News for December 2009

News Archive

Vestas delivers 140 MW of wind turbines to Bulgaria and Romania

Vestas will deliver 50 of its V100 1.8 MW and 25 of its V90 2.0 MW wind turbines to Bulgaria and Romania.

SSE acquires quarter of Walney offshore wind farm

Scottish and Southern Energy Plc (SSE) will acquire a 25.1% stake in the 367 MW Walney offshore wind farm west of the Isle of Walney in the Irish Sea, from DONG Energy, which will retain a 74.9% stake.

First Solar and NRG Energy open 21 MW solar PV power plant in California

NRG Energy Inc has started commercial operation of the 21 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Blythe, California, it bought from First Solar in November.

Siemens to supply further offshore wind turbines to DONG Energy

Siemens and DONG Energy have expanded their record offshore wind turbine supply agreement from March as Siemens is to provide 75 of its 3.6 MW offshore wind turbine for DONG Energy’s 270 MW Lincs offshore wind farm in the North Sea.

Power Composites to supply 200 MW of wind turbine blades to PowerWind

Power Composites will manufacture and deliver wind turbine blades for more than 200 MW for PowerWind’s wind turbine installations in its European market until 2012.

DONG Energy acquires Borkum Riffgrund 1 & 2 offshore wind turbine projects

DONG Energy is acquiring PNE Wind AG's 50% ownership interest in each of the two German offshore wind turbine projects Borkum Riffgrund 1 & 2.

Phoenix Solar sets up subsidiary in Oman

Phoenix Solar AG has founded a subsidiary, Phoenix Solar LLC, in Muscat, Oman together with Silver Circle Overseas LLC.

Nordex USA to provide 8 N100 wind turbines for Wisconsin, USA

Nordex USA has received an order for 8 N100 wind turbines to be installed at a 20 MW wind farm in Glenmore, Wisconsin outside of Green Bay, USA.

Germany receives A-grade for solar power policies

Germany has received the top grade for solar power policies in the Global Solar Report Card released by Global Green USA on behalf of President Gorbachev’s Green Cross International (GCI).

Azure Power opens 2 MW privately owned solar PV plant in India

Azure Power has inaugurated what it calls the first privately operated, utility scale, solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in India.

Anaerobic digestion biogas to provide 10% of UK energy by 2020

The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) predicts that farmers, commercial operators and local authorities will build 1000 anaerobic digestion biogas plants in the next five years at a cost of £5 billion, mostly funded by the private sector.

Ceramic Fuel Cells installs first BlueGen fuel cell unit at VicUrban building

Australian-based Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd has installed a BlueGen™ solid oxide fuel cell power and heating unit with VicUrban, the sustainable urban development agency for the Victoria state government.

Ballard signs automotive fuel cell supply agreement with Daimler

Vancouver-based fuel cell developer Ballard Power Systems has announced a supply agreement with Daimler AG in Germany, to deliver Ballard FCvelocity™ fuel cell products for the fuel cell car and bus programs at Daimler.

Neah Power sells fuel cell powered air-conditioning systems, demonstrates battery charging

Neah Power Systems has received orders worth more than US$350 000 for SolCool air-conditioning systems utilizing Neah Power’s micro direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Neah Power has also demonstrated that its unique silicon-based micro DMFC can operate as a battery charger for most current battery-based systems.

South Australia supports renewable energy in the state

The state government of South Australia has made two announcements to promote the use of renewable energy.

Renewable energy increases 21% in Ireland

The use of renewable energy in Ireland expanded by 21% in 2008, according to the analytic report, ‘Energy in Ireland 1990-2008.’

Ceramic Fuel Cells completes financing, regional grant for German manufacturing plant

Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd has won financing for part of the costs of its solid oxide fuel cell volume manufacturing plant in Germany. The plant, which was officially opened in October, is located in the Industriepark Oberbruch, near Düsseldorf in the Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) region.

Ballard monetizes investment in Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation Corp. for US$44.5 million

Canadian-based fuel cell developer Ballard Power Systems has closed an agreement, effective December 21, with a financial institution to monetize its rights under the Share Purchase Agreement with Ford Motor Company relating to Ballard’s 19.9% equity interest in Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation Corporation (AFCC).

LM Glasfiber in research project on wind turbine blade laser sensory system

LM Glasfiber, the independent manufacturer of wind turbine blades, is entering into a three-year research project supported by the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation to develop laser-based wind sensory systems as an integrated part of future wind turbine blades.

BWEA becomes RenewableUK

The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) is changing name to RenewableUK to reflect the increasing amount of renewable energy the organisation covers.

Kyocera provides 13 MW of solar modules for large installation in Japan Kyocera provides 13 MW of solar modules for large installation in Japan

Kyocera Corp will provide approximately 13 MW of solar modules for the Ohgishima solar power plant Mega Solar System, planned by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) with construction by Hitachi, Ltd.

Trina Solar inaugurates Europe’s largest solar PV rooftop system

Trina Solar Ltd has inaugurated what it calls the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system in Europe with a capacity of 40 MW.

COP15: No clear signal to renewable energy markets and investors

Most people will be disappointed with the agreement reached between China, India, Brazil, South Africa and the United States at COP15 in Copenhagen last week, according to Steve Sawyer, Secretary General at the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

Siemens provides grid access for London Array offshore wind farm

Siemens will provide grid access for the London Array offshore wind farm in addition to the 175 Siemens SWT-3.6 wind turbines totalling 630 MW it is already supplying.

Scotland on track to exceed targets for renewable energy

Scotland can easily meet its targets for renewable energy and reach 300% of its target by 2020 if all pending schemes are approved.

First Solar to add eight production lines in 2010 in Malaysia

First Solar Inc is expanding by adding 8 production lines in Malaysia in 2010 to satisfy a global contracted and advanced pipeline of over 6 GW.

Nexans to provide €100m of cables for the London Array offshore wind farm Nexans to provide €100m of cables for the London Array offshore wind farm

Cable provider Nexans will design, manufacture and supply the high voltage (HV) subsea power export cables for the London Array offshore wind farm under a contract worth around €100 million.

Offshore wind farm links shortlist worth over £1bn announced

UK’s Ofgem E-Serve has announced a short list of firms for the first 9 offshore wind farm links projects following the first tender to run transmission connections to offshore wind farms.

Italy completes its largest solar PV facility

The 24 MW Montalto di Castro solar power plant has been completed as the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) facility in Italy, as the first phase of a planned 85-100 MW development that will be fully operational in 2010.

Paralana geothermal well completed

The Paralana geothermal energy project in South Australia has seen the successful completion of the Paralana 2 geothermal well at a depth of 3725 m.

Australians prefer renewable energy over nuclear

An opinion survey in Australia has shown overwhelming public support for the government to focus support on wind, solar and other renewable energy sources.

Italy and France help solar PV industry back to growth - study

Italy and France are moving the European solar photovoltaic (PV) industry forward by contributing significant growth in the near term in the wake of the slowing in the Spanish market, says analyst Emerging Energy Research (EER).

China advances up renewable energy league – Ernst & Young

China is now one of the top two most attractive locations in the world in which to invest in renewable energy projects, according to Ernst & Young's latest global renewable energy country attractiveness indices.

US Recovery Act will create 900,000 new jobs in renewable energies

New legislation in the United States will create 253,000 jobs in power generation from renewable energy systems, and could add 469,000 more jobs, according to a report.

Ceres Power starts up fuel cell manufacturing at Horsham plant

Solid oxide fuel cell developer Ceres Power has commenced manufacturing operations from the initial production line installed at the company’s fuel cell mass manufacturing facility in Horsham, UK.

Suntech to deliver up to 490 MW of solar PV modules to Europe

Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd has signed three long-term supply agreements for up to 490 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to be delivered over the next three years in Europe.

Bank provides €500m for solar PV projects in Europe

A new financing structure for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in France and Italy will receive financial assistance from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

SGL Rotec to supply blades for BARD offshore wind turbines SGL Rotec to supply blades for BARD offshore wind turbines

German wind turbine blade maker SGL Rotec GmbH & Co KG has announced a long-term agreement with BARD Emden Energy GmbH & Co KG for the delivery of blades for BARD's offshore wind farms.

PLG Power plans 60 MW of solar PV power plants in India

PLG Power Ltd, a Mumbai based manufacturer of crystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and provider of solar PV power plants, plans to set up an aggregate of 60 MW solar PV power plants in India.

REpower supplies 30.75 MW of wind turbines to E.ON

REpower UK, a wholly owned subsidiary of REpower Systems AG, will develop two wind farms totalling 30.75 MW in County Durham in the North East of England under a contract with E.ON Climate & Renewables.

LM Glasfiber to produce blades for Samsung wind turbine

LM Glasfiber will produce wind turbine blades for Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd’s new 2.5 MW wind turbine.

COP15: Global investment fund for Renewable Energy needed

The International Renewable Energy Alliance (REN Alliance) has called for renewable energy to be at the forefront of the post-2012 climate action regime in its COP15 policy statement.

First Solar produces 1 GW of solar PV modules in a single year

First Solar Inc manufactured and shipped more than 1 GW of its solar photovoltaic (PV) solar modules in 2009, and could thereby be the first solar PV company to attain this production volume in a single year.

REC and ECN reach 17% efficiency with multicrystalline solar PV panels

REC and the Energy research Center of the Netherlands (ECN) have made multicrystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with 17% efficiency.

COP15: Low-carbon and renewable energy will need investment of US$10.5tr by 2030

The world must invest in renewable energy and other low-carbon energy sources immediately, because every year of delay adds US$500 billion to the cost of protecting the global environment, says the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

COP15: Solar groups want climate conference to recognise contribution of solar energy

Two dozen solar energy associations from around the world have told the United Nations at COP15 in Copenhagen that a significant portion of GHG emissions could be eliminated through an accelerated deployment of solar energy.

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Wind turbines not harmful to human health, say experts

The sounds produced by wind turbines are not harmful to human health, concludes an expert panel in its report to the wind energy associations in the United States and Canada.

ETI project to reduce subsea cable costs for wave and tidal power

A project which could considerably reduce the cost of cabling from offshore wave and tidal farms to the shore has been announced by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI).

CDM executive board turns against renewable energy development

The CDM executive board rejected 10 proposed Chinese wind energy projects on the grounds of lack of consistency with the CDM additionality criterion at the beginning of December, causing the wind industry to react with disbelief.

Bioenergy could meet global energy demand

The global potential to produce biomass for energy in a sustainable way is sufficient to meet global energy demand, according to a paper by the World Bioenergy Association (WBA) based on a report by the Department of Energy and Technology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).

Siemens opens UK wind power research centre at the University of Sheffield

Siemens Energy says it will establish its UK wind turbine generator R&D competence centre at the University of Sheffield.

Maldives President: massive investment in renewable energy needed to save Maldives

President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives has called for massive investment in renewable energy and green technologies to address climate change – and to save countries like the Maldives.

Support shifts for offshore wind farm off US east coast

A survey of residents along the northeastern US coast indicates that 57% of respondents now support a controversial offshore wind farm, up from 44% in the same survey in 2005.

European funding group invests in renewable energy in Asia

A ‘fund of funds’ sponsored by the European Commission will invest €12.5 million into a renewable energy fund for Asia.

COP15: US to promote renewable energy in developing countries

The United States has launched a US$350m ‘Renewables & Efficiency Deployment Initiative’ (Climate REDI) to accelerate deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies in developing countries at COP15 in Copenhagen.

US agency predicts greater use of renewable energy

The consumption of solar electricity will grow by more than 14% per year over the next quarter century in the United States, according to the latest forecast from the Department of Energy (DoE).

Reliable carbon price and better regulation key for renewable energy investment

Governments need to establish regulatory and policy frameworks providing transparency, longevity and certainty to climate change and renewable energy investors, according to Kevin Parker, Global Head of Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management division.

Masdar PV sees installation of first roof mounted solar thin-film system Masdar PV sees installation of first roof mounted solar thin-film system

Masdar PV has seen its solar photovoltaic (PV) thin-film modules installed for the first time on a rooftop.

Advanced biorefinery projects in USA get US$564m

The US Department of Energy (DoE) has selected 19 integrated biorefinery projects to receive up to US$564 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to accelerate the construction and operation of pilot, demonstration, and commercial scale facilities for bioenergy.

Europe's largest wind farm will add more wind turbines

The Scottish Government has approved a second extension to a wind farm near Glasgow, boosting the capacity of the Whitelee Windfarm to 593 MW.

Europe gives €562m to offshore wind farms

The European Commission has granted €1.5 billion to offshore wind farms and carbon capture & storage (CCS) schemes that will relaunch Europe’s economy and reduce its GHG emissions.

European cities must implement more renewable energy

Cities in Europe are leaders in environmental performance, but they have a long way to go in the adoption of renewable energy, according to the ‘European Green City Index.’

Investments in renewable energy seen as method to address climate change

A global survey of 24,071 adults around the world shows majority support for government investments in renewable energy to address climate change.

Saudi Arabia looks into renewable energy

Saudi Arabia is seriously looking into renewable energy, according to Lady Judge, the Chairman of the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

Narec builds offshore wind turbine blade test facility

The UK New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) will build a £15 million facility for testing offshore wind turbine blades of up to 100 m in length.

Utilities to drive solar PV in United States Utilities to drive solar PV in United States

At a time when most energy investments have been curtailed by a weak economy, US utility solar photovoltaic (PV) activity has spiked over the last 18 months, says analyst Emerging Energy Research (EER).

Smarter Grid Solutions and SSE deploy smart grid on Orkney

Smarter Grid Solutions Ltd and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) have deployed smart grid technology on SSE’s power distribution network on Orkney, allowing the connection of increased amounts of new renewable energy generation.

COP15: Senior US official maps vision for new energy future at UN climate change summit

The international agreements being negotiated in Copenhagen “will propel all of us forward in the clean energy economy,” the US Secretary of the Interior has assured delegates to the UN conference on climate change, COP15, in Copenhagen.

Ricardo, QinetiQ unveil high-performance battery technology for hybrid and electric vehicles Ricardo, QinetiQ unveil high-performance battery technology for hybrid and electric vehicles

The Reduced cost Li-Ion (RED-LION) project – a two-year collaboration between UK-based Ricardo and QinetiQ – has demonstrated the potential of a new, low-cost lithium-ion cell chemistry and associated flexible battery management system for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

UK proposals include boost to the deployment of renewable energy

The British government has released its pre-budget report which provides substantial new funding to renewable energy and other low-carbon options.

GE to supply wind turbines to 845 MW wind farm in Oregon, USA GE to supply wind turbines to 845 MW wind farm in Oregon, USA

GE will supply wind turbines worth US$1.4 billion to Caithness Energy for the 845 MW Shepherds Flat wind farm in Oregon, USA.

UTC invests £126.5m in Clipper Windpower – intends 49.5% ownership

United Technologies Corporation (UTC) is investing £126.5 million into Clipper Windpower Plc and intends to reach ownership of 49.5% of Clipper.

EIB: €3m for 1 GW electricity interconnector between UK and the Netherlands

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to provide €300 million for the construction of the 1 GW BritNed Interconnector, a new electricity transmission cable between the UK and the Netherlands.

More than 1000 towns and cities commit to use sustainable and renewable energy

The number of municipalities which has signed onto the ‘Covenant of Mayors’ for sustainable and renewable energy has surpassed 1000 since its creation in February.

Canadian solar farm to quadruple in capacity

A 20 MW solar facility in the province of Ontario will expand to 80 MW to become the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) energy facility in North America.

COP15: International banks will support projects in renewable energy

Leading Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) have committed to “further support” investment in projects and programmes in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transportation systems at COP15.

GridWise Alliance releases two smart grid reports

The GridWise Alliance has released two reports detailing the most important metrics associated with measuring and understanding smart grid success.

MAN Ferrostaal opens Palestinian solar thermal plant

A solar thermal plant for warm water supply and central heating on Palestinian territory went into operation near Beit Jala at the beginning of December.

REpower to deliver 143.5 MW of wind turbines for wind farm in California, USA

REpower Systems AG has signed a delivery agreement to provide enXco with 70 REpower MM92 2.05 MW wind turbines for a wind farm project in the West Coast market in mid-2011.

Siemens installs 3 MW direct drive wind turbine prototype Siemens installs 3 MW direct drive wind turbine prototype

Siemens Energy has installed a prototype of its SWT-3.0-101 DD direct drive 3 MW wind turbine close to the Danish town of Brande.

Local government can play major role in promoting renewable energies

Every city in the world should undertake policy development to support the deployment of renewable energy, recommends a 200-page report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Intelligent Energy expands UK fuel cell operations with move to larger premises

UK-based fuel cell systems developer Intelligent Energy has received a grant of £800 000 (US$1.3 million) from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). The grant will assist Intelligent Energy in moving to larger premises nearby.

Yacht with EFOY fuel cell achieves 2nd place in Transat 6.50 race

A yacht equipped with an EFOY 2200 fuel cell managed second place overall in this year’s Transat 6.50 solo transatlantic sailboat race. The EFOY fuel cell provided reliable power onboard Charlie Dalin’s yacht, Pogo 2, despite the harsh race conditions.

Hydrogenics commissions eleventh fuel cell Midibus for European market

Canadian-based Hydrogenics has delivered another fuel cell powered Midibus, in this case for operation at a hospital complex in Hamburg, Germany.

Suntech to supply 17 MW of solar PV modules to Canada’s Pure Energies

Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd will supply 17 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to Pure Energies in 2010 under a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Solar powered scarecrow Solar powered scarecrow

Scarecrow Bio-Acoustic Systems has launched COMPACT – the solar powered scarecrow.

Renewable energy is critical to climate change mitigation, says IEA

The International Energy Agency (IEA) will present “key findings” on renewable energy during the climate conference in Copenhagen.

USA remains most attractive country for renewable energy

The United States remains the most attractive country overall for renewable energy, but China has moved ahead of Germany to take second spot in the rankings released by Ernst & Young.

UltraCell to provide mobile fuel cell power for US Army field trials in early 2010

California-based UltraCell Corporation has been selected to provide portable power for electronic devices and recharge military batteries during the US Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) in early 2010. UltraCell is a leading producer of fuel cell systems for mobile power applications, using its reformed methanol micro fuel cell (RMFC) technology.

UltraCell wins US Air Force contract for portable fuel cell development

Portable fuel cell manufacturer UltraCell has landed a $3 million contract with the US Air Force to develop portable fuel cells for use by soldiers in the field. The project involves a 50 W fuel cell system designed to offer at least 72 h of runtime.

Tidal power developer Pulse Tidal gets €8m EU grant Tidal power developer Pulse Tidal gets €8m EU grant

Pulse Tidal, a tidal power developer based in Sheffield, England, is receiving a €8 million grant from the EU’s technology research and development fund (Framework Programme 7) to enable Pulse Tidal to begin work immediately on developing its first fully commercial tidal energy generator.

PSA Peugeot Citroën unveils rechargeable fuel cell hybrid demonstrator vehicle

PSA Peugeot Citroën is unveiling an electric vehicle demonstrator equipped with rechargeable fuel cell technology for hybrids, at an event to showcase hydrogen as a fuel source.

Q-Cells and LDK Solar resume solar wafer contract

Q-Cells SE and LDK Solar Co. Ltd have reached an agreement to continue their supply contract for solar wafers from 2009 to 2018.

UK signs up to European offshore wind grid

Nine countries including the UK signed up to develop an integrated offshore wind grid in the North and Irish Seas.

Europeans embrace recycling to fight climate change, but not renewable energy

Europeans consider climate change to be the second-most serious problem facing the world today, but paying for green / renewable energy or installing solar panels or wind turbines are the least popular method to address the challenge.

Heliocentris autonomous power supply solution for Bahrain oil company

Heliocentris Fuel Cells, a German-based specialist in clean energy storage solutions, has received two more orders for the supply of autonomous fuel cell power supply solutions. The clients are the oil company Bahrain Petroleum in Bahrain, and an unidentified German university.

AFC Energy raises £2 million in share placing, for fuel cell commercialization

AFC Energy, the UK-based developer of low-cost alkaline fuel cell systems that can operate on by-product hydrogen, has raised net proceeds of £2 million (US$3.3 million) by way of a placing of new ordinary shares to UK investors.

40 MW of solar PV in the Czech Republic 40 MW of solar PV in the Czech Republic

Nobility Solar Projects plans to build solar photovoltaic (PV) plants with a total output of 40 MW in the Czech Republic in 2010.

ETI announces renewable energy networks projects in the UK

The UK Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is launching two projects to identify the challenges and solutions of collecting and distributing electricity from renewable sources in the UK

Siemens supplies 28 wind turbines to New Zealand

Siemens Energy will supply 28 of its SWT-2.3-101 wind turbines to Meridian Energy for the Te Uku wind power project near Hamilton, New Zealand.

Phoenix Solar to found subsidiary in the United States

Phoenix Solar AG, an international solar photovoltaic (PV) system integrator, is in the process of preparing its entry into the market of the United States.

RWE Innogy opens Rhyl Flats offshore wind farm in Wales

The Rhyl Flats offshore wind farm consists of 25 wind turbines with a total output of 90 MW, and is the biggest wind farm in Wales.

Air Liquide acquires Hydrogen Generation Module technology from H2Gen Innovations

In the US, Air Liquide has acquired the Hydrogen Generation Module (HGM) technology from Virginia-based H2Gen Innovations. The HGM technology is being acquired by two Air Liquide affiliates: Air Liquide Process & Construction Inc, and Air Liquide Industrial US LP.

Clipper provides 27 of its 2.5 MW wind turbines to Mexico

Clipper Windpower Inc is exporting 27 of its 2.5 MW wind turbines to Mexico, backed by a US$80.66 million direct loan from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank).

Air Liquide to supply two hydrogen fueling stations for Korea

Air Liquide has been chosen to supply two new hydrogen fueling stations in South Korea, designed and developed by the group’s Advanced Technologies teams.

Wind farms have no negative impact on property values, says US study

There is no “widespread, statistically observable” impact of wind turbines on the sale of homes in the United States, concludes the most comprehensive analysis from the Department of Energy (DoE).

UK rolls out smart meters and smart grids UK rolls out smart meters and smart grids

All UK homes will have smart meters delivered by energy suppliers by the end of 2020 as part of UK’s plans to move towards smart grids, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced.

Avantis Energy provides 200 MW of wind turbines to Vietnam

Avantis Energy, the Hong Kong/German wind turbine makers will deliver 80 sets of its AV 928 2.5 MW wind turbines to Hanoi-based Thanh Tung Group.

New York seeks offshore wind proposals for the Great Lakes

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is seeking proposals for an offshore wind farm of 120 MW to 500 MW, to be sited in Lake Erie or Lake Ontario.

SSE and DONG to develop offshore wind farms totaling 1 GW

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and DONG Energy are forming a 50:50 joint venture to develop three offshore wind farms totaling just over 1 GW in the Dutch sector of the North Sea.

Wave energy developer Orecon hits stormy waters Wave energy developer Orecon hits stormy waters

Wave energy developer Orecon, based in the South West of England, has hit stormy waters and is looking for investors or a new owner.

Private sector investment in clean and renewable energy awaiting COP15 outcome

The private sector is waiting to hear what targets world leaders will commit to at COP15and what mitigation actions developing countries will undertake, before making large investments in clean and renewable energy says Frost & Sullivan.

ACCIONA completes largest wind farm in Latin America ACCIONA completes largest wind farm in Latin America

ACCIONA Energy has completed construction of its largest wind farm in the world and the largest facility in Latin America.

Clipper sells 70 MW of Liberty wind turbines and Maryland project to Constellation Energy

Clipper Windpower Plc and its subsidiary Clipper Windpower Development Corporation have sold 28 Liberty 2.5 MW wind turbines totalling 70 MW, and its Maryland-based Criterion development project to Constellation Holdings Inc, a subsidiary of Constellation Energy Inc.

Biofuels ethanol and biodiesel decrease GHG emissions significantly: Canadian report

Ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 62% over conventional petrol, when compared on a fuelcycle analysis, while biodiesel will drop emissions by 99%.

SFC Smart Fuel Cell, Jayco in fuel cell alliance for recreational vehicles

SFC Smart Fuel Cell in Germany has established a joint research and market development alliance with US-based recreational vehicles maker Jayco, to study the feasibility of the utilization of EFOY fuel cell technology in RVs in North America.

Hydrogenics wins new credit line in Europe, to fund 2010 expansion

Hydrogenics Europe NV, the Belgian subsidiary of Canadian-based Hydrogenics Corporation, has secured a €3.5 million (US$5.3 million) operating facility from Dexia Bank SA, a Belgian financial institution. The facility will be used to finance working capital requirements for Hydrogenics’ OnSite Generation business in 2010.

IEA releases global roadmap for wind energy

The world will need to invest US$3.2 trillion if it is to generate 12% of electricity from wind power by 2050, and the International Energy Agency says there is “no fundamental barrier” to achieving that target or even exceeding it.

At COP15, 16 national associations say major hydrogen programs can reduce climate change

A coalition of 16 associations from around the world has issued a joint statement in Copenhagen, Denmark to underscore how hydrogen technologies can help to curb global greenhouse gas emissions.

Parade of hydrogen cars energizes Copenhagen ahead of COP15

A parade of fuel cell and hydrogen vehicles has crossed the imposing Øresund Bridge between Malmö, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark, to demonstrate the potential of these zero-emission vehicles at the COP15 climate change summit.

Protonex wins US Army contract to advance solid oxide fuel cell systems

Fuel cell developer Protonex Technology Corporation has received a contract award of up to $1.0 million, through the University of South Carolina (USC) Research Foundation and WinTec Arrowmaker, to build, test and deliver solid oxide fuel cell power systems to the US Army.

European bank funds renewable energy in South Africa

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will lend €40m to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across South Africa.

Fraunhofer ISE looks at intelligent energy management in smart grids Fraunhofer ISE looks at intelligent energy management in smart grids

Fraunhofer ISE is coordinating a demonstration on how all of the features of a smart grid can be realised using an integrated smart metering concept.

Export cable work starts on Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm

A horizontal directional drilling technique to install ducts at Weybourne is being used in preparation of the ‘pull-in’ of the Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm’s two export cables.

SeaRoc joins Natural Power forming renewable energy consultancy

SeaRoc, a marine, engineering and offshore, is joining Natural Power, to form a renewable energy consultancy capable of providing end-to-end services globally for the industry both onshore and offshore.

Innovative Danish technology uses methanol to make fuel cell vehicles competitive Innovative Danish technology uses methanol to make fuel cell vehicles competitive

Metha Energy Solutions and Serenergy have unveiled a ground-breaking electric vehicle, ahead of the COP15 climate change conference in Copenhagen. The partners see future electric vehicle drive-trains as hybrids combining a battery with a reformed methanol fuel cell, where the battery provides the speed and the fuel cell the power.

Smart grid could lead to stupid privacy decisions: privacy commissioner

A smart electricity grid could lead to some stupid privacy decisions, according to a report issued by the Information & Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Canada.

GE unit lends US$50m to Indonesia’s largest geothermal power producer

The loan from GE Energy Financial Services is designed to tap into growth in Asia and in renewable energy, officials note.