March 16, 2007: Alternative/renewable energy: possible scam/ probable profits

PART ONE:


Global warming? Hardly. Running out of oil? Not a chance for a LONG time. Coal too dirty? Only with old technologies. Nuclear power doomed to kill millions? More individuals will be killed by Prius autos driven by movie stars on drugs. Lots of money to be made in alternative and renewable energy? You bet!!

The rise of alternative and renewable energy is being driven by the combination of higher-for-longer oil prices, increasing social and political consensus on the need to tackle carbon emissions and climate change, and the changing legislative landscapes that accompany this.

Alternative energy is a hot topic and a broad one. Appropriate stocks are worldwide in scope. Importantly, in my view, the stocks that feature greater energy efficiency are more lucrative from the investor perspective than those on the supply side tilting towards renewable power generation.

Using research by myself and others (especially the great analysts at CSFB, whom are now expanding their efforts in this realm), here are consensus top picks for your consideration:
Some cannot be purchased in the US, except through new E*Trade global stock accounts.
Others have ADRs or thinly traded OTC counterparts. Research which best suits your needs.

Solar:
Q-Cells AG (Europe)
Renewable Energy Corporation (Europe)
Sino-American Silicon (International)
SunPower Corporation (US)

Biofuels:
Cosan SA Industria Commericio (International)
Golden Hope Plantations Bhd. (International)
IOI Corporation Bhd. (International)

Utilities:
EDF Energies Nouvelles SA (Europe)
EDF (Europe)
Fortum (Europe)
FPL Group (US)
Iberdroia SA (Europe)

Capital Goods:
ABB Ltd. (Europe)
Aistom (Europe)
BorgWarner Inc. (US)
Continental AG (Europe)
General Electric (US)
Johnson Controls Inc. (US)
Kubota Corporation (International)
Schneider Electric Corp. (Europe)
Shanghai Electric Group (International)
Siemens (Europe)
Spirax-Sarco Engineering Plc. (Europe)

Heavy Goods:
Boeing (US)
Deere and Company (US)
Impala Platinum Holdings, Ltd. (International)

GTL:
Sasol Ltd. (International)

Nuclear:
Cameco (US)

Natural Gas:
BG Group Plc. (Europe)

PART TWO WILL OFFER COMMENTARY AND AN EXTENSIVE LIST OF NORTH AMERICAN STOCKS WITH SYMBOLS FOR ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT IDEAS ON THIS THEME.