Policy, investment and markets News for August 2011

Policy, investment and markets News Archive

US solar industry saw US$1.9bn net export in 2010

The US solar industry achieved a positive trade flow of US$1.9 billion globally in 2010, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association's (SEIA) and GTM Research’s U.S. Solar Energy Trade Assessment 2011.

Chinese rooftop solar PV could reach 3 GW by 2015

China is expected to set a target of 3 GW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity by 2015 and 25 GW by 2020 according to media reports.

US: 24 governors wants Obama to focus on wind energy

A coalition of 24 governors from both major parties and each region of the USA wants President Obama to provide better conditions for wind power developments.

UN prioritises clean and renewable energy

Providing renewable energy to the 1.4 billion people living without electricity is the No. 1 priority of the United Nations, says UN's Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

UK wind generation up 131.1% in Q2 2011

UK wind generation more than doubled in the second quarter (Q2) of 2011, rising 131.1%, compared to the same period last year.

Deutsche Bahn goes for renewable energy

German rail company Deutsche Bahn (DB) is increasing its use of renewable energy such as wind power as it aims to become CO2 free by 2050.

Japan one step closer to renewable energy bill

Japan's lower house of parliament has passed a bill to subsidise renewable energy generation.

US biodiesel production fuelled by tax incentive

US biodiesel production in the first half of 2011 has already surpassed the total for 2010, spurred by Congress' reinstatement of the biofuel tax incentive.

UK invests £4.5m in supply chain and innovations

The UK's Technology Strategy Board is investing up to £4.5 million in collaborative research and development to encourage industrial end-users to work with supply chains and innovators to create new products and services for a sustainable economy.

Trina Solar and Origin Energy cooperate on solar PV

Trina Solar Australia Pty Ltd has entered into a strategic partnership for solar photovoltaics (PV) with Australian energy company Origin Energy Australia.

Solar CIGS partnership between Ascent and TFG Radiant

Ascent Solar of Colorado, USA, and China's TFG Radian Group have entered a US$450 million long-term strategic partnership for copper indium gallium diselendie (CIGS) solar photovoltaic (PV) production in East Asia.

Italy overtakes Germany as world's largest solar PV market Italy overtakes Germany as world's largest solar PV market

Italy could overtake Germany as the world's largest solar photovoltaic (PV) market, according to analyst SolarPlaza.

Investors favour flexible feedstock renewable fuel start-ups

Investment in renewable fuel start-ups with flexible feedstock or diverse end products reached an all-time high of US$698 million in 2010, according to Lux Research.

Semiconductor and solar PV merger one step closer

The merger between Applied Materials and Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, a provider of ion implantation equipment for semiconductor chips and solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, is one step closer to finalisation.

SN Power takes over Enerpar in Brazil

Hydropower development company SN Power has bought Energias do Paraná Ltda (Enerpar) from Norske Skog Group for BRL120 million (~US$70m).

Evergreen Solar files for bankruptcy

Solar cell manufacturer Evergreen Solar has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the US Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Saint-Gobain buys Solar Gard

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation is buying solar and other speciality films manufacturer Solar Gard Speciality Firms from Bekaert.

Chinese feed-in tariff has potential, but details lacking

The Chinese feed-in tariff could give a major boost to the solar industry increasing installations by a combined 1.5 GW in 2011 and 2012, but the devil is in the details, says IHS iSuppli.

EU complains to WTO about Canadian feed-in tariff

The EU has complained to the World Trade Organization (WTO) about the requirement of a certain share of renewable energy equipment and services to be sourced locally under the Ontario feed-in tariff.

Bangchak Petroleum spends £247m on solar power

Three solar power projects in Thailand are being planned, with a total capacity of 118 MW

India rejects two solar PV plants

The Indian government has rejected two of 37 solar projects awarded in its first national renewable auction, but has accepted a number of solar thermal plants.

UK biomass sector gets double boost

Two new Drax biomass stations in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire have been given the go ahead.

US clean energy investment strong in Q2

Solar thermal projects in the US have attracted billions of dollars in the second quarter of 2011.

Octopus seeks solar investors

Octopus Investments is hoping to make further investment in renewable energy with funding from some of its lower risk, capital preservation-focused investments. 

China sets unified first solar feed-in tariffs

The rates are higher than those proposed by many solar power developers in the country.

Canada’s renewable energy programme will not be renewed

The Canadian government has refused to commit new funding to a CAD$1.4 billion programme to fund renewable energy projects, according to Bloomberg.

Gamesa posts €1,297m revenue for 1H 2011

The wind turbine manufacturer credits internationalisation and efficiency for increases in its income and revenue.

South Africa launches renewable energy programme

South Africa’s news 20-year plan calls for 42% of new energy generation capacity to come from renewable sources.

SunPower and Citi finance residential solar lease projects

SunPower and Citi have set up a US$105 million fund for residential solar leasing projects in 8 US states.

Veeco exits CIGS solar energy business

Veeco has announced it will end manufacture of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar systems as it posts Q2 2011 financial results.

GM invests in solar power developer Sunlogics

General Motors Ventures has made a US$7.5 million equity investment into Sunlogics and signed commercial agreements with the solar developer.

NextEra Energy posts rise in income

NextEra Energy Resources will continue to develop its wind energy portfolio as it announces its second quarter results.