Thursday, January 31, 2008

Brian Storms Joins APX As Chairman And CEO; Goldman Sachs Becomes Minority Investor

Santa Clara, CA -- APX, Inc., a global leader in market systems to create, track and transfer emission credits for the fast-growing environmental, energy and "cap-and-trade" markets, announced today that Brian M. Storms has joined APX as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Storms was most recently CEO of Marsh Inc., a leading global risk management and insurance brokerage firm. John Melby, who has been serving as CEO and President of APX on an interim basis, will continue as President. APX also announced the closing of a new round of funding in which Goldman, Sachs & Co. became a minority equity investor joining several previous leading venture capital and strategic investors, including Bechtel Enterprises Holdings, Kinetic Ventures, ONSET Ventures, Technology Partners and Woodside Fund. Link.

Trina Solar Announces Management Change

CHANGZHOU, China, -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, founded in 1997, announced that Mr. Terry Wang has joined the Company as Senior Vice President of Finance. Prior to joining Trina Solar, Mr. Wang served as the Executive Vice President of Finance of Spreadtrum Communications, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company listed on NASDAQ. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin. Link. Chart.

Dr. Norman Salem, Jr. Joins Martek as Chief Scientific Officer

COLUMBIA, Md., -- Martek Biosciences Corporation (Nasdaq: MATK), a DHA omega-3 market leader, announced that leading DHA researcher and expert Dr. Norman Salem, Jr., joins Martek Biosciences as vice president and chief scientific officer. Dr. Salem is one of the world's leading researchers on DHA and the functions of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipids. He comes to Martek after 30 years with The National Institutes of Health where he led the internationally recognized Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics. His latest scientific work focused on the role of DHA in neural development as well as how DHA is made in the body and incorporated into the brain and other organs. Link. Chart.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Tetra Tech's Board Elects Dan Batrack to Succeed Al Smith as Chairman

PASADENA, Calif., -- Tetra Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTEK) announced today, in accordance with the executive succession plan initiated in 2005, that the Board has unanimously elected Dan Batrack, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, to succeed Mr. Al Smith as Chairman. Mr. Smith will remain a member of the Board, and will also chair the Board's new Strategic Planning Committee. Link. Chart.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Basin Water Appoints Richard A. Reese Vice President of Marketing

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.--Basin Water, Inc. (NASDAQ:BWTR), announced today the appointment of Mr. Richard A. Reese by its Board of Directors to serve as an executive officer of the company, with the title Vice President of Marketing. He has been with Basin Water since September of 2007, and during that time has been responsible for aligning both the company’s technology and services offerings and its sales force with the needs of the nationwide marketplace. Link. Chart.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Ecofin Invess $105 Million in Solel Solar Systems

Ecofin Limited (“Ecofin”), a London based investment manager specialising in the utilities and infrastructure sectors with approximately $5,400 million of assets under management, is pleased to announce a major new investment in Solel Solar Systems Limited (“Solel”). Ecofin, on behalf of its funds and certain co-investors, has invested $105 million in shares of Solel through a combination of subscription for new equity and secondary share purchases. Solel specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of solar fields and critical solar field components for large scale power generation. Solel is the world’s largest solar thermal company with over 20 years experience in the sector. Solel has signed a power purchase agreement with the Pacific Gas & Electric company to supply a solar thermal power field of 553MW in California and is in discussions with a number of other utilities about similar projects. Solel employs approximately 300 staff and its headquarters and R&D centre are based in Bet Shemesh, Israel. It has subsidiary offices in Spain and the United States. Link.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

First Solar Hires Kathy Weiss as Vice President, Government Relations

PHOENIX, -- First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:FSLR) announced the appointment of Kathy Weiss as vice president, government relations, based in New York, NY. In this new position, Weiss is responsible for overseeing the development and advocacy of First Solar's public policy positions and will manage First Solar's state and federal affairs activities. Ms. Weiss will report to John Gaffney, executive vice president and general counsel. Link. Chart.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Fat Spaniel Technologies Closes $18 Million Series B Round

San Jose, Calif. – Fat Spaniel Technologies, Inc., a provider of monitoring and reporting services for renewable energy systems, has closed $18 million in Series B financing. The investment round was led by Ignition Partners, with follow-on investment from Element Partners and Chrysalix Energy. PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund and Applied Ventures, LLC, the venture capital arm of Applied Materials, Inc., also participated in the round. Link.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

A123Systems Appoints Robert Johnson as Vice President and General Manager

Watertown, Mass. – A123Systems, developer and producer of patent-pending Nanophosphate™ lithium ion batteries, today announced the formation of its Energy Solutions Group (ESG). Robert Johnson will join A123Systems as VP of and GM of ESG, leaving his role as Senior Vice President, President North America at APC-MGE, a $3 billion in revenue global provider of critical power and cooling services. Link.

SynapSense Names Mike Frieswyk Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales

FOLSOM, Calif.--SynapSense Corporation, a leading provider of wireless instrumentation solutions, today introduced Mike Frieswyk as the company’s senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. Link.

ADA-ES Names W. Phillip Marcum To Its Board

LITTLETON, CO –– ADA-ES, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADES) today announced that W. Phillip Marcum, age 63, has joined the Company’s Board of Directors, increasing the Board to nine members. Mr. Marcum has not yet been named to any committees of the Board, but is expected to serve on at least one Board committee, possibly more. Link. Chart.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Codexis Names Nicholas Green President, Codexis Pharmaceuticals

Redwood City, CA - Codexis, Inc., a leading developer of clean manufacturing processes, announced the appointment of Nicholas Green to the newly-created position of President, Codexis Pharmaceuticals. He will report to Alan Shaw, Ph.D., President and CEO. Mr. Green will be responsible for management and operations of Codexis Pharmaceuticals, including the products and services for innovator and generics pharmaceutical companies. Codexis Pharmaceuticals provides both innovator and generics pharmaceutical manufacturers with green technology to improve manufacturing cost and purity and reduce waste produced by traditional chemistry approaches to manufacturing. Link.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Pentadyne Names Campion Chief Financial Officer

Chatsworth, Calif. -- Pentadyne Power Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer of clean energy storage systems using advanced composite flywheel technology, announced that it has appointed Mark Campion as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Since 2003, Campion has been the CFO of Silicon Valley based PolyFuel Inc., a world leader in the development of engineered membranes for fuel cells. Under his direction, PolyFuel was one of the first U.S. companies to consider and successfully execute an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market in 2005. Link.

Synthetic Genomics Appoints Chief Financial Officer

LA JOLLA, Calif. – – Synthetic Genomics Inc., a privately held company dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global energy and environmental challenges, today announced the appointment of Chuck McBride as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective February 12, 2008. McBride brings more than 30 years of experience in corporate finance and development, investor relations and operations, and has been successful in raising more than a billion dollars in his previous experience. He joins Synthetic Genomics from Capstone Turbine Corporation (NASDAQ: CPST), the world’s leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Link.

Capstone Announces Appointment of New Chief Financial Officer

CHATSWORTH, Calif.--Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.microturbine.com) (NASDAQ:CPST), the world's leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, announced today that it has promoted Edward Reich from Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective February 11, 2008. Chuck McBride, Capstone's current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is leaving Capstone to join Synthetic Genomics Inc., a privately held company dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global energy and environmental challenges. Mr. McBride will remain with the company through February 11, 2008 to effect a smooth transition. Link. Chart.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Velocity Venture Capital Closes $15 Million Second Fund

FOLSOM, Calif.--Velocity Venture Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in technology companies in the greater Sacramento area, announced today that it has closed its second fund with $15 million raised and is preparing for its third fund with a target fund size of $60 million. With its first two funds, Velocity already has made 11 investments in companies in the greater Sacramento region, including companies like Jadoo Power and Marquiss Wind Power, which are taking a leadership role in Sacramento’s efforts to become a national leader in clean energy innovation. Link.

NanoGram Corporation Raises $32 Million

Milpitas, CA –– NanoGram Corporation, a leading developer and licensor of core process technology for the manufacture of unique nanostructured materials for optical, electronic and energy applications, today announced that it has closed on a third equity round of $32M to date to expand its solar technology and nanomaterials solutions businesses. Link.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Cree Expands Leadership Team with Two New Executives

DURHAM, N.C., – Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a leader in LED solid-state lighting components, announces that two new senior leaders are joining the company. Soo Ghee Lee is named vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific, and Wayne Nesbit is named vice president, Worldwide Manufacturing. Soo Ghee Lee, vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific, comes to Cree with more than 25 years of optoelectronics experience, most recently with Avago Technologies where he was vice president and general manager for the solid-state illumination division. He will be responsible for the development of new revenue streams and extension of customer relationships in Asia Pacific. Lee’s appointment is effective January 14, 2008, and he will be based in Penang, Malaysia. Link. Chart.

Verenium Appoints Gerald M. Haines Chief Legal Officer

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., -- Verenium Corporation (Nasdaq: VRNM), a pioneer in the development of next-generation cellulosic ethanol and high-performance specialty enzymes, announced the appointment of Gerald M. Haines as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. Haines will report directly to Carlos A. Riva, Verenium's President and Chief Executive Officer. Link. Chart.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Ze-gen, Inc. Secures an Additional $2.5 million in Funding

BOSTON--Ze-gen, Inc., a clean energy company providing advanced gasification technology to convert municipal waste streams into synthesis gas and generate low emissions electricity and renewable energy credits, announced that it has closed a $2.5 million venture term debt facility with Pinnacle Ventures, L.L.C. of Palo Alto, California. Link.

ECD Enhances Senior Management Team With Three New Hires

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., -- Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq: ENER), a leading global manufacturer of thin-film solar laminates, today announced three new additions to its senior management team, reporting directly to President and CEO Mark Morelli. Joseph Conroy, 44, Vice President - Operations With more than 20 years of experience in strategic manufacturing, Mr. Conroy will oversee all of ECD's photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing activities, including Production Technology, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and the further expansion of ECD's global manufacturing footprint. Marcelino Susas, 41, Vice President - Strategic Marketing Mr. Susas will lead ECD's initiatives to assess global marketing opportunities and drive strategic planning for capturing market share and long-term profitability. He has experience in marketing, business development and business line management in both the Energy and Building Materials industries. Corby C. Whitaker, 38, Vice President - Global Sales Mr. Whitaker is responsible for the company's global PV sales, including growing and managing its global sales organization. Link. Chart.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Deeya Energy Names Vic Mahadevan as CEO and $15 Million in Funding

FREMONT, Calif. & GURAGON, India--Deeya Energy Inc., a clean energy technology company focused on developing and manufacturing novel energy storage systems, announced today the appointment of Vic Mahadevan as a President and CEO. The company also announced a $15 million Series B funding round, led by NEA with existing investors, BlueRun Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and DFJ Element participating. Link.

EnerNOC Names Darren Brady Chief Operating Officer

BOSTON, -- EnerNOC, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENOC), a leading provider of clean and intelligent energy solutions, announced the appointment of Darren Brady to the role of chief operating officer and senior vice president. Brady joins EnerNOC from Washington-based Puget Sound Energy (PSE), a subsidiary of Puget Energy (NYSE: PSD), where he served as senior vice president of Customer Service and Information Technology and chief information officer since October 2005. Link. Chart.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Comverge Announces New Executive Officers and Promotions

EAST HANOVER, N.J., -- Comverge, Inc. (Nasdaq: COMV), a leading clean capacity provider through demand response and energy efficiency, announced that it recently promoted key executive staff, adding depth and experience to its executive team. These additions and promotions are as follows: -- Mr. Matthew H. Smith has been promoted to Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Smith will manage the company's legal department, including both outside counsel activities and all company legal activities. -- Mr. Mark Schaefer has been promoted to Vice President of Risk Management and Administration. In this role, Mr. Schaefer will focus on quantifying and managing risks and the general administrative operations for the company. -- Mr. David Ellis has been named President of Clean Power Markets, a Comverge subsidiary focused on administration of state and regional Renewable Portfolio Standards. -- Mr. Arthur (Bud) Vos' role with Comverge expanded, and he has been named Vice President of Marketing, Strategy and Regulatory Affairs. -- Effective December 31, 2007, Mr. T. Wayne Wren retired as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Wren will take on a new role as a consultant for the company focused on mergers and acquisitions and strategic business opportunities for Comverge. Link. Chart.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Intellectual Property Expert Michael J. Dansky Joins The Brattle Group

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., -- The Brattle Group announced that Michael J. Dansky has joined the firm's Cambridge, MA office as a Principal. Mr. Dansky is an expert in intellectual property, corporate
transactions, dispute resolution, and valuation. He has valued and licensed intellectual property assets and related technologies and evaluated IP damages in a wide range of industries. Link.

Solarfun Announces New CEO

SHANGHAI, China, -- Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:SOLF), an established manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules and ingots in China, announced the appointment of Henricus Johannes Petrus "Harold" Hoskens as Chief Executive Officer. His tenure will commence on February 25, 2008 for an initial term of three years. Mr. Hoskens joins Solarfun from TPO Displays Corporation, Chunan Taiwan, where he recently served as Deputy CEO. Lu Yonghua, Chairman of Solarfun commented, "We are very fortunate to have attracted Harold to the Solarfun team. The growth and changing dynamics of the solar industry require leadership and expertise in operating and international experience. Harold has a proven track record in manufacturing, supply chain management, technology and customer relations. He is a well-rounded executive who can lead Solarfun to become a leading competitor in the burgeoning solar industry." Link. Chart.

Boston-Power Scores Large Portable Power Venture Investment

Westborough, Mass. – Boston-Power, Inc.™, a rapidly growing provider of first-to-market portable power solutions, today announced $45 million in new funding. The Series C round was led by Oak Investment Partners and included existing blue-chip investors Venrock Associates, Granite Global Ventures and Gabriel Venture Partners. Link.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Trex Company Appoints Ronald W. Kaplan President, CEO and Director

WINCHESTER, Va.--Trex Company, Inc. (NYSE: TWP), manufacturer of Trex(R) decking, railing, fencing and trim, announced today that Ronald W. Kaplan has been appointed president, chief executive officer and a director of Trex, effective January 7, 2008. Andrew U. Ferrari, who previously served as CEO, has been appointed chairman of the board, replacing Anthony J. Cavanna, who will continue as a director and interim chief financial officer. Link. Chart.