Sunday, March 16, 2008

Green Technology Offers Opportunities for Discerning Investors and Entrepreneurs


Most energy experts agree that global warming is a serious threat, and they also agree that green technology has the power to fundamentally reshape how business gets done. But at this early stage, these experts -- including investors -- are finding it hard to separate truth from exaggeration when it comes to the benefits that green technology can offer. That was the consensus of industry speakers at the recent Wharton Energy Conference who participated in panels on renewable energy, oil and gas, energy finance and power.

At the moment, an aura of uncertainty surrounds the electric-power industry, according to several panelists who noted that old-line players, like the investor-owned utilities, are cautiously awaiting signals from politicians, regulators and even the public. Companies want to know whether the United States will adopt a so-called "cap-and-trade"system to govern carbon emissions or a more straightforward carbon tax. In addition, they are wary of betting too heavily on any particular new technology, such as wind or solar, until they know that it will be broadly supported.

See full Article.