Policy, investment and markets News for May 2013

Policy, investment and markets News Archive

Ernst & Young: Energy Bill slow progress hinders UK's investment potential

The UK is missing out on a unique opportunity to become the market of choice for investment in renewables in Europe as political infighting delays the Energy Bill becoming a reality, according to the tenth anniversary edition of the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices (RECAI), released by Ernst & Young this week.

Martifer Solar to build Latin America's largest PV plant in Mexico

The Aura Solar I project will quadruple the total PV capacity installed in Mexico.

New university partnership to support industry and government on offshore wind

Three of Scotland’s east coast universities are combining their expertise and experience – and advantage of location – to launch a new institute they say aims to become the recognised global authority on the delivery and implementation of offshore renewable energy.

New report says solar power reduces military costs and boosts security

The US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a first-of-its-kind report detailing how innovative solar technologies are helping the US military meet many of its critical functions – from security and battlefield readiness to cost savings and efficiency.

Australian CEC councerned over renewables budget cuts

Australian industry association Clean Energy Council (CEC) has voiced concerns over the government's move to cut over A$600mn from the state budget for renewable energy projects.

Saint Lucia signs up for the Carbon War Room’s ‘Ten Island Renewable Challenge’

Saint Lucia announced its intention to move towards a clean energy future by becoming the next economy to join Carbon War Room’s Ten Island Challenge, at the Caribbean Conservation Summit held on Necker Island, co-hosted by Sir Richard Branson, the Prime Minister of Grenada, and Premier of the British Virgin Islands.

SEIA says multilateral negotiations key to resolving China trade dispute

Concern is growing within SEIA and in other quarters over the effects of the dispute on the global economy.

Siemens: Europe can save €45bn by optimising renewable energy generation

Siemens – which is hosting six Round Table discussions around the globe to discuss levers for optimising energy systems worldwide – says if regional characteristics were given higher priority when investments were made in renewable energy installations, Europe could save billions of Euros. The European energy system is inefficient to the point of damaging the continent's competitiveness, it adds.

Tocardo and Climex agree to sell tidal energy

Dutch hydropower turbine manufacturer Tocardo Tidal Turbines and carbon credit trading platform Climex have agreed to sell energy generated by Tocardo’s turbines through Climex’s green energy trading platform.

London has lowest solar panel uptake in UK

According to an analysis by environment & engineering consultancy WSP, London has ranked lowest in the UK for uptake of solar panels.

JCM Capital seeks partners for utility-scale solar PV project development in Japan

JCM Capital (JCM) has set up a company in Japan to invest in utility-scale ground based solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.

Institution of Engineering and Technology Seeks World’s Brightest Engineering Innovations

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has launched a worldwide search for the best engineering innovations via its awards programme – the IET Innovation Awards.

Online map of UK hydrogen capabilities Online map of UK hydrogen capabilities

A collaborative British network has launched the first UK Hydrogen Capabilities Online Map. The map showcases the breadth of hydrogen infrastructure and associated activities, and will develop and grow as infrastructure and capability evolves.

European loan for Nepalese hydropower

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has loaned the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal €55 million to build a hydropower plant in the Tanahu District.

DOE launches H2USA public-private partnership to deploy hydrogen infrastructure

The US Department of Energy has launched H2USA, a new public-private partnership focused on advancing hydrogen infrastructure to support more transportation energy options for US consumers, including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Masdar and GIB form investment alliance

The UK Green Investment Bank plc (GIB) and Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s state-backed renewable energy company, are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to explore project investment opportunities in the UK’s clean energy sector.