Archive for January, 2009

A123Systems Hopes for $1.8B of Loans to Achieve 5 million HEV Packs Come 2013


a123systemsA123Systems has proposed an application to qualify for the $ 1.84 billion budget in direct loans under the $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program (ATVMIP) of the US Department of Energy. This is in support of the company’s plans of building new lithium-ion battery production line in the US, in which Michigan is the foremost site of construction.

If the application is granted, the program would allow A123Systems to develop its production ability in the U.S., intended to provide battery systems for hybrid EVs or plug-in electric vehicles.

A123 anticipates that the total covered area of the facilities will be around 7 million sq. ft. and will create more than 14,000 new jobs. These factories will be producing batteries and technologies that would meet the expectations of A123’s client base in the automotive sector. The company’s existing customers comprises BAE Systems, AES, Black and Decker, Chrysler LLC, Cessna, Project Better Place, General Motors, and Think.

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Now Operational Cellulosic Ethanol Plant in the USA


Following a $90 billion fund booster from oil big player BP, Vereniumverenium cellulose ethanol commenced with the production of ethanol from sources like trash, grass straw, and wood chips in their plant in Jennings, Louisiana. This ethanol producing factory using non-food raw materials is the first of its kind in the United States.

The cellulosic ethanol sector is the second generation of producers after corn ethanol makers exits the stage. The Louisiana plant serves as a demonstration ground that what they have may actually be good for everyone. The plant is set to produce around 1.4 million gallons of ethanol on a yearly basis.

Although the production of ethanol will not yet be on a commercial scale which requires more than 60 MGY, the pioneering effort is a major step in proving that the second gen ethanol sector can deliver what they have been promising.

Venerium is starting to show the world that they can really produce cellulosic ethanol by manipulating the genes of the microbes needed for the process.

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