Policy, investment and markets Features for December 2010

Policy, investment and markets Features Archive

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.

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.

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.