And, a Happy New Year to the Energyfolks!  Yippee..

1.  Top 10 Tech Trends includes Clean Technologies

2.  LADWP Board of Commissioners Moves to Accelerate Renewable Energy Goal to 20% by 2010

3.  Record U.S. Vestas Wind Turbine Order

4.  Energy Department Sets Tougher Energy Star Standards for Clothes Washers

5.  Visiting Professorship: Monterey Institute of International Studies:  Energy Policy

6.  Summer Internships and a Permanent Position at PG&E in SF

7.  MIT Faculty Position in Science, Technology and Society

8.  JOB:  Environmental Specialist in Climate Change for the U. N.

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 Dec. 26, 2005, SJ Mercury News Top 10 tech trends for 2006

1. WiFi busts city limits:

2. Cell phones do everything:

3. Internet phone calls zoom:

4. The office moves to the Web:

5. Stem-cell research advances:

6. Biotechs target flu vaccines:

7. Even small start-ups go global:

8. Video comes to the blog:

9. On-demand video everywhere:

10. Clean technologies:  We'll see a continued push to invest in clean technologies in 2006.

The growing evidence of global warming, the stubbornly high price of oil and environmental disasters such as the chemical spill this month in China's southern Guangdong province are all forces driving demand for cleaner energy, better monitoring of energy and other chemical use, and easier ways to clean water.

It helps that some of the best-performing initial public offerings this year have been for solar companies, such as China's Suntech Power and Silicon Valley's SunPower.

Lately, Silicon Valley venture capital firms have stepped up the pace of their investments in the sector, including fuel cell, battery and solar technologies.

VC firms poured a record $425 million in investments into clean-tech start-ups during this year's third quarter, according to the Cleantech Venture Network.

Most venture capitalists expect the clean-tech investment wave to continue into 2006, in part because oil prices have stayed high long enough for many investors to consider this a long-term trend -- not just a passing fad.

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The Board of Water and Power Commissioners for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) took the first step today toward increasing renewable energy sources to 20 percent of the City's power mix by 2010--seven years ahead of the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goal that was adopted by the Board and the City Council earlier this year.

LADWP will need to procure an additional 3,500 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy by 2010 to meet the accelerated RPS goal as well as to sustain that level in the future. Currently, about 5.5 percent of LADWP's energy mix comes from renewable resources, including landfill or digester gas, small hydro, solar, and short-term renewable power purchases.

Among the projects already planned include a 120-megawatt wind farm that is expected to be operational by 2007. The Pine Tree Wind project will generate 340 gigawatt-hours and boost the level of renewable energy by about 1.4 percent.

LADWP has a long-term contract for a biomass facility to supply 333 gigawatt-hours, or 1.4 percent of the RPS, through conversion of organic matter to energy. In addition, LADWP's Solar Rooftop Program will generate an additional 24 gigawatt-hours per year by 2010. These will add about 697 gigawatt-hours when completed.

LADWP anticipates that it will gain another 6.9 percent of renewable energy through proposals that were submitted in 2004. LADWP is negotiating with companies to acquire or develop approximately 1,694 gigawatt-hours (or 395 megawatts) of future renewable power.

LADWP expects to receive an additional 5.4 percent, or 1,261 gigawatt-hours, by 2009 through the SCPPA RFP issued in August. On a long-term basis, LADWP also plans to develop geothermal power in the Imperial Valley through a partnership with the Imperial Valley Irrigation District. LADWP will build new transmission lines to access and then invest in developing the geothermal resources. Known as the Green Path Project, the geothermal project is still under development, and is expected provide a sustainable, long-term renewable energy supply for Los Angeles.

http://www.energycentral.com/centers/news/daily/article.cfm?aid=6177812

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Dec 20, 2005 -- NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT

The Danish wind turbines manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems A/S said on Tuesday (20 December) that it had received a record order for V82-1.65MW and V80-1.8MW wind turbines from Horizon Wind Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs.

The initial order covers a total of 800MW, but includes options for a further 200MW.

The wind turbines are to be delivered during the period 2006-2008.

The order, which includes a five-year services agreement, is Vestas Wind Systems' largest US order to date.

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced tougher standards for clothes washers to qualify for the ENERGY STAR [TM] label, which lets American families identify which clothes washers save the most energy and use the least water. The new standards take effect January 1, 2007, and will increase the efficiency of new clothes washers up to 37 percent. The more energy-efficient clothes washers will have the potential to save up to $70 million in energy bills and 8.9 billion gallons of water each year.

In 2004 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR [TM] appliances, saved enough energy to power 24 million homes and aided the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions - all while saving $10 billion in energy bills. Energy-efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings without sacrificing features, style or comfort.

The standards are being changed to a minimum Modified Energy Factor (MEF) of 1.72, and a maximum Water Factor (WF) of 8.0. By comparison, ENERGY STAR [TM] washers were required to meet a MEF of 1.26 in 2001 and 1.42 in 2004, in order to match scheduled increases in federal standards.

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The International Environmental Policy Program of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, a professional school in Monterey, California seeks a visiting professor for the 2006-2007 academic year. The class load will be five courses for Masters-level students, and while all areas of focus within International Environmental Policy will be considered, the program is particularly interested in applicants with the following areas of expertise:

 

Ü      International energy policy

Ü      Chinese/Asian environmental policy

Ü      Water law and policy

 

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, including at least three references, and a writing sample. While the call for applications will continue until we have filled the position, it is recommended that applicants submit their materials by January 30. Application materials may be sent to my attention, and I am also available to answer any questions about the position or MIIS either via email or phone (650.281.9126). Please help us distribute this announcement to other relevant lists or prospective candidates.

 

Wil Burns

Associate Professor

International Environmental Policy Program

Monterey Institute of International Studies

460 Pierce Street

Monterey, CA.  93940-2659 USA

831.647.7104 (Phone)

831.647.4199 (Fax)

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An old Stanford friend at PG&E who conducts long-term solicitations and negotiates long-term bilateral agreements for renewable and gas-fired technologies is probably looking for an intern or two this summer to work on renewables - either policy, analysis and/or commercial development.  This is essentially office work that will focus on large, utility side of the meter projects.

Ray is also looking to hire someone at an entry level (1 to 5 years experience) who has renewables and conventional technology policy and engineering/financial expertise.

Ray Williams

Director, Electric Resource Procurement Policy

PG&E

Rm. 1359, 245 Market

San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 973-3634

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MIT's Program in Science, Technology, and Society invites applications for a faculty position in the social studies of contemporary science

and/or technology at the level of assistant or associate professor (untenured). The field of study is open. The start date is open, and the

promotion schedule is flexible. Graduate and undergraduate teaching and advising are expected. Interest in establishing scholarly connections at

MIT beyond the STS Program is desirable. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent and must be able to demonstrate excellence in research and

teaching.

MIT is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and strongly encourages applications from women and members of minority groups.

Candidates should submit a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a brief statement (2-3 pages) of research interests, and three letters of

recommendation to Patrice Macaluso, Assistant to the Director, Program in Science, Technology, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of

Technology, E51-185, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 (Fax: 617-258-8118; E-mail: macaluso@mit.edu). Applications will be

reviewed beginning January 2006 and will continue until the position is filled.

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The Secretariat of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is seeking to appoint an environmental specialist with expertise in the field of Climate Change to support its growing program as the financial mechanism of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The incumbent will be supervised by the Team Leader for Climate and Chemicals and will work as part of the climate change team.  The main expertise brought by the incumbent will be to provide support on climate change mitigation in the fields of:  renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transport.

Specific duties are to:

1. Coordinate preparation of GEF-wide climate change programs and policies:  Assist in the drafting of guidance for GEF programs and policies for operations related to climate change and provide training and advice on these for Implementing Agencies, Executing Agencies, and country counterparts.  Assist in the preparation of tools and manuals for use in preparing and reviewing proposals.  Help in the development, refinement and tracking of indicators of portfolio performance.

2. Coordinate the oversight of the CC Portfolio:  Work with the GEF Secretariat CC Focal Area Team to initiate the process of portfolio oversight and supervision.  Contribute to the preparation of data on portfolio breadth, coverage, and effectiveness.  .  Maintain information on pipeline development, portfolio performance and resource allocations to specific countries.  Assist in developing the GEF Secretariat’s active program of knowledge management.

3. Review climate change project proposals for consistency with GEF policies: Review and provide analysis and programmatic feedback on climate change project proposals according to GEF project review criteria.  Provide programmatic guidance on the development of project proposals, and assist in overseeing project performance and achievement of programmatic goals.

4. Maintain institutional relationships: Through CC Task Force and consultations, communicate regularly with the Implementing Agencies, Executing Agencies and UNFCCC Secretariat about the programs and their projects, as well as with the secretariats of the relevant conventions. As required, represent the GEF at selected international forums and maintain productive dialogue and positive relationships with key stakeholders.

5. Undertake other duties as required.

BACKGROUND:

1. Strong academic background, preferably with an advanced degree (Bachelor’s required, Master’s preferred) in geography, climate change, environmental engineering, environmental economics, electrical engineering or other field related to climate change.

2.  Familiarity with climate change, energy and development, and economic development.  Broad state-of-the-art knowledge of energy sector issues as it relates to the climate change problem. In particular, understanding of the issues surrounding the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

3.  Experience in developing countries and in dealing with a range of stakeholders, as well as international organizations, development agencies, scientific and technical bodies, developing country counterparts, and NGOs would be advantage.

4. Excellent quantitative analytical skills.  Familiarity with statistical packages, spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and web-based computerized analytical skills required.

5.  Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision, independently adjusting priorities and achieving results with agreed upon objectives, and ability to work collegially in a multi-cultural team environment in an openly communicative way.

6. Excellence in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of other languages, particularly Spanish or French, would be an advantage.

7. Demonstrated ability to function as a team player, to work across institutional boundaries without resorting to formal authority, and to collaborate with other entities.

NOTE:  A JPA position is a two-year, non-renewable contract with the World Bank.

If interested, please contact:

Richard H. Hosier

Team Leader, Climate and Chemicals

Phone: (202)458-0290

Fax : (202)522-3240

Email: rhosier@thegef.org