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News@All-Energy


Newsletter archive -

News@All-Energy - Issue 162 - Late February

News@All-Energy is brought to you free of charge every two weeks by Media Generation Events Ltd, organisers of All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference – http://www.all-energy.co.uk. This issue with its links to 160 news stories contains investment news from Mitsubishi, Clipper, Marine Current Turbines and AWS Ocean Energy – and much, much more.

Registration for All-Energy 2010 is now open – there is free admittance to both the major exhibition and multi-stream conference for all with a business/professional interest in renewables. Head to http://www.all-energy.co.uk/Visitor_registration.html to register free of charge. The outline conference grid showing what is happening when will be online by 1 March at http://www.all-energy.co.uk/Conference.html. Members of the All-Energy team will be at this week’s BWEA Wave and Tidal 2010 http://www.all-energy.co.uk/Conference.html and look forward to seeing you there

News@All-Energy reaches over 20,000 every fortnight with the figure constantly rising. Feel free to pass yours on to colleagues, who can subscribe by emailing info@all-energy.co.uk with “subscribe” in the subject line and full contact details in the message. You can keep in touch with news on a daily basis through our newsfeeds reached via the homepage at http://www.all-energy.co.uk. Or, have our news delivered daily direct to your computer! RSS feeds have now been enabled on the All-Energy website. Click here to subscribe, and to learn more about RSS feeds generally.

CONTENTS

1. GENERAL – UK NEWS

1.1. Oil veteran wants tax breaks for renewables

1.2. Sweeping away the cynicism

1.3. Councils to generate green power

1.4. Lottery windfall for six RE projects

1.5. Highlands bid to secure millions from RE

1.6. More than 1,000 respond to NPS consultation

1.7. REA names Gaynor Hartnell as CEO

1.8. RE (and golf) brings new hotels to Aberdeen

1.9. Low Carbon Future: EEDA’s £5.5m funding

1.10. We've got the power to keep the lights on

1.11. Engineering firm predicts £100m RE boost

1.12. Tories go quiet over energy plans

1.13. UK firms not ready for govt green plan

1.14. Green Bonds unlikely to catch on soon

1.15. Testing Eigg's green credentials

1.16. £200m North Sea levies should return north

1.17. Hopes fade after Corus talks

1.18. Manufacturing: A brighter future

1.19. Perth and Kinross £100k RE boost

2. GENERAL – INTERNATIONAL NEWS

2.1. Iberdrola may invest EUR16bn through 2012

2.2. New EC Energy and Climate Directorates-General

2.3. UK clean tech firms woo US investment

2.4. Ten less usual RE stories

2.5. ESB deal makes Ireland test-bed

2.6. Australian Labor's RE scheme falls flat

2.7. EU will hit renewables targets, says EWEA

2.8. Widening the energy future debate

2.9. The long road to a renewable future

2.10. UK’s role in Poland’s drive to tap RE sources

2.11. Green energy could attract Japanese cash

3. CLIMATE CHANGE

3.1. Apocalyptic vision of Britain

3.2. Emissions target: Scotland not doing enough

3.3. Scotland must stick to its climate targets

3.4. Science damaged by climate row

3.5. Resignation of top UN climate official

3.6. Miliband reaction to de Boer resignation

3.7. If global warming real why is it cold?

3.8. UN must investigate warming ‘bias’

3.9. Climate scientist says report 'robust and rigorous'

3.10. More dust from climate change

4. GRID, TRANSMISSION AND NETWORKS

4.1. New high-tech jobs for Glasgow

4.2. MPs call for smart grid to accommodate RE

4.3. ‘The Future of Britain’s Electricity Networks’

4.4. MPs want inquiry into unfair pricing

4.5. Report: U.K. can’t rely on market

4.6. Critics slam eco energy standard

4.7. Beauly-Denny: new inquiry ordered

4.8. Smart leadership required

4.9. Protesters: power line go-ahead broke rules

5. WIND – UK NEWS

5.1. New player in UK offshore wind market

5.2. £18.5m grant to fund offshore wind test site

5.3. 2,000 UK businesses take up the supply chain challenge

5.4. Work starts on Clipper blade plant

5.5. Clipper's Newcastle factory: PM comments

5.6. ScottishPower doubles wind output in 2009

5.7. Converteam in test-rig contest

5.8. SeaEnergy wins award

5.9. Centrica: High cost could halt wind farm plan

5.10. Seajacks plans to double its fleet

5.11. Maitland Mackie attacks turbine obstacles

5.12. Wind on waste sites plan

5.13. Report: Wind farms can damage peat

5.14. Turbine design breathes new life into targets

5.15. Eskdalemuir plans dampened by MOD

5.16. Green light for Co Antrim wind

5.17. Turbine factory for Anglesey?

5.18. How wind turbines create micro-climate

5.19. Offshore wind test rig: World first from ETI

5.20. North-east aims to harness wind

5.21. Fashion turning to offshore wind

5.22. Round 3 “unlikely” by 2020

5.23. UltraJet waterjets for windfarm

6. WIND – INTERNATIONAL NEWS

6.1. Hexicon’s hexagonal floating wind platform

6.2. El Nino’s effect on wind power production

6.3. Mainstream in South Africa

6.4. Offshore wind/wave farms could create artificial reefs

6.5. Vestas in wait and see mode

6.6. Wind to supply 40% of Falklands power

6.7. REpower and Akuo Energy sign agreements

6.8. Europe's wind turbine city

7. WAVE AND TIDAL

7.1. Siemens invests in MCT

7.2. New Investment for AWS Ocean Energy

7.3. EMEC recruits five new staff

7.4. Crown Estate ‘must get Pentland Firth leases right’

7.5. Severn tidal power plans put on hold

7.6. Labour MPs want barrage in manifesto

7.7. Study to assess Cumbria tidal power options

7.8. Bridge benefit of Cumbrian scheme

7.9. Tidal fence for Solway?

7.10. Wave power: world’s largest for Sweden

7.11. Low-friction bearing material for P2

7.12. Wave tech could harm marine resources

7.13. Tidal energy company hires 'the Jockweiler'

7.14. Hydro Alternative Energy’s prototype

7.15. USA’s first commercial wave farm

7.16. Tidal power test in Maine

7.17. Maine sites considered for testing wave energy

8. BIOENERGY

8.1. Drax may take £2bn green plans abroad

8.2. Support bid for biomass energy plan

8.3. Drax suspends greener fuel plan

8.4. Approval recommended for Carnbroe pyrolysis plant

8.5. Bristol palm oil plant rejected

8.6. Standard for digestate published

8.7. Reed canaray grass: best brownfield biofuel

8.8. Biomass plant to ship chips from America

8.9. Energy from waste under threat

8.10. Yorkshire’s green power station

8.11. Questions over best use of biogas

8.12. 450,000-tree woodland scheme

8.13. Bioenergy: Govt must address concerns

8.14. Biofuels accelerating hunger

8.15. The growing concerns about jatropha

9. HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS (See also Sustainable Transport)

9.1. Bloom Energy unveils 'Bloom Box'

9.2. Tfl launch UK’s largest hydrogen cell

9.3. Wartsila tests landfill gas fuel cell unit

9.4. Researchers make breakthrough for fuel cells and batteries

10. HYDROPOWER

10.1. Russia starts Sayano-Shushenskaya turbine

10.2. European funding for Romanian-Bulgarian hydro plant?

10.4. Councillors say no to hydro plan

10.5. EU Water Framework Directive severely impacting hydro

10.6. Hydro power from old water wheel

10.7. Vote goes against micro hydro scheme

11. MICROGENERATION, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ONSITE RENEWABLES

11.1. Ownergy’s official launch

11.2. Complex scheme stops turbines turning

11.3. New UK social housing energy co-op 

11.4. Carbon-reduction: Councils must help

11.5. SSE unveils UK-first Eco Homes project

11.6. Solar water heaters come to the boil

11.7. Microgen changes promised by Tories

11.8. Obama's $5bn green home plan

11.9. Edinburgh LED trial for Dialight

11.10. Tesco’s RE powered distribution centre

11.11. In praise of woodburning stoves

11.12. UK could become microgen world leader

11.13. M&S home energy services division

11.14. M&S staff offered home insulation

11.15. Households warm to boiler scrappage

11.16. Service suite for small wind & solar PV

11.17. Waitrose awarded for ‘food to fuel’

11.18. Enfield’s sustainable building study

11.19. Conservatives to set out FiTs policy

12. SOLAR

12.1. Sharp predicts bright future for UK solar

12.2. Honda’s big drive into solar power

13. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

13.1. 'Plug-in Car' grants for UK drivers

13.2. A new era for airships?

13.3. Predictions for success of fuel cell vehicles

13.4. The PlanetSolar solar-powered boat

13.5. Hydrogen taxi cabs 2012 Olympics

13.6. Germany’s new plans for hydrogen cars

13.7. British Airways: jet fuel from city waste

13.8. Jet fuel plans boost green energy

13.9. Algae to solve the Pentagon's jet fuel problem

14. CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE

14.1. Coal emissions: the burning issue

14.2. Bid to restrict emissions fails

15. NUCLEAR

15.1. Mandelson ready to go nuclear

15.2. UK plans first nuclear fusion plant

15.3. Setback for Obama's nuclear vision

16. KEEPING IN TOUCH

16.1. All-Energy daily newsfeeds

16.2. ‘Energy’ the All-Energy official publication

1. GENERAL – UK NEWS

1.1. Oil veteran wants tax breaks for renewables

One of the oil and gas industry’s most influential deal-makers said governments should give tax breaks for offshore renewable energy rather than to subsidise production of the black stuff. Matthew Simmons, chairman emiritus of investment bank Simmons and Company International, said smart governments could use fiscal policy to help avert a crisis that few appear to realise is looming. [Note from Editor: Matthew Simmons is a speaker in the opening session of All-Energy 2010 on 19 May]. http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/markets-economy/oil-veteran-wants-tax-breaks-for-renewables-1.1009477

1.2. Sweeping away the cynicism

With Siemens and Mitsubishi the latest engineering giants to invest in the UK's renewables sector and more on the way, perhaps it's time to realise the low-carbon revolution is already upon us – writes James Murray. http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/comment/2258545/uk-renewables-revolution-starts

1.3. Councils to generate green power

Local councils will be allowed to start generating and selling electricity back to the grid, in legislation being planned to bring about a "local energy revolution". Ed Miliband, the climate change secretary, intends to help councils to become energy providers, individually or jointly, by setting up renewable energy companies. The plan is the latest attempt to shake up the energy provision and encourage sustainable sources. Councils are responsible for some 10% of UK carbon emissions and Miliband thinks they need incentives to move to lower carbon energy. http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/feb/25/energy-emissions-renewables-councils-generation

1.4. Lottery windfall for six RE projects

Six Scottish renewables projects have been awarded a cumulative £2 million by the National Lottery good causes fund. Four separate wind turbines to generate community profit in the Orkney Islands, a mainland wind turbine development in Aberdeenshire and an improved electricity supply for a remote community in the Shetland Islands are to share £2,230,513. http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3637&section=On-site%20%26%20Micro

1.5. Highlands bid to secure millions from RE

Talks are under way in a bid to secure tens of millions of pounds in revenue from offshore wind, wave and tidal power developments for communities in the Highlands and islands. The negotiations with the Crown Estate Commissioners were revealed last night at a meeting of the Commons Treasury committee. Highland Council leader Dr Michael Foxley told MPs the intention was to draft a memorandum of understanding between the commissioners and local authorities. Later, he said: “We are looking for very substantial revenues — in the tens of millions of pounds.” http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1622146?UserKey=

1.6. More than 1,000 respond to NPS consultation

Energy Minister Lord Hunt has welcomed the level of public interest in the National Policy Statements on Energy (NPSs), after more than 1,000 responses were received to the proposals in a consultation which closed today (February 22). The draft statements aim to remove unnecessary planning delays facing large energy proposals including renewable energy developments and will be the basis on which individual planning decisions are made from March by the new Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3612&section=Policy

1.7. REA names Gaynor Hartnell as CEO

Gaynor Hartnell, who was formerly Director of Policy at the Renewable Energy Association, has just been appointed as Chief Executive…… The Association will shortly move into much larger offices in the Capital Tower, next to Waterloo Station.  This will facilitate the expansion of services needed to support the rapidly growing renewables industry with information services, proactive policy development, training and networking events. Paul Thompson has been promoted to Head of Policy.  Paul joined the REA in 2008 to work on transport fuels, and over the past few months has extended his remit to cover the Renewable Heat Incentive and Renewables Obligation. http://www.r-e-a.net/info/rea-news/rea-names-gaynor-hartnell-as-chief-executive

1.8. RE (and golf) brings new hotels to Aberdeen

Seven new hotels will open in host city Glasgow in time for the [Commonwealth] Games, including a £120m six-star Jumeirah property offering 160 rooms and the Grand Central Hotel, which will reopen in September following a £20m refurbishment. Aberdeen, which is set to focus on the renewable energy sector, will also benefit from new developments, with 2,500 new rooms planned to open by 2014. http://www.citmagazine.com/news/985854/Scotland-plans-investment-ahead-2014-Commonwealth-Games/

1.9. Low Carbon Future: EEDA’s £5.5m funding

Companies carrying out low carbon research and development in the East of England will be able to benefit from an extra £5.5 million in funding secured by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) to support the region’s position as a global provider of innovative low carbon goods and services. http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/33885

1.10. We've got the power to keep the lights on

John Best of EEEGR writes in EDP …….. to provide the tangible jobs and infrastructure to produce tomorrow's energy we must begin today to play to our regional strengths. This is all very real; there is no "quantative energy" fix to keep the lights on. We must promote with one compelling voice our regions unique opportunity to contribute and benefit through its supply chain and natural and built assets. They will all be required to work in harmony to energise our future.   http://www.eeegr.com/news/info.php?refnum=2266&startnum=5

1.11. Engineering firm predicts £100m RE boost

One of the few survivors of the west of Scotland’s glory days of heavy engineering is anticipating orders well in excess of £100m on the back of the global drive to produce clean and renewable energy. Steel Engineering, a welder and fabricator of massive and complex metal structures that has been thriving near the banks of the White Cart in Renfrew for the past 88 years, is also positioning itself for what it believes will be Scotland’s next engineering boom. http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/corporate-sme/engineering-firm-predicts-100m-green-energy-boost-1.1008284

1.12. Tories go quiet over energy plans

The Conservatives' flagship energy paper may not appear until April – six months after its original planned publication – leading to industry fears of policy disagreements in the run-up to the election. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/7279790/Industry-jitters-after-Tories-go-quiet-over-energy-plans.html

1.13. UK firms not ready for govt green plan

According to Reuters: UK businesses are unprepared for a complex government plan to cut corporate energy use and it will only deliver 1.4 percent of its carbon reduction target for 2020, energy consultants McKinnon & Clarke said in a report. http://www.gsjournal.com/2010/02/uk-firms-not-ready-for-government-green-plan-consultants/

1.14. Green Bonds unlikely to catch on soon

The U.K. needs to reduce the regulatory risks of so-called green bonds before they can be successfully sold to finance alternative-energy projects, according to a partner at lawfirm Eversheds LLP. The U.K. was considering selling bonds backed by multiyear power supply contracts with government departments, the Financial Times reported today, citing economic secretary Ian Pearson. A 15-year contract to supply power would make it easier for projects to raise finance, Pearson said in the report. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-15/green-bonds-unlikely-to-catch-on-soon-in-u-k-eversheds-says.html

1.15. Testing Eigg's green credentials

The Isle of Eigg has been dubbed "Scotland's first green island", but what have the islanders done to deserve that accolade? BBC Scotland Environment and Science Correspondent David Miller paid a visit to find out. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8523772.stm

1.16. £200m North Sea levies should return north

First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday (18 February) called for an estimated £200 million in levies from the North Sea oil and gas industry, being held in Westminster, to be released to help create up to 20,000 jobs. His call was made as Mr Salmond visited Green Ocean Energy, a renewables company specialising in developing wave technologies in Aberdeen. http://news.scotsman.com/politics/-Alex-Salmond-says-200m.6087017.jp

1.17. Hopes fade after Corus talks

Faint hopes that today's (19 February) mothballing of Corus's Teesside Cast Products plant could be avoided by an 11th-hour visit by Lord Mandelson were extinguished yesterday. While the prime minister visited Tyneside to celebrate the birth of a potentially major new industry - attending the groundbreaking for the UK's first offshore wind turbine manufacturing plant - Teesside was braced for the start of a process that threatens to end more than 150 years of local iron and steelmaking. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/62c129c8-1cf6-11df-aef7-00144feab49a.html

1.18. Manufacturing: A brighter future

Having weathered the storm of 2009, many manufacturers are looking towards 2010 with increased optimism, expecting the economy to improve over the next year. And they have every reason for optimism, with some key industry surveys adding weight to claims that conditions will improve..... “There is a demand for new generation and renewable energy is an area of significant investment and importance for future generations,” says Terry Skee, Business Development Executive at Cleaner Air Solutions UK Limited. http://www.manufacturingdigital.com/Manufacturing-2010--Looking-towards-a-brighter-future_41674.aspx

1.19. Perth and Kinross £100k RE boost

Perth and Kinross Council has said it plans to invest £100,000 in renewable energy over the next year. The council said it was particularly keen to fund biomass energy projects and hydro-electric schemes. The money was announced by council leader Ian Miller as part of the 2010-2011 budget. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/8516589.stm

2. GENERAL – INTERNATIONAL NEWS

2.1. Iberdrola may invest EUR16bn through 2012

Iberdrola SA, Spain’s biggest electricity company, said net investment from 2010 through 2012 may total 16 billion euros ($22 billion) as it spends more on renewable-energy projects and networks….. Almost two-thirds of Iberdrola’s planned gross investment will be in the U.S. and the U.K. The Bilbao-based company already generates more than half its electricity outside Spain after expanding abroad to reduce reliance on the domestic market, where demand dropped last year. Its renewable-energy division is the world’s largest owner of wind parks. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-24/iberdrola-may-invest-16-billion-euros-through-2012-update2-.html

2.2. New EC Energy and Climate Directorates-General

The European Commission has taken a number of decisions to implement the organisational consequences of the allocation of portfolios to Commissioners. Two new Directorates-General have been created: DG Energy (ENER) and DG Climate Action (CLIM). The Energy DG consists of the departments in the former Transport and Energy DG dealing with energy issues and of the Task Force Energy which will be transferred from the External Relations DG….The Climate Action DG will be created from the relevant activities in DG Environment, the activities in the External Relations DG related to international negotiations on climate change and the activities in the Enterprise and Industry DG related to climate change. http://www.maritimeindustries.org/news/view.jsp?ref=3738

2.3. UK clean tech firms woo US investment

Nineteen British clean technology businesses have travelled to San Francisco to showcase their products to investors. Companies joined the Clean & Cool Mission 2010 to spend a week meeting potential partners and customers on the US West Coast, promoting innovative UK solutions to environmental business challenges. The 19 firms cover a range of clean technology sectors, including renewable energy, hybrid power and smart-grid equipment. http://www.ukinvest.gov.uk/OurWorld/4054606/en-GB.html

2.4. Ten less usual RE stories

This week has been filled with worthwhile news from every clean energy sector. Mega companies such as Siemens, Dow Chemical, and Mitsubishi made big investments; new studies revealed extremely important information regarding the carbon emissions and climate change, and renewable energy and the environment; and, finally, pop culture welcomed renewable energy in, when one of the world's largest bands created funding for clean energy power plants. The US’s Energy Boom highlights “The Top 10 Renewable Energy News Stories You May Have Missed”. http://www.energyboom.com/policy/ten-essential-renewable-energy-news-stories-week

2.5. ESB deal makes Ireland test-bed

Ireland is to become a ‘‘test bed’’ for new energy technologies, under an alliance between the ESB and a US research institute. ESB Networks has formed the three-year alliance with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a non-profit body that works on next-generation technologies in the sector……The alliance paves the way for the ESB to run demonstrations of projects in wind energy, smart metering, green and smart electricity networks, and for the expansion of an electric vehicle fleet. http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/esb-deal-makes-ireland-testbed-for-energy-research-47400.html

2.6. Australian Labor's RE scheme falls flat

The Rudd government's showpiece renewable energy legislation has failed to spark a single major project in the six months since it was passed, prompting fresh claims Labor has failed to deliver on its environmental commitments. The failure of the 20 per cent renewable energy target is blamed on a poor design that promotes domestic rooftop solar panels, heat pumps and solar hot water systems at the expense of wind farms. http://www.theage.com.au/national/labors-renewable-energy-scheme-falls-flat-20100223-p0tk.html

2.7. EU will hit renewables targets, says EWEA

The EU will exceed its target to produce 20 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2020, according to new analysis by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). The report, which assessed all forms of renewable energy, found that 13 of the 27 EU member states are likely to meet their national targets for renewable energy capacity; with a further eight set to exceed their EU imposed goals. http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2258325/eu-hit-renewables-targets

2.8. Widening the energy future debate

The United Arab Emirates and Scotland have much in common. Both are small nations whose economies have been geared to the production and export of oil and both are rich in future renewable energy potential.  The empty deserts of the UAE have the capacity to produce vast quantities of clean solar energy, while the coastal waters of Scotland could generate copious wind, wave and tidal energy. However, while the UAE has just awarded a contract for four nuclear power plants, in Scotland we are in the process of winding down our nuclear capacity. http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/guest-commentary/a-solution-to-the-power-struggle-1.1008565

2.9. The long road to a renewable future

Blame it on technology, infrastructure or policy. But it's going to take many years for new technologies to make much of a dent in our current energy mix. The \wall Street Journal takes a look at new technologies, their current status and why it is going to take so long for themn to be adopted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704757904575077312569582760.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

2.10. UK’s role in Poland’s drive to tap RE sources

Poland is one of Europe’s laggards when it comes to the switch to renewable energy. Yet in its dash to catch up and meet EU standards, the Polish renewable energy market will offer huge opportunities for UK companies active in this sector. http://www.polishmarket.com.pl/document/:22420?p=%2Flate%2F

2.11. Green energy could attract Japanese cash

The boom days of Japanese investment in Scotland may seem like a distant memory but, at Scottish Development International’s office in Tokyo, hopes are growing of at least a mini-revival of the 1980s scene. ..... And these high hopes of inward investment and trade promotion agency SDI do not seem to have been plucked out of thin air, although they are based partly on a view that Scotland can really capitalise on its massive wind energy resource. http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/corporate-sme/green-energy-could-attract-japanese-cash-1.1006781?localLinksEnabled=false

3. CLIMATE CHANGE

3.1. Apocalyptic vision of Britain

Mass migration northwards to new towns in Scotland, Wales and northeast England may be needed to cope with climate change and water shortages in the South East, according to an apocalyptic vision set out by the Government Office for Science. Heathrow would be converted into a giant reservoir by 2035, there could be severe restrictions on flying and driving and farmers would be forced to sell their land to giant agricultural businesses. Greenhouse gas emissions would be controlled by carbon rationing for individuals, which would lead to “significant shifts in lifestyle as everyone tries to stay within budget”. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article7041857.ece

3.2. Emissions target: Scotland not doing enough

Scottish ministers have been warned they need to aggressively target carbon emissions from car use, home energy and farming if Scotland is to meet its ambitious target of cutting CO2 levels by 42% in the next decade. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/24/scotland-emissions-target

3.3. Scotland must stick to its climate targets

If a week seems like a long time in politics, six months is an aeon. Last August, the Climate Change Act gave Scotland the most ambitious targets in the world for switching to a low-carbon economy.  An impressive political consensus produced a 2020 target to reduce emissions of all greenhouse gases by a world-breaking 42% on 1990 figures, en route to an 80% reduction by 2050. This was the scale of change being demanded of industrialised countries by China and India if they were to join the low-carbon revolution….. the UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC) in its report to the Scottish Government yesterday acknowledges that the 42% target is an appropriate staging post if an 80% cut is to be achieved three decades later. http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/herald-view/scotland-must-stick-to-its-climate-targets-1.1008848

3.4. Science damaged by climate row

Leading scientists say that the recent controversies surrounding climate research have damaged the image of science as a whole. President of the US National Academy of Sciences, Ralph Cicerone, said scandals including the "climategate" e-mail row had eroded public trust in scientists. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8525879.stm

3.5. Resignation of top UN climate official

The United Nations' top climate official is stepping down, leaving behind deep international divisions over how to forge a new treaty on global climate change. Dutch diplomat Yvo de Boer announced yesterday (18 February) that he will step down as executive director of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/resignation-of-top-un-climate-official-clouds-future-of-global-treaty-talks/article1473784/

3.6. Miliband reaction to de Boer resignation

Commenting on today’s (18 February) announcement that Mr Yvo de Boer will resign his position as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as of 1 July 2010, the UK’s Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Yvo de Boer's patient work helped produce the Copenhagen Accord which contains commitments covering 80 percent of global emissions, something never previously achieved. We must quickly find a suitable successor, who can oversee the negotiations and reform the UNFCCC to ensure it is up to the massive task of dealing with what are some of the most complex negotiations ever." http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/state_ydb_res/state_ydb_res.aspx

3.7. If global warming real why is it cold?

A recent BBC poll suggested that the public's belief in global warming has declined steeply since November. The apparent erosion of in climate science was put down to the University of East Anglia email row and various gaffes by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. I strongly suspect, from talking to people in the street, that the poll result may have much more to do with the weather than with what people may or may not have been doing at the UEA. http://timesonline.typepad.com/science/2010/02/if-global-warming-is-real-then-why-is-it-cold.html

3.8. UN must investigate warming ‘bias’

The UN body that advises world leaders on climate change must investigate an apparent bias in its report that resulted in several exaggerations of the impact of global warming, according to its former chairman. In an interview with The Times Robert Watson said that all the errors exposed so far in the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) resulted in overstatements of the severity of the problem. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article7026932.ece

3.9. Climate scientist says report 'robust and rigorous'

The scientist at the centre of the storm over mistakes by the UN's climate change panel has broken his silence on the affair to defend his report as "robust and rigorous". Martin Parry, a climate expert at the Grantham Institute and Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College, London, said he was "perplexed" at the way the media has focused on what he called minor points. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/14/climate-scientist-himalayan-glacier-report

3.10. More dust from climate change

Does your house seem to be getting dustier each time you go to vacuum? New research suggests that climate change is making the planet dustier. BBC’s Science correspondent Tom Feilden investigated the findings. http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8525000/8525811.stm

4. GRID, TRANSMISSION AND NETWORKS

4.1. New high-tech jobs for Glasgow

More than 100 new high-end engineering jobs are to be created in Glasgow as ScottishPower’s Spanish owner Iberdrola moves a key division to the city this year. Iberdrola Engineering and Construction will relocate to Scotland from Spain this year, the company confirmed yesterday, with Glasgow the favoured location. It is projected by the company that the unit will have 250 highly trained engineers. Some engineers will be transferred from existing roles in Scotland although more than half of the posts will be new, it is understood. The unit will work on the design of high voltage network projects, notably on connecting planned offshore wind farms. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/editor-s-picks-ignore/new-high-tech-jobs-for-glasgow-1.1009228

4.2. MPs call for smart grid to accommodate RE

The timely delivery of a smart grid to bring more renewables online requires strategic leadership from the government, MPs have said. A report from the Energy and Climate Change Committee entitled "The future of Britain's electricity networks" examines the issues that the Committee considers will be integral to the development of a smart grid able to meet Britain's future energy needs. http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3630&section=Electricity

4.3. ‘The Future of Britain’s Electricity Networks’

The House of Commons’ Energy and Climate Change Committee Report - The future of Britain’s electricity networks which calls for further work ‘to develop a fair and open transmission access and charging regime’ is online

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmenergy/194/19402.htm

4.4. MPs want inquiry into unfair pricing

The government is being urged today to commission an independent inquiry into the insistence by energy regulator Ofgem that windfarm operators in Scotland are charged disproportionately more to connect to the grid than those anywhere else in Britain. The all-party Commons energy and climate change committee says in a unanimous report: “We believe it is imperative that transmission charges should not discriminate against renewable energy wherever it is located.” http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1618335?UserKey=

4.5. Report: U.K. can’t rely on market

Britain can’t rely only on markets alone to develop electricity networks that can support electric cars and decentralized generation or renewable energy, according to a government report released today (23 February). Expansion of renewable energy sources and rising demand will transform how power is distributed, the Energy and Climate Change Committee of Parliament said in a report. “The only way Britain can respond cost-effectively to these challenges is by applying a smarter approach to managing the energy system.” http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-22/u-k-can-t-rely-on-market-to-transform-energy-report-says.html

4.6. Critics slam eco energy standard

Ofgem, the energy watchdog, announced a new green label for energy tariffs this month but critics said it only adds to confusion for consumers. The green scheme stamp is aimed at helping people recognise deals as having “genuine environmental benefits” to reassure them that paying extra for green energy is worth it. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/consumer_affairs/article7034636.ece

4.7. Beauly-Denny: new inquiry ordered

A second public inquiry into a controversial development key to the Beauly-Denny power line project will be held this summer, The Inverness Courier has learned.  Further expansion at the electricity sub-station at Wester Balblair near Beauly is needed to enable renewable energy generated in the Western Isles to be fed into the line, the upgrading of which was approved by Scottish ministers in January. http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/11745/Power_line:_new_inquiry_ordered_into_SSE_plan.html

4.8. Smart leadership required

The Energy and Climate Change Committee is calling on the UK government to provide strategic leadership to ensure the timely delivery of a smart grid that intelligently manages demand and supply across the energy network. In a new report on the subject, Paddy Tipping MP said: ’By 2020, the UK electricity network will need to accommodate a far more diverse energy mix, including a much higher proportion of renewables that cannot respond easily to fluctuating demand. The only cost-effective response to these developments is the creation of a smart grid.’ http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/smart-leadership-required/1001137.article

4.9. Protesters: power line go-ahead broke rules

Campaign groups have written to Scotland's energy minister demanding that a public inquiry into the controversial Beauly to Denny power line be reopened for legal reasons. Scotland Before Pylons and the Beauly-Denny Landscape Group claim in a letter to Jim Mather that he did not follow procedural rules when he approved the 137-mile power line. There were 18,000 objections to the £350 million line from Beauly near Inverness to Denny in Stirling, which was granted permission in January. http://news.scotsman.com/glasgow/Protesters-power-line-goahead-broke.6094578.jp

5. WIND – UK NEWS

5.1. New player in UK offshore wind market

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson and Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband today signed a non binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe Ltd (MPSE). The company intends to invest up to £100 million in an offshore wind turbine project in the UK. This will create up to 200 highly skilled jobs. http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_033/pn10_033.aspx

5.2. £18.5m grant to fund offshore wind test site

Lord Mandelson and Ed Miliband announced new funding of £18.5 million for an offshore wind test site in the North East of England. The site, off the coast near the New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Blyth, will act as a technology demonstration and development platform for the next generation of large multi-megawatt offshore wind turbines. It also complements Government support for a blade test facility in the North East that will enable the testing of blades up to 100m in length. These world-leading testing facilities will make the UK a prime location for companies such as Mitsubishi. http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_033/pn10_033.aspx

5.3. 2,000 UK businesses take up the supply chain challenge

The Crown Estate is pleased to announce that nearly 2,000 UK businesses have attended the seven offshore wind industry supply chain events held across the country, with five events still to come. Today’s event in Doncaster has been oversubscribed, once again demonstrating the rapidly growing interest in the industry. It will be attended by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, who will speak about the opportunities and benefits that the offshore wind industry can bring to the UK. http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/newscontent/92-supply-chain-ed-miliband.htm

5.4. Work starts on Clipper blade plant

Construction work has begun on the UK's first offshore wind turbine manufacturing facility on Tyneside. The Clipper Windpower Marine factory will produce 72m (236ft) blades, which will be among the world's largest when they are introduced in 2012. More than 500 jobs will be created when the plant opens in the third quarter of 2010, said the US firm.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/8521853.stm

5.5. Clipper's Newcastle factory: PM comments

The latest £8m funding for offshore wind technology was made available today as the Prime Minister hailed the UK as a 'global leader' in the offshore wind market. The announcement came as Clipper Windpower confirmed that it is to start construction of a factory in Newcastle to build the biggest wind turbine blades in the world. Visiting the site where Clipper today (18 February) confirmed it will employ up to 500 people by 2020 to manufacture blades for the massive 10 megawatt ‘Britannia’ offshore wind turbine, the Prime Minister said: “I welcome Clipper’s ground-breaking announcement to build the largest wind turbine blade in the world on the banks of the Tyne. The UK is a global leader in offshore wind power, and the North East is at the forefront in providing the skills, expertise and enterprise to capitalise on this rapidly expanding market, which has the potential to create thousands of future green jobs. The combination of our strong natural wind resource and the substantial backing we’ve given the industry mean the investment conditions in the UK are unrivalled." http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_031/pn10_031.aspx

5.6. ScottishPower doubles wind output in 2009

ScottishPower Renewables has announced that it nearly doubled its wind output from its 23 operational wind farms during 2009. The Spanish-owned company claims to have produced just over 1.7 million megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity, which amounts to a rise of 43.8% on the 2008 figures. During 2009 the company completed construction at Europe's largest onshore wind farm, Whitelee, near Glasgow. http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3601&section=Wind

5.7. Converteam in test-rig contest

A Warwickshire engineering company is going head to head with a Japanese firm to design and build a cheaper way of testing offshore wind turbines indoors rather than out in the deep sea. Converteam, which is based in Rugby, is one of two firms which has been selected by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) as part of a project to create an on-shore test rig where the turbines will be subjected to the same intense pressures as they would offshore…. Converteam is competing with HORIBA Instruments, based in Kyoto, to come up with a design by the end of May and the winning contractor will be selected to procure, build and commission the test rig, which should be operational by the end of 2011. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/environmental-and-sustainable-industry/2010/02/26/sea-change-for-converteam-s-wind-turbines-65233-25922350/

5.8. SeaEnergy wins award

SeaEnergy  has been named Company of the Year at the Rosenblatt New Energy Awards 2010. The award recognises the company which made the most meaningful progress or made the biggest impact in the renewable energy sector during the year. The company is currently participating in the large government-backed offshore wind-farm development in the North Sea. http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/13799/seaenergy-wins-rosenblatt-new-energy-company-of-the-year-award-13799.html

5.9. Centrica: High cost could halt wind farm plan

Government plans to generate one third of Britain’s electricity from giant offshore wind parks by 2020 could be scrapped because of the vast costs involved, according to the head of Britain’s biggest utility company, as well as a key investor. Sam Laidlaw, chief executive of Centrica, the owner of British Gas, said it was unclear whether the scheme to build an estimated 10,000 wind turbines across swaths of the North and Irish seas would ever go ahead. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article7041904.ece

5.10. Seajacks plans to double its fleet

Seajacks International  has entered into a contract with GustoMSC to provide the Basic Design Package for two or more newbuild wind farm installation jack-up vessels. The jack-ups, which will double the Seajacks fleet, are being designed specifically to service the wind farm installation market in the harsh operating environment of the North Sea, as well as to provide services to the oil and gas sectors.  The vessels will be a modified version of the MSC NG5500 design, which incorporates a fully redundant DP2 propulsion system, accommodations for 90 persons, and an 800T leg encircling crane designed by MSC. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seajacks-planning-to-double-its-fleet-in-2012-85339167.html

5.11. Maitland Mackie attacks turbine obstacles

Farmers and rural landowners are being discouraged from developing small-scale wind projects because of the "tortuous" and expensive planning system, according to a leading businessman. Maitland Mackie, chairman of Mackies of Scotland, says developing renewables could generate more than £1 billion annually for the rural sector within ten to 12 years. http://news.scotsman.com/inverness/Maitland-Mackie-attacks-turbine-obstacles.6102192.jp

5.12. Wind on waste sites plan

FCC, one of the leading environmental services, infrastructure and energy international groups is entering the UK wind sector. Through its subsidiaries, FCC Energy (FCCE) and Waste Recycling Group (WRG), one of the UK’s leading waste and resource management companies, FCC has announced plans to construct 80 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity across a number of its closed and operational landfill sites in the UK. The Company intends to invest £100 million in building wind energy developments on suitable sites identified from its portfolio of more than 100 landfill sites in England, Scotland and Wales. http://www.wrg.co.uk/pressrelease/default.asp?pressid=175

5.13. Report: Wind farms can damage peat

A report commissioned by independent environmental body Natural England and entitled "Investigating the impacts of windfarm development on peatlands in England", has described how the construction, operation and decommissioning of a wind farm can erode peat, emitting the carbon dioxide stored within it or leading to "complete peat loss" in some areas. http://www.newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3611

5.14. Turbine design breathes new life into targets

A radical windmill design could hold the key to making offshore wind power more economical and helping the UK meet its ambitious renewable energy targets. The Aerogenerator turns conventional windmills on their side, with a 100m tall V-shaped blade rotating on a vertical, rather than the usual horizontal, axis. By building all the moving parts and machinery at the base of the windmill rather than the top of a tower, its designers claim it will be easier to build and maintain, making its renewable electricity cheaper. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/22/aerogenerator-wind-turbine

5.15. Eskdalemuir plans dampened by MOD

Wind farm development plans in Eskdalemuir have been hampered by the Ministry of Defence. A number of projects which are still being considered for approval by the council will now also have to appease the MOD before they can go ahead. The defence organisation revealed this week that it was concerned about the number of wind farms springing up around one of its sites. They said that vibrations from too many wind turbines would disrupt equipment at the Eskdalemuir Seismological Recording Station. http://www.dgstandard.co.uk/dumfries-news/local-news-dumfries/local-news-dumfriesshire/2010/02/17/eskdalemuir-windfarm-plans-dampened-by-mod-51311-25845300/

5.16. Green light for Co Antrim wind

Planning approval has been given for a wind farm in Carn Hill, Newtownabbey, in County Antrim. Gaelectric is to build a 14 Megawatt wind farm of six wind turbines, capable of generating energy for 8,200 homes a year. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8521723.stm

5.17. Turbine factory for Anglesey?

Plans have emerged to turn the former Anglesey Aluminium site into a wind turbine factory. Smelting operations at the Holyhead metal plant, which was the largest employer in north Wales, ended in September last year. A turbine company is now looking at the possibility of using the site as a factory, although Anglesey council stresses talks are at an early stage. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/8520092.stm

5.18. How wind turbines create micro-climate

Pictures in the Daily Mail show how the turbines at Scroby Sand create their own micro-climate with sea mist. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1251721/Pictured-The-stunning-micro-climate-sea-fog-created-Britains-windfarms.html

5.19. Offshore wind test rig: World first from ETI

Plans to design the world’s largest open access offshore wind turbine drive train test rig have been announced by the UK’s Energy Technologies Institute (ETI). Two companies - Converteam and HORIBA Instruments - are delivering competing designs for an indoor test-rig capable of dynamically testing a complete wind turbine drive train and nacelle with input power up to 15MW. The rig, to be built in the UK, will support the design and manufacturing development of the next generation of very high power large wind turbines which will be capable of producing lower cost electricity from the turbine arrays outlined in the Crown Estate’s Round 3 Offshore Programme. http://www.energytechnologies.co.uk/Home/news/10-02-16/ETI_unveils_plans_to_design_world%e2%80%99s_largest_open_access_indoor_test_facility_for_offshore_wind_turbines.aspx

5.20. North-east aims to harness wind

Teeside firms have shared in at least £150m worth of contracts that have blown in on the back of offshore wind farm developments, making the North-east one of the biggest winners from the UK’s move to the green economy. http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2010/02/16/north-east-aims-to-harness-wind-51140-25844120/

5.21. Fashion turning to offshore wind

......So where do the over-funded private-equity markets put their money to work in the meantime? The opportunity in the UK is further downstream, within power generation. The most fashionable sub-sector right now is offshore wind. There is uncertainty, however. As investors focus on identifying and mitigating risk, renewable-sector investment is uncertain. Project experience is lacking, which creates cost and activity overrun, or the delay of projects. http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1590297?UserKey=

5.22. Round 3 “unlikely” by 2020

Significant limitations in the supply chain and financial support for large wind projects will "seriously undermine" the UK's Round 3 ambitions, market analysts have claimed. Research by business information provider Datamonitor has said that the challenge of constructing wind farms so far offshore and uncertain capital markets means that realising 32GW of offshore wind power by 2020 is "unlikely to be achieved." http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3588&section=Wind

5.23. UltraJet waterjets for windfarm

Ultra Dynamics says it has supplied three sets of twin UltraJet UJ377 waterjet installations to South Boats for their new Mk II GRP 43/12m WFSV RRV catamarans RRV Audrey, Offshore Response 1, and Spike Islander. The GRP catamarans have all been tailored to meet specific code and operational requirements of windfarm operators Turbine Transfers (Holyhead Towing) and Offshore Wind Power Marine Services Limited (OWPMS) and Waddentaxi in The Netherlands. http://www.oilpubs.com/oso/article.asp?v1=9272

6. WIND – INTERNATIONAL NEWS

6.1. Hexicon’s hexagonal floating wind platform

With nations pledging to reduce the carbon footprint to counter global warming, the need for systems that generate renewable energy has been on a rise. While most energy companies are trying to find locations for renewable energy power plants, Sweden’s Hexicon has developed a new solution for offshore wind power. http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/hexicon-s-hexagonal-floating-wind-platform-could-reduce-maintenance-costs/

6.2. El Nino’s effect on wind power production

3Tier recently released maps plotting how average wind speeds in the US differed from their long-term averages in 2009, thereby illustrating the impact of El Nino, which contributed to a decrease in wind power production in several important wind power regions. http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/paginas/Contenidosecciones.asp?ID=14&Cod=4909&Nombre=Renewable%20Energy%20News

6.3. Mainstream in South Africa

Mainstream Renewable Energy CEO Dr Eddie O' Connor said on Thursday that his company welcomed President Jacob Zuma's announcement regarding an independent system operator (ISO) for the electricity industry, but said that an interim agreement should be structured if it was going to take a number of years to implement…… "The ISO is a great idea, but it could also be used by some to put an end to a fledgling industry if it takes too long. We welcome it, but if those establishing it are going to drag their feet, there should be an interim arrangement," emphasised O'Connor…..Until these questions were adequately answered, noted O'Connor, no wind farms would be constructed in South Africa.  http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/mainstream-wants-for-interim-plan-if-independent-operator-takes-too-long-2010-02-18

6.4. Offshore wind/wave farms could create artificial reefs

Dan Wilhelmsson of the Department of Zoology at Stockholm University recently published a dissertation showing that the underwater foundations of offshore wind and wave farms can be beneficial to marine life, creating artificial reefs that increase the number of fish and crabs. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/offshore-wind-wave-farms-artificial-reefs-fish.php

6.5. Vestas in wait and see mode

Vestas chief executive officer Ditlev Engel was in London trying to present a positive spin to the UK media on sluggish fourth-quarter results. The boss of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturer also used the opportunity to clarify Vestas’ position on re-entering the UK manufacturing market. The company would not, he said, be investing in factories in the UK at least until 2014, at which point it would consider the opportunities being presented by the UK offshore wind sector. http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/powering-up-can-offshore-wind-deliver-a-renaissance-in-uk-manufacturing-1156.aspx

6.6. Wind to supply 40% of Falklands power

Annual wind power contribution in the Falkland Islands is set to rise to 40 per cent of total energy generated with the installation of three new wind turbines, which started going online on 15 February. The installation of the first three wind turbines in 2007 has resulted in the displacement of 26% of annual fuel consumption and the aim with the three new turbines is to reach 40% fuel displacement. http://www.cisionwire.com/keene/renewable-energy-to-supply-40--of-falklands-power

6.7. REpower and Akuo Energy sign agreements

REpower Systems AG and the French company Akuo Energy SAS have signed three agreements for the supply of 25 wind turbines. The REpower MM92 turbines, each with a hub height of 100 meters and 2.05 megawatts (MW) of rated power are destined for the three wind farms Fontaine Macon, Sevigny Waleppe and Saint-Germainmont in the Champagne-Ardennes region, in the Northeast of France. Together, the turbines achieve a total generating capacity of 51.25 MW. http://www.repower.de/index.php?id=151&backPID=25&tt_news=2816&L=1

6.8. Europe's wind turbine city

While European countries such as the UK, France and Germany are perusing wind power projects by planning vast off-shore farms, Norway has gone one step further by possibly having a 'wind turbine city'. Norway is considered to have the best conditions in the world for utilizing offshore wind power and the Stavanger coastline is said to be the longest and windiest in Europe. As such, design firm On Office feel that a turbine city would be able to take advantage of the country's weather, geography, resources and available technology to harness this infinite source of power. http://www.euinfrastructure.com/news/Europes-wind-turbine-city/

7. WAVE AND TIDAL

7.1. Siemens invests in MCT

British tidal energy company, Marine Current Turbines Ltd, today announces that global engineering firm, Siemens, has invested in the firm alongside the Carbon Trust, High Tide and other private investors. Following an investment round led by the Carbon Trust in 2009, this latest funding brings the total investment in Marine Current Turbines over the past two months to £8.5million. Investors in the first round included Bank Invest, Carbon Trust, EDF Energy and High Tide. http://www.marineturbines.com/3/news/article/30/siemens_invests_in_marine_current_turbines/

7.2. New Investment for AWS Ocean Energy

Scottish wave energy company, AWS Ocean Energy, has secured a £2 million investment from Scottish Enterprise’s Scottish Co-investment Fund and the Shell Technology Ventures Fund 1 B.V. (“STVF1”), an affiliate of Royal Dutch Shell. This is the first-ever investment in AWS Ocean Energy made by Scottish Enterprise whilst it is AWS Ocean’s second tranche of investment from the STVF1, which is managed by Kenda Capital B.V. The new investment enables AWS Ocean to take forward its plans to develop and deploy its wave power technology as well as help the company in its work to design associated technologies, such as mooring systems, for wider use in the wave and tidal energy sectors. http://www.awsocean.com/Latest-News.aspx

7.3. EMEC recruits five new staff

A world-leading test centre is expanding its workforce to meet demand from companies developing machines that harness energy from the sea. EMEC, the Orkney-based European Marine Energy Centre, is gearing up for the arrival this year of more devices capable of generating electricity from waves or tidal currents. With two machines already undergoing sea trials at EMEC, five new staff are to be recruited to join the 13-strong team currently running the centre. EMEC managing director Neil Kermode said: “These are exciting times for us, with our facilities playing such an important role at the cutting edge of marine power development. http://www.hie.co.uk/default.aspx.locid-0finewmdc.RefLocID-0fihiesvp001.Lang-EN.htm

7.4. Crown Estate ‘must get Pentland Firth leases right’

The UK is at risk of losing its technological lead in wave and tidal energy if The Crown Estate does not get leasing in the Pentland First right, MPs have been told. The Crown Estate owns the seabed out to 12 nautical miles and is expected to announce next month which companies have won rights to develop the Firth, which is estimated to have a capacity of around 12GW. http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3633&section=Hydro%20%26%20Marine

7.5. Severn tidal power plans put on hold

Results from the study into plans to harness the tidal power of the Severn will not be announced before the General Election – but Labour is planning to include it as a key manifesto pledge. Party members are pressing for a plank of the party's campaigning to include a commitment to generating electricity using the estuary as they develop their renewable energy promises for the upcoming national poll. That would help counter claims that the project could be kicked into the long grass if the study is not concluded before Parliament is dissolved when the election is called. http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/homepage/Severn-tidal-power-plans-hold-General-Election/article-1866461-detail/article.html

7.6. Labour MPs want barrage in manifesto

Labour  MPs are pushing the party to commit to a multi-billion- pound project to build a barrage across the River Severn. They want the pledge included in the party’s election manifesto. The Department for Energy and Climate Change has been looking at proposals to harness the energy- creating potential of the river’s tidal range, the second highest in the world. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/02/24/labour-mps-press-want-to-see-severn-barrage-in-manifesto-91466-25900877/

7.7. Study to assess Cumbria tidal power options

Energy consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff is to explore options for tidal energy generation across the Duddon Estuary in South Cumbria. Tidal barrages, fences, reefs and other innovative technologies will all be considered along with the potential for a road link between Millom and Barrow-in-Furness. The study has been commissioned by regeneration organisation Britain's Energy Coast West Cumbria and will seek to identify the best options for any potential development. http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/uk/electricity/new-study-to-assess-tidal-powe.php

7.8. Bridge benefit of Cumbrian scheme

A road bridge linking Barrow and Millom could be built across the Duddon Estuary. A £60,000 study has been launched into the feasibility of building a barrage or other tidal power device across the Duddon Estuary to generate electricity. And one of the options would include a road bridge across the Duddon…… Tidal barrages, fences, reefs and other innovative technologies will all be considered by regeneration organisation Britain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria. http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/study-launched-into-the-possibility-of-tidal-power-link-between-millom-and-barrow-1.675428?referrerPath=news/

7.9. Tidal fence for Solway?

The head of a company behind cutting-edge new technology to harness tidal power is investigating whether it could be used in the Solway Firth. Peter Roberts was due in Cumbria yesterday for talks with county businessman Nigel Catterson, who has spearheaded plans to construct a tidal energy barrage across the Solway. Mr Roberts is managing director of engineering firm VerdErg. http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/other/tidal-fence-could-harness-wave-energy-in-solway-1.677043?referrerPath=news/

7.10. Wave power: world’s largest for Sweden

The coast of Smögen in Sotenäs, Sweden provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside, but that same coast will soon be known for something equally impressive: the site of the world’s largest renewable wave power plant courtesy of Seabased AB. A developer of industrial solutions for the sustainable conversion of wave energy to electricity, Seabased has received approval from the Swedish Energy Agency to begin construction of the installation. http://www.earthtechling.com/2010/02/largest-wave-power-plant-in-world-coming-to-sweden/

7.11. Low-friction bearing material for P2

Novel bearing and seal technologies are playing a vital role in a new UK-developed wave energy generator due to start testing off the Orkney Islands later this year. Engineers at Edinburgh-based Pelamis Wave Power have been developing wave power devices for more than a decade and have overcome the challenge of continuous operation in the punishing marine environment. Building on their experience of producing the world’s first offshore wave energy converter, the team has developed a second-generation design which is more efficient and cost-effective. Crucial to the new design are the bearings and seals. http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2816

7.12. Wave tech could harm marine resources

Energy technologies that tap waves and tides could disrupt marine resources, the [US] Energy Department found in a recent study. Marine and hydrokinetic technologies that capture energy from waves, tides and currents are poised to make a significant contribution to U.S. power supplies, but there is little known about their environmental impacts, the study (pdf is online) says. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/02/24/24greenwire-wave-technologies-could-harm-marine-resources-95837.html

7.13. Tidal energy company hires 'the Jockweiler'

Jim Forbes, the energy veteran dubbed "the Jockweiler" during his reign at Scottish & Southern Energy, has been appointed to the board of a pioneering tidal energy company. Atlantis Resources, which wants to build a 30-megawatt project in the Pentland Firth to power a data centre, has hired Forbes as a non-executive, charged with ushering the firm from the drawing board to commercial projects. http://business.scotsman.com/business/Tidal-energy-company-hires-39the.6074197.jp

7.14. Hydro Alternative Energy’s prototype

Renewable energy company Hydro Alternative Energy, Inc. (HAE) has successfully conducted initial in-water, off-shore testing of its patent pending turbine prototype designed for use in commercialized tidal applications. The test involved the turbine prototype being positioned in the Intracoastal waterway by a HAE chartered vessel and successfully demonstrating the production of electrical current through simple, effective testing methods. http://www.waterpowermagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=130&storyCode=2055481

7.15. USA’s first commercial wave farm

Ocean Power Technologies will install the first commercial scale wave power farm in the United States.  The wave farm will be located in Reedsport, Oregon.  Construction on the farm has already begun. http://www.energyboom.com/emerging/oregon-will-be-home-americas-first-wave-power-farm

7.16. Tidal power test in Maine

A Portland-based tidal power company unveiled its latest underwater turbine structure today in Bangor. It's the largest ocean energy device to be deployed in U.S. waters, and it will be submerged in Cobscook Bay early next month….. "Cobscook Bay and Western Passage, which are on either side of Eastport, are the best tidal energy resources on the east coast of the U.S., so that's why we're there," says Christopher Sauer, CEO of Ocean Renewable Power Company, which is developing tidal power projects in Maine, Alaska and Florida. http://www.mpbn.net/News/MaineNewsArchive/tabid/181/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3475/ItemId/11094/Default.aspx

7.17. Maine sites considered for testing wave energy

A Boston-based company that's developing technology to convert energy from ocean waves into usable power is interested in testing prototypes in Maine. If Resolute Marine Energy Inc. moves ahead over the next year or two, it would be the first test off the Maine coast of wave energy, which is already generating electricity in Europe, and growing interest off the West Coast of the U.S. http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3866377

8. BIOENERGY

8.1. Drax may take £2bn green plans abroad

Power station operator Drax has warned it could move its £2bn plans for green energy plants abroad unless the Government makes the UK friendlier for biomass energy. Drax, which owns the North Yorkshire coal-fired plant, planned to build three new power stations run on waste matter such as wood chips and straw pellets, rather than coal. http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/businessnews/Drax-warns-it-may-have.6091479.jp

8.2. Support bid for biomass energy plan

Power firm Drax has made a fresh plea for Government support over its planned £2 billion project to build "green" biomass plants. The company is due to make the final decision on the three plants - burning organic matter such as wood cuttings and peanut husks to create electricity - by the end of the year. But Drax warned "regulatory certainty" is needed if the company is to put forward a watertight investment case for the plants - at Immingham and Hull on Humberside and the company's Selby base in North Yorkshire. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jEWj4sEekCcdZ8MYERGrkBeEteZQ

8.3. Drax suspends greener fuel plan

Britain’s biggest power station has suspended its plan to replace coal with greener fuel, leaving the Government little chance of meeting its target for renewable energy. Drax, in North Yorkshire, which produces enough electricity for six million homes, is withdrawing a pledge to cut CO2 emissions by 3.5 million tonnes a year, or 17.5 per cent. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article7032738.ece

8.4. Approval recommended for Carnbroe pyrolysis plant

The hotly-disputed waste-to-energy pyrolysis plant at Carnbroe has been recommended for approval by planning officials. Councillors on North Lanarkshire’s planning committee must now decide whether to rubber-stamp the application or take the more unusual step of voting against the expert assessment. http://www.acadvertiser.co.uk/lanarkshire-news/local-news/monklands-news/2010/02/24/approval-recommended-for-controversial-carnbroe-pyrolysis-plant-65864-25898324/

8.5. Bristol palm oil plant rejected

A UK biofuel plant has been refused planning permission over worries that the palm oil powering it would increase deforestation abroad. Bristol City Council planning committee voted 6-2 against W4B Renewable Energy’s plan to build a 50 MW power plant after it received more than 1000 written objections. http://www.tcetoday.com/tcetoday/NewsDetail.aspx?nid=12551

8.6. Standard for digestate published

Operators of anaerobic digestion facilities can now attain a standard which proves that their digestate is safe to spread on land after WRAP this week published its long-awaited British Safety Standard for digestate. Anaerobic digesters which meet the voluntary PAS 110 quality specification, which was originally drafted in April 2008, can assure users of digestate that their product is of a consistent quality and fit for purpose. http://www.letsrecycle.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=37&listcatid=217&listitemid=54679&section=composting

8.7. Reed canaray grass: best brownfield biofuel

An everyday grass has been identified as the best candidate for generating green energy from UK brownfield and polluted sites. Scientists at Teesside University have concluded that reed canary grass is the perfect candidate for improving unsightly blots on the British landscape, while helping the country meets its renewable energy targets. http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/every-day-grass-could-put-uk-brownfield-sites-to-biomass-use-1170.aspx

8.8. Biomass plant to ship chips from America

The environmental credentials of the planned biomass power station in Leith were under fire today after it was revealed it will be fuelled by woodchip shipped from as far away as north America. Energy bosses plan to buy in hundreds of thousands of tonnes of wood from sustainable forests abroad to provide material for the plant at Imperial Dock near Ocean Terminal. http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/39Green39-biomass-plant-to-ship.6092418.jp

8.9. Energy from waste under threat

One of the most promising solutions to the UK's mounting waste problems is under threat after the Government set the price it will pay for electricity generated from organic waste too low, green campaigners claimed. Farmers are aborting plans to build anaerobic digestion plants to convert animal slurries, manure and rotting vegetables into energy after the Government's climate change department made the proposed plants commercially unviable, according to the Renewable Energy Association (REA), which represents the industry. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/waste-not-britain-is-lagging-behind-other-countries-in-renewable-sources-1905794.html

8.10. Yorkshire’s green power station

Plans to build a new "green" power station were announced in the latest step to put the region at the forefront of developments in renewable energy. Denmark's largest power company, Dong Energy, plans to build the biomass power station, which would burn renewable fuels such as wood, on reclaimed land near Queen Elizabeth Dock in the port of Hull. http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Yorkshire-set-to-take-the.6087399.jp

8.11. Questions over best use of biogas

Using biogas from anaerobic digestion (AD) to generate electricity has been questioned by Ann Ballinger, a consultant at Bristol-based Eunomia, who says it creates fewer carbon savings than other end uses. http://www.letsrecycle.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=37&listcatid=217&listitemid=54634&section=composting

8.12. 450,000-tree woodland scheme

One of the largest woodland creation schemes in the Highlands is set to take place with an area the size of 323 international rugby pitches being planted with 450,000 trees. The Ardochy New Woodland, near Whitebridge, on the south side of Loch Ness, will create 600 acres of new native woodland and 193 acres of productive conifer woodland. It will also produce timber for woodfuel and for use in the construction industry and the trees will soak up around 130,000 tonnes of CO2 over a period of 50 years. http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/450-000-trees-set-to-be-planted-in-woodland-scheme-1.1006809?localLinksEnabled=false

8.13. Bioenergy: Govt must address concerns

The public must be won over before the potential of bioenergy can be realised, the Government's Renewables Advisory Board has said. The board, which advises Energy and Climate Change minister Ed Miliband and his department, has said that air quality and sustainability concerns must be addressed, but that the technology promised great rewards.  http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3578&section=Bioenergy%20%26%20Waste

8.14. Biofuels accelerating hunger

Up to 100 million more people could go hungry if the UK and Europe commit to increases in biofuels consumption in order to meet new European Union legislation, says ActionAid….. In a major new report ‘Meals per gallon: the impact of industrial biofuels on people and global hunger’ ActionAid estimates that as a result of the legislation, the amount of biofuels in Europe’s petrol and diesel will increase nearly fourfold. It says this will have a disastrous impact on the world’s poor as food prices rise. http://uk.oneworld.net/article/view/164602/1/5795

8.15. The growing concerns about jatropha

“The most regularly repeated claim about jatropha is that it will grow on so-called marginal land, and will therefore not compete with food crops. There are two major flaws with this argument” - Tim Rice a policy officer at ActionAid  http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/tim-rice-the-growing-concerns-about-jatropha-1899531.html

9. HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS (See also Sustainable Transport)

9.1. Bloom Energy unveils 'Bloom Box'

In a bid to reshape the renewable energy landscape, Bloom Energy on Wednesday announced the Bloom Energy Server, a power-plant-in-a-box for large enterprises. The company unveiled its technology at a launch event at eBay's campus in Silicon Valley, attended by a number of luminaries, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell and the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bloom touted its fuel-cell technology as a cheap, reliable source of electricity, with a much more stable source of electricity than solar, wind, or geothermal power. Bloom Energy disclosed that the company has been supplying its Bloom Servers since 2008, and has already deployed them to a number of customers. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2360447,00.asp

9.2. Tfl launch UK’s largest hydrogen cell

Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled the largest hydrogen fuel cell in the UK. The public transport company has unveiled the fuel cell at its head office as part of its own new green power plant. Through a range of renewable energy facilities, the company believes it will cut its carbon emissions by 40 per cent by and save £90,000 over the next financial year. Part of TfL's £25 million Climate Change Fund, the hydrogen fuel cell will provide electricity, heat and cooling as well as powering the office's hot water supply. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/New-Technology-Innovation/TfL-launch-UK-s-largest-hydrogen-cell3/(energysavingtrust)/509555

9.3. Wartsila tests landfill gas fuel cell unit

Wartsila has tested a solid oxide fuel cell unit, running on landfill gas, in the first phase of its validation program. The power generating unit, which is developed and run by Wärtsilä, has been operating for more than 1,500 hours producing electricity with extremely low emissions to households in Vaasa, Finland. The WFC20, which is developed and operated by Wärtsilä, runs on methane rich gas, originating from a nearby landfill. Methane is a strong greenhouse gas that would otherwise be harmful to the environment. http://www.elp.com/index/display/article-display/4386705060/articles/electric-light-power/renewable-energy/2010/02/Wartsila_tests_landfill_gas_fuel_cell_unit.html

9.4. Researchers make breakthrough for fuel cells and batteries

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University and MIT believe they have developed a new solid-state polymer electrolyte for use in electrochemical devices including fuel cells and batteries. The major potential advantage of such a system is that it would produce electrolytes that can firmly bond to the fuel cell electrodes on either side. This membrane could be formed directly on the electrode which would create a uniform and highly controlled membrane-electrode assembly. By comparison, in conventional fuel cells the three parts are made separately and the bonds can result in inefficiency. http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/02/24/researchers-make-breakthrough-for-fuel-cells-and-batteries/

10. HYDROPOWER

10.1. Russia starts Sayano-Shushenskaya turbine

Russia restarted on Wednesday one unit at its biggest hydropower plant, halted since an explosion killed 75 workers last August, wire reports indicate. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, in the control room of Siberia's Sayano-Shushenskaya hydropower plant, pushed the button to start one of the plant's turbines. The Sayano-Shushenskaya hydro project had a capacity of 6,400 MW. http://www.hydroworld.com/index/display/article-display/1045752107/articles/hrhrw/News-2/2010/02/russia-starts_turbine.html

10.2. European funding for Romanian-Bulgarian hydro plant?

A new hydropower plant on the Danube to be constructed by Romania together with Bulgaria could be financed from European funds, Secretary of State with the Romanian Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business Environment Tudor Serban told an ISPE seminar on Tuesday. http://www.financiarul.ro/2010/02/24/romanian-bulgarian-danube-hydropower-plant-project-could-win-european-funding/

10.3. Dept of Energy grant for hydro fellowships

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a 3-year $3 million grant to the Hydro Research Foundation (HRF) for establishing and awarding 25 hydro fellowships to graduate-level students, the National Hydropower Association announced. The grant is part of the Advanced Waterpower series of grants within the Department of Energy. The Hydro Fellowship Program will stimulate new student research and academic interest in research and careers in conventional or pumped-storage hydropower. This program is a huge step forward for cultivating the next generation of hydropower professionals, the NHA said. http://www.hydroworld.com/index/display/article-display/5017715921/articles/hrhrw/regulationandpolicy/general/2010/02/hydro-research_foundation.html

10.4. Councillors say no to hydro plan

A proposed hydro-electric power scheme in a Perthshire town has been blocked by councillors. The 985kw system was due to be installed at Urlar Burn, Aberfeldy, after planning permission was approved in April 2009. But the town's Common Good Fund, which owns the land, said it would not allow the development to go ahead unless certain conditions were met. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/8534328.stm

10.5. EU Water Framework Directive severely impacting hydro

The implementation of the EU’s Water Framework Directive, despite its positive goal to improve the environmental status of water bodies, is limiting the hydro sector’s future growth, since the interpretation of the directive at national level is having direct consequences on the approval of new projects and allocation of concessions and permissions, according to the European Small Hydropower Association (ESHA). http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/alternative-energy-knowledge-bank/water-framework-directive-severely-impacting-hydropower-development-in-the-eu.html

10.6. Hydro power from old water wheel

An old water wheel at Dartington Cider Press in Devon has been refurbished and is now generating electricity. The wheel, which is driven by water brought in a leat from Bidwell Brook, was originally used to power the looms which made Dartington tweed. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8539076.stm

10.7. Vote goes against micro hydro scheme

A Banchory man has failed in his bid to win approval, for a 16kw micro hydro electric scheme, at a Deeside beauty spot. There was considerable opposition to the development, planned for the Falls of Dess, near Aboyne and Aberdeenshire Councillors, at a meeting at Crathes, voted 6-2 to refuse the planning application. http://www.deesidepiper.co.uk/news/Vote-goes-against-micro-hydro.6084073.jp

11. MICROGENERATION, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ONSITE RENEWABLES

11.1. Ownergy’s official launch

Philip Wolfe, former head of the REA, founds first company providing end-to-end delivery of renewables for the Feed-In Tariffs and Renewable Heat Incentive….. With a delivery partner network spanning the UK, Ownergy Plc is the only company to offer any type of tariff-eligible renewables for homes, businesses and the public sector.  By focussing wholly on the clean energy cashback schemes, Ownergy will be the natural and simplest choice for anyone wishing to benefit from the tariffs’ financial rewards and the opportunity to achieve energy independence. http://www.ownergy.co.uk/news/ownergys_official_launch/

11.2. Complex scheme stops turbines turning

With only a month left until a new Government cash incentive looks set to boost the uptake of green energy, wind turbine installers should be celebrating - but Paul Young from Skywing wind turbines says they have been left in the lurch because of confusion about a certification scheme that means the difference between getting money back for producing clean energy or not being eligible. http://www.farminguk.com/TopNews/Governments-complex-certification-scheme-stops-windturbines-turning_17843.html

11.3. New UK social housing energy co-op 

Social housing organisations in the UK are forming an energy cooperative that could generate 250 MW of electricity and £20 million a year from small-scale renewable energy installations. The Horizon Energy Cooperative, the first such initiative of its kind in England, wants to develop a ‘microgrid’ of locally generated wind and solar power. http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/building-and-design/i/2817/

11.4. Carbon-reduction: Councils must help

Andy Deacon of the Energy Saving Trust outlines the help and support available for local authorities in reducing the carbon footprint in their neighbourhoods. http://www.localgov.co.uk/index.cfm?method=news.detail&id=86547&layout=2

11.5. SSE unveils UK-first Eco Homes project

SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) is to become the first utility in the UK to build and monitor its own development of zero carbon homes to better understand what customers will need as the UK moves to reduce carbon emissions by almost 20% between 2008 and 2020. http://www.yourindustrynews.com/sse+unveils+uk-first+eco+homes+project+for+slough_45682.html  

11.6. Solar water heaters come to the boil

Government incentives are about to make solar water heating panels a financial no-brainer for millions of households across Britain, as long as they have a south-facing roof. Two weeks ago Guardian Money outlined the attractiveness of electricity generating panels as a result of the introduction of "feed-in" tariffs, which will pay households for the extra energy they produce. However, the installation cost – at around £12,500 – will put many people off. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/feb/20/solar-water-heating-incentives

11.7. Microgen changes promised by Tories

The Conservative Party has promised to reward early adopters of microgeneration technology by modifying the rate at which businesses and homes that adopted renewables before July 15th 2009 are paid. Currently the pioneers will be paid nine pence per kWh of electricity they produce compared to 20-25p/kWh for those taking on the renewable technology for the first time, BusinessGreen reports. http://www.rapidonline.com/latestnews.aspx?id=19626656&tier1=Electrical+%26+Power&title=Microgeneration+changes+promised+by+Tories

11.8. Obama's $5bn green home plan

Barack Obama's $5bn programme to help fuel America's economic recovery by making more than half a million homes energy efficient has got off to a painfully slow start and was 98% short of its goal last year, according to an official report. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/19/weatherisation-energy-efficiency-us-recovery-plan

11.9. Edinburgh LED trial for Dialight

Dialight in Newmarket is hoping an LED street light trial across the border will trigger a string of deals in the UK after The City of Edinburgh Council decided to test its technology along the World Heritage-listed Princes Street. The contract, on what is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful city streets, is the location for Scotland’s first LED street light trial. To date there have been just a handful of LED trials in the UK making the Princes Street experiment the most high profile deployment of smart and cost effective LED lighting technology, and a major coup for Dialight. http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/electronics/edinburgh-led-trial-for-dialight.html

11.10. Tesco’s RE powered distribution centre

Tesco has announced that its new distribution centre in Widnes will be completely powered by renewable energy generated from food waste, thanks to a partnership between the supermarket, multimodal logistics company Stobart Group and the UK's largest food waste recycler, the PDM Group. The distribution centre will take its renewable energy from PDM's combined heat and power (CHP) plant which turns 230,000 tonnes of food waste - including Tesco's food waste - into renewable heat and electricity. http://www.mhwmagazine.co.uk/LatestNews/The_PDM_Group_join_with_Tesco_and_Stobart_to_run_on_renewable_energy-5980.html

11.11. In praise of woodburning stoves

…… For most of us, a log fire has become little more than an optional indulgence for country weekends, but in the era of climate change, dwindling resources and rising energy prices, wood is making a comeback….. Provided that each tree felled is replaced, wood counts as a renewable fuel and the carbon released in burning is reabsorbed by new plantings. By contrast, burning fossil fuel releases carbon that has been locked up and out of the system for millions of years. http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article7031998.ece

11.12. UK could become microgen world leader

The UK could become a world leader in low carbon technologies such as microgeneration, according to a leading environmental group. Chris Hewett, an associate at Green Alliance, argued that Britain is well placed on a number of fronts to succeed in the global low carbon race. Last Thursday (February 11th 2010), the Liberal Democrats set out a manifesto pledge to create 57,000 green jobs by investing £400 million upgrading disused shipyards to facilitate the production of offshore wind turbines. http://www.rapidonline.com/latestnews.aspx?id=19615639&tier1=Electrical+%26+Power&title=Green+Alliance%3A+UK+could+become+microgeneration+world+leader

11.13. M&S home energy services division

This week, M&S launches its Energy Home Insulation service which offers loft insulation at prices starting from £149 and the same price for cavity wall insulation. Later this year, the retail giant plans to broaden its home energy portfolio to offer customers home heating products including boilers, heat pumps and solar panel heating. http://www.heatingandventilating.net/news/news.asp?id=7062&title=M%26S+launches+home+energy+services+division

11.14. M&S staff offered home insulation

Around 30,000 Marks & Spencer staff have been offered free home insulation as part of the retailer's launch of a home energy services division. The company's new venture will provide bespoke energy advice as well as renewable energy products such as solar panels and heat pumps. The first new service, M&S Energy Home Insulation, will launch this week with prices starting from £149 for loft insulation and the same price for cavity wall insulation. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hAqPnzRSxHWm8QP5H4_jRdLMeQFg

11.15. Households warm to boiler scrappage

More than a third of the vouchers available under the government's boiler scrappage scheme have been snapped up since the scheme launched almost six weeks ago, according to figures out today. The Department of Energy and Climate Change said that of the 125,000 vouchers made available, 54,578 have been taken, leaving about 70,000, which are worth a total of £28m. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/feb/15/boiler-scrappage-scheme-vouchers

11.16. Service suite for small wind & solar PV

In response to the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) new feed-in tariff programs for small-scale renewable projects in the UK, Garrad Hassan has announces that it will now offer a specialized service suite for developers of small-scale wind and solar photovoltaic projects. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/02/garrad-hassan-releases-service-suite-for-small-wind-solar-pv-developers

11.17. Waitrose awarded for ‘food to fuel’

Waitrose has received an award from the Association for Organics Recycling (AFOR) for its industry-leading measures to convert leftover food into renewable energy. The award, recognising the retailer’s pioneering work with anaerobic digestion (AD), comes as Waitrose commits a further 66 of its shops to the green scheme. It was won in partnership with recycling experts, Cawleys. http://www.theappointment.co.uk/news/?submitted=False&ID=5504

11.18. Enfield’s sustainable building study

A study into the most suitable buildings for green technology has been commissioned by Enfield Council. The Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Development Study will examine how future funding for green energy and resources should be distributed. Government grants for renewable technologies, including solar panelling, biomass boilers, heat pumps and wind turbines, are available to public sector buildings and charitable bodies via the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/5008837.Council_studies_best_buildings_for_green_technology/

11.19. Conservatives to set out FiTs policy

The Conservative Party has claimed it will outline its full position on Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) in the coming months, in light of shadow energy minister Charles Hendry's promise that early investors would be supported under a Tory government. http://www.newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=3617&section=Policy

12. SOLAR

12.1. Sharp predicts bright future for UK solar

Since the release of the feed-in tariff rates for the UK, Sharp Energy Solutions Europe has announced that it plans to significantly expand its resources in the region as the company expects a large amount of PV uptake within the next couple of years. "So far the UK solar market has lagged behind its European neighbors - but now Britain is taking the opportunity to bring about change in energy policy and simultaneously stimulate industry growth in the field of renewable energies.  In our solar module factory in Wales in Wrexham, we have expanded the production capacity of initially 20 to now 280MW." http://www.pv-tech.org/news/_a/sharp_predicts_a_bright_future_for_uk_solar_market/

12.2. Honda’s big drive into solar power

Honda, the automotive giant, set the land speed record for solar-powered vehicles when it won the World Solar Challenge in 1996. Its Dream racer, an odd-looking vehicle shaped like a cuttlefish, covered 1,870 miles across the Australian outback at an average speed of 56mph. It took just under 34 hours. For dedicated petrolheads it was not the most inspiring event. The Dream was covered with 4,500 photovoltaic tiles but was, as its named implied, not a commercial vehicle. Yet the experience marked the beginning of a big industrial undertaking for the Japanese giant — how to design a better solar panel. Today, the carmaker is churning out 230,000 panels a year from its first solar plant, called Honda Soltec. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article7034894.ece

13. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

13.1. 'Plug-in Car' grants for UK drivers

Pioneering motorists will receive up to £5,000 to buy an ultra-low carbon car, and the roll-out of supporting infrastructure will begin in selected regions, the Government announced.  The Plug-in Car Grant will be distributed directly to the consumer at the point of purchase and will be available across the UK from January 2011, by which time a range of eligible vehicles is expected to be available. Also included in the Government’s plans is the roll-out of a £30m fund for a network of electric vehicle hubs – called Plugged-In Places – which will see charging infrastructure appearing in car parks, major supermarkets, leisure and retail centres, as well as on the street.  The first Plugged-In Places were today named today as London, Milton Keynes and the North East; and between them they will be installing over 11,000 vehicle recharging points during the next three years.  http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=411534&SubjectId=36

13.2. A new era for airships?

Airships have never quite taken off as a means of transport. Somehow planes got the better of them, and anyway they kept crashing. But we're more eco-conscious than we were in the days of the famous blimps: the Hindenburg, or the R101. Could the airship provide a low-energy means of carrying freight around the world? Former chief scientific advisor to the government Sir David King discusses why he believes airships could be used for transporting cargo in a more environmentally efficient way. http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8540000/8540375.stm

13.3. Predictions for success of fuel cell vehicles

Just how much of an impact will fuel cell vehicles make on the market in the next 10 years? A new report from Pike Research has examined the issue. It suggests that fuel cell vehicles will be commercially launched in most regions by 2014 and that cumulative sales of light duty fuel cell cars and trucks will pass the 2.8million vehicle mark globally by 2020. http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/02/25/predictions-for-success-of-fuel-cell-vehicles/

13.4. The PlanetSolar solar-powered boat

The biggest boat to be powered by solar energy has been displayed in Germany before it begins preparations to circumnavigate the globe. The 31m (100ft) by 15m catamaran, PlanetSolar , has been developed to be silent and clean, its Swiss-based maker said. The ship will be able to travel at a top speed of 15 knots (17mph) and carry 50 people. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article7041725.ece

13.5. Hydrogen taxi cabs 2012 Olympics

A taxi cab that runs on the latest hydrogen fuel cell technology is being developed with the aim of being ready for full road trials in time for the 2012 Olympics. The car looks and drives just like a standard London black cab – but underneath the bonnet is some cutting-edge technology by sports carmaker Lotus. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/22/hydrogen-taxi-cabs-london-2012-olympics

13.6. Germany’s new plans for hydrogen cars

The German government has big goals for vehicles running on hydrogen fuel cells. But can their model translate to the U.S. market? http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=german-hydrogen-powered-cars

13.7. British Airways: jet fuel from city waste

British Airways will start sourcing a small portion of its jet fuel from municipal waste from 2014, under a deal with U.S.-based biofuel company Solena Group, the two companies announced. British Airways, one of the top three airlines in Europe, said it had signed a deal to purchase all the "sustainable jet fuel" that Solena could make from a plant expected to be sited in London and operational from 2014. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLDE61E1H620100215

13.8. Jet fuel plans boost green energy

Plans by British Airways to build an eco-friendly jet fuel plant by 2014 have been welcomed as a huge step forward by Tees Valley green chiefs. According to reports, the East London plant will make enough jet fuel from food and industrial bio-waste to power all of the carrier's flights from London City airport more than twice over. http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2010/02/15/jet-fuel-plans-give-boost-to-green-energy-51140-25837113/

13.9. Algae to solve the Pentagon's jet fuel problem

The brains trust of the Pentagon says it is just months away from producing a jet fuel from algae for the same cost as its fossil-fuel equivalent. The claim, which comes from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) that helped to develop the internet and satellite navigation systems, has taken industry insiders by surprise. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/13/algae-solve-pentagon-fuel-problem

14. CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE

14.1. Coal emissions: the burning issue

Wednesday's vote on the Energy bill was a close-run thing: the tabled amendment, which would have introduced an emissions performance standard to limit carbon emissions from power stations and encourage energy companies to invest in cleaner electricity generation, was narrowly defeated – by just eight votes. Unfortunately, this could have serious implications for the UK's success in cutting climate-changing emissions, jeopardising efforts to meet our carbon budget. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/feb/24/emissions-standard-energy-bill-tim-yeo

14.2. Bid to restrict emissions fails

A cross-party bid to restrict carbon dioxide emissions from new power stations has narrowly failed in the Commons. Labour backbenchers joined with the Tories and Liberal Democrats in calling for an Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) for every new electricity generating plant. But the move was defeated by 252 votes to 244 - slashing the Government's 57-strong majority to just eight. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jyP_fgaR8g6fKLtwF7cmpFbwMP9g

15. NUCLEAR

15.1. Mandelson ready to go nuclear

Lord Mandelson is close to sealing a £170m government-backed deal for a nuclear manufacturing facility just days after Corus mothballed its steel plant on Teesside. The business secretary has been leading talks between Sheffield Forgemasters, the engineering firm, and Westinghouse, the nuclear reactor maker, for months about arranging a financing package for a 15,000-tonne press that would be used to make pressure vessels and castings for nuclear reactors. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/utilities/article7034860.ece

15.2. UK plans first nuclear fusion plant

British scientists have drawn up plans to build the world’s first nuclear fusion power station. They say it could be pouring electricity into the National Grid within 20 years. Nuclear fusion, the power that lies at the heart of the sun, offers the prospect of clean, safe, carbon-free power with a minimum of radioactive waste. But despite decades of research the technical problems have seemed insurmountable. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article7034945.ece

15.3. Setback for Obama's nuclear vision

Barack Obama's new dream of a nuclear renaissance faces a major reality check tomorrow when the state of Vermont is expected to shut down an ageing nuclear reactor with a history of leaks. It would be the first time a state has moved to shut down such a reactor, and follows Obama's announcement last week of $8.3bn (£5.4bn) in loan guarantees for the construction of two new reactors in Georgia. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/23/vermont-yankee-nuclear-reactor-to-close

16. KEEPING IN TOUCH

16.1. All-Energy daily newsfeeds

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16.2. ‘Energy’ the All-Energy official publication

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