News@All-Energy - Issue 171 - Mid-July
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 is an exceptionally long issue as it covers four weeks and is evidence of the Editor’s post-vacation “catch-up” and of the exceptional levels of activity in the renewable energy industry.
Planning (and space booking) has already started for All-Energy 2011 (18-19 May 2011) there’s information at http://www.all-energy.co.uk/The_exhibition.html. For those interested in activities on the other side of the world, keep an eye on the All-Energy Australia (6-7 October 2010) website at http://www.all-energy.com.au.
News@All-Energy reaches over 20,000 every fortnight. 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. Keep in touch with news on a daily basis through our newsfeeds reached via the homepage at http://www.all-energy.co.uk. Or opt for RSS feeds - click here http://www.all-energy.co.uk/NewsFeed.rss
CONTENTS
1. GOVERNMENT NEWS AND FEEDBACK
1.1. PM slammed for investment U-turn
1.2. Confusion surrounds Green Investment Bank
1.3. Low carbon energy: vast potential
1.4. Savings by DECC on LCT Programmes
1.5. REA reaction to DECC cuts
1.6. Scottish Low Carbon Investment Project
1.7. Regeneration fund to re-vitalise Scotland
1.8. MP issues call for better facilities
1.9. Huhne to overturn ban on councils selling RE
1.10. £10bn ‘needed to meet emission targets’
1.11. UK renewable plan unnerves investors
1.12. UK National Renewable Energy Action Plan
1.13. UK’s 2020 targets are achievable
1.14. Osborne ignites the bonfire of the quangos
1.15. UK energy: power from renewables falls
1.16. UK must take radical action to meet CCT
1.17. Committee on Climate Change Report
1.18. Planning quango abolished
1.19. IPC announcement – REA feedback
1.20. Scottish Govt launches cheap energy study
1.21. Pledge to free up offshore development
1.22. Green investment bank plans to be unveiled
1.23. Green jobs threatened by Govt cuts
1.24. RDA cull: Fears mount for green projects
1.25. Energy Trends and Quarterly Energy Prices
1.26. Centre to build Wales’ greener future
1.27. Green energy’s role in UK's energy security
1.28. Huhne speech: UK Energy Summit
1.29. Budget: Commitment to review £185m
1.30. UK emergency Budget
1.31. Industry reactions to the UK Budget
1.32. Budget cuts could hit efficiency initiatives
1.33. Budget: Green policies 'sidelined'
1.34. Budget: REA views
1.35. UK Budget positive for green jobs
1.36. Electrical courses could gain importance
1.37. UK could be net exporter of renewable energy
1.38. UK government urged to keep BST
1.39. Call for large energy decisions to be devolved
2. GENERAL – UK NEWS
2.1. SSE and Mitsubishi form low-carbon alliance
2.2. Power partnership is very welcome
2.3. Deal means jobs for Glasgow
2.4. Exploration into ‘East Coast Renewables’
2.5. Green software:Hara targets Europe
2.6. 'Talent gap' in RE pushes up pay
2.7. UK: ‘one of lowest‘ shares of RE in 2008
2.8. Renewable energy sources 'will take off'
2.9. Crown Estate chief: uncertainty threatens marine-power boom
2.10. Cost effective RE support needed
2.11. EEF’s energy action plan
2.12. Climate change cuts could push up bills
2.13. Britain at risk of energy crisis
2.14. Banks backlash brings dividend for the Co-op
2.15. Wigley recommends reprieve for the Carbon Trust
2.16. Green setback for UK as British power by renewables falls
2.17. Green industry support economic recovery
2.18. Bills increase by £72 to pay for environment
2.19. Community payouts from green energy
2.20. FTSE Group launches 'carbon risk' indices
2.21. Paul McCartney backs renewables
2.22. Green power for Monmouthshire
2.23. Isle of Eigg wins 'green oscar'
3. GENERAL – INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3.1. Push for 30% EU emissions cut
3.2. Huhne calls for EU greenhouse gas cuts
3.3. RE 'resilient' to downturn in 2009
3.4. Utilities need financial partners
3.5. BP: No plans to sell RE units
3.6. India takes a big leap in RE
3.7. Got a smart energy idea?
3.8. UN's Clean Development Mechanism
3.9. Bright outlook for hydro, wave, and tidal power
3.10. EU Renewable Energy Transparency Platform
3.11. Europe half-way to 2020 target
3.12. Solid second quarter for cleantech
3.13. Masdar’s second senior resignation
3.14. Scotland:China talks on RE
3.15. Obama renews call for RE tax credit
3.16. EU could cut emissions by 95% with RE
3.17. Germany could kick fossil fuel habit by 2050
3.18. Long-awaited Enel Green Power IPO
3.19. EU Renewables make up 62% in 2009
3.20. EU Clean Energy Fund to Invest $12.5m in China
3.21. Renewables increasing share in EU
3.22. Subsidies to be cut in Spain
3.23. Launch of Energy Technology Perspectives 2010
3.24. EU's response to global warming a costly mistake
3.25. Cleantech investment up 65 percent
3.26. Germany setting up $500m climate fund
3.27. G8 leaders committed to emissions cut
3.28. Australian PM 'should focus on cutting emissions'
3.29. New European energy challenges blog
3.30. Where to find the new blog
3.31. Climate change panel names new authors
3.32. IPCC: Swedish involvement
3.33. HgCapital:EIB talks on new RE fund
3.34. NZ leads the world with its ETS ... or does it?
3.35. Changes afoot at Masdar
3.36. APEC Ministers discuss oil spill impact, re use
4. GRID AND TRANSMISSION
4.1. Supergrid that will carry RE from Africa to EU
4.2. UK needs offshore grid to meet EU targets
4.3. Smart grids: US, Russian cities to collaborate
4.4. Mayor supports bid for London smart grid
4.5. EDF Energy bids for London’s smart grid
4.6. New wave of pylons expected
5. WIND – UK NEWS
5.1. Armed Forces and turbines can co-exist
5.2. Siemens turbines for SSE’s Griffin
5.3. Nigg update
5.4. Intel processors used by Mainstream
5.5. Lloyds backs Borders wind farm with £17m
5.6. Sugar says N.E. should be wind turbine leader
5.7. Jamieson new RenewableUK Chairman
5.8. Wind industry - new era of collaboration
5.9. Wind farms dominate IPC’s work
5.10. Methil wind turbine signals need for RE
5.11. Ayr wins wind turbine delivery contract
5.12. Ormonde foundations shipped from BiFab
5.13. A2SEA, COSCO -$139m vessel contract
5.14. Call to halt sea windfarm schemes
5.15. Floating wind turbines for Scottish waters?
5.16. New engineer-led business to focus on offshore wind
5.17. Additional vital service for Fugro Renewables
5.18. Study to monitor noise in Moray Firth
5.19. A/deen Harbour board: windfarm confusion
5.20. Wind blade manufacture to return to IoW
5.21. Wind Prospect in Sunday Times list
5.22. Clatto Hill wind farm bid lodged
5.23. DONG Energy signs loan facility for London Array Wind Farm
5.24. Salmond welcomes SeaEnergy Renewables venture
5.25. Offshore wind contractor aims for new vessels
5.26. £10 million grants for UK offshore wind technology
5.27. Britain leads Europe's offshore wind market
5.28. NZ wind turbine manufacturer aims for UK market
5.29. New windfarm proposed at Lewis estate
5.30. London Array benefits from EIB loan
5.31. Isle of Skye wind farm officially opened
5.32. Shortage of skills for offshore energy hub
5.33. Wind farm are 'key' to climate change target
5.34. Foundations for Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm
5.35. SmartestEnergy and Vattenfall sign PPA for wind farm
5.36. Building an UK offshore wind powerhouse
5.37. Offshore wind to provide 45,000 new jobs
5.38. Siemens wins deal to link UK wind farm
5.39. Atlantic Array testing to start
5.40. Successful turbine transportation exercise
5.41. Scotland’s offshore wind plans
5.42. Rare red kite found dead at wind farm
5.43. JV to build offshore wind support vessels
5.44. UK leads world in offshore wind tech
5.45. Fallago Rig plan 'will blight area'
5.46. Siemens to develop next generation turbine
5.47. SRG hopes to raise £25m in IPO
5.48. Weldex goes to Dunedin
5.49. Iberdrola to create new jobs
5.50. Eneco launches Round 3 project plan
5.51. Able UK reveals plans for £400m green energy site
5.52. Ecotricity receiving millions in subsidies
6. WIND – INTERNATIONAL NEWS
6.1. Siemens’ Russian wind turbine agreement
6.2. Latest POWER cluster newsletter
6.3. Clipper support from UTC
6.4. Daewoo to build Nova Scotia wind turbine plant
6.5. SeaEnergy’s Chinese deal - growth and jobs
6.6. China’s first offshore wind farm
6.7. NYPA to apply for offshore wind
6.8. GE Teams Up with Norwegian and Swedish
6.9. Siemens buys 49% A2SEA stake
6.10. Cape Cod wind farm - 1st lawsuit
6.11. Nova Scotia wind launch pad for Daewoo
6.12. Offshore embarrassment at Alpha Ventus
6.13. The Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium
6.14. Dong green light for Anholt
6.15. Cape Wind builders narrowed down
6.16. Lamprell bags Seajacks order
6.17. Europe: Wind growth to remain strong
7. WAVE AND TIDAL
7.1. Wave and tidal: TSB to invest up to £3m
7.2. Finding funds for Carnegie’s device
7.3. Construction work for PowerBuoy on target
7.4. Welsh tidal power testing zone
7.5. Turning the tide on energy in Pembrokeshire
7.6. MCT appoints new Chairman
7.7. Wave Hub energy project 'is going ahead'
7.8. Treasury stops RDAs spending Euro cash
7.9. Green-Tide Turbines appoint Cambridge Consultants
7.10. OPT announces annual results
7.11. Oceanflow destined for Sanda Sound
7.12. Harland & Wolff’s ocean energy role
7.13. Maine:Nova Scotia to cooperate on ocean energy
7.14. Tidal power arrives in Hull
7.15. Tidal stream generator built at Sunderland
7.16. Woodside in power talks with Tidal Energy
7.17. ORPC gives tidal generator top marks in testing
7.18. Edinburgh firm collects £13m wind funding
7.19. Marine energy making a splash
7.20. Aquamarine Power secures over £3m Scottish Gov funds
7.21. Marine energy technology will be sourced from UK
7.22. Hydro, wave, and tidal outlook bright
7.23. Tidal power still has a future in N.B
7.24. Guernsey hosts British-Irish Council energy talks
7.25. Marine energy: Wales “perfectly placed”
7.26. Irving Oil walks away from Bay of Fundy
7.27. Guernsey’s tidal resource
7.28. Turbine contract boost for Harland and Wolff
7.29. Wave power giant ready to set sail for trials
7.30. British-Irish Council to accelerate marine sector
7.31. British-Irish Council: marine RE
7.32. BIC to HQ in Edinburgh
7.33. Severn barrage faces economic hurdles
8. BIOENERGY
8.1. Plans for IoW £130m biomass plant
8.2. AD plant is a national ‘first’
8.3. AD could counteract ‘peak phosphate’
8.4. UK’s 'huge' appetite for anaerobic digestion
8.5. Suffolk biomethane plant completed
8.6. REA welcomes "willingness" of ministers to realise AD potential
8.7. Construction begins on £25m bioenergy UK facility
8.8. ADBA: UK eyes biogas boom
8.9. Large-scale biomass ‘risks UK jobs’
8.10. Europe’s first waste to bioethanol plant
8.11. Green energy from algae
8.12. Investors needed for biofuels project in Australia
8.13. Covanta Energy new plant in England
8.14. Regulation is holding back green power
8.15. Leith: 40 years for carbon neutrality
8.16. Orders for Stobart Biomass Products
9. GEOTHERMAL
9.1. Britain’s AMEC won $6.8m geothermal contract
9.2. Sensus geothermal energy in Madrid underground
9.3. Geothermal hot water
9.4. Water from Co. Durham 'hot rocks'
10. HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS (See also Sustainable Transport)
10.1. Shetland Islands hydrogen project
10.2. Research on solid oxide fuel cell
10.3. UK common voice for hydrogen and FC industry
10.4. Nottingham engineers develop super batteries
10.5. B9 eyes hydrogen as gas plant alternative
11. HYDROPOWER
11.1. RWE Innogy set to build hydro-power plant
11.2. Go small, go green, RWE says
11.3. Green light for Lochaber hydro
11.4. UK hydropower may treble by 2020
11.5. Surge in hydropower in last decade
11.6. More renewable energy from Norway’s Hydro
11.7. Lack of rain: problem for Knoydart and Eigg
11.8. First screw generator saves £127k a year
11.9. Time to register for BHA Annual Conference
12. MICROGENERATION, ONSITE RENEWABLES AND LOW CARBON BUILDINGS (See also Solar)
12.2. Energy efficiency: less than £3k per house
12.3. Scottish microgen consultation
12.4. Olympics unlikely to meet green target
12.5. Top of the class for renewable energy performance
12.6. Birds Eye launches sustainability strategy
12.7. Energy saving home grants scrapped
12.8. Microgen: launch of Govt consultation
12.9. Microgen strategy ‘step in right direction’
12.10. Community renewables to be encouraged
12.11. Minister's vision for local energy economies
12.12. Energy saving home grants to be scrapped
12.13. Ownergy: Guide to Renewable Energy Tariffs
12.14. Burger King goes green
12.15. London mayor opens roof-top green research centre
13. SOLAR
13.1. FIT spurring PV market growth
13.2. GE launches solar power scheme for schools
13.3. JR Ewing's back, promoting solar power
13.4. Spain now world's biggest solar generator
13.5. Churches urged to cash in with solar panels
13.6. ADB - China / India to benefit from $9bn aid
13.7. Obama commits nearly $2bn to two major US solar projects
13.8. Shortage in parts for solar panels
13.9. Michael Grätzel: Give people access to cheap solar power
13.10. Farming solar energy
13.11. Abengoa gets $1.45 billon loan from U.S.
13.12. A Shade Greener offers free solar installations
13.13. British Gas Free Solar Panels to British Schools
13.14. Work begins on the University of Sheffield solar farm
13.15. Saharan solar power for Europe by 2015
13.16. Glastonbury’s solar array
13.17. Sheffield Uni sets up solar farm for PV research
13.18. New solar-powered eco-house
13.19.Solar Decathlon Europe underway in Madrid
14. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
14.1. RFA provisional data for RTFO Year 2
14.2. Solar-powered plane’s 26-hour flight
14.3. BP acquire US biofuel operations
14.4. Fuel cell technology for marine industry
14.5. Govt loan for Ford's green engines plan
14.6. The case of the poisoned fuel cell
14.7. AUS$31m biotech center
15. CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE
15.1. Carbon capture praised
15.2. Using rocket science for CCS
15.3. SSE to develop Peterhead as CCS test site
15.4. SSE considers options in £1bn CCS initiative
15.5. S.Korea to invest $1.92bn in CCS
15.6. Alberta to capture advantage
15.7. 'Carbon storage' faces leak dilemma
15.8. Oxford team outlines CCC
15.9. Investing In carbon capture
15.10. HRH opens Doosan test facility
15.11. IPA’s conference on clean coal and CCS
15.12. Germany agrees draft CCS law
16. NUCLEAR
16.1. Nuclear fusion – what is it worth?
16.2. Nuclear quango staff paid £5m in bonuses
16.3. Sweden opts to replace nuclear plants
16.4. Nuclear powers set for showdown
17. KEEPING IN TOUCH
17.1. All-Energy daily newsfeeds
17.2. ‘Energy’ the All-Energy official publication
1. GOVERNMENT NEWS AND FEEDBACK
1.1. PM slammed for investment U-turn
David Cameron is to slash spending on green technology but pour hundreds of millions of pounds into charities, voluntary groups and churches, the News of the World can reveal. The Prime Minister's first pledge after taking over as Conservative Party leader was to slash greenhouse gasses and promote eco-friendly energy. But he has shelved a £1 billion fund to invest in new British companies using green technology…… Instead, Mr Cameron - whose party's logo is a green tree - will tomorrow reveal plans for a "Big Society Bank". http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/880674/Cameron-shelves-fund-to-support-companies-using-green-technology.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=News
1.2. Confusion surrounds Green Investment Bank
The government is reportedly preparing to shelve plans to part fund the formation of its proposed Green Investment Bank (GIB) through the sale of assets such as the Channel Tunnel rail link and the student loan book. The Financial Times reported today that the plans had been ditched amidst growing signs of tension between George Osborne at the Treasury and Vince Cable at the business department over how the bank should be funded and managed. http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2266544/confusion-surrounds-green
1.3. Low carbon energy: vast potential
The transition to a low carbon UK will be a mammoth task and will in time directly affect us all, says the Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/earth/future-of-energy/7892742/Low-carbon-energy-vast-potential-rewards-for-a-greener-UK-says-Chris-Huhne.html
1.4. Savings by DECC on LCT Programmes
“On 24 May 2010 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced £6.2 billion of savings across Whitehall in order to reduce the public deficit. Of the £85 million DECC is contributing to the savings, £34 million will come from expenditure on low carbon technology. We announced in May that £3 million would come from closing the Low Carbon Buildings Fund early.” DECC has now announced where other savings will come from including: cancelling the final funding rounds of the Bio-Energy Capital Grants Scheme and the Bio-Energy Infrastructure Scheme; a cut on funding for development of Deep Geothermal energy generation; reducing the scope of the Offshore Wind Capital Grants Scheme, early closing of the Energy Saving Trust technology trials; reducing the scope of the Central Govt Low Carbon Technology programme, and a reduction in the grant to the Carbon Trust. http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_84/pn10_84.aspx
1.5. REA reaction to DECC cuts
Gaynor Hartnell, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association (REA), added: "These cuts are obviously bad news for some of our member companies. These announcements could have been tempered by reassurance that Government understands the industry's need for a clear framework moving forward. There are some key positive announcements industry is keenly awaiting on biomass and anaerobic digestion, and reassurance that the future framework for renewable heat will enable businesses to plan in the absence of grants." http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/16/decc-carbon-tech-budget-cut
1.6. Scottish Low Carbon Investment Project
The "Scottish Low Carbon Investment Project" seeks to match low carbon opportunities with the financial community and in particular those financiers with an expressed interest in this space. The project is now seeking to collate organisations’ "elevator pitches" for funding, whether it be for a particular project, the development of technology or for the expansion and operation of an organisation. The project will in due course seek to identify appropriate financial services targets which may provide the funding solution. http://www.slciconference.com/opportunities-for-finance/register-low-carbon-projects
1.7. Regeneration fund to re-vitalise Scotland
A new £50 million fund is being made available to restart regeneration projects that were stalled by the recession. Cash will be used to offer loans to create new business areas, support renewable energy projects for social housing, develop wireless technology zones, and provide more energy efficient transport schemes. Nearly half the fund’s budget - £24 million – is being provided by the European Commission’s JESSICA initiative (Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas), with the Scottish Government stumping up the remaining £26 million. http://www.greengrantsmachine.co.uk/Default.aspx?WCI=htmHome&WCU=CBC=View,DSCODE=J4BUKGGLIV,newsitemID=239-N8239
1.8. MP issues call for better facilities
The UK and Scottish governments will be urged to co-operate to improve the infrastructure of the north-east [of Scotland] and boost investment offshore. Gordon Liberal Democrat MP Malcolm Bruce has called a special debate in the Commons to warn that the exploitation of oil and gas and the development of wind, wave and tidal power depend on it. Mr Bruce said he was concerned about limitations on infrastructure for the development of offshore oil and gas and renewables. http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1823378?UserKey=
1.9. Huhne to overturn ban on councils selling RE
Carbon footprint for England’s local councils revealed A ban on councils selling green electricity into the national grid is to be overturned, Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said today as the carbon footprint of every local council in England was published. In a speech to today’s Local Government Association annual conference, Mr Huhne will say that he wants local councils to be allowed to sell electricity they produce from renewables to the national electricity grid.
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_078/pn10_078.aspx
1.10. £10bn ‘needed to meet emission targets’
More than £10billion of investment is needed to help Scotland meet a key renewable energy target in just 10 years, a report said yesterday. The Scottish Government wants 50% of the country‘s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020.But the report, by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, pointed out that energy regulator Ofgem had already estimated £33billion of investment was needed in offshore wind across the UK to meet power generation targets.http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1819834
1.11. UK renewable plan unnerves investors
Britain's plan to switch from the market-based renewable obligation subsidy scheme to a flat-fee feed-in tariff could deter investors and delay clean energy projects, investor and banking group Investec said. In its June budget, the government suggested it may introduce feed-in tariffs for large-scale renewable projects, such as offshore wind farms and marine energy, and could keep the Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) for existing projects only.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6663RV20100707
1.12. UK National Renewable Energy Action Plan
Article 4 of the renewable energy Directive (2009/28/EC) requires Member States to submit national renewable energy action plans by 30 June 2010. These plans, to be prepared in accordance with the template published by the Commission, provide detailed roadmaps of how each Member State expects to reach its legally binding 2020 target for the share of renewable energy in their final energy consumption.
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/renewables/transparency_platform/action_plan_en.htm
1.13. UK’s 2020 targets are achievable
The UK can meet its 15% renewable energy target for 2020 with domestic action and financial support for technologies, according to the UK's National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP). The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) submitted the UK's report to the European Commission yesterday (July 1), in accordance with a requirement in the Renewable Energy Directive for all EU Member States to send detailed plans of how they will meet their legally binding 2020 renewable energy targets.
http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4123§ion=Policy
1.14. Osborne ignites the bonfire of the quangos
So it’s farewell RDAs, adieu to the Infrastructure Planning Commission, and possibly soon goodbye to the Carbon Trust and the Energy Technologies Institute. That’s right. The long anticipated quango cull has begun. So far, the reaction from industry has been reasonably positive. Many hailed the decision to replace the RDAs with a £1bn regional growth fund, while the latest bit of consolidation - the likely decision to bring all green investments funds under the auspices of a Green Investment Bank - is viewed by many as a sensible route to scaling up investment in some of the large scale projects considered essential to the UK’s future economy. http://www.theengineer.co.uk/opinion/osborne-ignites-the-bonfire-of-the-quangos/1003274.article?cmpid=TE01&cmptype=newsletter
1.15. UK energy: power from renewables falls
The Committee on Climate Change has warned that unless "urgent action" is taken the UK will miss its emissions target after the recession created the illusion of a significant decrease in carbon production. Furthermore, the proportion of Britain's electricity supplied from renewable sources fell 7.5% in the first quarter of 2010, placing the nation's green energy revolution in peril. http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4285172
1.16. UK must take radical action to meet CCT
Britain needs to build twice as many wind farms every year, put more than a million electric cars on the road and insulate every home in the country in order to meet ambitious legally-binding climate change targets, Government advisers have warned. Under new laws brought in by the previous Labour Government, the UK is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 34 per cent on 1990 levels by 2020.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/7861409/UK-must-take-radical-action-to-meet-climate-change-targets-watchdog-warns.html
1.17. Committee on Climate Change Report
Responding to publication of the Committee’s progress report, Gaynor Hartnell, Chief Executive of the REA said: “UK emissions may have reduced because of the recession, but when the economy pulls back the floodgates will open unless we invest in energy efficiency and renewables now. Heating accounts for 47% of emissions, and the Committee’s modelling assumes the expected renewable heat policy kicks off on 1st April next year. We are awaiting confirmation that this will be the case. Decarbonising our heating through renewables is not only the cheapest means of delivering our legally binding renewables target, but it’s the one where most progress is required. Delay will only cost us more.”
http://www.theccc.org.uk/news/press-releases
1.18. Planning quango abolished
A planning quango that wasted £16million of taxpayers' money in little more than a year without making any decisions was scrapped yesterday. Ministers abolished the Infrastructure Planning Commission and handed power to elected politicians to have the final say over plans for a wave of new wind farms, roads and power stations. But they also made clear that local people who do not want expensive infrastructure projects blighting their communities will have greater powers to object. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1290647/Labours-Infrastructure-Planning-Commission-abolished-achieving-nothing.html
1.19. IPC announcement – REA feedback
Responding to today’s announcement that the Infrastructure Planning Commission will be abolished, the Renewable Energy Association’s Chief Executive, Gaynor Hartnell, said: “We welcome the commitment to approve major projects within the current fast-track timeframes. There is a pressing need for new energy infrastructure and the National Policy Statements are key to delivering this. http://www.r-e-a.net/info/rea-news/ipc-announcement/
1.20. Scottish Govt launches cheap energy study
The Scottish government has unveiled plans to set up a central loan fund to support sustainable cheap energy projects across the region. Environment secretary Richard Lochhead has completed a consultation and launched a study into how energy-saving renewable projects north of the border can be funded and launched.
http://www.energyhelpline.com/news/article.aspx?aaid=19862714&y=2010&m=6&w=4&pid=1
1.21. Pledge to free up offshore development
Energy Minister Charles Hendry promised last night (13 July) to engage in “constructive” talks with the Scottish Government to deal with infrastructure constraints hampering the development of the offshore oil and gas and renewables industries. He said that under the UK Government’s “respect agenda” where issues are devolved it must not seek to influence decisions in Scotland. He added: “We are very keen to have a holistic approach to these issues.” http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1826411?UserKey=
1.22. Green investment bank plans to be unveiled
Details of a new “green investment bank”, replacing several government quangos and with powers to raise billions from green Individual Saving Accounts and other financial instruments, will be unveiled on Tuesday. Putting the UK’s economy on a low-carbon footing will cost about £550bn by 2020, according to a commission set up to examine how a green investment bank could work.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bc4cf180-82ee-11df-8b15-00144feabdc0.html
1.23. Green jobs threatened by Govt cuts
Green jobs could be threatened by UK government spending cuts it has emerged. Government departments are for the first time facing 25% budget reductions and this is expected to have significant consequences for the country. One area of public spending at risk is ‘The Ports fund’. The fund was announced by the Labour government before the election and was said by many of the world leading wind turbine manufacturers such as Siemens to be one of the key factors in their decision to look for a UK manufacturing base. The fund was expected to be used to improve port facilities around the UK. Good port facilities are considered key to the rapid expansion of the offshore wind energy industry in the UK. http://theenergycollective.com/vickyportwain/38614/green-jobs-threatened-government-cuts
1.24. RDA cull: Fears mount for green projects
Some of the UK's most high-profile green projects face an uncertain future after George Osborne's Budget this week confirmed plans to phase out Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and replace them with new Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). The UK's network of nine RDAs played a central role in many of the previous government's low-carbon initiatives, providing investment and support to many projects. http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2265408/fears-mount-green-projects
1.25. Energy Trends and Quarterly Energy Prices
Energy Trends and Quarterly Energy Prices publications were published 24 June by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Energy Trends covers statistics on energy production and consumption, in total and by fuel, and provides an analysis of the year on year changes. The June edition of Energy Trends also includes articles on: “Renewable energy in 2009”, and “Regional and local use of road transport fuels in 2008”. http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_072/pn10_072.aspx
1.26. Centre to build Wales’ greener future
A centre designed to support Wales’ green energy potential has been unveiled by the National Assembly’s presiding officer. Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas officially opened Coleg Llandrillo Cymru’s multi-million-pound Marine and Built Environment Centre (MBEC) in Rhos-on-Sea, Colwyn Bay. The MBEC, which opened its doors to hundreds of new students in September, offers state-of-the-art facilities for students studying construction, marine technology and sustainability and renewable energy courses. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/06/24/new-centre-to-build-wales-greener-future-is-unveiled-91466-26712498/
1.27. Green energy’s role in UK's energy security
Chris Huhne, the energy and climate change secretary, warned last night that the threat to gas supplies from the political row between Russia and Belarus highlighted once again the desperate need for Britain to build up a low-carbon energy policy and domestic energy security through new wind farms – and possibly nuclear reactors. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/24/huhne-renewable-energy-security
1.28. Huhne speech: UK Energy Summit
Chis Huhne’s speech to the Economist UK Energy Summit is online
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/Energy_Summit/Energy_Summit.aspx
1.29. Budget: Commitment to review £185m
….. The UK government spending plans, which aim to cut the country's £155bn deficit, contained a commitment to review the use of the £185m renewable energy fund, the fossil fuel levy. SNP ministers have repeatedly called for the release of cash from the levy, which comes from energy firms in Scotland and is held by industry regulator Ofgem. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/10365255.stm
1.30. UK emergency Budget
Chancellor George Osborne is setting out his emergency UK Budget, paving the way for cuts to Scottish spending. Mr Osborne has warned Britain's economy is "on the road to ruin", unless the £156bn deficit is cut. Precise detail on any reductions to Scotland's Treasury block grant will become clear in the autumn, following the comprehensive spending review. The Scottish government has urged the chancellor to detail Scotland's share of a £185m renewable energy fund. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/10365255.stm
1.31. Industry reactions to the UK Budget
Renewable Energy Focus publishes some, and invites others to contribute. http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10460/industry-reactions-to-the-uk-budget/
1.32. Budget cuts could hit efficiency initiatives
As the UK’s Coalition Government starts on its programme to reduce the country’s deficit, a survey by T-Systems warns that spending cuts could hit public sector energy efficiency measures. The survey of business leaders and public sector organisations, Putting the brakes on power consumption, carried out by Economist Intelligence Unit, reveals that it is the public sector that is leading the way in energy efficiency initiatives. http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/building-and-design/i/3164/
1.33. Budget: Green policies 'sidelined'
Green groups expressed disappointment and surprise today at the lack of environmental policies in George Osborne's budget. Hopes that the emergency budget would shed light on plans for a green investment bank, renewable energy and financial incentives for individuals to make their homes more energy efficient were dashed in the chancellor's speech. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/22/budget-2010-osborne-green-policies
1.34. Budget: REA views
….. Gaynor Hartnell, the chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association, said: "We do appreciate the pressures this new government faces, however there is now real urgency to move to detailed plans for action. The government needs to apply the same firmness of purpose it has shown today to renewables." http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/22/budget-2010-osborne-green-policies
1.35. UK Budget positive for green jobs
The UK Budget could be positive for the development of further green collar jobs, according to recruitment company Acre, which specialises in the corporate responsibility, sustainability, climate and energy, and environmental sectors.
http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10564/uk-budget-positive-for-green-jobs/
1.36. Electrical courses could gain importance
The importance of electrical courses could be set to increase after the government made a commitment to supporting a number of green building programmes. Business secretary Vince Cable has confirmed that the government will be maintaining support for several millions of pounds worth of low carbon construction projects. These will include the creation of four new offshore wind developments on behalf of the National Renewable Energy Centre and in collaboration with Mitsubishi. http://www.ableskills.co.uk/news/19849256/electrical-courses-could-gain-importance-under-new-government-plans
1.37. UK could be net exporter of renewable energy
The UK has the potential to become a net exporter of green energy, according to one member of the coalition government. Chris Huhne, the government''s energy and climate change secretary, has noted the potential for the country to power as many as 33 million homes with wind energy alone. He stated: "We only have 24 million homes so this is a real prospect of us becoming a net energy exporter again as we were at the peak of North Sea oil and gas." http://www.taylorvinters.com/node/2839
1.38. UK government urged to keep BST
The Lighter Later initiative, co-ordinated by the 10:10 climate change campaign (which is trying to reduce the UK's carbon footprint by 10 percent by 2020), is urging the government to keep British Summer Time (BST) all year round. The Guardian reports that new research states maintaining daylight saving time would save energy and 450,000 tonnes of carbon a year, as well as reduce road accidents, saving the National Health Service (NHS) £200 million annually ….. Daily demand in the UK would be reduced by at least 0.3% if daylight saving time were continued after October. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/293676
1.39. Call for large energy decisions to be devolved
Decisions on big energy projects could be transferred to Wales after the abolition of a controversial planning quango by the UK coalition Government, it has been claimed. Plaid Cymru AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas said it made no sense for Westminster to remain responsible for power stations and big wind farm schemes whose operating capacity is greater than 50 megawatts. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/06/21/plaid-cymru-am-rhodri-glyn-thomas-calls-for-decisions-about-large-scale-energy-projects-to-be-devolved-to-wales-91466-26689971/
2. GENERAL – UK NEWS
2.1. SSE and Mitsubishi form low-carbon alliance
Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and U.K. utility Scottish and Southern Energy PLC have agreed to work together on low-carbon energy developments that could lead to joint projects, investments and supply arrangements on technologies such as offshore wind, SSE said Friday. The agreement will also enable the companies to work together on smart grids and low-carbon vehicles, carbon capture and storage and high-efficiency power generation. "This agreement represents one of the most significant industrial partnerships to be established in Scotland since the heyday of North Sea oil--and low carbon energy represents Scotland's biggest economic opportunity since then," said SSE Chief Operating Officer of Colin Hood. http://www.scottish-southern.co.uk/SSEInternet/index.aspx?id=22882&TierSlicer1_TSMenuTargetID=1368&TierSlicer1_TSMenuTargetType=1&TierSlicer1_TSMenuID=6
2.2. Power partnership is very welcome
Billing the new partnership between his company and the Japanese engineering giant Mitsubishi as one of the most significant industrial agreements to be established in Scotland since the heyday of North Sea oil gives Scottish and Southern Energy’s chief operating officer Colin Hood much to live up to. It will be satisfying for him and his company, and an enormous boost for Scotland, if he is proved correct. The strategic agreement the companies have reached to develop low-carbon technologies, including offshore wind farms, carbon capture and storage, high-efficiency power generation and smart electricity grids should guarantee that scientific and engineering goals vital for Scotland’s future prosperity are pursued. http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/herald-view/power-partnership-is-very-welcome-1.1041786
2.3. Deal means jobs for Glasgow
Up to 1,000 new jobs could be created after the energy giant Scottish and Southern (SSE) announced a tie-up with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The two companies will collaborate on the development of low carbon technology, including offshore wind farms and carbon capture. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-10660491
2.4. Exploration into ‘East Coast Renewables’
The Local Authorities along the east of Scotland are exploring the creation of an alliance that will bring together key players from Peterhead to Dunbar to promote what could become one of the main areas for renewable energy development in Scotland. The alliance would build on the considerable work currently being done at local authority level in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Angus, Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian. First Minister, Alex Salmond, took the opportunity to demonstrate his support for this initiative when he visited the East Coast Renewables networking event during the Open Golf Championship at Fife Council’s Welcome to Fife Pavilion. http://www.allmediascotland.com/media_releases/26401/east-coast-renewables-an-alliance-for-the-future
2.5. Green software:Hara targets Europe
US environmental software company Hara is preparing to cross the Atlantic with the announcement next week of its first UK customer and the unveiling of plans to rapidly expand its operations into Europe. The company has only just celebrated its first anniversary, but with 35 blue chip customers including Coca-Cola, Hasbro and News Corporation already using its environmental and energy management software, chief executive Amit Chatterjee is now looking to build up the firm's presence across Europe. http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2266569/hara-targets-europe-generation
2.6. 'Talent gap' in RE pushes up pay
A shortage of talent in renewable energy has inflated salaries as firms compete for workers, according to a new study by a management consultancy. The Hay Group surveyed 25 human resources experts and 20 businesses. It said the results showed that companies were increasing pay to keep key staff. Client confidentiality prevented the consultants from revealing salaries, but an internet search shows posts with salaries of up to £75,000. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10630164
2.7. UK: ‘one of lowest‘ shares of RE in 2008
Renewables contributed just 2.2% of the UK's total energy consumption in 2008, one of the lowest shares in the EU27, according to figures published by the European Union's statistical office yesterday (July 13). However, Eurostat's figures show that this represented a 29% increase on 2007 levels, when only 1.7% of energy consumption came from renewables in the UK. Or, an increase of 0.5 percentage points. http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4162§ion=
2.8. Renewable energy sources 'will take off'
The use of renewable energy will increase over the next few years, according to experts. Green energy organisation Renewable UK has said that the goal to reach EU 2020 renewable energy targets has been driving Britain to look at green energy more seriously. http://www.envirotech-online.com/news/environmental-analysis/7/breaking_news/renewable_energy_sources_will_take_off/10723/
2.9. Crown Estate chief: uncertainty threatens marine-power boom
The Crown Estate is warning that the current debate over its future in Scotland could hamper efforts to attract multi-billion-pound investment for offshore energy projects. The body looks after the Crown’s £6 billion portfolio of assets and rights in the UK and pays its profits to the Treasury. It fears the uncertainty comes at a crucial time in Scotland’s attempt to secure thousands of jobs in offshore wind, wave and tidal power, and carbon capture.http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/crown-estate
2.10. Cost effective RE support needed
The government must show strong leadership to get energy policy back on track, including taking faster action on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and providing more cost effective support for renewables, according to manufacturing organisation EEF. http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4155§ion=Hydro%20%26%20Marine
2.11. EEF’s energy action plan
The manufacturers’ organisation EEF’s ‘energy action plan' is online. http://www.eef.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/C9E1BC88-590F-4908-A43E-50917DDA7ABD/17507/EAPFinal.pdf
2.12. Climate change cuts could push up bills
The increasing costs of energy as a result of green policies could hit the UK's manufacturing sector - just as the country needs industry to help boost the economy, a think-tank warned. A report from Civitas said efforts to tackle climate change through cutting greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy generation would significantly push up energy bills for business. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/climate-change-cuts-could-push-up-bills-2024665.html
2.13. Britain at risk of energy crisis
Britain's competitiveness and future security will come under threat if the Government fails to act on energy policy, the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) will warn today. The UK faces an unprecedented combination of energy challenges over the next decade and needs to invest billions of pounds in infrastructure, manage the risks associated with growing dependence on imported gas and meet renewable energy targets, the employment body says.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/britain-at-risk-of-energy-crisis-engineers-warn-2024497.html
2.14. Banks backlash brings dividend for the Co-op
The head of the "ethical" Co-operative Bank claims it has "two to four years" more to capitalise on "consumer negativity" towards big banks. Neville Richardson, newly installed chief executive of Co-operative Financial Services (CFS), said he believed a pledge by the bank last month to pump a further £200 million of loans into the renewable energy sector this year would also sharpen its competitive edge.Richardson said the negativity towards its rivals arose from their near-collapse and the taxpayer bailout of swathes of the publicly quoted sector. He added that the Co-op's work on renewables would attract a new, "green-conscious" generation of younger, retail savers.
http://business.scotsman.com/business/Banks-backlash-brings-dividend-for.6413002.jp
2.15. Wigley recommends reprieve for the Carbon Trust
Chair of Green Investment Bank Commission insists reports saying he wants to axe the Carbon Trust "could not be further from the truth". The chair of the Green Investment Bank (GIB) commission, Bob Wigley, yesterday denied reports he had recommended the abolition of the Carbon Trust to help pay for the bank, insisting he was "hugely impressed" by the work of the government-backed company.
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2265765/wigley-recommends-reprieve
2.16. Green setback for UK as British power by renewables falls
Fall of 7.5% in power obtained from wind, hydro and other renewable sources blamed on dry winter with low wind speeds. Britain's renewable energy revolution suffered an abrupt setback this winter when the power supplied from wind, hydro and other "clean" sources fell, despite years of promises and policies to end the nation's dependence on fossil fuels and slash global warming pollution, the Guardian can reveal.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/28/drive-switch-green-power-setback
2.17. Green industry support economic recovery
An environmental group has suggested that the green industry could be a major driving force in the UK's economic recovery. Simon Bullock, economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "I appreciate that there are major problems with the UK's deficit and debt, but the green economy and the green technology sector will be big drivers of future economic growth."
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Renewable-energy2/Green-industry-can-support-economic-recovery-claims-environment-group/%28energysavingtrust%29/708314
2.18. Bills increase by £72 to pay for environment
Energy customers will have to pay an extra £72 on their annual gas and electricity bills to pay for the Government's green taxes, a report has suggested. A significant chunk of a householder's energy bill is already made up of environmental levies, which the Government charges energy companies, which they in turn pass on to their customers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/household-bills/7859457/Energy-bills-to-increase-by-72-to-pay-for-environment.html
2.19. Community payouts from green energy
A cross-party Highland Council working group will be formed to shape a system of community payouts from green energy projects, aimed at getting tens of millions of pounds for north people. It will not affect existing schemes which benefit areas on the doorstep of projects such as windfarms. But it is likely that all major renewable initiatives in the future will be expected to contribute to a Highland-wide fund to benefit the region’s entire population.
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1800068?UserKey=
2.20. FTSE Group launches 'carbon risk' indices
FTSE group has announced the creation of two new indices based on the possible impact of climate change on investments. The index provider has partnered with the Carbon Disclosure Project, which represents 500 institutional investors, and ENDs carbon, which provides ratings, to create the FTSE CDP Carbon Strategy All-Share Index and the FTSE CDP Carbon Strategy 350 Index. http://www.lowcarboneconomy.com/community_content/_low_carbon_blog/10102
2.21. Paul McCartney backs renewables
Sir Paul McCartney has given his backing to energy saving renewables projects and said the BP oil disaster may have a silver lining. Environmental disasters on the scale of the recent oil spillage in the Gulf of Mexico may provide an opportunity to focus minds on the impact man has on his environment, the former Beatle told the Sun. Sir Paul said: "Sadly we need disasters like this to show people. Some people don’t believe in climate warming - like those who don’t believe there was a Holocaust." http://www.rapidonline.com/latestnews.aspx?id=19856145&tier1=Electrical+%26+Power&title=McCartney+backs+energy+saving+measures+through+renewables
2.22. Green power for Monmouthshire
Up to 45 per cent of Monmouthshire's electricity needs in 2020 could be generated from renewable sources, according to a new report. But such an outcome is dependent on development during the next 10 years, of power generating schemes involving wind, biomass and hydro technologies. http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/8232969.Green_power_could_give_Monmouthshire_nearly_half_of_energy/
2.23. Isle of Eigg wins 'green oscar'
A Scottish island where households rely on wind farms and rivers for nearly all their electricity has won an award from the 'green energy Oscars'. The remote island of Eigg has managed to halve carbon emissions from the average household by generating more than 90 per cent of electricity from renewables. The 95 residents also save energy by heating water with solar panels and carefully rationing electricity.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/hydro_electricenergy/7864474/Isle-of-Eigg-wins-green-oscar.html
3. GENERAL – INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3.1. Push for 30% EU emissions cut
The U.K., Germany and France Thursday launched a new push for the European Union to commit to a larger reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 in a bid to aid economic recovery and shore up energy security, in a move that is likely to stir debate in the EU. In articles published simultaneously in newspapers in the three countries, U.K. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne, Jean-Louis Borloo and Norbert Roettgen--his counterparts in France and Germany respectively--said cutting emissions 30% by 2020 instead of the targeted 20% would encourage more low-carbon investment. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100715-709411.html
3.2. Huhne calls for EU greenhouse gas cuts
Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne, along with his French and German counterparts to call on Europe to increase its planned greenhouse gas emissions cuts to 30% by the end of the decade. Writing in the Financial Times, the ministers said there was a ''tremendous opportunity'' to ensure the economic recovery set Europe on a low carbon path which would stimulate financial growth, provide jobs, tackle climate change and improve energy security. A failure to do so would mean the EU faced continued uncertainty and significant costs from volatile energy prices and global warming, they warned. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/8274258.Huhne_calls_for_Europe_to_increase_cuts_in_greenhouse_gases/
3.3. RE 'resilient' to downturn in 2009
The creation of new power capacity from renewable energy has exceeded new fossil fuel power generation in the United States and Europe for the second year running, according to two United Nations reports published Thursday. Renewables accounted for over 50 percent of new capacity in the U.S. in 2009 while in Europe the figure was 60 percent, leading the U.N. to predict that the world as a whole will add more capacity to the electricity supply from renewables than non-renewables this year or by 2011. http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/07/15/renewable.energy.un.report/?fbid=E3FnpOxlFcO
3.4. Utilities need financial partners
E.ON AG, Germany’s largest power company, and European competitors need financial support from investors and partners to reach their renewable energy targets, said Frank Mastiaux, who heads the company’s renewable division. E.ON may expand cooperation with Masdar, the $22 billion clean technology venture set up by Abu Dhabi, Mastiaux said yesterday in an interview in Duesseldorf, Germany. E.ON aims to increase the power it generates from renewable sources to 36 percent in 2030 from 13 percent in 2008. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-15/e-on-says-european-utilities-need-financial-partners-for-wind-solar-push.html
3.5. BP: No plans to sell RE units
BP PLC has no plans to sell its renewable-energy businesses as the British oil giant seeks to sell billions of dollars of assets in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the head of the company's wind-power unit said Wednesday (14 July). As BP has struggled to contain the mile-deep gusher, the alternative-energy division has been fielding calls from banks, utilities and other partners about the company's financial health, said John Graham, president of BP Wind Energy, in an interview with Dow Jones. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bp-no-plans-to-sell-alternative-energy-units-2010-07-14
3.6. India takes a big leap in RE
The United Nations listed India as the fifth biggest wind and solar water heating energy producer in a report released on Friday. The report, Global Trends in Green Energy 2009, says the developing world is taking a lead in adopting new renewable technologies. For the first time, private sector green energy investments in Asia and Oceania, some $40.8 billion in 2009, exceeded that in the Americas, at $32.3 billion, the report said. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-takes-a-big-leap-in-renewable-energy/Article1-573444.aspx
3.7. Got a smart energy idea?
GE is offering a $200 million dare to startup entrepreneurs, technology pros and other innovative thinkers: Find a way to “reinvent how energy is produced, distributed and consumed.” That’s how Paul Koontz, a general partner with Foundation Capital, describes GE Ecomagination’s new $200 million “Powering the Grid” challenge…….. the company is looking for the most innovative ideas it can find in three energy areas: grid efficiency, renewable energy and eco homes/eco buildings. http://www.greenbang.com/got-a-smart-energy-idea-ge-has-200m-and-wants-to-talk_14725.html
3.8. UN's Clean Development Mechanism
The UN is set to channel billions of pounds of public money from rich countries to giant energy companies to build 20 heavily polluting coal-fired power plants on the basis that they will emit less carbon dioxide than older ones. Data seen by the Guardian shows that 12 companies have applied to the UN for hundreds of millions of emission reduction credits to subsidise "efficient" coal-fired power stations in China and India. Many of the plants would be paid for with carbon offsets bought by British and European companies in lieu of cutting their own emissions. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/14/un-carbon-offset-coal-plants
3.9. Bright outlook for hydro, wave, and tidal power
Prospects for the hydro, wave, and tidal power market look upbeat as countries are investing in renewable energy sources to augment energy security. It is estimated that the worldwide wave resources is 6,000 TWh/year, twice as much as global nuclear production and 700 TWh/year for tidal power. In other words, the market potential for the wave industry is about $1 trillion worldwide. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hydro-wave-and-tidal-power-market-outlook-bright-as-conventional-energy-sources-dwindle-finds-frost--sullivan-98423784.html
3.10. EU Renewable Energy Transparency Platform
Article 24 of the Directive on renewable energy requires the Commission to establish a platform for the publication of a range of documents about renewable energy.
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/renewables/transparency_platform/transparency_platform_en.htm
3.11. Europe half-way to 2020 target
Renewable energy consumption rose 0.6 percent in the European Union in 2008, meaning that the EU has passed the half-way point to reaching its 20 percent target by 2020. Renewable energy consumption was 10.3 percent in 2008, compared with 9.7 percent in 2007 and 8.8 percent in 2006, Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union said Tuesday (13 July). Of the EU's three biggest economies -- Germany, France and Britain -- France had the highest share at 11 percent, followed by Germany's 8.9 percent and the UK's 2.2 percent.
http://www.forexyard.com/en/news/Europe-half-way-to-reaching-20-pct-renewable-target-2010-07-13T150910Z
3.12. Solid second quarter for cleantech
The global clean tech and renewable energy industry enjoyed a solid second quarter to the year as levels of venture capital investment, project financing and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity all continued to recover strongly. That is the conclusion of a new report from UK-based analyst firm VB/Research, which reveals investment in low carbon businesses is fast returning to pre-recession levels. According to the new figures global venture capital and private equity investment in clean tech and renewable energy firms hit $5bn during the second quarter of the year, representing a 45 per cent improvement on the corresponding period last year.
http://www.environmental-expert.com/resultEachPressRelease.aspx?cid=31242&codi=180829
3.13. Masdar’s second senior resignation
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology’s Provost John Perkins resigned after a year in the post, the second senior departure from Abu Dhabi’s joint project with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Perkins has decided “to return to the U.K. in the fall for personal reasons,” Masdar Institute Media Relations Officer Lesley Snyman said by e-mail today. “The institute will be announcing a replacement in due course.”
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-13/u-a-e-s-venture-with-mit-announces-second-senior-resignation.html
3.14. Scotland:China talks on RE
First Minister Alex Salmond met Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi as part of his trade mission to strengthen Sino-Scottish links and explore investment opportunities…… There were also talks on how Scotland can work more closely with China on capitalising on expertise in renewable energy and life sciences. http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/37357
3.15. Obama renews call for RE tax credit
US President Barack Obama wants to expand by $5bn a successful renewable energy manufacturing incentive programme that he says could leverage an additional $12bn in private investment and create some 130,000 jobs.With fears of a weakening economic recovery mounting, Obama pointed to the success of his enormous economic stimulus effort, particularly in clean energy.
http://www.rechargenews.com/business_area/politics/article221215.ece
3.16. EU could cut emissions by 95% with RE
The European Union could obtain 92% of its energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2050 while cutting carbon emissions by 95% compared with 1990, according to a report.An extra €2tn (£1.7tn) worth of investment would be needed by the middle of this century but that could easily be outweighed by €2.65tn of fuel cost savings, argues Greenpeace International and the European Renewable Energy Council. The report, Energy (R)evolution: Towards a fully renewable energy supply in the EU, claims a mixture of existing technologies plus the widespread adoption of electric cars and demand reduction initiatives would allow a dramatic change in energy requirements without a huge reduction in quality of life.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jul/08/renewable-energy-climate-change-targets
3.17. Germany could kick fossil fuel habit by 2050
Germany could derive all of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050 and become the world's first major industrial nation to kick the fossil fuel habit, the Federal Environment Agency said. Germany is already a global leader in renewable energy and exports green technology around the world. It gets 16 percent of its electricity from wind, solar and other renewable sources -- triple the five percent level it had 15 years ago.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLDE66618F20100707
3.18. Long-awaited Enel Green Power IPO
Enel, Italy’s largest and Europe’s most indebted utility, has chosen October as the month for the long-awaited flotation of its renewables division. The firm will launch an initial public offering for Enel Green Power (EGP) despite lingering weakness in the financial markets and an impending downward revision to Italy’s solar feed-in tariff, which has blasted the country into a position of global leadership in the solar sector over the past two years.
http://www.rechargenews.com/business_area/finance/article220438.ece?WT.mc_id=rechargenews_rss
3.19. EU Renewables make up 62% in 2009
Renewable energy sources accounted for 62% of new electricity generation capacity installed in the EU27 in 2009, a 5% rise on 2008 levels, according to a report published by the European Commission. The findings, compiled by the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and published yesterday (July 5), also show that for the second year running, wind energy contributed the largest share of the new capacity.
http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4130§ion=Wind
3.20. EU Clean Energy Fund to Invest $12.5m in China
The Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund, or Geeref, mainly invested by the European Union, will put 10 million euros ($12.5 million) in a private Chinese fund, the EU’s energy commissioner said. “China is one of the world’s leading countries in terms of renewable energy investment,” Guenther Oettinger said at a media briefing in Shanghai.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-05/eu-clean-energy-fund-to-invest-12-5-million-in-china.html
3.21. Renewables increasing share in EU
Renewable energy sources accounted for 62 per cent (17GW) of the new electricity generation capacity installed across the 27 member states of the European Union in 2009, an increase from 57 per cent in 2008, according to a European Commission report.
According to the "Renewable Energy Snapshots" report, published on July 5 2010 by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), for the second year running, wind energy accounted for the largest share of the new capacity: 10.2 GW out of the 27.5 GW built, representing 38 per cent of the total.
http://www.sofiaecho.com/2010/07/05/927980_renewables-increasing-share-of-energy-generation-in-eu-report
3.22. Subsidies to be cut in Spain
Spain’s wind power and thermal solar sectors have agreed a reduction in subsidies with the government. According to the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade and sector associations, wind subsidies foreseen in the Royal Decree 661/2007 will be reduced by 35% until 1 January 2013. In addition to the cut in wind subsidies, concentrating solar power (CSP) plants will not be allowed to take advantage of the market price plus premium option during a year of operation, and will only be allowed to accede to the regulated tariff option foreseen in RD 661.
http://www.rechargenews.com/business_area/politics/article219756.ece
3.23. Launch of Energy Technology Perspectives 2010
The IEA has just launched a new edition of Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP). The study presents updated scenarios from the present to 2050 that show which new technologies will be most important in key sectors and in different regions of the world for achieving the goal of halving global CO2 emissions by 2050.
http://www.iea.org/index_info.asp?id=1446
3.24. EU's response to global warming a costly mistake
Europe's 20/20/20 policy will cost billions of pounds, but yield only tiny results, writes Bjorn Lomborg. European leaders have a lot to deal with. The financial crisis has prompted several national stimulus packages and a joint effort to keep Greece afloat, while the EU is in danger of being outstripped by other economies that are growing faster, producing more efficiently and at lower costs.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/7867422/The-EUs-response-to-global-warming-is-a-costly-mistake.html
3.25. Cleantech investment up 65 percent
Venture capital investment in cleantech in the second quarter totaled $2.02 billion across 140 companies in North America, Europe, China and India. A little down from the $2.04 billion invested in the first quarter, the total still reflects a 65 percent increase from the halfway mark last year, according to a report released today by the Cleantech Group and Deloitte.
The first quarter of 2010 saw a record number of cleantech deals: 192. So compared to that, the Q2 figures are a little lackluster, but still 43 percent higher than those from Q2 last year.
http://green.venturebeat.com/2010/07/01/cleantech-investment-up-65-worldwide-in-first-half-of-2010/
3.26. Germany setting up $500m climate fund
Germany has set up a $500 million climate fund to micro-finance projects such as new supermarket freezers or biomass heating in developing countries to help cut greenhouse gases, Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen said Tuesday. Roettgen said the purpose of the fund, inspired by December's Copenhagen climate conference, is to drum up funds from public and private investors while hedging their financial risk.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9GKURJ00.htm
3.27. G8 leaders committed to emissions cut
Leaders of the eight industrialized nations reiterated their willingness to share with all countries the goal of achieving at least a 50 percent reduction of global emissions by 2050. They made the remarks in a declaration, Recovery and New Beginnings, issued on Saturday when the two-day G8 summit concluded at Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. But the declaration was criticized by some environment conservation organizations. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-06/27/c_13371338.htm
3.28. Australian PM 'should focus on cutting emissions'
There are hopes that Australia's new prime minister could help improve the country's environmental record. Julia Gillard was named as the new leader this week after Kevin Rudd stepped aside following a dip in popularity, which led some to believe the party would not win the next election. In her first speech as prime minister Ms Gillard said she believes in climate change and that humans are contributing to the problem. http://www.lowcarboneconomy.com/community_content/_low_carbon_blog/10111?date=25062010&email=info@all-energy.co.uk&utm_source=weeklydigest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=25062010utm_term=info@all-energy.co.uk
3.29. New European energy challenges blog
The Assembly of European Regions (AER) and GE Energy have launched R.E.F.E.R. (Responsible Energy for European Regions), a blog aimed at facilitating thoughts and discussion on energy matters across all regions of Europe. http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/paginas/Contenidosecciones.asp?ID=13&Cod=5664&Nombre=Panorama
3.30. Where to find the new blog
The aim is both to support the European Union’s energy and environmental strategy and to facilitate the creation of a benchmark centre of expertise and solution provision in the energy field for all European regions.
http://refer.blogactiv.eu/about/
3.31. Climate change panel names new authors
The U.N. science body on climate change, accused of ignoring its critics and allowing glaring errors to creep into its work, announced Wednesday that a broader range of experts will write its next report on global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change included more women and scientists from developing countries, but also selected authors with a wider range of backgrounds than previously — partly in response to recent criticism that earlier groups refused to address dissenting views. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h5W-ZIy-HO0peznbwExAG6aPDpRwD9GH3OT01
3.32. IPCC: Swedish involvement
Four experts from Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) will be among the lead authors of the Fifth Assessment Report of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), due for publication in 2013-2014, the IPCC announced yesterday in Geneva. The report will provide the first full global update of the climate change knowledge base since 2007, when the IPCC published its Fourth Assessment Report and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. http://www.cisionwire.com/stockholm-enviroment-institute/un-climate-change-panel-selects-four-experts-from-stockholm-environment-institute-for-next-report22835
3.33. HgCapital:EIB talks on new RE fund
UK private equity firm HgCapital is in talks with the European Investment Bank over a possible EUR50m commitment to a new EUR500m fund it is raising for the renewable energy space. The new vehicle will focus primarily on the solar and wind sub-sectors in Europe and aims to tap the EU drive for 20 per cent of energy production to come from renewable sources by 2020. http://www.altassets.com/private-equity-news/article/nz18822.html
3.34. NZ leads the world with its ETS ... or does it?
Politicians usually at the front of the scrum when claims are made that New Zealand leads the world have been noticeably shy about the nation's emissions trading scheme (ETS) which kicks up several notches on July 1. Climate Change Issues Minister Nick Smith proclaimed in Parliament last September that "this emissions trading scheme will be the first of any country outside Europe, and on July 1, 2010 will be the most comprehensive by including transport, industrial, and energy emissions". http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/nz-leads-world-with-its-ets-or-does-it-125135
3.35. Changes afoot at Masdar
Tariq Ali quit as head of research at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology after a year in the post, said two people familiar with the matter, the latest departure from Abu Dhabi’s flagship renewable energy project. Dan Weisser, head of real-estate investments at Masdar City, and head of the program management department Alistair Murray are also leaving, two people familiar said, declining to be identified because they are not authorized to speak with the media. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-21/abu-dhabi-s-masdar-said-to-lose-research-chief-in-first-year.html
3.36. APEC Ministers discuss oil spill impact, re use
Energy ministers from the 21-country Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum met in Fukui, Japan, June 18-20 against a backdrop of growing concern over the impact of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and of global efforts to promote the use of clean energy sources to combat climate change. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100620-704168.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines
4. GRID AND TRANSMISSION
4.1. Supergrid that will carry RE from Africa to EU
Prysmian, worldwide leading player in the energy and telecommunications cables industry, has signed today in Paris an industrial partnership agreement with other 11 European leading groups in the power generation and transmission technologies and industries. The initiative, patronised by the French Minister for Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Town and Country Planning, Jean-Luis Borloo and of the French Republic President’s Special Advisor, Henri Guaino, aims at studying the feasibility and the realisation of the trans-Mediterranean super-grid “Transgreen” that shall carry renewable energy from Northern Africa to Europe.
http://www.yourrenewablenews.com/prysmian+joins+%E2%80%9Ctransgreen%E2%80%9D,+the+supergrid+that+will+carry+energy+from+renewable+sources+from+northern+africa+to+europe_51531.html
4.2. UK needs offshore grid to meet EU targets
The development of offshore wind and linked infrastructure is vital to the UK meeting its EU 2020 renewable energy targets, the country's Department of Energy and Climate Change said in a 2009 Renewable Energy Strategy report handed to the European Commission.
Up to 33 GW of offshore renewable generation may be developed and most of this would be connected to the onshore electricity grid through offshore transmission cables costing around GBP15 billion ($22.8 billion), DECC said.
http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews.aspx?xmlpath=RSSFeed/HeadlineNews/ElectricPower/8876041.xml
4.3. Smart grids: US, Russian cities to collaborate
New pilot projects using cutting-edge smart grid technology will match U.S. and Russian cities for creative energy management solutions, Presidents Barack Obama and Dimitry Medvedev said after their bilateral meeting in Washington. "President Medvedev and I agreed to expand trade and commerce even further," said President Obama. "We agreed to deepen our collaboration on energy efficiency and clean energy technologies." http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2010/2010-06-25-02.html
4.4. Mayor supports bid for London smart grid
EDF Energy has received support from the London mayor in its bid to create a smart electricity distribution network in London. According to the energy company, such a grid would help the city to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2025. Mayor Boris Johnson came out in favour of the distributor's initial bid to seek funding from Ofgem's £500 million Low Carbon Networks Fund. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Renewable-energy2/Mayor-supports-bid-for-London-smart-grid/(energysavingtrust)/706360
4.5. EDF Energy bids for London’s smart grid
EDF Energy Networks is bidding to create a smart electricity distribution network in London to help the UK capital cut its carbon emissions 60% by 2025. The bid to receive funding from energy regulator Ofgem’s £500 million Low Carbon Networks Fund is being backed by the Mayor of London and partner organisations Siemens, National Grid and Imperial College London. http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/building-and-design/i/3166/
4.6. New wave of pylons expected
Britain’s most beautiful landscapes are under threat from a new wave of high-voltage pylons to be announced by the National Grid, conservationists warned. The company is planning the biggest expansion of electrical infrastructure in half a century to meet a surge in demand for power and to link up with new wind farms and nuclear stations. It will lay out plans this week for three lines in the West Country and East Anglia. Up to 60 miles of towering pylons and cables could cut through areas of outstanding beauty such as the Mendip Hills in Somerset and Dedham Vale in Suffolk.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/7841833/British-landscapes-under-threat-from-new-wave-of-pylons.html
5. WIND – UK NEWS
5.1. Armed Forces and turbines can co-exist
The MoD has said the military and wind farms could "co-exist" following news of a Norwegian firm's search for an offshore test site. State-owned Statoil said last week it had started a study of potential sites off the Scottish coast where it could run trials on offshore wind turbines. One possible area, the sea off Lewis, is close to where Europe's biggest military exercise is held. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands+islands-10619794
5.2. Siemens turbines for SSE’s Griffin
Siemens Energy has received an order for the supply of 68 wind turbines with a capacity of 2.3 megawatts (MW) each. Purchaser is SSE Renewables (SSER). The Griffin wind power project is located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Perth in the Scottish Highlands. The wind power plant will have a capacity of 156 MW upon its completion in 2012, and is expected to generate enough power to supply over 80,000 homes. http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=120102
5.3. Nigg update
Another business group has entered the battle for the largely mothballed Nigg fabrication yard in Easter Ross, where it is reckoned there is potential for thousands of jobs in the renewables industry. It was confirmed that a bid to buy the yard has been submitted to the American owners KBR by Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA) and Global Energy Group, which has a fabrication shed on the port authority’s base at Invergordon. http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1829067
5.4. Intel processors used by Mainstream
While the move from fossil fuels to clean and renewable sources of energy has been slow, but companies such as Intel are leading the way into this new frontier, and Intel processors are now being used in Mainstream Renewable Power’s offshore wind turbines.
http://www.neoseeker.com/news/14363-intel-powering-wind-turbines-into-the-future/
5.5. Lloyds backs Borders wind farm with £17m
Lloyds Banking Group is leading a £32 million investment in a 22 Megawatt onshore wind project in Lanarkshire, marking its second energy deal in less than a week. The taxpayer-backed bank is ploughing £17m into a wind farm in Glenkerie, Tweedsmuir while French Bank BNP Paribas Fortis will provide the remaining £15m. The wind farm, which could generate enough power for more than 12,000 homes, will be built by a subsidiary of the Infinis Holdings group of companies- renewable energy investors owned by the private equity heavyweight Terra Firma.
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/business/Lloyds-backing-Borders-wind-farm.6425772.jp
5.6. Sugar says N.E. should be wind turbine leader
Lord Sugar has declared the North East [of England] should be hired to lead the world in building wind turbines. The star of The Apprentice declared the region could build turbines “with its eyes closed” thanks to its industrial heritage and become a global leader in new green industries. But he warned Britain had too often missed out on such developments in the past during a House of Lords debate on low-carbon technologies – and urged opponents to wind turbines to “get over it”.
http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/07/16/lord-alan-sugar-says-region-should-be-wind-turbine-leader-61634-26864468/
5.7. Jamieson new RenewableUK Chairman
RenewableUK Board of Directors has elected Andrew Jamieson, ScottishPower Renewables Regulation and Markets Director, as the new Chairman of the UK’s leading renewable energy trade association. Maria McCaffery, RenewableUK’s Chief Executive, said: “Andrew Jamieson is a hugely respected industry executive and a true champion of renewable energy. As Chairman of RenewableUK Andrew will be an important advocate for the association, as well as someone who can bring to the table a wealth of practical experience on all the key issues concerning deployment.” http://www.bwea.com/about/board.html
5.8. Wind industry - new era of collaboration
The next few years will see a rapid expansion in the UK's wind energy industry as offshore wind farm developers work closely together to accelerate the deployment of new projects and the country continues to attract investment from turbine manufacturers. That is the prediction of Andrew Jamieson, regulation and markets director at ScottishPower Renewables and the newly-elected chairman of the UK's largest renewable energy trade association RenewableUK. http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2265492/exclusive-uk-wind-industry
5.9. Wind farms dominate IPC’s work
Onshore and offshore wind projects account for half the 32 energy projects that the UK Infrastructure Planning Commission will examine over the next few years, it said Tuesday. The IPC was created in 2008 by the then Labour government to speed up major infrastructure project decision-making. http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews.aspx?xmlpath=RSSFeed/HeadlineNews/ElectricPower/8904412.xml
5.10. Methil wind turbine signals need for RE
The Gulf of Mexico oil slick is one example of why Methil needs to stay involved in creating Scotland's renewable energy sector. That's according to the man who has overseen the project to install the wind turbine at the town's dock area which was introduced to the skyline a couple of weeks ago. Derek Mitchell told the Mail the structure's creation was a "defining moment" in the work which will go on at the Hydrogen Office and claimed world events have shown how important renewable energy creation is. http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/east-fife-mail-news/Methil-wind-turbine-signals-need.6415935.jp
5.11. Ayr wins wind turbine delivery contract
Wind farm developer ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) has awarded the Port of Ayr in South Ayrshire, Scotland, a second turbine delivery contract for the landing of turbines for its 56MW Mark Hill onshore project, near Barhill. http://www.newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4157
5.12. Ormonde foundations shipped from BiFab
Huge steel foundations each weighing as much as 80 elephants are being shipped from Fife to an offshore wind farm. Energy company, Vattenfall, is ready to take delivery of the first four of 31 steel foundations for its 150 megawatt Ormonde Offshore Wind Farm. Known as jacket substructures, they are 45 metres high and weigh 450 tonnes. They have left BiFab manufacturing facility in Methil, where they were constructed, and are due to arrive at the wind farm on Friday. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10614250
5.13. A2SEA, COSCO -$139m vessel contract
A2SEA has signed a contract with Chinese company, COSCO Shipyard Group Co., Ltd., for the construction of a new vessel specially designed for the purpose of installation of offshore wind turbines. The contract has a value of US $139 million (approx. DKK 820 million). A2SEA is a market leader within installation services for the construction of offshore wind farms. The new vessel is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2012 and have the name Sea Installer. It will be a jack-up vessel optimized to operate at water depths of up to 45 meters and it will therefore be well-fitted for the installation of upcoming offshore wind projects in the UK as well as in other offshore wind markets. http://www.dongenergy.com/EN/Investor/releases/Pages/omx%20feed%20list%20details.aspx?omxid=494900
5.14. Call to halt sea windfarm schemes
Fishing experts have called for a halt to offshore windfarm developments amid fears that they might prevent salmon from reaching Scottish rivers to reproduce. Power cables from windfarms and wave generators are suspected of emitting signals that play havoc with the famed sense of direction of salmon. After hatching in rivers, the fish travel hundreds of miles out to sea, before returning to their place of origin to reproduce years later. http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1822972
5.15. Floating wind turbines for Scottish waters?
A Norwegian oil giant is hoping to pilot generating electricity from turbines on floating platforms off the coast of Scotland. Sites are being considered on the west and east coasts, with areas off Lewis and Fraserburgh understood to be among them. The former state-owned company Statoil is quoted on the Oslo and New York stock exchanges, but is still 60% owned by the Norwegian Government. http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/floating-wind-farms-may-be-built-off-scottish-coast-1.1040424
5.16. New engineer-led business to focus on offshore wind
Tony Trapp has announced the creation of a new business, called O-Power Limited. O-Power (OP) will develop new technology in offshore engineering and hopes to make a significant contribution to the rapidly growing offshore wind market. OP offers concept development and analysis, right through to the supply and installation of product. It will use the human, physical and business resources of NE England to provide attractive and competitive engineering solutions - always aimed at improving technology. http://www.o-power.com/press.html
5.17. Additional vital service for Fugro Renewables
Fugro is already proving its worth to clients in the rapidly expanding marine renewable energy sector. Its extensive range of services that measure, sample, process and integrate all the geophysical, geotechnical, environmental, meteorological and oceanographic data are fundamental to the success of offshore renewable energy projects. Now, teaming up with JASCO Applied Sciences, the specialist underwater acoustics company, it is able to provide another vital service – measurement of underwater noise and allied consultancy. http://www.geos.com/news/newsreleases/2010/28june2010.asp
5.18. Study to monitor noise in Moray Firth
How noise effects dolphins and porpoises in the Moray Firth will be recorded by scientists who have received government backing for a major study. Biologists based at Cromarty will drop 76 acoustic monitoring devices into the sea to monitor how boat traffic and the construction of wind turbines affects marine life. http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1821510
5.19. A/deen Harbour board: windfarm confusion
Aberdeen Harbour Board has caused confusion by comments in its annual review which oppose the £150million windfarm in the sea off the city. An article says the maritime sector is resisting any future planning application for the current site. However, this stance would be at odds with the news in May that harbour bosses and helicopter firms had dropped safety objections. http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1820920
5.20. Wind blade manufacture to return to IoW
Wind turbine blade manufacture is set to return to the Isle of Wight almost a year after firm Vestas shut its factory with the loss of 425 jobs. Workers lost their fight to save the Newport site after an 18-day sit-in. Sean McDonagh, who played a big part in the protest, has started a business venture which could see microblades being made at a new site in Newport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/10566598.stm
5.21. Wind Prospect in Sunday Times list
The Sunday Times ‘International Track 100’ has this week listed Wind Prospect among Britain’s private firms with the fastest growing overseas sales. The figures published by the Sunday Times show Wind Prospect at no.27 in the list, with a growth in international sales of over 95% between years 2006 – 2008. Listed amongst other companies such as Chemicals Manufacturer Isothane and Simon Cowell’s X-Factor business, Wind Prospect is also shown in the top 10 companies selling in China. http://www.windprospect.com/news?n=79
5.22. Clatto Hill wind farm bid lodged
Proposals for a wind farm on Clatto Hill, overlooking miles of Fife countryside, have taken another step forward with the submission of a planning application from East Fife Wind Energy. http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Fife/article/2534/clatto-hill-wind-farm-bid-lodged.html
5.23. DONG Energy signs loan facility for London Array Wind Farm
The first phase of the London Array wind farm has a capacity of 630 MW and is expected to begin operation in 2012 and be able to provide wind energy for the London Olympics.
DONG Energy A/S has signed a GBP 250 million loan facility with European Investment Bank intermediated by a leading international bank. The loan is related to the construction of the London Array offshore wind farm and can be drawn throughout the construction period. http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=6454
5.24. Salmond welcomes SeaEnergy Renewables venture
First Minister Alex Salmond has welcomed the signing of a co-operation agreement between Aberdeen-based offshore wind developer SeaEnergy Renewables and a Chinese steel company to develop and market steel structures for the offshore wind sector. The Minister attended a special ceremony in Shanghai yesterday (July 6) to mark the formal signing of the deal with state-owned Nantong COSCO Ship Steel Structure company (NCSC), which the Scottish Government said was the ‘first of its kind'.
http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4134§ion=Offshore
5.25. Offshore wind contractor aims for new vessels
At the Offshore Wind Conference 2010 in Liverpool, Scottish based SeaEnergy PLC signed a Letter of Intent with Ulstein Group to co-develop new service vessels for the offshore wind industry. As the offshore wind industry moves further from the coastline, new strategies are required to make these far offshore windfarms more cost effective.
http://www.marinelink.com/news/contractor-offshore334726.aspx
5.26. £10 million grants for UK offshore wind technology
The first round of grants since the Budget for developing next-generation offshore wind technology are announced today (Monday 5 July) by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Secretary of State Chris Huhne will announce the grants, totalling £10 million in a speech at the launch of the International Energy Agency’s Energy Technology Perspective report. £5 million of grants will be awarded to 7 UK companies and aim to increase the UK supply chain for offshore wind.
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_76/pn10_76.aspx
5.27. Britain leads Europe's offshore wind market
British projects will lead the offshore wind energy market for the next eight years. This conclusion is drawn by GL Garrad Hassan in the new edition of their "Offshore Wind Energy Market Report". Development of offshore wind will be strong in further Northern European markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. The report identifies that key offshore development projects over the next few years will take place in seven countries: France, Ireland, Belgium, Norway, Spain, Italy and Poland. These markets are expected to become increasingly important up to 2020 and beyond. The "Offshore Wind Energy Market Report" is being presented this week at the RenewablesUK conference in Liverpool.
http://www.onlinetes.com/Britain-Leads-the-Development-of-Europes-Offshore-Wind-Energy-Market-TES-070610.aspx
5.28. NZ wind turbine manufacturer aims for UK market
Windflow Technology hopes that a new overseas government policy will help it crack the UK market.The company announced it had received “unprecedented” interest from the UK market in the last few months, following the introduction of a UK government scheme to incentivise small scale renewable electricity generation in April. UK wind projects in the 100-500 kW range using new turbines are now guaranteed payment for the electricity they generate for the next 20 years, at between 40-45NZc per kilowatt hour. Projects in the 500-1500 kW and 1500-5000 kW ranges receive lower subsidy payments, at between NZ5-30c per kilowatt hour. Windflow staff attended the All-Energy exhibition in Aberdeen in May to seek out potential UK partners and are in the process of finalising an agreement with an exclusive UK distributor.
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/nz-wind-turbine-manufacturer-aims-uk-market-125636
5.29. New windfarm proposed at Lewis estate
Landowner who secured permission for first giant scheme is behind plans
A new windfarm is being proposed on South Lochs moorland in Lewis.
Nick Oppenheim, who secured planning permission for the island’s first giant windfarm in January, now wants to build a further scheme on his Eishken estate.
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1811987
5.30. London Array benefits from EIB loan
Energy giant DONG Energy yesterday (July 1) announced that it has signed a second £250 million loan facility with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to help pay for the construction of the 1GW London Array offshore wind farm.
http://www.newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4120§ion=Wind
5.31. Isle of Skye wind farm officially opened
A new £50m wind farm has been officially opened at Edinbane on the Isle of Skye by Under-secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell. The controversial scheme has been on the drawing board for two decades following a legal challenge from environmental objectors. The 18 turbine scheme will generate enough electricity to power twenty 2000 homes.
http://news.stv.tv/scotland/highlands-islands/185169-controversial-isle-of-skye-wind-farm-scheme-officially-opened/
5.32. Shortage of skills for offshore energy hub
Scotland’s offshore energy industry faces “a chronic shortage of skills” that could hamper the creation of jobs and hurt the balance of trade, a new report has warned. Despite widespread publicity for an offshore power hub in the North Sea, trade body RenewableUK said the country was not ready to embark on such a project without improvements to infrastructure and training.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/corporate-sme/shortage-of-skills-for-offshore-energy-hub-1.1038570
5.33. Wind farm are 'key' to climate change target
The number of new wind farms being built in the UK needs to be dramatically stepped up in order to meet climate targets, a key report has warned. The Committee on Climate Change's annual progress report for the government has revealed that in the past year just 0.7 gigawatts of new wind capacity was built. This compares to the 3 gigawatts a year needed to meet targets, or the equivalent of about 1,000 new turbines.
http://news.scotsman.com/news/Wind-farm-goaheads-are-39key39.6393655.jp
5.34. Foundations for Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm
The first foundation for the 317 MW Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm has been installed off the coast of Norfolk, UK. The monopole wind turbine foundation was installed by the twin-hulled heavy lift vessel Svanen, which has been used for similar operations at other offshore wind farms.
http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10647/foundations-for-sheringham-shoal-offshore-wind-farm/
5.35. SmartestEnergy and Vattenfall sign PPA for wind farm
SmartestEnergy, the UK’s largest purchaser and supplier of electricity from the independent generation sector, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Vattenfall Wind Power Limited for the power that will be generated from its 41.4 MW Edinbane wind farm on the Isle of Skye. The wind farm, which started generating in the spring, consists of 18Enercon 2.3 MW turbines with a maximum turbine height of 99.5 metres.
http://www.powergenworldwide.com/index/display/articledisplay/9303680453/articles/powergenworldwide/renewables/wind/2010/06/smartestenergy-and.html
5.36. Building an UK offshore wind powerhouse
The Coalition Government needs to act quickly and decisively to reaffirm Britain's commitment to the development of offshore wind energy through confirming upgrades to port facilities, maintaining market stability and agreeing targets for energy production from wind. If this is done then an industry employing at least 45,000 people with a substantial manufacturing base can be created, according to a report published today by Douglas-Westwood commissioned by RenewableUK.
http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/pr20100629.html
5.37. Offshore wind to provide 45,000 new jobs
But only if the government quickly clarifies its renewable energy policy
The UK could create at least 45,000 new jobs through the rapid expansion of its offshore wind energy industry, but only if the new coalition government acts quickly to clarify its renewable energy policy and remove barriers to investment for the fast-expanding sector. That is the conclusion of a major new report commissioned by trade association RenewableUK, which comes on the same day as a series of announcements underlining burgeoning investor confidence in the sector.
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2265650/offshore-wind-industry-provide
5.38. Siemens wins deal to link UK wind farm
Germany's Siemens AG has been awarded a GBP101 million contract to connect the Lincs U.K. offshore wind farm to the electricity grid, as companies in the U.K. start to ramp up offshore wind power. Siemens Energy is also supplying 75 of its 3.6 megawatt wind turbines for the 270-megawatt wind farm that will be supplying power to around 200,000 homes in eastern England.
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100628-704912.html
5.39. Atlantic Array testing to start
Backers of a planned 250 turbine wind farm in the Bristol Channel are hoping to start testing wind speed and tidal conditions shortly. RWE npower renewables is applying for a test mast with a view to submitting a full application within two years. Called Atlantic Array the turbines will be sited around 10 miles (16km) off the south Wales coast and 8.7 miles (14km) off north Devon at the nearest points.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west_wales/10414567.stm
5.40. Successful turbine transportation exercise
Road transportation trials, simulating the transportation of wind turbine blades and towers to parts of mid Wales, have been undertaken to test a series of suitable road networks for accommodating the delivery of wind turbines. The exercise which took place from June 21 to 24 provided a detailed assessment of the suitability of the road network to accommodate future deliveries of wind turbines. http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/pr20100625-2.html
5.41. Scotland’s offshore wind plans
Dumfries and Galloway’s waters are being eyed-up for potential offshore windfarm developments. Eight sites in the area are being looked at as part of a Scottish Government consultation on areas throughout the country which closes on August 16. Officials in Edinburgh say the plan would “help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and realise Scotland’s multi-billion pound potential in renewables”.
http://www.dgstandard.co.uk/dumfries-news/local-news-dumfries/local-news-dumfriesshire/2010/06/25/offshore-windfarm-developments-being-considered-51311-26720448/
5.42. Rare red kite found dead at wind farm
Experts believe an endangered bird of prey found dead at a wind farm in the Highlands was killed after colliding with a turbine, despite assurances that the devices are harmless to wildlife. The carcass of the rare red kite was discovered at the Fairburn wind farm in Ross-shire. It was examined by a Scottish Agricultural College vet and was found to have suffered bruising and fractures consistent with an impact. If confirmed it would be one of the first bird deaths in Scotland associated with a wind farm. http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Rare-red-kite-found-dead.6383830.jp
5.43. JV to build offshore wind support vessels
Offshore wind farm support vessel specialists OWPMS has partnered with The Brook Henderson Group to provide a bespoke package for offshore wind farm operators, focusing on vessel supply during construction and operation & maintenance phases throughout Europe, Asia and North America. http://www.marinelink.com/news/venture-support-vessels334581.aspx
5.44. UK leads world in offshore wind tech
The UK, currently the world leader in offshore wind technology and ranked 8th in the world amongst users of wind power, bids to be carbon neutral by 2030 by stressing the importance of wind power. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/uk-leads-the-world-in-wind-technology-in-a-bid-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2030-2007047.html
5.45. Fallago Rig plan 'will blight area'
A group opposing the development of a new wind farm in the Borders has accused the Scottish Government of "destroying" the country's natural heritage to achieve its green energy commitments.
http://www.stirlingobserver.co.uk/stirling-news/scottish-news/2010/06/20/wind-farm-plan-will-blight-area-51226-26690481/
5.46. Siemens to develop next generation turbine
Siemens Windpower has been awarded £5 million of Government funding in the first round of grants for developing next-generation offshore wind technology since the Budget last month.
Energy Secretary Chris Huhne will announce the funding today as part of a package of grants totaling £10 million in which seven UK companies will also benefit.
http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/siemens-gets-5m-to-develop-next-generation-turbine-1596.aspx
5.47. SRG hopes to raise £25m in IPO
The country’s second-largest coal producer will on Monday (28 June) launch a London stock market listing that could value it at £250m. Scottish Resources Group, which was formed from the privatisation of British Coal in 1994, is aiming to raise £25m in a main market initial public offering, according to people close to the company……. SRG employs 1,000 people in Scotland and is viewed by Holyrood as an important contributor to renewable energy projects. It is developing seven wind farm sites in Scotland.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d2b15742-8224-11df-938f-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss
5.48. Weldex goes to Dunedin
Private equity house Dunedin has invested in Weldex, the UK's largest crawler crane rental company. The deal values Weldex Holdings Limited at £100 million (US$150 million). Dunedin has backed existing owners, the McGilvray family, to continue their expansion of the business. Dougie McGilvray, Weldex CEO, said, "We have a strong order book and good visibility on forward orders for the larger cranes, particularly for those being used in the renewable energy and power plant sectors for which demand is expected to increase in the UK."
http://www.khl.com/magazines/international-cranes-and-specialized-transport/detail/item56862/Weldex-goes-to-Dunedin/
5.49. Iberdrola to create new jobs
Electrical course attendees in Scotland may have a range of new employment opportunities available to them thanks to new plans from Iberdrola. The Spanish energy giant, which owns ScottishPower, has stated its intention to increase the size of its Iberdrola Engineering and Construction UK division, having recently completed the incorporation of 96 members of the ScottishPower Energy Networks team.
http://www.ableskills.co.uk/news/19851788/iberdrola-to-create-new-jobs-for-scottish-electrical-course-attendees
5.50. Eneco launches Round 3 project plan
Dutch energy company Eneco has revealed that it has begun work to develop an offshore wind park at the 0.9GW West of Isle of Wight Zone it was awarded by the Crown Estate. Eneco New Energy was awarded the rights to develop a 0.9GW offshore wind project located off the Dorset and Hampshire coasts in January as part of the Crown Estate's Round 3 offshore wind licensing programme. http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4077§ion=Wind
5.51. Able UK reveals plans for £400m green energy site
Development and ship-breaking company Able UK has unveiled plans to construct a £400m centre for renewable energy on the bank of the Humber. The Billingham firm released its vision for a Marine Energy Park a year after setting out proposals for a logistics centre and business park at its 1,987-acre Able Humber Port facility north of Immingham. It says the projects will create 10,000 jobs on-site and a further 17,000 in and around North Lincolnshire.
http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2010/07/08/able-uk-reveals-plans-for-400m-green-energy-site-51140-26808133/
5.52. Ecotricity receiving millions in subsidies
With a fortune estimated at close to £100 million, Dale Vince, a former hippy who once lived in a truck, is probably Britain's most successful eco-tycoon. The self-styled 'Zero Carbonista' has made his money – make that lots of money – from a wind farm empire that stretches from Somerset to Scotland.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/windpower/7840036/The-hippy-wind-farm-tycoon-receiving-millions-in-subsidies.html
6. WIND – INTERNATIONAL NEWS
6.1. Siemens’ Russian wind turbine agreement
Siemens has signed a partnership agreement for cooperation in the renewable energy sector with the two Russian companies Rostechnologii and RusHydro to produce wind turbine components. The three companies will establish the joint venture “wind energy” where Siemens will retain the majority stake. The planned joint venture is to set up production facilities for wind turbine components for the Russian market and will also be responsible for sales and service of Siemens wind turbines in Russia and other countries.
http://www.powergenworldwide.com/index/display/articledisplay/9290231590/articles/powergenworldwide/renewables/wind/2010/07/siemens-signs_wind.html
6.2. Latest POWER cluster newsletter
The latest issue of the POWER cluster newsletter Includes: Impressions from POWER cluster Mid-Term Conference; Study “Offshore Wind Challenges & learning from the oil and gas industry”; North Sea Offshore Wind Industry Mapped; Offshore Research in the POWER cluster Countries … and more. http://www.e-pages.dk/southdenmark/26/
6.3. Clipper support from UTC
Clipper Windpower Plc announces product warranty, technology, and sales support from United Technologies Corporation. Clipper and UTC have reached agreement for UTC to guarantee Clipper wind turbine warranties for selected new business. The guaranty arrangements have been approved by the Boards of both companies, and formal guaranty agreements between Clipper and UTC are currently being finalized. http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/press/technologies-corporation-utc,1379754.html
6.4. Daewoo to build Nova Scotia wind turbine plant
The Nova Scotia government and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Inc. have finalized a deal to build a wind turbine plant at the former TrentonWorks railcar factory. In a statement, the government announced it closed the transaction today with the South Korean manufacturing giant. Percy Paris, the province's economic and rural development minister, says the legal agreement marks a milestone that will generate employment and position Nova Scotia as a leader in the green economy.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/breakingnews/nova-scotia-closes-deal-with-daewoo-to-build-wind-turbine-manufacturing-plant-98342564.html
6.5. SeaEnergy’s Chinese deal - growth and jobs
A Scottish renewable energy firm that was recently put up for sale has agreed to work with a Chinese shipbuilding giant to develop products that it believes could help to transform the economics of offshore wind power. Aberdeen-based SeaEnergy Renewables has signed a cooperation agreement with Nantong COSCO Ship Steel Structure Company (NCSC) under which the firms will develop and manufacture steel structures for use in the industry. These will include the huge jackets that are used to support offshore turbines.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/corporate-sme/renewable-energy-firm-s-chinese-deal-could-mean-growth-and-jobs-1.1040035
6.6. China’s first offshore wind farm
China’s first offshore wind farm has begun transmitting electricity this week, one month after the turbines were connected to the national grid. The 2.3bn yuan ($340m), 102MW project near Shanghai East Sea Bridge may generate 267 million kWh of power a year, providing electricity to about 200,000 Shanghai households and reducing 200,000 tonnes of CO2. The 34 wind turbines were supplied by China’s biggest wind turbine maker Sinovel, which began building the wind farm in September 2008 and completed construction in February this year.
http://www.rechargenews.com/energy/wind/article220536.ece
6.7. NYPA to apply for offshore wind
New York Power Authority (NYPA) will submit an application to lease federal land offshore Long Island, a first step toward studying the feasibility of siting a wind farm up to 700 megawatts in the Atlantic Ocean by 2016. The application will be the first presented to the newly created Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOE), which oversees wind energy development on the US outer continental shelf.
http://www.rechargenews.com/energy/wind/article219161.ece
6.8. GE Teams Up with Norwegian and Swedish
GE announced plans to install up to five offshore demonstration wind turbines through two separate partnerships. Both initiatives will feature the largest wind turbine in GE’s fleet, a 4.0-megawatt machine that includes a 110 meter rotor. GE’s 4.0-110 incorporates advanced drive train and control technologies and GE’s innovative technology that eliminates the need for gearboxes.
http://www.advertisertalk.com/ge-energy-teams-up-with-norwegian-and-swedish-energy-companies-in-growing-offshore-wind-sector-13313.zhtml
6.9. Siemens buys 49% A2SEA stake
Siemens, one of the world's leading suppliers of offshore wind turbines, will spend DKr860m ($140.8m) buying a 49% stake in offshore installation specialist A2SEA from Danish utility Dong. The deal represents something of a windfall for Dong, which in July 2009 bought the whole of A2SEA for DKr700m from its three previous principal shareholders: Clipper Project Shipping; and Danish investment groups Dansk Kapitalanlaeg and LD Invest Equity.
http://www.rechargenews.com/energy/wind/article219038.ece
6.10. Cape Cod wind farm - 1st lawsuit
Environmental and watchdog groups on Friday (25 June) filed the first legal challenge to a wind farm off Cape Cod since federal agencies gave final approval to the project, alleging that the 130 turbines planned for Nantucket Sound will endanger protected migratory birds and whales. http://www.wtov9.com/money/24041953/detail.html
6.11. Nova Scotia wind launch pad for Daewoo
If Gerald Gabriel has his way, a deal will be signed, sealed and delivered this summer and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering will begin construction of wind turbine parts in Pictou County….. Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, a multinational corporation based in South Korea, intends to use this facility as a launching pad into the wind power business. http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1189153.html
6.12. Offshore embarrassment at Alpha Ventus
Germany's first offshore wind park was dealt a blow with the failure of two turbines due to inferior materials. The rough patch has energy executives scurrying to reassure Berlin and banks scrutinizing their billions in offshore wind energy investments…… Each of the struggling turbines was manufactured by the French firm Areva, which is responsible for half of the 12 turbines in the four-square-kilometer park (1.5 square miles), located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) north of the island of Borkum…… The other six turbines, which were manufactured by Hamburg-based Repower, have so far worked without a hitch. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,702130,00.html
6.13. The Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium
The Department of the Interior and ten states created the Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium this month. When man first ventured onto the sea he could feel the potential of the wind, and he used sails to capture that power. Today is the next step to harness the wind. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the governors from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium on June 8, 2010 http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/37820/
6.14. Dong green light for Anholt
Denmark’s Dong Energy has been given the green light to build a 400MW offshore wind farm at Anholt despite its high $1.65bn cost. Siemens will supply the turbines. http://www.rechargenews.com/energy/wind/article218455.ece
6.15. Cape Wind builders narrowed down
Cape Wind’s developer said he is down to a “short list’’ of companies that could build the controversial wind farm off of Nantucket Sound, but choosing one will take several more months. If the project gets the necessary financing, the nation’s first offshore wind farm could be up and running in 2 1/2 years. Picking a bid will determine Cape Wind’s construction cost, which was previously estimated at $1 billion or more. Saying that negotiations were ongoing, Jim Gordon, president of Cape Wind, declined to name the firms he is considering.
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/06/22/developer_close_to_picking_cape_wind_builders/
6.16. Lamprell bags Seajacks order
London-listed Lamprell, based in the Middle East, has been contracted to deliver the Seajacks 3, based on a GustoMSC jackup barge design, by 2012, equipped as a wind farm installation vessel with a payload of nearly 3,000 tonnes. http://www.offshore247.com/news/art.aspx?Id=16917
6.17. Europe: Wind growth to remain strong
The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) on 14 June released its forecast for wind power installations in 2010. Ten gigawatts (GW) of new wind power capacity is expected to be installed in the EU during in 2010, taking total installed capacity by the end of 2010 to almost 85 GW - an increase of 13%, EWEA said.
http://www.neurope.eu/articles/Wind-power-growth-within-Europe-to-remain-strong/101490.php
7. WAVE AND TIDAL
7.1. Wave and tidal: TSB to invest up to £3m
The Technology Strategy Board is to invest up to £3 million in innovative collaborative research, development and demonstration in the area of wave and tidal stream energy technologies. Expected to be a significant part of the UK’s renewable energy make-up in 2050, it is estimated that wave and tidal energy will contribute around 1.3 GW to the UK’s 2020 renewable energy target. The forthcoming competition call will target pre-commercial, full-scale devices installed and operating in the sea, including those supported by the Carbon Trust’s Marine Renewables Proving Fund. Details of the competition are online.
http://www.innovateuk.org/_assets/pdf/competition-documents/waveenergytechunderpinningdeploymentt10-006.pdf?dm_i=DA4,6PTK,1TRDV5,GM1H,1
7.2. Finding funds for Carnegie’s device
Carnegie Wave Energy believes its undersea wave power technology is one of the keys to Australia's clean, green energy future. But lingering uncertainty over the nation's climate change policy means the WA-based company is increasingly reliant on financial support from foreign investors. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/07/15/2954134.htm
7.3. Construction work for PowerBuoy on target
Work developing a commercial-scale wave power generator off the coast of Oregon remains on schedule for ocean testing to start in 2011. Wave power developer Ocean Power Technologies said this week that construction of the steel structure for its first 150-kilowatt “PowerBuoy” device is advancing as planned at local company Oregon Iron Works. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
http://www.brighterenergy.org/13776/news/marine-hydro/wave-power-developer-making-progress-in-1-5mw-oregon-project/
7.4. Welsh tidal power testing zone
Plans for the creation of an extensive offshore tidal power zone have been unveiled as part of a scheme to boost renewable energy production in North Wales. Recommendations for the £150m tidal energy testing facility at Llanddulas, near Colwyn Bay, were put to Conwy County Council by consultants Capita Symonds and were given support in principle.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business-in-wales/business-news/2010/07/17/tidal-power-testing-zone-to-boost-renewables-firms-91466-26871005/
7.5. Turning the tide on energy in Pembrokeshire
A website has been launched to showcase Pembrokeshire’s expertise in marine renewable energy with the aim of attracting new projects to the area. The site – www.marine energypembrokeshire.co.uk – has been set up by the newly established partnership Marine Energy Pembrokeshire (MEP).
http://www.milfordmercury.co.uk/news/8274219.New_website_aims_to_turn_the_tide_on_energy/
7.6. MCT appoints new Chairman
Paul Lester, previously the Chief Executive of VT Group plc before it was acquired by Babcock International Group plc this month, has been appointed Chairman of UK tidal energy company, Marine Current Turbines Ltd. He succeeds Tony Davies who has been non-executive chairman of Marine Current Turbines for the past two years.
http://www.marineturbines.com/3/news/article/34/leading_industrialist_appointed_as_mct_s_chairman__vt_group_s_paul_lester/
7.7. Wave Hub energy project 'is going ahead'
The £42m Wave Hub project off the coast of Hayle in Cornwall will go ahead as planned. It was feared the scheme could become a victim of the freeze on European funds and the scrapping of the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA). However the RDA said the alternative energy project was approved long before the cuts were announced. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10629163
7.8. Treasury stops RDAs spending Euro cash
The Treasury has told the regional development agencies to make no further spending commitments under the European Regional Development Fund …… Cornwall will be hardest hit with the county's £350m fund frozen. Planned investments in Newquay airport, a high profile wave renewable energy scheme and the roll out of next generation broadband across the county are now at risk, the South West regional development agency (SWRDA) said. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/7888407/Treasury-stops-regions-spending-European-cash.html
7.9. Green-Tide Turbines appoint Cambridge Consultants
Marine start-up, Green-Tide Turbines (G-TT), has appointed Cambridge Consultants to help with the development of its tidal stream turbines … Cambridge Consultants has been contracted to carry out G-TT’s Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis design – once again demonstrating its credentials at helping start-ups answer complex technical questions and offering vital support as they seek a route-to-market. http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/article/default.aspx?objid=72318
7.10. OPT announces annual results
Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. announces its financial results for the year ended April 30, 2010. Highlights include: Revenue grew by 26% to $5.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010, compared to $4.0 million for the same period in 2009; successful deployment and operation of a PowerBuoy(R) system at the Marine Corps Base in Hawaii, and the award of $380,000 in additional funding for the project (on-station operation of the PowerBuoy is now entering its eighth month); progress made with construction of the first PB150 PowerBuoy-scheduled for in-ocean testing off the coast of Scotland in the second half of 2010; and successful completion of in-ocean trials of OPT's proprietary Undersea Substation Pod in Spain.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=155437&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1446742&highlight=
7.11. Oceanflow destined for Sanda Sound
Ocean Flow Energy, a tidal stream energy developer, has secured $840,840 of public funding to support the build and deployment of its Evopod tidal energy device. Ocean Flow received the grant from the Wave and Tidal Energy: RD&D Support fund, a $19.51 million initiative administered by Scottish Enterprise with the remit of supporting the development and testing of new wave and tidal stream prototypes in Scottish waters, the company said. http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4301522
7.12. Harland & Wolff’s ocean energy role
A century ago Harland & Wolff was one of the most successful shipbuilders in the world with a workforce of 15,000 people. Today, the giant cranes remain one of Belfast’s most enduring landmarks but not a single ship has been built in the city in the last seven years. But Harland is fast becoming a “go to” specialist in the renewable energy sector. It has been involved in a range of projects from massive wind turbines to ocean energy generators. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/0713/1224274589932.html
7.13. Maine:Nova Scotia to cooperate on ocean energy
Gov. John Baldacci signed a memorandum of understanding with Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter to share information on tidal power and offshore wind energy. Maine Gov. John Baldacci is pledging to work with the Canadian province of Nova Scotia on issues related to generating electricity from the ocean.
http://www.mpbn.net/Home/tabid/36/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3478/ItemId/12874/Default.aspx
7.14. Tidal power arrives in Hull
A multi-million pound tidal stream device which the Yorkshire company behind it believes can provide the future for renewable energy has been launched in the River Humber.http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/27388-tidal-power-arrives-in-hull.html?news_section=5
7.15. Tidal stream generator built at Sunderland
The first of a new generation of wave-powered generators designed and built in Sunderland’s shipyards has set sail. The million-pound Neptune Proteus tidal stream demonstrator has been built on Wearside by family-run Wear Dock and Engineering. Weighing more than 160 tonnes and stretching to around 20 metres long, with a breadth of 14 metres, the generator is being shipped to Humberside where it will be put into action in a series of trials. A 1,000 tonne crane has been drafted in to lift the generator onto a 40 metre sq barge.
http://www.greenbuildingpress.co.uk/article.php?category_id=34&article_id=620
7.16. Woodside in power talks with Tidal Energy
Woodside Petroleum Ltd has undertaken informal discussions with renewable energy company Tidal Power over the possibility of using its technology to provide power for the oil producer's James Point LNG project, the Australian Financial Review reports. Tidal Energy is the operator of a stalled $400 million tidal river energy project in the Kimberley region, which it says could supply a small portion of the proposed LNG operation's total electricity requirements.
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Tidal-Energy-in-talks-with-Woodside-pd20100707-74SA5?OpenDocument&src=hp12
7.17. ORPC gives tidal generator top marks in testing
A Portland company hopes to have its 60-kilowatt underwater tidal generator in Cobscook Bay fully operational in August after conducting favorable beta tests, paving the way for a larger commercial project in 2011. John Ferland, vice president of project development for Ocean Renewable Power Co., described the generator as "the Kitty Hawk" for tidal energy development in Eastport during remarks he made at the Environmental and Energy Technology Council of Maine's recent ocean energy forum at the Portland Country Club in Falmouth. He says the company, which employs 14 people at its Portland headquarters and three in Eastport, has invested $5 million in Maine since it began development of the tidal power generator in 2007.
http://www.mainebiz.biz/news46555.html
7.18. Edinburgh firm collects £13m wind funding
Aquamarine Power is among five Scots firms benefitting from a Government scheme to harness the country's wave potential. An Edinburgh energy firm is among those to benefit from a £13m scheme designed to harness Scotland’s wind power. Aquamarine Power is one of 5 Scots businesses to be given grants from the WATERS fund, set up by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The firm has won more than £3m to develop their Oyster 3 scheme at Orkney’s European Marine Energy Centre.
http://news.stv.tv/scotland/east-central/185661-edinburgh-energy-firm-collects-share-of-13m-wind-power-funding/
7.19. Marine energy making a splash
A doughnut and an oyster are among five marine energy projects sharing £13 million to harness the power of the sea. The grants from the WATERS fund (Wave and Tidal Energy: Research, Development and Demonstration Support) will help develop emerging energy technologies and improve the operation of marine renewables devices. WATERS is a collaboration between the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise with support from European Regional Development Funds.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/07/06095653
7.20. Aquamarine Power secures over £3m Scottish Gov funds
Wave energy developer Aquamarine Power was awarded over £3 million from the Scottish Government today [Tuesday 6 July] to support the development of its next-generation Oyster wave energy device. Aquamarine Power received the grant from the WATERS fund (Wave and Tidal Energy: Research, Development and Demonstration Support) which is run and administered by Scottish Enterprise on behalf of a collaborative venture involving Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
http://www.aquamarinepower.com/news-and-events/news/latest-news/view/147/aquamarine-power-secures-over-3m-scottish-government-funding/
7.21. Marine energy technology will be sourced from UK
The government is committed to harnessing the "tremendous benefits" of a successful wave and tidal renewable energy sector and is considering putting policy in place to ensure technology and jobs do not go overseas, energy minister Greg Barker has claimed.
Joining fellow energy minister Charles Hendry and energy secretary Chris Huhne, Mr Barker answered questions in the House of Commons last week (July 1), covering a range of renewables issues including the suitability of wind farm locations and the importance of energy from waste.
http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4126§ion=Hydro%20%26%20Marine
7.22. Hydro, wave, and tidal outlook bright
Prospects for the hydro, wave, and tidal power market are good as countries are investing in renewable energy sources to augment energy security. It is estimated that the worldwide wave resources is 6,000 terrawatt-hours per year (TWh), twice as much as global nuclear production and 700 TWh/year for tidal power. The market potential for the wave industry is about US $1 trillion worldwide.
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/07/frost-hydro-wave-and-tidal-power-market-outlook-bright
7.23. Tidal power still has a future in N.B
New Brunswick's quest for tidal power isn't dead despite Irving Oil's decision to pull the plug on its research project, according to Energy Minister Jack Keir. Keir said Thursday he wasn't given a reason why Irving Oil opted to abandon its tidal research project in the Bay of Fundy, including parts of Passamaquoddy Bay, Cape Enrage and the Cape Spencer area near Saint John. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/06/25/nb-keir-tidal-research-irving-538.html
7.24. Guernsey hosts British-Irish Council energy talks
Guernsey is to play host to political leaders from across the British Isles and Ireland. The British-Irish Council is being held in the island on Friday (25 June) and will be looking at marine renewable energy. The Irish prime minister and the first ministers from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are due to attend. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/guernsey/10400273.stm
7.25. Marine energy: Wales “perfectly placed”
Wales offers the perfect conditions for the emerging marine energy industry, according to Welsh environment minister, Jane Davidson. The minister was speaking ahead of a British-Irish Council summit which is being held in Guernsey. The minister will be attending with Welsh first minister, Carwyn Jones and deputy first minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones. http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4088§ion=Hydro%20%26%20Marine
7.26. Irving Oil walks away from Bay of Fundy
Irving Oil has decided to stop its involvement in tidal power research in the Bay of Fundy over concerns about the viability of the technology. Irving Oil officials weren't willing to be interviewed on Thursday (24 June) but in an email company spokeswoman Lesley MacLeod said: "I can confirm that due to policy concerns and uncertainty around the true viability of tidal technologies, we have decided to conclude our work on our tidal project." http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/greenpage/environment/irving-oil-halts-involvement-in-tidal-power-research-in-bay-of-fundy-97092409.html
7.27. Guernsey’s tidal resource
Tidal power in Guernsey will not produce as much energy as once thought, it was revealed. Guernsey Renewable Energy Commission chairman Richard Babbe and member Jeremy Thompson outlined the progress made over the past 18 months. http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2010/06/22/tidal-will-produce-less-power-than-they-said/
7.28. Turbine contract boost for Harland and Wolff
Harland and Wolff has won a contract to construct a tidal turbine at their shipyard in Belfast for Orkney-based renewable company, Scotrenewables Ltd. Scotrenewables Ltd is a renewable energy company specialising in floating tidal energy conversion and commercial wind turbine projects. The Scotrenewables Tidal Turbine (SRTT) system is a rotor-based, tidal current energy converter designed to extract maximum energy from tidal currents.
http://www.insideireland.ie/index.cfm/section/news/ext/harlandandwollf001/category/896
7.29. Wave power giant ready to set sail for trials
The first of a new generation of wave-powered generators designed and built in Sunderland’s shipyards are due to set sail. The million-pound Neptune Proteus tidal stream demonstrator has been built on Wearside by family-run Wear Dock and Engineering. Weighing more than 160 tonnes and stretching to around 20 metres long, with a breadth of 14 metres, the generator is due to be shipped to Humberside where it will be put into action in a series of trials.
http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2010/07/02/wave-power-giant-ready-to-set-sail-for-trials-51140-26771937/
7.30. British-Irish Council to accelerate marine sector
The British-Irish Council has agreed that member administrations should continue to work together in order to push the development of the marine energy sector and capitalise on the significant wave and tidal resources.
http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4099§ion=Hydro%20%26%20Marine
7.31. British-Irish Council: marine RE
The British-Irish Council vowed to continue to work together to accelerate the marine renewable energy sector. Guernsey politicians hosted the meeting of representatives from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey and the Isle of Man. They said sharing best practice and research into marine renewable energy had benefited them all. Experts have said the seas around the British Isles could provide up to 50% of Europe's renewable energy. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/guernsey/10413445.stm
7.32. BIC to HQ in Edinburgh
An inter-governmental body will set up its headquarters in Scotland. The British-Irish Council (BIC) will make its administrative base in Edinburgh to support and co-ordinate its work. It follows the latest meeting of the body in Guernsey on Friday, attended by First Minister Alex Salmond and other leaders from the devolved UK administrations.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/governments-body-heads-to-edinburgh-14856016.html
7.33. Severn barrage faces economic hurdles
The coalition Government's silence on the Severn tidal barrage may be a reflection of the high economic costs rather than the environmental concerns surrounding the project. http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/522790/severn_barrage_faces_economic_rather_than_environmental_hurdles.html
8. BIOENERGY
8.1. Plans for IoW £130m biomass plant
Plans were unveiled for a £130 million eco-friendly power plant on the outskirts of Newport, capable of producing two thirds of the Island’s electricity and potentially launching the Isle of Wight as a world leader in renewable energy technology. The Reality Energy Centre, a biomass plant fuelled by sustainably sourced wood pellets, would be built on a disused Isle of Wight Council-owned landfill site. http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/plans-to-build-130m-ecopower-plant-33767.aspx
8.2. AD plant is a national ‘first’
Construction work has been completed on a ground-breaking “green” energy plant at brewing and leisure retail company Adnams’ distribution site outside Southwold. The anaerobic digestion (AD) unit will be the first of its kind in the UK to use by-products from the brewing process and local food waste as a renewable source of gas for injection into the national gas grid as well as providing gas for use as a vehicle fuel. http://www.eadt.co.uk/business/green_energy_unit_is_a_national_first_1_538367
8.3. AD could counteract ‘peak phosphate’
Phosphorous is an essential nutrient for plant growth, along with nitrogen and potassium. It is a key component in DNA and plays an essential role in plant energy metabolism. Without it, crops would fail, causing the human food chain to collapse. Phosphate production is predicted to peak around 2030 …… The solution could lie in recovering phosphate from organic waste that currently ends up being sent to landfill. …. The coalition government has already pledged to lead the UK towards a zero-waste economy, and a development programme of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants is a major step in that direction.…… Chambers is now urging the government to stimulate rapid investment in technologies such as AD plants that will enable phosphates to be reused in agriculture, rather than sending a finite resource into landfill. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/14/oil-food
8.4. UK’s 'huge' appetite for anaerobic digestion
The UK government has announced that it is drawing up an action plan to deliver a “huge increase” in anaerobic digestion (AD) projects, and is inviting input from stakeholders on how this can be done in a cost-effective way. http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/process-engineering/uk-has-huge-appetite-for-anaerobic-digestion/1003511.article
8.5. Suffolk biomethane plant completed
British Gas and Adnams Bio Energy have completed the construction of an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Suffolk, which they claim will be the first in the UK to use brewery and local food waste to produce renewable gas for injection into the national gas grid. http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4153§ion=Bioenergy%20%26%20Waste
8.6. REA welcomes "willingness" of ministers to realise AD potential
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has welcomed the apparent "willingness" of the coalition government to take action to boost the uptake of anaerobic digestion following a meeting with industry today (July 6). Climate change minister Greg Barker and environment minister Lord Henley met in private this morning with representatives of the renewable energy, waste and recycling, food and drink, retail and utilities sectors -including the REA - to thrash out ideas on how to deliver government ambitions for an increased uptake of anaerobic digestion (AD).
http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4133§ion=Bioenergy%20%26%20Waste
8.7. Construction begins on £25m bioenergy UK facility
Work has begun on construction of a multi-million pound research facility for bioenergy and biofuels, brewing technology and food and drink processing at The University of Nottingham.
The Bioenergy Centre, the first of its kind in the country, is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), leading global brewer SABMiller and The University of Nottingham.
http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/events/events/121416-construction-begins-on-uks-%C3%8225m-facility-for-bioenergy-research.html
8.8. ADBA: UK eyes biogas boom
With the support of the new UK coalition government anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas as a means of energy is set to boom, meet climate change targets and could eventually produce a massive 7 terawatts of energy.
http://www.bioenergy-news.com/index.php?/Industry-News?item_id=2288
8.9. Large-scale biomass ‘risks UK jobs’
Subsidising the purchase of wood for incineration and encouraging demand for UK sourced wood for large-scale power generators could result in an increase in carbon emissions and harm other sectors, according to the wood panel industry.
http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4101§ion=Bioenergy%20%26%20Waste
8.10. Europe’s first waste to bioethanol plant
Converting the contents of dustbins into carbon-neutral biofuel for cars and renewable energy is the kind of 21st century alchemy that tackles several environmental challenges simultaneously. Ineos Bio, part of the world’s third-largest chemicals company, has this month taken a step closer to making this concept a reality by securing £7.3m ($10.9m) of grants towards its development of Europe’s first waste to bioethanol plant.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ff2c3df6-821e-11df-938f-00144feabdc0.html
8.11. Green energy from algae
Visitors to this year’s UK Royal Society Summer Exhibition will have a chance to discover how scientists from the University of Cambridge are studying ways to harness algae as a renewable energy source. http://www.physorg.com/news196692631.html
8.12. Investors needed for biofuels project in Australia
Can a biofuel investment project be sustainable, ethical and profitable, whilst not displacing much-needed food crops? Sceptre Group Limited believes it can, with the launch of a major new biofuel investment project, in Cairns, Australia. Its partner Green Oil Plantations have 30 years of real world experience in the development of genetically superior planting material, best management practices in plantations and biofuel production in over 100 countries. As part of the global race to find a sustainable alternative fuel, the Gibraltar based ethical investment broker Sceptre are inviting UK-based investors into their latest biofuels project in Australia. http://www.altenergymag.com/news_detail.php?pr_id=16075
8.13. Covanta Energy new plant in England
Covanta Energy, a leading US international Energy from Waste (EfW) provider, purchased land in Northwest England to be used for the construction of a new plant. In the announcement made by the North of England Inward Investment Agency, the American company submitted an application for planning approval for the construction of a new Energy-from-waste processing plant in the Cheshire County.
http://www.freepressreleases.co.uk/20100707127417/covanta-energy-purchased-land-to-build-new-plant-in-northwest-england-127417/menu-id-31
8.14. Regulation is holding back green power
Europe's biggest coal-fired power station is calling for changes to the Government's renewable energy regulations to enable Drax to convert one of its six coal generators to run on biomass. Engineers are set to start work converting the facilities immediately and the green generator could be up and running within 18 months. But under the current Renewable Obligation (RO) regulatory regime the plan – which would be the first of its type in the world – is simply not economic, says Drax.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/regulation-is-holding-back-green-power-says-drax-2015123.html
8.15. Leith: 40 years for carbon neutrality
The new "green energy" biomass plant proposed for Leith would take at least 40 years to become carbon neutral, according to a new study. In the meantime, critics claim, the £360 million plant would actually set back Scotland's drive to cut carbon emissions. http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Green-energy-plant-39not-carbon.6378553.jp
8.16. Orders for Stobart Biomass Products
….. Stobart said its new joint venture Stobart Biomass Products, alongside Cumbria-based A.W. Jenkinson, which supplies the UK renewable energy market with waste wood and other raw materials had seen improved visibility of orders over the past two months “with further viable projects identified”.
http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100621/FREE/100629998/-1/breaking
9. GEOTHERMAL
9.1. Britain’s AMEC won $6.8m geothermal contract
Britain’s AMEC has won a £4.5m ($6.8m) contract to provide engineering services for the 49MW Hudson Ranch I geothermal project at Salton Sea, California that will be built by EnergySource that is due online in 2012. AMEC will be responsible for design, engineering, training and assistance in construction, which is estimated at 21 months, and in the start-up phase. http://www.rechargenews.com/energy/geothermal/article219620.ece
9.2. Sensus geothermal energy in Madrid underground
Sensus, the metering systems leader, is playing a key role in a pioneering clean energy project in Spain that is exploiting geothermal energy in the underground system in Madrid (Metro). Working with Spanish companies Termoterra and IFTec Geoenergía, Sensus became involved last summer (in 2009) in a project to use the metro environment as a means of cooling and heating the platforms, offices and commercial space of the Pacífico Metro station by installing a geothermal heat pump.
http://www.cisionwire.com/harvest/sensus-measures-geothermal-energy-in-pioneering-project-in-madrid-underground
9.3. Geothermal hot water
Martin Wainwright reports on guardian.co.uk from the Pennines on a new project to raise hot water from granite rock. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/audio/2010/jun/24/geothermal-energy-pennines-ecovillage
9.4. Water from Co. Durham 'hot rocks'
Scientists have pumped out the first hot water from the depths of rural County Durham as part of plans for an eco-village. The site of the former Lafarge cement works in Eastgate, Weardale, has been earmarked for the multi-million pound scheme, which includes a "thermal spa." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wear/10395873.stm
10. HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS (See also Sustainable Transport)
10.1. Shetland Islands hydrogen project
A project is underway in the Shetland Islands of the North Coast of Scotland to build small hydrogen power units, according to an article in the Shetland News. The scheme will aim to generate, store and supply hydrogen. The project involves a company called Pure Energy on the island of Unst; and Lews Castle College in Stornaway. Vincenzo Ortisi, an electronic engineer, will develop the fuel cell. http://www.h2journal.com/displaynews.php?NewsID=477
10.2. Research on solid oxide fuel cell
A grant to the Danish company Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S and Risoe DTU will ensure that the current efforts within solid oxide fuel cells will lead to prototypes in 2012 which meet market demands for efficiency, lifetime and price. The solid oxide fuel cell is a technology for more efficient power production. Compared to traditionel technologies SOFCs have a higher efficiency, lower noise and lower emissions of, e.g., CO2. They work by transforming the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity.http://www.azom.com/news.asp?newsID=22554
10.3. UK common voice for hydrogen and FC industry
The new UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association (UK HCFA) launched this week as the result of the merger of Fuel Cells UK and the UK Hydrogen Association. The new industry body aims to provide a common voice for the sector, advocating a positive social, political and economic environment for the development of hydrogen energy and fuel cells in the UK.
http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/events/events/121418-uk-gains-%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%C5%93common-voice%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%20-for-hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-industry.html
10.4. Nottingham engineers develop super batteries
The intermittent power generated by renewable sources means that electricity storage solutions will become increasingly important as the UK transitions into a low-carbon energy infrastructure. This is the belief of researchers at Nottingham University who are developing a new generation of super batteries that will collect, store and, when called upon, quickly release electricity generated by renewables.
http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/nottingham-engineers-develop-super-batteries/1003133.article
10.5. B9 eyes hydrogen as gas plant alternative
Britain's B9 Gas is exploring hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative cheap, low-carbon way to generate electricity instead of burning gas, the clean fossil-fuel company said. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE66D47B20100714
11. HYDROPOWER
11.1. RWE Innogy set to build hydro-power plant
RWE Innogy has received approval from the Scottish government to build another hydro-power plant in the UK. The Cia Aig hydroelectric power station, which will have 3MW of installed capacity, will be sited near Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands.
http://www.theengineer.co.uk/policy-and-business/business-briefs/rwe-innogy-set-to-build-hydro-power-plant/1003365.article
11.2. Go small, go green, RWE says
Small-scale hydroelectric projects provide clean energy alternatives while preserving the regional landscape in Scotland, an energy company says. German energy company RWE received approval from the Scottish government to build a 3-megawatt hydroelectric power station driven by the fresh water of Loch Arkaig.
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2010/07/01/Go-small-go-green-RWE-says/UPI-74061277997773/
11.3. Green light for Lochaber hydro
Holyrood ministers have given the green light for a Lochaber hydro-electric project that can provide power for 1,600 homes and create up to 20 jobs during its construction. The 3MW Cia-Aig scheme at Achnacarry, near Fort William, will also provide a community fund for the benefit of the area. No land will be lost through damming as the turbine will be the scheme powered by the Abhainn Chia-aig river, at the eastern end of Loch Arkaig near Achnacarry, about nine miles north of Fort William. http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1794794
11.4. UK hydropower may treble by 2020
Britain's hydropower plant capacity may treble by 2020 as electricity producers make use of government incentives for renewable energy, the country's environment agency said. The number of hydropower production facilities in Britain is estimated to rise to 1,200 by 2020 from 400 today. http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE65L0PS20100622
11.5. Surge in hydropower in last decade
The number of small-scale hydropower schemes to generate energy from rivers in England and Wales has surged in the last decade, figures from the Environment Agency showed today (23 June). The number of new licences issued by the government agency for hydropower schemes has increased sixfold since 2000. Last year, 31 new licences for energy schemes in rivers were granted – compared with just five in 2000. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/23/hydropower-schemes-surge-environment-agency
11.6. More renewable energy from Norway’s Hydro
Norway's energy producer Hydro is planning to start work on the Holsbru hydro power project this fall. In addition, the company has delivered a concession application for two hydropower projects in Sogn. Altogether, the three projects will increase Hydro's power production by about 300 GWh. "We have many exciting plans for our hydropower plants in the coming years," says Ola Saeter, Hydro's head of Energy. http://norway2uk.com/en/renewable/
11.7. Lack of rain: problem for Knoydart and Eigg
Residents on a remote Highland estate could be facing a power curfew as water supplies in its hydro-electric scheme reach critical levels after one of the driest springs in recent years. http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1793360
11.8. First screw generator saves £127k a year
A renewable energy method based on an Archimedes screw and an ABB motor and variable speed drive is saving Yorkshire Water in the UK more than £127,000 a year in electricity costs. The application, designed by Archimedes screw manufacturer Spaans Babcock in conjunction with civil contractor JN Bentley and installed at Esholt treatment works near Bradford, uses two Archimedes screw turbines in series.
http://www.engineerlive.com/Process-Engineer/Wastewater_Management/First_screw_generator_for_water_industry_saves_%26pound%3B127,000_a_year/22815/
11.9. Time to register for BHA Annual Conference
Times are changing and increasing attention is being given to the pioneer of renewable energy – hydropower.. ‘Hydropower: Prospering in an evolving environment’ is being held 13-14 October in Glasgow. Full information on the British Hydropower Annual Conference is available online. http://www.british-hydro.org/downloads/Announcement.pdf
12. MICROGENERATION, ONSITE RENEWABLES AND LOW CARBON BUILDINGS (See also Solar)
12.1. Govt fails to meet microgen deadline
Climate change minister Greg Barker was last night (July 12) forced to respond to allegations that the government has missed its deadline for introducing permitted development rights - which remove the need for a planning application - for micro-wind turbines and air source heat pumps. During the Micropower Council's summer reception in London, which was timed to coincide with the government's launch of the new Micropower Strategy for consultation yesterday, the chief executive of the Council, Dave Sowden, began his speech with a scathing attack on the government for "breaking the law". http://www.newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=4158
12.2. Energy efficiency: less than £3k per house
The majority of the UK's least energy-efficient homes could be brought up to near-average green standards for less than £3,000, a new analysis claims. The Energy Saving Trust says the cost of upgrading such properties may be less than many consumers think, while also revealing that the numbers of energy-inefficient homes in both the private and rented sectors has decreased. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/13/energy-efficiency-analysis-domestic-uk
12.3. Scottish microgen consultation
‘Permitted Development Rights for Microgeneration Equipment on Non-Domestic Properties’ - This Scottish Government consultation invites views on what the thresholds might be for microgeneration equipment on non-domestic properties and is the latest stage in fulfilling the requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Introducing the proposals would remove the need for a planning application to be submitted for the equipment falling within the thresholds. [scroll down to find].
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/renewables
12.4. Olympics unlikely to meet green target
London 2012 Olympic Games organisers are struggling to find green energy sources after decommissioning a wind turbine and are unlikely to meet their target of having the Olympic Park driven by 20 per cent green energy. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/london2012/7892822/London-2012-Olympics-organisers-unlikely-to-meet-green-targets-for-Games.html
12.5. Top of the class for renewable energy performance
Two educational establishments have reached the top of the class for energy performance by using renewable ground source energy. St John’s College, Oxford, and the new Ynysowen Community Primary School in South Wales, will reap major financial and environmental benefits from ground source heat pump technology from ENER-G. http://www.energ.co.uk/?OBH=69&ID=232
12.6. Birds Eye launches sustainability strategy
One of the UK's leading food brands is embarking on a major green investment programme as it seeks to make good on pledges to deliver deep cuts in carbon emissions, water consumption and environmental impacts. Birds Eye last week launched a wide-ranging new sustainability strategy, dubbed Forever Food, that includes targets to cut carbon emissions 30 per cent against a 1990 baseline by 2020, reduce water consumption used in manufacturing by 20 per cent against a 2007 baseline by the same date, and ensure zero waste is sent to landfill from UK operations by 2015.
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2266281/fish-fingers-biomass-power
12.7. Energy saving home grants scrapped
A popular grant scheme that offers the public up to £4,000 towards the cost of installing solar panels and other renewable energy devices in the home has been scrapped by the government to save money. The home renewables grant will not be replaced when it is axed at the end of this month.
http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Energy-saving-home-grants-.6413137.jp
12.8. Microgen: launch of Govt consultation
The Microgeneration industry welcomed the Government’s root and branch review of Microgeneration policy in the UK and publication of a new Microgeneration Strategy early next year. Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker MP, launched the consultation process for the new Strategy at the Micropower Council Summer Reception in Westminster this evening (12 July). Greg Barker said: “I want to see more homes, communities and businesses generating their own energy. We can literally bring power back to the people. Microgeneration is a key part of this vision.”
http://www.micropower.co.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/files/Microgeneration-Cleaner-energy-begins-at-home.pdf
12.9. Microgen strategy ‘step in right direction’
RenewableUK welcomed the announcement of the Government's consultation process for a new Microgeneration Strategy, aimed at helping communities become more energy self-sufficient. The announcement, coming in addition to last week's lifting of the ban on local councils selling electricity, is widely perceived as a boost to the microgeneration industry. However, RenewableUK has reiterated its call for a GPDO for small wind turbines, which would allow installation without the need to undergo an expensive and lengthy planning process. http://ww.bwea.com/media/news/articles/pr20100712.html
12.10. Community renewables to be encouraged
Communities could become more self sufficient in heat and power, and local councils will be allowed to benefit financially from generating green power under new proposals announced recently by Climate Change Minister Greg Barker. Empowering communities to generate their own energy on a large and a small scale can not only bring in an income but also help save money on fuel bills and increase domestic energy security. http://www.greenbuildingpress.co.uk/article.php?category_id=1&article_id=624
12.11. Minister's vision for local energy economies
Climate Change Minister Greg Barker is today launching the first stage of the Government’s plans to help communities become more self-sufficient in the way they use heat and power. Empowering communities to generate their own energy on a large and a small scale can not only bring in an income but also help save money on fuel bills and increase domestic energy security. Homes, schools and businesses are already guaranteed cash payments through the ‘feed-in tariff’ for producing their own green electricity through technologies such as solar panels or small wind turbines, as well as for selling it to the national grid.
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_079/pn10
12.12. Energy saving home grants to be scrapped
A popular grant scheme that offers the public up to £4,000 towards the cost of installing solar panels and other renewable energy devices in the home has been scrapped by the government to save money. The home renewables grant will not be replaced when it is axed at the end of this month.Almost 3,000 households have taken up grants since 2007, enticed by the chance to cut their fuel bills and help the environment. However, after spending £7.4million, the Scottish Government has decided it can no longer afford the grants. The scheme will close on 23 July, after the last of the cash has been used up.
http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Energy-saving-home-grants-.6413137.jp
12.13. Ownergy: Guide to Renewable Energy Tariffs
UK service provider of renewable energy systems, Ownergy, has launched an online ‘Simple Guide to Renewable Energy Tariffs’. The guide encompasses the UK renewable energy feed-in tariff (FiT) and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10649/ownergy-simple-guide-to-renewable-energy-tariffs/
12.14. Burger King goes green
A huge name in the world of fast food has set up a new restaurant that is powered by wind and solar energy and will reduce power costs by 45 per cent and CO2 emissions by more than 1,201 metric tons each year. Burger King is starting the new venture in Waghausel, Germany, and has worked together with Wirsol Solar AG in order to create the eco-friendly restaurant, which could be recreated in the UK. http://news.caterer.com/article/view/restaurant/19854109/burger-king-goes-green-with-new-restaurant/
12.15. London mayor opens roof-top green research centre
The UK’s first inner-city green technology research centre has been officially opened by London mayor Boris Johnson. The Centre for Efficient & Renewable Energy in Buildings (CEREB) at London South Bank University is a multi-million-pound new facility, built in partnership with Kingston and City universities. Located on the roof of Grimshaw’s brand new K2 building at Elephant & Castle, it is a teaching, research and demonstration facility for low-carbon technologies in the built environment.
http://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/london-mayor-opens-roof-top-green-research-centre/5002187.article
13. SOLAR
13.1. FIT spurring PV market growth
Cornwall, the region in the far southwestern corner of England that is associated for many with images of cream teas, fishing boats and childhood seaside holidays, now appears set to lead the UK into new territory: solar farming. According to Ray Noble of the Renewable Energy Association, more than 40 planning applications are about to be submitted for ground-mounted PV systems up to 5 MW in size in this county alone. And the new feed-in tariff – introduced in April this year – will ensure that they generate not only power, but a steady stream of income.
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/07/new-uk-fit-spurring-pv-market-growth
13.2. GE launches solar power scheme for schools
General Electric and a solar technology specialist, Solarcentury, will today launch a scheme to help schools to invest in renewable energy.Solar panels could cut up to £840 from a school's annual electricity bill and generate another £3,000 by feeding excess power back into the National Grid, they say.
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/ge-launches-solar-power-scheme-for-schools-2024502.html
13.3. JR Ewing's back, promoting solar power
He was once the world's most ruthless and notorious oil baron. But now JR Ewing has turned his back on black gold to spend his retirement selling eco-friendly solar panels. Almost two decades after hanging up his trademark 10-gallon hat when the long-running TV drama Dallas came to an end, the American actor Larry Hagman is reprising his most famous role in an advertisement for a German company. The oil industry, he says in the commercial, became "too dirty", prompting a search for another money making opportunity.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/14/jr-ewing-dallas-solar-power
13.4. Spain now world's biggest solar generator
Spain has opened the world's largest solar power station, meaning that it overtakes the US as the biggest solar generator in the world. The nation's total solar power production is now equivalent to the output of a nuclear power station. Spain is a world leader in renewable energies and has long been a producer of hydro-electricity (only China and the US have built more dams). It also has a highly developed wind power sector which, like solar power, has received generous government subsidies. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/13/spain-solar-power
13.5. Churches urged to cash in with solar panels
Churches and mosques could raise up to £34 million a year by installing solar panels on their roofs, an electricity supplier has claimed. British Gas urged religious groups to make the most of the new feed-in tariff, a scheme that pays households and organisations for electricity from their small-scale generators. http://news.scotsman.com/news/Power-of-God-Churches-urged.6413494.jp
13.6. ADB - China / India to benefit from $9bn aid
China and India are among the ‘first choice’ countries that will benefit from solar energy developments under a $9bn financial aid initiated and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a senior official says. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are geographically well-positioned to harness energy from the sun, but affordable financing mechanisms need to be made available to allow the area to tap into the energy resource.
http://www.rechargenews.com/energy/solar/article220851.ece
13.7. Obama commits nearly $2bn to two major US solar projects
President Barack Obama, in his weekly address, announced nearly $2bn in loan guarantees for Abengoa Solar’s 250MW concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in Arizona and Abound Solar, a cadmium telluride thin-film PV manufacturer planning to expand manufacturing in two states.The conditional commitments from the Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program – expanded through Obama’s economic stimulus bill – could create up to 3,600 construction jobs and some 1,600 permanent jobs.
http://www.rechargenews.com/energy/solar/article219621.ece
13.8. Shortage in parts for solar panels
It might be sunny but solar panels around Britain are failing to generate any electricity because of a shortage of parts. The introduction of 'Feed-in Tariffs', that pay homeowners for electricity fed into the grid, has led to a rise in demand for solar panels. But householders who have installed the expensive technology are unable to start generating electricity because of a shortage of "inverters".
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/7867727/Shortage-in-parts-for-solar-panels.html
13.9. Michael Grätzel: Give people access to cheap solar power
The prize-winning inventor says his low-cost solar cell has the potential to form a major part of an energy revolution. Michael Grätzel is a man with a mission. As the inventor of a low-cost solar cell, he wants to help the world avoid an energy crisis by harnessing the power of the Sun. His translucent Grätzel cells use a combination of titanium dioxide and organic dyes to convert sunlight into electricity, providing a cheaper and more environmentally friendly source of energy than silicon solar cells.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/jul/04/michael-gratzel-bright-idea-energy
13.10. Farming solar energy
There is enough sunshine to grow grapes for wine in Cornwall, so why not harvest solar electricity as well? Independent renewable energy generator and supplier Ecotricity is planning dozens of large grid-linked photovoltaic ‘solar farms’ in the South west and there are plans for ‘Sun farms’ in Cornwall and the Scilly Isles.
http://environmentalresearchweb.org/blog/2010/07/farming-solar-energy.html
13.11. Abengoa gets $1.45 billon loan from U.S.
Spanish engineering and renewable energy company Abengoa SA has been granted a $1.45 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to support construction of a 250-megawatt solar plant in Arizona. Subsidiary Abengoa Solar Inc. said that the Solana plant, which will be 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, will produce enough energy to serve 70,000 households. Construction of the plant will begin this year, Abengoa Solar Chief Executive Santiago Seage said.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/abengoa-gets-145-billon-loan-from-us-2010-07-03
13.12. A Shade Greener offers free solar installations
Renewable energy generator ‘A Shade Greener’ (ASG) is the first of an expected many companies to offer free solar photovoltaic installations to residents in the UK. The company, which is based in South Yorkshire, started up in October 2009 with the aim of installing 2,000 PV systems on residential rooftops in select regions, however, since the introduction of the feed-in tariff and exposure on the BBC, interest has increased dramatically.
http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/a_shade_greener_offers_19mw_of_free_residential_254solar_658installations/
13.13. British Gas Free Solar Panels to British Schools
British Gas unveiled an unprecedented 15 million pounds Sterling investment in solar technology for the nation's schools. The company will donate and install solar panels - worth between 20,000 and 40,000 pounds per school - in up to 750 schools. Each school will be able to generate its own free, green electricity, cutting as much as 20% off its annual electricity bill.
http://www.solarnovus.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=974:british-gas-to-give-15-million-pounds-sterling-of-free-solar-panels-to-british-schools&catid=37:business-news&Itemid=241
13.14. Work begins on the University of Sheffield solar farm
In a bid to boost photovoltaic research in the UK, the University of Sheffield has begun the installation of what will be one of the largest roof mounted solar farms in the country to date.
The project is part of a £120,000 investment, funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The installation will include 70m² of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the University's Hicks building, which the panels will power. The system will be utilized to field-test the university’s experimental photovoltaic cell designs in order to further the knowledge of renewable energy sources.
http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/work_begins_on_the_university_of9873_sheffied_65278solar_farm/
13.15. Saharan solar power for Europe by 2015
There are probably easier ways to meet Europe's thirst for clean energy than importing it from vast solar farms in the Sahara. But it is very tempting. According to the European commission's Institute for Energy, it would require the capture of just 0.3% of the light falling on the Sahara and Middle Eastern deserts (an area around the size of Wales) to meet all of Europe's energy needs.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/27/solar-power-sahara-europe-alok-jha
13.16. Glastonbury’s solar array
The countdown is on as Glastonbury Festival goers pack up their belongings and get ready for what is looking like a very hot week ahead. Sunshine is never guaranteed at the festival but that has not deterred the founder of the event from building Britain's biggest privately owned solar farm. Michael Eavis, who will host the 40th festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton over the weekend will become the first person to take advantage of the Government's new, heavily subsidised scheme to create an array of solar panels.
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Festival-founder-builds-UK-s-biggest-solar-farm/article-2328071-detail/article.html
13.17. Sheffield Uni sets up solar farm for PV research
Work to install one of the city's first major solar farms on the roof of a University of Sheffield building began today (21 June 2010) - the date of the summer solstice - as part of a £120,000 investment into boosting photovoltaic research. http://www.physorg.com/wire-news/38580998/university-of-sheffield-sets-up-solar-farm-for-photovoltaic-rese.html
13.18. New solar-powered eco-house
Kingdom Housing Association is pioneering a new solar-powered house that will test new technologies aimed at improving the standards for eco-friendly and fuel-efficient affordable housing. The Fife-based HA is employing cutting-edge technology to build the new three-bedroom, highly energy efficient, detached family home on a plot of land at Station Court, Pittenweem.
http://www.24dash.com/news/housing/2010-06-21-Kingdom-pioneers-new-solar-powered-eco-house
13.19.Solar Decathlon Europe underway in Madrid
The Solar Decathlon has been a huge hit in the United States. The event pits college students from the around the world in a contest to build the most effective, efficient and economically feasible solar-powered home. Since 2002, the Solar Decathlon has been held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This is the first time the competition has travelled overseas.
http://solar.calfinder.com/blog/solar-research/first-ever-solar-decathlon-europe-underway-in-madrid/
14. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
14.1. RFA provisional data for RTFO Year 2
The RFA today (15 July) released provisional data compiled during the second year of the RTFO. You can access the complete data here. This was presented by Nick Goodall at this years annual LOW CVP conference. Almost 1.6 billion litres of biofuels has been reported, accounting for 3.33% of the total of the UK’s road transport fuel. This exceeds the Government’s target of 3.25%. This has resulted in significant carbon savings of 51% compared to petrol and diesel, making an important contribution to reducing climate change inducing emissions in the transport sector.
http://www.renewablefuelsagency.gov.uk/news/rfa-releases-provisional-data-year-2-rtfo
14.2. Solar-powered plane’s 26-hour flight
An experimental solar-powered plane has landed in Switzerland after a successful test flight. It took to the air and landed twenty six hours later without using a drop of fuel. The plane carried just a single pilot, but its inventors say they hope the combination of renewable energy and light materials could transform the transport industry.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10550430
14.3. BP acquire US biofuel operations
It is likely to take decades for BP to be regarded as anything other than the bête noire of US environmentalists, but the company took one small step towards rebuilding its battered green credentials, stumping up $98m (£64m) to acquire assets from biofuels specialist Verenium Corp.
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2266638/bp-boosts-green-credentials
14.4. Fuel cell technology for marine industry
Provider of power solutions for the marine and energy industries Wärtsilä has installed a Wärtsilä Fuel Cell (WFC) 20 unit on board the Undine, a car carrier owned by Swedish maritime transport company Wallenius Lines and managed by Wallenius Marine, with the aim of testing a fuel cell in a marine environment.
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/unique-technology-provides-power-to-vessel-2010-07-16
14.5. Govt loan for Ford's green engines plan
The U.K. government Monday cleared a GBP360 million loan guarantee for Ford Motor Co.'s GBP450 million European Investment Bank loan, as part of the company's GBP1.5 billion U.K. investment plan over the next five years to develop a new generation of greener engines and cars. The Dunton site in Essex, eastern England is one of four sites that will benefit from the investment, which will also safeguard around 2,800 skilled jobs. The others are Ford's manufacturing plants in Dagenham, Southampton and Bridgend, south Wales. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100712-704570.html
14.6. The case of the poisoned fuel cell
Battery-powered cars may be on the cusp of the mainstream auto market, but scientists and car makers still have high hopes for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which should refuel faster and travel longer distances between fill-ups. Hydrogen fuel cells have their own Achilles' heel, however: They are easily poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO). Now, researchers report that they've created novel catalysts for fuel cell cars that strongly resist carbon monoxide contamination, potentially solving a problem that has vexed the industry for years.
http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2010/07/the-case-of-the-poisoned-fuel-ce.html
14.7. AUS$31m biotech center
Crop and food industries will benefit from a new $31 million biotechnology Center of Excellence to be headquartered at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus. The University has been awarded $19.25 million in federal funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC), with an additional $12 million of support from partner institutions…… The Center of Excellence will be led by the University of Adelaide and involves collaboration with the universities of Melbourne and Queensland, and with major research institutions and industry partners in Australia, Scotland, Sweden, Germany and the United States…. "Plant cell walls contain components that are of major interest for renewable energy production, for the food industry, and for the pulp and paper industries," Professor Fincher says.
http://www.firstscience.com/home/news/agriculture/31-million-biotech-center-to-benefit-crops-food-energy_88280.html
15. CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE
15.1. Carbon capture praised
The secretary of state for Scotland has expressed his approval of carbon capture and storage. Michael Moore discussed the technology after visiting a prototype of the system in Longannet. The ScottishPower-owned station is used by the energy company to collect data in order to develop a better understanding of carbon capture before building a full-scale plant.
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Renewable-energy2/Carbon-capture-praised/(energysavingtrust)/725354
15.2. Using rocket science for CCS
Capturing carbon dioxide from exhaust in order to reduce emissions levels has seemed as difficult as rocket science. And now, some rocket science may provide a solution to the difficult problem of extracting CO2 from industrial exhausts. Rocket nozzles are being studied as part of a new approach to capturing carbon dioxide from the smokestacks of coal power plants and other heavy emissions sites. The new approach could lead to significantly lower costs for carbon sequestration.
http://ecogeek.org/component/content/article/3228
15.3. SSE to develop Peterhead as CCS test site
Peterhead power station is to be developed as a testing ground for carbon capture and storage. Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) said the initiative would look at a number of options at the gas-fired station. SNP MP for Banff and Buchan, Dr Eilidh Whiteford, described the announcement as "excellent news" for Scotland's renewable sector. Plans for a different capture scheme at Peterhead were shelved by oil giant BP in 2007 after government delays.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east_orkney_and_shetland/10552954.stm
15.4. SSE considers options in £1bn CCS initiative
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), the Perth-based utility giant, yesterday (13 July) revealed that it is considering entering the £1 billion competition to develop clean power stations in the UK. The company said it had launched a feasibility study for carbon capture and storage (CCS) at its gas-fired power station at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. Plans for a different capture scheme at Peterhead were shelved by BP in 2007 after Government delays. However, a spokeswoman for SSE told The Herald that if Government could be persuaded to extend the competition to include gas, the company “would certainly consider entering”.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/corporate-sme/utility-giant-considers-its-options-in-1bn-carbon-capture-initiative-1.1041186
15.5. S.Korea to invest $1.92bn in CCS
The South Korean government said in a statement on Monday that the country's total public and private investment in carbon capture and sequestration would reach an estimated 2.3 trillion won ($1.92 billion) to 2019. Of the total, public sector investment would account for 1.2 trillion won, it said in a statement.
http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFTOE66B06520100712
15.6. Alberta to capture advantage
Alberta stands to reap the benefits of being a leader in carbon capture and storage technologies, which a renowned energy adviser group pegs as second only to energy efficiencies in reducing climate change. Rising demand for electricity in developing nations is contributing to a steep increase in carbon emissions, a rise that could be addressed through low-carbon fuels combined with carbon capture and storage technologies, the International Energy Agency said in a report.
http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Alberta+capture+advantage/3230946/story.html?cid=megadrop_story
15.7. 'Carbon storage' faces leak dilemma
Dreams of braking global warming by storing carbon emissions from power plants could be undermined by the risk of leakage, according to a study published on Sunday (27 June). Rich countries have earmarked tens of billions of dollars of investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS), a technology that is still only at an experimental stage…… The new research, published by the journal Nature Geoscience, wades into the debate …. Storing CO2 in the ocean will contribute to acidification of the sea, with dangers that reverberate up the food chain, says its author, Gary Shaffer, a professor at the Danish Centre for Earth System Science in Humlebaek, Denmark. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j37QpjWWChDvM6XtZjehO_pW03zQ
15.8. Oxford team outlines CCC
In an open-access paper published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, researchers from the University of Oxford, led by Dr. Peter Edwards, provide an overview of progress in the area of the conversion of carbon dioxide to synthetic transportation fuels (Carbon Capture and Conversion, CCC), its potential, and barriers to future progress.
http://www.favstocks.com/oxford-team-outlines-progress-and-potential-in-co2-capture-and-conversion-to-synthetic-transportation-fuels/2618944/
15.9. Investing In carbon capture
Capturing carbon dioxide emissions from sources, such as large power plants, and storing those emissions away from the atmosphere is an important means of mitigating environmental damage caused by the burning of fossil fuels. This month, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced that three projects have been selected to receive up to $612 million in federal government money – matched by $368 million in private funding – to demonstrate large-scale carbon capture and storage from industrial sources.
http://www1.voanews.com/policy/editorials/Investing-In-Carbon-Capture-96891174.html
15.10. HRH opens Doosan test facility
HRH The Princess Royal has opened Doosan Babcock’s post combustion plant test facility at Renfrew, Scotland. The test facility features Post Combustion Carbon Capture (PCCC) technology and will be a key component in what the company says is now the world’s largest carbon capture research facility.
http://www.carboncapturejournal.com/displaynews.php?NewsID=588
15.11. IPA’s conference on clean coal and CCS
The Industrial and Power Association’s Clean Coal and Carbon Capture & Storage Conference will be held Inchyra Grange Hotel, Falkirk – Tuesday, 21 September 2010, with a networking dinner the evening before the conference, and a site visit to Longannet the morning after the conference. Full information online.
http://www.ipa-scotland.org.uk/Documents/IPACleanCoalCCSConf210910-Fullprogramme3.pdf
15.12. Germany agrees draft CCS law
The underground storage of carbon dioxide emissions could be a reality in Germany from 2017, after Berlin agreed a draft law Wednesday to regulate the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Under the legislation presented by the environment and economy ministries in Berlin, test sites will first be established, before the government decides in 2017 whether CCS should be used as a long-term environmental solution. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5glZ47FO4kH5-OEl1o5FkoxCJDlcw
16. NUCLEAR
16.1. Nuclear fusion – what is it worth?
Fusion is arguably the perfect way to power the world. For one thing, there is enough fusion fuel to supply all of the world's energy needs for millions of years. Furthermore, it produces no environmentally damaging wastes, no carbon dioxide emissions and there could be no accidents that require evacuating the population surrounding a fusion power plant. Fusion plants would also not need significant land area, and fusion fuels (lithium and deuterium) are available in seawater. Unfortunately, it is hard to make fusion work. Indeed, after more than 60 years of fusion research, no device has yet made more energy than it consumes.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jul/16/fusion-power-research-funding
16.2. Nuclear quango staff paid £5m in bonuses
Bonuses at taxpayer-funded quango the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority rose by almost a third last year even though it faces a £4bn budget shortfall by 2015. Staff were awarded £5m, according to an answer to a Freedom of Information request tabled by the Guardian, compared with just under £3.8m the previous year.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jul/16/nuclear-energy-quango-bonuses
16.3. Sweden opts to replace nuclear plants
Sweden’s parliament has voted to overturn a non-binding 1980 referendum which decided to phase out the use of nuclear power in the country by 2010. The vote on 17 June saw politicians vote 174–172 in favour of replacing the country’s ten nuclear reactors, which between them produce around 50% of Sweden’s energy.
http://www.tcetoday.com/tcetoday/NewsDetail.aspx?nid=12879
16.4. Nuclear powers set for showdown
A row is looming between Beijing and Washington over China's proposed sale of two nuclear power-generating reactors to Pakistan. This would appear to break the guidelines set by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a gathering of countries who export civil nuclear technology. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia_pacific/10361565.stm
17. KEEPING IN TOUCH
17.1. All-Energy daily newsfeeds
Bookmark http://www.all-energy.co.uk to see our daily newsfeeds. If you would like a link between our newsfeeds and your website, we would be delighted to talk to you about the idea – just email info@all-energy.co.uk; AND, keep in touch with your news for inclusion in News@All-Energy, please put info@all-energy.co.uk on your press list and send us all relevant press releases.
17.2. ‘Energy’ the All-Energy official publication
For monthly in-depth stories read The Press & Journal’s ‘Energy’ online at http://energy.pressandjournal.co.uk
Don’t want to receive News@All-Energy? Email info@all-energy.co.uk with “Remove” in the subject line
Data Protection Act 1998
Media Generation Events will hold your email address on its database and only access, retrieve and use it for the purpose of distributing the News@All-Energy newsletter and providing information on All-Energy and Smart Energy. Your data will not be passed to third parties; the data owner at all times is Media Generation Events Ltd
Home
News@All-Energy
