FRENCH GREENTECH

French Cleantech launches its new website: www.frenchcleantech.com

2010-10-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

Founded in 2008, French Cleantech is the cleantech innovation showcase dedicated to promote french cleantech expertises and innovations globally through a panel of more than 100 company profiles, an audience from 80 countries and 12 international partners.

French Cleantech brings in depth knowledge of french cleantech innovations to investors, industrials and public authorities. The new website offers a unique selection of promising companies thanks to :
- Company executive summaries
- A presentation through 11 categories*
- A weekly tracking of a new french cleantech innovation
- A multicriteria search tool by region, category and size

International partners

Australian Cleantech, Cleantech Group, Cleantech Holland, Green Japan, International Green Technology Trade Center, Swiss Cleantech Association...

A presence at major international cleantech events

Stockholm Cleantech Venture Day (September 30th),

Cleantech Forum New York (October 11-13th),
French MBA conference New York (October 15 -16th),

European Venture market (November 9 -10th),
The Cleantech Investing Seminar (December 1-2), etc.

French Greentech becomes French Cleantech

2009-07-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to you and your loyalty, French Greentech blog, launched in April 2008, has made a reputation in the world of cleantech. Today, we have the opportunity to announce a transition

from French Greentech to French Cleantech.

With French Cleantech, you can now have a clear vision of french cleantech companies through 12 categories (agriculture, air & environment, energy efficiency, energy generation, energy infrastructure, energy storage, event & news, manufacturing & industrial, materials, recycling & waste, transportation, water and wastewater).

French Cleantech wants to be now the technological showcase of french know-how and innovation regarding environmental technology. I invite you now to leave your comments, respond, debate around the topics posted on French cleantech. Enjoy !

MCE-5 : fuel consumption reduction technology

2009-06-22T02:21:00.000-07:00

MCE-5 is a french company, based in Lyon, developing a mechanical solution that allows the mass production of VCR (Variable Compression Ratio) engines to the required environmental standards. The MCE-5 VCR engine block is designed to replace traditional fixed-compression engine blocks.

The MCE-5 technology is an all-in-one VCR engine block that combines power transmission and compression-ratio control. This new engine with variable compression ratio (VCR) whose interest is twofold:

a reduction of fuel consumption by 20% to 35% depending on the power of vehicles,
a reduction in CO2 emissions below future Euro VI scheduled for 2015.

The MCE-5 integrates long-life gears and an exclusive roller-guided piston

that is not subject to slap or radial stress. This feature ensures exceptional durability and reliability for high-loaded VCR engines on high mileages. This means that the MCE-5 meets one of the greatest challenges for downsized engines with extreme power and torque density - durability.

The great strength of the MCE-5 VCR engine block also results from the rigidity of its crankshaft and of its main structure, which give the hydrodynamic bearings an optimum geometrical environment and a long lifespan. The MCE-5 VCR engine block has no negative effects on the other components or the vehicle. Exhaust and transmission connections are precisely the same as those of a conventional engine.

After 11 years of research and development, and investments in excess of 30 million euros, the MCE-5 is currently the only variable compression ratio engine that can be industrialized in the medium term. Already successfully developed, MCE-5 can be mass produced as of 2016-2017 thanks to a consortium of 12 major internationally recognized european companies that have joined forces for this project, and more than 60 companies that have worked over the last eleven years to bring it to its current level of development. The MCE-5 project is supported and financed by various French and European institutions concerned with industry, transport, energy savings and pollutant emissions reductions. The sale of licenses should provide a cumulative turnover of approximately EUR 900 million between 2009 and 2012. Then provided each year from 2015 through royalties on sales in large series of vehicles.

Source : MCE-5

Nephelios : Solar Airship from INSA Lyon

2009-06-19T04:18:00.000-07:00

Directed by engineering students, Nephelios is the first airship in the world powered by solar energy. While the Paris Air Show celebrates its centenary, the Néphélios will be presented from 15 to 21 June in Paris. It has flexible solar panels on top of the envelope.

Solar energy collected feeds an electric motor disposed behind the steering pod, which is equipped with two propellers bipales. The balloon is inflated with helium, a gas fuels that could ultimately be replaced by

hydrogen.Called Sol'R, the project was born from the meeting in 2008 of three students and Stéphane Rousson,a french adventurer with passion for airships.

The solar airship called "Nephelios" was designed, developed and built by a thirty students both major French schools as technical schools. The aircraft has a flexible solar panels on top of the envelope, which feeds an electric motor with two propellers bipales. This summer, the airship is expected to make its first flight over the English Channel, replicating the feat of 100 years after Blériot.

For INSA Lyon (Institut National des Sciences Appliquées), this project contributes to a more ecological, more social and humanitarian access to energy and transport, using a device with low impact on the environment while being able to carry heavy loads and bulky.

More :INSA LYON

Source : INSA LYON, THe GUARDIAN

June 30, 2009 : CleanTuesday in Lyon

2009-06-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

The second CleanTuesday in Rhône-Alpes will be held in Lyon on June 30, 2009, under the sponsorship of InnovaFonds and KPMG, with the support and in the premises of ADERLY. Talks will be given by the Chief Executive Officer of EasEnergy, the manager of EDF for CleanTech investments in North America (www.easenergy.com), and three corporate executives from especially innovative start-ups:

• MCE5 : developing motors incorporating a variable-rate compression technology that significantly reduces fuel consumption and cuts CO2 emissions by 30%, obtained after 12 years of R&D and €30 M of investment (www.mce-5.com/);

• Elutions Europe : supplying solutions aiming to improve energy efficiency in industry and in the construction and public-works sector (www.elutions-europe.com);

• Kilowattsol : specializing in technical and financial engineering for solar energy: preliminary surveys, site-potential assessment and photovoltaic specifications (www.kilowattsol.com).

The objective of CleanTuesday is to develop a community spirit within the ecosystem of the sector’s players and to foster the development of a culture of community-based innovation in the stakeholders of CleanTech, based on the culture that exists in the information and communications technologies. The estimated worth of the global green technology market is 550 billion euros.

More information : Cleantuesday

AQUAVIVA : A revolutionary water treatment plant for Cannes

2009-06-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Lyonnaise des Eaux Côte d’Azur subsidiary unveils Aquaviva, one of the world’s first water treatment plants to use ultrafiltration. The plant, which is sited in the Cannes area, is one of the world’s first water treatment plants that uses ultrafiltration modules as well as a membrane bio-reactor (MBR) and prevents the emission of greenhouse gases.

This new generation factory will also be an important carbon-neutral plant and include the largest solar farm in the département (4,000m²). Its treatment process also enables effluent to be re-used for watering green spaces and for street cleaning.The new station which will serve 8 different communes, represents a budget of 77 M€ and should be finalised by 2011.

High performance treatment allows wastewater to be reused

The use of ultra filtration membranes and a biological reactor (Bioreactor with membranes) to purify wastewater is the most modern technology for treating wastewater in the world. Its purification efficiency exceeds regulatory standards and will meet future standards for "water quality suitable for swimming.” Marine flora and fauna will thus be preserved and a monitoring of biodiversity (fish on the shoreline, posidonia meadows) will help track progress. Treated water will also be reused to water landscaped areas or to clean roadways.

A plant integrated into a coastal tourist environment

Aquaviva is to be built on the shoreline at the site of the current treatment plant and will be perfectly integrated into its coastal tourist environment. It will not emit any unpleasant odors or noise nor will it be unsightly. Each year, the Cannes region attracts 2.5 million tourists, so an unobtrusive work site will be put up during construction. The plant’s operation will be audited by a certification organization in order to attain the ISO 14001 environmental management standard.

Greenhouse gas emissions completely neutralized

Aquaviva will be completely Carbon Neutral®. Greenhouse gases will make up only 269 equivalent tons of carbon annually, i.e., 90% less than the current plant. These emissions will by completely offset and Aquaviva will use different procedures and technologies to achieve this. The treatment plant will have 4,000 sq. m of solar panels making it the largest solar farm project in the Maritime Alps.

Drying the sludge resulting from wastewater treatment will also contribute to the offsetting effects. Dry sludge will then be treated and recycled as natural fertilizer for agriculture in the region. Work done by Degrémont and GTM will start in 2009 as soon as a construction permit is obtained and will be completed in 2011.

And in nearby Golfe Juan-Vallauris, another Lyonnaise des Eaux treatment plant, which meets HQE (High Environmental Quality) standards, was inaugurated on May 25. Known as “Nobilis” after a rare Mediterranean shellfish, the plant complies with the latest European standards and has been awarded the highest 4-star classification.

Source : Lyonnaise des eaux

ROBIN SUN launches solar glazing, a glass wall producing hot water

2009-06-09T05:21:00.000-07:00

Robin Sun is a french company which has developed a system of hot water from solar collectors integrated into a semi transparent glass.The installation of 5 to 7 square meters of the glazing in a wall or glass, preferably exposé (e) to the south to cover 60 to 70% of hot water needs of a family of four, says he says. The annual productivity of the glass is slightly lower than solar thermal because of its installation on the vertical, which is not optimal for capturing the sun's rays.

The cost, about 1 000 square meter is equivalent to a solar panel.

Developed in partnership with the INSA Strasbourg (National Institute of science and technology applied in Strasbourg), this glass solar qualities may be of interest to construction professionals. In addition to the hot water, it provides insulation equivalent to that of a wall of low-energy house, thanks to the sensor and a specific treatment against the glass infrared.

Robin Sun won a first big contract in Paris to install solar glazing of twenty social housing construction in the district of Barbès in Paris.

Source : Robin Sun

European Elections 2009 : Greens shakes French politics

2009-06-08T01:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, European citizens were invited to vote for the european elections. The green coalition, Europe Ecologie, have created the surprise yesterday in France, ranking in third position.The movement led by leaders, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, José Bové and Eva Joly received an amazing 16,2%.

Why did european ecologists make the breakthrough ?

Firstly, the movement created specifically for this election was born of a new alliance between the Greens and personalities of the environmentalist movement and association, as the former spokesman Yannick Jadot of Greenpeace or Jean-Paul Besset, close to the TV moderator Nicolas Hulot.

Secondly, Europe Ecologie and greens party in particular, can be recognized as one of the few parties that has built its identity on the historic European values: solidarity, peace, no violence, social justice, preservation of the environment ... all this reflected in their slogan "think globally, act locally.

And, comparing to other political parties, Europe Ecologie clearly made the difference by explaining that economic crisis, climate crisis and democracy crisis must be resolved, not separately but ....TOGETHER !!!!

Cairpol : City air pollution monitoring

2009-06-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

Cairpol is a french company, located in Alès, which has developed a hand-held air pollution known as "the cairpatch.

Cairpol started from: the idea that air pollution has two main areas:

- air pollution mainly caused by the automobile (O3 and NO2) that affects the general public, especially vulnerable people such as asthmatics

- the accidental pollution on the safety (toxic gas in installations, sewage ...) that can affect the general public (carbon monoxide due to improper combustion by ex.).

With this anaylysis, the french company decided to develop devices for monitoring air pollution.

The goals: to be advised of the peaks of pollution and adapt their work to breathe less pollutants and to avoid crises It stresses that its technology is applicable to the detection of most gas and soon to particulate matter (PM 2.5-10, pollen, bacteria ...). . How much ? 72 euros.

Cairpol is positioned on the consumer market of low cost and ultra wearable devices for air pollution control in gases area (ozone, toxic gases), particulate area (PM2.5, pollens) or biological area (bacteria). Beyond the technological raised key (a new adaptive filter protected by patent) concerning the reliability of the sensors subjected to the abrupt changes of environmental conditions (inherent when they are worn on the wrist of a person), the strategy of Cairpol bases on the limitation on the duration of device functioning (to increase still the reliability by it) and thus on the annual renewal of devices. The first product, the Cairpatch, dedicated to the asthmatics to warn them of peaks of ozone pollution was validated on field for one year and is in the course of average series manufacturing ( 1000 / month ).

Source : Cairpol

GEOGREEN : Expert in CO2 transport and geological storage

2009-06-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

CO2 capture and storage (CCS) has the potential to account for 20% of global greenhouse gas reduction. A number of initiatives are underway to encourage widespread deployment. Pilot plants are being run around the world and several countries and federations are already establishing directives and regulations to guide the development of these emerging technologies. First scale one coal power stations equipped with CCS should be in operation no later than 2015 but other industries such as steel making are also studying CCS as a solution to reduce their CO2 emissions.

GEOGREEN : A unique expertise in CO2 transport and geological storage

Geogreen is an international services company specialized in CO2 transport and storage offering its clients strategic studies in the areas of CO2 capture, transport and storage in addition to engineering studies and technical assistance relating to CO2 transport and geological storage. Geogreen is a subsidiary of the IFP (French Petroleum Institute), Geostock (an underground hydrocarbon storage company) and BRGM (Bureau de Recherche Géologique et Minière).

The company has a perfect technical complementarity with its experts enables Geogreen to provide the industries concerned and a comprehensive range of services, covering the whole chain from the transport of CO₂ to its geological storage, from upstream expertise to engineering and project development.

In the longer term, Geogreen will offer injection site operation assistance, inspection and maintenance services, and monitoring services related to post-injection control of storage sites.

Geogreen’s capital is held by IFP, Géostock and BRGM.

Storage approach

Once captured and transported, CO₂ is then injected and stored underground at depths of at least 800 meters.

Three potential storage methods are envisaged:

Storage in depleted oil and gas fields.

Theoretically, this is the easiest option to implement since these structures have held oil and gas for millions of years and this geological environment is well known. The injection of CO₂ also helps to improve recovery of the oil and gas present. However, the storage capacity of these reservoirs is insufficient and they are very unequally distributed around the world, often far from industrial facilities.
Experimental storage operations are already under way in these types of reservoirs.

Storage in unused coal seams.

The capacity of coal to “adsorb” – or preferentially trap – CO₂ in place of the methane naturally present in coal, represents an interesting capture mechanism. But this option is limited by the porosity and permeability of coal, which remain low.

Storage in deep saline aquifers.

These are reservoirs of non-potable salt water, located at great depths, which offer the greatest potential in terms of storage capacity. They are better distributed over the world’s surface than oil and gas reservoirs. A significant amount of research is currently under way aimed at characterizing these and assessing their potential in terms of geological storage.

Source : Geogreen

SINOVIA : City lighting solution

2009-06-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

SINOVIA is a French company mainly involved on two levels: contributing towards the dynamism of municipalities and developing the eco-responsibility of communities.Intelligent management of City lighting involves remote control of light intensity and gives automatic access to an instrument panel for operational and financial monitoring.

City lighting management solution

The City lighting solution allows real savings on energy costs, of over 40% of the energy bill of a city.

SINOVIA provides an intelligent City lighting management solution which permits the development of a modular and progressive application:

Classic light management: on/off, lamps lit/switched off
Remote management: remote control system for lamps (point-to-point), graduation of the intensity of lighting, based on a light sensor or according to automatic planning.
Remote services: management and communication with linked or nearby lamp-post infrastructures. For example: automatic sprinkler system, variable message sign management, signals, air quality sensors, video surveillance...

This solution permits a reduction in costs and control over energy bills, a reduction in maintenance costs for parks, while guaranteeing a return on investment by allowing the money saved to be injected into remote services, and permitting the development of new applications, while making the network infrastructures of the municipality profitable in a shorter period of time.

Sinovia Expertise

Sinovia designs from 10 years of innovative technologies Monitoring equipment Urban and technical alarms. It offerings are organized around a single solution and efficient, which brings together multi technology, multi-service, multi-manufacturer.

This approach meets the expectations and companies or communities terms of security, sustainable development, optimization of costs and sharing systems. Solutions SINOVIA manage potential threats (malicious acts, disasters natural and technological ...) but also make possible a centralized and intelligent cities, sites or buildings. The expertise of Sinovia is around the video surveillance, intelligent management of public lighting, monitoring equipment (fire safety, intrusion detection, energy management ...), steer warning networks and the convergence of systems in heterogeneous infrastructures.

Sinovia was nominated for the Grand Prix de l'Innovation SIEMENS 2007, won the Trophy for Security 2007, "Best Innovation of the Year and received the Gold 91 issued by the ICC and Medef of Essonne. Sinovia is also the first company in France signing a "Gateways" Small Grand Account. SINOVIA is involved in research programs French, European and International and also participates in conferences that are fueling the momentum of development of its

solutions.

Source : Sinovia

Hydrelis : Water leak detection

2009-05-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

Founded in 2004, Hydrelis develops technologies, products and systems to monitor, and manage and reduce water consumption.

Hydrelis developed electronics innovation including Ultra Low Power. The CLIP-FLOW is a 100% french. The production lines are located in the sum Woincourt and Gunderschoffenen Alsace. The CLIP-FLOW is an internationally patented and the company received the Special Jury Prize at the National Ministry of Research.

Hydrelis is a new player in the field of monitoring and protecting networks of drinking water. Launches CLIP-FLOW, which enables individuals, communities and businesses to reduce their water bills through active surveillance: CLIP-flow control, analysis and cutting the water supply in case of anomaly, just like a circuit breaker cut power to incidents.

An independent and innovative concept

CLIP-FLOW is autonomous. It works without electrical connection. Installed network head near the counter, CLIP-FLOW acts as a switch and closes the water supply in case of anomalies.

Innovative, CLIP-Flow Analysis permanently the flow of water in search of a stable flow abnormally long sign of a leak. CLIP-FLOW intelligently adapts to each installation. His reaction time will depend on the magnitude of the leak: the higher the speed is more important trigger quickly. For multiple users, it expects the rate to stabilize thus avoiding tripping. CLIP-FLOW can also identify the speed increases abnormal sign of a ruptured pipeline. He then cut the water in seconds.

Time for action:

- For a small leak (flush or tap file) corresponding to a stable flow of 80 l / h, it starts in about 1 hour.

Important for trouble (leaking underground or open valve forgotten) for a steady flow of 1500L / h, it starts in 12 minutes.

- In the event of pipeline rupture, it reacts in less than 8 seconds.

- In case of prolonged inactivity, it can cut water itself as a precaution.

For special applications, its settings can be changed very easily with a personal computer (PC).

Water: the new blue gold

Drinking water is a precious commodity:

- The individual today is seeking to consume the most useful and possible to prevent leakage invisible. They need ways to monitor and reduce its consumption and alert in case of leakage invisible.

- In the communities, because of the separation between users and payers, automated monitoring is required. The leaks, accidents, vandalism and any anomalies should be identified and repaired quickly before having a significant impact on water bills.

- In industry and leisure operators seeking to optimize their water budgets. Quickly identify overuse or leaks that may damage the infrastructure is essential.

Source : Hydrelis

Brochier technologies : photocatalytic pollution control solution

2009-05-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

Brochier Technologies is a french company specialised in optical fibre weaving solutions for light applications in lighting, communications, safety, pollution control, and medical fields.

Lightex technology

The company is well kown for its Lightex® technology which consists in the weaving of optical fibres with lateral lighting, connected to electroluminescent diodes that makes possible to create flexible or rigid illuminated surfaces, very thin, requirering low power consumption and providing long life span.The Lightex® lighting solutions are protected by several international patents.

UVtex technology : Environment application

Brochier technologies has also developed UVtex technology which is a photovoltaic pollution control solution using optical fibre plastics and UV light ( patented technology).By combining the ultraviolet radiation distributed by the optical fibre fabric with some quantity of TiO2, the UVtex® technology acts upon pollution control of the air, the water, and the destruction of odours, therefore being an answer to many current environmental problems of today.

Photocatalysis

Air purification, odor control, cleaning the surface ... The industrial applications of photocatalysis are numerous today. And to think the French Federation of photocatalysis (FFP), established in 2006 to promote the use of this process, the technological potential of the photocatalyst is still under exploited. Limitation of bacterial growth in hospitals and medical, water purification, water purification, detoxification of water rinsing equipment or industrial agriculture, elimination of odors could be part of the field of development of this technology is discovered more than

fifty years.

Powdered TiO2 observed in scanning electron microscope

The principle? Decomposition and degradation of the material under the action of light beams on the surface of a catalyst. A catalyst, usually titanium dioxide (TiO2), is activated by the presence of a light source, natural or artificial. Free radicals released by the titanium allow oxyréduction: organic molecules on the surface are adsorbed and decomposed by the catalyst. Titanium dioxide, inert compound used as a pigment in paints and cosmetics, is the raw material chosen by most manufacturers because, according to the FFP, as it is in contact with light, and pollutants, the material remains stable and efficient.

Source : Brochier technologies

Institut Lavoisier develops a high capacity CO2 trap

2009-05-20T00:39:00.000-07:00

A porous material created by a team led by Gérard Férey at Institut Lavoisier in Versailles has an unparalleled ability to capture carbon dioxide, a major challenge in the ongoing fight against global warming.

This recent studyco-authored by several laboratories associated with CNRS has shown that MIL101, a mesoporousMetal-Organic Framework (MOF), could store close to 400 mof CO₂ at 25°C per m³ of solid, almost double the capacity of the best materials commercially available today.

Yet when Férey initially set out to create porous frameworks, he had no specific application in mind. His goal was to move beyond trial and error and devise a logical approach to create tailored porous solids. Using a personal computer simulation program, he found extraordinary virtual results. They eventually led to the creation of MIL101, the largest crystalline porous solid to date, with pores of 3.4 nm and a huge cubic cell volume.

The next issue was to figure out what to trap in such large cages and, given the increased focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, CO₂ was a prime candidate. Férey also gives credit to his colleagues who demonstrated MIL101’s record CO₂adsorption properties. “We now know why and where the CO₂molecules attach,” he points out. “This is essential information if we want to find even better products.”

The study also shows that the method chosen to activate MIL101 is crucial in optimizing its CO₂ adsorption capability, the most effective method being a combination of hot ethanol and ammonium fluoride treatments.

CO₂storage is only one of many potential applications for a large-pore MOF and the possibilities are practically endless. “You can fill it with pretty much anything,” concludes Férey, “hydrogen, drugs, or even use the cages as a nanoreactor to produce materials directly inside them.

Source : CNRS - Fabien Buliard

Hiolles industries : A fast growing player in the french cleantech industry

2009-05-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

Since 1976, by developing originally industry services, HIOLLE Industries, which was a little company of 4 persons settled in Valenciennes, has become a performing and industrial group hiring more than 800 employees.

The group is composed by twenty seven subsidiaries, each one works on a specific sector: hydraulics, industrial electricity, industrial maintenance, automatism, pneumatic power, industrial plumbing, metal construction, metallurgic control and thermal treatment, precision fabrication, logistics, engineering … However they work together and are federated by important projects, what brings a true synergy between methods and services.

Nowadays, HIOLLE Industries is recognized in France and abroad. It acts in sectors such as: metallurgy, plastics industry, railways industry, textil industry, steel industry …

Being multidisciplinary, Hiolle Industries has become a worldwide leader in a specialized sector: the industrial transfer. Yet, more than 150 partial or complete transfers were achieved in Europe, Asia, India, South America …

For many years, Hiolle Industries has also been present on environmental protection sector. In order to answer to the topical environmental issues, it offers global and sustainable solutions for treatment:

waste : domestic waste, hospital waste, derelict cars… and their recovery
water and mud from water treatment plants
gas by reducing discharges causing greenhouse effect

As HIOLLE Industries offers a very large range of specialities, has very skilled teams in many sectors and wants to go forward, Hiolle Industries has become a very indispensable partner for any industrial project based on sustainable development.

After an important growth in service industry sector and in environment activities, Hiolle Industries group has adopted a development strategy towards renewable energies sector, of which the photovoltaic solar electricity.

Source : Hiolles energies

JET METAL TECHNOLOGIES : Clean coating technology

2009-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

An innovative metallization process that reduces the need for chemicals and the generation of wastewater.

This french company offers an innovative, non-polluting technology for metal plating with an aqueous spray system. This totally new, patented technique makes it possible to metallize any surface by simultaneously spraying two aerosols, respectively containing an aqueous solution with metal cation (metallic salt) and an aqueous solution with a reducing agent. The mixture of these two solutions creates an oxidation-reduction reaction on the surface, forming an even, continuous metallic film. Jet Metal is commercializing a faster metallization process developed at the Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique des Systèmes at l'Ecole Centrale Lyon.

Electroplating and vacuum deposition technologies are the most common metallization technologies today. But the coatings industry is facing stricter environmental controls on chemical waste and energy consumption. Jet Metal says the process meets those needs because it removes the need for highly polluting sulfochromic preparation treatments, reduces the quantities of reagents used, minimizes the generation of wastewater, and uses no VOCs.

The process removes steps, which can save time and money. Additionally, the process occurs at room temperature using basic painting tools.Jet Metal says the technology creates a synergy between the simplicity of painting techniques and the sophistication of metal plating coatings.In its patented metallization process, two aerosols are simultaneously projected onto substrates to react and form a homogeneous and continuous metal film. The process can be used for a variety of metal coatings—including copper, nickel, cobalt or gold—and on a variety of substrates, such as metals, plastics, glass, ceramics, textiles, and wood. The process has applications in a number of industries, including cosmetics, glass, automotive, aerospace and appliances.

Jet Metal Technologies raised €2.5 million for its new coating technology that reduces the need for chemicals and the generation of wastewater. The funds came from Viveris, Schneider Electric Ventures, Naxicap Partners and Rhône Alpes Création.

Source : Jet Metal Technologies

CKFD : An innovative system to recycle cans

2009-05-14T04:03:00.000-07:00

CKFD is a french company developing an innovative system to recycle cans named "Ecopacteur". This project is not only ecological and economic lines. The societal dimension is indeed also present, since it creates jobs dedicated to the collection of cans, the maintenance of écopacteurs and display advertisements.

Today, vending machines for refreshments are everywhere : parking, subway, stations, airports, supermarkets, schools, businesses ... The public places are filled!

However, the biodegradation of an aluminum pop can take over 200 years. That is why it is imperative not to throw his cans anywhere. Cans are 100% recyclable. However they are separated from the rest of the packaging. Especially since the bobbin is a disposable product, mainly consumed outside home. That is why the majority of cans are thrown in combination and are not recycled.

With the écopacteur,the French company CKFD, is making the difference since this machine allows a cylindrical compaction process manual cans to reduce and recycle waste.

CKFD is engaged in a logic of sustainable development. A full écopacteur is compacted 2 000 cans or the equivalent of 3 bikes after recycling! 750 écopacteurs full is 1 500 000 cans of 33 cl compressed which is equivalent to 1 line of tramway 32.5 meters after recycling.

Today,the écopacteur seduced many communities and businesses, especially at events. The most recent example is the SNCF.

Source : CKFD

France Greentech : A showcase for the French environmental offer

2009-05-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

"We want to focus on sectors that are and will be the competitiveness of France after the crisis. The eco-industry and eco-services are a part. "Host a meeting with the eco-entrepreneurs yesterday at Bercy, Anne-Marie Idrac took the opportunity to announce a plan of measures for eco-industries in their international strategies. The occasion for the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade to affirm its support for green business "made in France."

Support is reflected first by the desire to give the sector greater visibility on the world stage. Hence the launch of a communications plan includes a specific logo Federating (France Green Tech) and opening a window presenting the French offer on the environment.

But because there is no substitute for concrete, these external signs of greenery also accompanied the establishment of a FASEP Fund (study and support the private sector) which will help finance pilot projects eco-enterprises hexagonal. Demonstrator essential to winning new customers. "The French team I see it as a team of eco-enterprises in eco-enterprises for eco-businesses," says Anne-Marie Idrac the podium before give way to representatives of major groups (Schneider Electric , EDF Energies Nouvelles, Suez Environment) and SMEs (Naskeo Environment SA ...).

To conquer new horizons, the ministerial meeting was also part of a signed agreement between Ubifrance (the French Agency for international business development) and the International Ademe. A device to provide eco-businesses the opportunity to build on the French presence abroad to help develop and sell outside our borders. What soon put the cap on emerging economies and markets sensitive to green technologies such as the Mediterranean, the Middle East, India or China. But also the United States represented at Bercy Monday by Martin Chavez, Mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Source : Cleantech Republic par Baptiste Roux dit Riche

Domelys recovers heat on wastewater

2009-05-11T01:10:00.000-07:00

Created by Yann Menez and Frédéric Manoury, DOMELYS Technologies has developed an innovative system to filter gray water "hot" then make the move in a heat exchanger to warm water cold and reduce the cost of heating water.

An innovative technology : CalH2O

CalH20 is the first system designed by the company Domelys Technologies, which has developed in the very specific niche of the recovery of waste heat.

Its principle is simple: recover some of the calories water showers (all days above 30 ° C) to transmit them to the cold water before entering the water heater. "Our philosophy was to meet this need with a very robust process, autonomous and maintenance free, totally transparent to the user and especially depreciable within 5 years," explains Frédéric Manoury, associate director.The system CalH2O, whose heart is a direct heat exchanger (the water circulates within the heat exchanger and water worn out), puts out a filtration step specifically developed for the application (with automatic cleaning system) to protect the heat exchanger. We also note that the incoming cold water is treated against tartar for the same reasons to protect the entire network of water heaters.

Applications

This recovery of calorie can reduce the cost of hot water from 33% to 45%, as each degree earned on the incoming water upstream of the heater corresponds to a saving of 1,16 Wh / liter. The first target of technology Domelys are all large consumers of hot water, at least 180 m3 per year of hot water (55 ° C), so for example hairdressers (250 to 300 m 3 / year) or equipment collective (gyms, swimming pools etc.).. Returns on investments are always less than five years and even in certain cases of about two years. The pilot run last year with the process that is now marketing.

Source : Green news

More information : Domelys

Windcap Energy : Aerocap tower

2009-05-05T01:33:00.000-07:00

Windcap Energy is a french company based on the Technopole Brest Iroise. Having made their previous careers in the offshore oil industry, the founders of Windcap were however interested in other forms of energy, particularly renewable energy which will inevitably in the future one of the alternative sources of oil.

Wind suburban Windcap

The company has developed an innovative tower of energy spread using the wind resource. This is the first standardized modular, decentralized, industrial production of renewable energy based on wind resource in suburban area of activity.

Stacking diabolos

This is not a contemporary sculpture, but a wind that forms unusual throne before the buildings of the school of engineering Brest. Two diabolos three meters in diameter, composite materials, stacked one on another. In rushes into the tunnel, the wind gathers pace and spins of small propellers. "Depending on the wind, they can produce up to 10 kilowatts, said Alain Larivain. We turn to the model of six meters in diameter in early 2009, if possible in an industry. " The first marketing could intervene at the end of that year. For comparison, four five-storey towers of six meters in diameter would correspond to a conventional wind turbine equipped with blades 30 to 35 m in diameter. Windcap aims of the industrial or commercial areas or communities, for a production ranging from 100 to 500 KW.

Looking for investors

Later marine energy, the system houlomoteur is currently digital, it works on the computer screen. Its development is linked to the arrival of private or public. "You have to find between one and two million euros to develop a prototype, Alain Larivain. We are associated with a company in Hong Kong and we are negotiating with other foreign companies, but no French. " A former specialist in off-shore has already drawn on the computer platform, bringing together, sea, diabolos and float. For tomorrow.

Source : Le telegramme de Brest, Windcap

More information : Windcap Energy

CEA LITEN : Lighting enters the era of nanotechnology

2009-04-17T00:36:00.000-07:00

Nanoluminophores developed by CEA LITEN open the way to new applications for lighting and signage sectors.

CEA LITEN's nanoluminophores*, developed for a variety of applications such as anti-counterfeit or photovoltaic systems, are once again breaking new ground. This time, they are converting primary light from the latest low-consumption LED developments for lighted sign and signalling applications. By lighting ceilings, entire walls or even windows, these applications offer greater energy efficiency and enhanced lighting quality. Another possibility is transparent indicator signs, cylindrical or spherical in shape, which display predetermined messages.

To obtain white light with good conversion efficiency, LITEN researchers use luminophores emitting at green and red wavelengths when excited by low-energy photons with blue wavelengths. While fluorescent nanometric semiconductor crystals known as quantum dots provide good efficiency and light quality, they remain relatively fragile.

Researchers are focusing on rare earths, which are more stable. Unlike many luminophores currently on the market that react to ultraviolet light (254 nm), rare earths can be used to produce materials activated by lower-energy blue light sources."The energy difference between the photon consumed and the photon emitted is thus smaller and the conversion efficiency better,” explained Renard.

Direct applications in signage

So far, the scientists have developed a rare earth system embedded in a glass plate. The luminophores emit at green and red wavelengths and are excited by blue-green light at 490 nm. "To meet our ultimate objective of white light, we are adjusting the mixture and glass compositions to make the system excitable at 460 nm."

At the same time, the scientists have deposited organic fluorescent ink (excitable at 460 nm) on plastic films. The first tests on luminophores emitting green light were conclusive. Now the scientists need to develop inks emitting in the red region and validate the mixtures for obtaining white light.

Custom signage applications are possible. "This nearly invisible ink makes it possible to create display areas on totally transparent objects,” noted Renard. CEA is also participating in the Luminosurf project, whose activities are part of the Axelera competitiveness cluster. Following the lead of Philips Eclairage, CEA plans to develop illuminated surfaces based mainly on luminophores excitable at 460 nm where efficiency is compatible with lighting standards. The first illuminated surface prototype should be ready in 2010.

*Substances emitting light when excited by photons, varying in size from 1 µm to a few nanometres.

Source : CEA LITEN

More information : CEA

Novea Energy : An innovative lamp combining solar and wind

2009-04-15T01:24:00.000-07:00

Novéa Energy is a french company based near Anger. It was created with the assistance of the incubator Angers Technopole. Novéa Energy positions itself on the basis of products derived from its research and development efforts in the market for alternative energies of small powers.

Novéa Energy is currently supporting its development on three activities:

- Lighting self-energy,

- The exploitation of hydropower on existing water mills,

- Product development for the industrial self -

By offering quality products, designed to take into account their full life cycle (recycling, recovery), the Energy Novéa has a real ambition to meet the great expectations of all those who feel concerned by sustainable development.

Innovation

The company developed an innovative lamp named Smart Deco Avenue.

This autonomous lamp has the advantage of being applicable anywhere knowing that traditional power is absent.

It combines two energy sources: solar and wind power.

Its patented design combines a double source of energy and a LED lamp.Using a complementary way of the sun and wind, provides a source of permanent power whatever the weather.

It is very simple, since no cut and no wiring is required. Only earthworks for anchoring the mast is to be performed. The technical part, in an elevated position is not sensitive to floods and vandalism.

To finance its development, Novea energy raised money from Pays de la Loire Développement (Sodero Management), Oseo innovation and a business angel.

Source : Novea Energy

More information : Novea

ECOREN increased the yield of biomass cogeneration

2009-04-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

Based in Lyon, ECOREN is a french engineering company focused on new energy. Its major objective is to develop a new technology for energy production from biomass, both powerful, clean and inexpensive. The company developed a process called COGEBIO based on a new thermodynamic cycle for electricity production from wood waste.

Innovation

COGEBIO project allows an electrical efficiency of 30% in a cogeneration from biomass. The process used to generate electricity from biomass with a yield two to three times higher than the systems currently available in a power range of 30 to 200 kWe.

The package is designed as a module mounted in the factory, easily transportable and quick installation. It accepts all types of biomass: forest wood chips, bark, sawdust, waste plants, etc.. It is intended primarily for industrial farmers with biomass resources and rural communities.

A project led by Etienne Lebas

The project led by Etienne Lebas, a researcher at the French Institute of Petroleum. A prototype will be done in a commune in the Loire. The latter will mainly be marketed to manufacturers of timber, farmers and public.

Etienne Lebas is a research engineer with the Institut François du Petrole (IFP). He has been associated with IFP since 1995, first in the field of natural gas treatment processes and then in the thermal engineering department. In 2001 Dr. Lebas became project leader in the field of gas turbine combustion. Dr. Lebas earned a Ph.D. in process engineering from the Institut Nationale Polytechnique de Lorraine in 1995. He has filed 18 patents and authored more than 15 publications and congress communications.

Source : IFP, ECOREN

OLMIX presents Morgane - A green refinery project

2009-04-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

Founded in 1995 by Hervé Balusson, the Olmix company is a specialist in “green” chemicals. Based in Bréhan in the Morbihan département (Brittany), it has sales of 52 million euros, 250 employees, seven factories in Europe and offices in 80 countries worldwide.

OLMIX leads the way. At a time of heightened environmental awareness stemming from the Grenelle Environment Forum (meeting of political leaders and NGOs held in Paris to debate and negotiate environmental issues) and just weeks away from the Salon International de l’Agriculture, where industry leaders will discuss agriculture and sustainable development, the company presents “Morgane”, a green refinery project that is the first of its kind in Europe.

For the first time, a “green” chemicals unit is capable of combining animal and vegetable waste with green algae and transforming them into renewable energies and natural products for agriculture.

The pilot site of “Morgane” will be located in Ploërmel (Morbihan département), in the heart of Brittany, the international group’s home territory and an area rich in raw materials resources. Morgane will offer a next-generation response to two of the region’s major environmental concerns: nitrate pollution and the proliferation of green algae along the coastline.

The Morgane initiative is already backed by leading organisations: the Caisse des Dépôts (France’s state-owned financial group), the Ploërmel municipal community, various agricultural cooperatives and the Centre d’Enseignement Agricole de la Touche, an agricultural learning and research facility. The commitment of these actors is evidence of the convergence of public-private interests in the roll-out of this sustainable development project.

In launching Morgane, Olmix takes a step further in its commitment to sustainable development. A specialist in innovating high-technology products that respect the environment, Olmix develops and produces natural additives to replace synthetic ones and markets its solutions to industrial enterprises all over the world.

Source : Olmix

French Shamash Project focuses on Microalgae

2009-03-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

In France, micro-algae are the subject of attention of researchers. Among their benefits, compared with current biofuels, micro-algae photosynthetic performance promise a much higher metabolic plasticity and a much larger makes it easier to steer bioproduction to certain fatty acids. The control of nutrient recycling allows for control of the cycle of nitrogen and phosphorus. They do not require input of plant health and provide many valuable by-products and technologies used in developing countries.

Since late 2006, a French project named Shamash aims to produce biofuel from microalgae autotrophs. The primary objective is to assess the technical and economic feasibility of a production of methyl ester.

Microalgae can accumulate up to 50% of their dry weight fatty acids, to consider yield per hectare 30 times greater than for biofuels derived from crop land. They can provide 20 to 75 m3 of oil per hectare per year, according to sources. This project includes researchers from several research organizations, INRIA, CNRS, IFREMER, CEA, CIRAD, and universities in Nantes and Aix en Provence, and two companies, Valcobio and Alphabiotech. The project includes both specialists in the culture, physiology and use of micro-algae, as specialists in the optimization of biotechnological processes, biofuels and extraction and purification of lipids.

Among them, the team COMORE from INRIA Sophia Antipolis, associated with the Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, seeks to understand and quantify the physiological mechanisms underlying order to define the optimal conditions for production of oil, while maintaining a strong growth of algae.

Numerical modeling plays a crucial role to predict the amount of carbon stored by the algae in the form of oil, according to conditions of stress and environment. We need to find a compromise between the strong growth of microalgae and production of oil related to a nutritional stress.

Shamash project has a total budget of 2.8 million euros. The National Program of Research on Bioenergy (PNRB) of the ANR contributes to the tune of 0.8 million euros. The project is coordinated by O. Bernard (INRIA Sophia-Antipolis).

Source : Shamash

More information on Algae : Algae World in Rotterdam

Algae World 2009

27-28 Apr, 2009 - Rotterdam

Algae World 2009 dives into the following sessions :

-Managing an efficient value chain - multiple output & revenues
-Full utilization of algae's potential - markets and technology of converting to Biodiesel, Bioethanol, Carbon Sequestration, Water Remediation, Biogas, Biochemicals, Animal Feed
-Capabilities and limitations of Open System vs. Closed System / Hybrid
-Algae Productivity and Photosynthetic Efficiency
-How to achieve target production cost?
-Innovations & breakthroughs in algal harvesting
-Best practices in algal biomass processing
-Impact of difficult credit markets on clean-tech private equity investment

KAPLAN ENERGY : A french innovation in solar water heaters

2009-03-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

As partners with the CNRS and CETHIL, this young company is specialized in solar water heaters.

KAPLAN ENERGY has a strong competitive advantage: an innovative solution (E-Store) to provide the energy, including days without sun, through thermal batteries to an accumulation of over-solar and the restitution days where the sun does not go "explains Yann Kaplan, the project of the structure.

KAPLAN ENERGY allows your solar water heater to increase storage capacity without increasing the volume of the balloon.
Furthermore it allows to accumulate continuous overproduction of certain solar days for the return day without sunshine.

The patented E-Store is the result of a long collaboration between CETHIL / CNRS and the team of innovation and technological development of society KAPLAN ENERGY. The E-store technology uses many small thermal batteries High performance modular based system requirements. Particular attention was paid to the design of these batteries ensuring optimum return of heat energy solar balloons. Three people are working in the company and KAPLAN ENERGY plans to recruit new staff in 2009.

Source : Kaplan Energy

Cleantuesday Rhone Alpes

2009-03-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

Created by CleanTuesday (www.cleantuesday.com) and proposed by InnovaFonds (www.innovafonds.com) in partnership with KPMG (www.kpmg.fr), the first CleanTuesday Rhône-Alpes be held on Tuesday 24 March 2009, 18:30 21H at Grenoble Ecole de Management (12, rue Pierre Sémard Grenoble).

To illustrate the strong involvement of the Rhone Alpes region in CleanTech Cleantuesday invited Richard Collins, professor, director of the Institut Entreprise 2.0 Grenoble Ecole de Management, who will present the cluster Green & Connected Cities.

Frédéric Carré founder of start-up Elena Energy will present the development of wind carénées increasing the annual overall efficiency and range of use while minimizing wind noise.

Nicolas Kis-Series PhotoMe present its project to develop business solutions for residential wind power.

The 3 short presentations will be followed by a moment of friendly networking over a drink with more than one hundred Cleantech professionals, entrepreneurs, policy makers, investors, experts. The CleanTuesday takes place March 24 from 18:30 to 21H in the School of Management of Technology and Innovation (Grenoble EM, 12, rue Pierre Sémard - 38000 Grenoble)

BIO-UV : Ultraviolet Water treatment

2009-03-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

BIO-UV, France's leading manufacturer of ultraviolet water treatment equipment and European leader in the private and public swimming pool and spa market, is a limited company created in May 2000.

On its production sites in Lunel (France) and Los Angeles (USA), the BIO-UV Group designs, manufactures and markets ultraviolet (UV-C) disinfection systems and concepts.

European leader for designing, manufacturing and marketing of systems and concepts for ultraviolet (UV-C) water disinfection:

- private pools

- dechlorination of commercial pools and spas

- drinking water

- industrial process water

- waste water

- legionella prevention

- aquarium and zoo water treatment solutions

The company signed with the IFP (French Petroleum Institute) on March 16 a partnership agreement aimed at improving the technology of UV reactors.

Objective: Improving the energy efficiency of processes for wastewater treatment by UV.

As part of its tool for technology to support innovative SMEs, the IFP will use its expertise in the field of hydraulic modeling technology for water treatment. This partnership should enable and accelerate the development of reliable performance of UV reactors.

A new range for mid-2009

BIO-UV relies on this partnership to develop a new line of disinfecting wastewater UV less energy and more efficient.

Planned from the second half of 2009, the marketing of this new offer is made for the development of business opportunities to the processing of industrial and drinking water in France and abroad. An activity that is under Xavier Bayle, CTO of BIO-UV, 45% of the turnover of the company.

Source : Bio-uv

ALGIEPLUS : From the sea to the hearth

2009-03-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

AlgiePlus is french company created in April 2007 to exploit the results of research undertaken over several years at the Center for study and development of algae (CEVA) Pleubian and the Technical Center for Agricultural Syntec Pleumeur-Gautier. AlgiePlus was accompanied by regional Emergys incubator from December 2006 to December 2007 and by the Industrial Development Agency of Trégor.

Through collaboration with Ceva, AlgiePlus has developed and patented bread culture assets for above ground crops (flowers, tomatoes and strawberries), it will be marketed. It operates for the outcome of this research on active principles contained in the marine plants, mainly zoster present mainly in the Arcachon basin.

These assets and biodegradable substrates replace rockwool and coir currently used by producers, but which are not biodegradable and can present problems related to bacteria. These substrates stimulate the natural defense system of the plant and reduce the adhesion and the development of pathogenic microorganisms in the soil-less cultures.

AlgiePlus also leads a research plant on the use of active molecules of algae in other applications such as the fight against the attacks of fungi. To accelerate its development, AlgiePlus conducted in March 2008 a waiver of 300 000 euros from Ouest Ventures. This first round of financing package will enable it to market its first product and continue its program innovations.

Source : Algieplus

SP3H : Smart on-board fuel sensor

2009-03-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

Car manufacturers today face the dual challenge of addressing the impact of automotive emissions on the environment while remaining competitive in a geographic enlargement growing automotive market. Solutions based on new combustion modes or downsizing technology are constrained by the variability of fuels qualities. This variability due to worldwide as well as local distinct specifications, is impacted by the coming proliferation of new fuels like biofuels (1st generation) and synthetics (2ndgeneration). For a given specification, quality variations are explained first by the crude oil disparity, then by the various existing refining process tools and finally by the large range of blending recipes used to adjust the final product.

Regarding this issue, accounting for quality fluctuation provides the solution that would adjust engine tuning based on the fuel engine combination, in order to optimize consumption, emissions and performances.

SP3H, patented system offers the only existing solution to manage variability, through real time dertermination of fuel quality.

SP3H is a French startup developing a smart on-board fuel sensor that analyzes the molecular structure of a fuel and transmits the information to the engine ECU to allow real-time optimization of injection, combustion and post-treatment for a wide range of liquid fuels. The variability of existing fuels poses a problem for automakers as they try to minimize emissions and fuel consumption. Exacerbating this problem is the coming proliferation of new fuels (biofuels, synthetics) that create even more variability, combined with the push for new combustion modes that, while offering emissions. A microanalyzer has been developed by SP3H and its capability was successfully proven. This smart fuel sensor is based on combination of infrared technology and specific data treatment software.

A new breakthrough

This system uses the patented HydroCarbon Profiler technology (HCP) which measures the molecular structure of the fuel. This method allows an innovative way to determine fuel components. Compared to current methods of analyses, HCP give accurate information matching more the chemistry aspect of combustion.

This information, transmitted to the engine ECU, allows real time optimization of injection strategies, combustion and post treatment for all possible diesel and gasoline fuels.

Source : SP3H

3MW : Sea water desalination technology

2009-03-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

Water seems to be a superabundant natural resource on the planet earth. However, only 0.3 per cent of the world's total amount of water can be used as clean drinking water. Man requires huge amounts of drinking water every day and extracts it from nature for innumerable purposes. As natural fresh water resources are limited, sea water plays an important part as a source for drinking water as well. In order to use this water, it has to be desalinated. So, sea water desalination is a real challenge for western civilisation. The base method for sea water desalination is distillation. Approximately 620 kWh of evaporation enthalpy is necessary to obtain 1 t of drinking water.

Sea water desalination with high capacity (>1000 m³/day) faced an accelerating development.

3MW is a french company which chose to develop a simple, autonomous solution for small

communities: MEDC technology (multiple-effect drying & condensation) produces fresh water from sea or brackish water with a full solar energy feed.

EDC technology offers many key advantages:

• A very small power consumption

• A process fully integrated with solar thermal energy

• Very simple operating and maintenance requirement

Founded by Antoine Gourdon, 3MW is now building on-site demonstration in France and worldwide.

Source : 3MW

What have the Cleantechs to do with the Biotechs ?

2009-03-06T07:43:00.000-08:00

Next monday, Biosquare will organise a workshop in Lyon on what have the Cleantechs to do with the Biotechs ?The Cleantech industry comprised of companies focused on alternative energy, recycling, waste, air pollution..but much of this growth is being fueled by entrepreneurs with biotech credentials.

So this session would try to expain how these two industries are tightly interwoven.

WORKSHOP N°3 – The Cleantech Market in Europe
Monday, March 9, 10.45 am to 12.00 pm, Venue: "Saint Clair 3 A" hall, Lyon Convention Center, France

Session presentation:
What have the Cleantechs to do with the Biotechs? This question is much less academic than it may appear at first glance. The speakers of the Workshop N°3 will debate along two different lines of relation between those two Markets. Do Cleantechs and Biotech compete, or even maybe cannibalize each-other, for funding? How is triggered this competition? What are the latent synergies between these two markets, set on the same technological roots and tools? How can the Biotech Entrepreneur take the best out of theses synergies?

Confirmed speakers:
François Houssin, Senior Development Manager, European Listing, NYSE Euronext, France
Peter Rosholm, Vice President Biopharma area - Novozymes
Adbelkader Guellil, Akaeno
Moderator : Albin Jourda - Managing Director, Gallium Moore

Source : Biosquare

FORCE-A : Optical sensors for plant sciences and Diagnostic tools & solutions for agriculture

2009-03-01T05:23:00.000-08:00

FORCE-A is a french company, which opens new opportunities for actors of the agricultural world through its innovative diagnostic solutions and support real-time management of cultures.

These new tools implement optical sensors of vegetation that provide information with high added value and in real time, the market steering of chemical inputs and control the quality of spraying, and also the measurement of parameters quality.

Force-A offers:

Two families of Optical Sensors, Dualex® and Multiplex®,
Tools to help and facilitate decision-making for farming and other cultures

FORCE- A technology is based on natural plant emissions, which allows the real-time and field signatures of new and robust state of growth and health of vegetation.

With their inherent advantages, their products enable stakeholders of the agricultural world to meet the new standards of environmental protection and the specification of agricultural sectors, to enhance their products by quality, and limit the impact of inputs fertilizers and pesticides. With investors as SGAM AI, Scientipole Ile de France capital, IXCore, FORCE-A aims to be a global leader in its market.

Source : FORCE-A

VBC3000 : Make ceramic products from sludges

2009-02-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

Vbc 3000 is a french company, established in February 2003. Based in Ferrières en Bray (in department Seine Maritime) vbc 3000’s objective is to retain and commercialize the patent of a process to transform organic sludges from treatment plants into ceramic materials.

The vBc3000 process enables the dual transformation of sewerage treatment sludge and clayey by-products which would otherwise be thrown away.The process exploits and optimizes the mineral and calorific content of the raw materials so that it only needs minimal energy input from fossil fuels. Starting from these base raw materials, vBc3000 produces ceramic materials which meet the needs of constructions built to High Environmental Quality standards.VBc3000 bricks and lightened granules are substitution materials that help to preserve limited natural resources.

.The vbc3000 process comprises the mixing of partially dried sludges with clay followed by shaping to form the required products such as bricks or granules. These are then dried and heated to a temperature of about 1000 to 1200°C according to the type of clay used.The drying of the materials then their heating with a temperature about 1000 to 1200 according to the kind of the used clay..

During the heating process the mineralization of the organic content of the sludges creates porosity in the material that reduces density or even expands the material and releases the necessary energy for the process to work. The heavy metals present in the sludge and clayey minerals are thereby trapped in the ceramic matrix.The vbc3000 process also demonstrates the advantage of being able to combine the following up-stream materials as the clay matrix : rubble and hardcore from public works, clayey fines washed out from mineral extraction processes, and sediments from dredging and flushing-out operations.Vbc3000’s ceramic products, with high added technical value, can therefore be seen as the result of a double transformation of materials usually thrown away and of sludges.

Source : VBC 3000

AKAENO : Biological treatment of industrial wastewater

2009-02-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

Akaeno is a french company specialized in the biological treatment of industrial effluents. Its business is to develop, through tools of biotechnology, processes that eliminate specific pollutants in the water generated by the activity industry before they can be released outside the sites production.

Akaeno’s objective is to provide cutting-edge 21st century environmental solutions for industries facing environmental issues today. Leveraging the expertise offered by their water treatment professionals, they have taken on the global challenge of handling wastewater and waste generated by industrial activities.

Akaeno develops solutions that are carefully adapted to each specific type of pollutant. Their unique processes eliminate a high proportion of waste with relatively small installations and significantly reduced operating costs.
Today, Akaeno leverages two patented processes, Enolys and Enotaï, which are highly efficient tools that provide a solution for respecting standards without adversely affecting margins for customers who place their trust in us.

In December 2005, capital injection by two investment firms gave them the resources needed to continue developing the company. The heart of the expertise of Akaeno lies in its ability to define the "cocktail" bioactivities and the process adapted to the specific pollutant treat.

All processes developed by Akaeno are compact and can generate no waste. It is a revolution in the sense that now treat this waste is more expensive than treating the water !

Source : Akaeno

SENS-INNOV launches rapid chemical test

2009-02-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

The company Sens-Innov has developed Senso +, a portable rapid diagnosis of air, water, against pathogens, pesticides and other heavy metals ... The company was founded, with the help of Bretagne Valorisation de Rennes Atalante and the regional incubator Emergys by Olivier Lavastre, a researcher at the Joint Research Unit Sciences Chimiques du CNRS-Université de Rennes 1 and Stephane Burban, Engineer of Mines.

Sens-Innov developed of chemical test systems for rapid and portable applications in both industrial and environmental. Its technology is based on a multi-sensor that can detect early heavy metals, pesticides and other pathogens, to prevent risk of contamination of sea water, river or consumption.

Senso + is in the form of a box containing the electronics and information processing at the end which is attached a tab disposable. The nature of the carrier strip plots analysis of specific pollutant is to detect and may only be used once to avoid any contamination likely to render the results invalid. This multi-sensor is capable of rapid analysis and low cost with ease of use and design of the tabs.

This innovation is likely to concern health professionals, the environment, but also the food of the defense industry, customs and aerospace, etc..

Source : Industries et Technologies

More information : Sens-Innov

Tyca reveals lamps that could absorb CO2

2009-02-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

Pierre Calleja is the talented inventor of a process that is already revolutionary : the lamp absorber of CO2. Pierre Calleja runs the innovative company named Tyca based in Libourne (Gironde) and specializing in aquaculture and aquariology. At a time when everyone is looking for solutions to counteract the pollution in our cities (especially pollution), he had the idea to develop a CO2 canister lamp.

It is equipped with a tank containing micro algae to absorb CO2, to issue in exchange for oxygen, while continuing to grow in the light. The lamp of this patent was filed by Tyca that had already been contacted not only by private customers, but also by large groups such as Vinci. The city of Libourne in turn could be one of the first laboratories of real experience of the lamp. This lamp absorber of CO2 is not yet commercially available.Car parks, tunnels, stations and buildings could develop in the future streetlights Calleja.

A revolutionary solution for its efficiency, since a lighting of 1.5 m3 can capture 1 ton of CO2 per year. Multiplied by the number of fixtures that exist in a city as Paris and it is the Amazon forest that is planted on our streets!

Source : Daylife

A Rush of investment funds on the French cleantech

2009-02-12T01:38:00.000-08:00

69 % of french investment fund specializing in venture capital technology are willing to invest in energy and cleantech in the coming months, according to the first survey conducted by Aelios Financings.

The cleantech coming in fifth position, behind the internet and e-commerce (88%), telecommunications (88%), electronics / hardware (81%) and software (81%).

Funds specializing in the development of more mature companies are interested in cleantech: 39% are willing to invest specifically in this market, as well as in the software or distribution. Not to mention that 46% of development funds to all interested sectors, including cleantech therefore.

For companies in the sector in search of funds, a new even more interesting that no shortage of money. The funds do not slow down their investments in the next six months: the venture capital fund tech companies ready to invest, on average, between 9 and 13 million euros each. And development funds are ready to put them between 9 and 16 million each on the table, on average.

If one considers that there are 40 funds specializing in risk assets in France, between 350 and 650 million euros would be available for innovative SMEs in the next six months. And on the basis of 30 funds involved in the development, between 250 and 550 million would be available for SME growth. This will be a little less than in 2008, but investments would remain supported.

"France is in an exceptional situation, much better than its neighbors: through mutual funds in the innovation, investment funds proximity abatement measures for persons subject to the ISF, which invest in SMEs, there is money available, "says Patrick Vignaud.

"The cleantech companies are among the best placed to benefit," he says. Only flat: young companies will find themselves competing with more mature companies, which, failing to find money on the side of banks, are turning to investment funds.

The survey was conducted between 16 and 23 January to 62 investment funds French.

Source : Greenunivers

More information : Greenunivers article

LEOSPHERE : Wind lidar for wind energy

2009-02-09T23:38:00.000-08:00

The profitability of a wind farm project depends on two major challenges: reducing the uncertainty about the expected production and reducing the project risks and cost. Every uncertainty regarding the forecasted wind resources becomes critical.

So why estimate the wind data at 150m when you can measure it directly?

Leosphere is an independant, private incorporated firm sponsored by the main French and European Institutions promoting innovation: Ministry of Research and Technologies, CNRS, CEA, ONERA, Ministry of Sustainable Development, European Space Agency, Eurocontrol. The company was established thanks to the common wish from several LIDAR research experts to create a first-rank European LIDAR company.

Leosphere developed The Windcube™ which has brought an alternative by offering a compact, secured and easy to set up Wind Lidar with unmatched performances tested by independent organizations.

Main applications are :

- Power curve verification

- Model calibration

- Initial site assessment

- Micro sitting

- Wind profiles and 3D mapping of wind

- Circulation for complex site evaluation

- Impact of vertical profile and turbulences on turbine efficiency

Operational? Easy to setup and re setup, autonomous (light maintenance), the Windcube™ acts like any other meteorological sensor.Cost and time effective? Save the time to request a construction permits or to raise a high mast and accelerate the assessment period. Not to mention the offshore situations. Reduce risk? With easy and mobile wind measurements up to 200m, reduce the uncertainty on vertical and horizontal correlation of site assessments models. In complex sites, get real turbulences and wind shear measurements.

So why innovate? Windcube™ will provide you with the flexibility of a mobile sensor and the performances of a 200m met mast.

More information : www.leosphere.com

Source : Leosphere

LAB SA : The leading specialist in Flue Gas Cleaning

2009-02-07T02:34:00.000-08:00

Since its formation in 1953, LAB has evolved into a worldwide turnkey supplier of flue gas cleaning equipment and turnkey system for waste-to-energy plants. By fullfilling the flue gas cleaning needs of generations of its clients, LAB has accumulated an unrivaled range of technologies and experience with which to provide the optimal solution for each project. As a member of CNIM Group, LAB is the focal point for flue gas cleaning activity.

LAB offers a complete range of unmatched processes:

- Dry, semi-dry, wet, hybrid processes for dust and heavy metals removal and neutralization of acid gases,

- Wet DEDIOXLAB®, SCR and SNCR processes for removal of dioxins/furans and nitrogen oxides.

European leader in flue gas cleaning LAB is today a greater participant of environmental protection to serve industry and municipalities. CNIM acquired LAB SA from the LAB GROUP. The CNIM Group is involved in Waste to Energy Systems throughout Europe, Scandinavia and the UK. The CNIM Group installed inventory now totals.

Source : CNIM

More information : CNIM GROUP

VERITE : Bioenvironmental technologies

2009-02-04T03:12:00.000-08:00

Verité is a french company specialized in technologies applied to the environment. The company offers to both industry and local authorities, two products : Avelbio®, the biological treatment of piped odours by bioscrubbing, and Orgawatt®, energy production from biomass and organic waste gasification.Vérité has developed a technological expertise in the biological treatment of piped odours and in energy production from biomass and organic waste gasification. Being environmentally conscious, Vérité includes improvements in working conditions and the acceptance of its projects on social and economic grounds in its approach.

Avelbio

The bioscrubbing process eliminates odours found in piped gaseous effluents.The process is based on a two-stage treatment: transfer of the odorant molecules via a washing phase in a gas-liquid contactor followed by biodegradation of the transferred compounds in an activated sludge basin. This biological regeneration enables the washing solution to be used in a closed circuit. By separating the two stages in two distinct reactors,each process can be optimized.

Orgawatt

Vérité has developed an expertise in energy production from biomass and organic waste gasification (pig manure, poultry litter, wood, WWTP sludge, refuse of slaughter-house).The Orgawatt® process consists of a gasification reactor, a device to purify and cool the lean gas, a heat production system and associated equipment. Cogeneration

produces thermic and electrical energy simultaneously by the addition of an internal combustion engine or a gas turbine.

Source : Vérité SA

More information : http://www.bioverite.com

H3E-INDUSTRIES : micro-hydro ecological

2009-01-23T01:41:00.000-08:00

The ecological impact caused by micro-hydro facilities impedes the development of small hydro (<10>

In this context, H3E-Industries wants to develop and complete the installation of environmentally friendly turbines, the Aqualiennes ®, power from 50 kilowatts to 300 kilowatts. In a second phase, H3E-Industries develop ® Aqualiennes very small power of less than 50 KW and finally Aqualiennes ® exceeding 300 KW.

Durin Roland, leader of H3E-Industries, won the national competition for the creation of innovative companies in 2005, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. As such, H3E-Industries has received funding to carry out his project of "Establishment and Development", on the study and implementation of 2 prototype micro Aqualiennes ® 50 kW and 150 kW.

In his concept of micro turnkey, H3E-Industries integrates the waterwheel "invented by three researchers and for which the method was validated in 2004 in partnership with researchers CREMHyG (Center for Research and Testing Machines Hydraulic Grenoble) of the INP Grenoble. This "water wheel" has been the subject of patents in 60 countries. The exclusive exploitation rights for France are the property of the company H3E SARL, which has granted the right to H3E-Industries. Studies of international development are underway.

The particularity of this new concept is the very slow speed of the wheel (about 10 rpm), which allows the descent of fish without mortality. The Aqualiennes ® are currently installed at sites falls low (1 to 3 meters) that may be channels or reaches existing reducing the civil engineering work and administrative procedures especially for sites based in the title ( about 30 000 sites are used in France / cf Dambrine report).

The Aqualiennes ® have other advantages, particularly in terms of yields of around 80% and the payback time estimated at between 8 and 12 years. Sites equipped with Aqualiennes ® are managed remotely via a computer and software connected to a DSL line.

In his boot, H3E-Industries is accompanied by CREMHyG-INPG (University of Grenoble), IFMA (French Institute of Advanced Mechanics) (University of Clermont-Ferrand), a consulting firm specializing in mechanical and industry players such as Michelin. All these partners gives the project a multi skills on the technical information to optimize the performance of Aqualiennes ®.

After a year and a half of work, the prototype of Aqualienne ® 50 kW has been installed and the second prototype of a power of 150 kW is being assembled and will be installed during the second half of 2007.

Source : H3E-industries, Phimeca, Tennerdis

More information : www.h3e.fr, www.tennerdis.fr, www.phimeca.com

JD TRANSBIO : Ecological pots

2009-01-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

JD TRANSBIO is a young french company, based in Lyon, which produced pots for the garden of plastic based potato starch, which are well within the sustainable development approach. It is a product containing GM-free starch, which decreases by 68% CO2 emitted during the transport, manufacturing and operation compared to a petro-chemical. They are mechanized. In addition, there is no discharge, the plant is preserved and there is less handling. This optimizes the overall cost compared to the operation of the plastic pot (no recycling, limited transportation, labor better value, lower cost structure, etc.)

Created by Julien de Wismes,Philippe Valentin, Gianfranco Ciccarelliand José Carvalheiro, the Company won yesterday the Environment Prize from the CGPME et Le Groupe Progrès.

Source : TLM, Le Progrès

More information : www.jdtransbio.fr

WATTECO : Intelligent home control

2009-01-21T04:04:00.000-08:00

Street lighting control

Watteco is a French B2B leading « no-new-wire » company in the rapidly emerging market of Intelligent Home Control. Watteco has developed WPC (Watt Pulse Communication) a revolutionary worldwide patented Wideband Powerline technology for a variety of residential applications such as lighting appliance control, HVAC, gateway connectivity, energy efficiency, demand side management...Watteco is composed of high value engineers who aim to développ WPC technology as a future market standard.

Watteco is an innovative start-up founded in 1998 by two French engineers, Paul Bertrand and Jean-Noël Loiseau.

Home control

WPC uses a natural physical effect : the generation of electromagnetic Pulses due to load switch on. Compared to other PLC system, WPC does not use any carriers. As a result the communication stream can be significantly optimised: no Signal Processing for a lower cost, no analog front end for smallest size, no inductive coupling for a lower consumption (the 3 “common sense” laws of Home Control)

In July 2008, the CEO of “EDF Energies Nouvelles”, the European leader in Green Energy, invests in Watteco. This confirms Watteco as the leader of Powerline Communication for Energy Efficiency -And on September 2008, Watteco joins the IPSO Alliance led by CISCO (Internet Protocol for Smart Objects) as a founding and Board member.

Source : WATTECO

More information : www.watteco.com

PELLENC SELECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES – Boreas paper sorting machine

2009-01-19T05:57:00.000-08:00

For some time now, the paper industry has been looking for a new technology that facilitates efficient and effective sorting of mixed paper streams. This is why Pellenc ST and its R&D team developed Boreas, a system that can distinguish different sorts of paper and cardboard using a single infrared lighting unit, while at the same time identifying foreign materials (plastics and metals). In this way, the system ensures the reusability of the paper. The Boreas system from Pellec ST was launched in 2007, and since then it has been put into service at many sites inside and outside Europe.

The Boreas system can sort up to 8 metric tons of paper per hour. It is fed by a conveyor belt with a speed of 2.5 to 4.5 metres per second. For scanning and analysing the infeed paper, the system has a sensor that records measurement data at the rate of 2.3 million points per second. It can recognise objects with dimensions of 80 mm or larger, and it can eject them according to predefined criteria.

The Boreas system from Pellenc ST achieves a yield that is up to 90% higher than all competitive systems. The loss of usable material is thus kept to a minimum. This is excellent news for paper sorting centres, which can use the Boreas system to sort different types of paper and remove undesirable materials from the paper stream. It is also an attractive investment for paper mills, since it can help them select paper sorts with the right quality for their de-inking systems.

Source : PELLENC Selective technologies

More information on : www.pellencst.com

RECUPYL obtains EUR 14.5m Investment

2009-01-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

Based on its knowledge of hydrometallurgy, Recupyl has built up a portfolio of patents for processes to treat a broad range of hazardous and industrial waste products. Since 2006, it has started a program to develop operational treatment facilities utilising its technologies, with a particular focus on household and electronic waste batteries.

Recupyl also acts as a leading R&D partner for many multinational companies who need to address the post-life treatment of their products. Examples of this include the recycling of fuel cells, electric and hybrid vehicle batteries, and solar panels. Recupyl has a team of highly skilled engineers, a laboratory with highly sophisticated analytical equipment, and a fully licensed industrial building in which it builds its pilot plants.In 2007, Recupyl was awarded the first prize for Clean Technology by Ademe, the French Environmental Protection Agency. Recupyl has also been awarded the 'Medaille du Prix Potier 2008' for innovation in chemistry for sustainable growth.

Recupyl S.A.S., which is headquartered in Grenoble, France, has received a commitment for a EUR14.5m capital injection from investors including its original backer Aloe Private Equity, as well as new investors, led by AGF Private Equity, to fund the next stage of its commercial development. Seed investor INPG Enterprise SA also maintained its shareholding.

Source : RECUPYL

More information : www.recupyl.com

APPLE WIND : Vertical axis wind turbine

2009-01-06T06:16:00.000-08:00

Apple wind is a french company which developped a vertical axs wind turbine technology.

It's a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) that uses magnetic coupling between the rotating outfits and the power generator.

This technology have competitive advantages as :

- works in all wind directions.

- delivers more power than competitors for the same swept area.

- short mast

- manufacturing costs significantly lower than current VAWT technology.

The Company offers accurate short term (less than 3 days) and medium term (less than 3 months) wind forecasts. The services are needed to sell the electricity generated by wind farms companies in the daily markets to plan the wind farm maintenance and also to optimise the management of transmission and distribution networks and power plants.

Source : Apple Wind

More information : www.apple-wind.com

SOLAREF : Sun is refreshing

2009-01-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

From the process developped and tested by CNRS LIMSI at Orsay in the years 1980, the laboratory IGT LESBAT at Yverdon les Bains conceived, developped and tested a refrigerator using the sun like only source of energy to create cold. Tha day, the solar collector generates vapor which is transformed into water by the condenser.

The night, this water goes up in the collector by generating sufficient cold to create ice in the storage.

The system is neutral with respect to the environment : no pollution.

The stock of ice preserve a temperature of conservation up to 3 days without sun ( established in sahel climate with 43 C the day and 34 C the night)

Source : Solaref

More information : www.solaref.com

C-ZEN : Innovative electric car

2009-01-05T06:56:00.000-08:00

C ZEN is a french project of electric car let by Jean Yves Castellon and Hervé Arnaud.

They developed the C Zen car which have an electric motor, a pack of lithium ion batteries providing a range of 120 to 160 km and an automatic transmission. It has a chassis cage reinforced with an aluminium roll cage. Its top speed is 95 km /h and it costs 10 500 euros.

Source : C-Zen

More information : www.courb.net