RENEWABLE ENERGY PANEL IN HUDSON NY SEEKS TO FIND ENERGY ALTERNATIVES IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

For Immediate Release, March 7, 2006

Panel to Explore $$$ Innovation through Local Energy Strategies

Hudson, NY, March 7, 2006€On Saturday, March 18, 2006, Friends of Hudson will bring together a panel of experts for a public discussion of "Alternative Energies for Municipalities: Exploring the Possibilities." The cost of energy from fossil-fuel sources has increased significantly in recent years and is expected to continue in that direction for many years in the future. This Saturday afternoon panel is designed to be a participatory and fun exploration, bringing together the people of Hudson with innovators at the forefront of renewable-energy supply and infrastructure systems.

An unprecedented edition to the Friends of Hudson speaker series, this panel signals a fresh direction for the non-profit. The panel will also offer a light discussion for lay-people and experts alike, featuring geothermal energy combined with district heating/cooling systems; anaerobic digestion (the use of methane derived from waste to generate combined heat and power); and connecting solar power to the grid as well as the applications for wind power. These proven technologies are being implemented in municipalities like Hudson globally.

In the words of Susan Falzon, Executive Director, Friends of Hudson, "The application of renewable energy technologies is being spearheaded by entrepreneurs at the local level. Panels such as this can help identify local and regional strategies and policies that can create a context where they can thrive."

Jody Rael of Solaqua and Richard Cohen of "Eco-Grid" (trademark pending) will begin the program by describing their plans for renewable-energy initiatives in Chatham and Hudson, NY.

The panel moderator is David Borton, Adjunct Professor at RPI and CEO of Solar Age Technologies.

The forum panelists include:

ž Jeff Irish, Hudson Valley Clean Energy (Solar),

ž Marion Trieste, Trieste Associates (Wind),

ž Peter Douglas, NYS Energy Research and Development Agency (Geothermal Energy and District Heating and Cooling)

ž Alexander MacFarlane, Think-21 (Anaerobic Digestion).

Admission to the renewable-energy forum is $5. Please call Sue Bellinger at 518-822-0334 and/or visit www.friendsofhudson.org. Maxie's restaurant nt Street welcomes your support and enthusiasm to spill over to a change of setting for drinks and dinner. An affordable & delicious "prix-fixe" menu will be available.

CONTACT M. MILLER ECO-GRID Exec Dir-- 518 822 0222-- mariamillerm@aol.com

CONTACT: SUSAN FALZON, Exec Dir., Friends of Hudson 518-822-0334