MakeHeat

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University students and faculty researchers will head to Indianapolis March 22 for Purdue Day at the Statehouse. More than two dozen projects, most related to alternative energy research, will be spotlighted in exhibits and informative posters in the Statehouse Rotunda.

Research will range from fuel cells to hydrogen generation to photovoltaic technology. Various forms of biofuel research will be included, as will aviation technology. Students will show off electric- and solar-powered vehicles, and a windmill demonstration is planned.

“Purdue has alternative energy research going on throughout campus and, in fact, around the state,” said Vic Lechtenberg, vice provost for engagement. “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to explain our work — and show off our students — at the Statehouse.”

Purdue Day at the Statehouse will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

FUTUREWORLD ENERGY, a global provider of alternative, renewable and clean energy technologies, today announced today that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire Arctic Solar Engineering, LLC, a privately held supplier and integrator of solar thermal systems and absorption units, located in Chesterfield, MO.

Under the terms of the LOI, FutureWorld Energy will acquire Arctic Solar Engineering assets for approximately M in preferred stock, 50% of which will be tied to an earn-out agreement that will be based on projected pipeline revenue. The final purchase price will be based on a third-party valuation of Arctic Solar business and holdings.

FutureWorld will continue to support the existing and future Arctic Solar customer base.

With the combination of FutureWorld’s engineering background and Arctic Solar know-how, FutureWorld will provide a complete turnkey commercial building solar system that uses no conventional energy, resulting in 60%+ energy savings to the client. FutureWorld will soon have the largest installed solar thermal system in the Midwest, if not the country, with a 5 year or less payback and with no federal or state incentive support.

Michael Shoaff, COO of FutureWorld, states: “This is a game changer and one that we feel will strengthen the company’s long-term growth outlook and solidify our position in the solar sector. Upon completion of the acquisition, FutureWorld will head into 2011 with a rapidly-expanding customer base, vast array of enticing solar solutions, and the technology to offer some of the most cost-efficient solutions to a world demanding clean, renewable energy.”

Arctic Solar short term projected revenue outlook exceeds 750K, with forecasted 2011 solar revenues in excess of .0M, on a standalone basis. FutureWorld anticipates significant revenue growth as a result of this acquisition.

About FUTUREWORLD ENERGY

FutureWorld Energy, Inc. (pinksheets:FWDG), a Delaware corporation, is a U.S. Diversified Energy Holding Company, listed on the Over the Counter exchange, which was formed to capitalize on the burgeoning markets in renewable and alternative energy technologies globally. FutureWorld Energy, together with its subsidiaries, focused on the identification, acquisition, development, and commercialization of renewable and alternative energy technologies globally. Through established relationships with universities, research centers and government agencies, we strive to identify technologies on the leading edge of innovation that would contribute immensely to the global energy needs while protecting the future for our children and theirs. To request further information about FutureWorld, please email us at investors@futureworldenergyinc.com or log onto our website at http://www.futureworldenergyinc.com.

New Solar-Thermal Technology to Reduce Parish’s Carbon Footprint and Utility Bills

Organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest, including local parishes and schools, are actively searching for ways to reduce costs and do something good for the environment. Our Lady of the Lake, in Seattle’s Wedgewood neighborhood, has implemented a new solar-thermal system from Net Zero Impact to accomplish both of these important goals.

“We expect more and more commercial interest in our solar-thermal solutions, especially if Washington state’s political leaders catch up to other states and offer compelling incentives for investment in renewable energy systems.”

The Net Zero Impact solar-thermal system will supplement the parish’s natural gas usage to heat water for the school. The system will include 240 patented, heat-generating solar-thermal tubes from Kingspan Solar mounted on the school’s roof. The company estimates that its new solar-thermal system will save Our Lady of the Lake ten percent yearly on its utility expenditures.

By supplementing Our Lady of the Lake’s domestic hot water needs, Net Zero Impact estimates that over the next 25 years the parish will benefit by:

* reducing its carbon footprint by 6 ¾ tons, equal to the amount of carbon stored in more than 15,000 trees;

* conserving 100 million BTUs (British thermal units) of natural gas each year; and

* eliminating the combined carbon emissions of 56 cars.

“Our solar-thermal system is great for both the environment and for Our Lady of the Lake’s effort to reduce its utility bill,” said Barry Andersen, president of Net Zero Impact, former president of PWI Technologies, and a Boeing and General Electric veteran. “We expect more and more commercial interest in our solar-thermal solutions, especially if Washington state’s political leaders catch up to other states and offer compelling incentives for investment in renewable energy systems.”

Kingspan solar-thermal tubes transform direct and diffuse sunlight—solar radiation available even on cold, cloudy or humid days—into useful heat in the form of hot water. Once heated, the water can be used to supplement radiant heat systems, forced-air heating systems, and domestic hot water needs. Solar-thermal systems are up to 400% more efficient than solar-cells at capturing the sun’s energy, a critically important advantage in the Pacific Northwest’s frequently sun-starved environment.

Inside each Kingspan Solar tube, solar radiation is collected and concentrated onto a liquid brine, which is heated into a gas that rises into the tube’s condenser. Within the condenser, latent heat is released as the vapor condenses. The captured heat is transferred to the systems’ glycol through an insulated manifold. The condensed liquid brine runs back into the tube and the process repeats.

About Net Zero Impact LLC

Net Zero Impact LLC is expert in the integration of solar technologies for commercial applications in the Pacific Northwest. The company, founded in 2007, designs and deploys integrated solar systems, incorporating the patented, high-efficiency Thermomax solar-thermal tubes from industry leader Kingspan Solar. Through a comprehensive approach, including needs analysis, design and financing, Net Zero Impact is making a brighter future for forward-thinking organizations and enterprises in the Pacific Northwest. www.netzeroimpact.com

Sopogy, Inc., a leader in micro Concentrated Solar Power (MicroCSP(TM)) technology, will be supplying its proprietary solar thermal collectors for a five-megawatt MicroCSP plant, which broke ground on October 27 in the Kalaeloa district of Oahu — marking the largest CSP project in Hawaii.

The Kalaeloa Solar One project is a partnership between the State of Hawaii, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Keahole Solar Power (KSP) for land to establish a home base for the clean energy project. The State of Hawaii has also recently announced a Feed-In Tariff to enable renewable energy projects.

According to the chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Kaulana Park, the groundbreaking marks a tremendous step forward in implementing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative to source 70% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. The project will supply clean energy for Hawaii as well as provide DHHL with rent monies which will in turn be used to build homes and fund educational programs for native Hawaiians.

“I’m excited about the future and know this is just the first of many more projects here in Hawaii,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “I look forward to it coming online and showing that Hawaii is in fact a renewable energy leader in the region and in the world. We know the things we learn and achieve can be used worldwide to allow others to achieve that same kind of energy security and independence, especially other island communities, island nations and island states.”

“Sopogy developed a fast and simple template solution which meets our internal rate of return goals,” said Edward Lui, member of the board of directors at KSP. “The MicroCSP package includes the concentrating solar collectors and thermal storage which is delivered quickly and assembled on-site at a very cost-effective price.”

Key advantages of MicroCSP technology include high efficiencies, low cost and robust applications which can be highly effective on buildings or ground installations to provide electricity, heat and cooling. The storage and backup capabilities of CSP plants offer significant benefits for the grid by providing a buffer for short-term variations during cloudy conditions or at night.

“Another key benefit is Sopogy’s manufacturing process and use of conventional materials,” says Darren T. Kimura President and CEO of Sopogy. “Not only can our modules be produced locally, but our collectors can also be manufactured anywhere in the world.”

About Sopogy

Sopogy, Inc. engages in the development, design, manufacturing and marketing of MicroCSP technologies – a comprehensive, low temperature, low cost approach to solar thermal. MicroCSP brings the economics of large Concentrating Solar Power systems to the industrial, commercial and utility sectors in a more manageable, durable and faster to deploy kit. Sopogy’s technologies are designed for the 2-50MW power class, 100-1,000 ton solar thermal air conditioning size and unlimited quantities of industrial process heat. The company’s two-megawatt solar thermal field has been operational in Kona, Hawaii, U.S.A. since March 2009. It demonstrates the effectiveness and reliability of MicroCSP with Sopogy’s proprietary thermal energy storage solution. Sopogy’s award winning SopoNova solar collector was named New Product of the Year by the National Society of Professional Engineers and received Plant Engineering Product of the Year. The company was founded in 2002 and is based in Honolulu, HI, U.S.A.

SOURCE: Sopogy, Inc.

SolFocus CPV Solar Systems Installed at U.S.-Mexico Border Region

The new solar power project with the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) demonstrates the promise of clean power, economic growth and bilateral partnership.

SolFocus has installed a 16.8 kilowatt (Kw) installation of high-concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems at the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) BECC offices in the United States-Mexico border city of Juarez, Mexico. The SolFocus installation that includes two solar arrays, will produce 43.13 megawatt hours (MWh) per year, and is powering roughly one-third of the office building’s needs. This is the first CPV installation in the Northern Mexico border region. Private sector partners SolFocus and Sonnergía worked with public sector partner BECC to bring this project to fruition.

“At BECC, we focus on the technical, environmental and social aspects of project development, and work with communities and project sponsors in the U.S.-Mexico border region to develop, finance and build affordable and self-sustaining projects that address a human health or environmental need,” said Daniel Chacón, general manager, BECC. “Bringing together SolFocus and local developer Sonnergía demonstrates the importance of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico on environmental and economic policies and potential business developments in clean energy technologies for this region’s sustainable economic growth.”

“As a local developer, we knew that SolFocus CPV technology, with its high energy yield, was the best-suited technology for the border region,” said Jose Medina, president of Sonnergía. “Sonnergía’s work with BECC and SolFocus demonstrates that a stable energy infrastructure is important to U.S.-Mexico relations, border security and the regional economy of both the United States and Mexico.”

The U.S.-Mexico border region has significant solar resources that make it an ideal environment for CPV technology. A constant source of intense sunrays provides an annual average of seven to eight kilowatt hours per square meter daily, providing enough energy to power municipalities, airports, colleges and industrial complexes. BECC aims to achieve a wider-spread deployment of advanced photovoltaics in the border region over time, thus improving the local environmental conditions, increasing employment opportunities and helping the country meet national policy goals for renewable energy deployment and greenhouse gas reductions.

“With renewable development, the border region could easily become a showcase for sustainable economic development and trade projects,” said Mark Crowley, president and CEO of SolFocus. “BECC is building a bright, clean and prosperous future by deploying solar technology, and in choosing the highly efficient SolFocus CPV systems, it will reap the most energy possible from the region’s immense solar resources.”

SolFocus CPV technology employs a system of patented reflective optics to concentrate sunlight 650 times onto small, highly efficient solar cells. The SolFocus SF-1100S system deployed at the BECC office uses approximately 1/1,000th of the active, expensive solar cell material compared to traditional photovoltaic panels. In addition, the cells utilized in SolFocus CPV systems have more than twice the efficiency of traditional silicon photovoltaic cells.

SolFocus also offers environmental benefits including next-to-no water usage, a small land footprint, no permanent shadowing or wildlife corridor disruption and dual use of land. SolFocus CPV also provides the shortest energy payback and lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of any solar technology. In solar-rich regions like Northern Mexico, the SolFocus CPV technology yields significantly more energy than other technologies with an extremely light environmental footprint.

The SolFocus mission is to enable solar energy generation at a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) competitive with traditional fossil fuel sources. To achieve this goal, SolFocus has developed leading concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology that combines high-efficiency solar cells (approaching 40 %) and advanced optics to provide solar energy solutions which are scalable, dependable and capable of delivering on the promise of clean, low-cost, renewable energy.

Will India be a bigger concentrated solar thermal power than China?

Last year there was very little talk of India becoming one of the biggest markets for CSP. Today the question on everybody’s lips is: Will India be a bigger CSP power than China? As the founder of CSP Today and organizer of the 1st CSP Today India conference in New Delhi, Belén Gallego is often asked about the future of the CSP industry in India.

She has written a piece about the opportunities in the Indian market published recently in CSP Today.

Having lived in India for 2 years, it is difficult for me to be impartial when assessing the opportunities in the CSP industry. I believe very firmly in the great capacity of Indians to learn fast and reduce costs –they are specialists in making things cheaper maintaining quality standards. Much as I try, I can´t think of anything that the CSP industry is more in need of.

While last year there was very little talk of India becoming one of the biggest markets for CSP, today the question on everybody’s lips is: Will India be a bigger CSP power than China? From an economic and development perspective, India’s economy is performing very well, averaging 8.5% growth this year. Its growth rate could overtake China’s by 2013 – if not before – according to a recent article by The Economist.

While China’s growth has been largely state-directed, India’s is driven by 45m entrepreneurs. Private firms have had to compete with the world´s best – and many have discovered that they can. Some of India’s largest companies have already taken an interest in CSP and have been working aggressively to understand the technology, to set partnerships with the right companies and to drive down costs.

Consequently, India is emerging as a key market for CSP industry development, holding immense potential that concentrating solar thermal companies cannot afford to ignore.

Serious and dedicated local developers like Cargo Motors, Coramandal, Enam Infrastructure, Electrotherm, Entegra, Lanco Solar, SunBorne, Suryachakra, Welspun and Acme have emerged in last 2 years. These are promising, financially stable companies, that have long-term growth plans with land banks at their disposal.

Similarly, large domestic construction companies are picking up the pace in CSP. These include publically-traded EPC companies include like BGR, Essar, Gammon, GMR, GVK, Jaypee, Lanco, L&T, NTPC, which have robust balance sheets and large order books.

New Solar Mission

A few months ago, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced its National Solar Mission, which aims to generate 20 GW of grid connected solar power by 2022, of which 50% will be CSP electricity. The target for the first phase (up to March 2013), under the Mission is to set up 1,100 MW grid-connected solar power plants. Grid interactive power systems can be used to supply electricity to an industrial unit or a home. It is no different from a normal grid connected power except that there are solar panels on the roof.

NVVN is the designated the nodal agency to procure solar power from PV and thermal project developers under the Mission at a tariff set by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) for the first 3 years. NVVN will bundle 4 units of traditional power with each unit of solar power to bring down the final cost. The tariff rates notified by the CERC for 2010-11 are Rs 17.90 a unit for PV and Rs 15.40 for CSP.

The implementation process has started and during the first phase, 500 MW of power will be developed. 55 requests have been received for CSP, 5 of those for combined thermal and PV projects. The government will shortly announce the companies to whom these projects have been awarded.

Concentrated solar power the Indian way

There is a buzz word that you often hear in India – indigenization. Indians use this word to refer to establishing local manufacturing facilities, and in doing so, to achieve cost reductions. The mobile communications sector provides a good example of this

In mobile telecommunications technical know-how, supported by local enterprise, paved the way for industry to become the 4th largest network in the world within a short span of 10 years. The sector has been doubling in size every second year and now boasts a subscriber base of over 165 million. India’s mobie phone tariff is currently the lowest in the world, at less than 1 US cent per minute.

With very low CAPEX costs enabled via the National Solar Mission, there is no room for expensive components profiting from a tight bottleneck of supply. The first phase will pull the trigger for India’s CSP industry to seize the opportunity in manufacturing components. Indians are expecting to commoditize the whole solar field – and to export it in due course.

However, low CAPEX is not the only challenge ahead of developers hoping to succeed in the Indian market. Another major challenge is project financing. Equity and debt funds first need to be organized if developers are to cash in on the new opportunities.

Selected projects run a fair chance of ultimately finding funds, however, the rules for raising debt (roughly 6 months, with penalties for delays on financial closure) are stringent. Banks have yet to get comfortable with some of the clauses in the model PPA, and to study the yet-to-be released payment security mechanism.

As such, Indian financial institutions must first gain experience and become familiar with the project appraisal techniques. Meanwhile, debt seekers have little knowledge of the yardsticks to be applied by the financial institutions on the processing of financial sanctions. While India’s state governments have committed to providing the required quantities of water, their commitment will be put to the test during summer months. Uncertainty and adhoc policies concerning water allocation threaten to conpromise the viability of solar thermal plants.

Alternatives such as dry cooling and hybrid wet/dry cooling systems are to be considered in the long run in order to mitigate the risk of limited or non-availability of water. But at present, cost constraints render these options temporarily unviable. Although reservations based on past experiences are understandable, India is a key market for industry development and holds immense potential. India is a key piece in the puzzle that will change the industry going forwards; it is absolutely instrumental to CSP industry growth and development.

So add the words Namastei and Shukrya to your vocabulary and off you go. I don´t remember any time in the CSP industry more exciting than the one we are currently living. So let us take advantage of this opportunity and move swiftly to turn the Indian dream into a global reality.

For readers interested in learning more about the opportunities for CSP in India, CSP Today has prepared an INDIA COUNTRY PROFILE INFO PACK download, including in-depth papers & materials.

About CSP Today

CSP Today is the leading business intelligence, news and events company focused exclusively on the concentrated solar thermal power industry. For more information please visit www.csptoday.com

For information about the 4th International Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Summit please visit www.csptoday.com/csp

DOE Completes Nearly 120 Technical Assistance Projects to Support Federal Agencies’ Clean Energy Goals

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that it has completed nearly 120 technical assistance projects at 16 federal agencies, helping the federal government to meet its energy efficiency and renewable energy goals and implement leading-edge clean energy technologies. More than million in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been invested in projects such as energy audit trainings, energy and water efficiency assessments, smart grid and renewable energy feasibility studies, evaluating potential electricity generation resources, developing strategic energy plans, and providing technical assistance for renewable energy installations, technology demonstration projects and high efficiency building upgrades.

Apricus Solar Thermal System Provides CSUS with Heightened Energy Savings and Enhanced Heating Functionality.

Apricus Inc., a global manufacturer and distributor of renewable energy solutions and solar thermal heating products, recently implemented a solar heating system on the California State University, Sacramento campus. In tandem with Brown Construction and JR Plumbing, Apricus outfitted a new Sacramento State residence hall with solar thermal functionality and usable heat.

Already energy-efficient in design, the new building boasts 40 AP-30 solar collectors which passively absorb thermal energy from the sun and convert it into usable heat.

The solar installation incorporates an open-loop, domestic hot water system with 1,000 gallons of thermal energy storage. This will provide more than 475 million Btu’s of free energy annually.

“By adding solar heating systems to our already energy efficient 209,000-square-foot four story dorm building, we are adding to a steady drumbeat of sustainable practices on campus,” said Michael Speros, Director of Student Housing. “Employing solar-powered heating embodies the stewardship and values of our institution, and has allowed our University to save more than 60,000 lbs. of carbon emissions annually in the pursuit of energy conservation.”

Specialized design and vacuum tube functionality enables hot water to be delivered quickly and efficiently year-round, even during the non-summer months when Sacramento State’s new residence hall is fully housed and utilized. By using a solar collector system that provides roughly 30 percent of the new building’s hot water, Sacramento State looks to meet the LEED® rating system standard of 20 percent in renewable energy savings.

“Incorporating solar heating benefits Sacramento State by reducing its energy expenditure immediately,” said Nigel Ruddell, VP of North American Operations for Apricus. “In addition to supporting sustainable and clean energy practices, we’re thrilled to aid groups adopting renewable technologies that put them at the forefront of carbon emissions reduction.”

About Apricus

Apricus is a global manufacturer of renewable energy solutions and solar thermal heating products. From their recently expanded company-owned manufacturing facility, Apricus designs sustainable hot

water solutions that provide hot water, space heating/cooling, and industrial hot water for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

With a rapidly growing distribution network throughout North America, offices in the US, Europe, and Australia, and representation in over 30 countries; Apricus provides simple, cost-effective solutions for homeowners and businesses around the world.

Visit http://www.apricus.com for further information

Best Bike Bags & Panniers – Topeak MTX Trunk Bag

Even if you’re not biking cross-country, you still need a good way to carry items while cycling to work or running errands.  You can do away with your makeshift bungees and get the most out of your bike rack with a bag or pannier to help haul your stuff.  These are five of the best ones available for day-to-day use like shopping or bicycle commuting, and all of them attach to your existing rear rack.

Basil Preston Shopper

Basil Preston Shopper Pannier

The Preston Shopper from Dutch manufacturer Basil is a simple and stylish pannier bag for daily bike travels.  Carry straps on the outside make it simple to bring along with you, and the 19L volume (1,160 cubic inches) will swallow books, groceries, and (according to one satisfied reviewer) even a small guitar amplifier.  Side-mount hooks allow the Preston bags to be used individually or in pairs, and double reflector strips on the front and back help keep you visible.  Finally, the foam-core polyester fabric and a combination lock help add a little protection for your cargo.

You can find the Basil Preston Shopper Bag for .47 at Amazon.

Ortlieb Bike Shopper

Ortlieb Bike Shopper Pannier Bag

The Ortlieb Bike Shopper incorporates some handy technical features into a straightforward single pannier design.  First of all, it’s waterproof – polyurethane coated polyester fabric, welded seams, and a sealing top zipper keep your cargo dry in sloppy weather.  An inner pocket keeps your keys and phone handy, and reflector patches at the front and back add visibility.  The Ortlieb Bike Shopper measures approximately 16”x13”x7”, which translates to a volume of 1,220 cubic inches (20L).  Ortlieb’s QL2 mounting system allows easy removal, and dual straps make it convenient to carry when you’re on foot.

The Ortlieb Bike Shopper is available for .45 at Amazon in white, silver, or black.

Detours Teeco Pannier

Detours Teeco Pannier Bag

The Detours Teeco Pannier is a single side-mount bag that features aluminum stays in the front panel to give it structure.  A heavy-duty rubber bottom adds durability and provides a sturdy base for loading the bag standing up.  Stainless steel clips attach the Teeco to your rack (just make sure your rack can handle a side-mounted bag), and backpack-style shoulder and sternum straps let you carry loads off your bike as well.  A mesh drawcord top and side panels let you see the contents of the bag while providing ventilation for gear like workout clothes.  The Detours Teeco weighs two pounds and measures approximately 17”x11”x6” with a 1,300 cubic inch volume.

The Detours Teeco Pannier is available at Amazon for .50.

Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP

Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP Pannier

The Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP is the Inspector Gadget of rack bags – it can transform from a compact commuting or shopping bag to an expanded tour-style pannier for serious hauling.  This bag is designed for use with Topeak’s MTX bike racks, which allow easy clip mounting and removal.  The top-access main compartment is adequate for most daily travel, and the rigid panels integrated into the 600-denier fabric help the bag keep its shape.  A carry handle and integrated water bottle holder add convenience.  If more carry space is required, the side pockets open to reveal drop-down side pannier bags that increase the capacity from 1,250 to 1,500 cubic inches.

The Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP is available for .97 at Amazon.

Pacific Outdoor Equipment CoOp Pannier

Pacific Outdoor Equipment CoOp Pannier

The CoOp from Pacific Outdoor Equipment is a functional and durable pannier.  It’s constructed from 420D coated nylon and measures 14”x15”x9”, for a volume of 1,830 cubic inches (30L) – perfect for a run to the store.  A strap converts the CoOp to a shopping tote, and the bag folds flat for storage when not in use.  Welded seams add durability and water-resistance for everyday use.

You can find the Pacific Outdoor Equipment CoOp Pannier at Amazon for .96.

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There are important factors when choosing a bike for kids. See also our Girls Bikes: Best of 2010. With the way kids grow, parents can be attracted to cheaper price tags or to buying big with the idea of growing into it, but this can actually turn out to be more costly in the long run. A bike made with cheap components or one that’s too big for a kid to maneuver will ultimately become stationary and send kids back to the video games. Experts recommend buying a bike that offers adjustments for growth within the manufacturer’s suggested age range and one that is made with high-quality frustration-free components. If you’re a cyclist yourself, you want your kids to embrace the activity at an early age in order to enjoy those family rides throughout their childhood. Of course kids are most interested in how it looks. The following bikes offer affordability without lacking in quality and safety and will keep kids riding. And don’t forget the helmet. (more…)

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