DENVER, February 24 /PRNewswire/ --

Altira Group LLC - a pioneer and leader in venture capital and private equity funding for energy technology companies, today announced it will be hosting a thought-leadership panel, Debunking Dirty Technology Myths: From Campaign Rhetoric to Action at CleanTech XXI in San Francisco on Tuesday February 24, 2009 at 3:30pm PST.

This interactive session will examine the controversial topics of nuclear energy, clean coal, and hydrocarbons, contesting current popular myths based on decades-old information. The panel will demonstrate why these energy sources are required to meet growing energy demand today, and how technology gains and efficiencies have dramatically advanced their benefits.

Dirk McDermott, Managing Partner of Altira will moderate the panel. Mr. McDermott brings a unique perspective to the national energy conversation developed from his years as a geophysicist in the oil and gas industry and over a decade of successful years of energy technology investing. Panelists include: Lady Barbara Judge, Chairman, UK Atomic Energy Authority, John Grizz Deal, CEO, Hyperion Power Generation, Daniel Goldman, EVP CFO, GreatPoint Energy, and Lionel Kambeitz, CEO, HTC Purenergy.

With billions of dollars just approved for 'energy spending' in the new Economic Stimulus Plan and a desire to curb global warming amidst rising global energy demand, now would seem to be a good time to have a national conversation on what energies and technologies are available today that will help us achieve our goals, said Mr. McDermott. Yet some people deride nuclear, coal and hydrocarbon energy sources as 'dirty,' inefficient, dangerous and polluting. This attitude is leading to a form of censorship that can threaten our energy security and survival for generations. We want to have an honest discussion and stop looking at this as an 'either/or' issue but as an 'everything is on the table' conversation. Our panelists are informed and passionate. This promises to be a lively session.

Cleantech Forum(R) XXI is the longest-running and largest annual assembly of global leaders of the clean technology sector. The world's most prominent clean technology investors, entrepreneurs, influencers and policy-makers attend the Forum to form alliances, meet capital and engage with peers to share ideas and expertise.

About Altira Group

Altira Group LLC (www.altiragroup.com) is a Denver based private equity and venture firm that has profitably invested in energy technology companies for over 12 years. Their portfolio includes companies in both the traditional and renewable energy sectors. Altira pursues opportunities to commercialize transformative technologies that drive efficiency and productivity gains throughout the energy value chain while reducing the carbon footprint.

Altira is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The typical initial investment in a portfolio company is in the US$5-US$15 Million range, with follow-on investments as warranted. Altira seeks investment opportunities led by experienced and dedicated management teams who are commercializing new energy technologies with high growth potential.

Jeff Blanc of Altira Group LLC, +1-415-252-1703 jeff@square1strategy.com