This case involves a renewable products company that alleged it would be able to provide sustainable alternatives to a broad range of petroleum-sourced products, from new sources of natural energy and solar panel designs to inventive replacements for traditional fuel-cell models. The company in question then had an IPO, resulting in a large rush of investment. However, it was quickly determined that the company was unable to deliver several of its core products in a time frame and scale that the company had promised investors. As a result, the company’s stock rapidly lost value, causing several investors to sue for material misrepresentations allegedly made by the company before its IPO.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Are you able to discuss standard business practices for renewable energy companies?
2. Are you familiar with the barriers to entry for renewable energy companies?
3. Could you evaluate a company and offer an opinion on its chances for success?
Expert Witness Response E-007186
I am able to discuss standard business practices for renewable energy companies. I have seen it from the inside as a Vice President at several large energy companies, as well as from the outside in my capacity as a consultant, often up close and personal. I am familiar with the barriers to entry for renewable energy companies. If a company is looking for a fuel precursor, that company must deliver a product that fits the existing infrastructure. Alternatively, is the company is not in the fuels business, then it is in the infrastructure business. Regarding scale, no refiner will take you seriously unless you can deliver at least 10,000 barrels per day. Thirdly, if you are looking at this particular product area, there are companies that think they can make a new fuel from a totally different approach, but that simply will very rarely work Specialized fuels are a highly complex mix comprising almost countless different hydrocarbons that together meet the spec. Generally speaking, it is not difficult to inflate investor expectations beyond what is technically or economically feasible.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
