The Cleantech Show #35 (MP3 – 13MB – 36min)
Interview with Nick Rowley, Director of Kinesis and Former advisor to PM Tony Blair

For two week in december last year more than 10,000 participants were brought together by the UNFCCC for the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, including representatives of over 180 countries together with observers from intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations and the media. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Bali roadmap, which charts the course for a new negotiating process to be concluded by 2009 that will ultimately lead to a post-2012 international agreement on climate change.

On this weeks show we are very lucky to have Nick Rowley Director of Kinesis and former Senior Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Tony Blair, to provide insight into the process, politics and objectives of creating a global climate treaty. Nick was closely involved in the Bali Conferene , and has been involved significantly in the policy field.

On the show we discuss an insiders perspective on bali. The interests, the positions. Expectations and Outcomes. What can we expect over next two years and how to achieving business and political engagement. Then what does this all mean for cleantech industries and companies.

Nick’s business Kinesis is an Australian based consultancy working with business and government on sustainability and climate change. Whist working for Prime Minister Blair he was part of a small team who advised the PM on climate change prior to the G8 Summit at Gleneagles in July 2005 working closely with the likes of Sir Nicholas Stern and the Prime Ministers Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir David King

If you are interested in the global treaty, as nick says on the show there is no shortage of reports and key figures out there to listen to but you can find out more at the UNFCCC website and theres some good summaries on wikipedia

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #34 (MP3 – 13MB – 35min)
Interview with Martin Lowson, Deputy Chairman, ULTra/Advanced Transportation Systems Ltd

Personal Rapid Transport(or Transit) PRT was conceived a numerous decades ago as a way of transporting people in cities quickly and effectively without the need of drivers or a large footprint.

The concept essential involves computer controlled driverless vehicles that move on a single lane track, removing the need for complex intersections, that then travel at steady speed by merging and demerging as required to reach their destination. If your still not sure what I mean, check out the following video

To discuss PRTs and one of the first PRT systems to be installed, my guest today is Martin Lowson, Deputy Chairman of UK based Advanced Transportation Systems Ltd and founder of the ULTra system, .

The ULTra system has been in development for the last 12 years and unlike other PRTs ATS Ltd have focused on integrating many existing technologies to reduce the complexity that has plagued previous PRT systems. You can read more about this history on wikipedia.

On the show we discuss the new installation of the ULTra system at Heathrow Airport, how the technology works and the best niches for its implementation. By having vehicles which are much lighter, travel at a steady yet constant speed ULTra is very energy efficient. The small footprint of the tracks required in the system also that it can fit in existing airports and cities where traditional systems are not feasible.

PRTs have been a significant interest of mine over the last 15 years so its great to see one finding a level of commercial acceptance. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I did.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #33 (MP3 – 14MB – 38min)
Interview with Jim Clishem, CEO, Active Power

More and more energy efficiency is gaining focus as a means of reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption and cost. In data centres for instance the power demands in an individual server rack have gone from approximately 1kw to 7kw in the last 10 years. This has a two fold effect. Namely increased electricity directly used by computer hardware, and that used by cooling systems to keep the resulting increased heat dissipation in check.

The other driver for better energy efficiency and energy management is to help cope with availability, reliability and quality of power provision. For instance in China or even parts of the US there are increasing instances of brown and blackouts. Solutions purely aimed at the supply end of the market are only half of the only answer.

The UPS (uniterrupted power supply) forms part of this mix, particularly in locations like Data Centres or high quality manufacturing and fabrication facilities.

On this weeks episode of The Cleantech Show we are going to explore the energy management and UPS industry with Jim Clishem, CEO of Active Power (NASDAQ: ACPW) and in particular their Flywheel based UPS and the company’s CoolAir system, which provides both backup power and cooling. Both of these technologies provide a more energy efficient solution than traditional battery based UPS systems.

Active Power’s CleanSource Flywheel energy storage systems is able to achieve storage and release efficiencies of around 98% when compared with battery based systems operating in the 88% range. Losses of Two percent versus 12 percent equates to average savings of 84% protecting the same critical loads.

One of the interesting things that I learn’t during the interview is that now uninterrupted cooling systems are becoming more and more important in Data Centers. The reason being is that although most UPS systems backup the power provision to server farms, they don’t provide it to the air conditioning systems. Only a few minutes in these conditions and hardware can begin to fry.

Active Power also have their CoolAir DC system for this purpose. Essentially it stores energy in the form of compressed air and heat. During a utility outage, the compressed air is routed through a Thermal Storage Unit (TSU) to acquire heat energy. The heated air spins a simple turbine/alternator to produce electric power.

Enjoy the show.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #32 (MP3 – 12MB – 34min)
Interview with Monique Conheady, CEO and Founder, Flexicar

Many of you in major cities are most likely aware of care sharing programs, albeit under potentially different names. Some of you probably fit the demographic just by listening to this show, and may well be participants. Car sharing has been a system that has been around in varying forms for decades. With the advent of modern wireless and internet technology it is becoming far simpler and cost effective, and showing signs of expanding from its cottage industry status. Evidenced by the recent merger of Zipcar and Flexcar in North America.

On this weeks show, I wanted to explore these developments and the car sharing phenomenon more broadly with a one of the car sharing companies in Australia, Flexicar. Our guest on today’s show is Monique Conheady, co-founder and CEO of Flexicar. In our interview, we discuss the growth challenges, as well as where the tipping points to the car sharing industry lie.

If your part of a car sharing scheme you will certainly find this show of interest, and if your not, well tune in, as the next 10 years may invite a new era for intergrated car sharing and intermodal public transportation.

Flexicar was founded as “Flo Carshare” in 2004. They started the car sharing business with the belief that Australia’s inner city residents needed a sustainable, affordable alternative to car ownership. They provide local residents and businesses with driving freedom and flexibility. The Flexicar car sharing service is now available around corner, around the clock.

Prior to establishing Flexicar Monique was an Assistant Director with the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Ageing. She has worked as a project manager globally for Ove Arup & Partners in Melbourne, London, New York and Cairo, and was involved in the development of an ebusiness venture for UK retailer, Sainsbury’s.

Enjoy the show.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #31 (MP3 – 8MB – 22min)
Interview with Dr. Michael Ottaviano, MD, Carnegie Corporation & CETO

Wave Power seems to be reaching a level of acceptance in the market such that I think its time in the sun i think is rapidly approaching. This is the case Particularly here in Australia where companies developing ocean power technologies are looking to couple power generation with desalination and colocating facilities close to capital cities.

My guest on today’s Cleantech Show is Dr Michael Ottaviano, MD of Carnegie Corporation a company that has been developing the CETO ocean power technology. One of the really interesting aspects of their technology is that it provides high pressure sea water, rather than electricity back to the shoreline. In their view this makes it the most efficient and cost effective way to desalinate freshwater from wave energy, and allow the production of electricity through traditional hydro electric turbine technology.

On the show we discuss in depth how the CETO technology operates, and the benefits it has in comparison to other forms of renewable energy. Michael explains the massive energy availability that is available in the 2m wave environment where the CETO technology operates efficiently. This is another great technology to watch, as the company aims to have a commercial product ready in the next 18 months. Make sure you listen in.

There are also some great animations on the CETO website that explain visually how the technology operates.

Listed on the Australian Stock Exchange since 1993, Carnegie (ASX:CNM) is a dynamic company focused on clean energy investment and development. Carnegie is currently involved in developing two clean energy technologies: the CETO Wave Energy technology & its 100% owned clean coal technology, Cleaner Coal Power.

Prior to joining Carnegie, Michael was a Senior Manager specializing in Technology and Innovation consulting at a global accounting and advisory firm. He has advised companies on new product development, intellectual property, innovation portfolio management and technology commercialization across various industries and ranging from start-ups to ASX-listed companies with market capitalizations in excess of $1billion.

Enjoy the show.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #30 (MP3 – 12MB – 34min)
Interview with Dr. Peter Binks, CEO, NanoVic

The cleantech sector contains solutions incorporating elements of novel integration, novel technologies and novel business models

In the novel technology area, nanotechnology solutions are becoming significant contributors to solving energy, water, waste and climate problems. On todays show we explore nanotechnology and cleantech, with Dr Peter Binks CEO Nanotechnology Victoria Ltd an expert in the field to understand where nano cleantech science is progressing.

On the show we explore the historical evolution of the nanotech research space, and how it has progressed from the realm based around silicon fabrication to a world of biomimicry and natural systems replication. We discuss the foundation of Nanotechnology, that being in a realm where the benefits of both classical and quantum physics can be exploited. We explore the role of nanotech in the energy and water industries, and more broadly how it can act as a foundation technology in other cleantech sectors.

If you want to understand how nanotechnology connects with the cleantech space, and where the future is going, make sure you tune in.

Nanovic also has a pretty expansive website you can browse as well, so make sure you check it out.

Dr Peter Binks has been Chief Executive Officer of Nanotechnology Victoria Limited since May 2003. From the original concept, he has steered the implementation of an ambitious business plan and built a highly capable organization delivering valuable nanotechnology solutions to Victorian industries.

Peter was the 1983 Rhodes Scholar for Tasmania, and has a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Oxford University. Prior to joining Nanotechnology Victoria, Peter worked as a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, with BHP as a strategic planner and as General Manager at BHP’s Research Laboratory in Melbourne, and with Telstra Mobile as General Manager Strategy and Business Development.

Enjoy the show.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #029 (MP3 – 13MB – 35min)
Interview with Jan Dekker, Cleantech Ventures – Venture Capital Firm

Following on from our recent shows on Technology Transfer and Research Commercialisation, on this weeks show we look at the process of Venture Capital investment into Cleantech. My guest this week is Jan Dekker, Investment Principle of Cleantech Ventures.

Cleantech Ventures is a specialist venture capital fund manager focused on investments in companies developing clean technologies. As mentioned in previous blogs and shows they have recently released a report on the Australian Cleantech Investment Industry.

On the show we talk broadly about private equity investment into cleantech. Jan and his team have been investing in this space for the last 4 years and have assessed over 500 deals during this time. We discuss whether the drivers for cleantech have changed over this period, and what shifts we are seeing in the behaviour of industry with investment and exit approaches.

If your seeking capital investment in the cleantech sector, this weeks episode reinforces the approaches to capital raising that seasoned entrepreneurs know to well. If your struggling to raise capital or want to learn more about the process, please tune in.

Jan is a career cleantech investment professional. He has been employed in a variety of senior executive roles within the cleantech arena for almost 20 years. Prior to founding Cleantech Ventures, Jan was the Managing Director of the Centre for Energy and Greenhouse Technologies, an early stage venture fund manager targeting new sustainable energy technology investments.

Previously he was an Associate Director at the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) in NSW where he was responsible for managing its renewable energy business units (solar, wind, co-generation, waste coal mine gas, green power and bio-energy), and the company’s Renewables Investment Fund – a project investment vehicle. Jan has also held positions with Sydney Water, the NSW EPA and as an environmental consultant.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #028 (MP3 – 12MB – 32min)
Interview with Dr Shane Huntington, CEO Quantum Communications Victoria & School of Physics, University of Melbourne

In a recent report by Australian Venture Capital firm Cleantech Ventures and the Cleantech Network LLC, the findings highlighted that one of the key successes in countries with active cleantech industries is the ability to transfer research from universities effectively into industry. More on that report next week as we interview Jan Dekker from cleantech Ventures

On this weeks show we explore the issue of Technology Transfer in detail with Dr Shane Huntington, Quantum Communications Victoria (QCV), who has been both a researcher, a business owner and someone who has run university commercialisation programs.

Its a common perception is that the process of technolgoy transfer is a difficult one and we explore the reality as scene from the eyes of industy, researchers and investors in detail.

Dr Huntington and I discuss what works….and what tends not to work. Key issues he highlights is the need for appropriate levels of communication between all parties, and how there is a need for mediators in the interaction. We also explore why do some universities, countries do better than others at this. In particular we discuss the approach being taking in the QCV program.

As well as being part of the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne, For the past 12 years, Dr Huntington has been a broadcaster on 3RRR’s science radio program. In this capacity he has interviewed more than 500 scientists and provided detailed descriptions of hundreds of scientific concepts to a general audience. So he is well versed in the psyche of the scientist.

If your an investor, a scientist, government policy maker or an industry player involved with a new technology that is being developed within a university you should tune into this show.

I believe this issue is one we need to keep looking at how to improve to get better value out of our university brainpower. Hope it spurs some ideas out there.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #026 (MP3 – 10MB – 27min)
Interview with Dr Anita Hill, CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering

A few weeks ago I blogged briefly on a new membrane technology that mimics pores found in plants allowing more cost and energy effective separation of a range of gas, liquid and ion mixtures.

On this weeks show we have Dr Anita Hill, CSIRO, one of the lead researchers of the technology, which was developed through the Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, in partnership with Hanyang University in Korea and the University of Texas.

CSIRO’s Materials Science and Engineering comprises a multidisciplinary team and Dr Hill and I discuss how important this was in the breakthrough with this most recent membrane technology.

One of the key benefits of the technology is that unlike other membranes that have high separation efficiencies this membrane is made from a highly robust plastic. Meaning that not only can it separate efficiently because of its unique pore structure, but also last longer between replacements, reducing the cost of operation and maintenance.

Through collaborative research the team now has a very good understanding of how to expand the applications of the membrane by custom designing pore size and distribution. Applications include desalination, gas separation (including CO2 separation) and fuel cell membranes. In my view this research is set to become a key platform technology.

Make sure you listen in, and enjoy the show.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #026 (MP3 – 15MB – 42min)
Interview with Clint Wilder, Co-Author, The Cleantech Revolution

“When industry giants such as GE, Toyota, and Sharp and investment firms such as Goldman Sachs are making multi-billion dollar investments in clean technology, the message is clear. Developing clean technologies is no longer a social issue championed by environmentalists; it’s a money-making enterprise moving solidly into the business mainstream.” The Cleantech Revolution.

On this weeks show we have the co-author of The Cleantech Revolution, Clint Wilder come on the show to discuss his new book. In The Clean Tech Revolution, authors Ron Pernick and Clint Wilder identify the major forces that have pushed clean tech from back-to-the-earth utopian dream to its current revolution among the inner circles of corporate boardrooms, on Wall Street trading floors, and in government offices around the globe.

On this show we explore how deep and transformative the cleantech revolution goes, the winners and losers, how to make sense of all that is happening, what history teaches us, and Clints predictions for the next 20 years.

Clint’s advice on who should read the book includes anyone interested in the the sector, MBA’s or students looking at getting involved and of course investors and company executives wanting to understand the sector more. To wet your whistle you can also download the introduction and first chapter of the book

Clint Wilder is a veteran award-winning business and technology journalist and co-author of The Clean Tech Revolution. As contributing editor at Clean Edge, he often writes the monthly CE Views column on the cleanedge.com web site, co-authors the firm’s annual Clean Energy Trends Report, and has helped research and write reports for Clean Edge clients in industry, finance, government, and the NGO sector.

Enjoy the Show.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #024 (MP3 – 15MB – 42min)
Interview with Dave Holland, MD of Solar Systems

There have been a lot of developments in the solar energy sector recently and we have had a number of companies on the show present their unique approach to capturing the sun’s energy. Solar concentration is a core component of many solar systems installed or being developed today.

Many different approaches to focusing sunlight have been used in these systems from mirrors, traditional lenses, fresnel lenses, and even holograms, in both small and large scale generation solutions. By concentrating sunlight these systems enable smaller amounts of PV to be used, or greater temperatures able to be reached for thermal applications.

My guest this week is Dave Holland, Managing Director of Solar Systems, a world leader in electricity production from solar concentrator methods. Solar systems has received significant funding both privately and from the Australian federal governments Low Emissions Technology Development Fund. As well as a number of ~40MW projects around Australia, Solar Systems has announced a 154MW heliostat solar concentrator power station in northern Victoria. The A$420 million project will generate 270,000 MWh per year, enough for more than 45,000 homes.

On the show we discuss the technology approach Solar Systems has taken to both achieve viable energy generation, but also how to demonstrate broader and larger installations effectively to prospective investors.

One of the critical aspects of Solar Systems technology is that once the collector systems are established, as higher efficiency photovoltaic devices are developed they can be retrofited quickly into existing systems. Something which the solar systems team has done on projects already. They are also developing a component that allows a high efficiency generation of hydrogen through both electrolytic and thermal processes for base load and stored power.

Dave Holland joined Solar Systems in October 2000. He has been responsible for establishing the go-to-market strategy, establishing the contracts in the Northern Territory and driving the commercialisation of Solar Systems’ activities. Dave is Deputy Chairman of Renewable Energy Generators Australia Ltd, an organisation that represents the interests of more than 90% of Australia’s renewable generating assets.

With significant interest from overseas companies and investors Solar Systems is one company to watch
cheers

Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #024 (MP3 – 24MB – 68min)
Interview with Rod Adams, Adams Atomic Engines Inc

On this weeks show my guest is Rod Adams from The Atomic Show, and founder of Adams Atomic Engines Inc, a nuclear energy company. Nuclear you say? Is that cleantech?

This weeks show is all about having an open discussion about nuclear energy and see if we can understand the reasoning put forward by an entrepreneur in this space. Now personally, I have an issue with how prevalent and available we are willing to make nuclear technology,  but this weeks show is all about context.

Its about understanding better how we make choices as to what technologies we should use to make the world a better place. Its also about understanding how the energy industry works, the dynamics that drive it, and using that knowledge to work more quickly to reduce our dependence on the CO2 producing coal and oil industries.   Make sure you listen in!

Nuclear power is one of the suggested climate stabilisation wedges to reduce carbon emissions and atmospheric carbon concentrations to an acceptable level. There are a further 10+ suggested wedges which include aggressive energy efficiency programs, reducing deforestation/land clearing, deploying renewable energy supplies, implementing CCS on coal power stations and reducing transportation emissions.

Nuclear energy in many countries is seen as an ethical no go zone whilst in others its been part of their energy mix for 40 years. The reason for having Rod on this weeks show is to have an open dialog about nuclear power, how Rod sees it as a means of fighting climate change, and for you as a listener to make up your own mind.

Rod has had a lot of experience with nuclear power and advocates both large and small scale systems for stationary and naval power. Rod graduated with distinction from the US Naval Academy in 1981 with a BS in English. Despite his liberal arts degree, Admiral Rickover accepted him into nuclear power training. He served a junior officer on board USS Stonewall Jackson and as Engineer Officer on board USS Von Steuben. He also earned an MS in Systems Technology (Command, Control and Communications) from the Naval Postgraduate School.

His energy interest areas have included large storage batteries, hydrogen generators, diesel engines, gas turbines, wind propulsion, solar thermal and nuclear fission. He left active duty, joined the Naval Reserves and founded Adams Atomic Engines, Inc. in 1993 to design and market nuclear powered gas turbines.

Hope you enjoy the show, and I look forward to some commentary on this thought provoking episode.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #023 (MP3 – 14MB – 36min)
Interview with Attilio Demicheli, Katrix

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) as we have discussed previously on the show with companies like Grid-X Power has a significant role to play in reducing the emissions profile of the built environment and industry. Predominantly this is a result of bringing waste heat from the typically remote electricity generation process to provide space and water heating or heat for industrial processes at the point of demand.

Many of these applications for CHP have typically been focused at the 1 – 2 MW and upwards development range or at small scales when differential pricing of fuel and electricty prices allow utilising natural gas combustion.

Enter micro-CHP and my guest today on the show Attilio Demicheli, CEO of Katrix, a company with a solution to this CHP barrier. On the show we discuss how micro-CHP promises to be a key enabler for mass market uptake of distributed

(non-centralised), renewable energy solutions in the sub 50 kW power range, otherwise known as micro-generation.

Katrix MicroGen’s core technology is its fluid expanders, which are devices that generate direct rotational power from the expansion of appropriate gases or liqu

ids, in an organic rankine cycle (see graphic below – turbine replaced by Katrix expander). This technology can be utilised in any situation where there is significant low level heat such as biomass combustion or as Katrix believe in solar thermal applications.

Katrix are currently in a capital raising cycle and seeking development partners for the pilot production phase of the technology.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #022 (MP3 – 14MB – 38min)
Interview with Daniel Almagor, Engineers Without Borders

On this weeks show we explore the question of “What is appropriate technology?” with CEO and founder of Engineers without Borders Australia, Daniel Almagor. There is a lot of discussion about how technology transfer will improve the lives of people living in the developing world. Daniel and his team have been working at the coal face with villages in south east asia and has discovered important lessons about how to approach the technology transfer issue.

If you have ever had an interest in applying your skills to problems in the developing world or would like to understand how technology transfer works in reality, tune into this episode. Also, Engineers without Borders is having a 3day conference from the 29th November to 1st December 2007 in Melbourne, Australia. The theme – “Laying the Foundations”. You can view the program at their conference website. Make sure you check it out.

Daniel Almagor is the founder and President of Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) and the Managing Director of Medivax. After finishing high school Daniel took a year off to travel, and through his travels became increasingly interested in working with people in developing countries. After obtaining his Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Business Administration from RMIT, Daniel was frustrated by the limited opportunities for young engineers to get involved in development projects in third world countries because of their lack of experience.

This drove him to establish Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB). More broadly Daniel saw Engineers Without Borders as responding to the engineering community’s demand for ways of using their engineering skills for a good cause.

Since this time Daniel has steered the organisation of over 3000 members through the successful deployment of volunteers to countries in the Asia Pacific region on projects as diverse as biomechanical training, appropriate energy solutions, and water and sanitation.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #021 (MP3 – 12MB – 33min)
Interview with Craig Roussac, Investa Property Group.

Over the last 3 years Deacon University’s Built Environment Research Group conducted a 3 year survey and found that the built environment demands 40-50% of global energy, consumes 40% of non-renewable resources, generates 40% of landfill waste and uses 30% of fresh water reserves.

These unsustainable environmental impacts are driving the reassessment of the functional, economic, and societal mandates of the property fund and construction industries.  The good news is that 33% of energy related CO2 emissions are generated by energy use, 29% of that can be cut by existing tech by 2020. (newscientist)

My guest today is Craig Roussac, General Manager – Sustainability, Safety & Environment of Investa Property Group.  Investa is a fully integrated property group and the largest listed owner of commercial property in Australia.

On the show Craig and I discuss the success that Investa has had over the last 5 years in transforming their property portfolio utilising sustainable practices, education, green building redesign and novel green building leases.

Investa is now recognised as a world leader in sustainability. Up until early this month when it became a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Real Estate, Investa was the leading Real Estate company on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI) and it also led the DJSI’s Financial Services Super-sector.

Investa was ranked 38th on the Global 100 list of the most sustainable corporations on Earth announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year, and has received numerous other awards and accolades.

We have lots to learn from the experience of Craig and his team at Investa. Enjoy the show and please post your comments.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #020 (MP3 – 13MB – 37min)
Interview with Adrian Crouch, Procept

Sensor developments, embedded systems, wireless communications and internet connectivity in recent years have fostered the growth of a gamut of remote and distributed sensor and control technology. In the cleantech sector we see applications of this in water management, smart energy grids, pollution sensors and micro-energy harvesters to name a few.

My guest today is Adrian Crouch, Director of Procept, a leading electronics design company specialising in product commercialisation. On the show we discuss the embedded and wireless technologies and cleantech industry developments including energy management and sensor applications.

Adrian talks about how in many cases what we are seeing in the electronics industry is traditional technologies being enabled by long distance, high bandwidth wireless or mesh networks and embedded systems to function as part of much broader solutions. One key issue continues to be power management which brings its own challenges in the design of these solutions.

Procept offers its clients an integrated approach to the development and manufacture of products for the industrial, consumer, scientific, environmental and medical markets.

Adrian has a wealth of experience in technology development working with businesses to translate their functional and business requirements into lines of code, microprocessors, circuits and solder, antennas, and managing the industrial design, production scaling and manufacturing relationships.

Adrian is happy to field your questions in the comments, or if you have a product you need advice on then contact him or his colleagues via their website. Enjoy the show.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #019 (MP3 – 14MB – 38min)
Interview with Mark Sinclair, Windlab Systems

According to Global Wind Energy Council figures 2006 recorded an increase of installed capacity of 15,197 MW, taking the total installed wind energy capacity to 74,223 MW.

Key to the continued development of wind resources around the world is the accurate assessment, modelling and design of wind energy installations. My guest on todays show is Mark Sinclair, CEO of Windlab Systems. In the science of wind energy resource assessment, Windlab Systems is an international leader specialising in the development and application of wind-assessment technologies.

Over the last two years 2005/06 growth rates for the industry have averaged 36%, despite constraints facing supply chains for wind turbines. In terms of economic value, the wind energy sector has become one of the important players in the energy markets, with the total value of new generating equipment installed in 2006 reaching €18 billion, or US$23 billion (wiki)

On the show we discuss these recent wind energy industry developments and explore the process of how wind resources can be identified and developed successfully. With real estate being of primary importance, and a growing consolidation and maturity in the industy, tools that can get a company to a high quality location and demonstrate effective turbine mapping are critical.

Off the back of a recent capital raising, Windlab Systems is now seeking to extend its international partnerships in the wind energy sector.

Mark Sinclair is an experienced senior level manager in the energy sector. Mark has held roles in Shell and recently with Stanwell Corporation as manager of their Wind Development Group. In that capacity he oversaw the development of a number of wind farms in Australia.

Enjoy the show.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #017 (MP3 – 14MB – 37min)
Interview with Phil Kithill, Atmocean Inc.

In February 2007, Richard Branson and Al Gore announced a new global science and technology prize - The Virgin Earth challenge  – whereby an individual or group can demonstrate a solution that can remove at least 1 billion tons of atmospheric carbon dioxide per year for at least ten years. The objective is to act as a saftey and long term mechanism to help reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The prize? $25 million, but the solution has to be commercially viable and registrations are open until 2010 (wiki)

One company which many have high hopes for being eligible for this prize and a candidate for large scale CO2 sequestration is Atmocean based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Our guest on this weeks show is Phil Kithil the founder and CEO of Atmocean Inc and inventor of the company’s wave-driven ocean upwelling system.

Previously Phil founded and led Advanced Safety Concepts, Inc., an automotive safety technology business where he was awarded 12 US and international patents on occupant sensing and crash sensing, which he sold to Methode Electronics (a Chicago-based automotive supplier) in 2004.

Atmocean is developing its proprietary wave-driven ocean upwelling system to cool the upper ocean and enhance natural biological processes to absorb CO2. When widely deployed across critical ocean regions, the Atmocean technology can help fight global warming by sequestering massive amounts of CO2 on the ocean floor, reduce hurricane intensity, and help revive ocean fisheries.

If you would like to understand how the technology works, the Atmocean website has some good animations and video clips explaining the technology

Currently the company is a significant research phase testing and refining the technology. When deployed estimates are that a 100,000 sq km array of 25,000 pumps would be able to sequester 2.5 million tonnes of CO2.  Phil and his team are also raising capital for further development of the technology.

So in the comments this week, do you think this technology can achieve what is says? Are there other technologies that are better placed to sequester carbon dioxide. Lets hear your thoughts.

Enjoy the show.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #017 (MP3 – 15MB – 41min)

India is quickly becoming one of the worlds largest markets for clean technology. With rapid economic growth, coupled with issues of poverty, energy supply, food and water provision and pollution its appetite is steadily growing for technologies, and companies who can work with India companies and government bodies in this sector. Not to mention the growing expertise of Indian companies like Reva Electric Car Co or institutions like TERI in developing cleantech solutions for the world.

Clean Technology AustralAsia recently held the 1st India Cleantech Forum in Delhi. On this weeks show, event organiser and MD of Clean Technology AustralAsia, Peter Castellas, having just returned from India, speaks about the event and more broadly about the Indian cleantech industry and market. We discuss many of the key techniques for companies seeking to establish projects in India successfully, and talk candidly about issues of bureaucracy, style of business, and barriers.

Peter is the joint founder and Managing Director of Clean Technology AustralAsia, a business established to accelerate the investment in and deployment of clean technologies in the Asia Pacific region.

As well as having run successful Cleantech Finance & Investment Initiatives in Australia and China and conceived and developed the 1st India Cleantech Forum, Peter is currently leading a major international project for the Asia Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate. This project focuses on developing a strategic action plan to increase the investment in and deployment of renewable energy in India.

As part of this initiative Clean Technology AustralAsia, in conjunction with the The Energy and Resources Institute India, are undertaking an Asia Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate (APP) project to identify ways Australian companies can participate in the dynamic renewable energy market in India.

To participate in this survey and for details on the project go to www.cleantechnology.com.au/app and receive 50% off the registration price on Clean Technology AustralAsia’s next Australian Cleantech Forum.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #016 (MP3 – 13MB – 36min)

T-Mag Pty Ltd is a new integrated casting technology for magnesium that significantly extends the capability and reduces the cost of permanent mould casting for a wide range of high-performance components.

On this weeks show Sam Tartaglia from T-Mag is our guest, and he explains the significant benefits and how the technology of T-Mag works. With cast car parts the T-Mag technology has the abilty to lower the weight of cast aluminium components by around 30%. And with magnesium use expected to grow steadily by 20% each year, this technology is expected to perform well.

Sam has over 28 years experience in manufacturing, R&D and management. Sam has extensive experience in light metals having previously worked with the CSIRO, Nissan in Australia and Teksid Aluminium for many years the world’s largest aluminium and magnesium casting company.

T-Mag produces castings suitable for high-strength, high-integrity applications; the tooling and running costs involved are low, comparable to permanent mould casting processes for aluminium. The T-Mag website show how their process compares with existing approaches.

T-Mag Pty Ltd is a joint venture between CSIRO and three Australian companies — Alloy Technologies International , FLOTEK, and SAGE Automation — to commercialise its innovative magnesium casting technology.

T-Mag has been developed through the Light Metals Flagship of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world. T-Mag Pty Ltd is undertaking a new R&D project proudly funded by the Australian Government with a grant under AusIndustry’s Commercial Ready program

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Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #015 (MP3 – 14MB – 37min)

On this weeks show our topic is combined heat and power (CHP). One of the leading companies in Australia developing CHP solutions is GridX Power. Craig is a co-founder of the business, chief operating officer and is responsible for new business development in Australia and internationally. He has an in-depth understanding of technologies in the sustainable energy sector and in structuring a robust business within the cleantech sector.

One of the key features of GridX is that they have developed a unique business model in the Australian environment that is paving the way for residential, commercial and industrial property developers to meet their energy requirements. Particularly within power constrained areas whilst meeting the environmental requirements for their developments.

micro CHP has been around for a long time Europe and North America in the residential market with the use of boiler technologies, but now we are seeing increasing interest in both the residential development sector and also commercial property sectors for power, heating and cooling.

Early in his career, Craig worked in the micro Combined Heat & Power marketplace providing energy solutions for utilities and developers in Australia and the UK. Through GridX, he has pioneered the introduction of mass market distributed generation within Australia.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #014 (MP3 – 11MB – 30min)

The Active Reactor is an electronic device that saves electricity and energy when used with HID (high intensity discharge) lamps. On this weeks show founder and Managing Director of The Active Reactor Richard Dluzniak and I explore the massive potential for this technology to reduce the energy requirements and lifetime of street lighting.

By continuously adjusting the power to a lamp to produce only the design level of lighting considerable energy savings can be achieved. The savings for HPS lamps is typ 20-25% and for MH lamps the saving is typ 15-20%. The Active Reactor also increases the lamp life by over 50%.

The Active Reactor is applicable to all forms of streetlighting, carpark lighting, sports lighting, factory and industrial lighting where high pressure sodium(HPS) or metal halide (MH) lamps are used.

This is a great technology that after multiple years of trial and testing is now ready to have a big impact on our street-scape energy use.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #013 (MP3 – 16MB – 45min)

Earlier this month I blogged about the announcement of the new FEX-SIM Sustainability and Cleantech Stock Market. The Financial & Energy Exchange (FEX) is set to open a new trading board on the Newcastle-based National Stock Exchange (NSX), with high profile green campaigner and former US Vice President Al Gore to give an address at the opening.

On this weeks show, Brian Price CEO of the FEX-SIM and I discuss the foundation and motivations behind starting the exchange, the opportunities for investors and advice and process for cleantech companies looking to list. We explore Brian’s expectations for the success of the FEX-SIM, and he provides some clear advice on how to create a successful market and the strength and commitment to the initiative they are undertaking.

Brian has over 22 years of experience in complex derivative transactions, option market making, highly specialised tactical portfolio overlay construction through use of synthetic and derivative products. Has featured in the book ‘Master of the Markets’ in 2003 and 2005 as one of Australia’s top 10 investors and has been a member of the strategic advisory board of HFA Ltd since its inception in 1998.

An Australian based specialized market risk asset manager and derivatives consultant, he has traded over 5 million futures and options contracts as principal and millions more for clients. Brian has extremely strong and broad relationships with well over 50 high level key derivative market participants ( fund managers , market makers, traders and investors ) as well as an excellent working knowledge of the Australian derivatives market space.

The FEX Sustainability and Cleantech Investment Market (FEX-SIM) will open on 14 September, and we wish you all the best success Brian and team.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #012 (MP3 – 23MB – 64min)

My guest this week is Michael Curran, a Founder and Director of Mycrolab, an Australian company developing a “Lab on a Chip” platform technology. The technology can shrink many laboratory based medical assays and diagnostic tests down to the size of a credit card and reader, by utilising microfluidic techniques.

Mycrolab’s technology is set to change the way in which diseases both in the 3rd and 1st world are treated. The developing world already has significant issues with water quality, pathogens and diseases, for which effective detection can result in better managment and isolation of potential outbreaks. As a result of climate change problems many of these issues are set to increase, with changes in disease vector migration, the potential for enviornmental refugees and the resulting health issues, and managing livestock and agricultural diseases to maintain food production.

On the show Michael and I discuss the technology itself and then go on to discuss the wider issues the world is faced with in the coming century. Currently much of the cleantech community is still operating with a view that economic benefit is equally as important as the social and environmental benefit of its labors. Michael highlights that we keep having to bring our focus back from purely a monetary outcome. That we need to identify whats wrong with the world and focus on fixing those things first.

Please make the time to listen to this show in full and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #011 (MP3 – 16MB – 44min)

What if you could develop an additive that could be integrated into products in over 25 markets, including paints, power cable coatings, refrigeration consumer food packaging and even clothing that could reduce the temperature of objects and spaces by 15-20%.

Well this is what the Australian company, TAG Technology is able to achieve with its Thermally Active Granule technology. On this weeks show I speak with CEO of Tag Technology, David Forder about the huge implications of their product and the success they have had to date in a broad range of applications.

Paint is an obvious application of this technology, and the company is far down the pathway of developing products in this area. But how bout this, when applied to a coating that can be applied to high tension power cables they can result in a temperature reduction in the power line by 25%. For those that understand electrical resistance this has a huge effect on reducing the resistance and hence loses associate with power transmission. Current results indicate an expected 10% transmission efficiency improvement. Amazing!

In 2000, David took a major shareholding in ‘TAG’ , a unique nano scale technology which allows the production of thermally active coatings, films and textiles. David (now Chief Executive Officer at TAG) has been actively commercialising this technology since 2000. Products incorporating the technology are expected to begin entering the market in September this year.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #010 (MP3 – 13MB – 34min)

In a recent announcement, the International Energy Agency (IEA), issued a new report yesterday predicting a supply pinch in the next 3 to 5 years. Tom Konrad, Editor from Alt Energy Stocks comments on the resulting impact this has had on renewable energy stocks in one of his recent blog postings, and it’s my pleasure to have Tom on the show this week.

AltEnergyStocks.com is one of the Internet’s premier websites for investing in the sectors of alternative energy, renewable energy and clean technology.

In this weeks show Tom and I discuss the blossoming Alternative Energy Investment market and explore in detail Tom’s candid advice on developing a portfolio of alternative energy investments. Dependent on whether your a conservative or more aggressive investor there are opportunities in the market and Tom provides some valuable insight into the market drivers and the more interesting areas of investment.

Tom is an independent investment advisor and financial analyst specializing in renewable energy and energy efficiency companies. He has a Ph.D. in mathematics from Purdue University, and is a level II candidate for the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He serves as Treasurer for both the Colorado Renewable Energy Society and Ratepayers United Colorado.

Look forward to you listening in.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #009 (MP3 – 13MB – 37min)

To date much of the focus in investment and new cleantech ventures has focused on the energy and biofuels industry sectors, with a slowly but surely growing diversification into waste management, water management, green buildings and other industry areas. The environmental services sector has become quite established in many countries as organisations have moved to provide offerings from backgrounds as diverse as accounting, quality, compliance and technical infrastructure.

My guest this week is Doug Smith founder and CEO of Village Green. Village Green is a dedicated sustainability management consulting company that has also established itself as a leader in an Environmental IT sector with the creation of its automated sustainability auditing software.

Village Green, a company leading the field in sustainable business practice, was conceived through the recognition of community concerns, a need for business wellbeing and commercial sustainability. Doug’s team at Village Green recently stepped into the limelight winning the 2006 Banksia Award (Education Category) for the company’s Sustainable Business Management program in operation throughout the country.

On the show, Doug and I discuss their growth from a 3 person company in 2001 to a company employing more than 20 people around Austrlia, and with now their first overseas software license in Ireland. What Doug and his team have managed to achieve in the last 4 years is truly inspiring. Whats more is that their software system, which can produce automated reports on a clients energy, waste and water performance, I believe is a significant business opportunity for national and international licensees. Especially with the advent of emissions trading and the IT audit infrastructure that will be required to extract value for businesses.

Enjoy the show!

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #008 (MP3 – 13MB – 36min)

My guest this week is Matthew Nordan, the President of Lux Research. On the show we explore the findings from Lux Research’s recent report into the Cleantech sector – The Cleantech Report.

This years Cleantech Report provides a comprehensive analysis of cleantech – offering proprietary data, unbiased analyses, and fresh insights in emerging energy and environmental technologies. Lux Research serves as an indispensable advisor to corporations, start-ups, financial institutions, and governments seeking to exploit science-driven innovation for competitive advantage.

During our discussions, Matthew and i explore some of the key findings of the report in detail, including:

• US$48 billion invested by governments, corporates and VCs on cleantech R&D
• Approximately 1,500 cleantech start-ups operate worldwide, and
• 4,093 U.S. patents focused on cleantech were issued in 2006.

If you would like to know more about the report, please contact Lux Research directly.
If your a cleantech company, Matthew has some good advice in the interview for how you can be involved in future reports, and gain access to their investor clients.

Enjoy the show!

cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #007 (MP3 – 12MB – 34min)

Carbon Neutrality is the key objective of many consumers and organisations seeking to nullify their impact on global emissions. For many individuals and companies an available approach is to choose to offset gross emissions by purchasing Carbon Offsets. The Growth in this market over the last 5 years has resulted in a proliferation of approaches, new businesses and questions about the transparency of the process.

On this weeks show i have Jeff Angel the Executive Director of Total Environment Centre to examine this issue, and shed light onto the Carbon Offset Industry and where offsetting fits into the steps to achieving Carbon Neutrality.

Jeff has been an environmental campaigner since 1973 on a wide range of issues including: urban sustainability, waste management, air pollution, public transport, forest protection, threatened species, coastal planning, corporate environmental sustainability and renewable energy.

The Total Environment Centre has released a number of reports on the Australian Industry, but the findings and recommendations are applicable globally.

• TEC Carbon Neutrality Watch [PDF 248Kb] – May 2007. A review of the carbon neutrality and offset market.
• Neutral and Beyond: A review of carbon neutrality & offsets [PDF 215Kb] – Opinions from the industry on carbon neutrality and offsets.

My question for comments this week is

‘What role do you think carbon offsetting should play in emissions reductions?’

Please let us know your thoughts.

Cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #006 (MP3 – 20MB – 56min)

The pressure to establish Emissions Trading programs in order to reduce C02 emissions is mounting in many countries and at a global level worldwide.

In this weeks show we have an in depth discussion about Emissions Trading with Rob Fowler, the Managing Director of Abatement Solutions – Asia Pacific. Rob is an expert on emission’s trading programs and advises clients in Australia, China, Europe and the United States.

On the show we discuss the in’s and out’s of Emissions Trading programs, how they can be set up, the differences between cap and trade and baseline and credit systems, and the progress being made in various schemes worldwide. So be sure to listen in.

Rob’s provided some links that people can follow for more detail on the topics and organisations discussed in the show.

• National Emissions Trading Taskforce (Australian States)
• Prime Minister’s Emissions Trading Task Group (Australia)
• Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme (Australia – New South Wales)
• Australian Greenhouse Office (Australia)
• IISD Linkages – Climate and Atmosphere (Global)
• Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol (Global)
• EU Emissions Trading Scheme (European Union)

Cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #005 (MP3 – 13MB – 36min)

On this weeks show our guest is Gary Bertuch, the Managing Director of HySSIL Pty Ltd, a company commercialising a revolutionary new lightweight concrete technology involving the CSIRO.

Hyssil’s technology allows the production of lightweight concrete panels that have and unique combination of lower weight, higher strength, lower embodied energy and construction costs and excellent thermal properties than existing concrete products.

In the interview we learn from Gary about the massive market applications of the product and of new concrete technologies they are helping the CSIRO to commercialise.

With over 30% of emissions worldwide associated with the built environment, this technology is surely going to be a significant player in the coming years to help reduce both embodied and operating emissions from buildings and reduce the energy requirements in construction and heating.

Cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #004 (MP3 – 13MB – 36min)

Sylvia Tulloch, is the Managing director and founding team member for 3rd Generation solar cell technology company Dyesol (ASX:DYE).
3rd generation solar cell technology utilises biomimicry of the chlorophyll dye in plants to produce energy from the sun.

Dyesol has been a pioneer in the field of Dye Sensitised Cells (DSC) over the last 10 years, now providing the key dyes and titania pastes to some of the 800 research and commercial organisations around the world developing DSC applications.

Don’t miss this show, as Sylvia goes into detail about how DSC technology will have a large roll in the coming decade. We discuss the technology and the applications where its lower cost high volume potential for energy generation in building materials, consumer devices and a host of other applications means it will have a signifcant roll in the future.

If your interested in more detail about some of the companies that we discuss on the show, Sylvia has provided links to some of their partner companies:

G24 Innovations – Large scale DSC Manufacturing plant

Corus – Steel and Aluminium sheeting company integrating DSC tech into its roofing products

Cheers
Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #003 (MP3 – 15MB – 42min)

This weeks podcast is an interview with Mitra Ardron. Mitra is principle of Natural Innovations a company which provides consulting services on developing businesses around sustainability, and in particular green technologies.

Mitra has previously worked in commercialising internet technologies and co-founded the international NGO Association for Progressive Communications.

On the show we discuss the commercialisation process in context of cleantech companies, the australian market, and in relation to previous technology booms like that of the dotcom boom.

Mitra is currently working with Zelfo Australia on a clean fabrication technology that is a plastic like product made from hemp, which we talk about on the show.

You can read more of Mitra’s advice, commentary and thoughts on sustainability via his blog at www.mitra.biz/blog

Now, during the show Mitra’s computer started up its fan to try cool itself in that balmy byron bay weather where Mitra lives. The post production couldn’t clean up the interference, so hopefully it won’t distract from Mitra’s insights on cleantech and sustainability.

Cheers

Nick Bruse

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The Cleantech Show #002 (MP3 – 10MB – 30min)

This weeks podcast is an interview with Dr. Tim Finnigan, Founder and CEO of Biopower Systems, a distributed ocean power technology company.

On the show Tim and I discuss the company’s novel approach to harnessing ocean power, including their tidal current power technology bioStream and wave power technology bioWave (shown below)

Tim talks about the development of the company, and about his inspiration in designing the technology.

Tim and his team are in the process of updating their website so we’ll have some links shortly including animations of the technology.

Enjoy the show.

Nick Bruse

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This weeks podcast is with Andrew Neilson who is the Legal and Commercial manger and Company Secretary at Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (CFCL). For those of you not familiar with Ceramic Fuel Cells they are a Australian and London Stock Exchange (AIM) listed maker of solid oxide fuel cell technology.

On the show Andrew explains Ceramic Fuel Cells Technology, their growth into the European Market and important insights into the future of Fuel cell technology as distributed base load power generation.

Andrew’s kindly provided some links to general industry information and their partners including:

Julich , EWE , Bruns , Gaz de France, De Dietrich Thermique, AIM market

Enjoy the show.

Nick Bruse

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