Learn the Benefits of Wind Turbine Technology (Adirondack Region, NY)!!

Wind Power on Tug Hill - Maple Ridge Wind Farm C

WIND TOWERS Located in Lewis County primarily on the Tug Hill Plateau, the Maple Ridge Wind Farm harnesses the wind power. The constant lake-effect winds and the wide open farmland of Lewis County make the Tug Hill region an ideal place for New York’s largest wind energy farm. Tug Hill is an ideal location for a wind energy project. This site consists of approximately 12,000 acres of hilltop pasture and feed-crop land at an average elevation of 1600-1800 feet. Tug Hill is an ancient geologic formation that lies just downwind of the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, separated from the Adirondacks to the east by the Black River Valley. At a maximum elevation of 2000 feet above sea level, the Tug Hill plateau experiences strong lake-effect weather patterns and has long been known for its exceptional wind resource. Along with the economic benefits to the Wind Towers still allow for the area to maintain all premier outdoor recreation activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, ATV and horseback riding, while at the same time, keeping the strong agricultural land base and heritage. While Maple Ridge Wind Farm involves 21,000 acres, the Wind Towers themselves use less than one percent of the total acreage. The entire project covers an approximately 12 by 3 mile stretch through the Towns of Martinsburg, Lowville and Harrisburg. Many of the Wind Towers placed on family farms provide an alternative commodity for Lewis County beyond milk, which is currently the largest agricultural commodity produced in the county, followed by maple syrup and wood pulp. The 195 Wind Towers in operation, make Maple Ridge Wind Farm the largest wind tower project east of the Mississippi River. A Wind Tower, sometimes called a Wind Turbine, is made up of a tower, the nacelle (the machine housed atop the tower), and the rotor. The weight of the nacelle and the rotor is 75 tons. It cost approximately 2.8 million to build one Wind Tower. Each Wind Tower is 260 feet tall, with a rotor blade length of 130 feet. The total height is 390 feet for each Tower. The span across is approximately 260 feet. Each blade weighs 7 metric tons and is made from a wood interior coated with fiberglass. The rotor blade speed is 14 RPM (revolutions per minute) which translates to 1200 RPM’s at the generator. The blade will produce electricity when the wind is blowing at about 8-10 miles per hour and will shut down when the wind is higher then 42 miles per hour. As you drive by the Wind Farm you will see that some Wind Towers are not turning. This is because at any one time 10 Towers are under daily scheduled maintenance. Economic Benefits Each Wind Tower produces enough power for 560 homes. Maple Ridge Wind Farm should produce enough power, on average, for 125,000 homes or to put it in North Country terms, enough electricity to completely supply all of the electrical energy needs for Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, including all the industries, schools and hospitals in the three-county area. This is clean, renewable energy and will save on the emission of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide (smog) and sulfur dioxide (acid rain). The American Wind Energy Association estimates that 1 MW of wind generation capacity is the equivalent of 1 square mile of new forest, in terms of offsetting or displacing carbon dioxide from conventional generating sources. The Maple Ridge Wind Farm should produce 321 MW which is equivalent to 205,440 acres of new forest or equal to 3.4% of Adirondack Park. Where does all this power go? The Maple Ridge Wind Farm power goes into the New York State energy grid through a substation located near Rector Road in the Town of Martinsburg. It is then piped through a 230kV line to a substation on the Wetmore Road in Glenfield 10.3 miles away. This line is attached to the main 230kV National Grid bulk transmission line that extends across NYS to the East Coast, from Boston to New York City and all cities and towns in between. The Maple Ridge Wind Farm can provide 2% of NYS’s residential power needs. Turbine Informaiton Modern wind turbine generators are robust, sophisticated high-tech machines designed to convert the power of the wind into electricity. Main Components: The tower, the nacelle (machine house atop the tower), and the rotor Height of Flat Rock Wind Turbine Towers: 260 feet Rotor Blade Length: 130 feet Rotor Blade Speed: 14 RPM (revolutions per minute) How Electricity Leaves the Turbine and Brings Us Power: Electricity from each 1.65 MW wind turbine generator is fed through numerous 34.5-kilovolt power underground cables that come together at the wind farm substation near Rector Road. These cables channel the electricity via a step-up transformer and dedicated ten-mile power line into the New York electricity grid at the 230-kilovolt Niagara Mohawk Adirondack line, feeding power to towns and cities across New York's North Country and beyond. Sophisticated computer control systems run constantly to ensure that the machines are operating efficiently and safely. Pollution Offset: The American Wind Energy Association estimates that 1 MW of wind generation capacity is the equivalent of 1 square mile of new forest, in terms of offsetting or displacing carbon dioxide from conventional generating sources. Learn more at http://www.adirondackstughill.com/windpower.php

Learn more about Green Tech grants through the Center of Excellence.

Funding Opportunities

Photo: Recipients of 2009 TAD Awards at The Tech Garden in June 2009.

SyracuseCoE supports Research,Demonstration, and Commercialization through its "Innovation Ecosystem" grant cycle. Click on the links below to learn more about these grants, past recipients, and current Requests for Proposals.

• Collaborative Activities for Research and Technology Innovation (CARTI):—CARTI grants fund projects that target basic and applied research in two focused areas: air quality and water resource management.
• Technology Application and Demonstration (TAD)—TAD grants fund the thorough, collaborative testing of environmental quality product and service innovations as a step toward commercialization.
• Commercialization Assistance Program (CAP)—CAP grants encourage innovation, product development, and entrepreneurship in the field of clean and renewable energy and indoor environmental quality

SyracuseCoE Funding Guide

SyracuseCoE staff research and assemble information about sources of potential funding for collaborations with and among our partners. We encourage our partners to review this Funding Guide and make inquiries of the sponsors and agencies about the fit of their programs with your research, development, and education interests.

http://www.syracusecoe.org/coe/sub1.html?skuvar=51

Switch to Clean Technologies, Reduce Energy Costs.

Green Jobs - Green New York

A statewide program to promote energy efficiency and the installation of clean technologies to reduce energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program will support sustainable community development and create opportunities for green jobs. This program will be administered by NYSERDA.

The Green Jobs - Green New York (GJGNY) Program provides New Yorkers with access to energy assessments, installation services, low-cost financing (currently for residential customers only), and pathways to training for various green-collar careers.

The GJGNY Program delivers services in targeted communities with the support of Constituency Based Organizations (CBOs). CBOs recruit residential, small businesses, Not-for-Profits (NFP), and multi-family building owners into the energy assessment and financing programs; and encourage individuals to take advantage of clean energy training opportunities.

Residential

Free or low-cost energy assessments through NYSERDA's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program are available to residential customers.

For those that want to take advantage of low interest financing, HPwES offers two options through Green Jobs – Green NY.*Both loan options offer up to $13,000 per household, up to $25,000 if the project meets higher cost-effectiveness standards, and repayment periods of 5, 10, or 15 years.

Option 1: On-bill recovery loans provide homeowners the convenience of paying for energy improvements on their utility bill.

• The current interest rate* is 3.49%
• Payments will be included in monthly charges from your utility
• Your annual loan payment is calculated to not exceed the anticipated amount of money you save on energy costs
• When you sell your home you will have the option to transfer the unpaid balance of loan to the new owners
• Requires an On-Bill Recovery Program Declaration. The Declaration is not a lien on the property, but is recorded in a similar way as a Mortgage to provide notice to others of the obligations under the loan transaction.
• Learn more about interest rates and how to apply at Energy Finance Solutions.
• Learn more about the On-Bill Recovery Loan Program.

Option 2: Unsecured loans offer affordable interest rates, flexible terms and simple repayment options.

• The current interest rate* is 3.99% or 3.49% if you pay via automatic bank withdrawals
• Repaid monthly directly to NYSERDA’s loan servicer

For full eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply for either loan, visit our Residential Financing page or call 1-800-361-5663.

Small Business and Not-for-Profit

Programs for small businesses and not-for-profits offer access to walk-through energy assessments and low-interest energy efficiency project financing. Small businesses and not-for-profits can finance energy efficiency upgrades with low interest payments conveniently built into one energy bill. Offset the payment with the savings you earn over the year. Learn more about the On-Bill Recovery Loan Program.

Multifamily

The Multifamily Performance Program (MPP) provides a comprehensive building assessment to identify energy savings opportunities in the buildings. The program identifies available incentives and financing opportunities. Coming soon, multifamily building owners can finance energy efficiency upgrades through low interest payments conveniently built into one energy bill. Offset the payment with the savings you earn. Learn more about the On-Bill Recovery Loan Program.

Workforce Development

A lot of interest and enthusiasm surrounds the topic of "green jobs" and training for clean energy careers. Workforce training programs and other training partnerships are available across the State to encourage the development of a skilled clean-energy workforce that supports energy efficiency and the installation of clean technologies.

New York's Cleaner, Greener Communities initiative!

Big win for Green Tech enthusiasts (Green Bank and Solar Program)!!

New York Governor Announces $1 Billion Green Bank And $1.5 Billion Solar Program

By Stephen Lacey on Jan 10, 2013 at 9:53 am

New York City officials are thinking more about climate resiliency in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. But adaptation — making the city more resilient to intensifying extreme weather — is only one part of an effective strategy.

Mitigating climate change through clean energy and other carbon reduction efforts is just as important. And New York Governor Andrew Cuomo seems to understand that.

In his State of the State address yesterday, Cuomo outlined plans for a new billion-dollar  “green bank” to leverage private funds for deploying clean energy technologies, announced a 10-year expansion of the state’s solar program by increasing funds $150 million per year, and named a new cleantech czar to oversee the efforts. The cumulative impact could be a massive expansion of renewables and efficiency in New York.

Here’s what the Governor had to say about the Green Bank:

The NY Green Bank leverages private capital in a fashion that mitigates investment risk, catalyzes market activity and lowers borrowing costs, in turn bringing down the prices paid by consumers. Through the use of bonding, loans and various credit enhancements (e.g.,loan loss reserves and guarantees), a Green Bank is a fiscally practical option in a time of severe budget conditions.Many public credit and investment programs require only a small amount of government funds, even holding taxpayers harmless or acting asmoney makers. And along with these benefits, the long-term public and social benefits of a robust and clean economy are virtually incalculable.

And here’s the language on the solar program:

Last year Governor Cuomo created the NY-Sun solar jobs program to bolster the use of solar power in New York, while also protecting the ratepayer. The goal of NY-Sun is to install twice as much customer-sited solar photovoltaic capacity in 2012 as was added in 2011, and to quadruple the 2011 amount in 2013. The NY-Sun program is authorized through 2015. This year, Governor Cuomo proposes to extend the successful NY-Sun program, continuing through 2023 the existing annual funding levels established under the program. The extended solar jobs program will provide longer program certainty to solar developers than current programs, funded through 2015, and is expected to attract significant private investment in solar photovoltaic systems, enable the sustainable development of a robust solar power industry in New York, create well-paying skilled jobs, improve the reliability of the electric grid, and reduce air pollution.

Solar has the potential to play a huge role in New York’s climate-conscious building strategy. Consider this: Two-thirds of New York City’s buildings could feasibly host solar-electric systems — enough to meet half the city’s demand for peak power. And a lot of that could be developed today at a cost competitive with current electricity rates.

The solar industry has been working hard for many years to expand New York’s solar policies. And this latest announcement from Governor Cuomo shows it’s really starting to pay off.  But actually funding these programs is the real issue. The State of the State address is designed to outline priorities — not always outline a plan for implementation. It remains to be seen if the Governor can fully raise the amount of money needed to meet these goals. The appointment of Richard Kauffman, a former adviser to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, as energy czar will certainly help the process along.

Progress in Ithaca's Combined Heat and Power Project Study!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Energize Ithaca Announces Phase 2 of Downtown Combined Heat and Power - District Energy Utility Project Study.

 

Ithaca, NY, November 27, 2012 – Energize Ithaca is pleased to announce that the United States Department of Energy has agreed to offer technical assistance to complete phase 2 of the Downtown Combined Heat and Power - District Energy (CHP-DE) Utility project study for the greater downtown Ithaca area. 

“Every day at the Downtown Ithaca Alliance we work to make downtown a more desirable and competitive place for growth and investment. We see district energy and a combined heating and power program as a key tool for making downtown a more attractive place for people to invest, develop, work, and live,” said Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.

Under the umbrella of Energize Ithaca, LLC, project partners are modeling the framework of CHP-DE. Phase 2 of the project will research and recommend ways in which Ithaca can best utilize distributed energy and CHP to effectively create a strong downtown energy district. "Combined Heat and Power and District Energy will promote the efficient use of our resources, reduce operating and utility expenses for downtown businesses and will allow for higher density development," said project partner David Parks of Energize Ithaca. 

“This is the type of technology that changes the face of traditional commercial and industrial building/operating practices, and we are excited that ASI Energy is participating,” stated project manager Herbert Dwyer of ASI Energy.

Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick said, "In 2006, Common Council approved a plan for the City of Ithaca to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% from 2001 levels by 2016. My administration is still committed to this target. We believe that bringing Combined Heat and Power to Ithaca's downtown and having the direct support of the US Department of Energy will help us achieve this important goal."

Combined heat and power is not a single technology, but an integrated energy system, most commonly using a gas turbine with a heat recovery unit or a steam boiler with a steam turbine, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Combined Heat and Power partnership.

About Energize Ithaca:

Founded in 2011 to develop innovative energy solutions for the City of Ithaca and its business community,  Energize Ithaca, LLC is the end result when a diverse group of community professionals come together to solve two major problems, high energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, with one solution, CHP-DE.

For more information on Combined Heat and Power visit www.combinedheatandpower.com.

 

About ASI Energy:

ASI Energy has been providing energy engineering services for multifamily, commercial and industrial buildings since 2005.  Locally owned and operated, ASI Energy focuses on energy saving strategies that lower costly utility bills and reduce harmful emissions for their clients. For more information visit www.asienergy.com.

For more information on the project itself, contact Herbert Dwyer, CEO/President of ASI Energy at herbert@asienergy.com or call 607-220-8015. 

Think Beyond Plastics Event!!

Dear Friends,

Today we announce the international Think Beyond Plastic competition, an annual contest to challenge entrepreneurs to develop products or solutions that will measurably reduce plastic pollution. 

Eligible contestants will compete for a first prize investment of $50,000 for an existing business, and $10,000 investment for the most innovative business idea.

The winning contestants will have a viable business infrastructure in addition to a remarkable product, material or infrastructure service.

Enter your idea now!

The contest will be juried by leaders in industry and science including Eben Bayer (Ecovative), Mike Biddle (MBA Polymers), Julie Corbett (Ecologic), Adam Lowry (Method), Dr. Ramani Narayan, Mike Velings (A-Spark Good Ventures) and Adam Werbach (Yerdle).

The presentation of awards and the final public event will take place at the Think Beyond Plastic annual conference on March 22, 2013 in Berkeley, CA, in front of an audience of entrepreneurs, investors, journalists and thought leaders.

Think Beyond Plastic, a project of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, is dedicated to fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in addressing the plastic pollution crisis.

Plastic pollution is a problem that the world has just begun to understand. It is massive and urgent. Recycling is not an adequate solution to the increasing consumption of disposable plastic. We seek solutions that will support the call to reduce the planetary plastic footprint.

Enter your idea now!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr 

***Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact pam@thinkbeyondplastic.com to find out how your company can be a part of this exciting opportunity.

NYSERDA Entrepreneurs in Residence Program 12/12/12

Clean Energy Patents and Clean Energy Breakthroughs!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2012

Contact:  (518) 452-5600 Victor A. Cardona, Esq. .

HESLIN ROTHENBERG FARLEY & MESITI P.C. ANNOUNCES

CLEAN ENERGY PATENT GROWTH INDEX

RESULTS THROUGH 2nd QUARTER 2012

GRANTED PATENTS REACH NEW HIGH
TOYOTA REMAINS CHAMP DUE TO FUEL CELL AND HEV PATENTS

FUEL CELL, SOLAR AND WIND PATENTS JUMP

US Leads-JAPAN Tops Others

CALIFORNIA LEADS STATES FOLLOWED BY  NEW YORK

ALBANY, NY—Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. is pleased to announce results for the second quarter of 2012 for the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI) by the firm’s Cleantech Group.

The CEPGI tracks the granting of patents in the Clean Energy sector and monitors important technological breakthroughs in this field.  Victor Cardona, Co-chair of the firm’s Cleantech Group stated, “we are pleased to announce that the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index was again at record levels in the second quarter, topping the previous high mark set in the previous quarter.  Wind, Solar, Hybrid/Electric Vehicle, Biomass/Biofuel patents all reached new highs and Toyota held onto the quarterly Clean Energy patent Crown for the second straight quarter, after an absence since 2009.  The US led all others on the strength of California, New York and Michigan. Japan led all other countries, followed by Germany.”

The Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI) provides an indication of the trend of innovative activity in the Clean Energy sector since 2002 in the U.S., along with Leading Patent Owners and Leading Country and State information.  Results from the second quarter of 2012 reveal the CEPGI to have a value of 786 granted U.S. patents which is the highest quarterly total since tracking of the CEPGI began and the fourth consecutive record-breaking quarter.  This quarter tops the previous record set in the 1st quarter of 2012 by 92 granted patents, along with being up 249 over the second quarter of last year.  Quarterly results are illustrated below:

Fuel Cells again led the other components of the CEPGI in the second quarter, but Solar technology patents continued to follow on its heels.  Fuel Cells patents were up 32 patents from the first quarter at 264 and were up 59 over a year prior.  Solar patents (188) continued to dominate the remaining components of the CEPGI at 211, up 23 over the previous quarter and up 89 over the second quarter of 2011.  Solar's closest competitor, Wind (187), was up 30 patents over the second quarter and up 74 patents relative to the same period last year.  The surge by Solar patents in the last two quarters comes after Solar and Wind were tied in the fourth quarter of last year.  Hybrid/Electric Vehicle patents (65) rose 3 patents and were up 18 compared to the second quarter of 2011 Biomass/Biofuel patents (36) were up 13 from the first quarter of this year and almost doubled relative to the second quarter of 2011.  Hydroelectric patents (6) were up one compared to the previous quarter while being up two compared to a year prior.

After a three year gap, Toyota took the quarterly Clean Energy Patent crown for the second consecutive quarter in the second quarter of 2012 with 46 patents - down three from the first quarter.  Toyota’s patents were again primarily in Fuel Cells at 32 with an assist from Hybrid/Electric Vehicle patents at 14.  GE trailed Toyota for the second quarter this year - this time by three patents.  Wind patents (39) led for GE followed by Solar (2) and one each in Fuel Cells and Hybrid/Electric Vehicles.  GM jumped back to third place from fourth last quarter, and had 23 Fuel Cell patents and 7 Hybrid/Electric Vehicle patents.  Honda had three less clean energy patents than GM in the second quarter and one more than its own total in the first quarter.  Honda scored 20 Fuel Cell patents and 3 in Hybrid/Electric Vehicles.  Samsung followed with 21 Fuel Cells and 1 Solar patent.  Vestas Wind Systems was next with 20 Wind patents trailing GE for the quarter by 19 in Wind.  Mitsubishi and Siemens were also heavy in Wind patents with 11 each.  Mitsubhishi's total of 16 also included 2 Solar patents and one each in Fuel Cells and Hybrid/Electric Vehicles.  Siemens added 3 Fuel Cell patents to its Wind total.  Sanyo placed ninth for the second quarter with 5 Fuel Cell patents and 7 in Solar.  Ford rounded out the top ten with 6 Fuel Cell and 5 Hybrid/Electric Vehicle patents.

Geographically, Japan again led non-U.S. holders of U.S. clean energy patents and individual U.S. states with 158, up 8 over the first quarter, and up 44 over the same quarter a year ago, to again claim the quarterly geographical clean energy patent crown.  California was in second place for the third consecutive quarter at 95 clean energy patents, up 25 from the first quarter and up 30 compared to a year prior.  Germany was again third with 62 clean energy patents, up 11 over the first quarter and 33 over the same quarter last year.  New York and Michigan switched places from the first quarter with New York gaining 54 clean energy patents, up 7 over the previous quarter and up two over the same quarter a year before.  Michigan had 52 clean energy patents which was up three over the first quarter and 14 relative to the second quarter of 2011.  Korea and Denmark followed as in the first quarter with Korea trailing Michigan by four patents at 48 - up 3 and 7, respectively, compared to last quarter and the same time a year before.  Denmark had 28 clean energy patents which was down four relative to last quarter while being up two compared to last year.  Colorado reached a new quarterly high of 16 while Taiwan fell 13 from the first quarter to 15 and was up four compared to the same period a year ago.  France, Spain and Texas rounded out the top ten with 13 clean energy patents and were closely followed by New Jersey (12), Massachusetts (12) and Canada (11).  Oregon, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Connecticut all had 10 clean energy patents in the second quarter.

More detailed information regarding the CEPGI, including an analysis of each of the technology sectors and geographic breakdowns, is available at www.cleanenergypatentgrowthindex.com.  Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. is dedicated exclusively to representing clients in the protection and commercialization of intellectual property, both domestic and foreign, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. The firm has gained national recognition in the area of Intellectual Property Law and was listed among the “Top Patent Firms” and “Top Trademark Firms” in Intellectual Property Law Today.  Email inquiries to vac@hrfmlaw.com.

NEXT Conference, November 8

Come. Be Inspired. Leave Smarter.

NEXT is an exciting new technology and innovation conference for businesses of all kinds, from manufacturers to high-tech companies and defense contractors, academic and industry researchers, and entrepreneurs at all stages. Participants come together to explore the latest trends in business practices and learn about cutting edge technological advances.

This launch event will feature keynote speakers Robert Tucker and Peter Singer, international thought leaders in business and science. In addition, the program will be filled with hour-long interactive workshops where attendees examine state-of-the-art tools to improve business and job performance in a setting where fast-track companies meet and learn from regional business leaders, outside industry experts and resource organizations. The day will include many networking opportunities as well.

REGISTER HERE:
http://next-syr.eventbrite.com

Presented: 

 

Please don't miss this great opportunity to engage federal purchasing processes and resources:

RSVP Stacey Bunce

sbunce@syracusecoe.org

Future Energy Investor Conference -- Open Application

Subject: 4th Future Energy Investor Conference - Call for Start-Up Applications

Future Energy is a startup pitch contest for energy and clean tech startups.  At the conference, energy and cleantech startup companies present to a panel of Venture Capital and corporate investors for feedback and a chance at investment.  The event is on Thursday, November 14th in New York and applications to present are due by Friday, October 12.

For more information: http://ultralightstartups.com/future-energy/ 

For application: http://ultralightstartups.com/future-energy/application-form/ 

Each Future Energy event features pitches from 8 early-stage energy technology and cleantech startups. A panel of venture capital investors provides feedback and advice for each presenter. The audience, composed of energy entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and press votes on their favorite startups to allocate prizes.  Winners from the first 3 Future Energy events include Alteros Energy, Pika Energy, and Greenavise.

Since 2008, over 700 startup companies have presented at Ultra Light Startups events.  Of these, over 20% have raised angel funding and over 6% have received venture capital funding. In addition, Future Energy events offer prizes, partnerships, business development, and press opportunities to presenters.

VC firms represented on Future Energy panels include:

- Braemar Energy Ventures

- Earthrise Capital

- Shell International (lead sponsor of Future Energy)

- New Enterprise Associates

- Batelle Ventures

- Clean Energy Venture Group

- Black Coral Capital

- Terawatt Ventures

- RockPort Capital Partners

- SJF Ventures

Sectors of interest include:

- Conventional oil and gas technology (exploration, recovery, and extraction)

- Non-conventional oil and gas technology

- Alternative and renewable energy (solar, wind, hydrogen, biofuels, geothermal, etc.)

- Renewable and bio-based chemicals

- Mobility / smart mobility

- Energy efficiency / smart grid

- Energy finance and trading technologies

More information and the application form can be found on the Future Energy website:

http://ultralightstartups.com/future-energy/ 

Applications to present at the next Future Energy event are due by Friday, October 12 

( http://ultralightstartups.com/future-energy/application-form/ ).

Please contact future.energy@ultralightstartups.com with any questions.

Register Now: Syracuse COE 12th Annual Symposium

The SyracuseCoE's 12th Annual Symposium in Energy and Environmental Systems is only two weeks away, and I’m writing to make sure you're aware of the terrific program of speakers and workshops planned. And we invite and encourage you to share this information with employees and other professional networks you're engaged with.

http://www.syracusecoe.org/coe/sub1.html?skuvar=225

In addition to an opening address by Bill Reed, an internationally-recognized author and proponent of an integrative, whole-systems design process, we are also honored to be joined by Fumitoshi Emura of Hitachi's Smart Infrastructure Systems Business Division in Japan, who will share Hitachi's vision for Social Innovation Business, focused on  integrated systems at personal, home, neighborhood, and community scales, including electric vehicles, home energy management, community energy management, intelligent water, water recycling, smart mobility, security, and district heating and cooling. 

This year's Symposium features a full line-up of outstanding keynote speakers and session presentations, networking opportunities for practitioners, faculty and students, as well as more in-depth workshops.  We even offer a guided tour of Syracuse's LEEDR  Platinum buildings!  AIA and GBCI continuing education credits are available for most sessions and workshops.

If you haven't already registered, be sure and sign up today at  http://www.syracusecoe.org/coe/newevents-noreg.html?event=18

Clean Tech Center portfolio company NOHMs Technologies named To 30 Semi-Finalist

Global Cleantech Cluster Association Announces the 2012 Later Stage Award Global Top 30 Semi-Finalists (via PR Newswire)

ATLANTA, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The Global Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA), a network of cleantech clusters, companies and professionals, today announced its Global Top 30 Semi-Finalists for its 2012 Later Stage Award. Representing the top later stage cleantech companies best positioned…

20 July 2012
Paper Battery Company Awarded as Finalist in the Investment Pitch Competition at the NY New Energy Symposium 2012
Troy, NY—The Paper Battery Company has been awarded as finalist in the Investment Pitch Competition at the Seventh Annual New Energy Symposium in New York City July 18-19, 2012. The competition, now in its fifth year, is hosted by New Energy New York, the Energy & Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC) of the College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering (CNSE), iCLEAN, E2TAC's clean energy incubator at CNSE, and the New York Academy of Sciences.
The Paper Battery Company was selected as one of the top 3 investment-worthy companies from 15 emerging cleantech startups that pitched to an outstanding panel of over 40 regional and national VCs, angels, private equity investors, corporate VCs, investment bankers, and government executives at the Investment Pitch Competition on July 18. Judges were given a pool of hypothetical cash and had to vote by investing their imaginary dollars in the various companies.
Through the last five years, 58 early stage companies that have presented at the New Energy NY Investment Pitch Competition have gone on to raise $160 million in venture capital and government funding to develop clean energy technologies, products, and services.
“Being selected from this group of game-changing energy companies by a highly experienced and diverse investor panel was very encouraging.” said Shreefal Mehta, founding CEO of the Paper Battery Company, “Investors can see our real progress in converting the PowerWrapperTM technology platform technology to first commercial products, focused on valuable applications.”
The winners were invited to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's annual Industry Growth Forum on 23rd October, 2012 and were presented cash and awards to cover registration and travel to this forum.
The Paper Battery Company has also won over $1 million in competitive awards from New York State Energy Development Authority (NYSERDA) over the last few years, and has attracted over $2 million in private investment to match these awards. The company currently has early commercial prototypes currently in evaluation with commercial partners and interested customers. A development kit is now available for select customers by emailing a request to sales@paperbatteryco.com. The company is now transitioning its production processes to prepare for commercial scale manufacture in 2013.

About Paper Battery Company
The Paper Battery Company, located at the Russell Sage College INVEST Incubator, has designed a transformational process to print an ultrathin ultracapacitor. The company’s first product line, PowerPatchTM, provides scalable voltage, energy and power in a single, patternable package. The long life, environmentally-friendly device reduces battery waste, enhances function of lithium batteries and can be designed to fit in or around the tight confines of portable electronic components. The structurally embedded, high-power sheets make ubiquitous energy storage possible, with transformative impact on power management and usage in computing, electronics and transportation.
Paper Battery Company Media Contact:
Shreefal Mehta, CEO; info@paperbatteryco.com; Ph: 518-244-4628

Arista Power Selected as Installer for Solarize Madison County Program

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 30, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Arista Power, Inc. ("Arista Power" or the "Company") (OTCBB: ASPW.OB), a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of custom-designed power management systems, renewable energy storage systems, wind turbines, and a supplier and designer of solar energy systems, announced today that Solarize Madison has selected Arista Power as one of two contractors for Madison County, New York's Solarize Madison program to install at least 30 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the county. The program is expected to be worth approximately $400,000 in revenue to Arista Power in 2012.

"Arista Power was selected out of the pool of installers that applied for a variety of reasons. They offered competitive pricing, an experienced installation team, a strong network of suppliers, a familiarity of New York State and the NYSERDA incentive application process, and a strong, collaborative company presence," said Scott Ingmire, Director of Madison County Planning Department.

John Benetti, Project Director at Arista Power, said, "We are proud to be part of the solution for increasing energy independence in Madison County. Solarize is an initiative that has been gaining interest across the country by progressive communities that want to bring solar power and all of its benefits to its constituents in a cost effective and easy way. The outstanding Madison County team not only brought to the area the Solarize initiative, but they also, through the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board for Climate Change and Innovation Program (C2IP), made Solarize even more attractive by obtaining additional funding with grants."

Solarize Madison was initiated by the Madison County Planning Department and the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board with support from the Renewable Energy Training Center at Morrisville State College with the goal of bringing solar energy to Madison County with cost savings through volume purchasing and a streamlined installation process. The Solarize Madison program is receiving additional funding via a grant by the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board for Climate Change Innovation Program (C2IP) that provides Madison County up to $30,000 to promote the use of energy conservation measures and alternative energy development.

The Madison County Planning Department is offering fifteen $2,000 grants to help offset the acquisition costs associated with installing a direct-own solar photovoltaic system.

Glenn Steed, Arista Power's Installation Coordinator, said, "I am looking forward to working on this great project along with the various contractors and educational institutions within Madison County. The community element of the Solarize Madison program is going to be a great boon to our industry, not only within Madison County, but throughout New York State as well."

Interested participants must pledge by September 30, 2012 to install a system. Pending successful site evaluations by Arista Power, total project capacity should be attained by the end of October 2012. The program is open to all Madison County home and business owners, farmers, institutions, and municipalities on a first come first serve basis for a limited time. Interested parties should go to www.solarizemadison.com for more information.

New York City's Flagship Cleantech Incubator Grows, Adds Three Startups to Roster

NEW YORK, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The roster of the city's preeminent cleantech business incubator is set to grow again, as three startup companies join the New York City Accelerator for a Clean and Renewable Economy (NYC ACRE at NYU-Poly).

The newest tenants, Energex Technologies, Enertiv and HEVO, join 11 companies that have been fostered at NYC ACRE since it was founded in 2009 with a mission to establish New York as a hub for clean energy technology innovation and entrepreneurship. In three years, NYC ACRE startups have raised more than $17 million in capital and created 100 full-time jobs. To date, seven companies have "graduated" from the incubator.

NYC ACRE is seeded by a four-year, $1.5 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and is operated by the Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU-Poly). Partners include the New York City Investment Fund, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, NYU, Columbia University and Pratt Institute.


Energex Technologies aims to produce a first-of-its-kind environmental sensor technology to optimize and protect data centers. The company's flagship product -- currently slated for release within 12 months -- will allow organizations to assess and monitor critical environmental variables including temperature, humidity, pressure, air flow, gaps, vibrations, smoke and pollutants, all without the need for multiple sensors. Energex estimates that this type of optimization could reduce data center procurement, deployment and maintenance costs by as much as 60 percent. Energex Technologies was founded in January 2010 and has six employees.

Enertiv designs, manufactures, markets and installs real-time energy monitoring systems and software for commercial and institutional facilities. Its flagship system, Enertiv One, works at the circuit level to track, measure and report energy usage, allowing facility managers to identify energy waste and trim costs. Enertiv detects common energy drains - such as leaving lights on or running air conditioning systems on the coldest setting - as well as system-wide issues such as a clogged duct or failing electric motor. Its system tracks energy consumption to the second and the cent, from individual electrical outlets to entire floors. The founders say that one of Enertiv's core commitments is to always manufacture and develop all hardware and software in the United States. It has deployed systems in the New Haven and Stamford (Connecticut) Public School Districts and at select YMCA and Quiznos locations. Founded in 2011, Enertiv employs 10 people and expects to grow to 14-16 by summer.

HEVO (Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Optimization) is developing a rugged wireless charging unit, the HEVO Power Station, designed to be deployed in parking lots and garages, motor pools, city streets, highways and other highly trafficked areas. The embeddable device will provide full interoperability and the capability to wirelessly charge any plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle fit with a compatible wireless receiver. An accompanying app, HEVO Mobile, will provide mobile platforms like wireless bill pay, mapping and guidance controls as well as safety and vehicle service access. Conceived while its founder and CEO was a U.S. Army Infantry platoon leader in Baghdad in 2008, HEVO incorporated in 2011 and has six employees.

"There's palpable excitement each time we welcome new businesses to NYC ACRE, and we congratulate Energex, Enertiv and HEVO on joining this outstanding group of companies," said NYU-Poly President Jerry M. Hultin. "Every clean energy idea that grows into a strong business enriches our community of entrepreneurs, and builds New York City as a place where global climate and energy solutions are born."

"NYSERDA's six incubators, including NYC ACRE, continue to help emerging clean energy companies raise capital, produce new products and compete in the cleantech economy," said Francis J. Murray Jr., president and CEO of NYSERDA. "The innovative entrepreneurial spirit taking place in these incubators is one reason New York State continues to lead the nation in high-tech commercialization."

Competition for acceptance into NYC ACRE is competitive, and NYC ACRE curates support services for each company based upon its needs. Startup companies receive discounted office space at the NYU-Poly Varick Street Incubator, as well as business development mentoring, networking opportunities and introductions to the city's venture capital and utility communities. Entrepreneurs also have access to faculty and student interns from NYU-Poly and other academic partners.

"NYC ACRE is a vital pipeline for cultivating NYU-Poly's core commitment to i-squared-e -- invention, innovation and entrepreneurship -- among our students and faculty," added President Hultin. "Internships with incubator companies allow our students to help build a technology business from the ground up and to share in the thrills of success. They all leave inspired, and some even leave with job offers."

The recent admissions to NYC ACRE follow the "graduation" of three tenant companies. Anellotech, licensor of a thermochemical technology to produce petrochemicals from renewable resources at low cost, expects to bring its first small-scale plant online in the next few years.

Rentricity, one of the incubator's first tenants, uses unique energy recovery turbine configurations to transform the untapped energy in water systems into clean electricity. The company has completed three commercial installations and recently commenced the review of wastewater energy recovery for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Rentricity has offices in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Sollega joined the incubator in 2009 with only a product prototype: a solar module mounting system called InstaRack that cuts installation costs by up to 50 percent. It has since installed systems in 20 states and has projects with GE and National Grid.

"Anellotech, Rentricity and Sollega illustrate the strength that NYC ACRE companies bring to New York City," said Micah Kotch, NYU-Poly director of incubator initiatives. "They are bringing innovation to market, generating revenue, paying taxes and employing New Yorkers who are leveraging the city's strengths to build a clean economy.

Proof of Concept centers to connect energy innovators with business investors

ALBANY – The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced $15 million to launch three "Proof of Concept" Centers across the state to help inventors and scientists turn high-tech, clean-energy ideas into entrepreneurial successes.

The Proof-of-Concept Centers will invite universities, scientists, and research organizations to partner with business experts and early-stage investors in order to move technical innovations beyond the lab and into the market. At a time when New York is growing its clean-energy economy, the centers will invest in the world-class research taking place in the state, while helping bridge the gap between the maturing of an idea in a research environment and the creation of a successful business.

"These centers will strengthen New York's already robust clean technology sector and help create new public-private partnerships between our scientific research institutions and business community," Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

NYSERDA will invest up to $5 million per site over a five-year period, with cost-sharing required – to create the centers within an appropriate organization. The centers will accelerate the commercialization of innovations, particularly through the creation of new start-up companies, while connecting the developers of promising new technologies with business mentors and potential investors.

Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, "There is a key gap at the proof-of-concept stage of product development. The goal of this program is to create an innovation ecosystem that helps turn promising cleantech business ideas into reality. By funding these new centers, New York State demonstrates its commitment to growing the clean-energy economy and its support of economic development through public-private partnerships."

This program dovetails with a number of NYSERDA’s business programs already in place:

• NYSERDA funds six cleantech business incubators located around the state. These programs currently work with 84 clean-tech start-ups. Since the program began, the incubator tenant companies have raised $63 million in capital while creating 38 new products and 166 new jobs.
• NYSERDA fosters the creation of clean-energy business clusters around New York State, such as sponsoring the Energy Infotech Forum last year, which helped bring together information technology experts to find IT solutions to clean-energy needs.
• NYSERDA supports programs that help businesses operate more effectively, such as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, which links a seasoned entrepreneur with a clean-energy start-up, and the Clean Tech Execs program, which helps prepare business executives with the knowledge to head a clean-energy company.

NYSERDA funding is an investment in the establishment of long-lasting programs. Proposers would have to provide a plan for the centers to continue operating after NYSERDA funding expires. Institutions interested in applying for funding have until July 18, 2012 to submit their proposals, with letters due June 6. NYSERDA expects to announce the institutions selected in fall 2012.

Paper Battery Company is a Finalist for the 2012 Red Herring Top 100 Americas Award

11 May 2012, Troy, NY – Paper Battery Company announced today it has been selected as a Finalist for Red Herring's Top 100 Americas award, a prestigious list honoring the year’s most promising private technology ventures from the North American business region.

The Red Herring editorial team selected the most innovative companies from a pool of hundreds from across North America. The nominees are evaluated on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, quality of management, execution of strategy, and integration into their respective industries.

This unique assessment of potential is complemented by a review of the actual track record and standing of a company, which allows Red Herring to see past the “buzz” and make the list a valuable instrument for discovering and advocating the greatest business opportunities in the industry.

"This year was very rewarding," said Alex Vieux, publisher and Chairman of Red Herring. "There are so many great companies producing truly innovative and amazing products and technologies. We had a very difficult time narrowing the field and selecting the Finalists from such a group of future stars. Paper Battery Company shows great promise therefore deserves to be on the short list. Now we are faced with the difficult task of selecting the Top 100 winners.”

Finalists for the 2012 edition of the Red Herring 100 Americas award are selected based upon their technological innovation, management strength, market size, investor record, customer acquisition, and financial health. During the several months leading up to the announcement, hundreds of companies in the, security, Web 2.0, software, hardware, life sciences, cloud, mobile and other sectors completed their submissions to qualify for the award.

“Being named a Red Herring 100 North America finalist underscores the breakthrough potential and impact of the company’s environmentally-friendly technology.” said Shreefal Mehta, founding CEO of the Paper Battery Company, “We are humbled to be selected in this list of outstanding companies from across the US.”

The Finalists are asked to present their winning strategies at the Red Herring Americas Forum in Santa Monica, California, May 21-23, 2012. The Top 100 winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony the evening of May 23 at the event.

About Paper Battery Company
The Paper Battery Company, located at the Russell Sage College INVEST Incubator, has designed a transformational process to print an ultrathin ultracapacitor. The company’s first product line, PowerPatch™, provides scalable voltage, energy and power in a patternable, planar package. The long life, environmentally friendly device reduces battery waste, enhances function of lithium batteries and can be designed to fit in or around the tight confines of portable electronic components. The structurally embedded, high-power sheets make ubiquitous energy storage possible, with transformative impact on power management and usage in computing, electronics and transportation.

Paper Battery Company Media Contact: Shreefal Mehta, CEO; info@paperbatteryco.com; Ph: 518-244-4628

Performance Systems Development Joins Green Button Initiative

Company joins national effort to standardize energy data and engage consumers on energy use

Ithaca, NY (May 3, 2012) - Performance Systems Development (PSD) a building performance software and services provider, joins other leading technology companies and utilities to announce that it has joined Green Button, an industry-led initiative to empower consumers to make informed decisions on efforts to reduce their energy bills.

Last year, the White House issued a call to action, challenging industry to provide electricity customers with easy access to their energy usage data in a secure, user-friendly, electronic format via a “Green Button” on their utilities web site. Access to data on energy use can play a large role in helping consumers conserve energy and save money by accessing new tools and services developed by third parties.

Green Button is based on a common technical standard developed in collaboration with a publicprivate partnership supported by the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology. The standard can be applied to residential, commercial, and industrial sector data.

“Easy and recurring access to energy information is critical to improve the success and efficiency of the energy efficiency industry,” said Greg Thomas, CEO of Performance Systems Development and Chair of Efficiency First, the national building retrofit trade association. “We applaud the White House for rapidly moving forward this voluntary standard. It will help building and homeowners make better decisions, help contractors and engineers improve their energy services, and help utilities improve the cost effectiveness of their programs.”

As part of its mission to achieve peak performance across America’s building stock, PSD will offer Green Button energy data connections as part of its Building Performance Compass software. PSD’s energy program management software supports residential, multifamily, and commercial energy programs funded by Pacific Gas & Electric, Duke Energy, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the US Department of Energy and others.

About Performance Systems Development:

Performance Systems Development specializes in providing software, training, and consulting to the building energy efficiency industry. The company provides a whole-systems approach to energy policy, programs, solutions, and software processes, to improve process efficiency. PSD continues to develop TREAT, a leading energy simulation tool for building retrofits, and Compass, an energy benchmarking tool for residential and commercial use.


For more information contact:

Whit Fulton
Chief Strategy Officer
Tel: (202) 207-6882
Performance Systems Development
New York office:        124 Brindley Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Pennsylvania offices: 40 West Evergreen Ave., Suite 104, Philadelphia, PA, 19118,
                                  297 ½ Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335
www.psdconsulting.com
www.wespeakbuilding.com

Momentive Performance Materials Launches New SilTRUST* Silicone Encapsulant Technology for Solar Energy

Offers Greater Performance, Reduced Manufacturing Costs for Solar Modules

ALBANY, N.Y., May 02, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- New transparent silicone encapsulant technology from Momentive Performance Materials Inc, a leading global provider of silicones and advanced materials, can help ensure the long-lasting performance of solar energy photovoltaic (PV) modules in harsh outdoor environments, while improving the light-to-electricity conversion yield. Greater stress resistance, weatherability, corrosion protection and a longer life span with higher efficiency for crystalline silicon PV modules may result in higher longer-term return on investment for solar energy projects. Momentive introduced its SilTRUST* transparent silicone encapsulant material in a technical paper on silicone encapsulation at the Polymers in Photovoltaics 2012 forum in Cologne, Germany, April 24-26.

In the solar industry, SilTRUST encapsulant can be used to surround the fragile solar cells of the PV module with a very flexible, stress dissipating silicone matrix that adheres well, yet does not pass on much of the mechanical stress the cell may suffer due to harsh environmental conditions. Based on unique technology, through a combination of optical and outstanding mechanical properties, SilTRUST silicone encapsulant materials offer module manufacturers a commercially viable way to produce crystalline silicon PV modules with a longer use life and better energy conversion efficiency.

Because silicones do not absorb ultraviolet light, more sunlight reaches the surface of the solar cell where it becomes available for conversion to electricity. The refractive index of SilTRUST encapsulant closely matches the refractive index of glass, reducing energy-dissipating reflection of sunlight away from the solar cell.

SilTRUST encapsulant is used at much lower module manufacturing temperatures, thus avoiding stress due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients of a module's components. At 80 deg C, which is about the maximum operating temperature for a PV module, a silicone module is virtually stress free. This is one of the factors why silicones remain the material of choice for extraterrestrial photovoltaic panels that see many extreme thermal cycles, enduring severe thermal shocks during the course of a day, as satellites orbit the earth. SilTRUST encapsulant material now enables cost effective manufacturing of crystalline silicon solar modules for terrestrial purposes.

"SilTRUST silicone encapsulation of solar cells has been shown to improve the efficiency and durability of solar panels while lowering manufacturing costs," said Dr. Alex Scholten, Global Program Leader, EcoEnergy at Momentive Performance Materials. "In tests, this encapsulant material outperformed traditional encapsulant materials in PV applications. With our project collaborators, we have also developed a lower temperature, cost-effective module manufacturing process to offer flexibility in equipment and raw materials use as well as ease and speed in processing." The process not only requires significantly less investment in equipment, it also operates at much lower temperatures and faster curing speeds than typically found in the manufacture of cells encapsulated using other materials.

"Innovation in encapsulant formulations and processing technology will lead to higher quality solar panels that are less expensive to make," said Dr. Markus Putzer, Engineered Materials Technology Leader at Momentive Performance Materials. "At Momentive, we see this as a contribution towards making solar energy a competitive, reliable and sustainable source of energy."