Electric Vehicles Driving Energy To The Grid

Posted on October 6, 2011 by quest

NRG Energy, Inc. is partnering with the University of Delaware to take electric vehicles (EVs) to the next level with eV2gsm, a company commercializing new technology that will enable EV owners to sell electric storage services from the batteries of parked EVs to help stabilize the electricity grid. Pioneered by UD professor Willett Kempton, this patented leading-edge vehicle-to-grid technology has garnered worldwide attention and holds promise to transform the future of the electricity supply. With investments in solar, wind and nuclear power, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure, NRG is working to help America transition to a clean energy economy.

“As more electric vehicles hit the road and charging stations—such as those provided by NRG’s eVgoSM network in Texas—continue to proliferate, EV-to-grid technology is the next logical step in the electrification of our transportation network,” said Denise Wilson, President of NRG’s Alternative Energy Services. It’s one more way EV owners can commit to a sustainable energy future and get paid for it at the same time.””Energy research, including grid-integrated vehicles, is an important priority for the University of Delaware,” said David Weir, Director of UD’s Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships, which oversees the University’s knowledge-based assets from licensing to commercialization. “The energy storage inherent in automobiles is staggering. If all the automobiles in the U.S. were electrified it would be enough to power the entire U.S. for half a day.”

Electric grid operators rely on resources that can help provide or absorb short bursts of energy to keep the grid running smoothly, and parked and plugged-in EVs are ideal for helping to fill that role. Balancing the grid this way generates no additional emissions and can lead to a decrease in electricity costs over the long term by delaying or supplanting the need to build new generation facilities. EVs—powered by electricity generated from cleaner domestic fuels—have the potential over time to reduce air emissions dramatically and begin to put the brakes on the ongoing transfer of American wealth to oil-producing nations. America spends approximately a billion dollars a day for imported oil and transportation accounts for more than a quarter of America’s greenhouse gas emissions.

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Sustainability

Electric Vehicle Home Solar Charging On The Move

Posted on October 4, 2011 by quest

SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider and a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc., today announced that it has joined the Pecan Street Inc.to help lead the charge of the advanced home solar photovoltaic (PV) charging systems for Chevrolet Volt electric vehicles (EV).“To be relevant, smart grid energy innovations must solve consumers’ problems and provide services that excite them,” said Pecan Street Inc. executive director Brewster McCracken.

Pecan Street Inc. is creating a consumer-focused smart-grid demonstration project in Austin, Texas, built around home applications, and consumer electronics. SunEdison joins other participating companies – Best Buy, Check-It, Chevrolet, Freescale, Intel, Landis+Gyr, , Sony and Whirlpool – in deploying products and dedicating researchers to the project who will collaborate with Pecan Street Inc. and University of Texas researchers.
Deployments by member companies include one of the nation’s most highly concentrated residential installations of EVs, home services systems, smart appliances and charging of cars from home solar panels.

“We are delighted to be participating with Chevrolet and other industry and thought leaders in the Pecan Street Inc. project,” said SunEdison President Carlos Domenech. “The use of our advanced SunEdison Energy and Environmental Data System (SEEDS) platform in this project will help gather what will be the most comprehensive collection of consumer energy data developed in the United States, and will enable us to support zero-carbon footprint automotive solutions.” A number of the SunEdison-led home solar vehicle charging systems will also have in-home batteries, and all systems will integrate into the home services systems provided by other companies in the Pecan Street Inc. project including Best Buy/Check-It, Intel, Sony and Whirlpool. More than 150 participating residents will have rooftop solar PV, including nearly all of the residents who acquire Volts.

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Electric Vehicle Converter Presents At Green For All

Posted on October 2, 2011 by quest

Electric vehicle entrepreneur, Valery Miftakhov founder of Electric Motor Werks was one of many who attended a two day Business Academy sponsored by Green For All. Green for All is an innovative national leader in the green jobs and business movement, conducted their Business Academy at the University of Phoenix Training Center in San Jose, CA. The two day conference was held on Thursday and Friday September 29, 30 2011; addressed the skills and issues necessary to succeed in the emerging green economy. In attendance were green business leaders, business support organizations, capital providers, consultants and lawyers who provided practical and specific insights that entrepreneurs can initiate to grow their respective organizations.

Ana Vasudeo Senior Associate of Green for All’s Capital Access Program guided the panelist and workshops focused on topics such as; Funding for Green Companies, and Start-up Tips from Green Entrepreneurs. The two day seminar also included a Elevator Pitch Practice Session which allowed start ups to present their business plan to a panel of investors, attorneys, consultants and seasoned executives.

Green For All is a national organization working to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Green For All is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through a clean energy economy. They work in collaboration with business, government, labor, and grassroots communities to create and implement programs that increase quality jobs and opportunities in green industry.

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World Solar Challenge 2011 Gets Veolia Sponsorship

Posted on September 26, 2011 by quest

Veolia Environmental Services announced today that it has joined as the naming rights sponsor of the 2011 World Solar Challenge. The Veolia World Solar Challenge, held in October 2011, requires entrants to build a vehicle that runs on solar power, and can be driven from Darwin to Adelaide. Doug Dean, Managing Director of Veolia Environmental Services Australia described the partnership as a natural fit with Veolia’s proactive approach to developing viable and sustainable environmental solutions. “As a global leader in the provision of environmental services, Veolia is committed to supporting innovation which improves our environment, whilst also promoting renewable and alternative energy sources. We are therefore very proud to partner with the World Solar Challenge in 2011.”

Commenting on the partnership, CEO of the South Australian Motor Sports Board, Mark Warren said reaching the landmark agreement, with such a significant corporation was a turning point in the history of the event, which has struggled for recognition and support from the Australian corporate world. “With the backing of one of Australia’s leaders in environmental services, we have a much greater chance of taking solar cars and their sustainable technology out of the future fantasy realm and into the garages of everyday Australians,” Mr. Warren said.

The announcement further solidifies Veolia’s position as supporting innovation within Australia through the development of technologies which utilize alternative energy sources. The Darwin-to-Adelaide, 3,021-kilometer 2011 World Solar Challenge is also being by supported by Panasonic. They are is providing the latest Lithium Ion battery technologies for use with solar-powered vehicles engineered by undergraduate teams from the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University in the seven day drive through the Australian Outback.

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California Electric Vehicle Producer Goes International

Posted on September 13, 2011 by quest

California based T3 Motion, Inc., a producer of clean tech/green tech electric personal mobility vehicles, today announced that Luxury Carts, a Saudi Arabian company, has been selected to exclusively distribute T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicles (ESV) in Saudi Arabia. Luxury Carts has a blanket purchase order to purchase multiple T3 ESVs for up to $1,881,000, to supply law enforcement agencies and security companies throughout Saudi Arabia. Luxury Carts may purchase the additional T3 ESVs through August 31, 2012. T3 Motion received the initial order release for T3 ESVs of approximately $231,000.

The T3 ESV will be used for many security and law enforcement applications throughout Saudi Arabia. Distributors anticipate that the ESVs will be used for the first time during Saudi Arabia’s most prevalent tourist event, Hajj. The T3 ESVs would be used for security and as emergency responders throughout the event. Luxury Carts is known for having a wide range of products and solutions for the utility vehicle and ATV industry and has a reputation for delivering operational excellence through superior customer service, innovation, quality and commitment.

This agreement further solidifies T3 Motion’s presence in the Middle East, with contractual agreements in Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE. In addition to the Saudi Arabia order, the ministry of interior in Kuwait is expected to release an order for a significant number of T3 ESVs. “The Middle East has been a very active area for our T3 ESVs,” Ki Nam, CEO of T3 Motion noted. “Our focus this year has been to expand our clean technology into the international arena. Saudi Arabia represents a broad market for personal mobility vehicles.” Mr. Bakr, Managing Director of Luxury Carts, stated, “Luxury Carts is very pleased to be T3 Motion’s distributor for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Corporation Council are increasingly conscious of using clean, green and alternative energy vehicles. We are very proud to be launching the T3 vehicle and look forward to having them used for the first time for Hajj at Mecca this year. We see the T3 as a significant advancement for the security industry, both government and private, in our country.”

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Solar Modules Fuel For Electric Bikes in Germany

Posted on September 12, 2011 by quest

Kyocera Corporation today announced that it has supplied its high-performance solar modules for a carport roofing installation in southern Germany which provides power for a charging station for electric cars and bikes. The system was designed and installed by BLU”e” Solar Group GmbH. Electric-powered automobiles and bicycles are becoming increasingly popular in Germany as they provide a convenient and eco-friendly method of transportation. As a result, there is a growing need for charging stations to meet increased use. Furthermore, this solar-powered charging station is not only environmentally friendly but also economical; currently, charging at this location is free of charge to the public. The energy used to ‘fill the tanks’ comes from 248 high-efficiency 215-watt Kyocera solar modules which produce an output of 53.32kW.

Kyocera modules provide excellent performance and high reliability which is demonstrated by the fact they are the first in the world to have passed the Long-Term Sequential Test performed by TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd. “We have selected Kyocera solar modules because we are impressed with the company’s product quality,” stated Werner Steinbrunner, managing director of the BLU”e” Solar Group GmbH.

This solar-powered charging station is just the latest in a long line of projects that Kyocera has been involved in that bring innovative alternative energy solutions to the market. For example, Kyocera solar modules also produce power while providing shade for cars at the Solar Grove in San Diego, California. In Japan, Kyocera introduced the Solar Cycle Station for charging electric bicycles; as well as the Eco-Shell co-developed with Sekisui Jushi Corporation — a multi-purpose solar-powered shelter for use in public places where shelters provide cover against the sun and rain such as bus & taxi stops, benches and walkway coverings.