Gov. Bredesen, Sen. Baker host first Summit on Clean Energy Technology
Bredesen speaks at Summit on Clean Energy Technology
Governor Phil Bredesen, along with Senator Howard Baker, hosted the first ever Summit on Clean Energy Technology September 14-15 in Knoxville. The Summit featured more than 30 world-class speakers, moderators and panelists including: Sen. Lamar Alexander and Sen. Bob Corker, Volkswagen of America President and CEO Stefan Jacoby, TVA President and CEO Tom Kilgore, ORNL Director Thom Mason, Univeristy of Tennessee President John Petersen and Appalachian Regional Commission Co-Chair Anne Pope.
The 1 1/2 day summit, sponsored by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Tennessee Valley Authority, explored practical ways to move Tennessee forward in the clean tech sector and ensure that the state is at the leading edge in creating high-quality jobs that support clean energy and the enironment.
Bredesen welcomes DuPont as new partner in Tennessee's clean energy technology initiative
 Governor Bredesen, UT President John Petersen and DuPont Danisco Technology Leader Dr. John Pierce_0.JPG "(from left to right) Governor Bredesen, UT President John Petersen and DuPont Danisco Technology Leader Dr. John Pierce.JPG")
(from left to right) Governor Bredesen, UT President John Petersen and DuPont Danisco Technology Leader Dr. John Pierce.JPG
Governor Phil Bredesen today announced a partnership between the University of Tennessee and DuPont to advance the state’s clean energy technology initiatives. The partnership will construct a pilot-scale biorefinery and state-of-the-art research and development facility for cellulosic ethanol in Vonore, Tenn. Bredesen proposed and the General Assembly provided $40 million in funding to build a pilot biomass ethanol plant in the FY 2007-2008 budget.
“This announcement signifies a major step forward in Tennessee’s efforts to become a national leader in the development of clean energy technology,” Bredesen said. “The partnership with DuPont will keep Tennessee at the forefront of biomass ethanol research and production and allow us to take advantage of the economic opportunities of the future.”
Renault-Nissan and Tennessee form zero-emission vehicle alliance
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, Gov. Bredesen and Sen. Alexander at the new Nissan headquarters
The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan and the State of Tennessee are forming a partnership to promote zero-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles, in Middle Tennessee with participation from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and other partners. In May, Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Renault, SA, committed the Alliance to be a global leader in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). Nissan, through its GT 2012 five-year business plan, will introduce ZEVs in the United States in 2010 and two years later will mass market ZEVs globally.
Ghosn made the announcement of the Tennessee agreement during the dedication of Nissan Americas, a newly completed building in Franklin serving as the coordination point for the company’s operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. “Through the Tennessee project, consumers will soon be able to drive vehicles that deliver true sustainable mobility,” Ghosn said. “The state, along with other partners, are to be commended for stepping up to meet the challenge of creating the conditions to make zero emission vehicles a viable and compelling choice for consumers.”
Gov. Bredesen offers insights on energy policy to regional alliance
Gov. Bredesen speaking to the annual SEEA associates meeting in Nashville on June 19
Gov. Phil Bredesen discussed the need for an intense focus on energy policy for years to come while speaking to thought leaders, public officials and industry representatives from the energy sector. Bredesen gave the keynote speech at the annual Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance associate meeting on June 19, in Nashville.
The Governor's speech addressed Tennessee's efforts to develop a more comprehensive energy policy and how that relates to conversations on a broader regional and national level. Bredesen touted his Task Force on Energy Policy as one solution to the many challenges the state is facing as it relates to rising energy costs. The group has been tasked with addressing energy efficiency throughout the state, clean energy technology as a resource and an economic development tool and renewable energy resources.
Overall, the Governor's message was simple: we must approach these massive challenges with big ideas and big commitments, enough to make a meaningful impact. He also mentioned how important it is for the region as a whole to work together. "Tennessee isn't going to solve the climate crisis on it's own. If we can find some common ground, we might be able to bring something to scale."
For entire speech, click here.
Tennessee Launches Energy Task Force
Bredesen signs Executive Order No. 54 creating the Governor's Task Force on Energy Policy
Governor Phil Bredesen recently signed an Executive Order establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Energy Policy. The Task Force is charged with developing a state energy plan to help state government lead by example.
Additionally, the group is charged with making recommendations to help Tennessee become a leader in energy efficiency and conservation, use of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources, and the development of clean-energy technology. Signed in March 2008, the Executive Order outlines four key goals and objectives:
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