@elonmusk Twitter feed: Statement from Elon Musk:

“In December, I agreed to join the Presidential Advisory Forum to provide feedback on issues that I think are important for our country and the world. In tomorrow’s meeting, I and others will express our objections to the recent executive order on immigration and offer suggestions for changes to the policy.

"Advisory councils simply provide advice, and attending does not mean that I agree with actions by the Administration. My goals are to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy and to help make humanity a multi-planet civilization, a consequence of which will be the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs and a more inspiring future for all. I understand the perspective of those who object to my attending this meeting, but I believe at this time that engaging on critical issues will on balance serve the greater good.”

Law360 (last week): SunEdison Gets OK for $15M Asset Sale to Mitsui Unit

A New York bankruptcy judge on Thursday gave clean energy giant SunEdison Inc. the green light to sell its commercial and industrial business development line to a unit of Japanese conglomerate Mitsui & Co. in a private deal for $15 million.

In a 22-page order, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stuart M. Bernstein gave the go-ahead for the private sale, a Chapter 11 transaction in which assets do not have to be up for auction in an attempt to garner higher bids.

(this week) Mitsui Successfully Acquires SunEdison's Commercial & Industrial Division

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has acquired the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Division of SunEdison, Inc., which specializes in the development and operation of distributed solar generation for C&I customers.

The principal assets and employees will form part of Forefront Power LLC, a newly established company incorporated and wholly owned by Mitsui. In addition to distributed solar generation, Mitsui hopes to expand Forefront Power's offerings to include a range of energy management services for C&I customers.

Today, as an independent power producer (IPP), Mitsui owns approximately 11 GW of power generation assets around the world (calculated per equity interest). 

Financial Times: Shell Confident Trump Will Not Derail Renewable Energy Growth

Donald Trump will not derail the “unstoppable” growth in renewable energy, according to the chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell, which plans to gradually lift spending on green technology as the world reduces its dependence on fossil fuels.

Speaking after Shell’s fourth-quarter earnings fell short of expectations, Ben van Beurden said “climate change is real [and] action is needed,” in response to questions about the impact of the new U.S. president on energy policy.

Mr. Trump is seen as an ally of the oil and gas industry because of his support for fossil fuels and his election campaign pledge to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The New York Times: 10-Meter Tower

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