Features for April 2013

Features Archive

Solar PV R&D: what are researchers working on? Solar PV R&D: what are researchers working on?

Part 3. Joyce Laird talks to some of the leaders of global solar power R&D.

Is there a future for EU Ethanol? Is there a future for EU Ethanol?

Part 2. The closure of loopholes for imports will see European production and US product competing on a much more level playing field.

HVDC breakthrough heralds a new era for renewables HVDC breakthrough heralds a new era for renewables

Power technology group ABB says it has made a breakthrough in the ability to interrupt direct current (DC), solving a 100-year oldelectrical engineering puzzle, and paving the way for a more reliable electricity system.

How to finance solar power? How to finance solar power?

New financial innovations being discussed for solar power projects could open up unprecedented access to capital for the sector...

New turbines' boost to energy yields New turbines' boost to energy yields

As ever, this year’s European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) exhibition played host to the launch and/or presentation of new turbines, components and ancillary services by key players in the market. In terms of turbine design, arguably the highlights came from Nordex, GE, NGentech and Siemens, although not necessarily in that order.

The impact of variable speed concepts on wind power The impact of variable speed concepts on wind power

Part 2. In the history of the wind industry, arguably the greatest invention has been the introduction of the Variable Speed Wind Turbine, which was developed independently on both sides of the Atlantic in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Chris Varrone continues his look into its impacts on wind power (part 1 also online, part 3 online early August)

The impact of variable speed concepts on wind power The impact of variable speed concepts on wind power

Part 1. Chris Varrone gives us a preview on his latest research on the impact of variable speed concepts for wind power...(part 2 also online, part 3 online early August).

Is there a future for EU Ethanol? Is there a future for EU Ethanol?

Part 1. 2012 saw the US biofuels market struggle in the wake of a drought crisis, where conditions in Europe improved. But major barriers to growth remain though, says Toby Cohen.

Solar PV R&D: what are researchers working on? Solar PV R&D: what are researchers working on?

Part 2. George Marsh looks at some novel technologies under development.

What now for the “impotent” ETS? What now for the “impotent” ETS?

The European Parliament has voted against propping up the EU’s emissions trading scheme in a move that sent prices plunging to new lows in the world’s biggest carbon market. what happens now?

UK: Would an EU exit matter? UK: Would an EU exit matter?

How likely is an UK exit from the EU, and how safe is the Climate Change Act in the current political climate?

Solar PV R&D: what are researchers working on? Solar PV R&D: what are researchers working on?

Part 1. As we approach Intersolar US in San Francisco next month, Renewable Energy Focus whets the appetite by looking back at some of our coverage of solar PV R&D over the past few months.

Coatings: protecting renewable energy equipment Coatings: protecting renewable energy equipment

All renewable energy systems rely on precision electronics to ensure they can deliver energy in a consistent manner. These electronics are subject to harsh use and hostile environments and need ­protection. One solution is Parylene protective coatings.

UK: What would an EU exit mean for renewables? UK: What would an EU exit mean for renewables?

THE UK's relationship with the European Union (EU) has been back in the news again. With so much of Westminster's low carbon energy ambition originating in the corridors of Brussels, what is the risk to the burgeoning renewables sector of a UK exit from the EU?

Retailers and renewables Retailers and renewables

Case study: IKEA Group and its strategy to be energy independent.

Retailers and renewables Retailers and renewables

Part 2. While US giants dominate the top five corporate retail solar users in terms of on-site capacity, Swedish firm IKEA is also taking strides in Europe.

Retailers and renewables Retailers and renewables

Part 1. Some of the world's leading organisations are actively promoting and investing in the production of renewable energy, as Vicky Kenrick reports.

Renewable energy project monitor Renewable energy project monitor

Our regular column, written by the Energy Industries Council, reports on project development in the renewable energy marketplace. Here we look at developments in January and February 2013.

Factfile: RPS Framework drives South Korean market Factfile: RPS Framework drives South Korean market

The enabling policy framework and deft concessions and incentives implemented under the green growth agenda have energised Korea's industry in terms of renewables.

Market report: South Korea and its renewable energy ambition Market report: South Korea and its renewable energy ambition

Part 3. Notably, Korea's powerful family-owned conglomerates (known locally as Chaebol) are now are muscling their way into the solar and wind spheres.