Frustration with DOE

From: Roger Faulkner

To:Gilbert Bindewald, Debbie Haught

Cc:Philip Overholt

Sent:Sun, August 8, 2010 6:01:16 PM

Subject: Recent progress on elpipes for long distance transmission

to: Gil, Debbie, and Philip:

Although I am frustrated by the lack of traction with DOE, we have continued to make progress on "elpipes" (massive underground HVDC, polymer-insulated electic pipelines). The most important news is that we have a letter of interest from ABB Technology Ventures, and we are now in the process of identifying other strategic partners. We are in discussion with Dow and Alcoa (because elpipes would create a substantial market for aluminum and polymeric insulation), though it is going slowly. I have reached out to Chinese investors because of the slow pace of working with US-based investors and other entities (like DOE and EPRI).

I have included two publications that will come out in the next few months, and also our unsuccessful ARPA-E Round #3 application, which is all about the GRIDS energy storage implications of long distance transmission (which I'm sure you all appreciate). Compared to HTS cables, elpipes are more acceptable to the highly conservative utility industry, and will be easier to make reliable (due to the fact that up to 25 GW or so, they can be passively cooled). What do I have to do to get your attention? Make a deal with the Chinese government?

Roger Faulkner, President

Electric Pipeline Corporation