Tuesday, December 18, 2007

xFruits - 21st Century Sustainable Technology - 9 new items

The Daily Sprout  

2007-12-19 01:06

Craig Rubens - Misc

Global Investment in Alternative Energy Hits $74B: New Energy Finance analysts report that investment hit an all time high as energy prices rise, concerns about climate change mount, and countries are seeking diversified energy sources - Financial Times.

Greenwashing Bottled Water Reaches New Absurdities: Joel Makower blasts bottled water companies’ efforts to “green” their products. “Now with a 30 percent less label!” Yeah, we’re unimpressed as well - Joel Makower.

Lehman Ups the Targets on Solar Stocks: Analysts see demand ahead of estimates and think the price of polysilicon will continue to rise in 2008. All of this is leading solar companies to vertically integrate - Seeking Alpha.

To All Those Chumps Who Sold LDK Solar…: LDK is trading up at $70 today and Michael Schaffer couldn’t be happier. The company has resurged after taking some serious hits amid a short selling storm - Seeking Alpha.

Biofuels Might Be a Bubble, But What Other Options Do We Have?: The Midwest ethanol is suffering from the boom-bust cycle of commodity excitement, but we need a petroleum alternative now and corn isn’t the answer - MIT Technology Review.

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Najafi to Invest $100M in Power Generation  

2007-12-18 22:00

Craig Rubens - Startups

Najafi Companies, a Phoenix-based private investment firm, said this week that it will invest $100 million in a new portfolio company with a cleantech focus. The company, Energy Capital Investments (ECI), will act as an investor to both create and acquire renewable energy technologies, specifically in the areas of solar, geo-thermal and biomass energy production.

Much of ECI’s management comes from National City Energy Capital, an energy financing firm that has financed clean energy in the past. While the initial investment from Najafi is $100 million, the company will draw on the “considerable capital” available from its principal members. “We'll look at projects on the commercial level and on the project level,” ECI CEO Clifford Svoboda told us. “We don't want to limit ourselves.”

This is the first investment in energy Najafi has made. As more players get into clean energy, and cleantech in general, 2008 is looking like it will get even more funding then 2007. Time will tell if the sector becomes overvalued.

Some of ECI’s first deals will be in solar, Svoboda told us. “We did a lot of solar at National [City Energy Capital]. All these guys were involved in doing solar. About the only type of project they weren't involved with was wind,” he said.

William Garnett, a principal at ECI and former NCEC VP, claims that the newly minted ECI has already hit the ground running. “We're currently in negotiations in PPAs with governmental entities, both state and local, as well as a number of commercial establishments,” he said. The PPAs are for power from photovoltaic and concentrated solar thermal sources, Garnett said. Svoboda added that he hopes these deals will be completed by the first quarter of next year, at which point they’ll release more details.

ECI also plans to eventually start deevloping some of its own renewable technologies, Svoboda told us, but for now they’re focused on building a diverse portfolio of stable technologies and partnerships. He stressed that ECI is not an investment fund and is therefore not bound by the same constrictions, including shorter time horizons on investments. ECI will likely be one of a growing number of such diversified portfolio companies to come online as the clean energy industry matures.

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White House: Bush to sign energy bill Wednesday  

2007-12-18 20:10

Lascelles Linton - CAFE

Filed under: ,

Bush

The Congress finally passed the energy bill today, which includes a 35 miles per gallon CAFE standard and the White House says Bush will sign it Wednesday. Even though Bush threatened to veto the bill several times and he still thinks the CAFE standard could have gone "farther and faster," he's on board now. Go figure. Anyway, here is exactly what press secretary Dana Perino said:

Tomorrow we look forward to, hopefully, passing -- the President signing the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. That bill will be voted on for final passage in the House later today. In January, the President announced his 20-in-10 initiative, a comprehensive plan for a more secure, cleaner energy future, which would reduce our consumption of gasoline by 20 percent over 10 years. He has pushed Congress to pass this legislation all year. And the bill would increase fuel economy and expand the use of renewable fuels; it will save billions of gallons of fuel, expand our energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

While the President's alternative fuel standard and CAFE proposal would have gone farther and faster, we are pleased that Congress has worked together on a bipartisan way that provides the chance for the President to sign a bill that does not include tax increases.

So, tomorrow, AutoblogGreen will probably show you a video of Bush handing out pens and smiling as he signs the first CAFE standard increase in over 30 years into law. I thought they would all be on vacation and the bill would never become law but they actually got something done. I'm little shocked. Can we say greens won this one?

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[Source: White House]

 

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Current Eliminator V sets new world speed record - 153.6 mph - for...  

2007-12-18 19:03

Sebastian Blanco - altair

Filed under: , ,



Got a need for speed? Strap on a battery pack and his the track. That's the idea behind the Current Eliminator V, which set a new electric dragster world speed record in the National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) Super Pro class of 153.6 mph at the Speedworld Motorplex drag strip in Tuscon last Saturday. The Current Eliminator V did the quarter-mile in 8.10 seconds at the hands of Dennis "Kilowatt" Berube. The dragster was powered by Altairnano's lithium-titanate battery packs. Berube is a founding competitor of the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA). As you might guess from the "V" following the vehicle's name, the record-setting zero-emission rocket is the fifth iteration of the Current Eliminator. The fourth version won "more prize money than any other dragster in Arizona" last year, competing "against conventional gasoline and alcohol dragsters," according to Altairnano.

[Source: Altairnano, Current Eliminator website, h/t to Domenick]


Electric-Powered Dragster Sets New World Speed Record

Altairnano Batteries Power Electric Vehicle to National Hot Rod Association World Speed Record for Electric Dragsters: Quarter Mile in 8.10 Seconds at 153.6 mph

TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTI), a leading manufacturer of safe, high-performance lithium-titanate battery pack products and energy storage products announced today that Dennis "Kilowatt" Berube has set the National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) Super Pro class world speed record for electric dragsters driving an electric vehicle powered by Altairnano battery packs.

Powered by Altairnano's lithium-titanate battery packs, Berube's electric dragster, named the Current Eliminator V, accelerated to a speed of 153.6 mph at the Speedworld Motorplex drag strip on Saturday, December 15, covering a quarter-mile in 8.10 seconds, setting a new electric dragster world speed record. Dennis Berube started his first day at the track with the Altairnano battery pack and with limited time, on a single day, ran times of 10.04, 8.84, 8.40, 8.23 and finally a 8.10 second run - Very significant improvement with three of these times breaking his old record of 8.801 seconds.

"We are truly thrilled for Dennis," said Dr. Alan Gotcher, President and CEO of Altair Nanotechnologies. "Not only is it a great milestone for Dennis, but it is a great milestone for the alternative energy transportation industry," Dr. Gotcher continued. "People think of electric vehicles as golf carts, but as Dennis's new world record shows, electric vehicles are extremely powerful and capable of impressive speeds."

In 2006, Berube's Current Eliminator IV, the predecessor vehicle his Current Eliminator V, earned more prize money than any other dragster in Arizona. In the NHRA's Super Pro class, Berube successfully competes against conventional gasoline and alcohol dragsters.

A founding competitor of the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA), Berube holds several records for his speed and racing accomplishments.

ABOUT ALTAIR NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC.

Altairnano is an innovator and supplier of advanced novel, ceramic nanomaterials. A seasoned management team complements Altairnano's leading edge scientists, with substantial experience in commercializing innovative, disruptive technologies. The company has developed nanomaterials for the alternative energy, life sciences and performance materials markets based on its proprietary manufacturing process. This process also provides the foundation for its innovative AHP pigment process. Altairnano is a leading manufacturer of advanced battery pack systems, which are used in stationary power applications, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. For more information visit: www.altairnano.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the company's actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this release. Risks are identified in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. The company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements found herein to reflect any changes in company expectations or results or any change in events.

 

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Detroit 2008: Nissan Forum concept - diesel-powered family transport  

2007-12-18 17:54

Sam Abuelsamid - detroit-2008

Filed under: , ,


Click the Forum concept for a high-res gallery

Nissan today unveiled their concept vehicle for the 2008 North American International Auto Show. The Forum is an exploratory design concept based on the idea of a family transportation vehicle. Although it undeniably has the profile of that most dreaded of vehicles, the minivan, Nissan executives preferred not to call it that. Whatever you want to call the Forum, Nissan just hopes you call. The new concept is designed to provide flexible transport for grownups and those not so grown. All seats are equipped with personal entertainment systems that allow the occupant of that seat to plug in their own digital media player and have the sounds play back through seat-mounted speakers.

The front seat grownups can monitor activity in the back two rows thanks to a pair of roof mounted cameras that can play back through the dash mounted display screen. When things get out of hand, a time out button on the steering wheel allows the driver to mute all entertainment systems instantly. On the propulsion front, the Forum is designed around Nissan's upcoming clean diesel V-6 engine. According to Nissan's VP of product planning Larry Dominique, if a vehicle like the Forum does get produced it could use either a diesel engine or a hybrid power-train. The diesel does seem like the better option for this type of vehicle thanks to it's plentiful low-end torque. Regardless of the ultimate fate of this people mover, we will definitely see the diesel engine in the Maxima in 2010. The Nissan press release and a video of the Forum are after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Nissan Forum Concept


[Source: Nissan]




For Release December 18, 2007


Nissan FORUM Concept Utilizes Design and Technology

Innovations to Create a Unique Family Activity Space

The Nissan FORUM, an exploratory design concept developed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA), represents the next revolution in family transportation. Answering the challenge of making family passenger vehicles more appealing to both drivers and passengers, FORUM offers a wide array of innovative ideas - from its trackless sliding side doors and elimination of traditional B-pillars, to an interior featuring a multi-position swiveling 2nd row seat and next-generation entertainment and family communications technology. FORUM makes its world auto show debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Two Independent Zones In One Room
As its name suggests, FORUM is conceived as a "gathering place," bringing adults and children together in two independent but linked "zones." Targeting families with older children who not only can entertain themselves but also demand to, FORUM respects the needs and desires of both grownups and kids.
In front is the parents' zone, with advanced information technology controls and seats designed to enhance driving pleasure. The rear zone is the dedicated kids' space, where they can feel comfortable and entertained. FORUM's advanced technology bridges the two zones, as desired, into one unique family "togetherness" space.


"From a conceptual standpoint, FORUM is closer to a family limousine than the minivans Gen Xers have grown up with. But unlike a real limo - or sometimes traditional minivans - the FORUM driver is just as important as the passengers," said Rachel Nguyen, director, Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc. "It offers a sophisticated space for adults and an engaging space for children - allowing both groups to enjoy themselves in their own individualistic ways while being connected in one vehicle. Like every Nissan, this dramatic FORUM Concept combines passionate driving, emotive design and an abundance of advanced, user-friendly technology."
The FORUM conceptual and design teams took care to consider the needs of both male and female drivers. "Traditional minivans are often perceived as the 'Mom's car' - but FORUM is designed to be gender neutral. The reality is that both Moms and Dads want style, performance and driving pleasure in their vehicles, whether transporting kids or not."
Research shows that the primary driver of family vehicles often changes depending on the day of the week and family schedules. During the week, FORUM's primary driver might be a mom, picking up the kids at school, dropping them off at practices or lessons - so we've incorporated advanced communications systems such as rear seat camera monitoring cameras and audio controls. "Sometimes being a mom is just about managing the chaos, but moms also deserve some personal space of their own. FORUM is designed to give moms a balance between needs and the kids'," said Nguyen.
On the weekends, a dad might become the primary driver, taking over FORUM for errands, longer trips or recreational drives - so FORUM is designed with responsive power and handling, and more aggressive, performance-car styling than traditional family vehicles. FORUM also offers the exceptional flexibility required to haul large objects and other "weekend gear."

"We also know that with traditional minivans, both moms and dads sometimes feel like they are sitting in a kids' playroom - losing their identities in the vehicle," continued Nguyen. "FORUM lets kids be kids and grown-ups be grown-ups, with the adults firmly in charge."
Ultimately, FORUM is conceived as a place to share - a destination in itself, as well as enjoyable transportation to other venues.
"There are many occasions during a week when, with a family's busy schedule, the vehicle is the only place where everyone is together - so we've incorporated features and technology to enhance this precious 'quality time,'" said Nguyen.

Pushing the Envelope of Exterior Design
Though respecting the basic layout of a "one box" design, FORUM Concept adds a higher level of dramatic styling through its wide stance, high beltline, wide-open visibility and an aggressive front end appearance.
FORUM's design innovations include wide-opening front doors and no B-pillars - creating exceptional access to the 2nd and 3rd row seats. FORUM's front doors open 90 degrees, which combined with the long sliding side doors, create wide openings for easy entry and exit of all three rows. "We were able to engineer the lack of B-pillars through use of extra thick reinforced roof and door frames - putting the material where it needs to go to help maintain structural integrity for this concept," said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design, NDA. "Not only does this greatly enhance the ease of getting in and out of the rear seats, it allows us to utilize the 2nd row seat as a sort of 'bleacher' - adding a new dimension to watching sports, picnicking or other outdoor family activities."

Another exterior innovation is FORUM's trackless sliding side door design, which offers a clean, uninterrupted, non-traditional profile. A special patented hinge system makes the trackless door possible.
Integrated into the SkyView[TM] moonroof panels are hidden sunshades, which allow the glass panels to be closed off during hot days. Other exterior features include LED lights front and rear, with a subtle LED light bar accenting the sweeping grille and hood design; soft-edged side outside mirrors; wide six-spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tires; a wide rear hatch; and dual exhaust outlets.

A Suite Interior
Inside the sophisticated skin is where FORUM really comes alive. The aniline leather-appointed, pedestal-style driver's and front passenger seat and cockpit area - surrounded in rich aluminum and wood - offers "front cabin" comfort and control.
FORUM's dramatic "floating" instrument panel design blends next-generation communications technology with simple, intuitive controls. The instrument panel includes dual climate controls, Bluetooth(R) wireless technology and mood lighting under the upper and lower console areas. A built-in console-mounted microwave, sized to fit a standard bag of microwave popcorn, is accessible from the front and center seats.
FORUM also features special vertical wave pattern carpeting. The one-inch thick "modern shag" style carpeting is 100 percent wool and, despite its elegant appearance, is easy to clean.
Designed in conjunction with the pillar-less side doors, Forum's revolutionary "Turntable Seating" 2nd row bucket-formed seat rotates 90 degrees to either side to create "grandstand" seating for watching sports or for picnicking and "side-gating."

The seat also rotates a full 180 degrees to face the three-passenger rear seat, creating family-style seating for up to five passengers. The 2nd row seat is operated by a small motor mounted in the vehicle floor. When it is time to rotate the seats, the center console lifts up and the two seat halves come together. At the same time, the two front seats move forward to aid in rotations clearance.
The 2nd row seat also includes individual wireless monitors, located in the seat console, for watching DVDs or playing games, and integrated seat belts (also utilized in the front and 3rd row seats).

Togetherness Through Technology
FORUM's interior is also a showcase for the latest mobile communications technology, much of it developed in conjunction with the Bose(R) Corporation.
"With older, more self-sufficient children, the driver's role become more of a coordinator, rather than a protector, allowing the driver to enjoy her or his own time while facilitating togetherness," said Campbell. "The idea is to enable controlled craziness in the rear zone, rather than complete chaos - which we've accomplished with a combination of communications and monitoring systems."
Close watch on rear cabin occupants is provided by a "Kids Cam" monitoring system, which utilizes 2nd and 3rd row cameras mounted in the headliner and connected to the main instrument panel LCD display monitor. Selectable camera control switches are mounted above the rearview mirror.
A one-button audio muting "Time Out" system, with the controller located in the lower center portion of the steering wheel, allows the driver to simultaneously mute all audio playing in the FORUM and broadcast the driver's voice over all interior speakers - enabling quick and easy communication to both rows of rear seats.



"The 'Time Out' system gives the driver and passengers a sometimes much-needed time out, while the rear zone cameras enable observation - and interaction - when needed, while helping drivers keep their primary attention on the road," explained Campbell.
FORUM also offers an advanced Bose(R) Media System, which combines infotainment features and intelligent design, with single knob proximity sensor-based controller helping the driver, again, keep their focus where it should be - on the road. Waving a hand near the controller triggers infrared sensors to bring up the initial system interface.
The Bose(R) Media System's unique interface allows easy access to a wealth of features, including XM(R) Satellite Radio, hard disc drive music storage, DVD, iPod(R) interface, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System and an advanced navigation system.
FORUM also employs Nissan's advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system, found in the new 2008 Infiniti EX35. The AVM system includes front, side and rear-mounted cameras and an advanced controller that combines the images together to give the driver a unique view of all four sides of the vehicle - helping to reduce driver blind spots when parking.
State-of-the-art audio is provided by the Bose(R) SeatCentric[TM] system, which includes headrest and seatback speakers for consistent stereo image event as the seat swivels - along with independent audio programming for all three rows.
Working in conjunction with the wide opening sliding side doors is the Bose(R) FreeSpace(R) outdoor audio system, with speakers mounted on the trailing edges of the sliding doors and a wireless media player controller - providing full-range audio entertainment outside the FORUM.



Respect For The Environment
FORUM's efficient, intelligent design features also extend to the powertrain. Though as a design exploration, FORUM's emphasis is limited to form and functionality, conceptually a modern, next-generation family passenger vehicle would include a clean diesel or other environmentally sensitive powerplant.*
"Nissan has previously announced that it will be offering a clean diesel engine in the United States in the next generation Maxima, so a similar powerplant would be a definite consideration for a vehicle like FORUM," said Campbell. "Nissan is also an industry leader in CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) technology, so you could predict smooth, responsive performance worthy of the Nissan badge."

Redefining Family Transportation and Quality Time
"While some people think that family transportation vehicles are a thing of the past, Nissan's view is that vehicles just need to evolve along with changing family dynamics," concluded Nguyen. "Quality time used to be more about the quantity of time spent together with the kids. Today, it's more about dedicated moments for family fun, entertainment and communication. FORUM is a great place to gather together and rediscover each other once in a while."

* A clean diesel or other environmentally sensitive powerplant is designated for FORUM Concept, not actually installed in show vehicle.



 

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Celebrity signed BugE is now on eBay  

2007-12-18 16:44

Jeremy Korzeniewski - bug-e

Filed under: , , ,



Not too long ago, we brought you news that there would be a BugE electric vehicle which would be auctioned off on eBay within the next few weeks. Guess what? That time has come. Of course you can see the cool little widget above which allows the auction to be seen here on ABG, but alternatively, you can check out the auction page here.

Here is what their page says about the vehicle:

"The green clean zero emissions BugE, built especially by Harvey Coachworks of Knoxville, MD is an electric vehicle (EV) that draws its power from electricity stored in batteries, instead of from the combustion of liquid fuels. It is a low cost street-legal all electric personal mobility vehicle that functions in a 3 1/2 season environment. It is a super-efficient and stylish ride that costs about one penny per mile to operate, and recharges in about four hours from any home outlet."

This one's a bit different, of course, 'cause it's been signed by a bunch of celebrities and is painted a different color. That color makes it look even more Bug-ee than before, we'd say.

Gallery: EVS23: BugE for charity


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[Source: eBay]

 

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What do Hummer owners think of Scooterists?  

2007-12-18 15:58

Jeremy Korzeniewski - hummer

Filed under: , , , ,



There may be a rare case or two out there, but we'd bet that the average Hummer owner would never want to be seen on a scooter, nor would a Vespa rider want to be seen driving a Hummer. The kind of person who chooses to commute on a scooter probably is morally against what the Hummer represents, and those who choose to drive a Hummer to work probably don't care that the scooter is a more efficient means of transportation, right? Sure, Hummers aren't really any worse than any other SUV out there with an equally sized-engine... but few would argue that they are certainly perceived as different.

With all of that in mind, it's not surprising that when the two camps get together, sparks fly. If you're interested, click here for the original post which stirred the ire of the Hummer drivers, and then check here for the response.

[Source: The Scooter Scoop]

 

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

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Video: wind turbines added to Speed Racer movie trailer (hybrid Mach...  

2007-12-18 15:12

Lascelles Linton - hybrid

Filed under: ,



The video above is an old version of the trailer for the upcoming Speed Racer movie and at about 34 seconds in, there are a few frames of a desert race. In the newest version of the trailer, wind turbines have been added to the desert as you can see below the fold. Is the Speed Racer movie going green? I wonder what else they might make green? What if the new Mach 5 is a flex-fuel hybrid or maybe even a fully electric race car? We'll have to wait until May 2008 when the movie makes it into theatres to find out.

In related old TV, new show car news; a Knight Rider TV movie will air in February but the new KITT is definitely NOT a hybrid.

Related:
[Source: AOL Video, Yahoo! Movies]



 

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It's official: Congress passes 35 mpg CAFE standard  

2007-12-18 14:24

Sebastian Blanco - 2020-35-mpg

Filed under: , , , ,



This afternoon, the energy bill that requires 35 mpg by 2020 CAFE handily passed Congress. After passing in the Senate last week, the first increase in average fleet fuel economy in 32 years sailed through the House of Representatives 314-100. The auto industry's best friend in Congress, Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., "was key to a compromise on vehicle efficiency increases," as the AP put it. As we mentioned, part of that compromise meant stripping out tax provisions for renewable energy requirements and the elimination of new incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Oil companies were also spared higher taxes. President Bush has said he will sign the bill.

The new CAFE standard is part of a broad energy bill and includes a massive boost to ethanol producers. As the AP reports:

In a dramatic shift to spur increased demand for nonfossil fuels, the bill also requires a six-fold increase in ethanol use to 36 billion gallons a year by 2022, a boon to farmers. And it requires new energy efficiency standards for an array of appliances, lighting and commercial and government buildings.

With the negotiations over, the auto industry now needs to get all of their wonderful concepts out of the auto shows and onto the roads. Thirteen years should be plenty of time, even in the notoriously slow auto industry. They'll need to work hard, based on the number of cars we can buy today that will offer 35 mpg - not many.

[Source: AP]

 

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