UPC First Wind CEO is imbedded in green policy affecting his projects and New Englanders, but not alone...

UPC First Wind Paul Gaynor on 7/09/14 writes in his Boston Globe op-ed: 

(a clip)-

Thankfully in Massachusetts, we have been fortunate to have executive and legislative leadership that recognizes the need for energy policy that expands the use of clean energy and energy efficiency while saving ratepayers money. To date, those policies have been highly successful, expanding clean energy use while driving down prices.

Our leadership has an opportunity to again push Massachusetts and New England to the forefront of the nation in encouraging a substantial infusion of clean, affordable energy to the region. We should take up the challenge — and soon.

Last year, the region’s six governors agreed to pursue solutions to bring more inexpensive clean energy to the region. They’re now on the cusp of another critical step: to coordinate the procurement of a substantial amount of clean energy — a combination of hydropower from Canada and large-scale wind power from Maine and New York — and to build the infrastructure needed to bring this energy to market. This consensus is remarkable.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/07/09/podium-gaynor/kGoN0W...

Despite the fact that District Attorneys were “bombarded” with complaints by New York citizens from eight counties about UPC First Wind, UPC First Wind Paul Gaynor became Governor Deval Patrick’s appointed Advisor on green policy to the Executive Secretary of Energy and Environment.  

First Wind Paul Gaynor served as Advisor to the Executive Secretary Ian Bowles.  It’s sad and predictable that “revolving doors” allowed Ian Bowles to become Director of First Wind following his departure as MA energy chief.  Gaynor later became EVP of SunEdison following their purchase for $2.4 bn. of First Wind.  And, SUNE stock value plummet 71.4% over the following three months.  Gaynor has reportedly since lost his position at SunEdison.   

He who writes and enforces the Rules that apply to the sWINDle wins

Rulemaking-wind-developers-with-partners-in-state-and-federal-government is a scenario that undermines Public Interest.  Our interests can only be served by objective government entities and representatives, while government officials boldly cannoodle with industry insiders.  A U.S. Office of Inspector General Report identifies MMS, (lead federal regulator for Cape Wind in 2008), officials’ activities as reported by the New York Times, September 11, 2008, (a clip): 

The report says that eight officials in the royalty program accepted gifts from energy companies whose value exceeded limits set by ethics rules — including golf, ski and paintball outings; meals and drinks; and tickets to a Toby Keith concert, a Houston Texans football game and a Colorado Rockies baseball game.

The investigation also concluded that several of the officials “frequently consumed alcohol at industry functions, had used cocaine and marijuana, and had sexual relationships with oil and gas company representatives.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/11/washington/11royalty.html?_r=0

UPC First Wind Paul Gaynor Advisor to MA state energy chief on green policy was invited to write the rules that favor his specific renewable energy products in his own marketplace AFTER a UPC First Wind 2008 civil subpoena by the New York State Attorney General seeking documents to substantiate First Wind’s alleged improper benefits to public officials.

Former MA Governor Patrick appointed UPC First Wind CEO Paul Gaynor to serve as Advisor on green policies and measures to the Executive Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary, then Ian Bowles, under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GCA). 

The Patrick Administration energy departments under Ian Bowles restructured the state’s energy market approximately seven times to promote renewable energy.  It is noteworthy that the sponsor of the GCA was former MA House Speaker Sal DiMassi now serving an eight year prison sentence for public corruption.   And that the GCA was introduced to reduce our electricity cost according to Deval Patrick.  But, we later learned from Attorney General Martha Coakley that the GCA carried a $4 billion-dollar ratepayer premium. 

Boston-based First Wind CEO, Paul Gaynor served as Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s appointed Co-chair of “The Climate Protection Advisory Committee”, and First Wind Paul Gaynor served on the CLIMATE PROTECTION AND GREEN ECONOMY ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEES as co-chair of the Mass Department of Environmental Protection Advisory Committee “Low Carbon Energy Supply Subcommittee”

The following 2007, 2008, events suggest that UPC First Wind Paul Gaynor should have been ineligible to serve as the Governor’s Appointed Advisor on green policy to MA energy chief:

April 25, 2007, (UPC IS FIRST WIND):

Complaint Filed With the Department Of Justice Under the Sherman Antitrust Act By Concerned Citizens From The States of New York, Vermont, Maryland, and California (filed April 25, 2007)

A complaint against "UPC Wind Management LLC: "an American subsidiary of UPC Group", formerly known as Wind Management LLC, founded by Brian Caffyn for U.S. developments.", is filed with the U.S. Department Of Justice. The complaint filed under the Sherman Antitrust Act by 94 concerned citizens alleged a cartel was engaged in Market Allocation, Price Fixing, Big Rigging in Wind Farm Developments in New York and Vermont, as well as other states across the nation.

http://concernedcitizens.homestead.com/files/windfarms/antitrustcomplaint.pdf

July 15, 2008, First Wind served with a civil subpoena by the New York State Attorney General seeking documents to substantiate First Wind’s alleged improper benefits to public officials. First Wind is under criminal investigation by NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for allegations of improper dealings with public officials and anti-competitive practices.

http://www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2008/july/july15a_08.html

July 15, 2008

The Press Republican

"We've had a number of complaints from counties all over the state, from Franklin all the way over to Erie," said John Milgrim, spokesman for Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.”

“Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne was among "DAs from eight counties, public officials and citizens" who bombarded Albany with complaints about Noble and Massachusetts-based First Wind, formerly known as UPC Wind, he said"

As reported on July 16, 2008 by Wall Street Journal:

"New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has opened a probe of two companies that develop and operate wind farms over allegations of improper dealings with public officials and anticompetitive behavior. Mr. Cuomo said his office has subpoenaed First Wind -- formerly UPC Wind -- and Noble Environmental Power LLC, which has filed with the Securities and Exchange ..."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121617758961057329.html

UPC First Wind Paul Gaynor is imbedded in green policies that require us to buy and subsidize what he sells. 

Patrick Murray appoint Advisor Paul Gaynor CEO and President UPC First Wind

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Ian A. Bowles
December 29, 2010 

CLIMATE PROTECTION AND GREEN ECONOMY ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEES

LOW CARBON ENERGY SUPPLY

CoChairs: Paul Gaynor (First Wind)

http://www.mass.gov/Eoeea/docs/eea/energy/2020-clean-energy-plan.pdf

“The Patrick Administration has made great strides at making Massachusetts an environment for clean energy companies to grow,” said Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind, a Massachusetts-based developer and operator of utility-scale wind projects.  “The fact that this draft report shows there has been a significant reduction in greenhouse gases demonstrates that we can protect our environment and keep our air clean while bringing real economic development to our state.”

http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/Report:-Patrick-Murray-Admini...

March 11, 2009 - For immediate release:

Proposed Regulations Promote Adoption of Renewable Energy

Net metering rules will encourage consumers to generate their own renewable power while long-term contracts will support clean energy financing

BOSTON – New regulations proposed by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) promise to revamp the state’s renewable power landscape by encouraging consumers to invest in on-site solar and wind power, and by requiring the Commonwealth’s electric distribution companies to enter into long-term contracts for Massachusetts-based renewable energy, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles announced today.

The DPU opened rulemakings for the new “net metering” and long-term contract provisions of the Green Communities Act, the landmark energy reform bill signed into law by Governor Patrick in July.   

““Long-term contracts done through a competitive process are critical for financing the capital-intensive wind projects that can deliver clean, renewable energy to Massachusetts,” said Paul Gaynor, CEO and President of First Wind, based in Newton.  “In this time of unprecedented financial uncertainty, this is a bold step by Gov. Patrick and Secretary Bowles that will foster more renewable development, predictable energy prices for consumers, and provide a much-needed boost to our local green economy.”

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&a...

 

First Wind Joins Mass. Gov. in Wind Announcement: Governor Patrick Sets New Goals for Wind Power

• Press Release

Developing wind turbines to power 800,000 homes by 2020 will boost Massachusetts as clean energy leader

BOSTON – Tuesday, January 13, 2009 – Governor Deval Patrick today set a goal of developing 2,000 megawatts of wind power capacity – enough to power 800,000 Massachusetts homes – by 2020. Citing new mandates that require greater use of renewable energy and sharp reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, Massachusetts can only fulfill these obligations with a significant commitment to wind power.

http://www.firstwind.com/news/first-wind-joins-mass-gov-wind-announ...

May 12, 2009: Governor Patrick and First Wind Paul Gaynor were interviewed by Alison King of NECN Radio, along with Steven Lockard CEO TPI Composites, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and Ian Bowles Environment and Energy Secretary. Alison King introduced Paul Gaynor as, "CEO of First Wind, the largest wind energy producer in New England".

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/2009/05/12/Wind-turbines-to-be-...

Secretary Ian Bowles on June 30, 2009 from cover letter introduction to the Ocean Management Plan. 

Volume 1>

 

“On May 28, 2008, Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts Oceans Act of 2008,

which directed the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop a

comprehensive management plan to serve as the basis for the protection and sustainable use of our ocean and coastal waters. The Commonwealth is blazing a trail under the Oceans Act

Renewable Energy Work Group - Ken Kimmell (chair), Executive Office of Energy and

Environmental Affairs; Deerin Babb-Brott, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental

Affairs; Roger Bedard, Electric Power Research Institute; Dwayne Breger, Division of

Energy Resources; Chris Brown, Winergy, LLC; Bruce Carlisle, Office of Coastal Zone

Management; Steven Clarke, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs; RichardErvin, Department of Energy Resources; Paul Gaynor, UPC Wind; Phil Giudice,”…continue reading:

http://www.env.state.ma.us/eea/mop/draft-v1/draft-v1-complete.pdf

Conflicts for First Wind flagged by the media on the Massachusetts Wind Bill-

'Wind law could benefit company'

By Christine McConville
Friday, November 6, 2009 - Updated 1 year ago

 

Despite significant opposition in Western Massachusetts, state environmental affairs secretary Ian Bowles is pushing hard to get a controversial wind-turbine law passed before the legislative session ends on Nov. 18.

The bill could benefit a wind-energy firm, recently relocated to Boston, whose chief executive helped co-author the proposed law and whose financial backers have close ties to the Obama administration.

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1209968

 

UPC First Wind has access to Congress and has addressed members on the need for stimulus by their industry:  http://globalwarming.house.gov/files/HRG/031010recovery/gaynor.pdf

First Wind  Relationship map:    http://www.muckety.com/First-Wind/5095146.muckety

 

First Wind CEO Joins Treasury Secretary Geithner and Energy Secretary Chu White House:

 

http://www.firstwind.com/about/news/first-wind-ceo-joins-treasury-s...

 

Former FERC Chairman Patrick Wood III is Director of First Wind (March 2010 to present 1 year 7 months) and First Wind Power of Attorney IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Power of Attorney to be executed as of this 12th day of October 2010. (SEC)

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/eea/energy/2020-clean-energy-plan.pdf

Patrick Wood III was Chair of the Texas Public Utility Commission PUC when the model for states' statutes was adopted that mandate renewable energy, the Renewable Portfolio Standard RPS.  Wood's failure to address the US most notorious case of corporate fraud by ENRON.  The Executive Director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights Douglas Heller June 16, 2004 letter to FERC Chairman Pat Wood III states:   

 

California ratepayers remain at least $7 billion short of what they are due in refunds in large measure because the FERC, under your leadership, has failed to protect consumers from the illegal profiteering of energy companies and has refused to enforce the law so Californians can recover billions of dollars stolen from the state.

It is, of course, not just the outstanding refunds that you have withheld, but your unwillingness to bring energy companies to the table for contract renegotiation that is so offensive. The market manipulation began at least as early as June 2000, according to a Department of Justice indictment of Reliant. It continued - as evidenced by Enron's "Fat Boy/Death Star" memo, the conversations about manipulation involving AES and Williams traders as well as the new Enron tapes and a host of other indisputable proof -- through the 2001 blackouts and price spikes. This should provide you with incontrovertible evidence that the contracts must be abrogated or renegotiated.

Although you do not attempt to defend these indefensible tapes, your effort to deflect their relevance in this manner demonstrates your continued allegiance to your long-time promoter Ken Lay. But more importantly, your letter shows that you do not grasp the heinousness of this massive larceny.

http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/node/9121

Press Release: First Wind Opens Office in Washington D.C. | First Wind

 

First Wind CEO's political clout-Julia Bovey, the former Director of External Affairs at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jumps on-board with First Wind

Press Release: First Wind Opens Office in Washington D.C.

• Press Release

Boston, MA – September 16, 2010 – First Wind, an independent U.S.-based wind energy company, today announced the opening of an office in Washington, D.C. to support the company’s government relations efforts. The office is located at 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

“First Wind is pleased to open an office in Washington, D.C., which reflects our commitment to communicating with elected officials and key stakeholders about the benefits of wind power and renewable energy, and providing information about the projects we have in operation and in development throughout the country,” said Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind. “We commend the Administration and Congress for their leadership, which has been critical as we work toward the development of clean, renewable energy projects that bring new jobs and other economic benefits to our host communities.”

Julia Bovey, the former Director of External Affairs at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, will head up the First Wind office in Washington, D.C. Bovey is a veteran of the clean energy movement in Washington, and also previously served as the national media director at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Cut- next, more First Wind political clout-and screw-ups!

Michael Jacobs, former Transmission VP at First Wind, and former utility analyst for the Mass. Dept. of Public Utilities.  Jacobs is also the past Utility Integration (Sr. Engineer) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).  

Until August 2012, Mike Jacobs served as the Director of Regulatory Affairs and Market Policy at Xtreme Power, the ‘Piginapoke for Hawaii Wind Farm’ Hawaii Free Press.  Xtreme Power Director and First Wind Director is one in the same, Patrick Wood III.    http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/main/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/articleTy...

The same month, Aug 28, 2012, Jacobs, who claims to have organized the First Wind demonstration of Xtreme Power's storage system in Hawaii, made a hasty exit, Hawaii Free Press reported: Kahuku Wind farm Catches Fire AGAIN, Battery Building Burns Down, S...

Look out California!

Mike Jacobs’ profile on Linkedin provides his current occupation as Technical and Strategic Consultant for Both Supply & Demand, LLC., Boston Area. His stint with Xtreme Power (‘Piginapoke’ molten lead) hasn’t deterred Mike from massaging regulations or regulators.  He’s back in the game advising the California Public Utility Commission about energy storage procurement!  

Second Wind's Michael Jacobs worked as a sales manager at Second Wind, Inc., and held the position of utility analyst for the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

“Second Wind received a $500,000 loan from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust to help develop the Triton.” 

http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/cdid/11697/pid/11150

Second Wind is partnering with WindPole Ventures-

 http://www.mass.gov/Eoeea/docs/eea/restructuring_roundtable_2010.pdf

In Somerville, Second Wind, which makes equipment to measure wind speeds and generate other data, has already had orders delayed or canceled and has laid off workers as result of uncertainty about the tax credit, Kerry and the company said.

http://articles.boston.com/2012-02-24/business/31091359_1_cape-wind...

DeepWater Wind  (Patrick Appointed Advisor) Paul Gaynor Board of Managers) and Chief Executive Officer of First Wind;  Michael Alvarez Board of Managers of DeepWater and President and Chief Financial Officer of First Wind, former Vice President of Strategic Planning at Edison International and Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel at Nexant, and President of Kenetech Energy Systems

From this SEC link see First Wind "Investment".

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1434804/000104746910008574/a...

SunPower Director and 10% Owner Patrick Wood III is Director of TPI Composites, and Director of First Wind,

 

The stacked deck...regulators become the regulated.  Rhumb Line Energy is formed to service wind and renewable companies--

REVOLVING DOORS- MASS DEPT OF ENERGY AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY

 According to the Boston Globe during May of 2011-

 A quartet of senior officials who served in the state's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs under Deval Patrick are forming a new consulting and project development firm, Rhumb Line Energy. The founders are Ian Bowles, the department's secretary, who left last December, and undersecretary Phil Giudice, who plans to resign at the end of this month. Joining them are Vivek Mohta, who served as the director of energy markets at the state's Department of Energy Resources, and Bob Keough, who had served as the energy department's head of public affairs.

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/innoeco/2011/05/former_st...

 

Rhumb Energy)  Ian Bowles, Phil Giudice, Vivek Mohta, Bob Keough

 

Rhume Line Energy LLC

Vivek Mohta

Partner

A Partner at Rhumb Line Energy LLC, Vivek Mohta is an energy market innovator with a track record of working through ambiguity, understanding the big picture, and developing and launching new initiatives involving both the public and the private sectors. 

Until March 2011, Mohta was the Director of Energy Market at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).  He led the investment of $70 million in federal stimulus funds for clean energy, resulting in more than 300 projects across the state, creating jobs and demonstrating new technologies and business models.  Mohta also managed the implementation of multiple energy market reforms and led the analytics for the state’s comprehensive energy strategy. 

Before joining DOER in 2008, Mohta was a project leader at the Science and Technology Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based research center created by Congress to provide the White House with objective analysis on science, technology, and innovation policy.  Previously, he served as a Science and Technology Fellow in the Congressional office of U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff and as a Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellow at the National Academies. 

Mohta is a graduate of Harvard University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics, and of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a B.S. in Mathematics and a B.S. in Physics. 

WHO WE ARE

IAN BOWLES, MANAGING DIRECTOR  Rhumb Line Energy LLC,

Massachusetts Energy and Environment Secretary Ian Bowles ushered green mandates while he held oversight of the Commonwealth’s six environmental, natural resource and energy regulatory agencies. (1.) Coincident to Secretary Bowles serving as Mass Energy Chief he served as Advisor to Harvest Energy and to Flo-Design awarded $8.3 million dollar federal stimulus grant. 

PHIL GUIDICE, MANAGING DIRECTOR Rhumb Line Energy LLC,

Philip Giudice has served as Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources; and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Undersecretary of Energy in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.  Giudice is, or was formerly, Chair of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) appointed by then US Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu to US DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee.  Guidice served on the State Energy Advisory Board.  He also served on the leadership group for the joint EPA– and US DOE–chartered State Energy Efficiency Action Network. Guidice has served as board executive committee member and treasurer of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and was also a Senior Partner, and leader of Mercer Management Consulting’s global energy utilities practice. 

 

Giudice’s team instituted the three-year energy efficiency plans for Massachusetts’ investor-owned utilities. Guidice oversaw the transition of DOER from a division of EEA to divisions specializing in energy efficiency, energy markets, renewable energy, Green Communities, and the Governor’s Leading by Example program.  Guidice has also served as the MA energy secretary’s key advisor on energy issues, and has provided sweeping policy oversight of the Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Public Utilities.  Guidice has also served on the state Energy Facilities Siting Board appointed by the Governor.

Before joining the Patrick-Murray Administration, Giudice was senior vice president at EnerNOC, (with stock options). 

http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/EFX_dll/EDGARpro.dll?FetchFilin...

 

State energy agency awards $10M pact to chief’s ex-firm (Guidice again)

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20100416state_ene...

“State energy commissioner Phil Giudice’s former employer, EnerNOC Inc., was recently awarded a $10 million economic-stimulus contract by Giudice’s own department, raising ethical questions from a top government watcher.”

At $10 million, the Enterprise Energy Management System (EEMS) contract represents nearly 20 percent of State Energy Program funding awarded to Massachusetts by the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 

The EEMS contract calls for tracking energy use at 33 state-owned sites encompassing 470 buildings throughout the Commonwealth. EnerNOC will install and monitor state-of-the-art energy meters to measure the performance

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&a...

ROBERT KEOUGH, PARTNER Rhumb Line Energy LLC,

Bob Keough, who had served as the energy department's head of public affairs.

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/innoeco/2011/05/former_st...

 

VIVEK MOHTA, PARTNER Rhumb Line Energy LLC,

Until March 2011, Mohta was the Director of Energy Market at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).  He led the investment of $70 million in federal stimulus funds for clean energy, resulting in more than 300 projects across the state, creating jobs and demonstrating new technologies and business models.  Mohta also managed the implementation of multiple energy market reforms and led the analytics for the state’s comprehensive energy strategy. 

 

http://www.rhumblineenergy.com/who-we-are-2/

WHAT WE DO

A rhumb line is the shortest course between any two points on the planet.  Rhumb Line Energy LLC provides a direct path to success for the innovative energy enterprises—new and existing. 

Rhumb Line Energy brings unparalleled industry and public sector expertise to key business challenges:

Markets>Assessment

Strategy> Business-strategy> Customer-acquisition> Operations

Development>Project-development>Capital sourcing>Deal-structuring

Communications>Strategic-messaging>Public policy

http://www.rhumblineenergy.com/what-we-do-2/

 

http://www.rhumblineenergy.com/2011/06/former-state-environmental-c...

HMMM, while acting as executive energy Secretary---

 Bowles says he has already been serving as an advisor to Harvest Power, a company that produces synthetic natural gas from food and yard waste, and FloDesign, which is developing a new kind of wind turbine. Bowles says he is also working with two stealth-mode start-ups being funded by the Cambridge venture capital firm General Catalyst.

 

http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/enoc/insiders?pid=75538444

 

 Phil Guidice is the CEO of Abri and a Confluence of Influence who led the team that invested over $54 million in federal stimulus dollars in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in MA.
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1808786982/Wayland-resident...

Ambri’s experimental phase battery storage system incorporates molten magnesium and molten antimony.  

Ambri has announced that this nascent battery technology will be deployed in Partnership with UPC First Wind, with funding by Hawaii Energy Excelerator, and sponsored jointly by the Office of Naval Research.  Ambri’s battery storage plans for Hawaii come as a shock to folks living in Hawaii who are well acquainted with the hazards of molten lead, and with Ambri’s partner, UPC First Wind. 

First Wind is Boston-based, and the Hawaii wind developer for Kahuku Wind project that remains offline following a catastrophic battery storage system fire.   Hawaii Free Press 10/09/13 'Playing with Fire": Kahuku to Install Molten Magnesium Batteries' bemoans the arrival of Ambri, and return of their partner, First Wind, “16 months after the inevitable Kahuku wind farm battery fire spewed molten lead across the sacred 'aina, First Wind, the company that couldn't see the August, 2012 fire coming even after two earlier fires, is doing it again.”

Former MA undersecretary of energy is Phil Guidice in partnership with First Wind.  Hawaii Free Press editor showers them in cutting satire--

See Hawaii Free Press 10/09/13 'Playing with Fire": Kahuku to Install Molten Magnesium Batteries'

http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/11066/Playi...

 

by Andrew Walden Kahuku has already been through this before, as we in 2010 predicted it would: Xtreme Power: A Pig-in-a-poke For Hawaii Wind Farm Now, 16 months after the inevitable Kahuku wind farm battery fire spewed molten lead across the sacred 'aina, First Wind, the company that couldn't see the August, 2012 fire coming even after two earlier fires, is doing it again. In the First Wind wind farm fire, the lead in the storage batteries did not become molten until it caught on fire and burned to the ground over the course of several days--but with this groovy new technology, the metal is already pre-heated.  You see, boys and girls, First Wind's new batteries are intended to be installed already on fire.  They are made of molten magnesium and molten antimony.   And with the Hawaii DoE's shiny new test scores, all 4th graders must have learned that magnesium melts at 1202 degrees Fahrenheit and antimony melts at 1166 degrees Fahrenheit. It gets better.  Faced with their third Kahuku windfarm fire, Honolulu fire fighters in August, 2012 weren't too thrilled at the prospect of crowding into a burning building tightly packed with toxic lead acid batteries just to save a tax scam so they wisely stood upwind and poured water on the fire from outside for days on end. But unlike the chilly lead acid dry cells of yore, the new batteries operate 'normally' at the temperature of a searing fire, and even better (drumroll please) magnesium burns bright and hot when it contacts water (clash cymbals).  So not only will the fire department have to come up with some alternate means of extinguishing any fire, but First Wind will have to make sure the roof doesn't leak anytime over the next 20 years or so. But its not really that bad.  The chance that this technology will ever make it to Hawaii is nil.  As one observer explains: "Whenever someone tells you about a miracle new battery just ask what the UPC code is, until it has one consider it vaporware." Here is the news release, edited to enhance accuracy: Governor Deval Patrick Joins Ambri for Opening of Manufacturing Facility News Release from Ambri, Marlborough, Mass., Nov. 7, 2013 Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick joined other state and federal officials in a ceremonial ribbon cutting for Ambri, an innovative electricity storage startup company, which opened its first battery manufacturing facility today. At the plant, located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Ambri will demonstrate the next-generation equipment and processes (translation: Nobody has ever made this work before) that (we want you to think) will provide the foundation for global manufacturing of its low-cost electricity storage systems (because you will give us more money if you believe). "Ambri's expansion is an example of how a little bit of public investment can catalyze private sector growth and innovation," said Governor Patrick.  (Translation: Only the government would pay for this.) "I thank Ambri for choosing to expand in Massachusetts, and congratulate all of the dedicated people of Ambri who made this day happen." (And I appreciate their campaign contributions.) "We are honored that Governor Patrick is joining us for this celebration," said Phil Giudice, CEO of Ambri.  (But since I worked in his administration, I'm not too surprised.)  "Ambri was founded with the goal of (making a lot of money by telling people we are) creating a more efficient, more sustainable, and lower cost electricity system for the entire world. This manufacturing facility is a big step toward fulfilling our vision.  (If it fails, we've got nothing but those tax dollars you gave us.) Here, we (want you to believe that we) will demonstrate that Ambri's Liquid Metal Batteries can be produced at comparatively low capital cost, (Low? Heck, they've never even been produced at any cost) and make large-scale energy storage a practical reality." Ambri's new factory will produce the Company's first prototype systems for deployment in 2014 and 2015. (Yep.  We're trying to build a prototype.) In 2015, (if the prototype works out) Ambri plans to commission its first full-scale manufacturing facility, which will position the company for worldwide growth. The company will begin the search for a location for its full-scale manufacturing facility next year (or not). One of Ambri's first prototype systems produced in Marlborough will be installed at the Joint Base Cape Cod (thanks, Obama), where it will (not)enable the base to reduce electricity costs (even if it works), improve power quality and grid resiliency, and integrate additional onsite renewable generation (or it might catch on fire and burn the base down, but hey.) That deployment will be funded through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's InnovateMass Program (Ca-ching!). "Massachusetts is home to over 5,000 leading clean energy companies like Ambri that are working (making campaign contributions) each day to drive innovation and grow the Massachusetts clean energy sector, which now employs 80,000 workers," said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton. "We're proud to celebrate this milestone with Ambri and look forward to seeing their first prototype deployment go forward right here in Massachusetts, a true home for innovation." (As Clean Technica says, "Okay, a lot of verbiage there and not much substance on the progress Ambri has been making....") Ambri also announced today plans to deploy another prototype energy storage system in Hawaii next year (if we can build the first prototype, that is). That system will be deployed in partnership with Boston-based renewable energy developer First Wind, with funding from the Hawaii Energy Excelerator, (ca-ching!) which is sponsored jointly by the Department of Energy and the Office of Naval Research (thanks, Obama). "Consumers in Hawaii are plagued by high electricity prices because their generation system is based primarily on diesel fuel. Wind and solar resources paired with energy storage can (not) completely replace the diesel infrastructure, resulting in lower (higher) electricity prices and a more (less) reliable electricity grid," said Phil Giudice. "We are excited to work with First Wind and the Hawaii Energy Excelerator team to make this (transfer of your tax dollars) happen." "Ambri's energy storage technology will (likely never) help Hawaii integrate more renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, on island grids. As Hawaii transitions from an oil-based electricity system to one fueled by 70% clean energy, the Energy Excelerator is committed to funding the world's best (connected cronies pitching) innovation needed to get us there," said Dawn Lippert, Founder and Senior Manager of the Hawaii Energy Excelerator. About Ambri Ambri is developing a unique electricity storage solution - the Liquid Metal Battery (LMB) - which is unlike any technology available on the market today.  (This is hot technology because another word for liquid is 'molten'.)  Ambri's LMB technology was invented at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the lab of Professor Donald Sadoway. Ambri was founded in 2010 to scale the technology to a commercial product. (If it worked,) Ambri's LMB will (still wouldn't) enable widespread use of renewable energy sources, reduce electricity costs and enable power systems to operate more reliably and efficiently. Ambri's investors include Khosla Ventures, Bill Gates and Total (all looking for tax credits to avoid taxes).   More information is available at www.ambri.com. YouTube: Ambri Hawaii Sales Pitch VB: Hawaii’s Energy Excelerator pours $5M into innovative cleantech sta...

http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/11066/Playi...

 

What has the public to show for our $10 million to EnerNOC where Guidice served as Executive VP?

EnerNOC was featured in Forbes [May 14, 2012]: “Who’s a Fat Cat”, “Who is the most over paid?”

 

"The most overpaid executives are at Comverge and EnerNOC, both in absolute millions of dollars, and as a percentage of market capitalization."

http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomkonrad/2012/05/14/whos-a-fat-cat/