Competitive Grants Up To $100,000 for Utility-Focused Energy Technologies

The CTSI Utility Technology Challenge is accepting applications for competitive grants of up to $100,000 to fund demonstration projects for utility-focused energy technologies. The deadline for applications in January 31, 2012.

CTSI stands for the Clean Technology & Sustainable Industries Organization. It is a non-profit utility industry association that brings together global leaders for advocacy, community development, networking, and information sharing to help bring these needed technologies to market more rapidly.

The CTSI Utility Technology Challenge was launched two years ago in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to identify and promote innovative utility-focused energy technologies. A consortium reviews submissions and partners with the winners for testing and pilot programs. Members of the consortium this year include Arsenal Venture Partners, Anaheim Center for New Energy Technologies (AC-NET), Austin Energy, Constellation Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Kauffman Foundation, National Grid, Northeast Utilities, Shell GameChanger, and Southern California Edison.

The consortium selects 15 semifinalist solutions to present at the Clean Technology 2012 Conference in Boston, June 14-16. Winners will be announced at the conference.

Key technology solution areas for this year's challenge include: transmission and distribution, smart grid, distributed power integration, natural gas, industrial and commercial energy and power efficiency, alternative power and hybrid generation, energy storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, and carbon reduction.

The submission deadline is January 31, 2012. Organizations with pilot-ready or early- commercial stage solutions targeting utilities and large customers should apply by clicking here.

All Electric Jeep Grand Cherokee

An all-new, all-electric Jeep Granf Cherokee was unveiled today at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The introductory price starts at $57,400. The new model is expected to attract both retail customers and fleet users who desire to take a public position on zero emissions. First deliveries of fully validated vehicles are projected for this fall.

The first dealer of the new all-electric Jeep is Dana Hackney, a multi-line dealer from Cincinnati, Ohio. The company also announced that it would immediately begin to take reservations for the AMP Grand Cherokee EV from fleet and retail customers online at www.ampelectricvehicles.com.

Production of AMP's Jeep Grand Cherokee EV will be done at the company's Engineering and Production facility in Loveland, Ohio.

Recycling Waste from Biodiesel Production

Extreme BioDiesel has developed a new and profitable use for raw glycerin, a waste product generated during its bio-diesel processes. The new glycerin product acts as a for concrete and asphalt forms used in finished landscape products and roads.

BookMerge Technology, Inc., the parent of Extreme Biodiesel, has launched a new product line based on the waste glycerine. The new product has already been tested and utilized in the loading, transportation and delivery of concrete and asphalt construction products. The company says that it will save money for customers, create a new profit center for Extreme Biodiesel, and promote a green alternative to existing products.