Smart Grid Infrastructure Fund

The NASDAQ OMX Group has launched a new exchange traded fund (ETF). Called the First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (Nasdaq: GRID). Based on their Smart Grid Infrastructure Index (QGRD), the ETF is managed by First Trust Advisors and listed on NASDAQ.

QGRD is a market capitalization index that includes companies whose chief concern is the U.S. electric grid. This includes software development, network, hardware and metering companies, as well as others pushing towards more intelligent power distribution.

GE and the China Railway Deals

General Electric’s latest in a string of joint ventures with China is a plan to transition its manufacturing of train-based engine components to Beijing.

By the end of 2011, testing and re-building of components like turbochargers and power assemblies will take place in China. Starting in 2013, engines will be assembled, tested and rebuilt in Beijing as well. Providing these components keeps approximately 120 manufacturing jobs in the U.S., though jobs in the test and rebuilding phases will be performed in Beijing.

Gordon Murray and the T.27

In one of the automotive industry’s most shocking reversals, Gordon Murray — known best as the designer of the McLaren F1 and the Mercedez Benz SLR McLaren (some of the fastest, most expensive and coveted cars ever made) — has unveiled plans for an all-electric car dubbed the T.27.

Shockingly homely, the prototype for the T.27 has more in common with a Studebaker armored car or a Soviet light tank than the sleek beauties Murray has created before. But it does promise to be substantially greener than any electric vehicle in development.

A Look at Solar Energy 2010

Prices fall, capacity rises: A sneak peak for solar in 2010 As the solar industry readies itself for this week’s Solar Power International conference in Anaheim, Calif., we thought we’d take a look at the roller-coaster financials many of the companies have seen in the past year. First, there is one overriding trend: Over the [...]

The Reality Behind Electric Cars

The fully electric car the kind you never have to fill up with gas was supposed to be a major coup for automotive carbon reduction… is that the case?

Cap and Trade 101

Carbon has become the ultimate buzzword when it comes to climate change and the legislation being drafted to address it. But what exactly does it mean

Wood: The new clean coal?

Clean coal efforts ranging from carbon sequestration to microbial scrubbing processes have gotten a lot of attentioncausing many to overlook newer operations…