Is clean energy helping the nation recover from the great recession? For employers, employees and local government officials in Colorado, the answer is a resounding yes!
Employment in Colorado's clean-tech industry increased 32.7% between 2005 and 2010, compared with a 10% increase at the national level, according to a 2011 study by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation.
"Colorado ranks fourth nationally in the total number of clean-energy jobs and we're still growing and adding jobs," said Tom Clark, executive vice president of the Metro Denver EDC. "With the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in our backyard, the nation's second-highest renewable energy standard and copious amounts of wind and sunshine, our region truly has become a hub for clean-technology."
Clean technology was the only sector within the state to grow in 2010, with 1,600 companies employing over 19,000 workers. In the past two years, more than 20 solar and wind companies have announced they would expand or relocate to Colorado.
Vestas, the world's leading wind turbine manufacturer, announced it will invest $1 billion at four manufacturing facilities in Colorado, bringing its total workforce there to 2,500. Vestas, despite a loss in its first fiscal quarter, is well positioned for growth, having received 3 orders in the past 4 weeks for a total of over 200 large turbines for projects in Kansas, California and Canada.
Vestas is just one of many examples of clean technology companies in Colorado. Another is RES Americas, which develops, constructs owns and operates renewable energy projects across North America, moved its headquarters to Colorado in 2008. Aluwind, a supplier to Vestas, Juwi, a German-based renewable energy company and REpower Systems, a leading turbine producer in Germany, all moved their headquarters to Colorado.
Colorado has the unique advantage of being host to The National Wind Technology Center, a part of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development.
Education is also playing a central role in helping Colorado become a leader in clean technology. Ecotech Institute, the nation's first and only college entirely dedicated to renewable energy and sustainable design, chose Colorado last year for its flagship campus.
"Ecotech Institute chose to launch its first location in Colorado for many reasons, including its location, entrepreneurial culture, and passion for green job growth," said Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. "Colorado's culture, natural beauty and green-leaning attitude fosters greener lifestyles, education and careers."
Since last July, 230 students have enrolled in two-year programs for wind and solar energy technology, electrical engineering technology, energy efficiency, environmental technology and general renewable energy training.
Colorado seems to have found a winning combination of private enterprise, local and federal government programs and educational organizations. Will other states follow?
More on Colorado's clean technology.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
$5 a gallon of gasoline in 2012? I love it!!!
$5 a gallon? It's not coming fast enough. And I wouldn't be opposed to a bit of a government push on that matter. Let's say an extra 10 cents/gallon tax (28.4 cents/gallon instead of 18.4 cents/gallon?)
According to John Hofmeister, the former president of Shell Oil, it's highly likely that gasoline prices at the pump will hit $5 per gallon in the summer of 2012, essentially because of the continuing growth of the Chinese and Indian economies, and a probable American continued recovery in 2011.
The immediate effect on the economy would be increase sales of hybrid and electric cars, decrease sales of gas-guzzling SUVs, and a steady creation of green jobs! Use the additional gasoline tax revenue to increase energy efficiency project tax breaks, and we'll see even more of a boom in the residential solar and wind industries.
With the current US gasoline consumption at about 9 million barrels a day, an additional tax of 10 cents per gallon is an extra $1.1 billion a month of revenue that could be used directly to subsidize hybrid car purchases, or solar or wind residential installations. At $5,000 per household, that's about 220,000 households per month who would benefit.
So given that kind of huge economic benefit, what's an extra 10 cents per gallon when the price is going to go from $3 to $5 per gallon?
Call me crazy, but I think it's a good thing. The faster we reduce the consumption of fossil fuels (especially the imported kind), the better for the environment, the economy, and the security of this country. Many people won't be happy, but they'll agree that it's a necessity and it'll help up convert faster to a green economy and energy independence.
According to John Hofmeister, the former president of Shell Oil, it's highly likely that gasoline prices at the pump will hit $5 per gallon in the summer of 2012, essentially because of the continuing growth of the Chinese and Indian economies, and a probable American continued recovery in 2011.
The immediate effect on the economy would be increase sales of hybrid and electric cars, decrease sales of gas-guzzling SUVs, and a steady creation of green jobs! Use the additional gasoline tax revenue to increase energy efficiency project tax breaks, and we'll see even more of a boom in the residential solar and wind industries.
With the current US gasoline consumption at about 9 million barrels a day, an additional tax of 10 cents per gallon is an extra $1.1 billion a month of revenue that could be used directly to subsidize hybrid car purchases, or solar or wind residential installations. At $5,000 per household, that's about 220,000 households per month who would benefit.
So given that kind of huge economic benefit, what's an extra 10 cents per gallon when the price is going to go from $3 to $5 per gallon?
Call me crazy, but I think it's a good thing. The faster we reduce the consumption of fossil fuels (especially the imported kind), the better for the environment, the economy, and the security of this country. Many people won't be happy, but they'll agree that it's a necessity and it'll help up convert faster to a green economy and energy independence.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
With newfound confidence and IPO dollars, GM hires 1,000 for EV division
GM announced on Nov. 30 that it's hiring 1,000 engineers and researchers over the next couple of years for its electric vehicle division. When was the last time GM announced the creation of high-paying jobs?
This time around, GM is very optimistic, and full of new found confidence. With billions of dollars from a recent IPO, and a single order for 12,000 Chevy Volts from GE, who wouldn't be?
Today's GM is a far cry from the GM of 2 years ago, having done a complete U turn from gas guzzlers to plug-in electric hybrids. It took awhile, but finally it seems that GM is giving itself a chance to grab back its competitive edge, and the #1 position from Toyota.
“GM is going to lead the industry in the adoption of various vehicle electrification technologies, whether its electric vehicles with extended-range capability, like the Chevrolet Volt, or the recently introduced eAssist technology that will debut on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse,” GM CEO Dan Akerson said. “We want to give our customers energy choices other than petroleum and to make the automobile part of the solution when it comes to the environment."
"Deep experience and expertise in batteries, electric motors and power controls will ensure GM provides the best possible electric vehicle choices to customers around the world," Akerson said.
The 1,000 engineering and researh jobs represent a big commitment to EVs on GM's part. At an estimated $100,000 per year per job, it's $100 million a year that GM will spend on these new green jobs. GM has already spent $700 million building the manufacturing infrastructure for the Volt, and is also investing over $400 million in advanced battery technology and powertrain development.
In addition to GM’s investments, suppliers such as LG Chem, utility companies such as DTE Energy and organizations including the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, are investing in Michigan jobs to support Chevy Volt and electric vehicle development.
“The state of Michigan is proud to continue our long partnership with GM as it drives toward a leaner, greener future,” Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said. “As we work to diversify our state’s economy both within the auto industry and outside of it, electric vehicles will play a major role in re-establishing Michigan as the North American center of automotive manufacturing.”
Read the full text of the GM press release on the Green Job Bank.
This time around, GM is very optimistic, and full of new found confidence. With billions of dollars from a recent IPO, and a single order for 12,000 Chevy Volts from GE, who wouldn't be?
Today's GM is a far cry from the GM of 2 years ago, having done a complete U turn from gas guzzlers to plug-in electric hybrids. It took awhile, but finally it seems that GM is giving itself a chance to grab back its competitive edge, and the #1 position from Toyota.
“GM is going to lead the industry in the adoption of various vehicle electrification technologies, whether its electric vehicles with extended-range capability, like the Chevrolet Volt, or the recently introduced eAssist technology that will debut on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse,” GM CEO Dan Akerson said. “We want to give our customers energy choices other than petroleum and to make the automobile part of the solution when it comes to the environment."
"Deep experience and expertise in batteries, electric motors and power controls will ensure GM provides the best possible electric vehicle choices to customers around the world," Akerson said.
The 1,000 engineering and researh jobs represent a big commitment to EVs on GM's part. At an estimated $100,000 per year per job, it's $100 million a year that GM will spend on these new green jobs. GM has already spent $700 million building the manufacturing infrastructure for the Volt, and is also investing over $400 million in advanced battery technology and powertrain development.
In addition to GM’s investments, suppliers such as LG Chem, utility companies such as DTE Energy and organizations including the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, are investing in Michigan jobs to support Chevy Volt and electric vehicle development.
“The state of Michigan is proud to continue our long partnership with GM as it drives toward a leaner, greener future,” Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said. “As we work to diversify our state’s economy both within the auto industry and outside of it, electric vehicles will play a major role in re-establishing Michigan as the North American center of automotive manufacturing.”
Read the full text of the GM press release on the Green Job Bank.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
BrightHome Energy Solutions Joins "Green Jobs - Green NY" Program
BrightHome Energy Solutions today announced its participation in the new Green Jobs-Green New York (GJGNY) program that provides free energy audits and low interest financing to New York homeowners seeking energy efficiency improvements.
The Green Jobs-Green New York program was passed into law in October 2009. It provides New Yorker with access to free and low-cost energy audits, installation services, low-cost financing (currently for residential customers only), and pathways to training for various green-collar careers. The program's goal was to create 14,000 green jobs in retrofit contracting, and another 14,000 indirect jobs in related services. The program is financed through a $112 million fund.
“BrightHome is excited to offer homeowners free energy audits and interest rates as low as 3.49% creating an affordable way to lower their heating bills and be more comfortable,” said Mike Brown of BrightHome Energy Solutions. “We encourage homeowners to take advantage of this opportunity now for maximum savings this winter.”
Free energy audits by BrightHome through GJGNY are available to residential applicants with household incomes less than $209,000. Reduced-cost energy audits will be available to homeowners with incomes up to $418,000.
It is not clear how many of the 28,000 jobs have already been created. The first annual report of the program is silent on the job creation results, but what is clear is that BrightHome Energy Solutions is not hiring. Their website lists 4 open positions posted months ago, in June 2010.
The Green Jobs-Green New York program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
The Green Jobs-Green New York program was passed into law in October 2009. It provides New Yorker with access to free and low-cost energy audits, installation services, low-cost financing (currently for residential customers only), and pathways to training for various green-collar careers. The program's goal was to create 14,000 green jobs in retrofit contracting, and another 14,000 indirect jobs in related services. The program is financed through a $112 million fund.
“BrightHome is excited to offer homeowners free energy audits and interest rates as low as 3.49% creating an affordable way to lower their heating bills and be more comfortable,” said Mike Brown of BrightHome Energy Solutions. “We encourage homeowners to take advantage of this opportunity now for maximum savings this winter.”
Free energy audits by BrightHome through GJGNY are available to residential applicants with household incomes less than $209,000. Reduced-cost energy audits will be available to homeowners with incomes up to $418,000.
It is not clear how many of the 28,000 jobs have already been created. The first annual report of the program is silent on the job creation results, but what is clear is that BrightHome Energy Solutions is not hiring. Their website lists 4 open positions posted months ago, in June 2010.
The Green Jobs-Green New York program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Monday, November 15, 2010
GE makes GM's day
GE just announced that it will purchase 25,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2015. The first 12,000 of these will be GM Volts. Other manufacturers will be included in the purchase as their products become available. At an average of $40,000 or more per vehicle, that's at least a $100 million purchase.
“Electric vehicle technology is real and ready for deployment and we are embracing the transformation with partners like GM and our fleet customers,” said GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt. “By electrifying our own fleet, we will accelerate the adoption curve, drive scale, and move electric vehicles from anticipation to action.
GE will also benefit from its own purchase, which will accelerate the deployment of GE's charging stations, and many other GE products used in EVs' manufacturing and operations. Some experts estimate that the EV purchase could pump back $500 million into GE's revenue in the next 3 years.
“We make technology that touches every point of the electric vehicle infrastructure and are leading the transformation to a smarter electrical grid,” Immelt said. “This transformation will be good for our businesses and for our shareowners. Wide-scale adoption of electric vehicles will also drive clean energy innovation, strengthen energy security and deliver economic value.”
GM CEO Dan Akerson said, “GE’s commitment reflects confidence that electric vehicles are a real-world technology that can reduce both emissions and our dependence on oil. It is also a vote of confidence in the Chevrolet Volt, which we will begin delivering to retail customers by the end of this year. We are pleased that the Volt will play a major role in this program, which will spur innovation and benefit our companies, our customers, and society as a whole.”
A GM spokesman said the purchase of 12,000 Volts by GE will not affect deliveries to retail customers: "It's between now and 2015, so the volume is manageable."
FedEx Chairman, President and CEO, and Electrification Coalition member Fred Smith said, “With more than 16.3 million vehicles in operation in 2009, the nation’s fleet can drive initial ramp-up scale in the battery industry and OEM supply chains. By buying these vehicles, GE is helping ramp up production which will help lower the price of vehicles and their components and make electric vehicles more visible and acceptable to the public at large. This is good for GE, good for our economy, and good for our nation.”
US-based EV manufacturers that could benefit from GE's commitment include Tesla Motors, Coda Automotive, Aptera, Bright Automotive, and Smith Electric Vehicles. And more indirectly, engine makers Achates Power and EcoMotors, and charging station maker Coulomb Technologies could also benefit.
A great story for the creation of green jobs, and one in which the government is not involved!
“Electric vehicle technology is real and ready for deployment and we are embracing the transformation with partners like GM and our fleet customers,” said GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt. “By electrifying our own fleet, we will accelerate the adoption curve, drive scale, and move electric vehicles from anticipation to action.
GE will also benefit from its own purchase, which will accelerate the deployment of GE's charging stations, and many other GE products used in EVs' manufacturing and operations. Some experts estimate that the EV purchase could pump back $500 million into GE's revenue in the next 3 years.
“We make technology that touches every point of the electric vehicle infrastructure and are leading the transformation to a smarter electrical grid,” Immelt said. “This transformation will be good for our businesses and for our shareowners. Wide-scale adoption of electric vehicles will also drive clean energy innovation, strengthen energy security and deliver economic value.”
GM CEO Dan Akerson said, “GE’s commitment reflects confidence that electric vehicles are a real-world technology that can reduce both emissions and our dependence on oil. It is also a vote of confidence in the Chevrolet Volt, which we will begin delivering to retail customers by the end of this year. We are pleased that the Volt will play a major role in this program, which will spur innovation and benefit our companies, our customers, and society as a whole.”
A GM spokesman said the purchase of 12,000 Volts by GE will not affect deliveries to retail customers: "It's between now and 2015, so the volume is manageable."
FedEx Chairman, President and CEO, and Electrification Coalition member Fred Smith said, “With more than 16.3 million vehicles in operation in 2009, the nation’s fleet can drive initial ramp-up scale in the battery industry and OEM supply chains. By buying these vehicles, GE is helping ramp up production which will help lower the price of vehicles and their components and make electric vehicles more visible and acceptable to the public at large. This is good for GE, good for our economy, and good for our nation.”
US-based EV manufacturers that could benefit from GE's commitment include Tesla Motors, Coda Automotive, Aptera, Bright Automotive, and Smith Electric Vehicles. And more indirectly, engine makers Achates Power and EcoMotors, and charging station maker Coulomb Technologies could also benefit.
A great story for the creation of green jobs, and one in which the government is not involved!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Ameresco reports stellar growth, creates more green jobs
US renewable energy and energy efficiency company Ameresco’s third quarter earnings per diluted share rose to $0.53 for the recent quarter, compares to $0.30 in last year’s third quarter. The company’s income rose 47 per cent to $12m in the recent quarter from $8.2m the year before.
‘Ameresco produced strong third quarter financial performance by effectively executing on our existing projects and continuing to successfully implement our 2010 business plan,’ said George Sakellaris, president and CEO of Ameresco.
‘We made significant progress on many of our marquee projects. We continue to win business across North America, and this quarter won a bid with the US Navy to improve energy efficiency for two of their facilities in Italy.’
Ameresco’s total order backlog including contracted and awarded projects stood at $1.12bn at the end of the quarter.
It expects to generate between $585m and $595m in revenue for the full year 2010, also predicting EBITDA to be in the range $55m to $57m and net income in the range $27m to $28m. Its earnings forecast per diluted share is $0.68.
On the green jobs front, Ameresco posted a total of 117 jobs in the period 8/1/2010 to 10/31/2010, an increase of 90% compared to 63 green jobs in the previous period 5/1/2010 to 6/30/2010. The company today had 28 open positions.
‘Ameresco produced strong third quarter financial performance by effectively executing on our existing projects and continuing to successfully implement our 2010 business plan,’ said George Sakellaris, president and CEO of Ameresco.
‘We made significant progress on many of our marquee projects. We continue to win business across North America, and this quarter won a bid with the US Navy to improve energy efficiency for two of their facilities in Italy.’
Ameresco’s total order backlog including contracted and awarded projects stood at $1.12bn at the end of the quarter.
It expects to generate between $585m and $595m in revenue for the full year 2010, also predicting EBITDA to be in the range $55m to $57m and net income in the range $27m to $28m. Its earnings forecast per diluted share is $0.68.
On the green jobs front, Ameresco posted a total of 117 jobs in the period 8/1/2010 to 10/31/2010, an increase of 90% compared to 63 green jobs in the previous period 5/1/2010 to 6/30/2010. The company today had 28 open positions.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
SunRun Gets Financing for 1,900 Residential Solar Installations
Residential Solar company SunRun is not your typical solar panel installer. Rather, it's a distributed utility company. They don't sell you the panels on your rooftop, they sell you the electricity these panels produce, at a fixed rate, and are responsible for the maintenance of the panels. They foot the bill, and save you the $15,000 to $45,000 it takes to buy and install the panels; but they have to finance it somehow.
To date SunRun has financed over 6,000 residential installations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. With the new money, they're ready to finance 1,900 more. The new money is the 4th time US Bancorp bankrolls SunRun. US Bancorp and other backers have provided SunRun almost $400 million in financing since 2007.
"We are the only home solar company to have enjoyed an uninterrupted source of project financing, and this steady stream of capital speaks directly to our credibility as a reliable and risk-free alternative to the utility," said SunRun CEO and Co-founder Edward Fenster. "U.S. Bancorp has been a fantastic long-term partner and instrumental in helping SunRun provide affordable and hassle-free solar to thousands of homeowners."
SunRun's growth is phenomenal: 300% year over year. SunRun has about 75 employees, and has a network of 2,500 local installers that employ a total of 2,500 employees.
To date SunRun has financed over 6,000 residential installations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. With the new money, they're ready to finance 1,900 more. The new money is the 4th time US Bancorp bankrolls SunRun. US Bancorp and other backers have provided SunRun almost $400 million in financing since 2007.
"We are the only home solar company to have enjoyed an uninterrupted source of project financing, and this steady stream of capital speaks directly to our credibility as a reliable and risk-free alternative to the utility," said SunRun CEO and Co-founder Edward Fenster. "U.S. Bancorp has been a fantastic long-term partner and instrumental in helping SunRun provide affordable and hassle-free solar to thousands of homeowners."
SunRun's growth is phenomenal: 300% year over year. SunRun has about 75 employees, and has a network of 2,500 local installers that employ a total of 2,500 employees.
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