(PRWEB) March 27, 2009 — GreenCore Capital, a San Diego based private-equity firm with an emphasis in funding renewable energy companies has announced the opening of a new division, GreenCore Business Services. GreenCore Business Services advises and provides services to early stage and mid stage companies in the areas of strategic planning, business development, intellectual property, financial advisory and provides third party services from some of the top renewable energy legal and accounting firms. Jay Potter, CEO GreenCore Capital has appointed Shawn Lechien as CEO of GreenCore Business Services. Shawn Lechien has extensive corporate management experience, having served in senior management roles at to local San Diego Companies, the Titan Corporation as treasurer and as a key executive in mergers and acquisitions at Kratos Defense & Security, Inc.

Adding to the GreenCore Business Service’s leadership team, Potter announced the appointments of Dr. Olaf Walter as COO, Gilbert Barnes as Managing Director of GreenCore’s office in San Diego, California and Michael Telford as Managing Director of GreenCore’s office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Olaf Walter, Gilbert Barnes and Michael Telford are respected industry experts in business management, finance and business development. Potter states, “Along with Shawn Lechien leading GreenCore Business Services, Dr. Walter, Gilbert Barnes and Michael Telford bring top level corporate and Fortune 500 management skill-sets. GreenCore Business Services is poised to become a first-rate business consultancy organization in the explosive growth industry, the renewable energy business sector.”

GreenCore Business Services assists early-stage and mid-stage companies achieve sustainable commercialization. Moreover, GreenCore Business Services accelerates a start-up company’s goal of profitability thus rapidly creating shareholder value.

Jay Potter, CEO of GreenCore Capital is a noted expert in alternative and renewable energy technologies. Potter states, “the Obama administration is promoting the rapid deployment of renewable energy technologies as a primary driver to stimulate the economy. Further, Obama aides have stated that investments in renewable energy initiatives will create over 3.5 million ‘green collar’ jobs. Finally, the Obama administration’s new Cap and Trade initiatives, which were designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have provided a unique opportunity for the new wave of Green Investors.”

Jay Potter has been instrumental in funding early stage San Diego based renewable energy companies. Potter helped to raise capital for Envision Solar, a commercial design/build solar photovoltaic (PV) firm. Envision Solar was founded by Bob Noble and Bill Adelson, architects with a sustainability focus. Envision Solar has played a key role with Kyocera Solar in the design and the build-out of commercial scale solar projects such as the solar PV trees project at UCSD. Bob Noble is the CEO of Envision Solar as well as the Chairman of the non-profit organization, the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

Shawn Lechien states, “we believe that the clean and renewable energy business sector will be the greatest area of economic growth over the next decade. The recovery of the worldwide recession will come from the growth of the renewable energy industries.” Moreover, Lechien states, “The U.S. government, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, provides an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create millions of jobs and put our economy back on track. Additionally, this act will reduce our dependence on foreign oil imports and help mitigate global climate change by reducing green house gases.”

GreenCore Business Services’ seasoned industry executives provide invaluable business services and solutions for renewable energy start-ups thus contributing to the Federal government’s massive push to stimulate the economy and implement clean energy solutions. GreenCore Capital website is www.greencorecapital.com.

Mesa, AZ (PRWEB) February 19, 2009 — Arizona Power Save, L. C. in Mesa, Arizona has announced the sale of 10% of its PV Solar Sales and Installation business to Power Save energy Corp. of San Louis Obispo, California.

Arizona Power Save’s business model provides homeowners to receive a free (whole house systems approach) energy audit which reports the deficiencies on the home and offers systems and services to increase the efficiencies allowing the home owner to save 35% or more on the ever rising utility costs.

Ray Baxter, General Manager of Arizona Power Save, L. C. states that the deal was negotiated with Power Save’s CEO Michael Forester. Arizona Power Save exclusive agreement allows us to purchase grid tied solar systems and energy saving devices from Power Save Energy Corp. a publicly traded company.

Arizona Power Save installs an average of 100 kilowatts of PV solar electric per month. Our marketing department calls over 5000 homeowners per day and sets appointments for energy audits. Our sales force performs over 150 energy audits per month and accounts for our huge success rate.

This coupled with Power Save’s DTVR (Direct TV Response) advertising of over $100,000.00 per monthly budget on all the “GREEN” channels makes our phone ring off the hook with people who want to save energy.

Arizona Power Save leases 4000 sq ft of corporate office space in Mesa and has a 10,000 sq ft warehouse that services the installations for Arizona and the distribution of products to our 1200 Dealers nationwide.

The Company also has a 1200 sq ft seminar room with seating for 30-40 where it educates home owner’s, realtors and companies about solar electric solar hot water systems and energy efficient products.

Arizona Power Save has licenses for general contracting, residential electrical, commercial electrical. Our sister company Arizona Solar Water & HVAC has licenses for residential and commercial HVAC, plumbing and gas piping.

Arizona Power Save is well positioned to take advantage of President Obama’s push in the renewable energy sector.

The company can be reached at 480-553-5064 and is located at 4111 E. Valley Auto Dr. in Mesa AZ 85206. On the web at www.power-save.com

Denver, CO (PRWEB) February 4, 2009 — An unusual alliance of business, trade association and environmental groups are calling on President Barack Obama, Congress and the Senate to implement a tax credit incentive for companies that add a renewable energy fund to employee 401(k) plans. The new legislation could be added to the near completed economic stimulus bill or follow quickly after.

According to the Renewable Energy Task Force of the South Denver Chamber of Commerce, the Renewable Energy 401(k) Tax Credit will be a high yield federal investment.

* government cost of $7 to $8 billion dollars will generate $60 – $100 billion investment in renewable energy
* allow 50 million Americans to invest a projected 5% of their 401(k) plans in clean energy production
* create 500,000 or more clean energy jobs over three years
* create an annual increase of 20,000 MW of new wind, solar and geothermal electrical generation by 2012
* help renewable energy meet 100% of new national electricity demand in three years

“Last year almost half of all new US electricity was generated from renewable energy,” says Jim Welch, CEO of Bella Energy, a Colorado based solar energy firm, “The Renewable Energy 401(k) Tax Credit will rapidly allow all new US electricity to be generated from renewable sources.”

American Wind Association data released last week indicates that more than 8,000 MW of new wind production was built in 2008 with investment in the wind energy sector passing the $17 billion mark. Totaling 42% of all new US generation capacity added in 2008, the newly added wind farms produce enough electricity for 2 million homes. These numbers are up from wind providing 30% of all new US electrical generation in 2007.

The additional annual $20 to $30 billion of new investment generated by the Renewable Energy 401(k) Tax Credit will help to more than double the number of new clean energy megawatts installed each year. With swift passage of the proposed tax credit bill, by 2012 one hundred percent of new US electrical demand can be provided by renewable energy. This is consistent with President Obama’s target to double renewable energy production over the next three years.

“In 2007, investment in the American renewable energy sector, including both wind and solar, was $19 billion dollars with employment of 116,000 people. More than 50,000 new renewable jobs were created in 2008 – that’s an impressive annual growth rate of 45%,” continues Jim Welch, “Congress and the Senate need to support the Renewable Energy 401(k) Tax Credit which will create $100 billion in clean energy investment and 500,000 new green jobs over the next three years.”

Reflecting the national trend, Colorado’s renewable energy sector has been experiencing rapid-fire employment growth. In 2008, AVA Solar added 165 new manufacturing and engineering jobs in Ft. Collins and Longmont. The new AVA manufacturing plant produces thin film solar panels at 30% of the cost of existing solar technology. Vestas built a new wind turbine manufacturing facility near Denver that employs 1,350 Coloradoans and uses 200,000 tons of steel annually to produce enough wind turbines to power more than half a million homes per year. Nationally, wind turbine and turbine component manufacturers announced, added or expanded 55 new facilities in 2008.

As renewable energy production rises faster than demand for electricity, surplus clean generation capacity will be used to retire aging conventional power plants over a 10 to 30 year period leading to significant reductions in climate change causing emissions.

Press Contact:
Ken J. Beitel
Renewable Energy Task Force
South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce
m: 720 436-2465
Email: Ken.Beitel @ TheRenewableEnergyInitiative.org
Web: www.RETaskForce.biz

Disclosure: In order to reduce CO2 emissions and create jobs, Ken Beitel owns an IRA account with an investment amount of approximately $46,000 in the Calvert Alternative Global Energy fund held at JP Morgan Chase and Citi Smith Barney brokerages. Other individuals listed in this release may also own renewable shares or funds; full disclosure details available on request.

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) February 1, 2009 — NRG Shift has been selected as the alternative energy consultant for Rolling Hills Ranch in their residential and commercial land development project. The development is comprised of ranch properties and a large commercial development area with an Intermodal Rail Port planned which includes warehousing for large shipments of products being brought in from outside the U.S.

“Prospectively dubbed the ‘Intermodal Array;’ the roof-top PV array would generate clean, renewable power from the sun without taking up valuable land at the project site,” says Brandon O’Donnell, Managing Director for NRG Shift. Although the area is worth considering for wind power, current covenant restrictions limit larger-scale wind generation options so primary interest is in a large-scale rooftop array for the immense buildings in the intermodal port. A representative of Rolling Hills Ranch stated that “Viability is certainly there for landowners at the development that wish to take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates from Arizona and Federal energy programs and we hope the tax credits will be extended by the Obama Administration.”

The prospective array project would cover tens of thousands of square meters of warehouse space, making a significant impact on energy costs and helping Arizona meet its 15 percent goal for renewable power in the State. The group also hopes to assist the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to enhance energy efficiency and productivity. These are bound to be hot topics at this week’s 2009 EUEC, Energy & Environment Conference in Phoenix.

The rooftop arrays will serve two important purposes at the Rolling Hills Ranch development: first and foremost they will provide a long-term, reliable source of renewable energy powered by the sun. Second, and not to be treated lightly, they will increase efficiency of the intermodal port simply by their existence, lowering the carbon footprint, increasing carbon credits of the facility dramatically. By adding solar arrays to the wide open expanses of rooftops, which are continually immersed in solar energy, the result may be an insulating factor, further reducing heat transfer into the building itself, increasing worker comfort without increasing either cooling capacity or energy usage.

NRG Shift plans to seek application information and receive proposals for solar arrays in the planning of the project. Inquiries pr proposals from qualified manufacturers of solar products may be directed to NRG Shift in relation to the Rolling Hills Ranch project.

About Rolling Hills Ranch:
Rolling Hills Ranches is a developed ranch community located in northern Arizona. The ranch is comprised of 40-acre and larger lots suitable for home building or ranching and is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a rural lifestyle. Power and water are available and the community is bordered by paved roads on two sides. The commercial side of the project includes an intermodal rail port facing Interstate 40 which runs east and west through Arizona, also providing a buffer zone from the Interstate for ranch owners.

For more information about Rolling Hills Ranches please contact:

Web: RollingHillsRanches.net

About NRG Shift:
NRG Shift assists clients in making informed decisions about investing in renewable energy. NRG Shift works with commercial enterprises, start-ups, investors, and builders to evaluate & plan many forms of cleantech, energy efficiency & renewable energy projects. Service offerings include project & program management, feasibility studies, technology research & evaluation, logistic & supply planning, meeting & seminar representation, training and public speaking services.

For more information about NRG Shift and how you can leverage their expertise on your renewable energy project please contact:

Brandon O’Donnell
Managing Director
NRG Shift
Ph: 612-703-7177
Web: NRGshift.com

Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are made in reliance upon the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from the statements expressed or implied herein due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to: the development of the Navajo intermodal port and associated properties, the successful marketing and funding of the project, market acceptance of NRG Shift solutions & services, market availability of appropriate products and technology, competition & timing of projects & trends in the renewable energy industry, as well as other factors. The forward looking statements contained here are made only as of the date of this press release and NRG Shift will undertake no obligation to update such forward looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Navajo, AZ (PRWEB) January 31, 2009 — Clearly positioning itself to take maximum advantage of President Obama’s Energy and the Environment agenda, Rolling Hills Ranches has made the decision to utilize renewable energy consultant NRG Shift to maximize return on investment for this area of their projected project. Their goal is to create new jobs with their intermodal port project in the Navajo, AZ, continuing the development of land that already has an existing rail spur operated by the Salt River Project coal-fired plant which connects to BSNF’s Railway Co’s current lines. Rolling Hills Ranch intends to leverage alternative, renewable sources of power generation to do their part in the building a clean energy future.

“If you think about it, there is something miraculous about taking the afternoon sun, redirecting or storing it’s power and then piping it into the facility for lighting and other uses,” says Brandon O’Donnell, Managing Director of NRG Shift. “There are significant up-front costs for equipment, but the systems run virtually maintenance-free for decades using today’s technologies, ensuring excellent return on investment.”

In order to meet the President’s call for 10 percent of electricity coming from renewable energy sources by 2012, Rolling Hills Ranch plans to add solar arrays to their intermodal port facility. Additionally, they hope to encourage current and future land owners to capitalize on energy efficiency and acquire new energy sources through solar arrays throughout the properties. As the point of their strategy for the alternative energy program, Rolling Hills Ranches has brought on NRG Shift as consultant in their plan to increase energy efficiency and leverage renewable forms of energy.

Inquiries from qualified manufacturers of solar products may be directed to NRG Shift in relation to the Rolling Hills Ranch project.

About Rolling Hills Ranch:
Rolling Hills Ranches is a developed ranch community located in northern Arizona. The ranch is comprised of 40-acre and larger lots suitable for home building or ranching and is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a rural lifestyle. Power and water are available and the community is bordered by paved roads on two sides. The commercial side of the project includes an intermodal rail port facing Interstate 40 which runs east and west through Arizona, also providing a buffer zone from the Interstate for ranch owners.

For more information about Rolling Hills Ranches and the residential development or commercial aspects of the intermodal rail port please contact:

Von Jenson
Rolling Hills Ranch Manager
Ph: 877-859-2254

Web: www.RollingHillsRanches.net

About NRG Shift:
NRG Shift assists clients in making informed decisions about investing in renewable energy. NRG Shift works with commercial enterprises, start-ups, investors, and builders to evaluate and plan many forms of cleantech, energy efficiency & renewable energy projects. Service offerings include project & program management, feasibility studies, technology research & evaluation, logistic & supply planning, meeting & seminar representation, training and public speaking services.

For more information about NRG Shift and how you can leverage their expertise on your next renewable energy project please contact:

Brandon O’Donnell
NRG Shift Managing Director
Ph: 612-703-7177

Web: www.NRGshift.com

Los Angeles (PRWEB) January 29, 2009 — Nexsun Corp, a leader in renewable energy and biofuels development and production, today announced the appointment of David Pyrce as its Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Pyrce is a serial entrepreneur, founding three companies, all with successful exits. One of these companies has a public market value in excess of $3 billion. Mr. Pyrce joins us with over 25 years of executive management experience in general management, business development, marketing, sales and supply chain management. Mr. Pyrce has also been involved in the renewable energy and biofuels sectors for over 15 years, including experience as an operating executive, as well as an investment banker, analyst, venture capitalist and hedge fund manager.

Based in Los Angeles, California, Mr. Pyrce will apply his operating and capital markets experience to advancing the Company’s strategic initiatives and operations. “This is a very exciting time to join Nexsun and help craft strategies in the rapidly growing renewable energy and biofuels industry,” said Mr. Pyrce.

“As a developer of world class technology, Nexsun is ready to capitalize on its capabilities to lead the industry in bringing advanced technologies to the market. Renewable energy and biofuels is far more developed than many realize and I am proud to be part of the Nexsun team in launching these new growth initiatives.”

“The addition of David Pyrce’s experience and expertise will enable Nexsun to dramatically increase our production capabilities, establish new critical strategic partnerships and increase our investor base, allowing us to deliver affordable, renewable energy and biofuels throughout the world and drive shareholder value,” said Justin Lee, Nexsun’s Chairman. “I look forward to working with David to grow our business.”

Before joining Nexsun, Mr. Pyrce served as the Chief Executive Officer of Canton Technologies, Inc., an industrial biotechnology firm developing synthetic biology and bioengineering solutions to some of the world’s most pressing renewable energy and biofuels challenges. Prior to Canton, Mr. Pyrce was President of Bear Creek Capital Management LLC, a cleantech-focused investment management firm and Managing General Partner of Bear Creek Capital Partners, LP, an investment fund. Mr. Pyrce was also Managing Director and Vice President of First Security Van Kasper, an investment banking firm and General Partner of the Van Kasper Growth Fund, a venture capital fund.

Mr. Pyrce completed the Advanced Executive Program at Northwestern University, received an MBA degree in Finance and Marketing from the Stuart School at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and has dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biology.

About Nexsun Corp.
Nexsun Corp is a leading developer of advanced renewable energy and biofuels projects worldwide. Our mission is to contribute positively to the development of clean and renewable energy resources, promote economic development, and provide environmental protection. We strive to offer real business opportunities to our partners that together will help lead towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Contact:
David Pyrce, CEO
Nexsun Corp
213-382-2220
www.nexsun.com

Boston, MA (PRWEB) January 28, 2009 — Build baby build announces the launch of its new blog. The blog is dedicated to promoting the development of a distributed network of community-scale renewable energy facilities nation-wide. Led by experienced bloggers Jeffrey Rosenberg and Stephanie Hicks, the site delivers content, information, and opinions for community leaders and supporters of renewable energy.

“Time and time again, important renewable energy projects fail because of a small but well-organized opposition,” says Jeff Rosenberg, co-editor of the new blog. “It’s a lot harder to organize in support of something than it is to organize against it, but that’s just what we need to do. Without an organized base of support, community-based renewable energy projects will never get off the ground.”

“For renewable energy projects, both proposed and still on the drawing board, its time to take a page from Barack Obama’s playbook,” says Stephanie Hicks, co-editor of the blog. “Grassroot efforts, reaching out to individuals that will spread the word and excitement about wind and solar, are critical to the success of the green movement. If a large enough army is amassed nationwide, then individual battalions to support local projects can be commissioned in an organized fashion.”

The company conducted a national search for blog editors that received over 250 responses. “I am already very pleased with both the content and Stephanie and Jeff’s dedication to the subject and making this blog successful,” says Ken Smith, the blog’s sponsor. Though only two weeks old the blog already comes up #1 on a Google keyword search (for term: ‘build baby build’), is being picked up by other significant blogs, and has picked up traffic on Digg, Twitter, Mixx, the PickensPlan, and other social media platforms.

For more information or to read and share your thoughts and suggestions in a comment please visit Build Baby Build.

Windham, NH (PRWEB) January 21, 2009 — The Windham Initiative for Renewable Energy (WIRE) begins fundraising for a Solar, Wind, and Weather Monitoring Station at the new Windham High School to open in September of 2009.

After months of research, meetings with experts, and visits to similar programs throughout New England to determine the best system to install that would provide students the broadest range of exposure to various renewable energy systems available on the market today, the committee unanimously agreed upon a combination of various small to medium sized wind turbines, different photovoltaic solar arrays, and a weather monitoring station.

“We are very excited by this opportunity for our town to take a first step toward educating the next generation of consumers, high school students, about the benefits of renewable energy,” noted WIRE Chairman Alan Carpenter. “The renewable energy industry will become very important to our country’s push for energy independence in the coming years, and we want to help our students get a head start for potential careers in this area.”

“This comprehensive system will help plant the seed of excitement among the students about renewable energy and will spread that knowledge and excitement among friends and family. It will also give Windham High students and extra competitive edge when applying to colleges for engineering programs focused on renewable energy,” noted Mary Fries, Dean of Mathematics, Science, and Technology for the new Windham High School and a member of the WIRE committee. “Additionally, we hope to make the data from these systems available on the Internet, so interested Windham residents can see how weather in our area impacts the various systems,” added Ms. Fries.

Committee member, Bill Hutchings, will be spearheading the effort to secure corporate donations. “There are many corporations that have expressed interest in the WIRE program. There are a number of engineering companies in the area already looking for bright young students coming out of local colleges and universities with renewable energy education,” said Hutchings. “They are very excited about our forward thinking with regard to not only getting our students excited about renewable energy but also setting them up for what is already a rapidly expanding employment market.”

The WIRE committee is looking to raise $100,000 to install the minimum configuration. Funds in excess of $100,000 will expand the kinds, number of systems, monitoring, and educational aids that can be purchased and implemented.

Small and large, private, tax-deductible donations, in association with the Windham Endowment for Community Advancement, are welcome and can be made using Paypal (no Paypal account is required) via the “Contributions” page of the Wire-NH website. No taxpayer funds will be utilized.

Windham Initiative for Renewable Energy (WIRE) is a local organization whose mission is to inspire our citizens and educate our students on the benefits of renewable energy. WIRE is committed to raising awareness of environmental issues and ensuring our country’s energy independence. WIRE challenges government and businesses to follow Windham’s lead in promoting “green” policies and installing renewable energy systems in our community.

Houston, Texas (PRWEB) January 15, 2009 — AirGenerate today announced the appointment of Paul Dickerson as an Industry Advisor to the firm. Mr. Dickerson is the former Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). He currently heads the international clean-tech practice of the law firm of Haynes and Boone.

“Paul is an excellent addition to our team,” said Rick Pal, CEO of AirGenerate. “His years of experience in dealing with energy-efficiency at the highest levels will serve as an invaluable resource as AirGenerate successfully addresses world-wide demand for clean, reliable, convenient, and affordable water heating solutions.”

At EERE, Mr. Dickerson was responsible for directing the implementation of its priorities, policies, program development and execution, as well as strategic planning. He oversaw the EERE’s $1.8 billion budget and 1,000-member staff. Under Mr. Dickerson’s leadership, EERE fast-tracked commercialization of technology and boosted the speed at which energy solutions moved from the laboratory to the international marketplace.

Prior to serving at the Department of Energy, Dickerson led an international staff of 1,200 in 80 countries as Chief of Staff of the Department of Commerce’s Foreign Commercial Service.

Mr. Dickerson is also founder and president of Dickerson Leadership Alliance, which grants awards and scholarships to elementary, middle school, and high school students who demonstrate civic involvement and leadership.

AirGenerate is a pioneer in the development, production, and marketing of patented energy saving devices for liquid heating. The company’s first product, AirTap A7 is the most energy efficient water heater in USA as certified by GAMA under Department of Energy guidelines. AirTap is based on heat pump technology that utilizes refrigeration physics effectively to heat water. AirTap converts “air energy” to heat and retro-fits on to any 30-80 gallon water tank. This technology results in 300% improved efficiency and up to 80% in energy savings. The by-products include cool air and dehumidification. Other products include AirTap A12 (12K BTU) and AirVent duct kit. The company is currently working on an integrated model that will be released this year.

For additional information on AirTap, please go to www.airgenerate.com.

About AirGenerate
AirGenerate is a privately held company that is focused on energy-efficient technologies for water heating. AirGenerate is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit www.airgenerate.com.

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) November 11, 2008 — The X Prize Foundation, creator of the Ansari X Prize for suborbital spaceflight, has launched a contest to design a new X Prize that will boost renewable energy production. A unique entry format requires contestants to pitch their X Prize contest idea via a two minute video (www.TheRenewableEnergyInitiative.org) posted to YouTube.

Ken Beitel, a computer systems analyst and documentary film producer (“Grizzlies of the Canadian Rockies” Discovery Channel), has entered the contest and is proposing that the next X Prize be a $10 billion corporate challenge focusing on renewable energy investment. The first round of judging for the contest to design the next X Prize closes Friday (November 14, 2008).

“It will be outstanding for employees to have the opportunity to invest in renewable energy,” explains contest entrant Ken Beitel, “Renewable energy is clean, cost effective, fast to build, and is ready to create a significant number of new jobs.”

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Colorado National Monument during a desert sunset, the video includes majestic shots of wind turbines and a huge solar power plant. During the video, Beitel explains how retirement plan investment could play a major role in increasing renewable energy production.

The renewable energy sector is also expected to experience rapid expansion under President Elect Barack Obama who backs federal investment in renewable energy, along with regulatory and tax support for clean electricity and alternative fuels. The Obama administration plans to invest $15 billion annually in renewable energy, and sees the industry as a key source of new American jobs. This year in Colorado, Vestas, one of the world’s largest wind turbine manufactures, has opened 2 new manufacturing plants that will employ more than 1,300 people.

Beitel acknowledges the tough economic times: “While $10 billion dollars sounds like a lot of retirement dollars to invest in renewable energy, in reality it is only about 1/3 of 1% of the roughly $2.7 trillion dollars in US 401(k) plans.”

The proposed “Invest Renewable” X Prize will encourage Fortune 500 and smaller companies in the US and Canada to add a renewable energy sector investment option, such as the Calvert, Guinness Atkinson or Firsthand alternative energy fund to retirement plans. The first company or team of companies to generate $10 billion in renewable energy investment through their corporate retirement plans will split the $10 million X Prize amongst employees who have chosen to invest in renewables.

Ken Beitel is optimistic about his contest entry designing the next X Prize, “The ‘Invest Renewable’ X Prize will make it possible for employees to invest in the renewable energy sector which will help create a healthy economy and lower energy costs.”

The “Invest Renewable” X Prize contest entry can be viewed at www.TheRenewableEnergyInitiative.org or www.youtube.com/xprize

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Ken Beitel at 720 436-2465.

Contest video can be used for B-Roll. Stills and video can be downloaded at www.TheRenewableEnergyInitiative.org

Courtesy credit GE for use of wind turbine or solar production plant video/stills

Background Information:

About Ken Beitel:
Originally from Calgary, Canada, Ken Beitel currently lives in Boulder, Colorado where he works as Computer Systems Analyst. A passionate environmental communicator, in 1997, Ken was awarded an International Digital Media Award for producing the “Windows On Wildlife” interactive kiosk for Parks Canada and the Calgary Zoo. The multimedia display features the hit game “Eat Like A Grizzly!”

Mr. Beitel used publicity from the 1999 national broadcast of “Grizzlies of the Canadian Rockies” documentary to lead the successful call for the creation of a new protected wilderness area in the mountains adjacent to Banff National Park in Canada. The rugged and spectacular Spray Valley Provincial Park area is featured in the Hollywood “X-Men” feature film series. Ken’s hobby is to use his environmental communication talents to promote a rapid societal transition to renewable energy as an effective method of building a healthy economy, securing energy independence and combating climate change.

About the X PRIZE Foundation:
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured the world’s attention when the Burt Rutan-led team, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private spaceship to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE for suborbital spaceflight. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation and its partner BT Global Services are creating prizes in Exploration (Space and Oceans), Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org.