WRAL Tech Wire

 Obama: $8.3B in nuclear power guarantees 'only the beginning'

The Obama Administration's support for the projects that could be built in Georgia might also provide a boost for the nuclear power industry that has a growing presnece in N.C. Plus, Duke and Progress both want to build nuclear plants.

 Novozymes reports enzyme breakthrough for biofuel production

The enzyme technology company, which bases its U.S. headquarters in Franklinton, says its new product can turn plant waste into biofuels at prices that are competitive with gasoline. Thirty-three scientists based in N.C. participated in the project.

 Tech Briefs – Lenovo launches $599 workstation; Clinton Foundation picks SAS; Cree adds Valdez to LED program

 Will China eat America’s lunch in cleantech?

Opinion: Tech leaders and entrepreneurs at a cleantech conference agree that the U.S., by far, has the strongest innovation platform in the world. But other countries may well reap the benefits of its research efforts. China, in particular, is making massive investments and has a huge advantage from focused policy and large markets.

Who will lead in cleantech?

 RTP startup Semprius to partner with Siemens on solar power project

Companies agree to joint development of a “plug-and-play” demonstration project that mixes Semprius’ arrays with Siemens’ control components.

 Startup Semprius lands $3M in federal funding for solar energy technology

A Durham-based firm wins a contract for the development of a microcell-based receiver for use in photovoltaic panels.

 Lithium battery technology firm to add 289 jobs in Charlotte area

Celgard plans to invest $91 million to build a new plant in Concord and expand operations in Charlotte. The company will receive up to $4.6 million in state tax rebates, plus a $955,000 grant. It also received $46 million from the federal government last fall.

 Georgia Tech researchers receive $3 million for project to cut wind power costs

UniversityTech: Grant aims to reduce the cost of manufacturing, maintaining wind turbines for generating electricity.

 Duke Energy hires U.K. exec to lead wind power efforts

Energy veteran brings 28 years of experience to post where he will be charged with expanding Duke’s already growing wind farm commitment.

 Durham-based energy firm to share in $44M federal grant

Palmer Labs is part of a consortium that lands Department of Energy funding for technology to turn algae into a renewable fuel source.

 Novozymes receives $28.4M tax credit, to invest in Neb. enzyme plant

Cree, four firms with operations in South Carolina also receive credits for programs designed to produce “green” sector jobs.

 Nevada utility picks Raleigh-based Sensus for smart grid

NV Energy selects wireless FlexNet system to link 2.4 million customers as part of plan to improve energy distribution.

 N.C. Green Business Fund is seeking applicants for grants

 PowerSecure wins multi-million dollar contract for ‘green’ landfill power project

 Cap-and-trade won't cause 'appreciable negative effects' on economy, RTI finds

In his analysis of proposed legislation "blueprint" from Duke Energy-backed group, RTI economist says households would pay $57 more in annual energy costs in 2015. U.S. Climate Action Partnership is calling for passage of cap-and-trade legislation as global energy debate intensifies. Duke CEO wants quick passage of an energy bill.