Carbon Sciences, Inc. (CABN), the developer of a breakthrough technology to recycle carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into gasoline and other portable fuels, announced the development of certain process technologies that will allow for the production of gasoline, shorten the time to commercialization and reduce the system and operating costs of its CO2-to-Fuel technology.

The company’s current approach is an enzyme-based process used to transform CO2 into low-level fuels, such as methanol. Dr. Naveed Aslam, chief technology officer of Carbon Sciences, has now discovered a new and more cost efficient process to produce gasoline, a high-level fuel, from CO2. The key features of this breakthrough includes (1) the of use flue emissions directly from coal-fired power plants or industrial factories, eliminating the need for “clean” CO2, (2) the use of brackish water, eliminating the need for distilled freshwater as the source of hydrogen and reaction medium, (3) mild operating conditions, eliminating the need for capital intensive stainless steel equipment, and (4) a highly scalable system to transform large quantities of CO2 into gasoline for use in the existing transportation infrastructure.

Elaborating on the business implications of this new breakthrough, Byron Elton, CEO of Carbon Sciences, said, “We always wanted to produce high-level fuels, such as gasoline, but knew that additional steps would be required to reach this goal. Now, we have the way to go directly to gasoline.” Mr. Elton commented further, “The United Nations’ IPCC estimates that the cost of simply capturing CO2 for applications, such as underground sequestration or transformation into products, can range from $45 to $73 per ton of CO2. This cost is perhaps the single biggest economic barrier to any large-scale CO2 applications, such as carbon sequestration. However, by being able to use a raw CO2 flue gas stream in our CO2-to-Fuel technology, we are no longer dependent on the success or commercial availability of carbon capture systems. In addition, unlike biofuels based on growing plants to absorb CO2 from the air, our CO2-to-Fuel process is an industrial process that can produce fuel in minutes to hours, not months to years, to meet the demands of the world. These breakthroughs demonstrate why we continue to believe that Carbon Sciences is developing the most powerful and sustainable fuel technology in the world.”

Commenting on the development roadmap, Dr. Aslam stated, “We are very excited about these new processes. Our end-to-end CO2 to fuel system will have several modules. We have determined that one of these modules can function as a standalone system for use by a sizable part of the energy industry for the production of gasoline. Inquiries from potential strategic partners have further validated our decision to focus on this module. We are anticipating a shorter than normal development cycle for this module and are hoping to achieve commercialization in less than one year.”

www.carbonsciences.com

Sharp introduced solar-powered mobile phones into the Japanese market in 2009. These handsets have proven popular, reflecting a recent surge in the number of ecologically minded consumers.

The SH6230C is equipped with advanced technology originally developed in Japan, including Sharp’s proprietary solar cell module, a large 2.9-inch LCD screen, and a 5-megapixel autofocus camera. Given the increasing demand for the solar charging function, Sharp will bring the solar-powered mobile phones to the global markets.

Sharp will also introduce into the Chinese market two models (SH6220C and SH6228C) incorporating Memory LCD. The Memory LCD is a low-power-consuming display with high visibility under the daylight. The Memory LCD can display such information as the time and e-mail status at all times.

sharp-world.com

Two of the country’s leading flooring manufacturers, Altro and Polyflor, have launched the UK’s first vinyl flooring recycling take-back scheme.

The new industry-funded Recofloor scheme will increase the recycling of waste vinyl flooring in the UK. Through the scheme, safety flooring offcuts and smooth vinyl offcuts from the installation process will be recycled back into new flooring. Uplifted, or end-of-life material, will be used in the manufacture of traffic calming products, such as traffic cone and road barrier bases.

Axion Consulting is the agent for the Recofloor scheme, which has developed from a WRAP-funded (Waste & Resources Action Programme) trial to increase the collection and recycling of vinyl flooring.

As a free-standing industry scheme, the target now is to create a sustainable, cost-effective and efficient collection system. Waste flooring is accepted from all types of sources, from individual contractors to large construction projects.  Axion’s role involves co-ordinating and managing Recofloor collection systems.

Registered Recofloor participants will be provided with bulk bags which can be collected from site when filled with vinyl flooring, or they can drop off waste at one of 19 designated sites across the UK. Recofloor is keen to increase the number of drop-off sites across the UK and to recruit distributors to provide a drop-off point for vinyl flooring waste.

Recofloor Project Manager Jane Gardner, of Axion Consulting, said both manufacturers have invested a lot of time and cost into developing internal recycling processes for vinyl flooring and they feel the time is right to set up an industry collection scheme.

“We are very pleased that Altro and Polyflor, as founder

members of Recofloor, have made this huge commitment to the sustainability of vinyl flooring. It is a major achievement and an important step for the industry,” she says.

“Increasingly customers are keen to see their end-of-life flooring recycled. Recofloor participants benefit from compliance with Site Waste Management legislation and receive a ‘certificate of commitment’ to recycling. Providing their ‘green’ credentials can help them gain new contracts,” adds Jane.

According to Polyflor, its products have on average 25% recycled content. “This is great considering the vast number of ranges available and the volumes which are produced,” says Environmental Market Manager Sonia Baker. “In 2008, Polyflor manufactured and sold around 20 million square metres of vinyl flooring, with 12,005 tonnes of post industrial waste and 736 tonnes of post consumer waste being recycled back into new product. Through Recofloor, we are aiming to increase the amount of post consumer waste that is recycled back into our flooring, across all ranges.”

Richard Kahn, Chief Executive of Altro, comments: “At Altro, responsibility is at the heart of everything we do.  We constantly look at ways to reduce our environmental impact in both production processes and how the organisation is run. Thanks to the installation of the world’s first in-house safety flooring recycling system we have not sent any waste PVC to landfill since mid 2007, and now recycle 100% of our factory waste PVC.”

“The Recofloor scheme is the latest breakthrough in our recycling programme. Not only will this allow us to increase the amount of recycled content in our safety flooring products, it will also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, lower operating costs and offer contractors a tangible competitive advantage when tendering for projects.”

For more information, contact Axion ‘s Recofloor team on +44 161 355 7618

http://www.axionconsulting.co.uk/

By producing solar power on site, USFloors is able to take advantage of excellent Government and Utility benefits; a 30% Federal Grant, a 35% State Tax Credit and accelerated depreciation. North Georgia EMC pays USFloors a premium for the solar power that it generates. Ownership of power provides business owners with the opportunity to hedge against dramatic cost increases, and carries strong financial benefits.

The system was installed by Alpharetta based United Renewable Energy, LLC. William Silva, President of United Renewable Energy LLC added that “USFloors continues to show leadership in sustainable manufacturing practices and job growth. This solar power system is impressive in it’s size alone, but more importantly because this is the largest commercial solar photovoltaic installation in Georgia since the 1996 Olympics.”

Installing this solar array is just one of the many sustainable practices of USFloors, a company actively working towards a solar powered future for Whitfield County. “Through our work with the Whitfield County Chamber, we have demonstrated how being sustainability stewards can benefit all local businesses,” said Dossche. This solar array created at least fifteen jobs, and preserved many more by reducing operating costs, developing a new industry and introducing Dalton’s business community to ways to stay sustainable and competitive.

About USFloors- USFloors’ commitment is to provide consumers and specifiers with beautiful and durable floors at a good value, while minimizing our impact on the environment and enhancing and improving it whenever possible. USFloors is committed to sourcing and utilizing sustainable resources for its flooring products whenever possible and specifying raw materials and processes that meet stringent U.S. and European environmental standards, USFloors NEVER sources from clear cut or unmanaged forests. USFloors continually strives to actively reduce its environmental and energy footprint, creating better indoor air quality and promoting Green Building through renewable energy and LEED initiatives.

About United Renewable Energy, LLC- Alpharetta, Georgia based United Renewable Energy, LLC (URE) delivers practical, economical, renewable energy solutions to businesses and homes throughout the East Coast. URE is the leading integrator of commercial photovoltaic solar electric power systems in the state of Georgia, and one of the fastest growing renewable energy companies in the country. URE’s president is a NABCEP Certified PV Installer_TM, and as Adjunct Coordinator of Solar Programs at Lanier Technical College, shares best practices with aspiring solar installers. URE is committed to promoting quality solar installations, to educating the public and promoting supportive legislation for renewable energy.

Via : u-renew.com

It’s taken only 7 months for UKIIF to launch the first of two funds, the Hermes Environmental Innovation Fund, which has already raised £125m and will continue to seek further funding from investors.

The Environmental Innovation Fund, managed by Hermes Private Equity, will now start investing in low carbon and clean technology funds and co-investing in companies, providing much needed venture capital to help these innovative businesses grow. The Hermes Fund will focus on investment opportunities aimed at increasing the efficient use of resources (both renewable and non renewable) at all stages of production and consumption.

Over the past decade, the UK has emerged as a European frontrunner in alternative energy investment and is well positioned to further develop a sustainable market competitive globally.  The Hermes Fund will look to benefit from this attractive market framework and expects to commit its capital over the next 2-3 years.

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown MP, said

“The UK has a wealth of innovators and entrepreneurs seeking to create the businesses of tomorrow – businesses that will make the UK a world-leader in low carbon innovation and industry, and help to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face around energy and climate change. This fund will provide substantial investment where it is needed and deliver strong returns for investors.”

Science & Innovation Minister, Lord Drayson said:

“Investment has flowed into the UKIIF at extraordinary speed. It’s already one of the largest European funds for investing in high-tech firms. But what’s more important is rapidly channelling that capital into Britain’s burgeoning green tech sector. After a tough spell, things are looking up for our entrepreneurs and innovators.”

Energy and Climate Change Minister David Kidney MP said:

“Cleaning up our energy supplies and improving energy efficiency will give the UK the opportunity to develop the low carbon industries of the future.  This new fund will help the UK to build on existing strengths in the sector and enable British companies to demonstrate and commercialise these technologies.”

Hermes Private Equity CEO Susan Flynn commented:

“Increased awareness of environmental issues and policies to tackle climate change presents a real opportunity for investors and the innovative companies we will invest in. At this stage in the economic cycle there are many forward-looking companies who may not have funding available to them. The Hermes Private Equity Environmental Innovation Fund (HPEEIF) will ensure that those seeking finance for promising new environmental ventures will have access to a source of funding.

We have already identified a number of attractive investment opportunities and anticipate that HEIF will begin to deploy capital shortly.”

The UK Innovation Investment fund was announced last June by the Prime Minister as part of the Government’s strategy for Building Britain’s Future. Hermes Private Equity and the European Investment Fund were confirmed as fund of fund managers for two separate funds of funds. Backed by £150m investment by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department of Health, it has already attracted private investment to more than match this amount with the total first closing of £325m.

The UK Innovation Investment Fund will drive economic growth and create highly skilled jobs by investing in businesses where there are significant growth opportunities. Independent research^* estimates that the global market for low carbon and environmental goods and services (LCEGS) was already worth £3 trillion in 2007/08 and could grow to an estimated £4.3 trillion by 2015.

According to figures from the Carbon Trust, the UK is now the sixth largest low carbon and environmental economy in the world with 3.5% of global market share. This brings annual economic benefits and investment to Britain of £6-8 billion.

The UKIIF will target small growing businesses, start ups and spin outs including pre-profit and pre-revenue stages of development.

Evidence shows that venture capital-backed companies significantly out perform other companies in terms of their ability to create wealth and generate the spill-over benefits including export performance and the creation of high skilled jobs vital to the economy.^**

^* Source – Innovas 2009.

^** Source – British Venture Capital Association DATA 2008 – the economic impact of private equity and VC in the UK.

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS – Investing in our future.

The conditioning technology cleans and refines biomass-derived syngas so that it can be directly fired into internal combustion engines instead of natural gas to generate electricity. The technology will be packaged with Nexterra’s biomass gasification systems and internal combustion engines into modular CHP plants sized from 2 – 10 MWe. The new CHP System will be capable of achieving overall efficiencies up to 65% in cogeneration mode and over 30% in combined cycle mode. Future applications of conditioned syngas include conversion into biomethane and other synthetic fuels and chemicals.

“This is an important milestone for Nexterra and we are very pleased with the results,” said Dejan Sparica, Nexterra’s VP and Chief Engineer. “Trials conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009 verify that our combined gasification and conditioning technologies produce a clean, stable and consistent grade of syngas with more than 99% removal of tars and inorganics. The resulting syngas meets and exceeds the fuel specification for internal combustion engines. We will continue optimization and refinement of the process in 2010.”

“These are impressive results for Nexterra,” said John Hepburn, Vice President of Research and International for the University of British Columbia (“UBC”). “Over the past several years Nexterra has established itself as an international leader in biomass gasification. Their new CHP System has tremendous potential to help UBC, other campuses, communities and industry to achieve their green energy goals while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We look forward to collaborating with Nexterra to further develop the technology.”

The syngas conditioning technology is based on a closed-loop, thermal cracking and heat recovery process, which is designed to be simpler, cleaner, more reliable and lower cost than competing gas clean-up systems. Nexterra initiated development of the technology in 2007. Proof-of-concept testing was completed in 2008. The next step will be to operate a GE Jenbacher model 208 internal combustion engine on conditioned syngas in Q1 2010. This will be followed by full-scale demonstration projects. Nexterra will continue testing and optimization of the syngas conditioning technology process and the overall CHP System throughout 2010.

Nexterra has received funding assistance for development, testing and commercialization of the syngas conditioning technology and CHP System from the following: Sustainable Development Technology Canada, a not-for-profit corporation created by the Government of Canada, BC Bioenergy Network (BCBN), National Research Council of Canada – Industrial Research Assistance Program and Ethanol BC.

www.nexterra.ca

For further information, please contact :

Nexterra Systems Corp.

Annette Saliken

Director of Communications

Tel: 604.637.2507

Email: asaliken@nexterra.ca

NIKE, Inc (NYSE:NKE) released its fiscal 2007 to 2009 Corporate Responsibility (CR) report which outlines the next evolution of its CR strategy from a risk management, philanthropic and compliance model to a long-term strategy focused on innovation, collaboration, transparency and advocacy to prepare the company to thrive in a sustainable economy.

The company’s increased focus on Sustainable Business and Innovation (SB&I) will be more seamlessly integrated across Nike’s business strategies, creating a more sustainable approach aimed at providing greater returns to its business, communities, factory workers, consumers and the planet.

The report also details progress on Nike’s five-year CR goals and provides a comprehensive review of its CR efforts over the past three years.

“Sustainability is key to Nike’s growth and innovation,” said Mark Parker, NIKE, Inc’s, President and CEO. “Making our business more sustainable benefits our consumers who expect products and experiences with low environmental impact, contract factory workers who will gain from more sustainable manufacturing and our employees and shareholders who will be rewarded by a company that is prepared for the future.”

Recognizing the impacts of declining natural resources and the need to move to a low-carbon economy, Nike also uses the report to share its vision of reaching a closed-loop business model where the goal is to achieve zero waste in the supply chain and have products and materials that can be continuously reused – no pre or post consumer waste. This vision is designed to drive innovative and sustainable business processes and models.

“The link between sustainability and Nike as a growth company has never been clearer,” said Hannah Jones, Vice President, SB&I. “There are serious potential impacts of social, environmental and economic shifts on labor forces, youth sport, supply chains and products. This gives Nike the opportunity to use our power of innovation and our commitment to transparency and collaboration to tackle these complex issues.”

The report announces progress against Nike’s five-year targets set in 2007. The company has made sound progress on many fronts such as implementing Lean and Human Resource Management training in contract factories and reducing waste and toxics and increasing its use of environmentally preferred materials throughout Considered Design performance products.

The report also details where progress against other goals remains more challenging such as managing overtime in contract factories. Nike has also revised or clarified targets in a few instances due to a better understanding of the complexities of the issue or a change in strategy.

The CR report outlines some important initiatives for the company including:

1. Considered Design

Considered Design combines sustainability principles and innovative performance products for athletes by reducing or eliminating toxics and waste and increasing the use of environmentally preferred materials.

2. GreenXchange (GX)

GX is a web-based marketplace designed to share intellectual property which can lead to new sustainability business models and innovation. It is a system for capturing, sharing and licensing patents that, when used by someone else, could lead to unlimited innovation in helping solve current obstacles to sustainability issues. By making private intellectual property visible and usable, the aim is to accelerate the development of green innovation.

3. Lean and Human Resource Management (HRM)

Nike has been working with contract factories to train them in the implementation of specialized Lean manufacturing and HRM. Lean principles put the decision making closer to the worker through skill building, teamwork and understanding quality over quantity. HRM builds the factory’s managerial capacity and helps them value an empowered workforce. While only one aspect of Nike’s work with contract factories, it is an important pillar of Nike’s strategy to build a more lean, green, empowered and equitable supply chain.

4. Sport for Social Change

Nike has furthered its strategy of using sport as a powerful movement for social change. Sport is undervalued for its capacity to build networks of social entrepreneurs and community innovators and for its ability to drive positive social, economic and cultural change. One powerful example of a program Nike partners with is Grassroot Soccer in Africa. It is a community program which is directly addressing a dire social need through raising awareness and education of HIV/AIDS by enabling young people to make informed decisions, using sport as a catalyst to engage and communicate to boys and girls.

5. Energy and Climate Change Strategy

In 2009 Nike instigated the formation of new coalition of consumer companies called Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) which is advocating for strong U.S. climate and energy legislation with the aim of creating a level playing field through a cost on carbon and unlocking innovation that is essential to creating technology and infrastructure solutions. Nike aims to be ahead of the curve of mandatory regulation, energy price increases and volatility and consumer pressure.

In addition, in 2008 Nike launched a footwear energy efficiency program with five contract manufacturers. Nike’s commitment to collaboration on this project has shown excellent early results: the contract factories absolute CO2 footprint was down 6 percent despite a 9 percent increase in production.

Nike’s corporate responsibility report, available online at nikeresponsibility.com, provides greater detail on progress against targets and provides a comprehensive review of the company’s efforts for fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009.

www.nike.com – www.nikebiz.com.

To review Nike’s FY07-09 CR Report, click here

• Intel has contracted new solar electric installations targeted at eight U.S. locations in four states, generating approximately 2.5 megawatts of clean solar energy.
• Intel increased its renewable energy credit purchases by 10 percent – powering more than 51 percent of Intel’s estimated U.S. electricity use – and was again named the largest voluntary purchaser of green power by the EPA.
• These new investments are part of Intel’s already established commitment to energy efficiency and footprint reduction programs, with worldwide savings of more than 650 million kilowatt hours since conservation program inception in 2001.

Building on its existing portfolio of renewable energy site installations, Intel Corporation today reported that new contracts are in place to incorporate approximately 2.5 megawatts worth of new solar power projects at eight U.S. locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Oregon. In addition, Intel announced it has renewed and increased by 10 percent its purchase commitments for renewable energy credits (REC) to more than 1.43 billion kilowatt hours — more than 51 percent of its estimated 2010 U.S. electricity use.

These commitments reflect Intel’s continued focus on energy efficiency and conservation programs that will help achieve its 2012 goals related to water use, global-warming emissions, energy consumption, waste reduction and product energy efficiency. They also represent Intel’s long-standing goal of inspiring more demand for and cost-effective supply of solar and other renewable energies.

“Intel is committed to renewable energy to reduce our own carbon footprint as well as to spur the market and make renewables more economically feasible for individuals and businesses to deploy,” said Brian Krzanich, vice president and general manager of Manufacturing and Supply Chain for Intel. “These announcements represent our broader commitment which includes diversifying our energy portfolio through solar and other clean energy investments, and this will continue to be a priority for us around the globe.”

Intel’s new solar installations are planned to be completed over the next 7 months. Each project would currently rank as one of the 10 largest solar installations in its respective region if activated today. For example, the panels planned for Intel’s Chandler and Ocotillo campuses in Arizona would each currently be the fifth largest in SRP service territory or the second largest when combined, according to the utility company. All of the solar panels will be installed on the roofs of Intel’s facilities, with the major exception of the largest installation, an approximately 1-megawatt solar field in Folsom, Calif. The Folsom installation will span nearly six acres of land on campus, which would make it one of the largest non-utility ground-mounts in California at the time of this release. All of the installations will use the power generated at their respective site, making them an efficient source of electricity with savings on grid delivery losses.

RECs are the “currency” of renewable energy markets, and Intel’s latest REC purchases equate to approximately 51 percent of Intel’s estimated purchased electricity needs in the United States for 2010. This corresponds to the carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of nearly 134,000 average American homes or nearly 200,000 passenger cars removed from the streets for 1 year.¹ As a result of Intel’s continued commitment to purchase RECs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) again placed Intel at the top of its latest Green Power Partner List for 2010 as the largest voluntary, single purchaser of green power. Intel was previously honored with the EPA’s Green Power Partner of the Year Award.

Intel’s new solar installations and its reaffirmed commitment to purchasing RECs reflect just the latest in Intel’s energy portfolio, which includes wind, solar, geo-thermal, small hydro-electric and biomass sources. Since 2001, Intel has invested more than $30 million and saved more than 650 million kilowatt hours from energy conservation and efficiency initiatives.² Other highlights include:

Investments: Intel reaffirms its dedication to clean technology innovation and development.

• In July 2009, Intel Capital, Intel’s global investment organization, announced five cleantech investments totaling more than $10 million.
• In total, Intel Capital has invested more than $125 million in more than a dozen cleantech companies that span four continents; four in solar photovoltaics, further demonstrating Intel’s commitment to accelerating innovation in this space.

Installations: Intel continues to look for opportunities across its dispersed locations.

• Intel’s Bangalore, India site hosted the company’s first solar thermal installation: solar water heaters, which now supply nearly 100 percent of the total hot water requirements for two campuses, saving 70,000 kilowatts per year.
• Intel Oregon energized the company’s first solar electric system on the roof of its Jones Farm site in early 2009.
• Later this year, Intel’s Haifa, Israel (IDC 9) site will open Intel’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-registered building.³

Employee Engagement: Employee engagement in sustainability is paramount at Intel with a portion of each employee’s variable compensation tied to company performance against environmental metrics, which include reducing Intel’s absolute carbon footprint growth.

• As a key element of Intel’s new solar installations, awareness kiosks will be set up in each site lobby to educate and engage employees in the company’s energy efforts.

Intel’s REC purchase will be handled by Sterling Planet, a national supplier of renewable energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions. All purchases will be certified by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions’ Green-e® program, which certifies and verifies green power products.

• View or download b-roll video

www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

Intel, the Intel logo and Moblin are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

1 Source: EPA 2010 Green Power Partnership Press Release. Click here for more information.

2 Source: Intel Corporate Responsibility Report. For more information, visit: http://download.intel.com/intel/cr/gcr/pdf/Intel_CSR_Report_2008.pdf.

3 Source: Intel Corporate Responsibility Report.

The government today committed to consult on the introduction of display energy certificates (DECs) which show the energy use of shops and offices. Responding to the Committee on Climate Change’s First Progress Report, ministers said that DECs should be rolled out to give everyone a better understanding of carbon emissions.

It is significant because a DEC is based on actual energy use, meaning that even if a top brand occupied a state of the art, A-rated green building, if it wasted heat by leaving he doors open or left the lights on all night, it would get a poor rating. The BPF has said that mandatory DECs would help to focus both owners and occupiers on efficient use of the building, which could save around a third of energy bills.

Currently, such certificates are only required for public buildings over a certain size.

Patrick Brown, assistant director for sustainability said:

‘The BPF has long been campaigning for a roll-out of display energy certificates and today’s announcement is very welcome. It is vital that we motivate both owners and occupiers to use buildings effectively. Building up energy performance data on buildings would allow us to easily benchmark and compare properties and would also give the public a greater insight into how well their own offices or chosen retailers are performing.”

GE (NYSE: GE) gas turbine technology will be used to convert a conventional power plant into the first large-scale cogeneration plant in Mexico, which will offer increased efficiency and will supply process steam to one of the country’s most important natural gas complexes. The project supports the Mexican government’s initiative to promote cogeneration as a key step in improving the efficiency of the country’s energy infrastructure.

The Mexican Congress passed energy reform legislation in 2008, as part of the country’s commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% below 2002 levels by the year 2050. The government is promoting combined heat and power, or cogeneration, as an energy efficient option to help meet the country’s energy goals.

Cogeneration, the simultaneous production of electricity and heat using a single fuel such as natural gas, harnesses heat that would otherwise be wasted. This can result in higher thermal efficiency or higher heat values; also, carbon dioxide emissions can be substantially reduced.

GE will supply two Frame 7FA gas turbines for Nuevo PEMEX, a 300-megawatt cogeneration plant located in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. GE’s 7FA gas turbine has the capability to burn natural gas with high nitrogen content, which fits the profile of the available fuel at the Nuevo PEMEX site. In addition, GE has signed a 20-year Contractual Service Agreement (CSA) to provide a full range of plant services, including planned and unplanned maintenance.

The new cogeneration plant will be owned by a consortium made up of Abener and Abengoa Mexico and will supply steam and power to PEMEX, Mexico’s state-owned oil and gas company, for use at PEMEX’s existing natural gas processing facility at the site. The cogeneration plant will be able to generate between 550 and 800 tons of process steam per hour.

Abener and GE Energy have worked together successfully on a wide range of global projects to date.  Abener and Abengoa Mexico are part of Abeinsa, the Industrial Engineering and Construction arm of the Abengoa business group.

“With our advanced technology and global experience, we are well positioned to help our customers meet their energy and environmental goals,” said John Reinker, General Manager of Gas Turbine Combined-Cycle Products for GE Power & Water. “Our F-technology machines are well proven in a wide range of power generation applications worldwide, and have the flexibility to meet the specific requirements of large-scale cogeneration projects.”

www.ge.com/energy – www.ge.com