WRAL Tech Wire

 Google plans $600M expansion to double NC investment

The search engine giant also embraces an evolving plan from Duke Energy that would provide more renewable energy offerings. Greenpeace embraces the idea. No word yet on how many new jobs would be created in Lenoir, which Google chose for a data center in 2007.

Google's Android mascot inside Lenior center

 Sustainable energy investments total $785M in NC, group says

Sustainable energy projects across 45 of North Carolina's 100 counties totaled more than $785 million between 2007-2012, says the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association which is lobbying to stop changes in state tax incentives for sustainable energy.

Sustainable energy investments across N.C.

 Cleantech accelerator launches in RTP; applications due by May 1

The Cleantech Open, an eight-year program launched in Silicon Valley, is expanding to the Triangle. An introductory program is set for Thursday evening. Applications from startups for $10,000 in seed capital are due by May 1.

 Sustainable Energy Conference focuses on 'Intelligent Energy Future'

Speakers from across the country and companies representing the spectrum of green energy and cleantech will gather at N.C. State today through Wednesday for the 10th annual Sustainable Energy conference.

 N.C. A&T wins cleantech competition

The N.C. A&T cleantech project that won $100,000 in the business plan competition aims to turn hog waste into a useful building material.

 Biofuels Center awards nearly $700K to six fuel projects

 Renewable energy rollback moves forward in NC House

State House lawmakers are moving ahead with a proposal to freeze and repeal the state's renewable energy standards.

 Debating N.C.'s 'green' future: Which way do we go?

As the N.C. House begins debate over whether to overturn the state's Renewable Energy and Energy Portfolio Standard, WRALTechWire reaches out to both sides of the issue to make their case for keeping or dumping the law. The stakes are high - and expensive.

 Point: N.C. should keep its renewable energy bill

The N.C. General Assembly is scheduled to begin debate on House Bill 298, which would repeal the state's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard. The law should not be changed, says the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association.

Clean energy efforts to help drive down electricty costs

 Counterpoint: N.C. renewable energy law should be repealed

The N.C. General Assembly is scheduled to begin debate on House Bill 298, which would repeal the state's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard. The law should be changed, says the John Locke Foundation.

Survey: The costs of reneable energy

 Novozymes to boost R&D in bioagriculture, biofuel race

Novozymes' new CEO starts on April 1 and he says the world's largest industrial enzymes maker will increase R&D spending agriculture and biofuel projects.

 First Flight Venture Center to showcase firms for congressman's visit

Five companies with very different messages to tell will make presentations during visit by Congressman David Price.

 Cleantech fund from SJF Ventures grows to $48M

SJF Venture's third fund now stands at $48.8 million; the green venture capital firm plans investments in cleantech companies.

Looking for cash?

 Southern Research Institute lands $925,000 biofuel grant

The U.S. Department of Energy awards a $925,000 research grant to the Southern Research Institute for a liquefaction process to turn biomass into refinery-ready bio-oils.

 'Smart transportation' plan to be unveiled in Raleigh

 As Cree shares shine at new high, its LED bulb seems bright idea

Even MSNBC's Jim Cramer has kind words for Cree after trashing it last June after Cree unveils its new $10 LED bulb earlier this week. The Skinny and WRAL's Monica Laliberte test it out - and we think its a bright idea, too. So does Wall Street. Now the big test consumers - will consumers buy?

Cree's $10 LED bulb

 PowerSecure CEO: 'I'd be stupid to say yes' to higher prices

Inside PowerSecure earnings report: PowerSecure CEO Sidney Hinton isn't talking about price increases but decreases for distributed power generation systems in 2013 as he seeks to expand market share. He's "praying" for downward pressure on pricing and upward pressure on margin.

How PowerSecure DG system works

 Report: NC ranks no. 2 in the US for clean energy jobs

North Carolina ranks second among all states in clean energy jobs, according to a new report from Environmental Entrepreneurs. The Tar Heel state counted 10,867 clean jobs last year.

 Cree $10 LED bulb 'biggest thing since lightbulb;' lights up shares

Cree Chairman and CEO Chuck Swoboda is in New York City today briefing analysts on what could be the breakthrough event for the Durham company in the consumer lighting market: A long-lasting LED bulb that costs $10. The news excites investors as Cree shares jump 7% in pre-market trading and finished up 14.4 percent for the day in heavy trading.

Cree touts new bulb vs. traditional lightbulb

 PowerSecure acquires services unit of another energy firm for $1.9M

PowerSecure is growing its business offerings by acquiring a unit of Lime Energy for $1.9 million in cash. The Wake Forest-based company also is assuming $3.7 million in liabilities for projects in progress.