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I spend most of my day meeting and talking to companies in the cleantech sector. And those of you who know me know I have opinions on who is doing it right, and who is doing it wrong. So I thought it was about time to initiate the Cleantech Blog Power 10 Ranking of cleantech companies doing it right. Eligibility for inclusion in the ranking requires meeting a 6 point test.

Two strong potential candidates for the Next Big Thing in cleantech venture capital are nuclear and carbon capture and storage. I've spoken with numerous VCs recently who are looking for innovative ways to play in nuclear power. Bets have already been made by VCs in small-scale nukes, hot fusion, and technologies related to big-scale nukes. The hope is to find a low-cost solution that is practically zero carbon emissions and also provides reliable "base load" power. So in other words, the hope is for a lower-carbon replacement for coal power. The challenges are also significant, however, not least of which being time to market for any new innovations, as this interesting article illustrates. With the recent news that the DOE will be putting $2.4B into carbon capture and storage, and its inclusion in emerging climate legislation, it's also clear that CCS will be leaned upon as a hoped-for way of making our existing coal-fired generation infrastructure less impactful on the atmosphere, while still preserving its value as low-cost baseload power. So in other words, the hope is for a lower-carbon "fix" for coal power.

NordicGreen Nordic Cleantech - Cleantech Startups, Innovators and Investors in the Nordic, the Baltic and the Arctic regions. See it on Scoop.it, via Sustainable Energy via scoop.it

Researchers working with sensors for trees and grape vineyards reveal promise for improving efficiency and reducing resource costs in agriculture.

Researchers say they've produced an electric device that can boost fuel efficiency in cars and trucks and by as much as 20 percent

This study concludes that introducing hydrogen into the energy system would, theoretically, reduce the total EU oil consumption by vehicles on the road by 40%, and by 2050. Also, on releasing the study results, the EU approved funding for a joint technology initiative to develop fuel cell and hydrogen technology. This recognition of hydrogen by the EU raises the possibility that hydrogen could realistically be used in future green solutions.

According to a study from Clarion University, Pennsylvania, USA each step in the current US process of building and running a nuclear plant, from mining the uranium ores to disposing of the wastes, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, the article states that for nuclear power to be a feasible alternative energy source the entire process would need to be more efficient. This study gives a view on nuclear power which includes long standing ideals. The paper seems to offer an intermediate review on issues around the subject of nuclear, in the wider energy debate.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy says efficiency could make an even larger contribution toward stabilizing energy prices and reducing emissions.

IT HAS been called Australia's first underwater wave farm. The power of the ocean,

A second annual Algae Biomass Summit intends to explore and discuss the use of algae as a feedstock for biofuels and other sustainable commodities.

Another cry wolf story, that is not for the near future, but one that could reframe the whole energy debate if it ever materialises.