Five things to keep you in the know about Jackson-area business news and events:5. 2011 is shaping up to be a big year for alternative energy in Michigan. From the installation of “smart grid” metering by Consumers Energy to construction…

Read more here: Worth Noting: 2011 will be big year for alternative energy in Michigan

Chad Halcom – When shovels first break ground this week on a 50-megawatt power plant, Anand Gangadharan also will hear the sound of Novi Energy LLC breaking into new territory as a business.

Go here to see the original: Novi Energy builds its first power plants: Consulting firm moves into renewable energy

The UK must speed up the switch to alternative energy sources to protect the country from the impacts of rising oil prices, business leaders have urged.

Read the original post: ‘Oil crunch’ prompts energy warning

LOS ANGELES – Spray-on solar panels, power beaming down from outer space, and gasolinelike fuel made from bacteria. Sound far-fetched? Maybe, but these and other futuristic concepts for producing power are being taken seriously in scientific, business and academic circles. Some have even raised millions in funding.

Read the original here: Unorthodox ideas for producing alternative energy gain favor

Businessman Wellington Soong is seeking to build a niche in the lighting business where his alternative energy-efficient solutions have the potential of turning into a P1 billion business.

The rest is here: Cutting cost by 1/3 via efficient lighting