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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and the Cleantech Group announced the official launch of a web-based tool to identify technologies that will help Wal-Mart move toward its environmental sustainability goals. The “Cleantech Accelerator Project,” will connect Wal-Mart with the cleantech industry and accelerate the deployment of new technologies that reduce negative ecological impacts while increasing performance and lowering costs. ??Wal-Mart and the Cleantech Group established their partnership in October 2007. Since then, the two companies have worked together to identify the initial areas of opportunity for submissions. Through the Cleantech Accelerator Project, Wal-Mart is seeking innovative ideas in the following areas:??• Alternative battery technology for forklifts;?• Wind harvesting;?• Closed-loop water processing;?• Sustainable building materials;?• Organic waste?• Oil-based waste??The Cleantech Group will review and evaluate submissions to determine which ideas might qualify for testing and adoption. For each issue area, the Cleantech Group will provide Wal-Mart with two to four solutions that can be integrated into its business within the next 24 months. For more information, please visit www.cleantech.com/accelerator/.