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Posted: July 7, 2008

UAlbany NanoCollege and New Energy New York to feature solar technologies at New Energy Symposium
(Nanowerk News) Amid growing national interest over the rising cost of energy, a comprehensive view of opportunities to expand the solar energy industry both in New York and across the United States - providing energy security, a cleaner environment and significant economic benefits - will be the focus of the third annual New Energy Symposium, to be held July 9 and 10 at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany.
Designed to showcase both the growing importance of alternative energy technologies and New York's leadership in developing and supporting clean and renewable energy companies, the New Energy Symposium is presented by New Energy New York ("NENY") and CNSE's Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center ("E2TAC"). The event is co-chaired by Tom Birdsey, president and CEO of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott ("EYP") Architecture & Engineering and Chair of NENY, and Vincent DeLorio, chairman of the board of directors of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ("NYSERDA"). The keynote address will be given by Long Island Power Authority President and CEO Kevin Law, a pioneer in advancing energy efficiency and alternative energy resources.
Leading executives from the energy industry, state and federal government officials, venture capitalists and prominent university researchers will participate in the event, which is highlighted by a first-ever Solar Expo that includes a series of panel discussions on national solar incentives and policies, ongoing research and current investment in solar technologies. And, for the first time at the New Energy Symposium, a select group of clean and renewable energy technology companies will have a chance to present their business plans to a panel of investors.
Birdsey said, "This year's New Energy Symposium takes on added importance given the growing nationwide push to develop and implement alternative energy technologies as a means of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. I look forward to the opportunity to use this event to accelerate the deployment of clean and renewable energy sources that can also have a significant economic impact on companies throughout New York. "
DeLorio said, "Investing in clean-energy technology is integral to diversifying New York's energy resources and strengthening our energy security. Not only do these technologies offset greenhouse gas emissions and improve the efficiency and sustainability of our homes and businesses, but the commercialization of these products here in New York will help transform the State's economy and create the ‘green collar' jobs of the future. This year's New Energy Symposium, featuring an expo on solar energy, will inform participants about the latest developments in the clean energy/renewable energy industry, and what these developments mean for New Yorkers and our energy policy."
Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE, said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege is pleased to host and lead the New Energy Symposium, which at its core is designed to address the issue of energy independence, one of the critical challenges of the 21st century. This event offers a compelling opportunity to develop innovative strategies to expand the use of clean energy, while also demonstrating New York's global leadership in advancing energy and environmental technologies that are vital for our nation's future."
Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Director of CNSE's E2TAC and Executive Director of NENY, said, "The New Energy Symposium provides a unique and timely platform to discuss emerging trends and new opportunities in alternative energy, with a focus this year on solar energy. With several hundred top executives in attendance, we look forward to high-level discussions and presentations that will play a key role in shaping technologies and policies to address the important issues facing the energy industry."
Panelists at the event will represent dozens of companies and organizations, including IBM, General Motors, UTC Power, Bright Phase Energy, groSolar, SunEdison, Prism Solar, EYP, National Grid, New York Independent System Operator, NYSERDA and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, among many others. Again this year, attendees will get to experience hybrid buses provided by the Capital District Transportation Authority ("CDTA"), as well as technology demonstrations including next-generation fuel cell cars, solar panels and fuel cell fork lifts.
New York's total energy consumption is among the highest in the United States, with spending on energy bills approaching $60 billion in 2006. However, per capita energy consumption is among the lowest, due in part to the state's widely used mass transportation systems. New York is also well-suited to benefit from the expansion of new energy technologies, with more than 170 businesses in this sector, as well as universities that are conducting cutting-edge research and development.
About NENY
New Energy New York is a consortium of New York energy-related technology organizations convened to expand and promote energy technology excellence in New York State. Formation of NENY is the direct result of a forum hosted by U.S Senator Charles Schumer in December of 2002 to look at ways the state's high-tech companies could interact to address energy-related technology issues. The idea behind creating a formal consortium of companies to pursue common technology initiatives is to bring attention to the state's leadership on clean-energy resources, and to provide benefits to each of the members through cooperation and coordination of marketing initiatives. For more information, visit http://www.neny.org/.
About E2TAC
The Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC) was created in 1998. It was established as an active expansion of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering to work with companies in the rapidly emerging energy and environmental industries. E2TAC provides a critical platform for CNSE to leverage its intellectual power base and state-of-the-art infrastructure to provide an applications-targeted resource supporting technology development, leading to the integration of microelectronics and nanotechnology in advanced energy and environmental applications. For more information, visit http://www.e2tac.org/.
About CNSE
The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to research, development, education, and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience, and nanoeconomics. In May 2007, it was ranked as the world's number one college for nanotechnology and microtechnology in the Annual College Ranking by Small Times magazine. CNSE's Albany NanoTech complex is the most advanced research enterprise of its kind at any university in the world: a $4.2 billion, 450,000-square-foot complex that attracts corporate partners from around the world and offers students a one-of-a-kind academic experience. The UAlbany NanoCollege houses the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 65,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,000 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty work on site at CNSE's Albany NanoTech complex, from companies including IBM, AMD, SEMATECH, Toshiba, ASML, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, Vistec Lithography and Freescale. An expansion currently underway will increase the size of CNSE's Albany NanoTech complex to over 800,000 square feet, including over 80,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanroom space, to house over 2,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty by mid-2009. For more information, visit http://www.cnse.albany.edu/.
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Source: CNSE