Perspectives on Photovoltaics | As Technologies Develop, Costs Decrease while Efficiency Increases

When it comes to photovoltaic (PV) cells, Wall Street is concerned primarily with established companies employing traditional silicon-based technologies. However, record high oil prices based on genuine long-term supply worries has Wall Street increasing its interest in companies developing other PV technologies and materials, because at least for the immediate future, all types of PV technologies will thrive.

Switching to Grass | Patents Show that an Abundant Plant Is a Focus as a Biofuel Feedstock

As fuels derived from renewable resources take on a greater role on the global energy stage, it is critical that researchers continue to design novel ways to generate biofuels to meet this demand. Of those renewable resources, switch grass has many advantages as an ethanol source. In fact, a look at intellectual property disclosures citing novelties using switch grass for ethanol production shows that indeed researchers are examining this abundant source.

Batteries, Bacteria & Beer | In the Quest for Energy, Microbes Might Make Difference

Rather than stressing over the prospect of global warming and where to find cleaner, cheaper energy, maybe we should just kick back and enjoy a beer. Perhaps by doing so, we can even contribute in some small way to solving the energy crisis with a side benefit of helping to clean up the environment.  

Now Is Not the Time to Put Off Energy-Saving Improvements

With energy prices taking a back seat to concerns about the overall economy, it would be easy to put off dealing with long-term energy supplies. However, this is not the time to be complacent. These last few months in particular are likely a prelude to a longer term rollercoaster ride of energy prices, especially the dizzying peaks. That the power transmission system is antiquated and unreliable with no solution in sight simply adds urgency to the overall need to deal with energy issues. And with economic uncertainty comes the need to contain costs, especially energy expenditures.

How Intellectual Property Policies Can Create Sustainable Energy Infrastructures

Without coherent intellectual property policies throughout the world, creating a global sustainable energy system will be, at best, slower than need be.

Innovating Green: How to Beat the Competition in an Uncertain World

Even in the current economic turmoil, savvy innovators are looking to green products and processes to give their companies the edge they need to be on the top.

The Obama-Biden Energy Plan | What You Need To Know

The Obama-Biden Energy Plan involves many variables; in technology, personnel and policy. The plan concentrates on energy efficiency in the stationary and transportation sectors, focuses on implementing a national low carbon transportation fuel standard, and uses cap-and-trade to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while endeavoring to increase domestic production of gas and oil.

National Electric Delivery Forum | Summary of Key Findings

As part of Nerac's continued effort to monitor and analyze the impact of developments in the energy industry, key analysts from Nerac’s Energy Team attended the 2009 National Electricity Delivery Forum (NEDF) held in Washington, D.C. on February 18th and 19th, 2009, sponsored by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).

Emma Palmacci presents at the Annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing

Emma Palmacci moderated a panel discussion called “Biofuels in Aviation.”

Nerac Analysts present at Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries Conference, June 2008

Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries June 1-5, 2008 Boston, MA
Emma Palmacci and Jim Johnson presented a poster session: “Biofuels – Boom or Bust?”

Kevin Closson presents at Thermal Management Technology Symposium, September 2008

Thermal Management Technology Symposium 2008
September 25-26, Austin, TX

Nerac Analyst Kevin Closson will present “Emerging Thermal Management Market Opportunities.”

Kevin Closson presents at IEEE Energy 2030 Conference

Nerac Analyst Kevin Closson is speaking at the IEEE Energy 2030 conference on global sustainable energy infrastructure on Nov. 2008. Learn more, please click here.

The National Electric Delivery Forum

Meet with us at the National Electric Delivery Forum, February 18-19 in Washington, DC, to get Nerac Analysts’ insight on future market opportunities and threats surrounding the new U.S. Energy Grid.

The U.S. Energy Grid Project:
A Multi-Billion Dollar Opportunity. What’s Your Plan?

President Obama has made modernizing the nation's vast power network a key piece of his $819 billion economic stimulus plan.  Recently, he called for the installation of 3,000 miles of transmission lines to carry renewable energy to population centers and 40 million smart electric meters in homes. The House bill set aside $11 billion to help finance these investments.

According to USA Today, Obama's endorsement of a sweeping upgrade to the century-old grid is jolting an industry already on a roll. Top power companies and lawmakers lately have called for an up to $1 trillion nationwide backbone electric grid.

There will be many dynamics at work over the next few years
as this modernization plan rolls out.

Are you positioned to take advantage of this opportunity as it unfolds?

 Click here to request an appointment.

Renewable Energy Options for Data Centers | Published online at Powerpulse.net

Nerac Analyst Rosemarie Szostak co-authors this technical report on alternative energy sources and ac/dc conversion efficiency factors for data centers.  Read the report here.

China & the Future of Solar Photovoltaic Technology

New technologies for flexible photovoltaic cells show promising signs of transforming solar power generation.