PES - Power and Energy Solutions � News

Worlds largest solar energy project shines in California

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Solar power history will be made in Southern California, after it was announced that Southern California Edison and Israeli firm, BrightSource Energy, have signed the world's largest solar energy deal.

Now awaiting approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (this could happen by as early as 2013), the Israeli-California sun project will power almost one million California homes.

Global investments in renewable energy initiatives exceed 160 billion Euros

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Governments around the world have committed more than €160 billion to support renewable energy initiatives despite the economic downturn, according to a Deutsche Bank analysis.

Europe, Asia and the US share key investment themes in solar and wind industries, smart grids, electric and hybrid cars, energy efficient buildings and advanced lighting. In addition, 250 new policies or regulations have been created across the world to support green energy and climate change mitigation since July 2008, the analysis said.

Solar panel prices to fall by up to 40 per cent in 09

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The price of solar panels could fall by as much as 40 per cent by the end of the year as huge increases in polysilicon supplies lead to a sizable fall in production costs for solar panel manufacturers.

Industry analyst New Energy Finance reported that polysilicon prices hit a peak of $400 per kilogram last summer, but as investments to increase capacity have come online, prices have dipped to between $30 and $40 per kilogram and experts are agreed they are likely to carry on dropping.

Report reveals Tokyo electric plan to build solar plant in California

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Tokyo Electric Power Co. will build a solar power plant in the state of California through its subsidiary Eurus Energy Holdings Corp., according to a recent report. The company apparently plans to begin operations at the 1000 kilowatt plant by 2010 on a site yet to be selected, the Nikkei business daily reported.

WSI now predicting wind for clean energy traders

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

WSI Corp., an Andover-based company behind much of the public weather-prediction data viewed by millions of people every day, has entered into the alternative energy industry with a new product aimed at predicting not just the fluctuations in the wind, but the effect of those fluctuations on wind power.

WSI WindCast, which was launched last week, is not the company's first venture into energy trading - it has long offered detailed weather-prediction data used by commodity traders in areas like natural gas and electricity - but it is the company's first product aimed specifically at alternative energy trading, a growing segment of the nation's energy portfolio.

Space solar power within a decade?

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The notion of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) is not new. There has long been talk of 24-hour-a-day solar power beamed from space via microwave to any point on earth. However, a new company named Space Energy, Inc. believes it well placed to develop SBSP satellites to generate and transmit electricity to receivers on the Earth's surface. To do this, the company plans to create and launch a prototype satellite into low earth orbit (LEO).

There's only one hitch: this concept is based on as yet unproven technology.

US Short on capacity to fully exploit wind and solar

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The US has inadequate transmission capacity to carry the energy that wind and solar power projects could produce, according to a report by two renewable-energy groups.

The wind power projects waiting to be linked to transmission lines could supply 20 percent of the nation's electricity needs, according to the report issued by the Solar Energy Industries Association and the American Wind Energy Association.

Fool's Gold could cut cost of solar power

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Scientists at Berkeley University (USA) have this week released research revealing that alternative raw materials, such as iron pyrite - or Fool's Gold - could offer a far cheaper alternative to silicon for solar panel manufacturers.

The rapid growth of the global solar market has been repeatedly hampered by shortages of silicon, which is used to make the semiconductors found in many solar panels. But now Berkeley researchers have identified 23 promising semiconductors that could be used as an effective alternative. They concluded that 12 of the alternatives are more abundant than silicon, while nine would be cheaper to manufacture.

UK to establish renewable technology benchmark with first awards from GBP 1.1 billion fund

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Four innovative projects capable of putting Britain at the forefront of international efforts to develop renewable energy have become the first initiatives to benefit from a potential £1.1billion fund established to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The projects were awarded money by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI), a unique public-private partnership between global industries and the UK Government set up to help meet UK CO2 targets and develop the infrastructure capable of delivering cleaner, affordable and secure energy on a mass scale.

Welsh wind power 'not hitting target'

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The Welsh Assembly Government has "little hope" of hitting its 2010 renewable energy target, claims a leading British environment spokesman. Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates said there was a "stifling lack of progress", especially in wind farm development.

The assembly government has pledged that it will increase green energy by 10% by 2010. It said £6.5bn worth of renewable energy projects were either planned or underway in Wales.

Global business groups claim climate deal 'possible'

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Business organisations from across the world, including Europe, the United States, China, India and Brazil, have voiced their support for a global climate change agreement at this year's UN meeting in Copenhagen.

"Business is committed to supporting a successful outcome at the COP15 in Copenhagen, which we believe is possible in spite of the economic downturn," read a joint statement from the climate change roundtable of business representatives, adopted in Copenhagen on 17-18 February.

Green recruitment: expanding through the downturn

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The current economic climate has led to a gloomy few months for the recruitment industry but the green job sector has so far remained strong. This week, leading green recruitment firm Acre Resources reported that it has seen the UK climate change job market grow by over 50% in the last year as companies start to take action to reduce their impact.

Euro banks still back investments in renewable energy projects

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The credit crunch is starting to make an impact on smaller European green energy projects, but cash-rich utilities and the bigger lending institutions will continue to get deals done, green power experts say. "The main problem for the smaller developers is the short-term freeze on lending," said Christian Kjaer of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), adding that the credit crunch could lead to consolidation in the sector.

Solar tool ensures safety in the face of strong winds

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Developers from DEGERenergie have created a so-called design tool which planners and operators of solar plants can use to safeguard against storm damage - providing a standard of safety that is currently not demanded by legislators or insurance companies. Tracking systems from the company increase the energy yield of photovoltaic systems by up to 45 percent.

Cities could become the new power plants

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

An embryonic movement is growing in Europe to build "smart cities" that will challenge the status quo. Such cities would become self-contained units, their buildings gleaning energy from the powerful weather systems sweeping across their roofs and feeding it down to homes below and vehicles in the streets. Electric cars in the garages would double as battery packs for when energy supplies are scarce. And every scrap of waste food, garden trimmings and sewage would be used to ferment gas.

Scottish offshore wind farm sites set out

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Plans to build 10 wind farms off the coast of Scotland moved a step forward this week, after Britain's Crown Estate gave companies the green light to explore the sites.

Scottish Power and E.ON are among the nine firms to be awarded "exclusivity agreements" for locations which include the Solway Firth and Wigtown Bay. This will allow wind developers to begin surveying the sites while a government environmental assessment is conducted.

New database to revolutionise offshore site analysis

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A new piece of software is set to revolutionise how sites for offshore wind energy are selected, by providing accurate data on wind speed and direction for the first time.

The Offshore Wind Speed Database, which has been developed by the UK's leading renewable energy and environmental consultancy, Atmos Consulting, will provide accurate, site-specific data for the last 20 years on potential offshore sites. The new tool is already being utilised by a top international utility company, currently bidding for UK Round 3 offshore wind development zones.

3M Forms renewable energy division

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

One of the world's largest manufacturing companies has formed a renewable-energy division to increase its presence in the growing solar and other alternative-energy markets and offset pressures on its other businesses.

While traditional businesses are being crippled by the economic downturn, the overall solar market is growing. 3M Chief Executive George W. Buckley said last September that the solar market is forecast to grow to $50 billion in 2012, from $20 billion in 2008. Solar "is really just a quite massive opportunity for 3M," Buckley told investors.

EU Parliament backs new renewables goals

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A summit regarding Europe's future energy policy last week has seen MEPs backing proposals for new EU targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% before 2050. And, the meetings of the full EU Parliament in Strasbourg saw support for a 60% renewable energy target.

Swden lifts ban on nuclear power and boosts renewables

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The Swedish government heralded a dramatic change in power generation, when it gave the green light to new nuclear reactors last week.

Plans have been announced to overturn a near 30-year ban on atomic plants as part of a new drive to increase energy security and combat global warming. Ministers said they would present a bill next month which would allow the construction of nuclear reactors on existing sites and introduce a new carbon tax as part of a programme to cut carbon emissions by 40% on 1990 levels by 2020.

UK offshore wind project in doubt

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The UK has the capacity for up to 7,000 more offshore wind turbines, according to a government study, but observers say this potential may not be realised.

The UK Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment, published last week, concluded that there is scope for between 5,000 and 7,000 more offshore wind turbines in British waters, more than enough to meet the electricity demands of all the country's homes.

E.ON believes industrial standards and strong partnerships are essential

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

E.ON believes industrial standards and strong partnerships are essential to deliver ambitious renewable growth

Dr. Frank Mastiaux, CEO of E.ON's renewable energy business, has recently outlined the massive potential of working in partnership across industry and government to ensure wind energy grows at the ambitious rate required to meet worldwide targets.

3S Industries AG develops new soldering technology

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

3S Industries AG develops new soldering technology to connect the cells for Solar Impulse

Engineers from all fields are working together on the first prototype of the solar airplane planned to fly night and day with no fuel and zero polluting emissions. Important know-how for the solar propulsion system is being supplied by 3S Industries AG and solar module experts from the Swiss group of companies have developed a new, particularly high-value technology for connection of the plane's solar cells. From that technology, a new product has already evolved for the manufacturers of solar modules.

Investment must triple to save the planet

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Clean energy investment needs to more than triple to US$515 billion a year to prevent planet-warming emissions reaching levels deemed unsustainable by scientists, the World Economic Forum (WEF) said in a report last week.

Scientists develop spray-on solar

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Inspired by the beauty industry, scientists have devised a way to make solar panels cheaper and more efficient - by spraying them on. Researchers from the Australian National University (ANU), solar company Spark Solar Australia, and Finnish materials company Braggone Oy are collaborating on a three-year project that could transform the production of solar cells.

Tax credits fuel boom

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

According to research done by The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), in 2008, over 5,000 megawatts of new photovoltaic and concentrating solar power projects were announced, and with the eight-year extension of the US federal investment tax credit (ITC), the market is expected to grow significantly.

Cost of solar power could fall 40% by 2015

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Technological advances are driving down photovoltaic panel prices by as much as 10% each year, Dutch sustainable energy provider Econcern recently announced. The company claimed that system prices are decreasing by 7% to 10% a year as a result of technological innovation and increased production capacity.

Degerenergie announces key role in world future energy summit 2009

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

DEGERenergie (www.DEGERenergie.com), global market leader in the field of tracking systems for solar plants, is actively participating in the World Future Energy Summit 2009 in Abu Dhabi. The summit is considered a major event worldwide for eco-friendly technologies and renewable energies. Tracking systems from DEGERenergie increase the energy yield of photovoltaic systems by up to 45 percent.

One millions wind power jobs by 2010

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

One million people will be employed in the world wind-power industry by the end of the decade, despite the impact of the financial crisis, it was forecast this week.

Despite predictions that the world would need to install one new turbine every 30 minutes to reach global renewables targets, energy experts maintain that the sector had enjoyed a near 30% annual growth rate in 2008 and was heading for further success.

Somont: 14.5 million euro order from REC

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Somont, a 100% subsidiary of 3S Industries AG, has received from the Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC) an order for delivery of its "RAPID" automatic string soldering systems. The machines with a total value of 14.5 million Euros will be delivered to Singapore where REC is setting up a new, world class, integrated photovoltaic production facility.

Green energy hopes for Obama bounce

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

While many small businesses struggle with tight credit and declining sales, one fledgling industry is experiencing a boom in investment and sales growth: renewable energy. Alternative-energy firms are reporting an influx of enquiries and business from a wide range of companies looking to increase their energy efficiency - especially from those that believe the Obama administration will impose stricter regulations requiring them to conserve energy.

Renewable energy awards open for 2009

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Faversham House Group, the organiser of Sustainabilitylive!, has opened The Environment and Energy Awards 2009 for entries, with two awards specifically aimed at the renewables industry.

Austrian government "putting important legislation on renewable energy at risk"

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Prior to the recent European Summit, the Austrian Government seemed to question the Austrian national objective of 34 % of renewable energy share in final energy consumption by 2020 and put at question the agreement on the RES Directive reached by the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

EBRD, IFC boost support for renewables in Bulgaria

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The EBRD and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, are supporting the development of sustainable energy sources in Bulgaria, providing €198 million in loans to construct a 156-megawatt wind farm that will help the country promote clean energy and reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.

European demand for oil must be reduced by over 50% by 2050

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The EESC - the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee of the European Parliament - has called for a massive reduction of oil demand in Europe year by year over the next 40 years. The objective is to reduce demand by more than 50% by 2050.

Suntech crosses 1gw milestone

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Chinese solar panel maker, Suntech Power Holdings, has crossed the all-important milestone of being able to produce 1 gigawatt of solar panels a year. The company celebrated the accomplishment last week, along with the opening of a new headquarters in the city of Wuxi that comes with 1-megawatt solar panels built into building's facade in addition to a host of energy-efficiency features.

Renewables set to ease economy woes

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A surge in investment in the renewable energy sector is expected to help Scotland through the economic difficulties expected in 2009, according to the Scottish Government. Over the past 18 months, around £1bn worth of projects have been announced, with 17 projects since May 2007. Another 31 are currently under consideration, including seven new hydro and wave power proposals.

Scottish marine renewables firm secures 100 million pounds of contracts

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Aberdeen-based Subocean Ltd is poised to make waves with the announcement that its renewable energy contracts awards topped £100 million in 2008. This makes the company one of the largest providers to the marine renewable sector in Scotland.

These contract wins confirm that Subocean has successfully transferred its oil and gas and subsea construction expertise into the offshore renewables market.

Call for smarter grids to ensure EU climate goals

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Upgrading the current European electricity grid with smarter technologies is key to overcoming the infrastructure challenges presented by the EU's energy and climate package, a foremost supplier of power generation technologies has recently announced.

In Brussels last week, GE Energy's Keith Redfearn (responsible for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India)

Portuguese wind group pushes farther into united states

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Horizon Wind Energy, owned by EDP Renovaveis, the fourth largest wind energy producer in the world, has announced the commercial operation of three further wind farms in the US. The three farms commissioned over 500 megawatts (MW) in December of last year.

The 201 MW Meridian Way Wind Farm, situated in north central Kansas in Cloud County,

International consensus:

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Time to stop haggling and agree on carbon 'Fair share'.

Global research results released last week by the HSBC Climate Partnership reveal that consumers want governments to stop haggling on carbon concessions and act.

The economic situation has not dampened enthusiasm for government action. Forty three per cent of people chose climate change ahead of the global economy when asked about their current concerns, despite the turmoil in the financial markets taking place at the time.

New dates for Husum 2010

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In agreement with other trade fair organisers, Messe Husum has decided to postpone the 12th Husum WindEnergy, which was scheduled to be held from 7 to 11 September 2010, by two weeks. Therefore, the internationally leading trade fair of the wind energy industry will take place from 21 to 25 September 2010.

New investment group launched to exploit environmental economic growth

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Stanley Fink, the driver behind Man Group's growth to become the world's largest hedge fund group, has announced the formation of Earth Capital Partners LLP (ECP), a new business with a specialist focus on environmental investment.

"Our objective will be to deliver attractive returns by investing in projects,

EU Leaders agree new climate deal

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

European Union leaders have reached a deal on a package of measures to fight global warming. The plan, agreed at the recent Brussels summit, sets out how 27 member-countries will cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2020, compared with 1990 levels.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the summit chairman, announced that "quite historic" had happened in Brussels.

Steady growth for Degerenergie in 2008

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Over the past year, DEGERenergie GmbH, Schopfloch, has set standards and established itself as global market leader with the technical finesse, innovative ideas and ongoing developments of its patented DEGERconecter controlled tracking systems.

Italian demand for green energy prompts massive investment

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A consortium of manufacturers is to invest almost $3 billion in Italian solar power ventures.

Japan's Sharp Corp, Italy's Enel SpA and a third manufacturer hope to tap growing demand for cleaner energy.

Catholic church leads the way on climate change action

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Vatican, the world's smallest sovereign state, has stepped up its fight against global warming by installing a huge rooftop solar energy system.

More than 2,000 photovoltaic panels have been fixed to the roof of one of the city state's main buildings, enabling the Holy See to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by about 225 tonnes a year, saving the equivalent of 80 tonnes of oil annually.

Wind farm puts Wales ahead of UK renewables game

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Wales's plan to become the UK's renewable energy leader has moved closer to reality with the granting of permission for a wind farm of its north coast.

The 750MW Gwynt y Môr wind farm, when finished in 2014, will be the second largest in the world.

The farm, to be built by the energy company nPower Renewables, will be eight miles off the coast of north Wales and, at maximum capacity,

Billion dollar deal blows good news into Spain

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A multi-billion dollar deal has been reached in Spain to provide wind energy technology to Spanish power utility Iberdrola

Gamesa SA concluded the deal with Iberdrola Renovables SA to provide turbines and accessories.
The agreement is the largest-ever wind-power deal, Iberdrola Renovables said.

UK government's climate change advisors applaud CCS

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The UK government's latest approach to tackling climate change has been welcomed by the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA).

In a report, the government's Committee on Climate Change recommends the rapid development of carbon capture and storage technology as one of the cornerstones of meeting the target for an 80 per cent reduction in UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Spanish storm spurs turbines into overdrive

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Wind power supplied a record 43 percent of all electricity demand in rain and wind-lashed Spain for a brief period on November 23.

Spanish wind farms generated 9,253 megawatts of the total demand of 21,264 megawatts at around 5 am, a moment when energy usage was low because most Spaniards were still asleep.

Wind campaign launched at climate talks

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Wind energy could be supplying 12 per cent of the world's energy needs and saving 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 a year by 2020.

The claim has been made by a coalition of wind energy companies, associations and NGOs determined to find practical solutions to climate change.

Greening China with UK low-carbon business

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

UK Trade Minister Gareth Thomas has encouraged low-carbon tech business leaders to spark new waves of investment opportunities in China.

The Minister has endorsing the ideas coming out of China for the creation of Low Carbon Development Zones; Chinese cities and regions acting as pilots for policies to invigorate the large scale economic transformation required for a low carbon future.

Solar energy supersearch facility unveiled in Milan

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A new ‘Solar Totem Tracker', which makes it possible to track the progress of the sun and direct light to PV panels, has been unveiled in Italy.

Enerqos plc, a leading photovoltaic system and solar power plant construction company and ESP, which designs and construction of metal structures for the photovoltaic sector, showcased their tracker at the recent PVTech 2008 exhibition in Milan.

EU adopts Budapest renewable energy declaration

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The EU has agreed to adopt the Declaration of Budapest which will address wide ranging plans for renewable energy.

The 8th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM8) organised by EUFORES - the European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources -

Ecosystem 'at risk' from wind farm revolution

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Wind farms could be having a radical impact on North Sea wildlife, a new study warns.

There are currently 167 operational wind turbines off the North Coast, with another 14 under construction, as part of the UK Government's drive for renewable energy sources.

The first of 60 giant wind turbines has just gone up in the Solway off the Maryport coast and permission has just been granted for a new offshore wind farm off the Cumbria coast, west of Duddon Sands.

Power returns to former coalfields in renewable energy plan

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A UK partnership plans to turn more than a dozen former coal mine sites into renewable power plants, putting up wind turbines to generate up to 133 megawatts (MW) of power.

In the deal, the Peel Company and UK Coal are looking at 14 former coal mining sites for the construction of 54 wind turbines.

Boost for troubled wind turbine maker

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Spanish wind turbine maker Gamesa has received a €175-million order from energy group Endesa.

Gamesa will supply the Spanish group with about 100 wind turbines generators, amounting to the installation of 190 megawatts of power.

Warm welcome for UK's new feed in tariff

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The renewables industry in the UK has welcomed new legislation included in the Energy Bill to introduce a feed-in-tariff.

In the House of Commons debate MPs also agreed to introduce a Renewable Heat Incentive, although no clear timetable was agreed. Biogas received a boost from the heat incentive clause, as it entitles producers of renewable biogas injected into the gas network to tariff payments.

PV markets in good health, new report claims

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The global growth rates for the PV market are showing excellent health, according to a new study by Bank Sarasin.

The report forecasts average global growth rates of 48 per cent for the sector up to 2012, with the global market volume of newly installed PV systems rising from 4 gigawatts in 2008 to 125 gigawatts in 2020.

Euro energy report calls for more turbines

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Europe should erect more wind turbines, a new report into energy in the bloc has said.

A draft of the EU's Second Strategic Energy Review, says planning will start for a new power grid linking offshore wind turbines in the North Sea and for bolstering imports of liquefied natural gas.

Gore urges Obama to set 'drastic' renewables targets

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Former US vice-president turned environmental guru Al Gore says Barack Obama should set drastic targets to force the US to switch to renewable energy in an effort to slow down climate change.

Gore said that one of Obama's first acts as US president should be to demand a move to 100 per cent renewable energy within 10 years.

New turbines provide power across Ireland

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Irish energy company Energia has taken delivery of 61 megawatts of wind power from two major new turbine facilities in counties Cork and Kerry.

The company will harness the wind for onward supply to its renewable energy customers throughout Ireland. Energia supplies 25 per cent of the business electricity market on an all-island basis with more than 40,000 customers.

Huge boost needed for low-carbon tech, says CBI

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The UK government must massively increase its investment in low-carbon technologies if it wants the county to meet its climate change goals, according to business leaders.

In a report, the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) argues that there is a "lack of ambition in the UK" for the new technology and that an increased focus is crucial for the country to reduce carbon emissions by the target of 80 per cent by 2050.

New product line aims for PV efficiency

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A new line of PV products from Rohm and Haas is set to help increase solar cell efficiency across Europe.

Enlight photovoltaic products use innovative materials to improve the efficiency of solar cells, enhancing their ability to convert the sun's light into electrical energy. The company's technology also helps solar cell manufacturers more quickly produce their products.

UK shares wind energy knowledge with Taiwan

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

British wind power experts have been sharing their expertise with Taiwanese counterparts at a seminar in Taipei held by the British Trade and Cultural Office (BTCO).

Led by Richard Brooks, head of Business Development of the Renewable Deployment Team of Britain's Department of Energy and Climate Change, a U.K. delegation comprised of 16 experts from nine companies and three universities delivered presentations at the seminar about U.K. expertise in the offshore wind power sector.

Climate change laws 'must press ahead' says EU chief

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The EU Commissioner for Energy has said that its proposed climate and energy legislative package should be moved forward despite the current global financial crisis.

Andris Piebalgs, EU Commissioner for Energy, told attendees at the Cercle Royal Gaulois energy conference in Brussels that it is ‘completely irresponsible' for politicians to postpone adopting the package since problems associated with unchecked climate change will intensify with each passing year.

Sharp to bring thin film solar cells to US

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Sharp Corp, one of the world's biggest makers of silicon-based solar cells, will introduce next generation thin film solar cells in the U.S. market in August next year.

The lower cost of thin film solar is seen by Sharp and its competitors as the best way to create utility-scale solar panel arrays because they can produce power cheaper than traditional photovoltaic panels.

Barack 'bounce' sends green energy stocks skyward

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The bounce that the election of Barack Obama has brought to America was reflected in a soar in the price of green energy stocks.

Solar Integrated Technologies rose by 30 per cent the day after the election, following increases of 22 per cent by Renewable Energy Corporation and 16 per cent by the wind turbine maker Vestas in the 24 hours before, when they were helped upwards by oil prices returning to above $70 a barrel.

Curbing emissions will be 'difficult', say Chinese

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Chinese government has warned of the difficulty of curbing growing greenhouse gas emissions in the foreseeable future.

Beijing has said it wants to combat climate change yet ensure China's economic take-off is unimpeded, and a recent government white paper on climate change reflects the uneasy fit between those imperatives.

PES magazine pleased to partner major wind gathering

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Power and Energy Solutions (PES) magazine has been named as an official partner for the European Wind Energy Conference in Marseille, France, next year.

The event, which will be held in March, is the biggest gathering of wind energy experts and commentators from Europe and beyond and it provides an opportunity to discover the latest developments in the sector, network and generate new business.

Manufacturers put wind in sails of renewables industry

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Nine UK manufacturers are ready to blow away the competition to gain new business in wind energy and other fast growing renewable energy sectors.

As part of an Envirolink business improvement project funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and central government, the companies have energised their own people and performance to compete more effectively in this fast growing market.

Former landfill is used to produce solar energy

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

German company DEGERenergie has just opened its third solar park on a former landfill site.

The new park, in Rexingen, Kreis Freudenstadt, joins established parks in Heiligenfeld and Oberiflingen. Enough power will be generated to cover the energy needs of the entire town.

Top honours for turbine-drives firm

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Power conversion specialists Converteam have taken top honours at an awards ceremony which recognised their work in the wind turbine field.

The UK-based company, which makes a leading range of drives, including the MV3000, widely used in the most advanced wind turbines, came first in the World Class Manufacturing category at the Manufacturer 2008 Live awards.

Middle East looks west for wind investment

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

No strangers to lucrative means of producing energy, the money men of the Middle East are now looking towards the renewables sector for cleaner ways of making a profit.

A company based in Abu Dhabi has bought a 20 per cent stake in London Array offshore wind farm, which is set to be one of the largest in the world.

Glory days of steam are back for Siemens

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Industrial giant Siemens Energy is to supply a steam turbine for one of the world's first commercial solar tower power plants.

The Spanish company Sener will build the innovative solar thermal power plant with a capacity of 19 megawatts (MW) at a site near Seville in Andalusia.

Insurance hike fear for renewable sector

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Insurance premiums for renewable energy projects look set to rise by up to 10 per cent over the next two years, as a direct result of the current economic crisis.

Specialist renewable energy insurer GCube has announced that it has secured an increased underwriting capacity to cover business up to a value of $800 million (£463 million).

Queen goes green for wind power plan

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

No less a personage than the Queen of England has stepped into the renewables debate by promising to invest in wind power projects in the deep waters off Britain.

The Crown Estate, which is the holder of the Queen's property, says it will pay up to half of all pre-construction development costs for companies wanting to build wind farms in the North Sea.

Wine growers turn to solar wattage for hopes of vintage harvest

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

High efficiency PV panels are to be installed on the roof of a Californian warehouse to create one of the world's largest solar projects at a winery.

The 1.2 megawatt solar system installation at Constellation Wines US' Gonzales Winery in Monterey County, will cover approximately 170,000 square feet of the main winery warehouse roof, and will provide about 50 percent of the winery's total energy requirements.

Ireland's natural resources vital to in fight to slash emissions

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Harnessing Ireland's offshore wind and wave energy is vital to help the country to slash its carbon emissions by 2020, a new parliamentary committee has said.

The Dail's Committee on Climate Change, which was established a year ago,

Recession 'will not dent' UK's renewables commitment

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A commitment to Britain's climate change agenda has been made despite fears of a severe downturn in the world economy.

The UK's new energy and climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, said many of the new jobs of the future will be green jobs,

EPIA organises its first international Thin Film Conference

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

EPIA organises its first international Thin Film Conference

More than 300 experts from the thin film sector are expected to gather in Munich on November 13 for the first European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) International Thin Film Conference.

Don't undermine support for wind power, trade body warns EU

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A warning not to undermine EU support for renewables has been sounded by a wind energy trade body in a letter to a French minister.

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has expressed its concern about a proposed ‘review clause'

Delays and doubts curbing Italy's solar potential

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Excessive bureaucracy and long waits to connect plants to the grid is slowing down the potential for enormous growth in Italy's solar energy market.

Although the country is a solar power hot spot, with 17,000 plants tapping its plentiful sunlight, approval for such plants can drag very slowly, taking months of painstaking decision-making.

Euro blow dealt to plans for coal-fired power

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Euro MPs have dealt a blow to plans for a new generation of coal-fired power stations after voting for tough curbs to reduce their emissions.

The MEPs want to force energy companies to fit expensive equipment to trap the emissions, the limit of which is the same as that set by California - 500 grams of CO2 per kilowatt/hour. Anti-coal campaigners in the US claim this has effectively outlawed coal power being sold to the state.

Wind farm impact on birds minimal, new report says

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Fears that wildlife, particularly birds, is affected by wind farms have been allayed in a new study which shows that turbines have little impact on them.

"This should be welcome news for nature conservationists, wind energy companies and policy-makers",

Cut fossil fuels in 20 years, UK told

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

An end to the use of fossil fuels needs to happen in the UK within 20 years, the government's climate change watchdog has warned.

The independent Climate Change Committee also says the government should set a 2050 target of cutting all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 per cent - including those from aviation and transport, which were previously excluded.

Businesses 'missing out' on energy cost savings

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Almost all businesses in the UK are unaware of an incentive scheme to help improve energy efficiency, according to new industry research.

The survey involving 1,300 businesses across offices, retail and leisure, conducted by Daikin UK, revealed that 92 per cent companies are currently unaware of the Government's Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme set up to aid investment in modern energy efficient technology.

China 'should act now' on climate change, says top Beijing official

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A senior Chinese climate change advisor has broken ranks to criticise his country's stance on global warming as its economy develops.

Hu Angang, a public policy professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing, has urged China to act on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, even as the government says it should not assume international obligations to curb carbon dioxide and other pollutants stoking global warming.

Renewables results in UK regions

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A government survey of energy trends in the UK has revealed that Scotland generates twice as much wind energy as England.

The quarterly survey, published by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform throws up a number of interesting statistics in relation to renewables in the UK.

Wind farm offer bucks shares trend

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Shares in a Scottish wind farm have exceeded market expectations, raising more than £1.25 million of investment.

The Great Glen Wind Farm Co-op share offer closed recently, and delighted investors by surpassing its target by more than five times. The scheme is being run by Energy4All, a not-for-profit company set up to spearhead community-owned renewable energy schemes.

Internet giant gets in on renewables act

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Search engine leader Google has outlined a plan for the United States to cut its reliance on fossil fuels by 2030.

The California-based company has called for a big push in wind, solar and geothermal power to largely replace fossil fuels. Hybrid and electric cars would also get a major boost.

World bank gives US$2.7b for renewable energy

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The World Bank Group's funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency programmes has increased by a massive 87% in the last year, it has recently been revealed. A statement by the Bank said $2.7b was used to fund renewable energy and energy efficiency commitments for the year ending 30 June 2008.

Energise change for power energy solutions

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Only central government commitment to renewable energy adoption will prevent a UK-wide energy crisis, a top managements consultant has said.

David Hughes, utilities practice director at ABeam Consulting, said the skyrocketing price of oil means it is 'not feasible' to rely on fossil fuels in the long term.

Credit crunch shortfall warning for renewables

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Senior bankers have warned the renewable energy sector of a €21 billion shortfall in debt finance by 2020 following the credit crisis and a brake on lending.

European wind and solar power projects drew 18 billion euros investment in 2007 and needed about 85 billion euros annually by 2020 to meet EU targets, said Tanja Cuppen, a renewable investing executive at Rabobank.

Agreement on PV demand levels for the next decade

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Photovoltaic energy could provide 12% of European electricity demand by 2020, a conference has heard.

More than 4,000 scientists and 750 companies gathered in Valencia recently to present significant innovations in the field of solar photovoltaic energy to EPIA, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association.

Support pledged for expanded UK nuclear industry

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Despite calls for more investment in renewables and clean energy, UK business minister John Hutton has pledged ‘maximum support' for new nuclear power stations in the UK.

At the first meeting of the Government's new Nuclear Development Forum Mr Hutton said that energy from new nuclear generators is indispensable for keeping the UK's lights on, reducing dependency on foreign oil and gas, and cutting carbon emissions.

Wind not cars will use most steel claims MEP

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The European wind power industry could replace the automotive sector as the biggest user of steel by 2020, a Green MEP has claimed.

Luxemburg MEP Claude Turmes, who helped a report calling for massive investment in renewables reach almost unanimous backing by the industry committee of the European Parliament, said the legislation would lead to massive growth of the renewables industry.

Finns agree to massive wind farm expansion

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Finland is the latest country to approve the development for wind farm parks in key catchment areas close to coastlines and the sea.

The Finnish Government has agreed to build a number of wind power plants over the next ten years with the aim of generating about 2000 megawatts of wind power by 2020. In principle about 1,000 wind turbines would be needed to produce that much power.

UK CO2 reduction buyout 'appalling' says scientist

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A plan by the British government to buy its way out of half its CO2 reduction targets weakens efforts to reverse climate change, a top scientist has claimed.

Dr Keith Allott, head of the WWF-UK's climate change programme, said a leaked report which suggested EU nations should be allowed to trade away 50 per cent of their emissions was ‘appalling'.

UK task force announced

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A plan to create a government office to give a leg-up to the UK's renewables industry has been welcomed by the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA).

Secretary of State John Hutton has announced a proposed Office for Renewable Energy Deployment. The office, which should be up and running in the spring of 2009, pending the outcome of the Renewable Energy Strategy consultation, will address 'barriers to renewables deployment including helping to develop the UK supply chain'.

EU a 'world leader' in climate change policy

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The EU has chosen a more efficient, sustainable and affordable future through its policies to use renewable energy and fight climate change, says a new report.

The International Energy Agency says the EU is a world leader in beginning to mitigate the effects of global warming through ambitious proposals on climate change and energy policies.

Germany scales back feed-in tariff

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Renewable energy consumers in Germany are celebrating after the government said it would scale back the feed-in tariff by only 9-10 per cent each year until 2011.

The news is a huge boost for renewables in Germany, as it was expected that a 30 per cent scale back would be implemented.

Cinema goes solar

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A slice of California's rich cinematic history will soon be undergoing the solar treatment, the first cinema of its kind in the United States to do so.

The Fairfax 5 Theatres complex in the town of Fairfax will install a PV system, resulting in savings of more than $600,000 over its 30-year life span.

The complex is the first of its kind in America to go solar. Dave Corkill, founder of Cinema West, a leading California major motion cinema chain, has owned and operated the Fairfax 5 Theatres for more than13 years.

US wind shifts up a gear

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

While the debate over offshore oil drilling in the United States rages, the federal government is looking to lease large swathes of its continental shelf to wind turbine operators.

Competition is hotting up to develop wind projects on the shelf, which is currently covered by an oil-drilling ban that has become a contentious issue in the race for the White House.

Brit firm highly praised

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Pioneering UK green electricity firm Ecotricity has been highly commended in a national awards ceremony that honours green business.

The company, which introduced green electricity as a consumer choice for the first time when it was launched in 1995 was praised for its efforts at the 2008 Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders in Business Awards.

Renewables staffing shortage?

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The need to recruit people with the right skills is causing worries in the renewables sector as demand for good employees far outstrips supply.

With the cost of energy rising rapidly, the need for alternative supplies and people with relevant skills to produce it is producing challenges says Stuart Brown, Practice Head of Energy and Natural Resources at UK recruitment consultants Ellis Fairbank.

Energy awards

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Entries sought for 2009 awards

European and global companies in the renewable energy sector are being asked for submissions to the second annual Rosenblatt New Energy Awards.

The Awards are being staged at London's Natural History Museum on Wednesday 25th February 2009 to recognise the achievements of management teams, companies and projects that have made a significant contribution to the renewable energy sector during the past 12 months.

Revolution now

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Radical solutions call to reverse carbon levels

A call for governments to adopt a ‘global energy technology revolution' has been made in a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The report, entitled ‘Energy Technology Perspectives 2008' indicates that if countries continue with their existing policies, global carbon emissions will rise by 130 per cent while oil demand will increase by 70 per cent by 2050.

Dynamic demand

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Technology launched to cut unnecessary power generation

Dynamic demand for electricity is a step closer with the launch of innovative new technology from energy company RLtec. Dynamic demand is a way of managing electricity consumption that delivers significant cost and carbon savings, and is increasingly recognised as a key technology for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Congestion charge

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Hydro power for city tram system

A collaboration to provide hydroelectricity for the tram system in Manchester, UK, comes hot on the heels of an announcement that the UK city will be the second place in Britain to introduce congestion charging.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE)

Unep Report

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

'Green' energy spending on rise

Global investment in green energy surged ahead in 2007 and has continued to grow this year despite turmoil in financial markets, a report says. Spending on green power last year hit $148bn (£75bn), up 60% from 2006, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said.

United front

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Ireland and Scotland unite in green energy plan

The Irish and Scottish governments and the Northern Ireland executive are co-operating on a plan for a wind electricity grid linking all three jurisdictions. Energy ministers recently launched the plan to make the case for an offshore wind-power grid operated by all three administrations.

Back on track

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

European utilities acquire Shell's stake in world's largest offshore wind farm

The world's biggest offshore wind farm has been put back on track after the UK energy minister boasted that the technology could attract £3bn investment to the north-east of England alone. A host of wind schemes have been hit by planning delays, cost-inflation fears and opposition from the Ministry of Defence over concerns that turbines damage the efficiency of local radar.

Future Power

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The North Sea could become ‘the Gulf of the future’ for wind power thanks to the development of off –shore windfarms in the coming years, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently told fellow EU leaders. He urged them to build an equivalent role for the Mediterranean in solar generation as part of a multi–billion-pound drive for ‘green’ renewable energy technology.

Thinking Big

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The German government wants to build up to 30 offshore windfarms in a bid to meet its renewable energy targets, Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee said in a recent interview. Tiefensee told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper that the windfarms would be built in the Baltic and North seas and said some 2,000 windmills should soon be producing 11,000 megawatts of electricity.

French Hydro

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

EDF to develop pilot tidal power project in France

French power group EDF on Tuesday said it will build three to six turbines along the northern coast of Brittany to produce electricity from the energy in tidal currents.

Tough Challenge

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

EU energy ministers are considering making energy efficiency legally binding across the Union, French Environment Minister Jean–Louis Borloo said recently.

A place in the sun see's great growth

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

China is at the cutting edge of photovoltaic manufacturing and Solarfun is one of Asia’s leading companies in the sector. The upswing in PV interest mirrors the company’s rapid growth rate of the last few years and there is confidence this curve can be maintained. We talk to new CEO Harold Hoskens, who has joined the company after extensive experience with Philips, and has great insight into the East-West working environment, and the measures Solarfun is taking to succeed in 2009-10.

Oil price hike is good news for wind power

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

With oil prices reaching record levels and natural gas doubling in price over the last two years, the main beneficiaries are wind power and the environment. Manel Romeu Belles, of Danish turbine company Vestas, looks at how the harnessing of the wind is becoming a complement to oil and gas.

Automated manufacturing set to slash solar costs

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

By ramping up production capacity while driving down unit cost through new mass-production technologies and strategies, solar power is poised to reach a much wider market.
KUKA Systems' goal is to pioneer automated manufacturing solutions, including robotized cells and integrated production lines that can be adapted to any type of solar-cell technology, so that a labour-intensive industry with niche appeal can take a much larger place in the broader electricity marketplace.

Wind as a modern energy source

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Wind as a modern energy source: The Vestas View.
Wind is an energy source which can help the world's largest and fastest growing economies to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and on imported energy.

Europe's renewable energy sector

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Europe's renewable energy sector and the HR function.

Andy Cook, Director of Marshall James HR.

A sector as immature, yet fast-growing as renewable energy is bound to throw up a few juicy challenges for HR managers. The sector is not new, nor is it an unknown quantity, but only in the last few years has the global stage been transformed to such a degree that major energy firms are investing

PV could represent 25 percent of global electricity

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

PV could represent 25% of global electricity consumption in 2040.

Dr Winfreid Hoffmann, President, European Photovoltaic Industry Association.
Writing exclusively for PES, Dr. Winfried Hoffmann, President of the EPIA, discusses the current state of the industry and his hopes for a bright future...

Taking wind turbines to new heights

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Taking wind turbines to new heights

Wind turbines are highly engineered and sophisticated machinery which may operate in wide ambient operating temperatures and extreme environments such as offshore. As a vital asset, it makes good business sense to protect it and prolong its life. Correct lubrication is a critical factor that has been recognised by both component manufacturers and the wind turbine builders as a key success factor for trouble-free operations.

Leading the way to grid parity

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Detlev Koch, Head of Solar Thin Film, Oerlikon Solar.
For the PV industry, this is a time of optimism, historic economic potential and technological progress - and unprecedented challenges. But governments and the private sector alike are betting on our industry to meet the challenges and supply an increasingly larger share of the world's future electricity needs.

Improving the reliability of wind turbines

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Improving the reliability of wind turbines.

Routine oil analysis is an important service for wind turbines. Kirsten Tschauder, OEM Manager for Deutsche BP AG, Industrial Lubricants & Services, explains why regular monitoring of gear and hydraulic oils can reveal vital information about the condition and performance of both the lubricants and the equipment.

PES exclusive EWEA update

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Wind industry ready to boom.
European Wind Energy Association Chief Executive Christian Kjaer talks exclusively to PES about how the European Commission's ongoing efforts to tackle climate change are paving the way for "a massive expansion in wind power", but certain member states should be reaching to pull their socks up.

Getting The Renewable Message Across

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Getting The Renewable Message Across

One of the toughest challenges the European renewable energy industry faces is that of promoting itself to an ambivalent - and occasionally downright sceptical - populace. But how can you improve your public relations in order to increase sales and change attitudes?

European energy policy

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

EUROPEAN ENERGY POLICY The New Industrial Revolution

Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Energy, outlines the important steps being taken by the Member States to tackle climate change. It seems that a new revolution is upon us, now that the cogs of industry are forced to turn in a different direction in a bid to preserve energy, and Commissioner Piebalgs evaluates just how far mindsets have rotated.

We're all green now

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

WE'RE ALL GREEN NOW
By Geoff Beattie, Managing Director of international public relations firm, Cohn & Wolfe.
A recent study of public attitudes has revealed that consumers have become increasingly green focussed. But will that help to accelerate the development of renewable energies?