Renewable energy production can provide long-term economic growth and thousands of new green jobs for the United States, while helping to reduce reliance on oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Biotechnology Industry Organization today called on Congress to include support for biorefineries, biobased materials, and energy crops in economic stimulus legislation.

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section, said, “Congress has an opportunity to ensure that the United States’ economic recovery is both financially and environmentally sustainable. Investment in advanced biofuels, biobased materials, and energy crops can produce thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity. These investments can also help the United States reduce its dependence on oil and its emissions of greenhouse gases.

“A cellulosic biorefinery that produces both advanced biofuels and biobased products could create as many as 2,200 new jobs and increase economic activity by more than $1 billion. Including support for new biorefineries as well as energy crop producers in economic stimulus legislation would promote construction of dozens of new biorefineries.”

Specific proposals to stimulate the economy and employment through commercialization of advanced biofuels and biobased products include:

• Extend the Cellulosic Biofuel Production Tax Credit
  Under current law, the production tax credit for cellulosic biofuels is available through 2011, but only a small number of commercial cellulosic facilities are expected to be placed in service by that time. This is a significant impediment to additional investment in this industry at a time when the drop in crude oil prices has further increased the challenge of commercialization.
• Increase Funding for Biomass RD&D and Biorefinery Construction
  USDA and Department of Energy programs to support research and development as well as construction of biorefineries have provided real benefits in helping commercialize cellulosic biofuels and biobased materials. A funding increase for these programs could accelerate technological developments and attract capital investment necessary to bring large volumes of cellulosic biofuels to the market within the next five years.
• Create a Production Tax Credit for Biobased Materials
  Advanced biobased materials, such as biobased plastics and renewable chemicals, reduce dependence on oil and greenhouse gas emissions by substituting biomass for petroleum. However, biobased materials are not currently incentivized in the tax code.
• Increase Funding for USDA Biobased Markets Program
  The USDA’s Biobased Markets Program is intended to accelerate the commercialization of biobased products through a USDA Certified Biobased Labeling program and procurement program. Additional funding can speed implementation of the program and help develop the fledgling biobased products market.
• Fast Track the Biomass Crop Assistance Program
  The Biomass Crop Assistance Program helps farmers to establish, maintain, harvest, collect, store and transport next-generation energy crops. The program is critical to developing supply chains for advanced cellulosic biorefineries.

New Green Technologies announced that it has three main technology areas for the creation of energy which will fit into the priorities of the new Presidential administration’s energy policy for America. That policy includes the goal that 10 percent of the electrical needs of America should be met by renewable energy by 2012. New Green is able to make fuels, and create electricity, from all three of its technologies. New Green’s three unique technologies include: oil and gas production from waste, which is usually land filled; a plasma technology that can take hazardous waste fluids and make energy rich gases; and third, a piston driven system which takes waste flows of gas and liquid to create electricity. Through the use of these technologies, New Green will help America, and the world reach the goal of carbon emissions reduction.

As stated in President-Elect Obama’s energy policy, “it summons the nation to face one of the great challenges of our time: confronting our dependence on foreign oil, addressing the moral, economic and environmental challenge of global climate change, and building a clean energy future that benefits all Americans.”

“New Green has acquired and developed technologies which fit numerous roles for the creation of clean sources of renewable energy,” stated New Green CEO and Chairman, Craig A. Huffman. “We will be able to succeed in large market entry with technologies that will help fulfill the goals of America and the President-Elect.”

With the commercially proven Catalytic Activated Vacuum Distillation (CAVD) system, New Green has positioned itself to be a major player in the waste to energy industry. New Green can sell CAVD or own plants for large scale energy production of oil and gas from numerous waste products, such as automobile waste, carpet waste, bio wastes (tobacco, citrus, wood, etc.) and other wastes such as plastics, carpet, municipal, and other sources. The system has been proven by CRT, a private company which owns all tire use of the technology. CRT has been using the technology to breakdown tires for the past three years and sell the gas or carbon to various industries. The CAVD system takes the waste sources and turns them into real renewable energy either in raw form, or converted to electricity.

New Green’s plasma-based technology splits apart the complex molecular bonds of water and hydrocarbon wastes to produce the clean burning, hydrogen-based fuel. The plasma system compares favorably with conventional combustion technologies used in the disposal of liquid wastes in several significant areas. Preliminary tests have indicated that passing PCB laden liquids through a plasma arc similar to that found in the plasma converters results in the destruction of the PCB molecules. The plasma system has been used on waste oils, waste antifreeze and other toxic materials.

New Green’s Energy Commander is a patented technology utilizing waste water, fluid or gas flow from any source where flow pressure is present, and yet wasted, to create electricity. While NGRN concentrates its efforts on its other waste to energy technologies, the Energy Commander will be developed through third parties to use the technology to take in the wasted pressure flows of gas wells to create electricity for use at the wells, to power filters and power needed at the well sites, including pumps.

“All three of New Green’s energy technology areas are not only profitable in all models, but will make clean and efficient energy, and help reach the goals of America and the new administration,” stated Huffman.

Oerlikon Solar, a supplier of thin-film silicon photovoltaic (PV) production equipment, today announced that Auria Solar (Taiwan) is now the first customer in Asia to begin production of thin-film silicon solar modules using Oerlikon’s micromorph® technology. Thanks to intensive cooperation between Oerlikon Solar and Auria’s dedicated engineering and R&D teams, Auria Solar has already produced its first micromorph thin-film solar cell modules — less than four months after the equipment was delivered in August 2008. Full-volume production will commence in Q1 2009 with yearly output capacity exceeding 60 MWp, helping Auria Solar move toward its goal of producing 500 MWp annually by 2012. Auria executives expressed strong confidence that the company will start to earn revenue as early as 2009, as present capacity has already been fully booked.

“The elements required to successfully compete in the global thin-film market include innovative and proven technology, end-to-end capabilities and extensive customer service that enable manufacturers to increase production as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Dr. Chi-Yao Tsai, CEO of Auria Solar. “Oerlikon Solar offers the strongest combination of these qualities and has consistently demonstrated that the company not only has proven technology but also has the ability to deliver and ramp-up systems in an extremely timely fashion.”

Oerlikon Solar’s proprietary micromorph process significantly boosts solar cell efficiency by adding a second microcrystalline absorber to the amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer. This layer converts the energy of the red- and near-infrared spectrum, facilitating efficiency increases of up to 50 percent. The micromorph technology also bolsters overall module power, enabling its customers to produce cost-effective thin-film silicon solar modules.

“Oerlikon Solar’s proven ability to rapidly deliver production lines to customers is now established in Asia as well as Europe. Combined with our significantly reduced time to revenue this is a key differentiator that separates us from our competition,” said Jeannine Sargent, CEO Oerlikon Solar. “Our best-in-class production lines combine our mature mass-production technology with unmatched output and performance guarantees, enabling us to offer our customers high end PV solutions on a global basis. Auria Solar’s success, as the first Asian producer of micromorph, represents another milestone in Oerlikon Solar’s mission to make solar power economically viable as an alternative, sustainable energy solution.”

South Jersey Gas today received approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to decrease its Basic Gas Supply Service rate by $.035 per therm. SJG also had six other cases approved today by the BPU, which all had implications on the company’s gas costs. The net result of those cases was a 1.1% decrease for residential heating customers. The reduction for a typical residential heating customer using 100 therms of natural gas is about $1.78 a month.

The BGSS clause serves as a method to pass along increases and decreases in wholesale gas costs to customers. Edward J. Graham, president and CEO of SJG stated, “We’re fortunate that natural gas prices have continued to drop and that we can pass those lower costs on to our customers.”

“We, along with the NJBPU, strongly encourage all New Jersey residents to practice and implement conservation and energy efficiency measures,” noted Graham. “Conservation is an essential component in saving money on energy bills. Using recommended conservation measures will allow customers to remain comfortable in their homes and save up to 30 percent on home heating bills,” Graham added

Troy Wragg, CEO and Founder of Mantria Corporation, suggests ways to go green while saving some green in his “9 for 2009.” Based outside of Philadelphia, Mantria is a diversified, $80 million company focusing on green community development, socially responsible investing, distressed real estate fund management, mortgage banking, music and entertainment, creative financing and international fractional ownership sales and marketing. At the foundation is Mantria Green – a set of pioneering principles for developing premium land and real estate with carbon emission offsetting and environmentally conscious design.

1. Make decorations and centerpieces from real twigs, leaves and berries – leave the plastic ones to “the Ghost of Christmas Past.”
2. Use energy-efficient LED lights to decorate the bushes and shrubs outside of the office. They use significantly less power than traditional lights and are durable and weatherproof.
3. Instead of mailing conventional holiday cards, save paper and money by sending an email card from the team – some are even animated with music options.
4. Set the mood by turning down the lights and thermostat at this year’s office party. Use candles to create a festive and holiday scented ambiance.
5. Use office glassware at the holiday gala – it is reusable, doesn’t incur additional expense and is better for the environment than paper and plastic alternatives.
6. Ask employees to contribute to this year’s holiday celebration by making their favorite recipe – it’s better for the budget, waistline and avoids ‘to go’ containers and excess trash.
7. Get crafty. Let your colleagues know you’ll be making their gifts this year. A homemade treasure such as a hand-painted plate or needle point item is more meaningful, less expensive and more environmentally friendly.
8. For this year’s Pollyanna, encourage employees to wrap their gifts with materials lying around the office such as old newspapers or magazines – cheaper than gift wrap and better for the planet.
9. Ask those contributing to this year’s gift exchange to keep it green. Buying items at a vintage store will be easier on their wallet while recycling.

PetroAlgae announced that it has closed on a $10 million capital raise through the sale of approximately 3.2 million of newly-issued shares of common stock to two existing investors.

“The proceeds from this offering are expected to help finance the launch of PetroAlgae’s most significant milestone to-date, the commercialization of its first biodiesel product derived from algae,” said Dr. John Scott, Chairman of the Board of PetroAlgae Inc. “As a result, 2009 could represent the breakthrough year not only for PetroAlgae but for the entire biodiesel and alternative energy markets. We are pleased to be able to position PetroAlgae at the forefront of these emerging markets and look forward to providing our shareholders, employees and customers with our detailed commercialization strategy in the weeks ahead,” concluded Dr. Scott.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offering would be unlawful.

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:KMP) today announced that in the last week it has issued debt and equity and unwound interest rate swaps that will bring in over $870 million in net proceeds. “These transactions demonstrate that we can access capital even in difficult market conditions and position us well to fund our expansion projects and further grow the company in 2009,” said Chairman and CEO Richard D. Kinder.

KMP is issuing $500 million in 10-year senior notes, with a put in year three, which were priced to yield 9 percent. Joint book running managers were Barclays Capital, Deutsche Bank Securities and RBS Greenwich Capital. This transaction will close on Friday, Dec. 19.

The company also is issuing 3.9 million units of KMP equity in a common unit offering, raising approximately $177 million in net proceeds. This transaction will close on Monday, Dec. 22. The underwriters (UBS Investment Bank, Citi, Merrill Lynch & Co., Morgan Stanley and Wachovia Securities) have a 30-day option to purchase an additional 585,000 common units to cover any over-allotments (representing another $26 million in potential net proceeds).

Additionally KMP has reversed fixed to floating interest rate swaps and received $194 million in cash. The remaining swap portfolio maintains significant value to the company at current interest rates.

Increasing domestic production of advanced biofuels to meet or exceed the goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard can significantly reduce U.S. reliance on petroleum. Brent Erickson, executive vice president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s Industrial & Environmental Section, today released comments on the Energy Information Administration’s 2009 Annual Energy Outlook:

“U.S.-produced biofuel combined with fuel efficiency will allow the nation to meet growing transportation energy needs without increasing imports of oil. That is a surprising conclusion from the Energy Information Administration, whose Annual Energy Outlook projections use the most conservative assumptions. The current projection demonstrates that if the United States were to meet or exceed the targets set in the Renewable Fuel Standard, we could begin to decrease our reliance on all petroleum, create jobs and boost rural economies, and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“There are more than 30 existing and planned cellulosic biorefineries set to begin production of advanced biofuels in the next few years. Many other projects and promising technologies are on the drawing board. These pioneer cellulosic biofuel facilities will prove that the technology works and that the industry can meet the goals established in the Renewable Fuel Standard. With oil prices set to rise again, per the projections, the need for domestically produced advanced biofuels should remain a priority for U.S. policymakers and consumers.”

J.P. Morgan announced today that it will acquire UBS Commodities Canada Ltd., the Canadian energy operations of UBS AG, as well as the firm’s global agricultural business. Terms of the acquisitions, which are expected to close during the first quarter of 2009, were not disclosed.

With operations and employees based in Calgary, UBS Commodities Canada Ltd. will become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan. The acquisition will allow J.P. Morgan to immediately expand its presence in the Canadian natural gas, power and crude oil physical and financial markets, while further expanding the investment bank’s overall Canadian client franchise. J.P. Morgan’s Calgary office will be run by Brian Cumming, a managing director with extensive experience in the commodity markets. Mr. Cumming was most recently based in J.P. Morgan’s London office.

J.P. Morgan will also acquire UBS’ global agricultural business, which includes a London-based trading and marketing team. The addition of UBS’ business will expand J.P. Morgan’s client franchise and risk management capabilities across agricultural products.

“We continue to take advantage of opportunities that will further enhance and diversify our global commodities business,” said Blythe Masters, head of Global Commodities at J.P. Morgan. “The addition of these businesses and talented teams further expands our North American energy franchise and provides further depth to our growing agricultural and soft commodities platform.”

J.P. Morgan’s Global Commodities division has grown significantly over the past two years, both organically and through acquisitions. During that time, J.P. Morgan has hired more than 100 trading, sales and marketing professionals across the regions. Earlier this year, J.P. Morgan acquired two key commodity franchises, ClimateCare and Bear Energy. ClimateCare is a carbon-offset company that originates and trades carbon emission reduction offsets in both the compliance and voluntary markets. Bear Energy was a large physical and financial U.S. power and gas franchise based in Houston that J.P. Morgan obtained as part of the larger Bear Stearns acquisition.