Low Carbon Acc. Share Discussion Threads

[ppowerscourt] 30/5/2007 05:01

RNS Number:9624W
Low Carbon Accelerator Limited
21 May 2007


Low Carbon Accelerator Limited: Investment Update

Low Carbon Accelerator Limited ("the Company" or LCA) announces that it has made
a further equity investment of #325,000 in Living Villages Holdings Limited
("Living Villages"). The founders of Living Villages have also invested a
further #100,000. LCA now holds an aggregate equity stake of 20% in Living
Villages following the initial equity investment of #350,000 announced on 12
March 2007.

LCA has committed to invest a further #325,000 subject to the achievement of
certain milestones, which will take LCA's total equity ownership to 25%. In
addition, LCA has certain rights in connection with the funding of any future
investment rounds.

Living Villages is a specialist residential property developer established to
design and build energy efficient, environmentally-friendly and socially
appealing housing developments.

In addition to its main development at 'The Wintles' in Shropshire, Living
Villages is negotiating a number of new development sites around the UK and is
actively expanding to roll out its model on a larger scale to meet the
government's targets for new eco-towns and zero-carbon communities. The second
tranche of investment follows the strengthening of Living Villages' management
team with the appointment of Scott Black as Land & Development Director and
Chris Simpson as non-executive director.

Mr Black was formerly a senior development executive at Crest Nicholson plc, and
brings a wealth of experience in the legal, financial and town-planning aspects
of securing and delivering large-scale regenerations. Mr Black is also a
qualified architect.

Mr Simpson has been Finance Director, Managing Director, and Chairman of a
number of large businesses, ranging from manufacturing to NHS Trusts. Mr
Simpson's expertise is one of structuring and managing companies for successful
growth.

Dr Stephen Mahon, Chief Investment Officer at Low Carbon Initiative, LCA's
investment manager, said: "The appointment of Scott Black as Land Director will
help Living Villages push forward with their pipeline of development and take
advantage of the growing demand for low carbon housing, while Chris Simpson's
expertise will help Living Villages manage this future growth."

Hugo Reeve, Managing Director of Living Villages, said: "This new investment
should help keep Living Villages at the forefront of low carbon housing
development. Whilst it is great to see this so high on the political agenda, we
have to make sure Gordon Brown's 'eco-towns' are actually delivered, rather than
just talked about with grand visions and ideals. It is the delivery that is the
hard bit, linked to financial reality, high construction costs, and emerging
technologies. Living Villages is one of the few developers that has successfully
delivered a community of eco-homes, and is set to expand nationally."
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Sorry for being a bit late on posting.

I just leave this share in my portfolio undisturbed although tempted several times to sell out short term in order to use the funds to play other more movements-orientated shares short term. But I refrained as I believe patience is needed for this wonderful start-up company who is at the right place at the right time. Also to practise what other successful investors claiming ownership of "core" shares. I believe my investment so far in LCA will establish a/my core holding. Cheers!

Well done, pp.

[ppowerscourt] 14/5/2007 16:35

vol. picking up a bit.

[ppowerscourt] 30/4/2007 11:52

16 April 2007


Low Carbon Accelerator Limited

Net Asset Value

The unaudited net asset value of Low Carbon Accelerator Limited (the "Company")
as at 28 February 2007 was #42,821,964, equivalent to 96.23 pence per Ordinary
Share.

No adjustments to the carrying value of any investments in the Company's
portfolio have been made.

Manager's Commentary

It has been a busy quarter for the Company as it implements its investment
strategy as set out in its AIM admission document. Progress has been made on all
fronts with a number of new investments having been made during the quarter and
the pipeline continuing to expand with a range of exciting investment
opportunities.

On 20 December 2006, the Company announced that it had made a follow-on equity
investment of #1 million in HelioDynamics Limited ("HelioDynamics"), to increase
its shareholding to 18%. The investment followed the achievement of an agreed
order-based milestone. In the last quarter, HelioDynamics has continued to
experience a high level of interest in its solar CHP systems and, in order to
take maximum advantage of these potential opportunities, is planning to recruit
a sales director to the management team.

On 16 January 2007, the Company announced it had made a follow-on investment of
#600,000 in ResponsiveLoad Limited, (now trading as RLtec), increasing its
shareholding from 25% to 44.4%. During the quarter, RLtec, in partnership with
a major global white goods manufacturer, successfully completed testing of its
Energy Balancing Controller in the manufacturer's refrigerators at their
refrigeration testing laboratory. Although this development contract has not
currently been converted into a licensing contract, the testing has satisfied
all of the industry's food safety and appliance reliability standards and puts
the technology on a "use proven" footing, a major step towards market
implementation.

On 31 January 2007, the Company announced that it had significantly increased
its equity holding in Proven Energy Limited ("Proven Energy") through a follow
on equity investment of #2.0 million and the purchase of share interests from
existing shareholders with an acquisition value of #2.5 million. The Company now
holds an aggregate equity stake of 25% in Proven Energy. During the quarter,
Low Carbon Initiative Limited ("LCI"), the Company's investment manager,
facilitated and supported the introduction of a new management team at Proven
Energy, including Jeff Harding as Chairman Designate and Andrew McMullan as
Managing Director. It is expected that this experienced management team will
lead Proven Energy through the next stage of its development as it scales up its
manufacturing operations.

On 21 February 2007, the Company announced its first two investments in the
United States, one of the Company's key target markets. The first of these
investments was in Sterling Planet, Inc. ("Sterling Planet"). The Company
invested US$7 million for a 19.44% stake. Sterling Planet is a retail provider
of solar, wind and other clean, renewable energy in the U.S through direct
sales of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), energy efficiency credits (White
TagTM certificates) and carbon credits to residential customers as well as to
businesses through its electric utility partnerships. Sterling Planet is a
leading name in the renewable energy sector in the US. The investment from LCA
is intended to enable Sterling Planet to expand its existing retail business as
well as establish itself as a renewable energy project developer. Sterling
Planet intends to arrange, finance and manage asset-based renewable energy
projects as well as energy conservation projects such as co-generation and
systems upgrades.

The second investment in the United States was in Saddlehorn LLC ("Saddlehorn")
where the Company invested US$3 million, equal to a 43% holding in its raised
equity investment capital. The investment is structured to provide LCA (and
the other investors) with a preferred return up to a pre-negotiated hurdle rate
and the return of its capital before a sharing of additional returns with
Saddlehorn's owners / developers. The Company also has rights to participate
in future developments by Saddlehorn and/or its management team.

Saddlehorn has obtained entitlement approval to develop an 800 acre multi-use
low-carbon development overlooking Flathead Lake, bordering Glacier National
Park, Montana. The development plan for Saddlehorn consists of 320 homes, 22
hospitality cottages and other amenities including a mountain lodge, marina
complex, trading post and equestrian facilities. Saddlehorn is believed to be
the biggest housing development to date in the US to seek Platinum Status - the
highest standard of accreditation - under the U.S Green Building Council
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification Programme.

In addition to the above transactions that were completed during the quarter, on
12 March 2007 the Company also announced an investment of #350,000 in Living
Villages Holdings Limited ("Living Villages"), for 15% of Living Villages'
share capital. LCA has also committed to invest a further #650,000 in two
tranches, subject to the achievement of certain milestones, which will take
LCA's total equity ownership to 25%. In addition, LCA has certain rights in
connection with the funding of any future investment rounds. Living Villages is
a specialist residential property developer in the UK established to design and
build housing developments that are energy efficient, convivial and completed
to high environmentally-friendly standards.

As at 16 April 2007, #13.8 million has been invested in the eight companies in
the LCA portfolio. Further contractual commitments of up to #1.95 million have
been made to these eight companies, subject to the achievement of milestones.
These commitments, together with amounts invested to date, mean that the
aggregate commitment to the investments currently in the Company's investment
portfolio represents 36.9% of the Company's net assets as at 28 February 2007.
In addition to the investments that were made in the quarter, LCI has continued
to bring forward an exciting pipeline of opportunities, covering a range of
technologies and geographical locations.

The wider growth potential across all of the Company's investment sectors
remains very strong. In the U.S, the Democrats control of Congress and the
environment committee seems to have strengthened the hand of those calling for
stricter environmental legislation. Most notably for the Company's investment
sectors was the US Supreme Court ruling on 2 April 2007 telling the US
Environmental Protection Agency it could not opt out of enforcing carbon dioxide
emissions under the Clean Air Act.

This has been coupled with a variety of actions including the release by New
York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, of the first comprehensive inventory of
greenhouse gas emissions in New York City's history. This is intended to act as
a benchmark for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% between now and 2030.
New York's action is hoped to act as a blueprint for other American cities to
follow and it will host the global Large Cities Climate Summit in May.

In the UK, the environment remains the key battleground between political
parties. On 13 March 2007 the Government published its draft Climate Change
Bill, proposing a binding 60% cut in emissions by 2050, and a 26 - 32% cut by
2020. This, coupled with the Chancellor's pledge to reduce stamp duty for
zero-carbon housing until 2012, should provide good growth opportunities across
energy efficiency, renewable generation and housing sectors.

Meanwhile, on 9 March 2007, European Leaders agreed to meet 20% of their energy
needs from renewable energy by 2020, while also agreeing to a 20% reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions for the same date. This should not only stimulate
growth across Europe but also put pressure on other areas of the globe to follow
suit.

Looking forward, the G8 summit in June in Heiligendamm, Germany, in June should
see climate change remain at the top of the political agenda with the recent
predictions of the IPCC report, Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and
Vulnerability, focusing leaders' minds on the risks and dangers of inaction.

About Low Carbon Accelerator
Low Carbon Accelerator is a closed ended investment company created to invest in
a portfolio of fast-growing low carbon businesses. The Company listed on the AIM
Market of the London Stock Exchange on 11 October 2006, raising #44.5 million.
The Company's investment objective is to provide Shareholders with an attractive
return on their investment primarily through significant minority (predominately
25 per cent. and above) holdings in a diverse portfolio of unquoted private
companies providing low carbon products and services. The Company will initially
invest principally in companies based in the UK, Scandinavia, Germany and
California which provide low carbon products and services across the following
sectors:

* Buildings (sustainable building materials, heating, lighting, clean air
and water technologies for industrial, commercial and/or residential use)
* Fuels (bio-fuels, low carbon fuels, catalysts and additives)
* Energy efficiency (reductions in energy inputs at source, improved
conversion and reductions at point of use)
* Energy generation (sustainable and clean energy, micro and distributed
generation)

The Company's investment strategy is to target trading businesses with
patentable technologies and products with a clear commercial application and the
opportunity to gain a large market share of a new or expanding market. The
Company focuses on businesses with experienced management teams who have
developed commercially viable products providing easily adoptable solutions
which deliver immediate reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Low Carbon
Initiative Limited, the Company's investment manager, anticipates that the
Company should be fully invested (or committed to be invested) within 12 to 15
months of the Company's admission to AIM.

[ppowerscourt] 14/3/2007 16:49

UK regulated carbon emission scheme is set to come into effect since yesterday's publication. Another appropriate investment in their portfolio. I think we're at the ground floor level; give it 3-6 months! The risk is, of course, the vulnerability of all the start-up businesses establishing a meaningful market grab.

Too inexperienced to determine a top-up at these levels although I see large buys going through sparodically.

[asparks] 23/2/2007 16:02

ppowers - I need to look into this a but more. Its the first I have heard of them (incidently that is why I like people "off-threading") - some of my best investments have been as the result of recomendations.
One for example that ADC may also be interested in is AXS - under ADC's sustainable building products category. AXS make softwood into durable hearwood by a patented chamical process

[ppowerscourt] 21/2/2007 22:52

One of the earlier investment:

RNS Number:9476M Low Carbon Accelerator Limited 29 November 2006

29 November 2006

Low Carbon Accelerator Limited

Investment Update

Low Carbon Accelerator Limited (the "Company") announces that it has made a further equity investment of #250,000 in Eco-Solids International Limited ("Eco-Solids"). The Company now holds an aggregate equity stake of 40 per cent. in Eco-Solids following the transfer to the Company of the initial equity investment for #325,000 on its admission to AIM.

Eco-Solids is a UK company whose "Bug-Buster" technology significantly increases the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. It enables considerably more methane to be captured from the sewage than standard anaerobic biodigesters. The captured methane is then used to generate clean electricity on site. As the electricity is generated from a renewable source, it also attracts Renewables Obligation Certificates ("ROCs") for the operating company. The process also prevents the methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from being released into the atmosphere.

The investment by the Company has enabled Eco-Solids to sign an agreement with Yorkshire Water to start the commercial trials of its 'Bug-Buster' technology. The installation of the technology began on site in November 2006 and is expected to begin generating data on the efficiency of the process during December 2006 and operate for at least 6 months.

The 'Bug-Buster' process dramatically improves the operational and economic dynamics of treating waste-water and sewage sludge and results in a significant increase in electricity production compared to other treatment processes and an enhanced reduction of volatile solids, leading to a rapid payback period.

Dr Stephen Mahon, Chief Investment Officer of Low Carbon Initiative Limited, the Company's investment manager, and recently appointed to the board of Eco-Solids added: "Eco-Solids offers a prime case study of our investment strategy. It is a real trading company with demonstrable, proven technology capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions now, coupled with experienced ambitious management who really want to make a difference."

[cat] 21/2/2007 17:20

Another interesting investment:

21/02 17:13 - Low Carbon Accelerator: Invests In Saddlehorn

Edited Press Release


LONDON (Dow Jones)--Low Carbon Accelerator Limited said Wednesday that it has made an equity investment of US$3 million in Saddlehorn LLC, equal to a 43% holding in its raised investment capital. The investment is structured to provide LCA (and the other investors) with a preferred return up to a pre-negotiated hurdle rate and the return of its capital before a sharing of additional returns with Saddlehorn LLC's management team. The Company also has rights to participate in future developments by Saddlehorn LLC and/or its management team.

Saddlehorn LLC has obtained planning permission to develop an 800 acre multi-use low-carbon development overlooking Flathead Lake, bordering Glacier National Park, Montana. The development will be called Saddlehorn. The development plan consists of 320 homes, 22 hospitality cottages and other amenities including lodge, marina and equestrian facilities.

Saddlehorn is believed to be the biggest housing development to date in the U.S. to seek Platinum Status - the highest standard of accreditation - under the U.S Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification Programme.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognising performance in five key areas of environmental health: sustainable site development; water savings; energy efficiency; materials selection; and indoor environmental quality. It was this commitment to sustainable principles that allowed planning permission to be obtained without any objections.

Mark Shorrock, CEO of Low Carbon Initiative, LCA's investment manager, said: "We have been looking for an opportunity to get involved with a U.S developer, or developers, prepared to state their aim to build Platinum Status projects. With Saddlehorn, we are backing a proven development team and a development that will in time be seen to be the flagship for low-carbon, sustainable developments in the U.S. The Glacier National Park has been the focus of a lot of attention regarding climate change. By building in its shadow we aim to provide an example that the Saddlehorn management team can replicate on future developments."

The Company's investment strategy is to target trading businesses with patentable technologies and products with a clear commercial application and the opportunity to gain a large market share of a new or expanding market. The Company focuses on businesses with experienced management teams who have developed commercially viable products providing easily adoptable solutions which deliver immediate reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Low Carbon Initiative Limited, the Company's investment manager, anticipates that the Company should be fully invested (or committed to be invested) within 12 to 15 months of the Company's admission to AIM.

The Company has made seven investments to date, including Saddlehorn LLC, totalling GBP13.50 million with follow on rights to invest up to a further GBP1.25 million, subject to the achievement of milestones.


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

[ppowerscourt] 21/2/2007 07:37

US acquisition of Sterling Planet. Carbon credits and reduction certificates being sold. I don't know how, sounds retailish.

All good stuff, imo.

[ppowerscourt] 19/2/2007 10:32

I think this share could be smashingly rewardsome.

[ppowerscourt] 15/2/2007 22:50

31 Jan.07 Investment Update: Proven Energy -- high performance wind turbines.

Low Carbon Accelerator Limited ("the Company" or "LCA") announces that it has
significantly increased its equity holding in Proven Energy Limited ("Proven
Energy") through a follow on equity investment of #2.0 million and the purchase
of share interests from existing shareholders with an acquisition value of #2.5
million. The Company now holds an aggregate equity stake of 25% in Proven Energy following the transfer to the Company of the initial equity investment for
#650,000 on LCA's admission to AIM.

Proven Energy is a profitable, trading company and a market leader in
small-scale, high-performance wind turbines. Proven's clients include Shell, for
whom it provides marine-grade, explosion proof wind-turbines to power offshore
gas platforms in the North Sea, as well as Sainsbury's, B&Q, and T-Mobile.

16 January 2007 Investment Update

Low Carbon Accelerator Limited (the "Company" or "LCA") announces that it has
made a further equity investment of #600,000 in ResponsiveLoad Limited (now
trading as RLtec). LCA now holds an aggregate equity stake of 44.4% in RLtec
following the transfer to the Company of the initial equity investment for
#253,500 on LCA's admission to AIM.

RLtec has developed grid-management technology to increase the energy efficiency
of the whole electricity supply chain, from white goods and appliances through
to large scale power generators. Products fitted with RLtec's ResponsiveLoad
Controller can detect the state of the grid and ensure that the device, for
example a refrigeration unit, subtly changes its consumption times to reduce the
need for standby generation. Tests have shown that there is no decrease in
refrigeration performance of an appliance fitted with such a 'dynamic demand'
technology. Products fitted with RLtec's technology will use lower carbon and
lower cost electricity, saving the user money by avoiding premium rates. In
addition, by relieving pressure on the grid during peak times, the device can
help prevent blackouts and reduce the need for reserve capacity.

RLtec has recently entered into a development contract with a large electrical
goods manufacturer. Further updates with respect to this contract will be
provided as appropriate. LCA's investment will enable RLtec to extend their
international marketing and develop further licensing opportunities in white
goods and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning markets.

Dr Stephen Mahon, Chief Investment Officer of Low Carbon Initiative, LCA's
Investment Manager, and recently appointed to the board of RLtec said: "The
Energy Savings Trust recently warned that by 2010 consumer electronics will
become the biggest single sector of household electricity consumption, and a
major contributor to global carbon emissions. The technology developed by RLtec
has the capacity to significantly reduce carbon emissions and has a global
market potential. We expect 2007 to be a breakthrough year for RLtec as they
move from product development to commercialisation."

About Low Carbon Accelerator

Low Carbon Accelerator is a closed ended investment company created to invest in
a portfolio of fast-growing low carbon businesses. The Company listed on the AIM
Market of the London Stock Exchange on 11 October 2006, raising #44.5 million.
The Company's investment objective is to provide Shareholders with an attractive
return on their investment primarily through significant minority (predominately
25 per cent. and above) holdings in a diverse portfolio of unquoted private
companies providing low carbon products and services. The Company will initially
invest principally in companies based in the UK, Scandinavia, Germany and
California which provide low carbon products and services across the following
sectors:

* Buildings (sustainable building materials, heating, lighting, clean air
and water technologies for industrial, commercial and/or residential use)

* Fuels (bio-fuels, low carbon fuels, catalysts and additives)

* Energy efficiency (reductions in energy inputs at source, improved
conversion and reductions at point of use)

* Energy generation (sustainable and clean energy, micro and distributed
generation)

The Company's investment strategy is to target trading businesses with
patentable technologies and products with a clear commercial application and the
opportunity to gain a large market share of a new or expanding market. The
Company focuses on businesses with experienced management teams who have
developed commercially viable products providing easily adoptable solutions
which deliver immediate reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Low Carbon
Initiative Limited, the Company's investment manager, anticipates that the
Company should be fully invested (or committed to be invested) within 12 to 15
months of the Company's admission to AIM.

The Company has made five investments to date, including RLtec, totalling #3.86
million with follow on rights to invest up to a further #5.75 million, subject
to the achievement of milestones.