WRAL Tech Wire

Elster names president for metering, smart grid solutions

Industry competitors collaborate to grow Triangle cleantech cluster

In the marketplace, they compete fiercely for market share and profits. In the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina, they collaborate with equal ferocity to create the smart, clean technologies of the future. And they're paying $75,000 each for the privilege. They are the founding members of the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster.

Who will lead in cleantech?

 Raleigh-based WasteZero raising another $1.5 million

WasteZero, which works with governments to implement "Pay as You Throw" trash and recycling programs, is trying to raise $1.5 million in debt, according to an SEC filing.

 As orders surge, PowerSecure CEO hints at a major deal in works

Wake Forest-based PowerSecure may soon be announcing a big utility deal, its CEO says, even as the power technology firm reports a big increase in revenues and earnings. So what's Sidney Hinton talking about?

PowerSecure aims for rapid growth

Research Triangle region is a global leader in shaping intelligent energy future

Leaders of the Triangle region's rapidly growing cleantech industry cluster have written an exclusive three-part series for WRALTechWire. Part One focuses on the opportunity cleantech offers the regional economy and the companies and assets that make it a global hotspot for this important emerging industry.

Who will lead in cleantech?

Raleigh, app startup JouleBug team up for energy contest

The City of Raleigh has teamed up with a mobile software application company to create a city-wide energy-saving contest. The winner will receive a prize worth $200, and the contest is open for another couple weeks.

JouleBug

ABB to acquire California company for gas analysis technology

ABB, a provider of power and automation technologies for the utility industry, is acquiring a California company that specializes in analyzers that can detect trace gases.

ABB LOS GATOS RESEARCH

Sponsor seeks to revive bid to end NC renewable energy subsidies

Days after his party leadership shot down his proposal to freeze and repeal the state's renewable energy standards, Rep. Mike Hager, R-Rutherford, is making a second run at moving the bill to the House floor.

 Greenpeace goofs on IBM, moves Big Blue up 'Cool IT' list

The folks at Greenpeace were a little red in the face - i.e. a bit embarrassed - Friday, issuing a correction about IBM and moving Big Blue up its annual "Cool IT Leaderboard." What happened?

 Defeat of renewable energy subsidy bill shows 'green' power

The global fight over the wisdom of "green energy" may very well have hit a pivotal point right here in North Carolina. If a state under conservative Republican control can't repeal legislation that requires utilities to provide sustainable energy and also provides subsidies to the emerging industry then the march to a greener future is likely to continue.

Inside Google's big data center in Lenoir

 Google, Cisco share top spot in Greenpeace 'Cool IT Leaderboard'

The global environmental group gives high marks to Google and Cisco for their efforts to adopt sustainable energy. Greenpeace especially likes Google's deal with Duke Energy in providing power to its soon-to-be-expanded data center in Lenoir.

The "Cool IT Leaderboard" from Greenpeace

 Cree shines as fiscal 3Q revenue reaches a record $349M

LED lighting company Cree reports record revenue amid strong demand for its products, including its new consumer-focused $10 LED light bulb that was unveiled last month.

 Ahead of earnings and Earth Day, Cree lights up TV with LED bulb commercials

Cree announces its latest quarterly earnings today and perhaps will offer insight into just how well its new LED Bulbs are faring in the consumer market. To boost sales, Cree unleashed a barrage of "nostalgia is dumb" commercials over the weekend. Yes, that was Durham-based Cree advertising during NBA playoff games.

Cree touts new bulb vs. traditional lightbulb

 Power technology firm ABB, with U.S. HQ in Cary, is buying solar firm for $1B

ABB, the international power technology firm that operates its U.S. headquarters in Cary, is getting even bigger. The company has agreed to acquire Power-One for some $1 billion.

 Will we capitalize on opportunities stemming from sustainable energy?

Opinion: At the packed Sustainable Energy Conference in Raleigh, the potential of smart grid, transportation and water projects dazzles attendees. We have the elements in place and the determination to reach this goal, including the economic incentive for companies to capitalize on the issue. Through effective collaborations on projects, I am confident the Triangle will be a leader for the creation and installation of energy efficient and renewable devices and processes in our daily lives at work and at home.

Smart grid projects growing worldwide.

 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.

 $15M LED acquisition news sends PowerSecure stock to new high

Shares in PowerSecure, which focuses on a variety of energy products and services, surged Monday after the company said it is expanding its light-emitting diode business with the purchase of Connecticut-based Solais Lighting.

 Wake Forest-based PowerSecure acquires LED firm in $15M deal

PowerSecure, which focuses on a variety of energy products and services, is expanding its light-emitting diode business with the purchase of Connecticut-based Solais Lighting.