Policy, investment and markets News for August 2010

Policy, investment and markets News Archive

Johanna Solar Technology becomes Bosch Solar CISTech

Johanna Solar Technology GmbH is changing its name to Bosch Solar CISTech GmbH as part of its integration into the Bosch Group's Solar Energy Division.

Solar PV module leader knocked off top spot Solar PV module leader knocked off top spot

IMS Research shows that crystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) module supplier Suntech shipped more modules during Q2 ‘10 than any other company, beating previous market leader and solar thin-film rival First Solar.

LDK Solar increases polysilicon production

LDK Solar Co Ltd’s second polysilicon production facility with an output of 5000 mega tonnes has completed the commissioning process and commenced commercial production.

North Sea renewable energy cooperation

The UK and Norway will cooperate on offshore renewable energy in the North Sea, according to a joint ministerial statement on climate change and energy security.

British Gas introduces solar PV panel scheme

The utility firm takes advantage of the UK Government’s recent feed-in-tariff (FITs) to encourage people to generate their own low-carbon energy including solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

DNV Sustainability & Innovation set up

Risk management firm Det Norske Veritas (DNV) has set up a Sustainability & Innovation division to “steer DNV towards green service growth and sustainability services.”

Scottish offshore wind worth £7.1bn

Scotland’s offshore wind industry could contribute £7.1 billion of investment and create up to 28,000 direct jobs by 2020, according to Scottish Renewables and Scottish Enterprise.

Trina Solar’s net income doubles in Q2 2010

Trina Solar has reported a doubling in net income for the second quarter (Q2) 2010 to US$38.7 million, compared to US$18.6m in Q2 2009.

Solar PV microinverters and power optimiser shipments to double

Solar photovoltaic (PV) microinverters and DC-DC power optimisers are forecast to generate more than US$1.5 billion in revenues over the next five years, according to IMS Research.

Renewable industry celebrates UK Green Deal

UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has declared a 'quiet green revolution' for households and businesses, maximising employment and business benefits in the renewable energy sector.

AMSC buys 25% stake in UK blade company

American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) has acquired a 25% ownership position in Blade Dynamics Ltd, a wind turbine blade designer and manufacturer, for US$8 million.

Solar PV inverter market record broken Solar PV inverter market record broken

According to IMS Research solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter shipments reached 4.9 GW in Q2 2010, growing by 284%.

Vestas falls into loss in Q2 2010

Vestas has seen a €162 million tumble in net profit to a loss of €119m in the second quarter (Q2) of 2010, and downgrades its full year forecast.

Oerlikon Solar sales fall 74% in H1 2010

Oerlikon Solar has reported a fall of 74% in sales to CHF74 million in the first half (H1) of 2010.

Global renewable energy expands rapidly

The global alternative and renewable energy industry expanded “rapidly” over the last year despite the global economic recession impact on worldwide energy demand, according to merger and acquisition (M&A) organisation IMAP Inc.

Ireland could have 300% renewable energy

Ireland’s renewable energy sources have a potential three times the country’s energy requirements.

Sunways net income up 3400% in Q2 2010

Sunways AG has reported a consolidated net income of €3.5 million in the second quarter of 2010, up 3400% from the same period in 2009.

SMA profit up 508% in H1 2010

German inverter company SMA Group has reported a 508% jump in net profits for the first half (H1) of 2010 to €158.2 million.

Q-Cells returns to profit in Q2 2010

Q-Cells reports a net result of €34.7 million in the second quarter (Q2) 2010, compared to a loss of €322.8m in the same quarter last year.

Phoenix Solar’s net income soars in Q2 2010

Phoenix Solar’s net income soared from €1.1 million in the second quarter (Q2) in 2009 to €15.9m in Q2 2010.

UK councils can sell renewable electricity

Local councils around the UK will be allowed to sell renewable electricity to the grid, following an overturn of the ban on this by Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne.

Renewable energy insurance and finance JV

The UK National and renewable energy centre (Narec) and Ashberg Ltd will develop an insurance and finance proposition for the global renewable energy industry under a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Suntech discontinues solar thin-film

Suntech Power is discontinuing the production of amorphous silicon thin-film solar panels.

PNE WIND profit up 22% in H1 2010

PNE WIND AG has reported a 22% increase in first half (H1) profits in 2010 to €6 million.

Fossil fuel subsidies are 12 times support for renewables, study shows

Global subsidies for fossil fuels dwarf support given to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power and biofuels, according to a new report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Renewable energy share rises in the UK

Recent energy statistics from the UK Government show that renewable energy sources’ contribution to the UK’s electricity mix grew 20% in 2009 reaching a share of 6.7%.

Conergy turns loss to profit in Q2 2010

Conergy is reporting a net result of €7.9 million for the second quarter (Q2) 2010, compared to a loss of €31.1m in the same period in 2009.

Centrosolar revenues double in Q2 2010

Centrosolar says its revenues more than doubled to €124 million in the second quarter (Q2) of 2010.

Government partners with Anglo Platinum, Altergy to manufacture fuel cells in South Africa

In South Africa, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) has partnered with Anglo Platinum and Altergy Systems, a US-based fuel cell developer, to establish a new company that will initially market and distribute the latter’s hydrogen PEM fuel cell products, and ultimately manufacture fuel cells for the sub-Saharan African market.