Policy, investment and markets News for April 2011

Policy, investment and markets News Archive

Trina Solar to supply U.S. Fotowatio subsidiary, extends Oz agreement

The company has signed a sales agreement to supply solar modules to US-based FRV AE Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, Inc., the independent solar power producer.

Q-Cells announces foray into Japan

Q-Cells is to enter the Japanese residential market with integrated photovoltaic solutions.

Tata Power commissions 3 MW solar power plant in Maharashtra

Spread over 12 acres of land and situated near Pune, the eighth largest metropolis in India, Tata claims that this is the first and largest solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Maharashtra, and one of the largest in India.

2010 PV inverter market share gainers revealed

Power-One was the PV inverter market’s largest share gainer in 2010, moving up to second in the global rankings - according to IMS Research’s latest report on the market.

Number of new renewables projects leaps in Q1 2011

The increase reported in the latest EIC Monitor stats is in stark contrast to a flat 2010.

Gamesa signs turbine deal with 3 Chinese companies Gamesa signs turbine deal with 3 Chinese companies

The agreement, which could result in contracts to supply 900 MW of turbines, is the first to be signed by Chinese and Spanish companies in the wind energy sector.

Silfab and Espe found solar PV JV

Silfab Spa and Espe Srl have founded Espe Sunparc Srl to specialise in the development and installation of high-efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in Italy and elsewhere.

2010: Clean energy investment up to US$243 billion 2010: Clean energy investment up to US$243 billion

Global clean energy finance and investment grew significantly in 2010 to US$243 billion, a 30% increase from 2009, according to recent research.

Masterflex offloads e-bikes, looks to sell or partner on fuel cell activities

The German industrial hoses manufacturer Masterflex AG has sold off its bicycle and e-bike activities. The company is also looking to sell off – or work with a strong partner – on its remaining fuel cell technology activities, which still have good potential.

Happy Easter Happy Easter

Renewable Energy Focus wishes to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a happy Easter.

Solar to chemical energy findings Solar to chemical energy findings

A team of researchers headed by the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT) has made fundamental discoveries about the processes in photoelectrochemical cells that could have an impact on solar to chemical energy conversion.

Australian-Chinese A$6bn JV for renewable energy

Australia’s CBD Energy Ltd has set up a joint venture (JV) with two Chinese companies for the development of renewable energy.

Next Welsh Government urged to promote wind, wave and tidal

Ahead of the Welsh general election, RenewableUK Cymru is calling on the next Government to implement policies promoting wind, wave and tidal energy.

Two-thirds of UK cleantech companies plan further recruitment

Over two-thirds (77%) of UK cleantech companies are planning to expand their workforce over the next 12 months, but finance is key to growth, according to the Carbon Trust.

Solar water purification systems donated to Japan

WorldWater & Solar Technologies Inc and Gamesa are donating two solar driven water purification systems, Mobile MaxPure®(MMP), to Japan.

Suntech largest solar PV module supplier in 2010

Suntech was the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) module supplier in 2010, growing its shipments by more than 130% over the previous year, according to IMS Research.

EDF to take over its renewable energy subsidiary

EDF has made a public offer for the remaining shares of its renewable energy subsidiary, EDF Energies Nouvelles (EDF EN).

IBC SOLAR opens Beijing subsidiary

IBC SOLAR has opened its solar photovoltaic (PV) subsidiary office in Beijing, China.

European consultation on life cycle assessment of hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies

The European FC-HyGuide project aims to develop Guidance Documents for life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies. The draft Guidance Documents are open for public consultation during April 2011.

World wind capacity reaches 197 GW

Worldwide wind capacity has reached 197 GW despite a slight decrease in new capacity, according to the World Wind Energy Report 2010 from the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA).

ECN transfers hydrogen energy research activities to HyET

The Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) will transfer some of the research activities that were previously conducted within its Hydrogen and Clean Fossil Fuels unit to HyET BV, Hydrogen Efficiency Technologies in Arnhem.

E.ON to invest €2.6bn in renewable energy by 2013

E.ON plans to invest €2.6 billion in renewable energy in the period 2011-2013, following investments of €1bn in 2010.

Adnan Amin new IRENA Director General

Adnan Amin has been elected as the first Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).