Energy & Clean Tech Connections November 2011
11/23/2011
In the November edition of Energy & Clean Tech Connections, we’ve gathered recent information from a wide variety of sources in an effort to keep you abreast of what’s new in the world of clean energy. We draw your attention to the latest industry developments, news from local governments to Capitol Hill, grant opportunities, and upcoming events.
This month, the Energy & Clean Technology Practice Group would like to congratulate Abengoa Bioenergía, S.A.; BlueFire Renewables, Inc.; Chemtex International, Inc.; Cobalt Biofuels; Enerkem Inc.; SG Biofuels, Inc.; Terrabon, Inc.; and ZeaChem Inc.; selected in the Biofuels Digest anual list of 50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy 2011–12. The 50 Hottest Companies list recognizes innovation and achievement in bioenergy development. The ranking is based on votes from a panel of international sectors and votes from subscribers of Biofuels Digest and Renewable Chemicals Digest.
On Capitol Hill, the administration released a Statement of Administration Policy on November 10 in which it pointed to, among other things, funding for the Wall Street reform act and a number of issues within the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2012 (H.R. 2354) as issues of priority. For example, within the Department of Energy, the administration is urging the Senate to provide $1.95 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs and at least $300 million for the Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy. Also, Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said that the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction will not seek an extension of its November 23 deadline to identify $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction.
In upcoming events, the Solar Thermal ’11 National Solar Heating & Cooling Conference, a two-day conference and networking event for industry professionals, will take place in Milwaukee, WI from December 1–2, 2011. On the same weekend, the 4th Annual Thin Film Solar Summit USA will take in place in San Francisco, CA, providing attendees with an opportunity to hear great speakers and craft new strategies. In Manchester, UK, the Innovative Smart Grid Technologies (ISGT) Conference will be an international forum for attendees to discuss innovations in smart grids from December 5–7, 2011. The Phase II of Renewable Energy in America National Policy Forum, held in Washington, DC from December 6–7, 2011, will explore key policy issues related to increasing private investment in and use of renewable energy in both electricity and transportation sectors. In Houston, TX, the 4th German American Energy Efficiency Conference will take place on December 6, 2011 and will provide information about energy efficiency in buildings as well as explore market potential for companies working in the field. The World Clean Coal Week: China Focus 2011 will occur from December 6–9, 2011 in Beijing, China and will examine the questions that shape global clean coal’s future. In Mountain View, California, Cleantech 2012: Navigating the Future will feature a panel discussion on the future of clean tech on December 7, 2011. Power-Gen International, an event that emphasizes new solutions and innovations for the generation sector, will take place in Las Vegas, NV from December 13–15, 2011.
We hope that you enjoy this month’s edition of the newsletter. For the most up-to-date information on federal legislation and programs, read the most recent ML Strategies Energy & Environment Update and check back for weekly updates.
