All posts by Tate Dwinnell

Xcel Energy (XEL) To Install Biomass Gasification At Wisconsin Plant

Xcel Energy just announced that it will convert its Bay Front Power Plant in Ashland, WI, to run completely off of biomass. The company plans to install biomass gasification technology in the last coal-fired unit at the plant, once regulators. Under the current timeline, the plant could be completely converted by 2012.

Here’s more about the project, from the Examiner.com:

When completed, the project will convert the plant’s remaining coal-fired unit to biomass gasification technology, … Read the rest

American Superconductor (AMSC) Reports First Quarterly Profit In Company History

American Superconductor (AMSC) reached an important milestone this morning, reporting the 1st quarterly profit in company history with a non GAAP EPS of .09/share, beating analyst estimates by .08/share.  Revenues also beat analyst estimates at $61.2 million vs the consensus of $57.9 million and represented a 60% surge over the year ago quarter.

“AMSC posted its strongest financial performance to date in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008,” said Greg Yurek, AMSC’s founder and chief … Read the rest

American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) Receives Large Order From ACCIONA

American Superconductor Corporation just announced that it has signed a supply agreement worth more than $10 million with ACCIONA Energy. ACCIONA has ordered enough Dynamic VAR Ride Through (D-VAR RT) solution to retrofit approximately 250 MW of first-generation wind turbines and make them comply with current regulatory standards in Spain that require wind turbines to have a stable connection to the power grid.

In a press release, AMSC’s VP of Global Sales and Business … Read the rest

Valence Technology (VLNC) Scores Supply Contract From OxygenSpA

Valence Technology just announced that it has signed a supply agreement OxygenSpA, a company from Italy that makes light electric vehicles, such as electric scooters. Under the terms of the three year supply agreement, Valence will supply OxygenSpA with batteries to power its electric CargoScooters, which are used by postal delivery personnel in several European countries and may soon be available here in the States.

In a press release, leaders from both countries commented on … Read the rest

GT Solar (SOLR) Misses Badly, Guides Below, Down 15% AH

GT Solar (SOLR) has been a solar superstar over the past several months with its stock soaring from just $1.55 last November to a high of around 9 just a few days ago.  That kind of run isn’t sustainable and the stock was long overdue for a pull back.  It’s been pulling back over the past week and tomorrow morning will test the 50 day moving average around 6 after reporting earnings after the bell … Read the rest

General Electric (GE) To Open $100 Million Sodium Battery Plant In NY

General Electric (GE) is out with news this morning that it’s going to invest $100 million to open a manufacturing plant in NY that will produce advanced batteries, including high energy density, sodium based batteries that will be initially used in GE hybrid locomotives.  The goal is to begin producing new batteries in the new facility within 2 years.

Matthew K. Rose, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation, … Read the rest

Raser Technologies (RZ) Will Begin Booking Geothermal Revenues Next Quarter

Raser Technologies (RZ) reported earnings this morning a bit better than expectations with a loss of .10/share vs expectations of a .12/loss.  The financial results this quarter aren’t all that important in my opinion since the company won’t begin booking revenues for its Hatch plant until next quarter.  Here are some comments from the CEO..

“We are now delivering clean, renewable power from our Hatch geothermal power plant to the City of Anaheim as part … Read the rest

COLEXON Energy Uses First Solar (FSLR) Panels In 1st Installation

COLEXON Energy selected First Solar’s solar panels for its new installation in Tempe, Arizona. The installation will provide 108 kWp of power to Arizona State University. In a posting on PV-Tech.org, COLEXON’s CEO commented on the project and the company’s partnership with First Solar:

“With this project we gain a foothold in an important market, commented Thorsten Preugschas,” CEO of COLEXON Energy AG. “After our successful market entry in the USA, we are planning further … Read the rest

General Electric (GE) Tries To Block Mitsubishi Wind Turbines From US Market

General Electric is trying to get the U.S. International Trade Commission to keep Mitsubishi’s rival wind turbines from entering the US market. According to GE, Mitsubishi’s Turbines use GE technology that infringes on 3 US patents. Here’s more, from the National Wind Watch website:

The three patents, issued in 1992, 2005 and 2008, are related to variable-speed turbines that adjust to ensure there is a consistent amount of power being supplied to the electrical

Read the rest

EnerDel (HEV) Beats Estimates, Has Plenty Of Liquidity For Expansion

EnerDel (HEV) is still a development stage company trying to become a lithium ion battery leader so it’s earnings results aren’t all that significant at this point.  The company is still putting its plan in place and getting plants up and running. 

“The first quarter was marked by continued execution against the strategic plan laid out in the fourth quarter earnings call,” commented Chairman and CEO, Charles Gassenheimer. “We have a clear focus for production, … Read the rest