Ron Kamen reveals NYSEIA'S future goals

Ron Kamen, the chief development and public policy officer of Earthkind Solar and president of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) revealed NYSEIA's goals for the new year at the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations in Buffalo earlier this month. 

NYSEIA plans to work with future governor Andrew Cuomo to create a program to install 5,000 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity by 2025, build support for generating 2,000 MW of solar thermal by 2020 and ensure the success of New York's solar thermal incentive program. NYSEIA is also advocating for the New York Solar Jobs Act, which has the potential of creating $20 billion in economic returns and more than 22,000 jobs over the next 15 years.

To learn more about NYSEIA visit http://www.nyseia.org/.

NYSERDA is seeking qualified solar thermal installers to participate in the Solar Thermal Incentive Program

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is seeking applications from solar thermal Installers to participate in the Solar Thermal Incentive Program which has the goal of installing 45.54 MW of solar thermal capacity by the end of 2015. The program plans on meeting such a goal by covering an average of 20% of the total installed cost of residential/non-residential solar thermal systems.

Installers interested in the program must be capable of showing previous competence in the solar thermal field and sign an agreement to abide by certain terms and agreements set forth by NYSERDA. Incentives will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis and will be accepted either until the end of 2015 or until all funds are committed.

For more information see the Program Opportunity Notice at http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2149summary.pdf.

Albany's high-tech job market recognized as the third fastest growing in the country

The TechAmerica Foundation has identified Albany, New York as having the third-fastest growing high-tech job market out of all American cities. With a 1.6% increase in high-tech position, Albany only trailed behind Oklahoma City, OK and Huntsville, AL. Primary drivers for such growth are The University of Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, attractive real estate prices and high levels of government support.

Recognizing Albany's high-tech potential, the Massachusetts based innovator/producer of thin film photovoltaic panels, Magnolia Solar, has announced the desire to drastically increase their research presence in Albany. Although Magnolia has only hired 2 Albany employees, Ashok Sood, President and CEO of the company, has announced the number could grow to 50 within the next few years.

For more information visit http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2010/12/07/albanys-tech-job-market-third-fastest.html.

The U.S. Green Building Council awards The SyracuseCoE it's prestigious Leadership Award

The Syracuse Center of Excellence(CoE) was awarded the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) 2010 Leadership Award in the non-governmental organization category at last months Greenbuild 2010 conference in Chicago. The award honors organizations and individuals who signify vision, leadership and commitment to the evolution of green building design/construction. The USGBC recognized the SyracuseCoE's work in indoor environmental quality as "an international platform that has raised the critical issue to the forefront".

For more information visit http://www.centerstateceonews.com/monthly/december/coe.php.

Syracuse University's Life Science Complex recieves High Performance Building Plaque

The Life Science Complex at Syracuse University has been awarded with NYSERDA's High Performance Building Plaque. The plaque is NYSERDA's way of honoring businesses that perform at least 30 percent above the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code. The 230,000 square foot complex, which was constructed in 2008, utilizes a wide range of energy saving features that make the facility one-third more energy efficient than other buildings its size. Among other energy efficient features, the complex utilizes high-efficiency lighting systems, occupancy sensor lighting controls, high-efficiency elevator systems and a demand-controlled ventilation system. The complex is a positive step forward towards The University's goal of Climate neutrality.

Syracuse University was granted $273,622 in incentives to construct the energy efficient complex under NYSERDA's New Construction program, which aims to improve New York State's energy, economic and environmental well being through increased energy efficiency, the creation of green jobs and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information see the press release at http://www.nyserda.org/Press_Releases/2010/PressReleas20101118.asp.
For information on NYSERDA's New Construction program visit http://www.nyserda.org/programs/new_construction/default.asp.

Researchers at Syracuse University develop technology to increase wind turbine efficiency

Syracuse University researchers, Guannan Wang, Basman El Hadidi, Jakub Walczak, Mark Glauser, and Hiroshi Higuchi have developed technology to make better use of air that flows over the blades of wind turbines.  The technology, which is still in testing, has the potential to drastically increase the efficiency/ consistency of wind power while reducing noise.  Such technology could greatly improve the economic feasibility of wind power.

The researchers have partnered with our portfolio company, Impact-Technologies Group to form the "Clean Energy Collaborative", which will design/test prototypes using the technology.

For more information visit  http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/su_researchers_improve_wind_tu.html.
To learn more about Impact Technologies visit http://www.impact-technologies.com/.

New York diverts $90 million from its Regional Greenhouse Gas Iniative Funding to reduce budget deficit

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Funding  (REGGIE), money set aside in 10 northeastern states to combat global warming and ease rising energy costs through energy efficiency, has been dipped into to reduce New York State's budget deficit.  $90 million has been taken from REGGIE to ensure future employment for teachers and public safety workers throughout the state.  New York is not alone in diverting such funding, New Jersey and New Hampshire have also used a portion of REGGIE to close their budget gaps.  Under strong criticism, the policy adviser to the Governor on environmental matters, Peter Iwanowicz has assured that New York will not divert any more of the funds to compensate for the deficit.

For more information visit http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1731105/WAMC.New.York.News/NY.Diverts.%27Green%27.Funding.To.Close.Budget.Gap.

New York State Assembly passes moratorium on hydraulic fracturing

The New York State Assembly voted in favor of a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, a method of natural gas drilling that poses a myriad of severe environmental and health risks.  Although the moratorium will only last until May 15, 2011, it is a landmark victory for those opposed as politicians in New York have looked past powerful representatives from the natural gas industry and have officially recognized the dangers associated with the method of drilling.  The moratorium will put the decision of future drilling into the hands of governor elect Andrew Cuomo who opposes such practices and has been quoted saying "only if it were safe".

With a large state deficit, hydraulic fracturing has been an extremely controversial issue as it has the potential to bring short-term economic prosperity at the cost of human health and longevity.

For more information visit http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101130/NEWS/11300315/-1/NEW.