BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Deere & Co. to Sell Wind Energy Unit]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/08/31/deere-and-co-to-sell-wind-energy-unit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/08/31/deere-and-co-to-sell-wind-energy-unit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/08/31/deere-and-co-to-sell-wind-energy-unit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Early Tuesday morning, tractor titan Deere & Co. (DE) announced that it will sell its wind energy business to a subsidiary of Exelon (EXC). The sale of John Deere Renewables will net the firm $900 million and will allow DE to turn its focus back to producing farm equipment.

Back in February, the company was looking at different options for its Renewables arm. DE will lose a bit of money in the exchange, as it invested roughly $1 billion in wind energy products during the past five years.

Continue reading Deere & Co. to Sell Wind Energy Unit

Deere & Co. to Sell Wind Energy Unit originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyEXCExelonfeaturedinthenewsrenewable energyTue, 31 Aug 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Copenhagen Accord Approves Reduction in Global Emissions of Greenhouse Gases]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/19/copenhagen-accord-approves-reduction-in-global-emissions-of-gree/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/19/copenhagen-accord-approves-reduction-in-global-emissions-of-gree/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/19/copenhagen-accord-approves-reduction-in-global-emissions-of-gree/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Copenhagen Accord sets targets for reducing greenhouse gases worldwide. President Obama, arfter meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and South African President Jacob Zuma, formally announced that an agreement had been struck. Some of the specifics include:

  • The developed countries will commit to providing $100 billion a year by 2020 "to address the needs of developing countries." The amount is needed to provide a truly global effort at reducing greenhouse gases.
  • The countries recognize the vital role of reducing deforestation, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gases.

Continue reading Copenhagen Accord Approves Reduction in Global Emissions of Greenhouse Gases

Copenhagen Accord Approves Reduction in Global Emissions of Greenhouse Gases originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Copenhagen Accorddeforestationgreenhouse gasesinthenewsObamarenewable energySat, 19 Dec 2009 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[World Bank green energy spending tops $3 billion]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/15/world-bank-green-energy-spending-tops-3-billion/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/15/world-bank-green-energy-spending-tops-3-billion/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/15/world-bank-green-energy-spending-tops-3-billion/#commentsFiled under: ,

The World Bank Group's financing for renewable and efficient energy projects increased 24% in the last fiscal year. Reaching $3.3 billion, the bank's clean technology investments have reached their highest level ever.

At the Bonn International Renewable Energies Conference in 2004, the World Bank committed to increase its contribution to cleantech investments by $1.9 billion through 2009. Not only did last fiscal year's result more than double the five-year commitment, the World Bank's support surged by $7 billion.

Continue reading World Bank green energy spending tops $3 billion

World Bank green energy spending tops $3 billion originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean technologycleantechenergy efficiencygreen investinginthenewsrenewable energyworld bankworld bank groupTue, 15 Sep 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Now that 'cash for clunkers' is over, it's on to wind farms]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/now-that-cash-for-clunkers-is-over-its-on-to-wind-farms/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/now-that-cash-for-clunkers-is-over-its-on-to-wind-farms/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/now-that-cash-for-clunkers-is-over-its-on-to-wind-farms/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What is the next hottest government program now that "cash for clunkers" is over? Yup, you guessed it. It's wind farms.

According to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required), the government is starting a new program to subsidize the production of wind farms all over the country. Under the program, the government will rebate 30% of the cost of building a renewable energy facility, awarded 60 days after the application is approved. The Energy and Treasury Departments expect to spend $3 billion initially. Some people believe, however, that applications could grow to $10 billion. This new program started July 31.

Continue reading Now that 'cash for clunkers' is over, it's on to wind farms

Now that 'cash for clunkers' is over, it's on to wind farms originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CitigroupFirst SolarFSLRGEGeneral Electricgovernment rebatesinthenewsMorgan StanleyMSrenewable energyVestas WindVWSYFwind farmsTue, 01 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ITC Holdings (ITC): Alex Green rides the 'Green Express']]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/itc-holdings-itc-alex-green-rides-the-green-express/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/itc-holdings-itc-alex-green-rides-the-green-express/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/itc-holdings-itc-alex-green-rides-the-green-express/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

"Over the past year, ITC Holdings (NYSE: ITC) has been focused on identifying ways to integrate wind and other renewable resources into the power grid," notes growth stock expert Alexander Green.

In The Oxford Club Communique, he explains, "This young company -- that despite being in the midst of the biggest economic slowdown in more than 70 years -- is taking in more than $600 million in annual revenue, enjoying 46% operating margins and experiencing 72% quarterly profit growth.

Continue reading ITC Holdings (ITC): Alex Green rides the 'Green Express'

ITC Holdings (ITC): Alex Green rides the 'Green Express' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 May 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex greenalternative energyenergy efficiency stocksgreen stocksitcitc holdingsobama stocksoxford cluboxford club communiquepower grid stockspower transmission stocksrenewable energysteven halpernStevenHalpernthestockadvisors.comutility stocksTue, 26 May 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ray of light: This way to the recovery -- solar power, solar jobs]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/15/ray-of-light-this-way-to-the-recovery-solar-power-solar-jobs/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/15/ray-of-light-this-way-to-the-recovery-solar-power-solar-jobs/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/15/ray-of-light-this-way-to-the-recovery-solar-power-solar-jobs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The U.S. housing sector remains in deep recession. Consumer spending is down. Business investment remains lackluster, with industrial production indicators hitting new lows monthly. And lay-offs have hit alarming levels.

Against this backdrop it's understandable if one holds a not-so-optimistic view regarding the U.S. economy and the markets for early 2009: the economy's fundamentals are weak, and it's going to take a lot of stimulus, fiscal and otherwise, to turn them around.

Nevertheless, there are bright spots -- in this case literally, as well as macroeconomically -- regarding the U.S. economy of tomorrow.

This way to the future

One small, but significant data point: despite the plunge in oil prices to around $50 per barrel, demand for solar energy and solar panels remains strong. Demand for solar energy systems increased 45% in 2007 and is expected to register another impressive gain in 2008, The New York Times reported.

About 25,000-35,000 workers -- installers, manufacturers, distributors, project developers, and material suppliers -- are currently directly employed in the solar energy sector, which is expected to grow to more than 110,000 in 2016, according to Solar Energy Institute Association data, The Times reported.

And here's an equally important stat: the jobs pay between $15-30 per hour, with many solar companies offering health benefits, The Times reported.

Continue reading Ray of light: This way to the recovery -- solar power, solar jobs

Ray of light: This way to the recovery -- solar power, solar jobs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyenergy policyenvironmentinfrastructurejobsObamaObama Administrationrenewable energysolar energysolar powerMon, 15 Dec 2008 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Should Congress invest $50 billion in T. Boone Pickens' Plan to expand wind power? ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/30/should-congress-invest-50-billion-in-t-boone-pickens-plan-to/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/30/should-congress-invest-50-billion-in-t-boone-pickens-plan-to/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/30/should-congress-invest-50-billion-in-t-boone-pickens-plan-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're an economist, like David H. Wang, you wake up some days muttering, "What has happened to the industrial base in the U.S. economy?"

The auto companies are practically on life support, and other sectors are paring-back operations, even as international competition mounts. Hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost. How did this happen? Eight more years of industrial base decline without a viable plan to counteract it? And now, as a result of the financial crisis and de-leveraging, the prospect of a period of less-available credit threatens to delay economic recovery.

Well one remedy for the above, Wang argues, is to invest in the industrial sector via investing in the United States' infrastructure. And what's one project worthy of consideration? Investor T. Boone Pickens' plan to substantially increase domestic wind power via his Pickens Plan, Wang argued.

Pickens' investment fund has fallen on tough times, as of late. His BP Capital investment fund has shrunk by 60%, due to energy sector losses, and will drop to about $500 million after redemptions, by week's end, Pickens told CNBC Thursday. Pickens, who sees oil sector consolidation, expects the price of oil to recover to $100 per barrel in 2009. Oil Thursday closed down $1.81 to $65.69 per barrel.

Pickens Plan: a better investment than AIG?

Wang is less certain about a $100 oil price in 2009, but he is certain about the merit and benefits from investing in Pickens' project, and his argument is compelling. (Wang added that he does not have an investment stake in any power/energy company.)

Continue reading Should Congress invest $50 billion in T. Boone Pickens' Plan to expand wind power?

Should Congress invest $50 billion in T. Boone Pickens' Plan to expand wind power? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Congressfeaturedgdpinfrastructurejob creationjobsoilPickensPickens Planrenewable energyrenewablesT. Boone PickensU.S. economywind millswind powerThu, 30 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Investors don't care about environment due to economic woes]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/29/investors-dont-care-about-environment-due-to-economic-woes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/29/investors-dont-care-about-environment-due-to-economic-woes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/29/investors-dont-care-about-environment-due-to-economic-woes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It was going so great for a while. Investors were eagerly pouring cash into renewable energy stocks as solar and wind energy seemed the perfect answer to the looming energy crisis. The more the news became grim and gas prices went up, the more investors fled to companies like First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), driving the stock to over $300 a share in the spring and summer of 2008. Today, the stock closed at $115.75 and has hovered in the low 100s for past few weeks.

This climate has changed, all right: it's changed to "fear." No longer are investors content to contribute to long research & development cycles for unproven business models; nor are they satisfied that credit will be available to finance the major capital expenses which accompany wind and solar energy systems. The world may be sinking ever faster into an energy crisis, but it's the financial one that matters far more to opportunistic investors -- and with a recent drop in demand, industry watchers are concerned prices may not hold up to mid-2008 expectations. According to green fund manager Chris Walsh, quoted in a Reuters article, "There are too many players out there, and there are too many smaller players."

In my opinion, while the best-performing alternative energy stocks were certainly pricey in early summer, the downturn they've taken is shortsighted. The recent plunge in oil prices (and let's remember it's a plunge only compared to the newly-set benchmark of 2008) won't last for more than a few years, at most, if worldwide oil production models are correct; and then alternative energy sources will gain renewed interest from investors; making it a likely long-term bet.

Investors don't care about environment due to economic woes originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygreenrenewable energyRenewableEnergysolarWed, 29 Oct 2008 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Wind, solar face yet another hurdle: The power grid]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/27/wind-solar-face-yet-another-hurdle-the-power-grid/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/27/wind-solar-face-yet-another-hurdle-the-power-grid/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/27/wind-solar-face-yet-another-hurdle-the-power-grid/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wind and solar, two renewable energy sources with a promising future, nevertheless face a bottleneck of sorts in the United States: the electric power grid. The existing grid can not handle the new demands, The New York Times reported Wednesday, forcing renewable wind and solar sites to shut down, even when conditions are right to generate and sell power.

An infrastructure-challenged U.S.

Economist Glen Langan says there's a theme that keeps popping up in the U.S. economy in the early 21st century: inadequate infrastructure. "We're a nation of inadequate infrastructures: the power grid, air travel/air traffic control, railways, highways... pick an infrastructure and you'll see a network that can't handle present demands, let alone an expanded national economy in 2020 or 2030," Langan said.

The power grid bottleneck is particularly frustrating and damaging because both wind and solar power generation systems are mushrooming, and could, with an adequate grid, account for more than 20% of the nation's power needs, Langan said, adding that some economic models put renewable energy's potential contribution even higher, at 25% or more.

"Imagine T. Boone Pickens building his massive, multi-billion dollar wind mill farm and having it sit idle because the grid cannot tolerate and transmit the increased power? Pretty sad," Langan said.

Continue reading Wind, solar face yet another hurdle: The power grid

Wind, solar face yet another hurdle: The power grid originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climate changeelectric gridelectricitygdppower generationpower gridrenewable energysolar energysolar powerT Boone PickensU.S. economywind mill farmswind powerWed, 27 Aug 2008 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[An oil shock is hardly the global economy's best friend]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/21/an-oil-shock-is-hardly-the-global-economys-best-friend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/21/an-oil-shock-is-hardly-the-global-economys-best-friend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/21/an-oil-shock-is-hardly-the-global-economys-best-friend/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It would appear to be axiomatic to say that there are few benefits from an oil price over $100 per barrel. Nevertheless, during oil's latest climb to the stratosphere, some have argued that a high oil price is 'net-positive for the global economy,' or 'a long-term good thing.'

Economist Glen Langan has a word for insta-analysis like the above. "Misguided," he calls them.

Not that Langan is an ardent advocate of oil use; hardly. Would that the developed and developing world could shift today to an alternate, renewable, and more environmentally-friendly energy form, he says. But the world can't, and as is some times the case in social science circles, "the normative influences the empirical," he says, and leads to curious conclusions like an 'oil shock being net-positive for the global economy.'

For the record: an oil shock is never net-positive for the global economy, Langan argues.

There are some benefits, to be sure, such as increased conservation, increased research on alternate/renewable energy forms, a transfer of some wealth to some developing nations and, of course, astounding increases in wealth in those connected to oil and oil services, but the overall effect is net-negative. Oil traded Thursday up $5.46 to $121.42 per barrel.

Continue reading An oil shock is hardly the global economy's best friend

An oil shock is hardly the global economy's best friend originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1973-74 oil shock1979-80 oil shockalternate energy sourcesBrazilcarsChinaemerging marketsEUEuropeEuropean Uniongasoline pricesgdpglobal economyglobalizationIndiainthenewsoil pricesoil shockrenewable energyRussiatradetransportationU.S. economyvehiclesThu, 21 Aug 2008 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. energy policy: An opportunity squandered, a challenge ahead]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/07/u-s-energy-policy-an-opportunity-squandered-a-challenge-ahead/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/07/u-s-energy-policy-an-opportunity-squandered-a-challenge-ahead/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/07/u-s-energy-policy-an-opportunity-squandered-a-challenge-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In light of oil's rise to triple-digit prices, the United States' inability to pass an energy policy aimed at increased efficiency, renewable energy, and energy independence, represents an opportunity squandered -- on two fronts: transportation and power generation.

True, oil has retreated from the $135 range to the $125-128 range, but the nation now faces record-high gasoline/diesel prices, along with high prices for heating oil, natural gas, and coal. As a result, the broad-based disposable income -- so essential for U.S. economic growth -- has been squeezed, with many economists now arguing adequate GDP growth is not possible, if energy prices remain at current levels.

At minimum, the U.S. faces a period of economic and social adjustment -- corporate, public, personal -- as it copes with the brave new world of $4 gasoline ... and that's if gasoline remains in the $4 per gallon range. A variety of scenarios could quickly send gasoline over $5 per gallon and higher in 2009.

Continue reading U.S. energy policy: An opportunity squandered, a challenge ahead

U.S. energy policy: An opportunity squandered, a challenge ahead originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate energy sourcesBrazilCAFEcoalcorporate average fuel economyenergy crisisenergy policyEnergyCrisisethanolfeaturedfossil fuelsFrancegasoline pricesgdpMcCainmpgnuclear powerObamaoil pricesoil shockOPECrenewable energysugar cane ethanolU.S. Department of EnergyU.S. economySat, 07 Jun 2008 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[IEA calls for 'energy revolution' to lower fossil-fuel dependence]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/06/iea-calls-for-energy-revolution-to-lower-fossil-fuel-dependenc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/06/iea-calls-for-energy-revolution-to-lower-fossil-fuel-dependenc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/06/iea-calls-for-energy-revolution-to-lower-fossil-fuel-dependenc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Almost on cue, following oil's $12 rise in two days to $134, the International Energy Agency said the world needs to invest an additional $45 trillion in the decades ahead to vastly expand both nuclear power and wind power capacity to meet global energy needs.

Strictly speaking, the IEA's call to action was rooted in reducing the world's greenhouse gas emissions and achieving what it argues will be "a clean, clever, energy future" and not to move away from oil or fossil fuels solely on cost grounds. (pdf)

Still, the report's 2050 ETP Baseline scenario projects that CO2 emissions will rise by 130% and oil demand will rise by 70% - - the latter total being equal to five times Saudi Arabia's current oil production. If the IEA's oil projection is correct, that would suggest additional large increases in the price of oil in the decades ahead - - on top of oil's more than 400% price rise since 2001.

Continue reading IEA calls for 'energy revolution' to lower fossil-fuel dependence

IEA calls for 'energy revolution' to lower fossil-fuel dependence originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climate changecoalemering marketsfossil fuelsgdpglobal warmingglobalizationIEAInternational Energy Agencyinthenewsnatural gasnuclear poweroil pricesrenewable energysolar powerwind millswind powerWindMillsFri, 06 Jun 2008 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell's corporate headquarters now powered by green energy]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/09/dells-corporate-headquarters-now-powered-by-green-energy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/09/dells-corporate-headquarters-now-powered-by-green-energy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/09/dells-corporate-headquarters-now-powered-by-green-energy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dell, Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) has announced that its entire corporate headquarters is now running on "green energy," as the computer maker continues to become one of the most ecologically-conscious companies on the planet. It has competition in the retail sector, though, from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and internet search king Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG).

All 2.1 million square feet of Dell's Round Rock, Texas headquarters facility is now powered by renewable energy sources -- no fossil fuel burning is present. To get there, Dell has about 40% of its headquarters power needs supplied by a gas-to-energy plan from leading waste disposal company Waste Management, located in nearby Austin. The other 60% of its power needs comes from wind energy supplied by TXU Energy.

Paul Bell, President of Dell Americas, said "Powering an entire campus with green power, in partnership with these two leading companies, is an important step in becoming the greenest technology company on the planet and the right thing to do for our shared earth." He's right, and Dell is expected to save about $2 million per year on energy costs alone with the green conversion of its Texas-based facilities -- along with cutting carbon dioxide emissions at the same time. That's what being green is all about.

Dell's corporate headquarters now powered by green energy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dellgoogGreen energyGreenEnergyrenewable energyRenewableEnergywmtWed, 09 Apr 2008 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[GE, Siemen AG, Vestas benefiting from growth in wind turbine use]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/12/ge-siemen-ag-vestas-benefiting-from-growth-in-wind-turbine-use/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/12/ge-siemen-ag-vestas-benefiting-from-growth-in-wind-turbine-use/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/12/ge-siemen-ag-vestas-benefiting-from-growth-in-wind-turbine-use/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

General Electric and Vestas Wind Systems are reaping the benefits as U.S. utilities assertively add generating capacity from renewable/alternative energy sources, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.

For example, XCel Energy (NYSE: XEL), the U.S.'s largest provider of wind power, is buying 67 General Electric (NYSE: GE) turbines for a Minnesota wind farm, and GE expects its turbine sales to increase 25% to $6 billion this year, Bloomberg News reported. GE was the largest supplier of wind turbines in 2007, with a 45% market share. Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) and Vestas are two other major global manufacturers of wind turbines that should continue to benefit as wind power usage increases: each is opening manufacturing plants in the U.S. to accommodate increased wind energy-related sales.

GE's shares gained 89 cents to $34.29, while Siemens AG rose 20 cents to $128.20 in Wednesday afternoon trading.

Continue reading GE, Siemen AG, Vestas benefiting from growth in wind turbine use

GE, Siemen AG, Vestas benefiting from growth in wind turbine use originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energy sourcesAmerican Wind Energy AssociationelectricityGEGeneral Electricinthenewspower generationrenewable energySISiemens AGturbinesutilitiesutilities sectorVestaswind millswind powerXCel EnergyXELWed, 12 Mar 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The oil syndrome]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/20/the-oil-syndrome/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/20/the-oil-syndrome/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/20/the-oil-syndrome/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The economic landscape -- particularly for the United States -- certainly looks different than it did 30 or 40 years ago.

Globalization, the internet, and the rise of a second major economic power in Asia are all developments that would look rather odd to someone in, say, 1973-74. The world in 2008 is one characterized by economic change -- one that may usher-in even more historic political change in the months ahead.

But there has been one constant between the two eras (overlooking cyclicality): the price of oil. It was high, in real terms, in 1973-74, and it's high now. And one thing economists like Glen Langan know regarding economic conditions when oil's price is high -- it simply makes the cost of moving things, the cost of doing pretty much everything, more expensive. Whether it's dropping the kids off at little league baseball or at soccer practice, or transporting a supply chain order of refrigerators across the country, a high oil price "simply increases the cost of motion," he said. And there are few positives for the U.S. economy. Further, it takes dollars that could create spin-off economic effects -- disposable income that could be spent somewhere else -- and simply removes them from the economy.

Continue reading The oil syndrome

The oil syndrome originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1973-741980-811990-91Africaalternate energy sourcesAsiaclimate changeeconomic growthemerging marketsEuropeforeign policygasolinegasoline pricesGDPglobalizationheating oilInternetinthenewsLatin AmericaMiddle Eastoilrecessionrenewable energyU.S. economyWed, 20 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil surges past $90 on talk OPEC will defend $80 oil in spring]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/08/oil-surges-past-90-on-talk-opec-will-defend-80-oil-in-spring/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/08/oil-surges-past-90-on-talk-opec-will-defend-80-oil-in-spring/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/08/oil-surges-past-90-on-talk-opec-will-defend-80-oil-in-spring/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries may reduce production when it meets next month as part of a strategy to try to keep the price of oil above $80 per barrel, Bloomberg News reported Friday.

Bloomberg quoted unnamed OPEC sources as saying OPEC would lower production if prices slip below $80 per barrel, with one oil minister saying $70 per barrel would be unacceptable to most members. If prices stay above $85, the cartel would not cut production. OPEC meets next on March 5.

Oil surged $2.74 to $90.85 per barrel Friday at midday on the news. Meanwhile, heating oil rose about 5 cents to $2.50 per gallon, gasoline gained 3 cents to $2.29 per gallon. Natural gas rose about 6 cents to $8.17 per million BTUs.

OPEC, which produces about 40% of the world's oil, is said to be concerned that the U.S. economic slowdown could hurt oil demand growth.

OPEC expects global oil demand of 87.4 million barrels per day in the first quarter and 85.5 million in the second quarter. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency expects slightly higher demand during the two periods, 88.2 million in the first quarter and 86.7 million in the second quarter.

Continue reading Oil surges past $90 on talk OPEC will defend $80 oil in spring

Oil surges past $90 on talk OPEC will defend $80 oil in spring originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyenvironmentfeaturedgasolinegasoline pricesGDPheating oilheating oil pricesoiloil pricesOPECrecessionrenewable energyFri, 08 Feb 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First Solar: Potential, but not for the squeamish]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/13/first-solar-potential-but-not-for-the-squeamish/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/13/first-solar-potential-but-not-for-the-squeamish/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/13/first-solar-potential-but-not-for-the-squeamish/#commentsFiled under: ,

First Solar (NYSE: FSLR) logo For long-term plays, the preferred investment is a company with a demonstrated business model (10 years), in an established market, with an average total annual return on equity of 20% during that span.

To be sure, First Solar (NYSE: FSLR) does not fit that profile, but it's worth a review, given both macro fundamentals and the company's outlook. Note: Underscoring, this is a high-risk stock.

First Solar uses an advanced, thin-film technology that uses cadmium telluride semiconductor material to convert sunlight into electricity. With a global polycrystalline silicon shortage holding back some producers of solar cells, First Solar's glass as substrate, coated with cadmium telluride can march ahead, while others await their raw materials.

Continue reading First Solar: Potential, but not for the squeamish

First Solar: Potential, but not for the squeamish originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyclimate changeenergyenvironmentFirst solarFSLRglobal warminggrowth stocksrenewable energysolar energyThu, 13 Dec 2007 17:22:00 EST<![CDATA[ExxonMobil (XOM): Own a giant]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/11/exxonmobil-xom-own-a-giant/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/11/exxonmobil-xom-own-a-giant/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/11/exxonmobil-xom-own-a-giant/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ExxonMobil By now, many investors/readers have heard the statistic: if ExxonMobil's 2007 revenue of $390.2 billion were listed as GDP, it would rank as the 31st largest nation in the world, in purchasing power parity terms.

It's easy to criticize Exxon (NYSE: XOM). When you're the world's largest integrated oil company in a world that's increasingly seeing both the financial and environmental costs of oil, it's hard not to be criticized. Moreover, Exxon, like other oil companies, may face additional operational constraints regarding fossil fuels, moving forward -- particularly if the Democratic party wins the White House in 2008. Further, it's not entirely clear that the company will remain a leading provider of energy when that energy becomes primarily renewable and alternative.

Continue reading ExxonMobil (XOM): Own a giant

ExxonMobil (XOM): Own a giant originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyclimate changeemerging marketsenvironmentExxonMobilnatural gasoiloil sectoroil stocksrefinery stocksrenewable energyXOMTue, 11 Dec 2007 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bush, Congress still seen backing revised energy bill]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/04/bush-congress-still-seen-backing-revised-energy-bill/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/04/bush-congress-still-seen-backing-revised-energy-bill/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/04/bush-congress-still-seen-backing-revised-energy-bill/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The odds of a 2007 Energy Bill passing the Democratic Party-led U.S. Congress, with President Bush's blessing, "Are still likely," according to a Washington-based, public policy lobbyist with knowledge of the matter.

"The bill will need a few revisions, but I'd say it's a 70/30 go, in favor of the bill being signed by the president," the lobbyist told Bloggingstocks Tuesday, on condition he not be identified by name.

The lobbyist, who represents primarily Democratic Party-based constituencies, said the the bill's renewable energy component and potential tax increases remain the hangups in the bill.

Modification likely

"More than likely President Bush will get the renewable energy component modified, but the Democrats may gain extra footing with better solar/wind energy credits," he said.

The bill current would require utilities to generate more power from renewable energy. Lawmakers from the Southeast U.S. have said they're concerned that utilities in their states will not be able to meet the requirement, due to a lack of wind power, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Continue reading Bush, Congress still seen backing revised energy bill

Bush, Congress still seen backing revised energy bill originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 presidential electionbiofuelsBushCAFEcarsChryslerCongressDemocratselectricityenergy billenvironmentFFordgas taxGeneral MotorsGMinthenewslight trucksmpgnatural gasPresident Bushpresidential electionrenewable energyRepublicanssolar energySUVsU.S. Congressutilitiesvoterswind powerTue, 04 Dec 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Google to develop renewable energy]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/27/google-goog-to-develop-renewable-energy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/27/google-goog-to-develop-renewable-energy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/27/google-goog-to-develop-renewable-energy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In another sign that Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) wants to be in businesses well beyond its key search operations, the company has announced another initiative. It is not a phone, or even bidding on wireless spectrum

Google is going into the renewable energy business. The company announced "a new strategic initiative to develop electricity from renewable energy sources that will be cheaper than electricity produced from coal."

Weird? Or, cool? According to Google, in 2008 Google expects to spend tens of millions on research and development and related investments in renewable energy. As part of its capital planning process, the company also anticipates investing hundreds of millions of dollars in breakthrough renewable energy projects that generate positive returns.

Google does use a lot of electricity to run its server farms, but enough to justify the huge investment in technology that may not work? It's probably a bad idea.

Part of the concern about the current Google share price is that, as the company evolves beyond its core skills, returns to shareholders could drop. Renewable energy falls into that category.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

Google to develop renewable energy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GOOGGoogleinthenewsrenewable energyRenewableEnergyTue, 27 Nov 2007 11:53:00 EST