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A Potential Boost for Biomass

It was reported the other day that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has offered the multi-national biofuels company Abengoa Bioenergy a conditional commitment for a construction loan guarantee of $134 million. This would facilitate the establishment of a refinery facility inKansasfor the production of renewable liquid fuel from cellulosic biomass, thereby creating approximately 300 construction jobs and 65 permanent jobs.

Not as much “in the news” as solar and wind, biomass is nevertheless of interest to utilities also, as they grapple with energy requirements and customers’ wishes, with some clearly focused on “cheap electricity”, while others are vocal about their wishes for “clean power”.

In Georgia, Georgia Power Company shelved plans last year to convert its Plant Mitchell, in the Southwestern part of the state, from coal to biomass, pending clarification of EPA regulations. As of the end of 2010, power generation inGeorgiawas 67% from coal, 21% nuclear, 10% oil and gas and 2% hydro.

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October Wind Conference in London

Writing in Wind Energy Update, a LinkedIn group,  Managing Director Tom Evans proposes that ex-military men and women will be in high demand for wind energy construction projects.

British, Dutch and Danish Royal Navy are just some places where the traditional military training programs contain many of the key criteria an offshore employer seeks. Thousands of hours of offshore work experience, check. Educated to a good standard of higher learning maybe even with specific electrical engineering skills sets, check. A built in sense of teamwork and respect for authority and command, check.

He invites us all to London for the 3rd annual Offshore Wind Construction, Installation and Commissioning Conference, October 4-6.

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2011 Investment Milestone

The Biofuels Digest has reported that global biofuels-related investments have reached $10B for 2011.

“Key venture capital raises for the year to date include: $30 million by Enerkem, $50 million by Elevance, $36.5M by OPX Biotechnologies, $43M by Avantium, $20M by Cobalt, $5M (set) by Frontline Bioenergy, $25M (set) by Agilyx, $16M by Solix, $2M by Coolplanet, $75 million by Fulcrum Bioenergy, $50 million (set) by Mascoma, and $12 million by Woodland Biofuels.”

It further reports that the largest single investment was a $700 million transaction by Polimeri Europa, Novamont, for a bio-based product complex in Italy, while the largest deal in the US was the $227 million Solazyme IPO.

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Networking in Executive Search

The principals of Tula International are keenly aware of the power of effective networking practices, both on-line and off. Next month, Managing Partner Bernard Vanderlande will be at:

* Utility Scale Solar, San Diego, September 13-15

* RETECH 2011 in Washington, DC, September 20 and 21

* REFF-West in San Francisco, September 26 and 27

If you plan to be there also, give him a call at 404-543-2835 and make an appointment to say “hi” in person at the event.

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Competition for Talent Expected to Intensify

As Japan’s parliament considers legislation that would lessen the country’s nuclear power footprint and shift its focus to solar and wind development, the global competition for leaders with industry experience, already stiff, is expected to intensify.

The bill currently being considered, which was developed and introduced by Prime Minister NaotoKanhimself, is expected to pass and be signed into law in the next few weeks. The projection is that it will cause a rise of at least 20% in installed renewable energy capacity within a decade.

European manufacturers are eyeing the new opportunities that will shortly be emerging.

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Manufacturing Focus at Siemens “Wind”

Karl-Erik Stromsta recently wrote in Recharge, the global source for renewable energy news, that German industrial giant Siemens has given wind energy its own division, separate from the company’s other renewable energy business units. This confirms the increasing importance of wind power for the future and opens more career opportunities for engineers and industry leaders.

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Nuclear Energy Opinion Poll

A poll of “Plant Neighbors” recently published by Environmental Leader, shows that only “affordable energy” has increased as an issue respondents say they associate with “a lot”. The number rose from 50% to 54%. All other poll issues (Efficiency, Reliability, Clean Air and Climate Change Solution) saw a decline, with the largest percentage drop (from 72 to 62) in Reliability.

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Advanced Biofuels

Advanced biofuels are increasingly in the news and companies that operate in these environments are interested in finding leaders who are effective on the job from “day one” – effective leadership without on-the-job training or hindersome learning curves.

Transportation represents the largest end-use of energy by sector in the U.S. and studies have shown that advanced biofuels would be an ideal alternative to petroleum-based fuels if a cost-effective means of commercial production can be developed. Advanced biofuels, as defined by the Energy Independence and Security Act, are renewable fuels—other than ethanol derived from corn starch—with at least 50% less lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than the fossil fuels they replace.

With growing demand, increased sustainability awareness and the availability of venture capital, this industry is poised for further growth.

Tula International is the search and consulting firm that is ready to help fill your leadership openings, so that your company does not need to miss a beat as it competes for markets.

Filed Under: Advanced Biofuels, Advanced Biofuels Image, Renewable Energy

Japan and Renewable Energy

Prime Minister Naoto Kan announced recently that, in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, Japan plans to pursue greater alternative energy development.

With skilled, experienced leadership scarce around the world, how will Japan approach the competition for talent?

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Intersolar North America

Tula International Managing Partner Bernard Vanderlande is at Intersolar this week. The North American solar energy trade show, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, is expected to attract more than 22,000 visitors and close to 800 exhibitors.

If you would like to schedule a brief conversation with him, call him on 404.543.2835.

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