U.S. releases $12-million genomics research grant for biofuels

The United States departments of Energy and Agriculture are releasing a total of $12.2 million in study grants to 10 projects across the country which will improve biofuel and bioenergy crop production. The funding will be awarded under the joint Plant Feedstocks Genomics for Bioenergy research program, a competitive grant program first set up in 2006 to support fundamental research in biomass genomics.

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U.S. grants over $175 million for vehicle efficiency projects

The United States Department of Energy is releasing over $175 million for vehicle efficiency research and development projects that will help accelerate the deployment of advanced vehicle technologies. Some of the U.S.’ largest motor vehicle and transportation technology companies qualified for funding under the program. General Motors L.L.C., the Chrysler Group L.L.C., Ford Motor Company, 3M Company, Johnson Controls Inc.

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Suzlon records $107 million worth of new turbine orders in India

Includes a 14.7 megawatt repeat order from GAIL India Ltd.

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JA Solar stock plunges on Nasdaq after Q2 gross margin drop

Expectations in the first quarter to recover revenues and shipments were short-lived as JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd., saw its share prices fall to their lowest since last year when it announced its gross margin may drop. While product shipments in the second quarter would meet the company’s previous guidance of about 400 megawatts.

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BrightSource seeks second solar thermal plant in California

Solar thermal startup BrightSource Inc. has filed with California regulators for the construction of its second utility-scale solar power project with a new plant design meant to avoid environmental permitting problems that have slowed development of its first. The project, called Hidden Hills Solar Electric Generating System, will be divided into two facilities each generating 250 megawatts in Iyo County, California on the Nevada border.

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Adaptation Fund

The Adaptation Fund, established by the parties of the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, was created to finance concrete adaptation projects and programs in developing countries, especially those who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

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Aquamarine gets $100,000 for wave energy potential study

Aquamarine Power USA received a $100,000 grant from Oregon Wave Energy Trust to investigate wave energy potential in the state. The company, which is a subsidiary of British wave energy company Aquamarine Power, is matching the grant with $100,000 of their own funds. O.W.E.T., a nonprofit public-private partnership to develop wave energy in Oregon, had previously given the wave company a $50,000 grant in November 2010.

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New Zealand records best levels of air quality in 2010

Government to spend $26 million on converting homes to clean heating

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Leyden Energy raises $20 million to boost lithium-ion

Company got grants to produce E.V. batteries last year

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Arizona citizen’s initiative pushes for solar tax incentive scheme in 2012 ballot

A political action group in Arizona is gearing up to enter a citizen’s initiative in the state’s 2012 elections, which would allow individuals using solar power to trade environmental credits in exchange for discounts on income tax, while making solar more affordable.The “Go Solar in Arizona” Economic Development Initiative, initiated by the Arizona Solar Power Society, has been filed before the office of the Arizona Secretary of State for inclusion on the Arizona 2012 ballot, to offer voters a chance to vote yes in favor of the initiative.

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