"The U.S. Energy Department is sponsoring a race to develop an obscure industrial process -- carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) -- and the winners of the race will receive $1.4 billion -- yes, billion, with a B," says Andy Obermueller.

In Government-Driven Investing, he says, "My pick to profit from among the 12 companies selected to compete in this scientific 'Olympiad' is Praxair (NYSE: PX)."

"This industrial-gas company owns hundreds of CCS patents, technology that could turn a coal-fired power plant -- about the dirtiest thing in the world, emissions-wise -- into one of the cleanest.

Andy Obermueller is the chief investment strategist of an intriguing new service that focuses on developing government legislation to find investment opportunities.

In his Government-Driven Investing the advisor looks at Praxair (NYSE: PX) as a play on clean coal technology, more-technically known as carbon capture and sequestration. Here, he explains the opportunity:

"U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently announced an $8.4 million project to ensure that the nation's innovators are up to speed on the latest carbon-capture and sequestration technology.

"Maxwell Technologies (NASDAQ: MXWL) provides R&D services to the U.S. military and other government agencies; it's become the world's leading authority on ultracapacitors," says Timothy Lutts.

In The Cabot Stock of the Month report, he explains, "Ultracapacitors are handy little electronic devices that store and release electric energy more efficiently than batteries; they can be 10 times lighter than batteries and store and distribute energy 10 times more effciently than batteries."

"So what are ultracapacitors good for? Today, Maxwell-the primary American ultracapacitor manufacturer-is focusing its efforts on two fast-growing young industries: wind turbines and hybrid/electric vehicles.

"The way to win in solar is to invest in the industry leaders and SunTech Power Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: STP) is a big as they come," says growth expert Toby Smith in his ChangeWave Investing.

"China will surpass the US as the world's largest market for wind turbines -- after doubling wind power capacity in each of the last four years.

"Chinese government mandates for cleaner energy are a big factor driving the blossoming wind and solar projects, but other forces are at work, too. Chinese power companies are loaded with cash and state-owned banks are eager to lend them more money.

When Charles Dickens wrote, "Bring in the bottled lightning, a clean tumbler and a corkscrew," it's safe to say the great English novelist wasn't referring to energy technology. But in the 21st century we know that a whole lot of bottled lightning can be uncorked using a variety of sophisticated devices -- and one of the most interesting types is fuel cells.

Today we got lightning news from one of the best companies in the fuel cell space, the aptly named FuelCell Energy (NASDAQ: FCEL). Although the company reported lower product sales and revenues for fiscal Q2 of $19.3 million compared to $26.4 million in fiscal Q2 a year ago, it did say that the prior year product sales and revenues were unusually high due to timing.

"It's no secret that the world is facing a severe water shortage; many experts, believe the next major war will be fought over water, not oil," says Marc Lichtenfeld.

The senior equity analyst for the top-notch growth stock advisory, Xcelerated Profits Report explains, "Desalination is likely the only way the world's water needs will be met. And one company that will benefit is Energy Recovery (NASDAQ: ERII).

"Just how severe is the shortage? Demand for fresh water will exceed supply by 50% in 2025, with one-third of the Earth's population living in countries with water scarcity. The bottom line is that if we plan to feed and provide water for everyone, we're going to have to find a way to use more water more efficiently.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"As the government and corporations look to get more environmentally sound, they'll be turning to Tetra Tech (NASDAQ: TTEK), an environmental consulting company," suggests 'green technology' specialist Brendan Coffey.

The editor of The Cabot Green Investor explains, "Tetra Tech is the expert people turn to the figure out the nitty gritty of getting eco-projects done." Here's his review of the stock, which he selects as his favorite investment idea for the coming year.

"President-elect Obama looking to resuscitate the economy, wants to do two things at once: immediate stimulate job growth with an aid package of perhaps $700 billion while laying the groundwork for the country's long-term economy health.

"He's identified the core of that dual strategy as going green -- to wean us off oil, counteract the eventual dire effects of global warming and make the country the technological leader in alternative energy, creating five million or more jobs in the process.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"If there ever was an opportunity to move energy efficiency strategies into the top-tier of national and industrial policy, it's now," says Toby Smith, referring to President-elect Obama's stated focus on renewable energy.

In his industry-leading ChangeWave Investing, which focuses on isolating emerging, long-term investment trends, he states, "The question isn't really if solar companies will benefit, but when." As a favorite idea for 2009, he looks to SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA).

"President-elect Obama seems to be the right person to push energy-efficiency initiatives through -- especially since he is preparing a massive stimulus program that will be unleashed soon after his inauguration on Jan. 20.

"The core of Obama's economic policy appears to be a strategy to transform the United States into an economy mostly powered by renewable and low-carbon energy generation by mid-century. This includes everything from solar to natural gas to nuclear.

What sectors are poised to outperform as a result of a Barack Obama presidency? To find out, we turn to fund expert Jim Lowell who recent prepared a report highlighting the top ETFs based on each candidate.

In The Forbes ETF Trader, he offers several top picks including ETFs that are focused on biotechnology and medical research, industrials, clean environment and clean energy technologies.

"SPDR Biotech (ASE: XBI) seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index which is made up of the biotechnology sector of the S&P Total Markets Index.

"It began trading in January 2006. The top ten holdings are Genentech, Amgen, Gilead Sciences, Celgene, Genzyme, Biogen Idec, Imclone, Cephalon, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and Alexion Pharmaceuticals.

"Vanguard Industrials (NYSE: VIS) seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital International US Investable Market Industrials Index.

"There's no 'silver bullet' solution to the energy crisis; but there are some solutions that do work," says Sean Broderick, referring to wind and solar power.

In The Safe Money Report he says, "There are with some choice ETF to power your own bottom line." Here's a look at the two green technologies and how you can invest in these developing fields.

"Many Americans are disgusted by the fact that, faced with an energy crisis, the government seems to produce nothing but hot air. So let me give you my appraisal of two alternative energy solutions that work -- along with some choice exchange-traded funds that can power your own bottom line. Here are two energy solutions that work right now.

Solution #1: Wind Power

"Critics will point out that the wind seems to stop blowing when you want electricity most -- on hot summer days. And that is a problem. However, a study last year by Stanford University shows that wind power from interconnected farms can be used as reliable base load electric power.

"Renewable fuels and clean energy, a sector beaten down hard since last fall, are now primed for a major comeback," says Eric Roseman, editor of The Commodity Trend Alert. Here's his ETF play on the sector.

"With every passing day the price of crude oil rises, the secular trend to alternative energy becomes even more powerful. Consumers, companies and governments are now sick and tired of soaring energy prices.

"The long-term solution is to obviously reduce our dependence on oil and increase our consumption of renewable fuels like wind, solar, and nuclear energy.

"The bull market in alternative energy began in 2005 when a host of companies in this thriving sector went public, supported by government subsidies, especially in Germany and Spain. Interestingly, Germany and Spain have just reduced solar energy subsidies this spring.

"In my view, those subsidy cuts don't matter at this stage. When companies in the solar sector are making money, why should governments continue subsidizing them?

"Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE: STP), one of our long-time favorites, is now back on our buy list after being driven down in price by U.S. market volatility and the fallout from a recent earnings report," notes Jim Trippon.

The editor of The China Stock Digest explains, The company is world leader in the manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells and solar electric systems. And, it is developing a new technology to increase solar efficiency." Here is his review.

"The company's solar cells are used to supply power to the electricity grid within China, and it's the number one company in the Chinese solar energy industry. The company's systems also provide dependable power internationally for mobile phone networks and telecommunications relay stations and even street lamps in case of power outages.

"Certainly China is in desperate need of clean renewable sources of energy. Residents of major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are constantly enveloped in a choking cloud of smog. Beijing has said it wants a tenth of its energy to come from environmentally friendly sources by 2010.

"The problem with solar energy has always been the high cost of manufacturing solar cells relative to the amount of power output per cell. Suntech is attacking that problem with rigorous cost control and the competitive advantages that low cost Chinese manufacturers enjoy in the international arena.

"With oil over $100, and voters increasingly attuned in this political season to the need for clean and renewable fuels, the alternative energy industry is ripe for investment," says David Sandell.

The contributing editor to Stephen Leeb's The Complete Investor, explains, "We're adding American Superconductor (NASDAQ: AMSC) – an energy tech leader that helps the electric grid to function better – to our 'Fast Track' portfolio."

"American Superconductor designs and sells products geared to utilities, industrial companies, and wind energy developers. Its offers are designed to help these customers to generate and deliver electrical power more efficiently, cleanly, and reliably.

"The company has two chief divisions. Its profitable Power Systems segment sells power converters to utilities and industrial customers, both in the U.S. and internationally. The point of these converters is to regulate voltage, thereby improving the performance of the electric grid – making it more efficient (and energy-conserving) as well as reliable.

"The company is teaming up with the Department of Homeland Security as well as with Con Edison on a grid upgrade for New York City that would increase capacity and suppress power surges.

"In 2007, beefing up this division, American Superconductor made two significant acquisitions. It bought Windtec, a company that specializes in wind energy – licensing proprietary wind turbine designs, training workers to maintain turbines, and supplying converter and control systems to wind farms.

"I love buying great companies near the bottom of the barrel," says resources expert Eric Roseman, who has added Canadian-based Cameco Corp. (NYSE: CCJ) to his buy list.

The edtior of The Commodity Trend Alert explains, "Cameco, the world's largest uranium concern, is a gem, right in the middle of a long-term earnings boom amid high energy prices and a massive backlog of orders for its raw material used to feed nuclear reactors." Here is his review.

"I'm drawn to quality at a distressed price, for whatever reason, such as earnings-related surprises, management changes, special one-time write-downs, etc. Most of our recommendations are founded on exactly these principles of value-contrarian investing.

"Cameco Corporation was a $60 stock 12 months ago, but because of production bottlenecks caused by a major flood at one of its biggest mines (Cigar Lake) in late 2006, the stock suffered a beating and has bounced all over the map lately. Yet, for years, Cameco was Canada's uranium darling and I always wanted to own this gem. But the problem was, Cameco always fetched a high price, and I hate paying top dollar - even for a great business.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

Because of the unique nature of his trading service, the top picks from Peter Way require some qualification. The editor of The Block Trader ETF Monitor and The Block Trader Oil & Gold Monitor follows the buying and selling patterns of block traders -- the big money buyers on Wall Street.

Based on this data, his recommendations are quantitatively calculated for short-term performance. As such, I have included him in our Best Stocks for 2008 report, with the caveat to readers that his opinion on these specific ideas can and will likely change in coming months. (Note that his cumulative record for the year for all his picks is 59% and 37% for his two services.)

With that aside, he explains, "I don't offer long-term speculations, since my information comes from volume market-makers and prop desks that have a much shorter focus. However, below are two buy recommendations.

"First, buy First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR), because it's a bright idea, at current price of $235.85, sell target is $301.29.

"Also, buy VIX, the S&P500 Volatility Index, because it handles trouble well, at $22.68, sell target is $31.17. The VIX quote is the current index price, which can be closely tracked by a 'synthetic' in options, so it is fair to use it directly as a performance measure. If there are objections to that, the VIX/8 November future on the CFE is being offered for purchase at $23.20."