Nevada Geothermal Power is proceeding with Ormat on the Blue Mountain Faulkner 1 Power Plant, see article on geotherma.info entitled Nevada Geo (NGLPF) and Ormat Tech (ORA) in $20 million deal for Blue Mountain geothermal project.
In Geothermal energy news and geothermal company info, Australia has opened up Geopower exploration, and NGP finds geothermal energy drilling success.
Earlier in February Tyler Hamilton over at Clean Break focused on the links between high-purity cadmium telluride supplier 5N Plus and their world-leading customer First Solar in an article that also discusses a potential cadmium shortage.
Vestas Wind Systems AS, the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, said it has received an order for 32 units of its V90-1.8 MW wind turbine from Spain's Catalana d'Energies Renovables SL.
Sharp Solar aims to raise its annual thin-film solar cell production capacity by completing new plants in Japan and building new facilities abroad. Q-Cells Solar said earlier this month that it had overtaken Sharp as the world’s No. 1 maker of solar cells in terms of volume in 2007.
Spire (SPIR) will provide Dongyang in Korea with a 12 MegaWatt crystalline cell module manufacturing line.
Evergreen Solar and Renewable Energy Corp prepare EverQ Initial Public Offering.
More alternative energy investing info:
Geothermal Power Investing
Wind Energy Stcoks
Search Alternative Energy Stocks, Renewable Power Investing Info
Clean Geen Power Mutual Funds and Investments
Find Green Energy Funds, Renewable Energy Stocks, Clean Power Investments
Search Green Energy Stocks Investing Network:
CAUTION: Investing in common stocks of publicly-listed companies is a high risk (and high potential reward) activity. Owning investments in individual renewable energy technology companies is for high risk investors only, and medium risk investors should consider green mutual funds, closed-end clean energy funds, alternative energy index funds and other clean energy sector investments. Even then, these funds should be owned as part of a widely diversified portfolio, and always be considered as longer term investments.
Alternative energy stocks and other renewable power investments are a core component of ethical investing portfolios. Find info on Alternative Energy websites, research solar power, locate renewable power information and solar energy companies online. Links to info on clean fuels, solar power as a peace technology, solar energy stocks and clean power mutual funds.
Clean Energy Website Information Network
Find green power alternative energy solutions, clean energy stocks, water technology stocks, water purification companies, water desalination technology and photovoltaic solar electric power company websites:
Find Green Energy Funds, Renewable Energy Stocks, Clean Power Investments
Search Green Energy Stocks Investing Network:
Custom Search
Alternative energy stocks and other renewable power investments are a core component of ethical investing portfolios. Find info on Alternative Energy websites, research solar power, locate renewable power information and solar energy companies online. Links to info on clean fuels, solar power as a peace technology, solar energy stocks and clean power mutual funds.
Clean Energy Website Information Network
Find green power alternative energy solutions, clean energy stocks, water technology stocks, water purification companies, water desalination technology and photovoltaic solar electric power company websites:
Custom Search
Showing posts with label wind power investing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wind power investing. Show all posts
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Friday, December 21, 2007
EarthFirst (TSX:EF) buying 144 megs of wind turbines from Vestas, for Dokie Ridge, BC
EarthFirst buys 48 Vestas V90 3 MegaWatt wind turbines for Dokie Ridge project in BC, Canada
VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 17 /CNW/ - EarthFirst Canada Inc. ("EarthFirst") (EF, EF.WT; TSX) is pleased to announce that it has placed an order with Vestas-Canadian Wind Technology Inc. for 48 of its V90-3.0 MW wind turbines to be installed at EarthFirst's 144 MW Dokie Ridge project located in the Rocky Mountain foothills of the Peace River region in north-eastern British Columbia, Canada.
VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 17 /CNW/ - EarthFirst Canada Inc. ("EarthFirst") (EF, EF.WT; TSX) is pleased to announce that it has placed an order with Vestas-Canadian Wind Technology Inc. for 48 of its V90-3.0 MW wind turbines to be installed at EarthFirst's 144 MW Dokie Ridge project located in the Rocky Mountain foothills of the Peace River region in north-eastern British Columbia, Canada.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Brookfield Power Inc. (BPI) announces closing of C$300 mil for wind energy project
GATINEAU, QUEBEC, Nov 30 (MARKET WIRE) -- Brookfield Power Inc. (BPI) announces the closing of a C$300 million bank facility in connection with its 189-MW Prince Wind Project through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Brookfield Power Wind Prince Financial Corporation. Proceeds of the financing will be used to repay the existing construction credit facility for Prince Wind.
Prince Wind, the largest operating wind farm in Canada with 126 wind turbines situated on nearly 20,000 acres overlooking Lake Superior northwest of Sault Ste. Marie, is capable of producing enough clean, renewable energy to power 40,000 homes annually. The wind farm was commissioned during the fourth quarter of 2006 and has been fully operational for one year. All the energy produced by Prince Wind is sold to the Ontario Power Authority under long-term power purchase contracts expiring between 2026 and 2028.
Prince Wind is being financed with a five year floating rate bank facility, which is secured by the Prince Wind assets and is non-recourse to BPI. Payments of interest and principal will be made quarterly pursuant to amortization matched to coincide with the termination of the last power purchase agreement in 2028. BPI intends to substantially hedge the bank facility's floating interest rate to a fixed rate.
The financing was provided by a syndicate of lenders co-led by The Bank of Nova Scotia and Dexia Credit Local S.A, and was pre-syndicated as of financial close to include ABN Amro N.V., Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Fortis Capital and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation of Canada.
About Brookfield Power
Brookfield Power comprises the power generating and marketing operations of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Brookfield Power has developed and successfully operated hydroelectric power facilities for over 100 years. Brookfield Power's portfolio comprises almost 3,900 megawatts of capacity and includes 157 hydroelectric power generating stations on 60 river systems, 1 wind farm, and 2 thermal plants, principally in the northeastern North America and South America. (See www.brookfieldpower.com for more details). Brookfield Asset Management Inc., focused on property, power and infrastructure assets, has approximately US$90 billion of assets under management and is co-listed on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges under the symbol BAM. (See www.brookfield.com for more details). Contacts: Brookfield Power Grace Pollock Director, Investor Relations
Prince Wind, the largest operating wind farm in Canada with 126 wind turbines situated on nearly 20,000 acres overlooking Lake Superior northwest of Sault Ste. Marie, is capable of producing enough clean, renewable energy to power 40,000 homes annually. The wind farm was commissioned during the fourth quarter of 2006 and has been fully operational for one year. All the energy produced by Prince Wind is sold to the Ontario Power Authority under long-term power purchase contracts expiring between 2026 and 2028.
Prince Wind is being financed with a five year floating rate bank facility, which is secured by the Prince Wind assets and is non-recourse to BPI. Payments of interest and principal will be made quarterly pursuant to amortization matched to coincide with the termination of the last power purchase agreement in 2028. BPI intends to substantially hedge the bank facility's floating interest rate to a fixed rate.
The financing was provided by a syndicate of lenders co-led by The Bank of Nova Scotia and Dexia Credit Local S.A, and was pre-syndicated as of financial close to include ABN Amro N.V., Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Fortis Capital and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation of Canada.
About Brookfield Power
Brookfield Power comprises the power generating and marketing operations of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Brookfield Power has developed and successfully operated hydroelectric power facilities for over 100 years. Brookfield Power's portfolio comprises almost 3,900 megawatts of capacity and includes 157 hydroelectric power generating stations on 60 river systems, 1 wind farm, and 2 thermal plants, principally in the northeastern North America and South America. (See www.brookfieldpower.com for more details). Brookfield Asset Management Inc., focused on property, power and infrastructure assets, has approximately US$90 billion of assets under management and is co-listed on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges under the symbol BAM. (See www.brookfield.com for more details). Contacts: Brookfield Power Grace Pollock Director, Investor Relations
Asia's 5th richest billionaire powered his fortune with wind energy play Suzlon (SUZL.BO)
Sunil Mittal 3rd richest self-made billionaire in Asia: Forbes
Sunday December 2 2007 21:51 IST
article from: http://www.newindpress.com
NEW YORK: Bharti Airtel's Sunil Mittal has been ranked third in Forbes magazine's 20 self-made Asian billionaires list, which also has five other Indians including Unitech's Ramesh Chandra, Suzlon's Tulsi Tanti, Gautam Adani, GM Rao and Uday Kotak.
In the latest list of 20, Sunil Mittal has grabbed the third place with a net worth of 12.5 billion dollars while Ramesh Chandra is at the fifth place with an estimated worth of 11.6 billion dollars.
Tulsi Tanti of Suzlon Energy holds the fifth position, while Adani Group's Guatam Adani is ranked 10th, G M Rao of GMR Infrastructure 13th and Uday Kotak of Kotak Group 20th.
The top two positions have been cornered by two billionaires from Hong Kong - Li Ka-shing (23 billion dollars) and Lee Shau Kee (17 billion dollars).
Hong Kong is represented by five people, while China and Malaysia have two each.
According to the US business magazine, Sunil Mittal began his first business in 1976 with "1,500 dollars borrowed from his father. Later, co-founded Bharti Group with two brothers. Now, their Bharti Airtel is nation's largest mobile phone operator, with more than 50 million customers."
Sixty-eight-year-old Ramesh Chandra studied structural engineering in the UK before moving into real estate business. The publicly-listed Unitech, run by his two sons, is currently expanding into developing theme parks and shopping malls.
Tulsi Tanti and family estimated to be worth 10 billion dollars is described as a former textile trader who turned to alternative energy when rising power costs threatened to put him out of business.
"With three brothers, he started a wind power venture in 1995. Now, his Suzlon Energy is the largest wind power company by market cap in the world," the magazine said.
Interestingly, Gautam Adani who is worth 6.7 billion dollars, dropped out of school and started his group way back in the 1980s. He began importing scarce plastic polymers and the company was listed in 1994. Later, he expanded his business into ports, call centers and edible oils.
Net worths are based on the most recently published Forbes magazine figures. March billionaire figures were used for Hong Kong and Taiwan. Regional rich list valuations were used for the other fortunes, it said.
Meanwhile, G M Rao -- estimated to be worth 6.2 billion dollars -- is described as the son of a commodities trader.
"(He) joined the family's small commodities trading company before moving into sugar and alloys. In 1996, he bought a license to build a power plant in Chennai when his original idea, a brewery, was stalled by prohibition. Since then he has won bids to modernise airports at Hyderabad and Delhi. In July, he won a 2.7 billion dollars contract to build a new airport terminal in Istanbul in a consortium with Malaysia Airports," Forbes said.
An ardent cricket fan, Uday Kotak, who is worth 4.6 billion dollars, left the family's trading business to start a finance company. He later converted the firm into a bank in 2003 and "stock soaring since buying out longtime partner Goldman Sachs last year." MORE
Taiwan, Japan and Singapore have one 'self-made billionaire' each in the top 20 list.
Vladimir Kim (worth 5.5 billion dollars) ranked at the 14th position is from Kazakhstan and is head of Kazakhmys "world's 10th largest copper producer."
"...All of these tycoons made their money the old fashioned way--hard work, determination, ingenuity and a little bit of luck," the magazine said in an accompanying report.
"Although these 20 have diverse interests in industries ranging from plastics to telecommunications, property seems to be the most lucrative industry for the self-starters. Seven entrepreneurs made all or part of their fortunes in real estate, more than any other industry," it added.
Sunday December 2 2007 21:51 IST
article from: http://www.newindpress.com
NEW YORK: Bharti Airtel's Sunil Mittal has been ranked third in Forbes magazine's 20 self-made Asian billionaires list, which also has five other Indians including Unitech's Ramesh Chandra, Suzlon's Tulsi Tanti, Gautam Adani, GM Rao and Uday Kotak.
In the latest list of 20, Sunil Mittal has grabbed the third place with a net worth of 12.5 billion dollars while Ramesh Chandra is at the fifth place with an estimated worth of 11.6 billion dollars.
Tulsi Tanti of Suzlon Energy holds the fifth position, while Adani Group's Guatam Adani is ranked 10th, G M Rao of GMR Infrastructure 13th and Uday Kotak of Kotak Group 20th.
The top two positions have been cornered by two billionaires from Hong Kong - Li Ka-shing (23 billion dollars) and Lee Shau Kee (17 billion dollars).
Hong Kong is represented by five people, while China and Malaysia have two each.
According to the US business magazine, Sunil Mittal began his first business in 1976 with "1,500 dollars borrowed from his father. Later, co-founded Bharti Group with two brothers. Now, their Bharti Airtel is nation's largest mobile phone operator, with more than 50 million customers."
Sixty-eight-year-old Ramesh Chandra studied structural engineering in the UK before moving into real estate business. The publicly-listed Unitech, run by his two sons, is currently expanding into developing theme parks and shopping malls.
Tulsi Tanti and family estimated to be worth 10 billion dollars is described as a former textile trader who turned to alternative energy when rising power costs threatened to put him out of business.
"With three brothers, he started a wind power venture in 1995. Now, his Suzlon Energy is the largest wind power company by market cap in the world," the magazine said.
Interestingly, Gautam Adani who is worth 6.7 billion dollars, dropped out of school and started his group way back in the 1980s. He began importing scarce plastic polymers and the company was listed in 1994. Later, he expanded his business into ports, call centers and edible oils.
Net worths are based on the most recently published Forbes magazine figures. March billionaire figures were used for Hong Kong and Taiwan. Regional rich list valuations were used for the other fortunes, it said.
Meanwhile, G M Rao -- estimated to be worth 6.2 billion dollars -- is described as the son of a commodities trader.
"(He) joined the family's small commodities trading company before moving into sugar and alloys. In 1996, he bought a license to build a power plant in Chennai when his original idea, a brewery, was stalled by prohibition. Since then he has won bids to modernise airports at Hyderabad and Delhi. In July, he won a 2.7 billion dollars contract to build a new airport terminal in Istanbul in a consortium with Malaysia Airports," Forbes said.
An ardent cricket fan, Uday Kotak, who is worth 4.6 billion dollars, left the family's trading business to start a finance company. He later converted the firm into a bank in 2003 and "stock soaring since buying out longtime partner Goldman Sachs last year." MORE
Taiwan, Japan and Singapore have one 'self-made billionaire' each in the top 20 list.
Vladimir Kim (worth 5.5 billion dollars) ranked at the 14th position is from Kazakhstan and is head of Kazakhmys "world's 10th largest copper producer."
"...All of these tycoons made their money the old fashioned way--hard work, determination, ingenuity and a little bit of luck," the magazine said in an accompanying report.
"Although these 20 have diverse interests in industries ranging from plastics to telecommunications, property seems to be the most lucrative industry for the self-starters. Seven entrepreneurs made all or part of their fortunes in real estate, more than any other industry," it added.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Invest in Windpower - Directory of Wind Energy Companies
Wind Power & Wind Energy Stocks
AAER Inc (TSX-V: AAE) is a wind turbine manufacturer, located in Bromont, Quebec, and operating with a strategy of progressively building its product's components. The Company's mission is to manufacture and maintain high-capacity, 1 to 1, 5 Megawatt (MW) wind turbines in North America. AAER uses proven European technologies to ensure high performance of its turbines in various wind conditions and on complex terrain.
Alternate Energy Solutions, Inc. is renewable energy company specializing in wind turbine development and integration, for clients, and the company’s portfolio of renewable energy generating assets. Target business focus is within the educational, municipal and agricultural sectors. Management is currently working and evaluating opportunities in the states of Michigan, Montana and New York, Canada and Eastern Europe.
Americas Wind Energy Corporation (AWNE.OB) AWEC is focused on the manufacturing and marketing of medium sized (500 – 1,000 megawatt (MW)) wind turbines for the North American market. AWEC strategy is to manufacture as much as possible in North America, providing both cost effectiveness and local content. All of our projects to date have made use of local tower manufacturers. AWEC is and intends to remain a virtual manufacturer. AWEC will subcontract the components of our wind turbines to qualified manufacturers and manufacturing partners to achieve the best in quality at the lowest cost. As a key part of the strategy of a virtual manufacturer, AWEC will maintain strict quality assurance programs and quality control procedures for our subcontractors and partners.
Babcock & Brown Wind Partners (ASX: BBW BBWPF.PK) Babcock & Brown Wind Partners (ASX: BBW) is a specialised investment fund focused on the wind energy generation sector, offering investors a unique opportunity to invest in a portfolio of globally diversified wind energy generation assets.
Cleanfield Alternative Energy (CDNX:AIR.V) Cleanfield Alternative Energy is the parent company of Cleanfield Energy Corp. and is committed to the development of renewable energy products for both consumer and commercial applications. Cleanfield's tailor-made VAWT can be mounted on a tower or suitable rooftop, offering electricity independence and security. Excess power generated by the VAWT can be stored for later use or, in some jurisdictions, sold back to the utility power grid system
Clipper Windpower (CWP.L) (United Kingdom) Manufacturer of wind turbines and developer of wind power projects in the Americas and Europe.
Coppenhagen Greentech Energy Systems Coppenhagen (GES-CSE) wind energy.
First National Power Corp. (FNPR.OB) First National Power Corporation, a development stage company, provides wind-driven solutions to power generation requirements. It engages in the operation of a propless wind power generator, which is under development; the Green Oasis, a portable electrical generation and storage, water purification, and satellite communication unit; and a biomass waste energy project, which is also under development.
Finavera Renewables Inc (Tier2) (TSX:FVR.V) Finavera Renewables, originally conceived in Ireland, has become a TSX Venture Exchange listed company and is dedicated to the development of renewable energy resources and technologies. The Company's objective is to become a major renewable and green energy producer by developing and operating its assets in the wind and wave energy sectors. Finavera Renewables has diversified its renewable energy portfolio to include wind power projects, wave power projects, and wave power technology development.
FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL) engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric energy. It owns, develops, constructs, manages, and operates domestic electric-generating facilities in wholesale energy markets. The company produces electricity utilizing natural gas, wind, and nuclear resources. FPL Group also provides fiber-optic services to telecommunications companies and other customers. It primarily serves residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Gamesa Corp (GAM.MC) 18% of the world's share of the wind turbine market. Based in Spain
General Electric (NYSE: GE) engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of various products for the generation, transmission, distribution, control, and utilization of electricity.The company’s services include product services; electrical product supply houses; electrical apparatus installation, engineering, and repair and rebuilding services. General Electric, through TIP Trailer Services, offers transport rental, maintenance, financing, and other related services. Through its affiliate, NBC Universal, Inc., General Electric produces and delivers network television services and motion pictures, as well as operates television stations, cable/satellite networks, theme parks, and program activities in multimedia and the Internet. Through another affiliate, General Electric Capital Services, Inc., it offers an array of financial and other services, including consumer financing, commercial and industrial financing, real estate financing, asset management and leasing, mortgage services, consumer savings and insurance services, and reinsurance.
Greentech Energy (GES.CO) (Denmark) The Group's principal activity is producing electricity by utilizing wind power. The Group is into commercial production of alternative energy on a commercial basis through renewable resources. The Company has subsidiaries in Denmark, Poland and Italy. It owns 19 wind mills in Denmark. The Group does not own any wind mills in either Poland or Italy but plans have been made and work is under construction to build mills there also.
Greenwind Pwr Cp NEW (GWDP.PK) Greenwind Power Corp (USA) is a Vancouver, BC-based company that is rapidly emerging as a company dedicated to the development and operation of renewable energy projects. Greenwind's primary focus is the development of grid based wind farms; however, Greenwind's secondary focus has been the research and development of economical wind/diesel hybrid systems coupled with the emergence of new developments in energy storage systems which systems would be utilized for off-grid applications. Greenwind sees this market as significant potential for additional growth of the company in the next few years. The company expects more news in the near future and will report it as developments occur.
Leader Resources Corp. (CDNX:LDR.V) Leader Resources is engaged in the wind energy development business. Its predecessor Leader Wind has successfully developed a 200 Megawatt project in Kincardine, Ontario. Details of this can be found on the press release dated November 2005. After the successful sale of this project, the company continued to acquire property for further wind development
McKenzie Bay International Ltd (MKBY.OB) offers a sustainable renewable energy solution to address the growing demand and escalating costs of electricity through the WindStorSM distributed generation system. “WindStorSM”, a wind energy system, will generate, distribute and store electricity at urban and off-grid locations with a WindStorSMWind Turbine, a proprietary ‘System Integrator’ and a battery.
Mass Megawatts Wind Power, Inc. (OTCBB: MMGW) a development stage company, engages in the production of wind turbines and sale of wind generated electricity. It develops its prototype wind energy production equipment, as well as locates and adapts suitable operating facilities. The company’s MultiAxis Turbosystem technology is expected to contribute wind energy as a factor in the production of electric power.
NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. (TSX V: NKW) Since 2000, the company has focused on renewable energy and is now concentrating on development of a major wind farm in British Columbia's Hecate Strait.
Plambeck Neue Energien AG (PNEFF.PK) (Germany) Wind energy projects, domestic and international.
Renewable Energy Holding plc (LSE:REH.L) (London) Our Vision: To become World leaders in all forms of renewable energy production. To form Strategic partnerships with Governments, Maritime Institutions and Intellectual Institutions. To make money for our investors.
Repower Systems (RPW.DE) (Germany) REpower Systems AG is one of the leading turbine producers in the German wind energy sector.
Scottish Power PLC (SPI) engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity to homes and businesses primarily in the United Kingdom. The company also offers gas storage and associated energy management services in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and western Canada. As of March 31, 2006, it owned electricity transmission and distribution network, which extended to approximately 112,000 kilometers, with 65,000 kilometers of underground cables and 47,000 kilometers of overhead lines in the United Kingdom.
Sea Breeze Power Corp. (CDNX: SBX.V) Sea Breeze Pacific RTS (a British Columbia corporation jointly owned with Boundless Energy LLC, of York Harbour, Maine) was formed to ensure the existence of an economic path to market for the large amounts of renewable energy presently under development on Vancouver Island. Sea Breeze Power Corp.'s partner in the venture, Boundless Energy LLC, is the transmission and utility engineering principal of the Neptune Regional Transmission consortium whose bid was recently selected for the installation of a 67-mile, 600-megawatt HVDC submarine transmission cable from northern New Jersey to central Long Island.
Shear Wind Inc. (Tier2) (SWX.V) Founded in 2005, Shear Wind Inc. is headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Shear Wind management encompasses an extensive background of domestic and global business expertise with a strong entrepreneurial acumen. Engaged in the exploration and development of renewable energy in Canada, Shear Wind is focused on building a strong company based on a secure, clean and sustainable energy supply.
SkyPower (Private; minority owned by Lehman Brothers) - SkyPower is the leading independent renewable energy developer in Canada, and possesses proven expertise in developing, building and managing large-scale wind and solar power projects. SkyPower has developed a national footprint, with interests in over 50 renewable power projects at various stages of development in 8 provinces in Canada and select US states, representing over 7000 MW of potential energy. Recently SkyPower has expanded its reach into the international energy market and is helping countries meet their surging power demands through renewable energy solutions.
Suzlon Energy LTD (SZEYF.PK) (India) Suzlon specializes in providing total solutions in wind power generation integrating consultancy, design, manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance services on a global basis. A strength of Suzlon is its component strategy, in that most of its parts are standard aircraft technology, and so their machines do not face the risk of maintenance problems should the manufacturer cease to exist.
Tower Tech Holdings, Inc (OTCBB: TWRT.OB) engages in the engineering, manufacture, and sale of wind turbine extension towers and monopiles to the wind energy industry in North America. It offers wind tower support structures, monopiles, and turbine structure fabrication and assembly.
TXU Corp. (TXU) a Dallas-based energy company, manages a portfolio of competitive and regulated energy primarily in Texas. In the competitive TXU Energy Holdings segment (comprised of electricity generation, wholesale marketing and retailing operations), TXU Energy provides electricity and related services to 2.3 million competitive electricity customers in Texas, more customers than any other retail electric provider in the state. TXU Power has over 18,300 megawatts of generation in Texas, including 2,300 MW of nuclear and 5,837 MW of lignite/coal-fired generation capacity. The company is also one of the largest purchasers of wind-generated electricity in Texas and North America.
Vector Wind Energy (CDNX: VWE.V) is a developer of wind energy projects in Canada. Currently Vector has 23 active project areas around the country at various stages of exploration and development.
Vestas Wind Systems (OTC.PK: VWSYF.PK) KFX Companies:XCSE (Denmark) is the world leader in wind technology and a driving force in the development of the wind power industry. Vestas’ core business comprises the development, manufacture, sale, marketing and maintenance of wind power systems that use wind energy to generate electricity.
Windflow Tech ADR (WFLWY.PK) (New Zealand) Large wind turbine manufacturer. Windflow Technology's innovative Windflow design combines two technologies that reduce fatigue loads.
Zephyr Alternative Power (Privately owned) - Zephyr Alternative Power Inc. has been a Canadian corporation since 2002. Since that time, Zephyr's mission has been to develop, promote, and market various alternative energy and energy efficient technologies. Presently, the company is focusing on developing its patented Zephyr Vertical Wind turbine (ZVWT). This modular and scalable design is quiet, visually appealing and practical for residences and institutions. Zephyr's goal, in light of our growing global electricity consumption habits, is to internationally develop and market small to medium size installations (up to 50 kW).Some info from: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Guide to Windpower, Solar, Hydro and other Green Energy Investments
Clean Power Plants & Green Utilities
Info from: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com
Alkane Energy (ALK.L) (London) Alkane Energy is an international renewable energy company that designs, builds, operates and services methane treatment and generation plants.
Boralex Inc (BLX.TO) Boralex owns and operates hydroelectric power stations in Canada as well as a natural gas-fired cogeneration plant. Boralex also operates in the United States where, in addition to a small hydroelectric power station, it owns one of the largest wood waste power generation plants in North America and it has recently ventured into wind energy in France.
Canadian Hydro Developers (KHD.TO) Producing certified green power from a diverse portfolio of renewable wind, water and biomass resources.
Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais (CIG) Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais—CEMIG engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Brazil. As of December 31, 2005, it operated 49 hydroelectric plants, 4 thermoelectric plants, and 1 wind farm, which had a total installed generation capacity of 6,113 megawatts. The company’s transmission network in Minas Gerais consisted of 1,345 miles of 500 kV lines, 1,228 miles of 345 kV lines, and 467 miles of 230 kV lines, as well as 32 substations with a total of 92 transformers and an aggregate transformation capacity of 15,393 MVA, as of the same date. Companhia Energetica also owned and operated 245,714 miles of distribution lines, through which it supplied electricity to approximately 6.0 million consumers, as of the above date. In addition, Companhia Energetica distributes natural gas in Minas Gerais; provides telecommunication services; and offers national and international consulting services.
Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG) is the nation's largest competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial and industrial customers and the nation's largest wholesale power seller. Constellation Energy also manages fuels and energy services on behalf of energy intensive industries and utilities. It owns a diversified fleet of 78 generating units located throughout the United States, totaling approximately 8,700 megawatts of generating capacity. This national fleet of plants is diversified by fuel, location and technology, and includes nuclear, coal, natural gas, oil, and renewable and alternative fuel (solar, geothermal, hydro and biomass) facilities. The company delivers electricity and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland.
Endesa SA (ELE) Endesa, S.A., an electricity company, engages in the generation and distribution of electricity primarily in Spain, Portugal, southern European region, Latin America, and north Africa. It also involves in the renewable energies and cogeneration activities, as well as distributes natural gas. As of December 31, 2005, it had a total installed capacity of 45,908 Megawatts; and supplied electricity to approximately 23.2 million customers in 15 countries.
Energy Developments Fpo (ENE.AX) (Australia) Alternative energy power generation: technology for and running of plants. Power generation from landfill gas, coal seam mine waste, cogeneration and combined cycle power plants.
EnerSys (ENS) EnerSys engages in the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of reserve power and motive power batteries, chargers, power equipment, and battery accessories worldwide. Reserve power batteries, marketed primarily under PowerSafe, DataSafe, and Genesis brands, are used in the telecommunications and utility industries, uninterruptible power suppliers, and various applications requiring standby power. Motive power batteries are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other commercial electric powered vehicles and are marketed under the Hawker, Exide, Fiamm Motive Power, Uranio, and General brands. It also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers. EnerSys markets and sells its products in approximately 100 countries through a network of distributors, independent representatives, and an internal sales force.
Evergreen Energy, Inc. (EEE) Evergreen Energy, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides energy, environmental, and economic solutions to coal-fired power generating facilities and industrial coal users in the United States and internationally. It produces lower emission fuel utilizing its proprietary K-Fuel process. The K-Fuel process uses heat and pressure to physically and chemically transform high moisture, low-Btu coals, such as subbituminous coal and lignite, into lower emission fuel. The K-Fuel process also enables the removal of certain impurities, including mercury and the reduction of emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. The company also licenses its technology to third parties. It has strategic alliance with Lurgi South Africa Technology Company for the implementation of the K-Fuel process.
Iberdrola (IBE.L) (Spain – traded on London Exchange) Electricity provider firmly committed to clean energies, and in particular to wind power, hydroelectric power, and combined-cycle facilities, which operate with natural gas, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the regions in which we operate.
IdaCorp, Inc. (NYSE: IDA), through Idaho Power is involved in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy in a 24,000 square mile area in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon with an estimated population of 943,000. Its electrical generation comes from hydroelectric, natural gas, diesel, coal, and geothermal plants.
Laidlaw Energy Group (OTCPK: LLEG) is engaged in the development of independent power plants that generate electricity from renewable resources. LLEG's mission is to build and manage a profitable portfolio of renewable energy facilities through the development of new facilities and acquisition of existing facilities. www.NYENRG.com and www.greenenergyfacts.com
Maxim Power Corp (TSX:MXG.TO) Based in Calgary, Alberta, MAXIM is an Independent Power Producer, which acquires or develops, owns and operates innovative and environmentally responsible power projects. Upon conclusion of the acquisition in France, MAXIM will own and operate 30 power plants in Western Canada, United States, and France, having 482 MW of electric and 95 MW of thermal generating capacity. MAXIM will continue to execute on its strategy as an Independent Power Producer and is targeting significant growth through acquisitions and development of power projects which utilize hydrocarbon based fuels and renewables in the markets of Western Canada, United States and France.
Northwestern Corp. (NWEC) NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas in the upper midwestern and northwestern regions of the United States. It engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as in purchase, transport, distribution, and storage of natural gas for commercial and residential customers.
Novera Energy (NVE.L) (London) An international renewable energy company, developing and owning renewable and low emission electricity generators, supplying mainstream power grids. Hydro, landfill gas, biomass electricity generation and windfarms.
PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) is an energy-based holding company headquartered in San Francisco, California. With assets valued at $34 billion, its operations include electric and gas distribution, natural gas and electric transmission, and electric generation. PG&E is actively adding renewable electric power resources to their supply of delivered power to include solar, biomass, geothermal and wind.
Plutonic Power Corporation (TSX:PCC.V) Plutonic Power is an emerging renewable energy producer in British Columbia. Its proposed 22 run of river projects have a design capacity of over 870 MW and the potential to generate approximately 2900 GW.h per annum of green energy, enough energy to meet the annual energy needs of approximately 300,000 homes. Included in the 22 projects is the creation of the Green Power Corridor, a series of non-storage hydroelectric projects in southwestern BC, which hold the potential to catapult British Columbia to the forefront of green energy generation in North America.
Run Of River Power Inc. (TSX:ROR.V) Run of River Power Inc. owns and operates a hydroelectric power generation station at Brandywine Creek, near Whistler, BC and sells the power to BC Hydro on a long-term 20 year contract.
Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE.L) (London) Britain’s largest generator of energy from renewable sources.
SFC Smart Fuel Cell ( Germany - F3C ) SFC is the market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets. As one of Germany’s most successful technology pioneers, SFC has won numerous innovation awards. In a US Navy Assessment in 2005, SFC was awarded the highest score for technical maturity of all fuel cell products. SFC has alliances with the German Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force and other leading military organizations.
Theolia (TEO.PA) (France) Electricity producer using renewable energy: wind, biomass, solar and thermal.
Thomas & Betts Corp. (TNB) Thomas & Betts Corporation engages in the design and manufacture of electrical connectors and components used in industrial, commercial, communications, and utility markets.
TransAlta Corporation (TSX:TA.TO; NYSE:TAC) TransAlta is a power generation and wholesale marketing company focused on creating long-term shareholder value. The company’s focus is to efficiently operate our coal-fired, gas-fired, hydro and renewable facilities in order to provide our customers with a reliable, low-cost source of power.
TrustPower Limited Ordinary Sha (TPW.NZ) (New Zealand) Electricity retailer with hydro and wind farm electric power generation.
Turbo Power Systems Inc (TSX:TPS.TO; LSE:TPS.L) Turbo Power Systems develops innovative products for power generation and power conditioning. The Group was established in 1993 as a spin-off from Imperial College, London and was floated on the London stock exchange in July 2000 and soon after obtained a secondary listing in Toronto. In July 2001, the Group acquired Intelligent Power Systems Limited (I-Power) specialising in power electronics.
Verbund AG Oesterreichische Ele (OEZVF.PK) (Austria) Verbund generates and distributes electricity. The Company operates local hydro and thermal power stations. Verbund also offers power plant, waterway, and sewage treatment plant construction services.
Vicor Corp. (VICR) Vicor Corporation engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of modular power components and power systems using its patented power conversion technology called as ‘zero current and zero voltage switching’ in the United States. Its product portfolio comprises modular power converters, including component-level DC-DC power converters designed for the printed circuit board assembly; configurable products that provide power solutions configured to a customer’s specific needs; factorized power architecture products; accessory power system components for the integration of other functions of the power system; and other customer specific products. The company sells its products through independent sales representative organizations in Americas and internationally.
Info from: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com
Alkane Energy (ALK.L) (London) Alkane Energy is an international renewable energy company that designs, builds, operates and services methane treatment and generation plants.
Boralex Inc (BLX.TO) Boralex owns and operates hydroelectric power stations in Canada as well as a natural gas-fired cogeneration plant. Boralex also operates in the United States where, in addition to a small hydroelectric power station, it owns one of the largest wood waste power generation plants in North America and it has recently ventured into wind energy in France.
Canadian Hydro Developers (KHD.TO) Producing certified green power from a diverse portfolio of renewable wind, water and biomass resources.
Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais (CIG) Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais—CEMIG engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Brazil. As of December 31, 2005, it operated 49 hydroelectric plants, 4 thermoelectric plants, and 1 wind farm, which had a total installed generation capacity of 6,113 megawatts. The company’s transmission network in Minas Gerais consisted of 1,345 miles of 500 kV lines, 1,228 miles of 345 kV lines, and 467 miles of 230 kV lines, as well as 32 substations with a total of 92 transformers and an aggregate transformation capacity of 15,393 MVA, as of the same date. Companhia Energetica also owned and operated 245,714 miles of distribution lines, through which it supplied electricity to approximately 6.0 million consumers, as of the above date. In addition, Companhia Energetica distributes natural gas in Minas Gerais; provides telecommunication services; and offers national and international consulting services.
Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG) is the nation's largest competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial and industrial customers and the nation's largest wholesale power seller. Constellation Energy also manages fuels and energy services on behalf of energy intensive industries and utilities. It owns a diversified fleet of 78 generating units located throughout the United States, totaling approximately 8,700 megawatts of generating capacity. This national fleet of plants is diversified by fuel, location and technology, and includes nuclear, coal, natural gas, oil, and renewable and alternative fuel (solar, geothermal, hydro and biomass) facilities. The company delivers electricity and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland.
Endesa SA (ELE) Endesa, S.A., an electricity company, engages in the generation and distribution of electricity primarily in Spain, Portugal, southern European region, Latin America, and north Africa. It also involves in the renewable energies and cogeneration activities, as well as distributes natural gas. As of December 31, 2005, it had a total installed capacity of 45,908 Megawatts; and supplied electricity to approximately 23.2 million customers in 15 countries.
Energy Developments Fpo (ENE.AX) (Australia) Alternative energy power generation: technology for and running of plants. Power generation from landfill gas, coal seam mine waste, cogeneration and combined cycle power plants.
EnerSys (ENS) EnerSys engages in the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of reserve power and motive power batteries, chargers, power equipment, and battery accessories worldwide. Reserve power batteries, marketed primarily under PowerSafe, DataSafe, and Genesis brands, are used in the telecommunications and utility industries, uninterruptible power suppliers, and various applications requiring standby power. Motive power batteries are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other commercial electric powered vehicles and are marketed under the Hawker, Exide, Fiamm Motive Power, Uranio, and General brands. It also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers. EnerSys markets and sells its products in approximately 100 countries through a network of distributors, independent representatives, and an internal sales force.
Evergreen Energy, Inc. (EEE) Evergreen Energy, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides energy, environmental, and economic solutions to coal-fired power generating facilities and industrial coal users in the United States and internationally. It produces lower emission fuel utilizing its proprietary K-Fuel process. The K-Fuel process uses heat and pressure to physically and chemically transform high moisture, low-Btu coals, such as subbituminous coal and lignite, into lower emission fuel. The K-Fuel process also enables the removal of certain impurities, including mercury and the reduction of emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. The company also licenses its technology to third parties. It has strategic alliance with Lurgi South Africa Technology Company for the implementation of the K-Fuel process.
Iberdrola (IBE.L) (Spain – traded on London Exchange) Electricity provider firmly committed to clean energies, and in particular to wind power, hydroelectric power, and combined-cycle facilities, which operate with natural gas, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the regions in which we operate.
IdaCorp, Inc. (NYSE: IDA), through Idaho Power is involved in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy in a 24,000 square mile area in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon with an estimated population of 943,000. Its electrical generation comes from hydroelectric, natural gas, diesel, coal, and geothermal plants.
Laidlaw Energy Group (OTCPK: LLEG) is engaged in the development of independent power plants that generate electricity from renewable resources. LLEG's mission is to build and manage a profitable portfolio of renewable energy facilities through the development of new facilities and acquisition of existing facilities. www.NYENRG.com and www.greenenergyfacts.com
Maxim Power Corp (TSX:MXG.TO) Based in Calgary, Alberta, MAXIM is an Independent Power Producer, which acquires or develops, owns and operates innovative and environmentally responsible power projects. Upon conclusion of the acquisition in France, MAXIM will own and operate 30 power plants in Western Canada, United States, and France, having 482 MW of electric and 95 MW of thermal generating capacity. MAXIM will continue to execute on its strategy as an Independent Power Producer and is targeting significant growth through acquisitions and development of power projects which utilize hydrocarbon based fuels and renewables in the markets of Western Canada, United States and France.
Northwestern Corp. (NWEC) NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas in the upper midwestern and northwestern regions of the United States. It engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as in purchase, transport, distribution, and storage of natural gas for commercial and residential customers.
Novera Energy (NVE.L) (London) An international renewable energy company, developing and owning renewable and low emission electricity generators, supplying mainstream power grids. Hydro, landfill gas, biomass electricity generation and windfarms.
PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) is an energy-based holding company headquartered in San Francisco, California. With assets valued at $34 billion, its operations include electric and gas distribution, natural gas and electric transmission, and electric generation. PG&E is actively adding renewable electric power resources to their supply of delivered power to include solar, biomass, geothermal and wind.
Plutonic Power Corporation (TSX:PCC.V) Plutonic Power is an emerging renewable energy producer in British Columbia. Its proposed 22 run of river projects have a design capacity of over 870 MW and the potential to generate approximately 2900 GW.h per annum of green energy, enough energy to meet the annual energy needs of approximately 300,000 homes. Included in the 22 projects is the creation of the Green Power Corridor, a series of non-storage hydroelectric projects in southwestern BC, which hold the potential to catapult British Columbia to the forefront of green energy generation in North America.
Run Of River Power Inc. (TSX:ROR.V) Run of River Power Inc. owns and operates a hydroelectric power generation station at Brandywine Creek, near Whistler, BC and sells the power to BC Hydro on a long-term 20 year contract.
Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE.L) (London) Britain’s largest generator of energy from renewable sources.
SFC Smart Fuel Cell ( Germany - F3C ) SFC is the market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets. As one of Germany’s most successful technology pioneers, SFC has won numerous innovation awards. In a US Navy Assessment in 2005, SFC was awarded the highest score for technical maturity of all fuel cell products. SFC has alliances with the German Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force and other leading military organizations.
Theolia (TEO.PA) (France) Electricity producer using renewable energy: wind, biomass, solar and thermal.
Thomas & Betts Corp. (TNB) Thomas & Betts Corporation engages in the design and manufacture of electrical connectors and components used in industrial, commercial, communications, and utility markets.
TransAlta Corporation (TSX:TA.TO; NYSE:TAC) TransAlta is a power generation and wholesale marketing company focused on creating long-term shareholder value. The company’s focus is to efficiently operate our coal-fired, gas-fired, hydro and renewable facilities in order to provide our customers with a reliable, low-cost source of power.
TrustPower Limited Ordinary Sha (TPW.NZ) (New Zealand) Electricity retailer with hydro and wind farm electric power generation.
Turbo Power Systems Inc (TSX:TPS.TO; LSE:TPS.L) Turbo Power Systems develops innovative products for power generation and power conditioning. The Group was established in 1993 as a spin-off from Imperial College, London and was floated on the London stock exchange in July 2000 and soon after obtained a secondary listing in Toronto. In July 2001, the Group acquired Intelligent Power Systems Limited (I-Power) specialising in power electronics.
Verbund AG Oesterreichische Ele (OEZVF.PK) (Austria) Verbund generates and distributes electricity. The Company operates local hydro and thermal power stations. Verbund also offers power plant, waterway, and sewage treatment plant construction services.
Vicor Corp. (VICR) Vicor Corporation engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of modular power components and power systems using its patented power conversion technology called as ‘zero current and zero voltage switching’ in the United States. Its product portfolio comprises modular power converters, including component-level DC-DC power converters designed for the printed circuit board assembly; configurable products that provide power solutions configured to a customer’s specific needs; factorized power architecture products; accessory power system components for the integration of other functions of the power system; and other customer specific products. The company sells its products through independent sales representative organizations in Americas and internationally.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Denmark's Vestas Wind Systems (VWS.CO) a blue chip alternative energy stock
Vestas on crest of alternative energy wave
by RICHARD BLACKWELL
article from: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071025.REDGE25/TPStory/Business
October 25, 2007
Canadian investors looking for exposure to the booming alternative energy sector have a handful of domestic players to choose from, but the local pickings are pretty slim and most of the companies are small.
So why not look overseas, to one of the green behemoths that has sprung up on the international scene?
Danish turbine maker Vestas Wind Systems AS is among the biggest companies in the worldwide wind energy business and its stock has been white hot lately.
The company controls close to 30 per cent of the worldwide market for wind turbines and generates more than $5-billion in revenue each year. It has manufacturing operations in a dozen countries. And it is growing quickly thanks to the growing interest in - and government support of - alternative energy sources.
The global wind business is expected to grow by an average of 19 per cent a year over the next half-decade, according to forecasts from the Global Wind Energy Council. The fast-growing U.S. wind power industry, driven by favourable government tax policy, is Vestas' largest current market. But it also has a huge presence in the wind-intense Danish and German energy markets, and a strong foothold in energy-hungry China.
In Canada, Vestas is the biggest turbine seller, with an installed base of about 700 units that generate half of all the wind power in this country. Vestas shares, which trade on the Copenhagen stock exchange, more than quadrupled in price over the past 20 months, as the company cemented its No. 1 spot in the industry.
"They're in a very strong position because they have a large backlog of orders," said Philippe de Weck, a senior fund manager at Pictet Asset Management SA, a Swiss company that manages the Criterion Global Clean Energy Fund for Toronto's VenGrowth Asset Management Inc.
Vestas is the largest holding in the Criterion fund, making up about 5 per cent of its value.
Vestas' margins have risen because the worldwide shortage of wind turbines has given manufacturers the power to control prices, Mr. de Weck said. And those margins will likely continue to move up next year, so there is room for more growth in the stock price, he said.
Vestas is also the biggest single stock in the Templeton International Stock Fund run by Don Reed, chief executive officer of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp.
"Vestas is in the right spot right now, especially as we see the price of oil rising," Mr. Reed said.
He also likes Vestas because it is a rare pure play in the wind business - many of the other big turbine makers, such as General Electric and Siemens AG, are diversified conglomerates. It's also big enough to form a substantial part of an investment portfolio.
But the stock has appreciated so much that Mr. Reid is considering whether to trim back his position and take some profits. "We're watching very closely. It's certainly a heck of a lot more expensive today than it was when we bought it."
Some analysts are also urging caution over Vestas' high price.
"We find the shares are fundamentally overvalued," said analyst Christian Nagstrup of Jyske Bank, a Danish financial institution.
Mr. Nagstrup recently downgraded the stock to "accumulate" from "buy," mainly because of recent sharp increases in the share price.
Still, he thinks the stock can show some modest gains from current levels, because of the strong orders it is getting from the United States and China.
The biggest risk he sees at Vestas is a bottleneck in getting parts to build the turbines. Subcontractors have been slow in delivering key components, and that could slow delivery of complete turbines, Mr. Nagstrup said in a recent report.
*****
QUICK FACTS
Vestas was founded in the late 19th century by a Danish blacksmith. In its first 80 years it made products ranging from window frames to appliances to agricultural equipment.
It began to make wind turbines in the late 1970s, starting with the old egg-beater style, then shifting to a more efficient three-blade model, similar to what is seen around the world today. After 1987, it concentrates solely on wind energy.
As of mid-2007, the company had installed 33,700 turbines in 64 countries. Its biggest individual market is the United States, where it has 9,000 turbines in place. Revenue in Vestas' second quarter was about $1.3-billion, and pretax profit about $120-million.
Vestas trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of 64 times trailing earnings and 36 times estimated earnings. It also trades at 8.8 times price-to-book value and 2.7 times price to sales.
Richard Blackwell
*****
Investing in Europe
Most Canadian investors interested in a European investment such as Vestas Wind Systems try to get exposure through mutual funds that hold a big chunk of the stock.
But there's no reason sophisticated investors can't buy individual shares, said Lex Kerkovius, an analyst with Calgary-based McLean & Partners Wealth Management.
While Vestas stock is listed only on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, buying shares "can be easily accomplished," he said. "Just call your broker and they can execute the trade."
It's a little more complex to perform due diligence on a Danish company than on a domestic one, Mr. Kerkovius said, but investors can now get comprehensive details about any company through the Internet.
Still, potential buyers should be careful about financial reporting in other countries, which may follow different rules than in Canada, he said. And there are also some cultural and regulatory differences in European countries.
But over all, "Canadians would be well advised to look further afield," to find potential investments, he said, especially when many sectors of the domestic market - such as alternative energy - are limited to micro-cap or small-cap stocks.
Aside from Vestas, other large wind power equipment companies that can be purchased on international exchanges include Spain's Gamesa Corp. and India's Suzlong Energy Ltd.
"You have to do your homework, but it's not overly difficult to go overseas," Mr. Kerkovius said.
by RICHARD BLACKWELL
article from: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071025.REDGE25/TPStory/Business
October 25, 2007
Canadian investors looking for exposure to the booming alternative energy sector have a handful of domestic players to choose from, but the local pickings are pretty slim and most of the companies are small.
So why not look overseas, to one of the green behemoths that has sprung up on the international scene?
Danish turbine maker Vestas Wind Systems AS is among the biggest companies in the worldwide wind energy business and its stock has been white hot lately.
The company controls close to 30 per cent of the worldwide market for wind turbines and generates more than $5-billion in revenue each year. It has manufacturing operations in a dozen countries. And it is growing quickly thanks to the growing interest in - and government support of - alternative energy sources.
The global wind business is expected to grow by an average of 19 per cent a year over the next half-decade, according to forecasts from the Global Wind Energy Council. The fast-growing U.S. wind power industry, driven by favourable government tax policy, is Vestas' largest current market. But it also has a huge presence in the wind-intense Danish and German energy markets, and a strong foothold in energy-hungry China.
In Canada, Vestas is the biggest turbine seller, with an installed base of about 700 units that generate half of all the wind power in this country. Vestas shares, which trade on the Copenhagen stock exchange, more than quadrupled in price over the past 20 months, as the company cemented its No. 1 spot in the industry.
"They're in a very strong position because they have a large backlog of orders," said Philippe de Weck, a senior fund manager at Pictet Asset Management SA, a Swiss company that manages the Criterion Global Clean Energy Fund for Toronto's VenGrowth Asset Management Inc.
Vestas is the largest holding in the Criterion fund, making up about 5 per cent of its value.
Vestas' margins have risen because the worldwide shortage of wind turbines has given manufacturers the power to control prices, Mr. de Weck said. And those margins will likely continue to move up next year, so there is room for more growth in the stock price, he said.
Vestas is also the biggest single stock in the Templeton International Stock Fund run by Don Reed, chief executive officer of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp.
"Vestas is in the right spot right now, especially as we see the price of oil rising," Mr. Reed said.
He also likes Vestas because it is a rare pure play in the wind business - many of the other big turbine makers, such as General Electric and Siemens AG, are diversified conglomerates. It's also big enough to form a substantial part of an investment portfolio.
But the stock has appreciated so much that Mr. Reid is considering whether to trim back his position and take some profits. "We're watching very closely. It's certainly a heck of a lot more expensive today than it was when we bought it."
Some analysts are also urging caution over Vestas' high price.
"We find the shares are fundamentally overvalued," said analyst Christian Nagstrup of Jyske Bank, a Danish financial institution.
Mr. Nagstrup recently downgraded the stock to "accumulate" from "buy," mainly because of recent sharp increases in the share price.
Still, he thinks the stock can show some modest gains from current levels, because of the strong orders it is getting from the United States and China.
The biggest risk he sees at Vestas is a bottleneck in getting parts to build the turbines. Subcontractors have been slow in delivering key components, and that could slow delivery of complete turbines, Mr. Nagstrup said in a recent report.
*****
QUICK FACTS
Vestas was founded in the late 19th century by a Danish blacksmith. In its first 80 years it made products ranging from window frames to appliances to agricultural equipment.
It began to make wind turbines in the late 1970s, starting with the old egg-beater style, then shifting to a more efficient three-blade model, similar to what is seen around the world today. After 1987, it concentrates solely on wind energy.
As of mid-2007, the company had installed 33,700 turbines in 64 countries. Its biggest individual market is the United States, where it has 9,000 turbines in place. Revenue in Vestas' second quarter was about $1.3-billion, and pretax profit about $120-million.
Vestas trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of 64 times trailing earnings and 36 times estimated earnings. It also trades at 8.8 times price-to-book value and 2.7 times price to sales.
Richard Blackwell
*****
Investing in Europe
Most Canadian investors interested in a European investment such as Vestas Wind Systems try to get exposure through mutual funds that hold a big chunk of the stock.
But there's no reason sophisticated investors can't buy individual shares, said Lex Kerkovius, an analyst with Calgary-based McLean & Partners Wealth Management.
While Vestas stock is listed only on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, buying shares "can be easily accomplished," he said. "Just call your broker and they can execute the trade."
It's a little more complex to perform due diligence on a Danish company than on a domestic one, Mr. Kerkovius said, but investors can now get comprehensive details about any company through the Internet.
Still, potential buyers should be careful about financial reporting in other countries, which may follow different rules than in Canada, he said. And there are also some cultural and regulatory differences in European countries.
But over all, "Canadians would be well advised to look further afield," to find potential investments, he said, especially when many sectors of the domestic market - such as alternative energy - are limited to micro-cap or small-cap stocks.
Aside from Vestas, other large wind power equipment companies that can be purchased on international exchanges include Spain's Gamesa Corp. and India's Suzlong Energy Ltd.
"You have to do your homework, but it's not overly difficult to go overseas," Mr. Kerkovius said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Search Alternative Energy Investing Websites
WARNING: Investing in common equity of public companies is a high risk, high potential reward activity. Owning investments in individual alternative energy companies is for high risk investors only, and medium risk investors should consider green mutual funds, clean energy funds, renewable power index funds and other sector plays. Even then, these should be owned as part of a widely diversified portfolio. There is a gathering mania for investing in publicly-traded alternative energy companies, similar to the computer, technology, internet and banking / real estate booms of the past two decades. There will be some nasty corrections along the way, and some years from now when they come crashing down en masse, the world will still benefit from all the amazingly advanced clean and efficient energy technology created during the bull run. (Above note re-written March 2009 as my earlier prediction of a market top and a crash in the sector starting in August '09 was hastened by the credit markets collapse and began in August 2008, before the bubble had fully formed. Of all the sectors in the equity markets, clean energy has the best prospects to assume market leadership and public favour; we are bouncing aong the bottom still, and those who have followed our guidance to begin including (in a judiciously blended portfolio of cash, bonds, stocks and yes, um... real estate) green energy investment funds dollar-cost-averaging programs in Winter and Spring of 2009 are well positioned for longterm capital growth.)
Search for renewable energy investing info, find renewable energy investments, clean power mutual funds, wind systems for home, farm, business and cottages, home power generators, photovoltaic solar panels, publicly-listed windpower companies, alternative energy investing, biomass / biofuels research, renewable energy mutual funds, green investments.
Custom Search
