Features for December 2010

Features Archive

Comment: Driven by 2020 targets, wind power market in CEE breezes ahead Comment: Driven by 2020 targets, wind power market in CEE breezes ahead

With the traditional wind energy markets in Europe approaching saturation, wind turbine manufacturers and project developers are looking for new frontiers. Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) presents one such less developed territory that offers sizable opportunities for wind power development in the near future.

Renewable power generation – a status report Renewable power generation – a status report

Despite the international economic crisis and the reduction of Government incentives, renewable energy is continuing to have a growing impact on the world energy market. Experts from Lahmeyer International and the Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum examine the 2009 statistics, and highlight newly-installed capacity, major technological developments and emerging market trends.

Wind turbine producers step into ten league boots Wind turbine producers step into ten league boots

Wind turbines are getting bigger, driven by economies of scale and the need to increase ‘power per tower’ at wind farms, especially offshore. George Marsh explores the megaturbine seascape.

Comment: Thailand – 4.3 GW of renewable energy with feed-in tariffs Comment: Thailand – 4.3 GW of renewable energy with feed-in tariffs

Since the introduction of its small power programme in 2006, Thailand has signed contracts to develop 4.3 GW of renewable generation. Nearly half of the contracts – 1.8 GW – are for solar energy alone.

Solar investment — approach with caution Solar investment — approach with caution

Investors are cautious about investing in solar as prices are falling on increased output from booming manufacturing countries like China. Mark Halper reported from the Paris Cleantech Forum this summer.

Squeezing more power from solar PV devices Squeezing more power from solar PV devices

From residential rooftops to utility-scale farms, all users of solar energy want to get the most power from their systems. Everyone is looking for technologies that enhance power harvest and get the highest wattage from a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation. Many companies are focusing on this aim while simultaneously making systems far simpler and safer. Joyce Laird looks at some of the leading companies in this area.

Comment: China surges ahead in global renewable race Comment: China surges ahead in global renewable race

With China now the clear global renewables leader and new countries emerging as key contenders in the market, a new world order is apparent in the clean energy sector, according to Ernst & Young's latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices of 30 countries.