CleanTech OC Daily - 6/22/12

Tesla’s Model S electric car is finally here

Tesla Motors investor, Nancy Pfund is one of a group of customers that will receive their Model S cars during a big media event at the Tesla factory in Fremont, Calif. on today. Pfund and her firm backed Tesla back in 2006 and has seen the company through the ups and downs. The Model S represents the Tesla’s chance at profitability as well as its goal to be a more mainstream auto maker.

Update: Settlement of Dispute Between First Solar and LA County Announced

A settlement has been reached between First Solar and the Los Angeles County Public Works’ Building and Safety Department that will allow First Solar to resume building the 230 megawatt Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One. First Solar said it will build its workforce to 400 over the coming weeks meaning some of the recently furloughed workers may return to their jobs.

Rio+20: More than 50 Countries, $50 Billion in Pledges for UN’s “Sustainable Energy for All”

UN Secretary General Ban-ki Moon announced encouraging news regarding the UN’s “Sustainable Energy for All” program at the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development. The UN Secretary General continues to lead the call for nations around the world to aggressively pursue the goal of making the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable energy resources. The Chicago Tribune reported that more than 50 governments have launched new clean energy strategies, while private investors have pledged to invest more than $50 billion to reach the program’s goal of doubling renewable energy production.