Policy, investment and markets News for April 2010

Policy, investment and markets News Archive

Renewable energy up 250% in Q1 Renewable energy up 250% in Q1

New renewable energy projects in the first quarter of 2010 increased 250% in terms of value to US$224 billion compared to Q1 2009, according to the EIC’s quarterly report EIC Monitor.

Sustainable energy for developing countries

The Helios Foundation for Sustainable Development, a not-for-profit venture to improve access to affordable and sustainable energy for low-income communities in developing countries, has been set up by former executives of Scottish Power and Shell.

Vestas from profit to loss in Q1

Vestas saw a €82 million loss after tax in the first quarter (Q1) of 2010 compared to a profit of €56m in Q1 2009.

REC profit falls 7% in Q1

REC Group saw a 7% decline in profit from continuing operations to NOK404 million (~€51.3m) in the first quarter (Q1) of 2010.

DuPont solar sales to grow 50% this year

DuPont expects its sales of solar photovoltaics (PV) to grow 50% this year due to increased market demand in Europe, North America and parts of Asia.

Masdar and USA to collaborate on energy

The US Department of Energy (DoE) and Masdar, renewable energy initiative in Abu Dhabi, will promote sustainable energy technologies.

Ontario renewable energy 'fee' may be unconstitutional

The green and renewable energy fee created by the provincial government in Ontario is a form of taxation and likely is unconstitutional, argues one of Canada’s top think tanks.

CEE next big market for renewable energy

Central and Eastern and Europe (CEE) is boosting its renewable energy market making it attractive for investors and suppliers, according to analysts Frost & Sullivan.

Wind provides half of EU electricity in 2050

Wind energy could meet 50% of the EU’s electricity demand in 2050, according to speakers at the European Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition (EWEC 2010) in April.

USA and Japan smart grid orgs form alliance

The USA and Japan are forming a working relationship to develop and deploy smart grids in both countries through the GridWise Alliance.

EU roadmap to 2050 renewable energy

‘Roadmap 2050: a practical guide to a prosperous, low-carbon Europe’ outlining various scenarios for renewable energy in Europe, has been published by the European Climate Foundation (ECF).

USA retains lead over China in renewable energy capacity

China took the lead from the United States last year for clean energy finance and investment, although the USA still leads in renewable energy capacity.

Eastern Asia would benefit from more renewable energy: report

Countries in East Asia can minimise greenhouse gas emissions without threatening their growth by using renewable energy, according to a new report from the World Bank, but governments must act now.

UK parliamentary candidates must support renewable energy

Prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) in the UK should voice their support for renewable energy, according to RenewableUK.

BP to spend US$1bn on renewable energy

Oil giant BP says it will spend over US$1 billion in 2010 on alternative and renewable energy.

100% renewable energy by 2050 in the EU

The EU can switch to 100% renewable energy by 2050, according to RE-Thinking 2050, a report from the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC).

Global solar PV market exceeded 7 GW in 2009 Global solar PV market exceeded 7 GW in 2009

Almost 7.5 GW of new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity was added worldwide in 2009 according to latest confirmed results from IMS Research.

US Navy wants more renewable energy

The US Navy and the US Department of Agriculture have launched a partnership to promote the use of renewable energy.

Cleantech investment up 35% in 2010?

Cleantech investment in 2010 will exceed that of 2009 by as much as 35%, despite current uncertainty in US and EU carbon markets, predicts a report by business analyst Datamonitor.

AMAT customer Signet Solar abandons New Mexico solar facility

Signet Solar has formally withdrawn from building a US$480 million amorphous silicon solar panel factory in New Mexico, USA, that would have had Applied Materials’ (AMAT) SunFab production line.

Ontario signs 184 more contracts in renewable energy

Ontario in Canada will generate C$9 billion in private sector investment and create 20,000 jobs from new contracts for renewable energy projects.

Los Angeles should adopt solar feed-in tariffs

The Los Angeles Business Council has released a study on the cost-effectiveness of generating electricity through a solar feed-in tariff (FiT).

EPIA: Market installed 7.2 GW of PV in 2009 EPIA: Market installed 7.2 GW of PV in 2009

The global solar photovoltaic electricity (PV) market counted an additional increase in installed capacity of about 7.2 GW in 2009, reaching a total capacity of over 22 GW world-wide, according to the latest figures from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA)

US-Chinese clean and renewable energy research centre

The USA has made US$37.5 million available over the next five years to support the US-China Clean Energy Research Center for research into clean and renewable energy.

WinWinD opens wind turbine manufacturing plant in Finland

WindWinD says its new wind turbine facility, based in Hamina, Finland will produce 3 MW wind turbines and increase its total capacity potential tenfold.

Australia should invest A$60bn in renewable energy Australia should invest A$60bn in renewable energy

Australia must invest billions in renewable energy over the next decade to achieve its 2020 target of lower GHG emissions, according to Siemens.

Renewable energy coalition releases manifesto

Nine of Britain’s renewable energy associations have outlined detailed proposals for the delivery of renewable energy targets by 2020.

Virginia Governor signs renewable energy legislation

The Governor of Virginia has signed renewable energy legislation aiming to make the state ‘the energy capital of the east coast.’

Replace Renewables Obligation, says UK business group

The Renewables Obligation in Britain should be replaced with a carbon price, says the Institute of Directors (IoD) in its response to a government consultation.

Sustainable Energy Europe Awards 2010

The Sustainable Energy Europe Awards 2010 were awarded at the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) in Brussels in March.

Renewable energy grows 5.5% in USA

Consumption of all renewable energies in the United States last year increased by 5.5% over 2008 levels.

US health group to install solar energy

A health care provider in California will install solar energy systems at 15 of its facilities in the state by next summer.