News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 5, 2010

CONTACT:
Valerie Strauss, 518-432-1405


ALBANY, NY – Today solar manufacturer Solartech Renewables, joined by Congressman Maurice Hinchey, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, and the Solar Energy Consortium, announced its plan to open a new facility in the Hudson Valley’s Tech City campus as a result of a package of state and federal incentives.  The company will produce both standard and improved polycrystalline silicon solar panels and is expected to create hundreds of jobs over the next five years.

“Solartech Renewables’ decision to relocate its manufacturing operations in the Hudson Valley marks a significant milestone for New York’s clean energy economy,” said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY).  “We commend Assemblyman Cahill and our other state and federal leaders on this successful economic development effort. The Hudson Valley already benefits from a thriving solar community and Solartech will be an important addition to the growing industry there.”
 
“As today’s announcement demonstrates, the renewable energy supply chain presents us with an excellent opportunity to reinvent and reinvigorate our state’s manufacturing sector. To fully capitalize on this opportunity however, we need to build demand by growing the in-state market for clean energy through continuing and expanding New York’s existing incentive programs. The state and federal support for Solartech serves as a great example to follow, and we look forward to seeing many similar partnerships with clean energy manufacturers in the future,” stated Ms. Murphy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 3, 2010

CONTACT:
Valerie Strauss, ACE NY: 518-432-1405

ALBANY, NY – In response to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer’s call for a moratorium on additional federal stimulus funding for renewable energy projects because of purchases from overseas suppliers, the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) provides the following statements:

“ACE NY shares the Senator’s goal of encouraging U.S.-based manufacturing of wind energy components but believes the best way to encourage domestic manufacturing is by creating robust market opportunities and enacting strong clean energy policies such as a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) and a cap and trade program for carbon emissions,” said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of ACE NY. “Consistency in federal and state programs – rather than stop and start funding streams – will build steady demand and enable U.S. manufacturers to retool to serve the clean energy industry. Creating additional uncertainty only adds risk to the market, which in turn places upward pressure on financing costs. This could increase the cost of projects or reduce the number of projects put into operation.”

“Furthermore, each new wind project built in the U.S. produces hundreds of construction jobs and dozens of permanent operations jobs, primarily in rural communities that have long lagged behind in terms of economic development opportunities. These projects also employ numerous consultants during their development, construction, and operation, including legal, engineering and environmental professionals, and contribute millions of dollars to local communities annually in land lease and property tax payments,” continued Ms. Murphy.

“Strong clean energy policies, rather than quotas or other domestic-content only mechanisms, will produce the desired result of increased investment in manufacturing capacity. With national long-term policies put in place to ensure the existence of a steady market for clean energy, the percentage of wind turbine value manufactured in the U.S. will increase naturally, especially as the cost of transporting the very large components of wind turbines can be more expensive than using components built locally. New York State itself is home to a number of struggling manufacturers that have been exploring opportunities in the clean energy sector; strong market-based policies are needed to provide the assurance of long-term growth in demand that will enable the renewable energy industry to rebuild our domestic manufacturing capability,” stated Ms. Murphy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 22, 2010

CONTACT
Carol E. Murphy, ACE NY: (518) 701-9085
Shaun Chapman, Vote Solar: (347) 471-0874
Dereth Glance, CCE: (518) 339-2853
Erica Ringewald, EANY: (518) 462-5526 ext. 238
Dan Hendrick, NYLCV: (212) 361-6350 ext. 206

NET METERING FIX PASSES BOTH HOUSES

Senate Approves Bill Allowing Non-Residential Customers to Net Meter Renewable Energy Systems

ALBANY, NY – A broad coalition of clean energy advocates announced today that the State Senate and Assembly have passed legislation fixing New York’s net metering laws, which were expanded in 2008 to give non-residential customers the ability to net meter renewable power generating systems of up to two megawatts in size.  The amendment (A.7557A/S.6700), which was one of Governor Paterson’s program bills and sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin Cahill and Senator George Maziarz, corrects restrictions in the 2008 law that prevented its original intent from being fulfilled.

“The Legislature made excellent progress when it updated New York’s net metering laws and gave all customers the opportunity to harvest clean, renewable energy,” said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. “The amendment passed today means the expanded net metering law will finally function as it was meant to and that millions of dollars in green energy systems can be installed. We commend the Governor and Energy Chairs for making this bill a priority.”

Net metering allows the owner of an on-site renewable energy system to receive a credit on his or her utility bill for any unused power supplied to the electric grid by the system.  The credit then offsets the power received from the grid when the customer consumes more energy than the system is generating.  In addition to acting as a hedge against rising energy costs and reducing overall stress on the electric grid, on-site renewable energy systems provide numerous environmental, public health, and economic development benefits to local communities.

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee said, “New York continues to embrace the many job-creating, public health, environmental and economic benefits of increased on-site generation. This shows what can be done when we roll up our sleeves and work in a bi-partisan manner to continue building a new energy economy.”

Senator George Maziarz, Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee said, “What we are doing today is fine tuning the 2008 law so businesses can take full advantage of the energy saving opportunities associated with net metering. This green technology is good for the environment, but, as businesses incorporating net metering will show, it is also good for our economy. Reducing energy costs is a fundamental part of promoting increased economic activity in the state.”

“This is a business friendly and environmentally friendly bill that will help lower the cost for businesses and create jobs,” said Senator Aubertine, Ranking Majority Member of the Senate’s Energy & Telecommunications Committee.  “This legislation balances the needs of farmers, business owners, and the power industry, with the need to be better stewards of our environment. If a business wants to put photovoltaic panels on their roof or a farm is prepared to turn their waste into energy, net metering empowers these businesses to see that investment pays off with significantly reduced energy bills.”

In 2008, the New York State Legislature voted to expand net metering to commercial customers with wind and solar electric systems of up to two megawatts in size, and to increase the size of wind and farm waste systems that farmers can net meter up to 500 kilowatts.  Prior to this expansion, net metering was only available for small residential and farm service installations.  Technical language in the 2008 law unintentionally restricted the size of the systems non-residential customers could net meter to well below the two megawatt maximum in the bill, and thus prevented many commercial customers from installing systems sized appropriately for their energy needs.

“Net metering is the policy backbone of a strong rooftop solar energy market. By putting clean energy to work for New Yorkers, net metering helps put New Yorkers back to work,” said Shaun Chapman, East Coast Campaigns Director for Vote Solar.  “The new law passed today broadens access to critical solar consumer rights, in turn expanding New York's opportunity for green job creation, economic recovery and environmental benefit. I congratulate New York legislators and the bill's many supporters on successfully taking this step toward a brighter energy future in the Empire State.”

“This fix allows for accelerating the renewable energy revolution,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE).  “Making net metering of on-site wind and solar systems more consumer friendly is a win-win for our environment and economy, while increasing our energy independence,” added Esposito.

“By passing legislation today that will encourage businesses to use clean energy, the State Senate is taking a big step toward creating New York’s clean energy economy,” said Ross Gould, Air & Energy Director, Environmental Advocates of New York (EANY). “Encouraging the use of clean solar and wind power through net metering makes dollars and sense. By expanding the size of solar and wind systems that New York business can install, companies will save money while reducing stress on our aging power grid.”

“The net metering bill the Senate passed today will help create jobs, clean our air and generate renewable energy right here in New York State,” said Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV).  “We salute the Senate and Assembly for supporting this important measure and for working to restore New York's reputation as an environmental and clean energy leader.”

###

Alliance for Clean Energy New York

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State, and is New York’s premier advocate for the rapid adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. www.aceny.org

Vote Solar Initiative
The Vote Solar Initiative is a grassroots non-profit organization working to combat climate change and foster economic development by bringing solar energy into the mainstream. www.votesolar.org

Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) empowers communities and advocates solutions to protect public health and our shared environment on behalf of our 80,000 members. www.citizenscampaign.org

Environmental Advocates of New York
Environmental Advocates of New York's mission is to protect our air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. We work to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's environmental community and to make our state a national leader. The tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. www.eany.org

New York League of Conservation Voters
The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, policy-making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority with elected officials, decision makers, and voters by evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing environmental leaders to office in New York State. www.nylcv.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 14, 2010

CONTACT:
Carol E. Murphy, 518-701-9085


ALBANY, NY - The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) today released the following statement regarding the awarding of $10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to seven solar energy companies to allow solar photovoltaic (PV) system installations at homes and businesses throughout New York State. Three of the seven companies that were selected - Alteris Renewables, Hudson Valley Clean Energy, and Solar Energy Systems - are member companies of ACE NY.

"Today's announcement is a testament to the strength and potential of New York's growing solar industry," said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of ACE NY. "In addition to increasing our state's supply of clean, renewable energy, investments such as these also work to support job creation and growth at our local businesses. We congratulate the ACE NY members who will be sharing in this award and look forward to seeing the environmental and economic development benefits of their success."  

NYPA President Kessel Calls for Proposals to Develop the First Fresh Water Wind Energy Initiative in the Nation: Increasing Emissions-Free Wind Power Will Contribute to Cleaner Air and Job Growth

Contact:
Connie Cullen
(914) 390-8196, On 12/1 only (914) 589-6478
connie.cullen@nypa.gov

December 1, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Click for Lake Erie Map

Click for Lake Ontario Map

LEWISTON—New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Kessel announced today the release of a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of offshore wind power projects in the New York State waters of Lake Erie and/or Lake Ontario.  Not only will this represent the first initiative in the Great Lakes, it will be the first wind power development of any kind in a fresh water body in the nation.

"The development of a wind energy project in the Great Lakes off the shores of New York will bring us another step towards my goal to meet 30 percent of the State's electricity needs from renewable resources by 2015, help demonstrate the significantly untapped potential of offshore wind, and bring new clean energy jobs to Western New York," Governor Paterson said.  "I commend the New York Power Authority for helping transition New York to a clean energy economy, and for maintaining New York's leadership position in developing renewable energy resources."

"Today we reach a milestone in New York’s energy history by seeking the development of a wind energy project in the New York waters of the Great Lakes.  These efforts will contribute to Governor Paterson’s goal to increase New York’s use of clean renewable energy and help revitalize the Upstate economy with the jobs and construction of the wind power industry," said Richard M. Kessel, president and chief executive officer, NYPA. "The significance of developing the natural wind resources of New York’s own Great Lakes will help diversify the state’s energy mix, strengthen our energy independence, promote economic development, create jobs and expand the use of clean, green electricity to reap the vital benefit of a better environment for future generations."

"The development of a green economy and the reach for energy independence are two critical components to our economic future. We are counting on the Power Authority to take the leading role in these areas.  The Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project initiative is an important step towards those goals. I look forward to building upon this new era by working with Governor Paterson and President Kessel to further even more policy initiatives to restore the Power Authority to its rightful place as the preeminent public utility in the nation," said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee.

"Hand in hand with the development of renewable energy sources like the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project, are the potential of jobs and manufacturing opportunities that could help make the Upstate economy the leader in green industry initiatives through the efforts of the region’s talented entrepreneurs and skilled workforce," said Michael Townsend, chairman, Board of Trustees, NYPA.

"Today, NYPA is beginning to unleash the wind potential of our Great Lakes and brings this important groundbreaking project one step closer to reality," said Brian Smith, WNY program director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment.  "Our wind-rich Great Lakes can soon provide us with wind rich renewable energy that will help combat climate change, drive economic development and promote energy independence.  We applaud NYPA and Governor Paterson for moving forward with this truly historic project."

The Power Authority is soliciting proposals for the development of a utility scale, offshore wind power project in the range of 120 megawatts (MW) to 500 MW.  Respondents have been asked to include all project costs in their bids.  The project would interconnect with new or existing transmission facilities of the appropriate regional electric utilities, which are all controlled by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).  The NYISO operates New York's bulk electricity grid and administers the state's wholesale electricity markets.  The Power Authority would purchase the full output of the project under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

NYPA anticipates the following deadlines for the RFP process.  The date for submitting an optional Notice of Intent to submit a proposal is March 20, 2010.  Questions about the RFP will be accepted until April 9, 2010.  The due date for proposals is June 1, 2010.  Any winning project(s) would be expected to be awarded by December 2010.  The target date for completion of the PPA negotiations is May 31, 2011. Prospective developers are requested to periodically check the NYPA Web site (www.nypa.gov) to see if there are any modifications to the dates.

First announced on Earth Day, April 22, NYPA advanced its offshore wind initiative at a location by Lake Erie.  In attendance were representatives of National Grid, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, state and local environmental organizations, wind power developers and the University of Buffalo.  Leading up to the release of the RFP, NYPA has been conducting outreach sessions in Buffalo, Lewiston and Oswego to inform key stakeholders about the subject and the process involved with moving it forward.

The Power Authority has commissioned the preparation of certain studies related to the project.  Pertinent information from such studies will be posted on the NYPA Web site.  Those studies include conducting preliminary wind resource, site screening and environmental studies, and other technical studies with respect to the New York waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario to investigate potentially feasible locations for project sites as shown in the RFP.

Respondents may propose projects located anywhere in the New York State waters of Lake Erie and/or Lake Ontario (subject to certain restrictions such as shipping lanes and avian exclusions) that interconnect at any point on the NYISO Transmission System which can receive the project’s energy output.  Respondents should demonstrate the capability to develop, design, finance, construct, operate and maintain an offshore wind project.

The threshold requirements to determine a proposal’s viability include total generating capacity from 120 MW to 500 MW; location within the New York State waters of Lake Erie and/or Lake Ontario; capability of project to interconnect with the NYISO Transmission System; plans for mitigating the project’s effect on the environment during construction and operation; and the financial capabilities of the developer.  The Power Authority will give more favorable consideration to proposals that include:  long-term economic benefits for the region including the use of local labor and materials; the manufacturing of wind components; firm pricing; a target commercial operation date in 2015; and a strong likelihood of public acceptance.

All proposals will be reviewed with a preliminary screening followed by a detailed analysis.  Those proposals deemed eligible will undergo further evaluation which is expected to culminate in a recommendation of firm(s) to the Power Authority’s senior management, and eventually its Trustees.

The Power Authority’s sole contact person for the RFP is Jordan Brandeis.  He can be reached via e-mail at jordan.brandeis@nypa.gov.  All RFP respondents are reminded to periodically check the NYPA Web site for answers to questions, clarifications and additional information that might be posted including announcements of important deadlines and dates.

The RFP can be directly accessed on the NYPA Web site at www.nypa.gov/NYPAwindpower/rfp.html or from http://www.nypa.gov/NYPAwindpower/GreatLakesWind1.htm where there is further background information on the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project initiative.  Questions and comments from interested members of the general public about the RFP or any aspect of the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project can be emailed to info@nypa.gov.
 

"The Great Lakes, with their proud history of providing Upstate with significant industries such as shipping, fishing and recreation, will now help bring high tech, green industries and jobs to the region with the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project," said Jonathan F. Foster, vice chairman, Board of Trustees, NYPA.  "By being the nation’s first offshore wind project in the Great Lakes, New York will benefit from the emissions-free energy it produces while becoming the center of new industries and the jobs they produce."

"We’re looking forward to seeing the responses for the call for proposals to build the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project," said D. Patrick Curley of Orchard Park, trustee, NYPA. "Wind power developers will soon discover the significant resources of labor, materials and transportation available in Western New York and throughout Upstate New York to help formulate high-quality, competitive bids."

"The Power Authority has carefully formulated the call for Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project proposals to include professional guidance from wind power developers and local input from community, environmental and business organizations," said Elise M. Cusack of Eggerstville, trustee, NYPA. "Development of alternate energy sources, like the Great Lakes’ winds, is as critical to the economic growth of Western New York as it is to cleaner air so all views must be heard to achieve the best possible project."

"Developing renewable resources will help New York address climate change issues at home and around the globe.  Fostering a diversity of energy supply sources, including wind and other options, will allow us to find new ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels," said Tom King, president, National Grid in the U.S.  "National Grid supports the potential of wind energy along the Great Lakes and the New York Power Authority’s initiative to make it happen."

"I am quite pleased by the announcement from the Power Authority to begin to solicit proposals for the Great Lakes Offshore Wind project.  With a large part of my district bordering Lake Erie, I encourage the potential developers to look closely at the benefits of building this project in Western New York, using our infrastructure, labor and resources," said Senator Bill Stachowski (D-Lake View) Chair of the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee.  "The aggressive timetable set by NYPA shows the importance of the project, and ensures that the renewable energy produced by the wind farm will be available in 2015.  The potential economic impact of the project, the use of local labor and materials for construction will be immediate, with additional long-term benefits, enhancing or economy and environment."

"As Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, I am pleased to see that NYPA is following through on the first wind power development in the Great Lakes," stated Senator Antoine M. Thompson. "This project will help spur the economy, provide new green collar jobs and increase the use of renewable energy."

"While New York has provided effective incentives for investment in renewable energy, particularly wind energy, our draft State Energy Plan has identified even greater potential for further development of wind power in offshore locations," said Francis J. Murray Jr., president and chief executive officer, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.  "I applaud NYPA's leadership and initiative.  Today’s announcement is a step forward in meeting the clean energy objectives advanced by Governor David A. Paterson to increase our reliance on renewable energy sources and reduce our carbon footprint."

"It is important for the Authority to make good choices as they proceed with the RFP process because whatever project(s) result will set precedents for other future offshore wind power developments in the Great Lakes," said Terry Yonker, U.S. co-chair, Great Lakes Wind Collaborative, as he commended NYPA for taking the necessary steps to develop wind power on the Great Lakes in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.  "The potential for wind power in the Great Lakes is among the best anywhere on earth.  It will likely change the face of power generation as we work to reduce the carbon footprint of the region."

"As the interest in offshore wind increases across the nation, NYPA's RFP demonstrates that New York's commitment to clean energy and wind continues.  With over 1,200 MW of land-based wind online, New York is ready to take the next step in harnessing the potential of its strong offshore resources while growing the green economy and acting upon climate change goals," said Carol E. Murphy, executive director, Alliance for Clean Energy New York.

"The University at Buffalo fully supports NYPA’s effort to develop an offshore renewable generation project in Western NY.  UB desires to purchase more renewable energy and renewable energy credits in the future.  These tow products are in direct alignment with UB’s commitment to the environment and long range goals to achieve Climate Neutrality at its campuses," said Michael Dupre, associate vice president for facilities, University at Buffalo.  A report prepared last year by the University at Buffalo Law School concluded that efforts to harness offshore wind power provide an opportunity for Western New York to become a leader in the generation of clean, renewable energy as an engine for regional economic development.  A summary of the report is available at www.buffalo.edu/news/9388.

About NYPA:

■ The New York Power Authority uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation's largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of New York State and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. ■ About 75 percent of the electricity it produces is clean renewable hydropower.  Its lower-cost power production and electricity purchases support hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the state. ■ For more information, www.nypa.gov.

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Marc Clejan
Green Logic Energy
631-771-5152 Ext. 101
Marc@GreenLogic.com



Long Island, NY – November 18, 2009 – Green Logic Energy, Long Island's largest and fastest growing provider of renewable energy solutions, today announced that it has received the SunPower "Residential Dealer of the Year" award during last month’s Solar Power International tradeshow in Anaheim, Calif.  The company was selected from more than 200 SunPower dealers in North America for its outstanding performance as a SunPower Premier Dealer in 2009.  Earlier this year, Green Logic also received Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) Trade Ally Award for its work providing renewables to the long island market.

"I am honored to accept this prestigious award from SunPower on behalf of Green Logic Energy," said Marc Clejan, the company's CEO.  "This award acknowledges our team’s dedication and commitment to providing exemplary customer service, and to bringing the highest performing and most attractive renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and municipal clients in Long Island and New York City.  It is particularly rewarding to be measured against more than 200 of the best renewable energy companies nationwide and to be put at the top of the class," said Clejan.

The "Residential Dealer of the Year" award is given to a SunPower dealer that has outperformed in this category, demonstrated exceptional customer service and proven their leadership in this market.  The recipient has unparalleled sales performance and has exceeded all business plan goals and objectives.

"We congratulate Green Logic Energy as this year’s ‘Residential Dealer of the Year’ award winner," said Vikas Desai, vice president and general manager at SunPower Corp.  “"As a premier dealer, they have consistently demonstrated a level of quality and commitment that have exceeded our expectations, and look forward to their continued success in 2010."

Earlier this year, GreenLogic Energy also won the LIPA Trade Ally award.  This award recognized the Company's achievements in deploying renewable energy solutions within the utility's market of Long Island.  "LIPA congratulates GreenLogic on their impressive award. As LIPA's Solar Pioneer program expands, we look forward to continuing our relationship with GreenLogic to help transform the solar market place, create clean energy jobs and make Long Island a cleaner and greener place," said LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law.

"This is the only time we are aware that LIPA has issued an award to a renewable energy company", said Nick Albukrek, GreenLogic's COO.  "We work hard to provide the best solutions coupled with unmatched customer service, and it is wonderful be recognized for this by these 2 prestigious awards."

About Green Energy Logic

GreenLogic Energy is a provider of the best renewable energy solutions, including solar electric, solar thermal, wind power, and geothermal solutions. The company offers its solutions to residential, commercial and municipal clients.  The company was founded in 2005 and has grown quickly to be the largest provider of these solutions in Long Island, and is in the process of expanding into NYC.  The company employs over 40 people and is growing at a rate of about 2 positions per month, making the company one of (if not the) largest "green collar" employer on Long Island.   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2009
 
 
ALBANY, NY—Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. is pleased to announce results for the third quarter of 2009 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 reached its second highest quarterly value and is on a record pace for 2009.  Toyota took the quarterly Clean Energy patent Crown from Honda, closely followed by GM and Nissan. Hybrid/ electric vehicle patents rose while solar and wind patents continued to converge toward each other.  Fuel cell patents dominated the other sectors.”

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 third quarter of 2009 reveal the CEPGI to have a value of 271 granted U.S. patents which is the second highest quarterly value since the tracking of the CEPGI began, along with being down 3 from the second quarter of 2009 and up from a value of 230 in the third quarter of 2008.  Quarterly results are illustrated below:



The components breakdown of the CEPGI shows fuel cells are up 1 granted patent relative to the second quarter at 157, the highest level since the first quarter of 2005.  As is evident from the chart, fuel cell patents dominate the other components of the CEPGI in absolute numbers and in the third quarter were at a level greater than a combination of all the granted patents in the other sectors.  Granted wind (35) and solar patents (33) continued to converge in the third quarter to within two of each other.  Wind patents were down 8 relative to the second quarter (43) and up 3 compared to a year prior.  Solar patents were down 3 compared to the second quarter and up 20 relative the third quarter (36) of 2008 which was a record low.  Hybrid/electric vehicle patents (22) were up 2 from the second quarter returning to an upward trend after a big drop in the second quarter which ended a three quarter streak of gains.  Biofuel patents tied the second highest number of patents granted in a quarter (11), which last occurred in the third quarter of 2007.  Biofuel patents were down two from the all time quarterly high of 13 in the second quarter and up 8 over the same period in 2008. Geothermal patents (5) reached an all time quarterly high, which was up three over the second quarter of this year and the third quarter of 2008.  Also, Tidal/Wave Energy granted patents (9) were up 1 over the second quarter and up 5 compared to the same period of the year before.

Toyota snatched the quarterly Clean Energy Patent crown from perennial holder Honda primarily based on its fuel cell (12) showing with an assist from its hybrid/electric vehicle (3) patents.  Upstart Nissan tied GM for second place with 14 patents in fuel cell (11) and hybrid/electric vehicle (3) patents.  GM had clean energy patents in both the fuel cell (10) and hybrid/electric vehicle (4) sectors.  Honda and Samsung trailed GM by two.  Honda’s patents were in fuel cells (11) and hybrid/electric vehicle (1) patents while Samsung’s were in fuel cells (11) and solar (1). GE followed with 4 fuel cell and 4 wind patents.  Panasonic Corp. again followed GE this quarter with 5 fuel cell and 1 solar patent adding to its 17 earlier patents this year, while only having 6 in the entire seven-year period from 2002-2008. Toshiba had 5 fuel cell patents while Ford added 2 fuel cell patents and 3 hybrid/electric vehicle patents.  Denso Corp., an automotive technology supplier from Japan, had 2 fuel cell and 2 hybrid/electric vehicle patents.  Nordex Energy GmbH and Aloys Wobben of Enercon GmbH each had 4 wind patents.  Nan Ya Printed Circuit Board Corporation and Delphi Technologies each had 4 fuel cell patents.  If Delphi (4) had still been a division of General Motors then GM would have led the field by 3 patents with 18.

Geographically, Japan held steady relative to the last quarter at 75 granted clean energy patents to again lead the geographic areas tracked, which is up 18 over the same period in 2008, to again claim the geographical clean energy patent crown.  California was again second with 25 granted Clean Energy patents, down 4 over the second quarter and up 10 over the second quarter of 2008.  Michigan (down 6 from the same period in 2008) and Germany (up 6 over 2008) again tied for third with an identical 23 granted patents as in the second quarter.  Korea (up 6 over the second quarter and 14 over 2008) beat New York with 21 clean energy patents.  New York had 13 patents, which is down 2 from the second quarter and down 9 over the same period of 2008.  Canada had 4 patents down 3 from the second quarter results and down one over the third quarter of last year.  Connecticut trailed Canada with 5 granted clean energy patents, down one from the second quarter and the third quarter of 2008.

Further information regarding the CEPGI 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.

ALBANY, New York. (October 23, 2009) Albany‐based AWS Truewind, LLC, an international leader in renewable energy consulting, today announced the launch of a web‐based small wind prospecting and siting application Small windExplorer. This state-of‐the‐art application was developed on behalf of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to provide statewide wind resource information to the small wind community.

The small wind market is becoming increasingly reliant upon map‐based wind resource estimates to site residential and light commercial projects. The Small windExplorer was designed to be a user friendly, all inclusive solution for NYSERDA to provide their constituents with detailed and accurate wind resource information to facilitate responsible small wind development. The Small windExplorer provides free access to site‐specific and highly accurate wind resource maps and reports to determine site viability.

“We are confident that the maps and data available through Small windExplorer will lead to a larger pool of successful projects where performance expectations are routinely met,” said Marie Schnitzer, Manager of Government and Solar Programs at AWS Truewind.

The Small windExplorer replaces AWS Truewind’s previous web‐based wind resource tool, Wind Resource Explorer, which was commissioned by NYSERDA in 2003. Until now, Wind Resource Explorer has been the primary source of wind resource information for in‐state applications to qualify sites for NYSERDA’s wind incentive program. The much improved Small windExplorer application provides an easy‐to‐use interface that utilizes Google Maps® technology and leverages the sophistication of AWS Truewind’s utility‐scale wind prospecting and initial resource analysis application windNavigator®.

“NYSERDA is pleased to partner once again with AWS Truewind, a widely‐respected New York‐based leader in renewable energy. The introduction of this software technology will assist NYSERDA in disseminating accurate wind resource information to our network of eligible installers as well as to our current and potential customers,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “New York’s network of eligible installers stands to benefit the most. The ability to access high‐quality wind resource data and produce energy estimates will assist in properly siting wind turbines where the wind resource is most abundant.”

The New York Small windExplorer features newly validated 200 meter horizontal grid resolution wind maps at appropriate hub heights and two reporting options for residential users and eligible installers. According to Schnitzer, “These features significantly reduce the uncertainty surrounding the definition of local wind resources in lieu of on‐site wind measurements. Typically, utility‐scale wind projects require one year of onsite meteorological data, which can be quite costly for wind systems less than 100 kW. By incorporating high‐resolution wind resource data at appropriate heights the Small windExplorer user will have enough information to make an informed decision about their project site.”

One of the key benefits of the Small windExplorer application is the unprecedented public access to automated wind resource reports based on high‐resolution data. These reports, which include average annual wind speeds for three appropriate hub heights, a wind rose image, a wind resource map displaying mean annual wind speeds and an interpretation of results will provide users with highly accurate information with the convenience of a web‐based environment so that they can make informed decisions about their project site.

The New York Small windExplorer features a separate login for NYSERDA eligible wind installers to access advanced reporting options such as loss inputs so that estimates of annual energy output for program specific turbine models can be further refined. The Small windExplorer’s advanced report will be used to qualify sites in New York State for NYSERDA’s various incentive programs.

New York State’s Small windExplorer can be accessed at the following website: http://nyswe.awstruewind.com. More information on Small windExplorer can be obtained from AWS Truewind: http://www.awstruewind.com/contact.cfm.

About AWS Truewind, LLC
AWS Truewind has been an international leader in renewable energy consulting for over 25 years. Our suite of integrated services and innovative products support the full project lifecycle from resource mapping (windNavigator®, MesoMap®, WindSurvey), energy assessment and project engineering (SiteWind®, openWind®) to due diligence, performance evaluation and power production forecasting (eWind®). Our professional staff possesses in‐depth knowledge and experience in all phases of project development which ensures a consistent, integrated solution. (www.awstruewind.com | http://navigator.awstruewind.com)

About NYSERDA
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority uses innovation and technology to address some of New York’s most pressing energy and environmental problems in ways that benefit the State’s economy. Created in 1975, NYSERDA’s clean energy, energy efficiency, and environmental programs and services provide a vehicle for the State to work collaboratively with businesses, academia, industry, and homeowners to develop a diversified energy portfolio and facilitate the introduction of advance clean energy and sustainable technologies. (www.nyserda.org)

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