Policy, investment and markets News for December 2010

Policy, investment and markets News Archive

Global solar PV demand reaches 20.4 GW in 2011 Global solar PV demand reaches 20.4 GW in 2011

Global solar photovoltaic (PV) demand could reach 20.4 GW in 2011, according to Solarbuzz.

Industry reactions to UK electricity market reform

Following yesterday’s UK electricity market reform announcement, the renewable energy industry has largely given positive responses, but there are also one or two warnings about the cost for end-customers and potential disruptions.

UK electricity market reform announced

The proposals for reforming the UK electricity market to include more low-carbon and renewable energy have been announced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

SunPower closes €195.2m bond for Italian solar power plant

SunPower Corp has closed its €195.2 million solar bond issuance associated with the company's 44 MW Montalto di Castro solar park in Italy.

Reforming UK electricity market

A consultation to be released later today, suggests ways of reforming the UK electricity market to include more renewable and low-carbon energy.

Getting more renewable energy from Scotland’s utilities

The Scottish Government is looking at how to better exploit Scottish renewable and low-carbon energy sources through the publicly-owned utility Scottish Water.

Czech tax on solar PV revenues Czech tax on solar PV revenues

The Czech Republic has amended its solar photovoltaic (PV) support scheme so that solar PV plants qualifying for a fixed 20-year feed-ion tariff will now have to pay tax on the revenues generated.

UK Localism Bill and renewable energy UK Localism Bill and renewable energy

The UK Localism Bill sets out to return more power to local communities, which could be both positive and negative for renewable energy developments.

COP-16: No solution, but going in the right direction

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) says no solution has yet been reached at the international climate talks at COP-16 in Cancún, Mexico, but that the road ahead is starting to emerge.

Nevis Capital acquires Shetland Wind Power

Private equity firm Nevis Capital has acquired UK small wind turbine installer Shetland Wind Power Ltd in a multi-million pound transaction.

Speeding up support decision for UK renewable energy

Earlier and greater certainty about the level of support available to large-scale renewable electricity projects will be provided under the UK Renewables Obligation from 2013, according to UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry.

Clean and renewable energy sector could attract US$2.3trn by 2020

Private investments in G-20 clean and renewable power projects could total US$2.3 trillion by 2020, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts.

COP-16: Wind power industry wants “urgent progress” in Cancún

Wind power can and must make a significant contribution to saving the climate, according to international wind industry representatives at the Global Wind Energy Council´s (GWEC) ‘Wind Power for a Low Carbon Economy’ conference at COP-16 in Cancún, Mexico.

Conergy sells off French and German wind project business

Conergy AG is selling off its German and French wind development and operating business to an investment fund managed by Impax Asset Management, as part of its programme to refocus on its core solar business.

COP-16: EPIA calls for support for solar PV

The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has presented evidence in support of an accelerated deployment of photovoltaic (PV) solar electricity across the globe to bring clean energy to both the developed and developing world at COP-16 in Cancun.

Suntech sets up 1.2 GW solar PV JV

Suntech is setting up a 1.2 GW capacity solar photovoltaic (PV) joint venture (JV) at its Wuxi campus in China.

UK carbon budget – reduce emissions 60% by 2030

The UK Committee on Climate Change’s 4th carbon budget recommends a 60% cut in emissions relative to 1990 by 2030, and another 62% from then to 2050 to meet targets in the Climate Change Act.

EU to review solar PV exemption from RoHS Directive

The European Commission is set to review the exemption for the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry from the RoHS Directive for dangerous substances.

Energy efficiency and micro renewable generation provider formed

An energy efficiency and micro renewable energy generation company, Anesco, has been set up by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and zouk ventures.

Corrected: Marine energy medal and medal design competition announced

The Scottish Government has announced an annual award under the auspices of the Saltire Prize for marine energy innovation, for contributions to the development of wave and tidal power; the award is to be presented in March 2011.

Renewable energy has strong support from UK young

A report on support for renewable energy among young people in the UK shows that a large majority are positive to renewable energy.

SunPower and E.ON build 3.4 MW solar power in Italy

SunPower Corp will build a 3.4 MW ground-mounted solar power plant in the Lazio region of Italy for E.ON Climate and Renewables Italia Solar Srl.

UK electricity producers caution against EPS

UK electricity producers caution against support for an Emission Performance Standard by Energy and Climate Change Committee.

ROI and funding issues hampers European offshore wind

The offshore wind industry has moved from a niche market to a maturing industry, however securing funding and low returns on investment are major issues for players in this sector, according to KPMG.

German solar PV installations to fall in 2011 German solar PV installations to fall in 2011

The global solar photovoltaic (PV) market is predicted to see double-digit growth in 2011, growing to 19 GW, but the German market is predicted to decline.

Trina Solar’s net income doubles in Q3 2010

Trina Solar has more than doubled its net income to US$82.9 million in the third quarter (Q3) of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.