CLNE, GE, YGE, ASYS, GFET, LDK, ACPW, MS)

Today, energy industry sage T. Boone Pickens was opening his new facilities for LNG conversion to fuel in California for his Clean Energy Fuels Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNE).  He came on CNBC and predicted "$100+ oil" and called for higher prices to be the norm from here on.

General Electric (NYSE:GE) announced orders for 20 Jenbacher Gen-Sets, 4 LMS 100 Gas Turbines for Latin American power companies, and 333 wind turbines in two U.S. states.

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) priced its offering of US$150,000,000 zero coupon convertible senior notes due 2012 and the pricing of a concurrent offering of 5,600,000 American depositary shares by certain shareholders of the Company.

Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS) received a $3.9 million follow-on solar order for diffusion processing systems from an existing solar cell customer based in Taiwan.

Yesterday, Gulf Ethanol (OTC: GFET) signed definitive agreements to acquire its new cellulose feed-stock processing technology for ethanol plants.

Just yesterday, Lazard Capital Markets reiterated its SELL rating on LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK) despite it being up large on a questionable supply order.

Active Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACPW) announced yesterday that the S.E.C. has completed its investigation into the company’s past stock option granting practices and is not recommending any enforcement action.

Yesterday, Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) invested in a $200 million staged solar project fund in Recurrent Energy to provide financing for $100mm of Recurrent Energy’s solar electric power projects in 2008 and an additional $100mm in 2009.

Jon C. Ogg
December 11, 2007

Jon Ogg can be reached at jonogg@247wallst.com; he does not own securities in the companies he covers.

Posted on: December 11, 2007 – 4:38 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (MCEL, ASTI, CSUN, CPST, CMGI, USEY)

Senator Joe Lieberman and Senator John Warner introduce the Climate Security Act to aim for 50% carbon emission reduction in the U.S…… by 2050.

Lazard Capital gets even more bullish on key solar names, after already showing some strong expectations earlier this week.  You still have to use some caution though, as per the Cowen & Co. research note on China Sunergy (NASDAQ:CSUN) having its stock being overextended.

Google blew past its earnings and analysts are looking for much higher stock prices, so it has more and more money to keep it push going to be ‘carbon neutral’ by the end of the year.

Oil hit $90/barrel this week, T. Boone Pickens is now calling for $100/barrel.  Believe it or not, he’s not alone:

Millennium Cell Inc. (NASDAQ:MCEL) and Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies Pte. Ltd have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly develop and sell products on a global basis. The companies have also entered into a definitive agreement which will result in the exchange of their respective equity valued at $5 million.

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI) has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission post-effective amendments to two existing Form SB-2 registration statements that cover, among other things, the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding Class B warrants. Today’s filings do not register additional securities for sale by Ascent Solar, but are intended solely to convert the existing registrations on Form SB-2 into less burdensome and less costly registrations on Form S-3.

Capstone Turbine Corp. (NASDAQ:CPST) has released a 65 kilowatt microturbine that meets extremely low global emission requirements including California’s stringent distributed generation emissions standard.

CMGI Inc.’s (NASDAQ: CMGI) @Ventures announced that one of the companies in its venture capital portfolio, The Generations Network, Inc. will be acquired by Spectrum Equity Investors. Under the terms of the agreement, Spectrum will lead an investment of $300 million to purchase a majority interest in the company.

U.S. Energy Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: USEY)…. The NASDAQ Stock Market will delist the Company’s shares of common stock and suspend trading in the shares effective with the opening of trading on Thursday, October 18, 2007. The Company has been advised that its shares are eligible for quotation on the Pink Sheets Electronic Quotation Service.
Business Week article touts the "green business notion of profitability is going up in smoke."
The early-week edition of "The Business Day In Global Warming"
If you wish to subscribe directly to this link please set your RSS feeds to:
http://www.247wallst.com/alternative_energy/index.html

Jon C. Ogg
October 19, 2007

Jon Ogg produces the subscriber-based Special Situation Investing Newsletter; he does not own securities in the companies he covers.  Trial members signing up this weekend will still be entitles to view the first part of our "Small Cap Internet Watch List" of likely takeover targets in the sector.

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "ClimateChange" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it. Greenbusiness has become big business, and this affects many publiccompanies today.

Posted on: October 19, 2007 – 2:38 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (FPL, TSSP, LDK, JEF, AA, SOPW, WWAT)

Lazard Capital Markets gives a preview for earnings out of key solar companies this week.  First Solar was started with coverage by Pacific Growth Equities with a Neutral rating, and after a 400%+ stock run it is hard to blame the lackluster rating.

FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE:FPL) asked the Public Service Commission to agree on the need for 2 new Nuclear (or Nukular) generating plants.

TrendSetter Solar Products, Inc. (Pink Sheets:TSSP), an alternative energy manufacturing company of state-of-the-art solar hot water systems, solar hot water heating and storage systems, announced today that on Friday, October 12, 2007, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a package of legislation furthering his commitment to energy efficiency, conservation and pollution reduction….. That is just a noise press release.

LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK) rose 3% at one point after being awarded a saolar supply pact from Saifun Solar (NASDAQ:SFUN).

Jefferies & Co. (NYSE:JEF) announced it is hoting its 4th Global Clean Technology Conference in London on 18 October.  Companies in attendance will include BP p.l.c., ersol Solar Energy AG, Renewable Energy Corporation ASA, and THEOLIA. The conference keynote speech will be given by Jim Lyons, Chief Engineer of General Electric Company and founder of GE’s wind energy division.

OCTOBER 15, 2007

Yesterday, Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced that products from two of its Building and Construction Systems businesses – Kawneer Company and Alcoa Architectural Products – are used extensively by a team from Georgia Institute of Technology in the 2007 Solar Decathlon now taking place in Washington, D.C.

Solar Power, Inc. (“SPI”) (OTCBB:SOPW) has completed work on one of the region’s largest photovoltaic (“PV”) solar electric systems. The 400 kilowatt (“kW”) system will provide a majority of the electricity required to power the 43,195 sq. ft. Placer County juvenile detention facility which can accommodate 27,375 bed-nights annually.

WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corp. (OTC BB: WWAT), developer and marketer of proprietary high-power solar systems, and ENTECH, Inc. of Keller, Texas, a high tech supplier of solar technology to NASA for space operations, announced that they have signed an extension of their Letter of Intent (LOI) to merge from October 15, 2007 to November 30, 2007 pending final signatures of the Merger Agreement.

If you wish to set an RSS feed to our daily "The Business Day in Global Warming" and other news we cover from time to time in alternativeenergy, you can set it the following URL:
http://www.247wallst.com/alternative_energy/index.html

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "ClimateChange" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it. Greenbusiness has become big business, and this affects many publiccompanies today. 

Jon C. Ogg
October 16, 2007

Posted on: October 16, 2007 – 5:08 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (GE, UPS, LDK, ITRI, BECN, ENER, COMV)

General Electric (NYSE:GE) announced a $750 million order to supply six advanced technology, Frame 9FB gas turbine-generators and associated services to EDF (Électricité de France) for the utility’s electrical power production facilities in France and elsewhere in Europe.

UPS (NYSE:UPS) is adding 306 alternative fuel vehicles to its “green fleet” by placing an order for 167 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) delivery trucks while taking delivery of 139 new propane delivery trucks in North America. Additionally, the company has launched an initiative to use biodiesel fuel in its ground support vehicles at the UPS Worldport® air hub in Louisville.  Maybe BROWN really can be GREEN.

LDK Solar’s (NYSE:LDK) woes in China over its reporting on inventories continues…..down another 25% today. Lazard Capital Markets’ Sanjay Shrestha lowered his price target on Energy Conversion Devices (NASDAQ:ENER) from $44.00 down to $40.00 (current was $26.50); and increased his Buy rating target on Otron (NASDAQ:ITRI) from $95 to $115, and reiterated the Buy rating and $37 target on Comverge (NASDAQ:COMV).

Read More »

Posted on: October 8, 2007 – 2:43 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (SRP, SATC, ETLY, BP, CSIQ, AMAT, FSLR)

Sierra Pacific Resources (NYSE:SRP) announced today that its two Nevada-based utility subsidiaries, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, have issued a Request for Proposals for renewable energy resources: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and other resources eligible for portfolio energy credits under the Nevada renewable portfolio standard.

SatCon Technology Corporation® (NASDAQ: SATC) announced that it has been awarded a $2 million contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop the complete electric power conversion package for a hybrid electric vehicle for special operations applications.

Read More »

Posted on: October 2, 2007 – 1:36 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (RZ, VE, NGG, COP, ADM, HIT, POWR, CMGI, GE, CVX)

This morning Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) cut estimates from 2007 to 2009 for corn-based ethanol producers for much of the same reasoning that we have been cautious on the sector.

Raser Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Arca: RZ) announced today that it has added to its geothermal rights in the Escalante Desert in southwestern Utah through a 10 year lease agreement with a private property owner for undisclosed financial terms.

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) has welcomed plans by the MassachusettsDepartment of Environmental Protection (DEP) to introduce auctions forCO2 allowances across the state that are being developed in support ofthe Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) that was endorsed byGovernor Patrick earlier this year.

Veolia Water, part of Veolia Enrinnment SA (NYSE:VE) Won a contract to Supply 3 Million inhabitants with drinking water in Tianjin, China.  From what we’ve read, they need it.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM) have announced a new alliance to develop next generation biofuels.  Expect more and more announcements of this sort from oil comnpanies.  You don’t think any of them are going to say "No we’re not interested because we only are interested in oil."  They might feel that way today, but at the end of the day oil companies are just energy companies.

Read More »

Posted on: September 27, 2007 – 3:30 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ethanol Downgrades Keep Coming (AVR, PEIX, VSE)

If you watch our daily hits on stocks that are hitting 52-week lows, then you know by now that ethanol stocks get kicked almost daily.  Today is no different as Goldman Sachs has cut earnings estimates out of three usual suspects on corn-based ethanol and now projects some actual EPS losses instead of positive earnings in 2008.

  • Aventine Renewable (AVR) current year cut from $0.95 EPS to $0.76 EPS; next year cut from $0.55 EPS down to -$0.15 EPS.
  • Pacific Ethanol (PEIX) current year cut from $0.16 EPS to $0.05; next year cut from $0.35 EPS to -$0.35.
  • Verasun (VSE) current year cut from $0.46 EPS to $0.35; next year cut from $0.70 EPS to $0.15 EPS.

The cut estimates reflects a continued cautious rating on the sector as Goldman Sachs believes a long anticipated oversupply has arrived.  They note that ethanol capacity growth needs to come to a halt and existing capacity needs to run at lower utilization rates.

Goldman Sachs says its earnings projections are now significantly under First Call estimates.  Does that mean even more downgrades on the way from other research firms that have already cut them?  We have had a serious concern for some time about corn-based ethanol in the US.  Other ethanol is profitable elsewhere and without the subsidy this sub-sector of the industry would likely have some viability issues.  This is also a very political topic and the argument could be tossed up that if Iowa primaries weren’t so important that this would be deemed as snake oil.

Articles of interest:

Jon C. Ogg
September 27, 2007

Posted on: September 27, 2007 – 7:36 am in Alternative Energy, Analyst Calls, Oil & Gas, , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (KSS, MAG, FPL, BZH, PRRY, CPNLQ, DELL, ING)

Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE:KSS) is activating a solar rollout to its 63 California locations.

Magnetek, Inc. (NYSE:MAG) has received orders from United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) for PCS-2C and -2D fuel cell power inverters totaling 2.4 megawatts in a contract valued at approximately $1.3 million scheduled for delivery over the coming 8 months.

FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE:FPL), the Florida Power & Lighting parent, announced today a $2.4 billion investment program aimed at increasing U.S. solar thermal energy output and reducing carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming: up to $1.5 billion in new solar thermal generating facilities; Investment of up to $500 million by FPL to create a smart network that will provide its 4.5 million customers with enhanced energy management capabilities; and a new consumer education program and new products that could increase renewable energy resources by at least $400 million over the first five years of the program.

Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH) becomes a principal sponsor for Georgia Tech Solar Decathlon 2007.  For some reason, it seems they’ll still have bad home sales.

Planet Resource Recovery, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: PRRY) announced today that it has delivered its first shipment of PetroLuxus™ 600 for the treatment of biodiesel that will streamline the production of biodiesel in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.

Calpine Corporation (Pink Sheets: CPNLQ) received final approval today from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to construct the 600-megawatt Russell City Energy Center in Hayward, Calif.

Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) today said it will become the first computer maker to neutralize its greenhouse gas emissions. CEO Michael Dell announced a series of measures to shrink the company’s carbon footprint and offset  its greenhouse gas emissions in 2008.

ING (NYSE:ING) announced today the next phase of its worldwide sustainability commitment by agreeing to
purchase clean, emission-free wind energy credits for its U.S. operations.

Jon C. Ogg
September 26, 2007

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or"Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.Green business has become big business, and this affects many publiccompanies today.

Posted on: September 26, 2007 – 4:44 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (WMI, AMSC, BP, RDS, COST, ENCS)

Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WMI) announced a major national initiative to expand its roster of landfill gas to energy (LFGTE) facilities. The program will result in the creation of an additional 60 renewable energy facilities across the country — including the potential of two additional facilities in South Carolina — over the next five years.

New Poll Finds Most Favor Nuclear Energy To Meet NJ’s Rapidly Increasing Electric Demand

American Superconductor Corporation (NASDAQ: AMSC), a leading energy technologies company, today introduced a Static VAR Compensator (“SVC”) product line. AMSC also announced that it has received its first transmission-level SVC order from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), operator of 75 percent of the high voltage transmission grid in the Pacific Northwest.

Costco (NASDAQ:COST) and PermaCity team to deliver 2.4 Megawatts of Solar Electric Power to La Habra, Westlake Village, Simi Valley and Culver City Costco Warehouses.

Encore Energy Systems, Inc. (OTC: ENCS) issued a stockholder update: Jack Tarry, CEO said: "We remain on a rapid and strong path of growth and expansion. We will continue updating stockholder on our progress. We have many exciting developments to report in the coming days and weeks. This update further demonstrates our ability to set goals and deliver accordingly."   This sounds more like noise rather than news.

BP (NYSE:BP) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced a major research partnership around energy conversion technologies. The program will explore the conversion of low-value carbon feedstocks such as petcoke and coal to high-value products such as electricity, liquid fuels and chemicals while minimizing carbon dioxide emissions.

Baard Energy, L.L.C. has acquired a technology license from Shell U.S. Clean Coal Energy Inc., part of Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS), to use its Coal Gasification Process in the gasification portion of its proposed $5 billion coal-to-liquid fuel (CTL) project located in Columbiana County, Ohio.  The project will produce over 50,000 barrels per day of jet and diesel fuel, and other liquid products from coal and biomass feedstock.

Green Private Equity Fund, With A Hockey Twist

Jon C. Ogg
September 25, 2007 

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or"Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.Green business has become big business, and this affects many publiccompanies today.

Posted on: September 25, 2007 – 2:42 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , ,

Green Private Equity Fund, With a Hockey Twist

Michael Richter, former All-Star goalie for the New York Rangers, has announced the formation of Environmental Capital Partners, LLC as a private equity firm focused exclusively on the environmental industry.  "ECP" has formed a relationship with New York Private Bank & Trust to invest $100 million in middle-market green companies.

Sectors of particular interest for the firm include:

  • Green consumer products,
  • Eco-friendly building materials,
  • Alternative energy,
  • and Industrial environmental services.

ECP is actively seeking growth and buyout transactions that require equity investments of $10-25 million, but the firm has the ability to complete larger transactions.

The firm will be led by Managing Partners William Staudt, an entrepreneur with extensive private equity and operating experience, and Robert Egan, formerly of J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC. The firm’s Partners include Dr. Stephen Kellert, a senior professor at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and former New York Ranger, Michael Richter, a recognized figure in the environmental community and frequent speaker at environmental events.  Mr. Richter was considering a run for Congress when he was first approached about forming ECP. If you watch hockey you might find the greening or environmental efforts somewhat amusing considering the fights.

New York Private Bank & Trust Company is the largest privately owned bank in the nation. Howard Milstein, President and CEO of NYPB&T, and Barry Friedberg, a Director of NYBP&T, and the former chairman of the Investment Banking Division and member of the Executive Management Committee at Merrill Lynch & Co., will serve on ECP’s Investment Committee along with Messrs. Egan and Staudt.

If you are interested in our daily coverage in alternative energy you can set your RSS feeds to:
http://www.247wallst.com/alternative_energy/index.html

If you’d like to see our coverage in the sector for a quick review visit the following:

Jon C. Ogg
September 25, 2007

Posted on: September 25, 2007 – 8:24 am in Alternative Energy, Private Equity, , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (AEP, ARSC, SPLS, AKNS, JNPR, PWER, MCEL, YGE)

We noted ourselves today how some of these ethanol stocks are trading at new 52-week lows again.  Some of these are hitting new stock lows each day.  Some Ethanol Names Drowning In Their Own Tanks (USBE, PEIX, VSE, AVR)

American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) subsidiary Appalachian Power Co. has signed a long-term power purchase agreement for renewable wind energy with Camp Grove Wind Farm LLC, a wind project majority owned by Orion Energy Group LLC.

American Security Resources Corporation (OTCBB:ARSC) subsidiary, American Hydrogen Corporation (“AHC”), has shipped samples of its proprietary ammonia catalytic electrolyzer (ACE) to a European company specializing in catalysts for the fuel cell industry.

Read More »

Posted on: September 24, 2007 – 12:43 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (EEE, AECOX, GE, VOLV, SOLF, FTEK, AW, PCG, PGN)

Evergreen Energy Inc (NYSE:EEE) has signed an “Agreement to Proceed” with specifications and design work that lead to the construction of a K-Fuel® lignite coal refinery in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The agreement was signed yesterday with a subsidiary of China Power Investment Corporation (CPI), one of the five state-owned power generation companies in China.

Our friends at TheStreet.com have a great article "A Green Fund for Global-Warming Skeptics."  As we have noted ourselves over and over, whether you believe in "global warming" or "climate change" doesn’t really matter.  Green business is becoming big business.   Allianz RCM Global EcoTrends Fund (AECOX) is a $131 million fund has appeared in the top 10% of stock funds for several months this year.

Thursday, September 20, 2007
Plutonic Power Corporation (TSX:PCC) and GE Energy Financial Services, part of GE (NYSE:GE), executed a fixed-price construction contract with Peter Kiewit Sons Co. for the construction of the 196 MW Toba Montrose run-of-river hydroelectric project.  The signing of the approximately $500 million engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract allows Kiewit to move ahead to the next stages after the initial rejuvenation and construction of forestry roads and bridges to the powerhouse site that had begun in July 2007.

With higher than $80.00 per barrel oil, alternative energy is all forms is highly important.  Many of these initiatives started back in the 1990’s and 2000 when oil was cheaper than water.  T. Boone Pickens is still bullish on oil prices and he’s bullish on his natural gas for autos initiative.  Earlier this week Goldman Sachs unveiled their "Super-Spike" in oil prices with the high-end of that band moving from $100 to $135 per barrel and up to $4.50 per gallon of gas at the pump.

Read More »

Posted on: September 21, 2007 – 10:27 am in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

T. Boone Pickens Still Bullish on Oil, AND on Alternative Energy (CLNE)

T. Boone  Pickens was just a guest on CNBC this morning, but this was after he featured his alternative energy company called Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE).  This stock is now up over 10% on the day after he rang the opening bell for NASDAQ.

As far as overall oil and energy, T. Boone Pickens is still very bullish.  He is still not going with formal targets but noted that oil production is now 85M barrels per day and there is a 88M production goal for Q4, "so production is going up."  He also noted that as some fear Oil could go to $100, but he doesn’t think that will happen this year and he thinks that would take a geopolitical event.  T. Boone Pickens created waves and a lot of scurrying when he predicted $80 oil before he’s 80, and that easily came to pass.

Recently we gave an extreme case that some outsiders think could yield oil at $200 per barrel, although keep in mind this is over quite a long time frame.  Goldman Sachs also just lifted its theoretical oil "Super-Spike" band to a higher level of $135 per barrel and even $4.50 per gallon at the pump.  You can also see their comments on individual stocks in the sector here.

Interestingly enough, on the very near term he thinks we should get a pullback here to maybe $78 per barrel.  He still thinks the overall trend is up as demand is up and production is relatively flat.  He noted that there will be less demand in second quarter of 2008, but supply is not going to get better.  As far as where price kills demand, he won’t predict because it hasn’t happened yet at each milestone crossed.

He also noted that America is going green, and his company Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) is a green company that turns compressed and liquefied natural gas to run automobiles and the time has come for this.  He noted that this is domestic, cheap, and clean and that it will happen.

As far as his stance on on gasification of coal, all kinds of alternative energy in coal and natural gas are there with oil at $82.00, but it all depends upon costs.

If you are interested in what goes on the Business World of "Global Warming" or "Climate Change," we now run a daily piece each afternoon on the business developments with public companies titled "The Business Day In Global Warming."  We do not cover this under any political bend.  Every major company out there seems to have some greener initiative, and as far as the Western World is concerned "Green Business Is Now Big Business."

If you would like to set up an RSS feed daily to our ALTERNATIVE ENERGY thread section you can link at the URL here:
http://www.247wallst.com/alternative_energy/index.html

Jon C. Ogg
September 19, 2007

Jon C. Ogg produces the 24/7 Wall St., LLC Special Situation Investing Newsletter; he does not own securities in the companies he covers.

Posted on: September 19, 2007 – 9:08 am in Alternative Energy, Oil & Gas, , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (ASTI, NHY, AES, CLNE, EFOI, WMT, AMSC, BSRC)

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI) and Hydro Building Systems, a division of Norsk Hydro (NYSE: NHY), today announced plans for the development of a new Brise Soleil product line incorporating thin film flexible solar modules manufactured by Ascent Solar.

Newly released sales figures from R.L. Polk reveal that an increased number of alternative fuel automobiles were sold in the second quarter of 2007. Between April and June of this year, nearly 490,000 AFA’s were sold nationwide, an increase of 27 percent over the same period last year, bringing the total number of AFAs to nearly 11.5 million on American roads.  For more information about Alternative Fuel Automobiles, visit www.DiscoverAlternatives.com.

AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) today announced plans to begin construction of Buffalo Gap 3, a 170 MW expansion of its Buffalo Gap wind farm near Abilene, Texas. Once completed, the project will increase capacity at Buffalo Gap to 524 MW, making it one of the largest operating wind farms in the United States. Commercial operations are expected to begin mid-2008.

Clean Energy (Nasdaq:CLNE) has entered a five-year agreement to supply the Metropolitan Transit District in Santa Cruz, California with clean-burning liquefied natural gas fuel for its growing fleet of natural gas powered buses. Santa Cruz Metro plans, by mid-2008, to operate 63 CNG buses, including 10 currently in service and by replacing 53 older diesel-fueled buses with new or re-powered natural gas models.

Energy Focus, Inc. (NASDAQ: EFOI),formerly Fiberstars, Inc., a player in energy-efficient lighting technologies has received orders from Wal-Mart for installations of Energy Focus’s EFO(R) downlight system in a Wal-Mart Super Center and a Sam’s Club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

American Superconductor Corp. (NASDAQ: AMSC) announced at the HUSUMwind 2007 trade show in Germany that it has received a follow-on order for approximately $20 million in wind turbine electrical systems from Beijing-based Sinovel Wind Corporation Limited. The order follows a $70 million order received from Sinovel Wind in July 2007.

BioSolar Inc. (OTCBB: BSRC) has been rated “Speculative Buy” with a target price of $.84 by Beacon Equity Research Analyst, Victor Sula, PhD.  The full report is available at http://www.BeaconEquityResearch.com, but be advised that reports of this sort often not exactly what they seem.

Jon C. Ogg
September 18, 2007 

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.  Green business has become big business, and this affects many public companies today.

Posted on: September 18, 2007 – 3:45 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (GE, BLDP, UTX, PX, FWLT, PBOF, OPTT, YGE, FPL, GWSO)

If you haven’t heard of the 4th Annual Energy Tech Conference, from October 3 to 4, 2007, in San Jose, California, it might be worth looking at.  There will be clean-tech, green tech, VC’s and even traditional power companies there.

Apparently, some new company is out in the alternative energy and green tech sector if you trust the name, although you are on your own because they are on the OTC PINK SHEETS.  Global Warming Solutions (PINKSHEETS:GWSO) issued a corporate update.

Florida Power & Light Co. (NYSE:FPL) today asked the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) for permission to expand power production capacity at its currently operating Turkey Point and St. Lucie nuclear power plants.

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE:YGE) entered into a new mid to long term agreement with Wacker Chemie AG of Germany.  Wacker will supply Yingli Green Energy with polysilicon from 2009 to 2011. The total amount of polysilicon supplied will allow Yingli Green Energy to produce over 80MW of PV modules over the life of the agreement.

Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTT) announced its results for the first quarter of its fiscal year ending April 30, 2008. Revenues were $556,000 compared with $305,000 in the three months ended July 31, 2006; net loss of $2.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 compared with a net loss of $1.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Stock fell 3.2% to $13.27, still with a $135 million market cap.

PennFuture: Wind Energy Vital to Pennsylvania’s Economy, Environment and Public Health…. This is music to General Electric’s (NYSE:GE) ears as they are the top wind power turbine maker in North America. 

Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium signs contracts on Six New Fuel Cell Bus Projects with Federal Transit Administration:  State-of-the-Art Fuel Cell Buses to be deployed In Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.  UTC Power, GE Research, New York Power Authority, Nuvera, Massport, CT Transit,  Ballard Power Systems, New Flyer, and others to be involved.  STOCK TICKERS: UTX, GE, BLDP.

Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) and Foster Wheeler North America Corp., a US subsidiary of Foster Wheeler Ltd. (Nasdaq: FWLT) have signed a multi-year agreement that calls for the joint pursuit of certain demonstration projects that will incorporate clean coal technologies and integrated oxy-coal combustion systems into coal-fired electric generating plants to facilitate capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Pure Biofuels Corp. (OTCBB:PBOF), a leader in the South American biofuel industry, today announced the closing of a $30 million round of private financing consisting of a $10 million convertible note and a $20 million secured credit facility.

Goldman Sachs today issued its new Super Spike price band for oil saying we are in Phase 2 of the cycle.  This now lays out the possibilities for up to $135 per barrel and up to $4.50 per gallon at the pump. Remember, this isn’t a prediction these go there, it’s just a range for super-spikes in prices based upon today’s conditions.  They did give new actual targets though, and the call is for higher prices to remain.

Jon C. Ogg
September 17, 2007

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.  Green business has become big business, and this affects many public companies today.

Posted on: September 17, 2007 – 6:04 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day in Global Warming (SWY, BRK-A,TM, SPWR)

Safeway Inc. (NYSE:SWY) has announced a new environmental project to power 23 California stores with renewable solar energy. The company installed solar panels atop a newly renovated Safeway Lifestyle store in Dublin, California and plans to extend the program to nearly two dozen stores.  Congressman Jerry McNerney joined on a tour of the store’s rooftop solar panel array. The unit is currently generating electricity to power the 55,000-square-foot retail facility. 

NetJets, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK-A), unveiled details of a multifaceted initiative to address the environmental impact of the company’s flights and other operations and strengthen its response to climate change and other environmental challenges.  The company retained the services of Esty Environmental Partners, a leader in corporate environmental strategy.

Chicago Tribune reported that The City of Chicago has signed an $8.7 million contract to buy up to 300 hybrid vehicles made by Toyota (NYSE:TM): 100 Prius sedans, 100 Camry models and 100 Highlander SUVs from Northside Toyota in the next three years.

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based solar manufacturer, today announced a new partnership with GRID Alternatives, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization, to bring the power of solar energy to low-income families in need.

This is from earlier in the week, but worth a read.  The Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan today announced that many companies who voluntarily participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s program to report reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions tend to have increased emissions but report reductions.

With oil hitting $80 a barrel, alternative energy is going to stay front and center regardless of any political issues around the topic.

 

Jon C. Ogg
September 13, 2007

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.  Green business has become big business, and this affects many public companies today.

Posted on: September 13, 2007 – 6:33 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , ,