Sunday, November 15, 2009

Northern Lights Energy and REVA to jointly develop electric vehicles market in Iceland

Northern Lights Energy (NLE), the initiator of the 2012 project and provider of infrastructure and services for Electric Vehicles (EV) based in Iceland has signed an agreement with REVA to jointly develop the electric vehicle market in Iceland.

NLE will have exclusive distribution rights for the NXR, the new model premiered by REVA at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and consequent follow-up models, such as the sports coupé NXG, which will be launched in 2011. The sales and marketing of the car will commence in the second half of 2010 and customer deliveries at the end of 2010.

REVA today has the world’s largest test fleet of electric cars, with more than 3,000 vehicles in 24 countries and more than 85 million kms of on road data. The company recently announced a joint venture with General Motors India to provide the electric powertrain and energy management systems for the new Chevrolet Spark and a new 30,000 unit REVA assembly plant – expected to be one of the greenest in the world – is under construction in India. Iceland is also being considered by REVA as a possible site for a European assembly plant. The REVA NXR is a four-seat, three-door hatchback family car suitable for urban driving. Top speed is 104 kph with a range of 160 km per charge. If using the 90 minute fast charge (normal charging is eight hours), the REVA NXR offers an effective range of 320km a day. A fast charge for 15 minutes will provide a 40 km range.

NLE is working on developing a (re)charging infrastructure system for Electric Vehicles and vehicle exchange service to support the adoption of electric vehicles in Iceland. “Iceland is an island and with its advanced electric grid technology using 100 per cent renewable energy in electricity production is a perfect location for zero emission electric vehicles” says Gisli Gislason, the chairman of NLE. In addition to importing new EV models to Iceland, NLE is also working on developing systems to convert the current internal combustion engine (ICE) car fleet into Electric Cars. “We are working with a number of parties in Denmark and Finland to enable the conversion process of the current cars running in Iceland to support a swift development of the Electric Vehicle market. The mission is to place Iceland in the forefront of countries that uses sustainable energy sources for its personal vehicle fleet, moving away from fossil fuels, saving billions of ISKs for the society and reducing the 680.000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is annually being emitted by the personal vehicle fleet in Iceland. This is what the Project 2012 is all about.” says Sighvatur Lárusson, the chief operating officer of NLE. “

“We are very excited about the partnership with NLE. The 2012 project is one of the most ambitious yet achievable transport electrification projects in the world today and we are pleased to be able to contribute our technologies and products” said Keith Johnston, president, European Operations at REVA.

It is to be mentioned that Northern Lights Energy is an Icelandic investment company, targeting environmental friendly projects, leading in the field of environmental and renewable energy solutions. Project 2012 is an initiative of Northern Lights Energy which has committed to build in Iceland, the first nationwide charging infrastructure in the world, before the yearend 2012.

Manoj

CleanTech news this week

Biogas plant moves forward in Chennai
November 6, 2009 - Best of the web - Market’s organic waste to be processed for power under new 12-year agreement between local development authority and Ramky Enviro Engineers.

India’s Avesthagen teams with Limagrain on seed tech
November 2, 2009 - by Lisa Sibley - New joint venture is expected to generate modified seeds to help farmers in India and other emerging markets combat drought, salinity and grow better quality produce.

Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
November 3, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Olympus Capital closes its Asian Environmental Fund, while Ind-Barath Power Infra raises $100 million in private equity funding.

Manoj

Thursday, November 5, 2009

CleanTech News This Week

Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
October 29, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - IPO expected to boost funds for India's planned clean city, while cleantech investments flow into Hyderabad and REVA moves forward with ‘reverse innovation’.


Making money off India's resource scarcity

October 28, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Eleven startups made their pitches to investors at The Cleantech Group's Delhi forum. Here's the cream of the crop.

Manoj Gupta

CleanTech News This Week

Indian carmaker Reva to manufacture in NY
October 23, 2009 - by Lisa Sibley - Bangalore-based EV maker to produce more than 20,000 cars a year at new facility, employing 100 people.


Three solar firms picked for Andhra Pradesh development

October 22, 2009 - Best of the web - AES, Lanco and Sunborne are the first to be selected for 5,000 of 20,000 acres deemed suitable for solar power.

Clenergen to launch new biomass power plants in India
October 21, 2009 - News brief - First 1.5 MW plant is back on because of a power purchase agreement with PTC India offering a higher tariff rate.

Manoj Gupta

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

D.LIGHT LAUNCHES WORLD’S MOST AFFORDABLE QUALITY SOLAR LANTERN

“Kerosene-Killing” Solar Product Retails at USD10 in Off-Grid Markets Around the World

New Delhi, India, 21 October 2009 – D.light Design today announced the launch of the Kiran, their most innovative and low-cost solar lighting solution to date, designed especially for households without access to electricity. Dubbed the “kerosene killer,” the Kiran retails at USD10, making it the most affordable quality solar lantern in the world.

“D.light continues to be at the forefront of providing innovative and affordable technology solutions for off-grid families around the world,” said D.light CEO Sam Goldman. “We believe the exceptional quality of the Kiran lantern, delivered at a low and affordable price, will make it a serious competitor to kerosene and other fuel-based lighting in every rural market.”

The Kiran is five times brighter than a kerosene lantern and can be fully charged in a day under the sun. It provides bright, 360-degree illumination for working, studying, or traveling. There are two light settings, which offer up to 8 hours of light on a full charge. With an integrated solar panel and a multiple-setting handle, the lantern is extremely flexible and easy to use. For households with access to grid electricity, the Kiran can also be AC-charged with a standard Nokia phone adapter.

“D.light’s latest innovation, the Kiran, is based on hundreds of hours of market research,” said D.light’s Head of Product Design Robin Chilton. “We know what our customers want: An attractive, durable product that provides enough hours of bright light every day at a price point they can afford. This is the solution that will effectively replace the kerosene lantern.”

Recent market tests establish the Kiran as a viable and desirable alternative to kerosene. Customer feedback consistently praised the product’s ease of use, durability, and bright light. According to Niwrtti Jawane, a welder from Miraj Village in India: “The Kiran has benefitted us in several ways: It is portable, has good brightness, and prevents the harmful effects of kerosene fumes. This purchase has been a good one-time investment. As there are no costs for recharging, it will be economical over time. We are happy with our purchase as it is a definite improvement over the emergency lights, kerosene lamps and candles previously used.”
The Kiran is currently available for purchase by end-user customers through D.light dealers and distributors in India and internationally. Distributors may also contact D.light’s Sales offices to place orders.

Additional D.light products available for sale are the Nova Series, premium solar lanterns with features including mobile phone charging capabilities, and the Solata, a high-quality solar task lamp.

Manoj Gupta

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

CleanTech news this week

WaterHealth CEO calls for cleantech to meet India's water needs
October 16, 2009 - News brief - India may have to consider developing long supply chains and incentivizing farmers to shift water-intensive grain production activities offshore, Sanjay Bhatnagar says.


Resource scarcity center stage at Cleantech Forum India

October 15, 2009 - News brief - Investment in India is on the rise, driven by its growing economy and dwindling resources, cleantech leaders heard in Delhi today.

Suzlon spends $100M to fix cracked-blade problem
October 12, 2009 - by Emma Ritch - Indian wind turbine supplier announces stringent new testing protocol as it dedicates Arizona's first commercial scale wind farm.

Report: Is CCS an option for India?
October 12, 2009 - News brief - The country’s coal-powered ultra mega power plants could be retrofitted with carbon capture and sequestration tech to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, study suggests.

Plug Power, 3M team on fuel cell tech in India
October 9, 2009 - News brief - Teleservices division of the Tata Group is expected to receive 200 units to provide power at cell towers with no or extremely unreliable electric grid service.

Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal!
October 7, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - IndiaCo Ventures launches a $500M fund, Grasim invests $210M in a new VSF plant in Gujarat, and TVS forays into cleantech.

New Delhi recycles its roads
October 5, 2009 - News brief - A unit of the Tata Group starts work on project that uses one-third the aggregate and bitumen as typical paving.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

CleanTech News this week

Clean technology venture investment continued recovering in 3Q09 spurred by economic stimulus investment
Landmark IPO and new funds also signal broadening confidence in clean technology, now the leading venture investment category

PepsiCo India turns to biogas to cut costs, carbon emissions
September 29, 2009 - Best of the web - Beverage and snack food giant says new biogas plant, which uses biodegradable waste generated at the Pune-based site, is running at full capacity. Full Story »

GE brings back wind business in India with better subsidies
September 29, 2009 - Best of the web - Connecticut-based power generation equipment maker looks to decrease its dependence on the U.S. market as it revives its Indian wind turbine business. Full Story »

Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
September 29, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Argonaut and NEA make Indian cleantech investments, while Suzlon sells another family stake, and PepsiCo embraces biogas.

3Q09 cleantech investment review [webinar/premium]
Cleantech venture investment continued recovering in the third quarter of 2009 spurred by global economic stimulus investment. The sector accumulated $1.59 billion across 134 companies. Join the Cleantech Group & Deloitte Tuesday, October 6th, for an analysis.

NY Times: The New Sputnik By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN : "Red China decided to become Green China" – (I personally think this article is just worth a reading from everybody..)
“If they invest in 21st-century technologies and we invest in 20th-century technologies, they’ll win,” says David Sandalow, the assistant secretar...y of energy for policy. “If we both invest in 21st-century technologies, challenging each other, we all win.” Something has changed. China realized it has no capacity to absorb all this waste. We have to grow without pollution.”

Manoj Gupta