Features for March 2010

Features Archive

The challenges ahead – Yvo de Boer The challenges ahead – Yvo de Boer

Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has outlined the challenges lying ahead for combating climate change and securing energy supply.

Offshore wind – do we have what it takes? Offshore wind – do we have what it takes?

According to analyst Emerging Energy Research (EER), the global installed offshore wind base is expected to grow to nearly 45 GW in 2020. But how far are we away from the technology and supply chain to reach that goal? Renewable Energy Focus' Kari Larsen investigates.

Hywind floating offshore wind turbine foundation Hywind floating offshore wind turbine foundation

“We didn’t understand why it shouldn’t be possible to mount a wind turbine on a floating construction,” Sjur Bratland, Asset Manager for Hywind at Statoil.

Abu Dhabi's Masdar plan takes shape Abu Dhabi's Masdar plan takes shape

If anyone was in any doubt that the UAE’s Abu Dhabi is serious about its alternative energy credentials, think again. The richest Emirate's vision to look past its vast fossil fuel heritage and be seen as purveyors and thought leaders of a brave new world of sustainable living and renewable energy development is gaining momentum rapidly. David Hopwood visited Abu Dhabi and the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) to see for himself.

The importance of intellectual property for renewable energy companies The importance of intellectual property for renewable energy companies

Many renewable energy companies have intellectual property (IP) at their heart - the unique aspect of the company, whether it be a new technology or application. But does this IP have the potential to attract investors and, eventually, a market? Are you making the most of it?

Who's tracking the money? Renewable energy investment Who's tracking the money? Renewable energy investment

Before 'clean energy' climbed up to the top of the political agenda, a number of people already had their eye on investment in the environmental and renewable energy sector.

Environmental testing is critical to cleantech commercial success Environmental testing is critical to cleantech commercial success

The Advanced Testing and Validation Centre at the NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation in Vancouver, British Columbia provides a specialized environment for objective, reliable and accurate standardized performance characterization and long-term testing applications of hydrogen, fuel cell, and other clean energy technologies in real-world conditions.

Who got the money? – running the renewable energy funding gauntlet Who got the money? – running the renewable energy funding gauntlet

Many renewable energy companies have run the gauntlet from original idea to initial funding to institu-tional funding. We present our case studies.