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News@All-Energy
News@All-Energy - Issue 212 - Late-January 2012
News@All-Energy is brought to you free of charge by Reed Exhibitions, the organisers of All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference. We look forward to seeing you in Aberdeen 23-24 May as an exhibitor or visitor. You’ll find an ever-increasing amount of news on the show on our website.
The major exhibition with its sector-specific trails; the 7-parallel session conference looking at all sources of renewables and the challenges and opportunities facing the sectors; the offshore maintenance and smart energy seminar theatres within the exhibition; and the Giant Networking Evening are all free to attend for those with a business/professional interest in renewable energy. We’ll tell you via News@All-Energy when online registration is open.
See you at…. In the near future you will find members of the All-Energy team at this week’s Scottish Renewables’ Offshore Wind & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition 2012 and next week’s Subsea 2012 – both in Aberdeen. The SRF event is on 31 January and 1 February, and the subsea one 8-9 February, both at All-Energy’s home, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
You can keep in touch with news on a daily basis through our newsfeeds reached via the homepage. Feel free to pass your copy of News@All-Energy on to colleagues, who can subscribe by registering. Keep in touch with news on a daily basis through our newsfeeds, reached via the homepage.
CONTENTS
1.1. UK must focus on low-carbon industry
1.2. RBS to lend more than £300m for RE
1.3. MPs roast UK's carbon floor price policy
1.4. Guernsey: 25% local energy by 2020
1.5. RE: talent needed
1.6. Community projects: Live Q&A
1.7. Reality check for alternative energy
1.8. Bristol’s multi-million pound RE plans
1.9. Is cheap fossil fuel 'good news'?
1.10. Forth Ports concentrate on RE at Leith
1.11. EU energy policy drives changes in UK
1.12. Daily Telegraph RE careers supplement
1.13. KPMG in row over leaked CO2 report
1.14. MSPs to examine renewables targets
1.15. Who funds climate sceptic thinktank?
1.16. Best to move from EEEGR
1.17. Bute renewables survey results
1.18. Stoke-on-Trent joints bid for GIB
1.19. O’Brien: ‘DECC defensive of RE costs’
1.20. Policy Exchange research note
1.21. Scotland and Masdar agree framework
1.22. Scotland offers RE assets to Russia
1.23. Swinney names enterprise areas
1.24. Nigg yard included in new enterprise zone
1.25. Independence will not disrupt RE investment
1.26. £4m boost for 82 local energy schemes
1.27. Scotland aims at clean energy records
1.28. Salmond in climate justice call
1.29. IoM moots future as renewable power station
2. GENERAL – INTERNATIONAL NEWS
2.1. IFC, UK gov't to invest $150m in climate fund
2.2. Rare minerals dearth threatens RE
2.3. Spain suspends RE subsidies
2.4. Obama sets out clean energy policy
2.5. What next for world's greenest city?
2.6. RWE’s new Renewables CEO
2.7. Climate sceptic thinktank to close
2.8. Japan launches renewable energies subsidy
2.9. RE boom about to start in Japan
2.10. Women should be focus of energy plans
2.11. Carbon savings: Phase out fossil fuel subsidies
2.12. NIB finances Østfold Energi's RE investments
2.13. Mainstream raises EUR40m in loan notes
2.14. RE to play small role in 2030 energy: BP
2.15. UN international year of sustainable energy for all
2.16. Norway’s pledge to green world's power
2.17. Zayed Future Energy Prize winners
2.18. WFES experience for Singapore
2.19. Top deal-makers of 2011
2.20. Masdar/DBJ OECD renewables investment
2.21. UN Sec Gen calls for cleaner energy for all
2.22. Ban Ki-moon’s IRENA speech
3. GRID, TRANSMISSION, NETWORK – AND STORAGE
3.1. UK: grid-scale energy storage viable
3.2. EUR7bn joined-up energy grid?
3.3. Ofgem energy plan: row over cost
3.4. REG wins Statkraft PPA extensions
3.5. Scotland to get £7.6bn to connect to grid
3.6. Anglo-Scottish interconnector approval
3.7. Large-scale storage by 2016
3.8. RE powers Super Bowl XLVI
3.9. Give up in the UK?
3.10. Anglo-Scottish grid link approved
3.11. Plans for Mayo’s renewable energy reservoir
3.12. New research could end variability
3.13. Green energy prices 'not passed on'
3.14. Smart grid: time to get moving
4.1. Atlantic Array consultation
4.2. EOWDC submission finalised
4.3. Trump urges Scotland to defend coast
4.4. Replacement turbines planned for Blyth
4.5. REpower’s 3.4 MW for Blyth
4.6. Mountaineers urged to fight windfarm
4.7. Huhne to inaugurate Walney
4.8. Thanet export cable being repaired
4.9. N.Ireland: community funds report
4.10. Wind: householders waste £24m
4.11. Natural Power partners with Ecology Matters
4.12. Logic Shell Sprinboard-shortlisted
4.13. MarineCo orders two offshore wind HSSVs
4.14. Anger over imported English stone
4.15. Remp steps down from SeaEnergy
4.16. Vestas now vital for Sheppey
4.17. Northants: 'wind farm capital'
4.18. RUK hires Hill+Knowlton Strategies
4.19. Lottery bird conservation centre row
4.20. Full power for Fullabrook Down
4.21. Vestas in pole position for Kentish Flats
4.22. Gwynt y Môr work to begin
4.23. Glyndebourne wind turbine launch
4.24. The naming of wind farms
4.25. lackwood expands fleet
4.26. RidgeWind awards scholarship
4.27. 35-tower deal for Mabey Bridge
4.28. Solution for Shetland Proven turbines?
4.29. Cereal mill becomes wind powered
4.30. Narec celebrates a hat-trick
4.31. Wind power passes the 6GW threshold
4.32. Government reaction to 6GW achievement
4.33. Tata wins wind deal for Scunthorpe
4.34. Allt Duine wind farm put on ‘hold’
4.35. Trump puts hotel, housing on hold
4.36. REpower supplies 20.5 MW to Essex
4.37.North Killingholme £450m port plan
4.38. Mainstream unveils Neart grid details
4.39. Evance sees record year for UK small wind
4.40. Wind power for potato plant
5.1. EU offshore wind installations 'stable'
5.2. Market energizing prospect offshore vessels
5.3. China hits back at US wind turbine investigation
5.4. Project delays: Siemens profits slump
5.5. Fugro opens German offshore base
5.6. Large interest in French 3GW offshore
6.1. Pentland Firth marine energy park?
6.2. Sigma – shifts focus but keeps wave investments
6.3. Maine: 10 percent from tidal power?
6.4. Alderney tidal power project
6.5. MCT seeks investors for tidal projects
6.6. FERC license for tidal power project in New York
6.7. UK's first marine energy park
6.8. Marine Energy Park for Plymouth
6.9. Ecotricity buys into Searaser
6.10. Ecotricity on Searaser
6.11. Multi-use H2OCEAN unveiled
6.12. Lord Foster on Thames Hub
6.13. VOTEC moves forward
6.14. Tidal power generator for The Deep
6.15. Wave, tidal, hydro: 15% of US electricity by 2030
6.16. US wave and tidal resources
6.17. 200MW wave project for Alstom and SSE
6.18. SeaGen: environmental ‘all-clear’
7. BIOENERGY – See also Sustainable Transport
7.1. AD industry ‘under threat’ from End of Waste
7.2. Cutting costs at dairy AD plant
7.3. Scottish businesses look to biomass
7.4. Third AD plant awarded PAS110
7.5. Global biomass investment: $100 billion by 2021
7.6. Humber: planned RE investment nears £1bn
7.7. Eco Express train unveiled in York
7.8. DM expands AD plant chain
8.1. Smart meters that don't work
8.2. New schools: Fears over green building standard
8.3. Energy efficiency in the workplace
8.4. What does it take to change a lightbulb?
8.5. EU push for energy efficiency
8.6. Energy in industry
8.7. GE unveils new smart meter
8.8. Bring on the windcatcher
8.9. New East London LC community
8.10. Huhne praises Leeds housing project
8.11. Greg Barker on the Green Deal
8.12. Smart meters: huge rise in energy bills?
8.13. Quest to reduce local carbon footprint
9.1. Olympic Lee Valley legacy
9.2. New role for Tyneside geothermal expert
9.3. Heat pump opportunities
9.4. Will volcano create power?
10. HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS – See also Sustainable Transport
10.1. Ceramic Fuel Cells' orders double
10.2. ACAL Energy fuel cell passes testing
11.1. Support for Dartmoor hydro scheme
11.2. Hydro for Dawyck Botanic Gardens?
11.3. Hydroelectric plant plan for Bristol
11.4. Sheffield 'may get water wheel'
11.5. Hydro on the River Tweed?
12. MICROGENERATION – See also Solar
12.1. Build eco friendly homes and save money
12.2. N.Ireland: delays stilt industry
12.3. Microgeneration in Fife
13.1. Radical change in home heating urged
13.2. E.ON warms to renewable heat revolution
14.1. UK faces huge solar panel shortage
14.2. Masdar’s Beam-Down solar thermal concentrator
14.3. Davos 2012: Suntech talks subsidies
14.4. Top 10 solar PV cell manufacturers
14.5. Solarcentury quits BPVA over FiTs
14.6. Green Home Co: 100 jobs created
14.7. Huhne given rough ride in Parliament
14.8. FiT case for the Supreme Court?
14.9. Supreme Court: could take up to a year
14.10. FiT judgement – court document
14.11. REA reaction to FiT judgement
14.12. Germany eyes cutting solar incentives faster
14.13. Desertec Industrial Initiative’s RE deal with Algeria
14.14. Government loses solar FiT appeal
14.16. FiTs: govt offers compromise
14.17. Solar PV FiTs statement
14.18. Dulas deliver NT's largest solar installation
14.19. Deutsche Bank NY headquarters go solar
14.20. 700 rent-a-roof systems cancelled
14.21. Wolverhampton Civic Centre’s solar panels
14.21. 100,000 rushed to beat subsidy cut
14.22. $2bn Oman solar project
15.1. Aberdeen: major hydrogen transport project
15.2. New materials for hydrogen storage in vehicles
15.3. Whisky biofuel from Edinburgh start-up
15.4. Solar power helps shipping go green
15.5. HFuel CE compliance
15.6. ITM’s M&S agreement
15.7. Making UK hydrogen powered travel a reality
15.8. ITM and UKH2Mobility Initiative
15.9. From seaweed to biofuel
15.10. UK’s first privately-owned DC rapid-charging station
15.11. Which renewable fuel will be winner?
16. CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE
16.1. BOC joins Drax-Alstom CCS alliance
16.2. Leading CCS project appoints BNP Paribas
16.3. Masdar moves ahead on CCS
16.4. Doubts in Europe on CCS future
16.5. Over AUSD2m to CCS research and projects
16.6. Vehicle demonstrates CCS
17.1. Sellafield plutonium reactor rejected
17.2. Anti-nuclear legal challenge
17.3. Dip in nuclear power support proves shortlived
18.1. All-Energy daily newsfeeds
18.2. ‘Energy’ the All-Energy official publication
1.1.UKmust focus on low-carbon industry
There are compelling strategic, economic and political reasons why we must transform the way we generate energy, ensure access to clean water and feed our growing populations. This is at the heart of the agenda at this year's World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/james-cameron-if-britain-is-to-survive-economically-it-must-focus-on-lowcarbon-industry-6294281.html
1.2.RBS to lend more than £300m for RE
Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc said its loans to U.K. renewable-energy projects in 2012 will probably top last year’s 300 million pounds ($466 million) on expectation the industry will withstand slower economic growth. Britain’s biggest state-owned bank is likely to lend more to renewables this year than last, Andrew Buglass, head of energy in RBS’s structured finance division, said in an interview. “Generally as an asset class compared to others that we are involved in, it is a very robust product.” http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-25/rbs-to-lend-more-than-466-million-to-support-robust-renewables.html
1.3.MPs roast UK's carbon floor price policy
MPs have attacked the Government's decision to set a unilateral carbon price floor. A Commons select committee warned it could have a 'devastating effect' on UK industry, risked artificially raising electricity prices for consumers and might have no overall impact on emissions. Those were some of the conclusions of a report on emissions trading by the Commons Energy and Climate Change Select Committee published today. http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/news_story.asp?id=196442&title=MPs+roast+the+UK's+carbon+floor+price+policy
1.4.Guernsey: 25% local energy by 2020
Guernsey is aiming to meet 25% of its domestic electricity needs through local renewable energy generation by 2020. The Renewable Energy Team has released a strategy document outlining its vision for the years ahead. They say that due to the expense of the marine technology and its commercial immaturity the island is unlikely to have any developments in local waters until the second half of this decade. But by 2020 they hope to generate 10-20MW of tidal and 10-20MW of wind energy - enough to meet around a quarter of domestic electricity consumption. http://www.channelonline.tv/channelonline_guernseynews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=497921
1.5.RE: talent needed
Huge potential in the renewable energy industry, which could provide 10,000 direct jobs by 2020 in the tidal and wave sector alone, requires a solution to a shortage of talent … David Blake, renewable energy group manager at Allen & York, tells Recruiter: “We are finding that there is a definite shortage of talent within the renewable energy market and that it is also very hard to find the talent when it does exist.” http://www.recruiter.co.uk/renewable-energy-needs-sustainable-source-of-talent/1012600.article
1.6.Community projects: Live Q&A
Is the future of green energy in the UK community-owned? Thursday 2 February from 1pm to 3pm for The Guardian’s live Q&A. http://www.guardian.co.uk/social-enterprise-network/2012/jan/25/green-energy-uk-community-owned?newsfeed=true .
1.7.Reality check for alternative energy
The past year has proved to be almost unremittingly bleak for companies engaged in the alternative energy, renewables and clean technology sectors. The weak economic environment has hit private sector investment in carbon abatement and emissions reduction, and austerity policies enacted by governments across the developed world have further hampered support for investment in industries that, in many cases, are not yet cost competitive with incumbent technologies or are not fully commercialised. http://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/2012/01/25/shares/news-and-analysis/reality-check-for-alternative-energy-qnloxCkK9toHMyftOgtcrI/article.html
1.8.Bristol’s multi-million pound RE plans
Bristol has been handed a £2.5 million grant from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to meet most of the costs of developing an energy services company and investment programme. The city is the first outside of London to tap into European funding to support the roll-out of an ambitious low-carbon project. http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/123079-bristol-launches-multi-million-pound-renewable-energy-project.html
1.9.Is cheap fossil fuel 'good news'?
Tony Juniper, freelance writer and green campaigner, and Lord Lawson, chairman and founder of Global Warming Policy Foundation, discuss if new ways of extracting fuel have thrown a spanner into the works of green campaigners. http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9685000/9685174.stm
1.10. Forth Ports concentrate on RE at Leith
Forth Ports has announced that it has sold the Ocean Terminal shopping centre on Leith Docks …. Arcus Infrastructure Partners, which bought Forth Ports in March last year for £760m, announced that they would sell Ocean Terminal soon afterwards in order to focus on developing Leith Docks as a renewable energy and transport hub. http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/news/business/26237-ocean-terminal-sold-to-new-owners-for-an-undisclosed-sum/
1.11. EU energy policy drives changes in UK
Green groups and the energy industry have embraced many of the changes, but there are grumbles. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/25/eu-energy-policy-changes-uk?newsfeed=true
1.12. Daily Telegraph RE careers supplement
Following the huge success of its Careers in Energy supplement in May 2011, The Daily Telegraph is releasing its next supplement for the renewables industry on Wednesday, April 27, in partnership with All-Energy 2012. http://www.all-energy.co.uk/Industry_jobs.html
1.13. KPMG in row over leaked CO2 report
A row over the costs of Britain’s future energy mix has escalated after trade body Scottish Renewables demanded that a controversial economic report be made public. The paper by accountancy firm KPMG and analysts at AF Consult claimed that the UK could meet its carbon dioxide (CO2)-reduction targets without the need to produce higher levels of renewable energy. http://www.scotsman.com/business/interviews/kpmg_in_row_over_leaked_co2_report_1_2070679
1.14. MSPs to examine renewables targets
A Holyrood committee is to investigate the achievability of the Scottish Government's renewable energy targets amid doubts about skills, investment and public support for large scale developments. Murdo Fraser, convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, has announced an inquiry which will investigate the technological, infrastructure and financial challenges of meeting the targets contained in the Scottish Government's 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hI3ATUyM7if93r2T7g1aDsujHTyQ?docId=N0037821327071306628A
1.15. Who funds climate sceptic thinktank?
Leading climate scientists have given their support to a Freedom of Information request seeking to disclose who is funding the Global Warming Policy Foundation, a London-based climate sceptic thinktank chaired by the former Conservative chancellor Lord Lawson. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/23/climate-sceptic-lawson-thinktank-funding
1.16. Best to move from EEEGR
John Best, the founder and face of EEEGR (the East of England Energy Group), is to stand down as chief executive after 11 years to take on a new job. He will move to an executive management position as Head of Sustainable Energy,UK with Norfolk-based Fendercare Marine. EEEGR chairman Alan Barlow said Mr Best will leave a superb legacy and the board wish him every success in the new role. “He will be exceedingly difficult to replace with his energy and commitment to the energy sector and the region.” http://www.eeegr.com/news/john-best-to-move-forward-from-his-eeegr-role-for-new-pastures-2657.html
1.17. Bute renewables survey results
The complete results of Towards Zero Carbon Bute’s survey of opinion on Bute’s renewable energy potential have been published this week. More than nine out of ten people who took part in the survey said they were in favour of the idea of generating all the island’s electricity needs from renewable sources, while almost as many said they were in favour of using at least ten wind turbines to generate some, or even all, of those electricity requirements. http://www.buteman.co.uk/news/local-headlines/bute_renewables_survey_full_results_published_1_2064507
1.18. Stoke-on-Trent joints bid for GIB
Business leaders have backed Stoke-on-Trent's bid to become home to the Green Investment Bank (GIB). Board members of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) met last night to sign off on their support for the bid. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Eco-bank-bid-given-green-light/story-14973264-detail/story.html
1.19. O’Brien: ‘DECC defensive of RE costs’
Policy Exchange this morning (18 January) published a research note estimating that the full cost of UK subsidies for renewable energy would by 2020, for an average household, be £400. This research built on figures in the Department for Energy and Climate Change's Annual Energy Policy Statements, for climate and renewable policy impacts on energy bills. … The response from DECC has been astonishingly defensive, attempting to rubbish the work, and claiming that it is "not a credible figure and appears to be based on flawed analysis". They don't say why they think this. http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/neilobrien1/100130802/why-is-decc-so-defensive-about-the-costs-of-renewable-energy/
1.20. Policy Exchange research note
‘The Full Cost to Households of Renewable Energy Policies: Analysis of government’s annual energy policy statement’ is online.http://www.policyexchange.org.uk/images/publications/pdfs/The_Full_Cost_to_Households_of_Renewable_Energy_Policies_-_Jan__12.pdf
1.21. Scotland and Masdar agree framework
The First Minister of Scotland, the Right Honourable Alex Salmond, and Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, the Government of Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted renewable energy company, today signed a framework for action agreement ….. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar, said: "From wind and solar energy, to the potential of wave technology, Scotland is a strong advocate for the advancement and deployment of renewable energy. We are proud to welcome the First Minister to Abu Dhabi again and are excited to be entering into a partnership, in such a short period of time that will combine our nations' efforts to ensure that new, sustainable forms of power are developed. Focused on potential joint investment and development opportunities, technological co-operation, policy making and best practice initiatives, the agreement outlines four core areas of collaboration in the areas of Offshore and onshore wind, Carbon capture and storage, Investment in the Low Carbon economy and Renewable energy research and development. http://www.wam.ae/servlet/Satellite?c=WamLocEnews&cid=1289996996612&pagename=WAM%2FWAM_E_Layout&parent=Query&parentid=1135099399852
1.22. Scotland offers RE assets to Russia
Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney invited Russian companies to buy stakes in renewable projects as the Scotland seeks to get all its electricity from clean energy sources by the end of the decade. Shares in Offshore wind, wave and tidal projects as well as carbon capture and storage initiatives may be bought by to Russian companies such as energy companies or financial investors, Swinney said yesterday in an interview in London. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-17/scotland-offers-renewable-energy-assets-to-russian-investors.html
1.23. Swinney names enterprise areas
Four enterprise areas have been confirmed as part of an effort to boost key growth industries. The areas will focus on manufacturing, life sciences and low-carbon renewable energy sectors across Scotland … Two low carbon and renewables areas were proposed: one in the east for the ports of Dundee and Leith, and a north area focusing on Hatson and Lyness in Orkney, Arnish in the Western Isles and Nigg and Scrabster in Highland. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5g7EmgDk2d9gll73vPiVXLR_D0cGA?docId=N1037841326805499349A
1.24. Nigg yard included in new enterprise zone
The news that the Nigg yard is to be classed as an enterprize zone has been welcomed by local MSP Rob Gibson. The Nigg site – which is to be transformed into a multimillion-pound energy park employing thousands of people following its purchase last year – is to be included in one of four new enterprise areas created by the Scottish Government. http://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/News/Nigg-yard-included-in-new-enterprise-zone-17012012.htm
1.25. Independence will not disrupt RE investment
Scottish first minister Alex Salmond has moved to calm fears amongst renewable energy developers that his party's push for independence could hamper their plans to invest in the country. A number of renewables industry insiders have privately expressed concerns that the proposed Scottish independence referendum and the prospect of a break-up of the United Kingdom may disrupt the existing subsidy mechanisms on which project developers rely. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/17/salmond-independence-renewables-investment
1.26. £4m boost for 82 local energy schemes
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne announced the first 82 local energy projects to win funding from the new £10m Local Energy Assessment Fund. Winning bids include opening show homes to demonstrate solid wall insulation to the public, schemes to check the energy efficiency of homes and invest in renewable energy, and events to promote the uptake of energy efficiency in local communities. http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn12_002/pn12_002.aspx
1.27. Scotland aims at clean energy records
Just weeks after Scotland celebrated a record-breaking year for renewable energy, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing is promising that 2012 will be even better. In the first three quarters of 2011 alone, Scotland generated 94 percent of the amount of renewable energy generated in all of 2010. Figures released by the Scottish Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in December showed that £750 million was invested in renewable energy in Scotland through Oct. 2011, and that the country currently has 7 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects in operation, or under development. But the government is now saying that Scotland has 17 GW of generating capacity on deck – scheduled to deliver an estimated £46 billion in renewable energy investment in 2012. http://www.earthtechling.com/2012/01/scotland-takes-aims-at-clean-energy-records/
1.28. Salmond in climate justice call
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has called for "climate justice" to be central to decisions on energy and development. He made his plea to leaders attending Abu Dhabi's World Future Energy Summit. Mr Salmond explained that those countries least able to cope with extreme weather should not be further disadvantaged in global energy policy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-16584424
1.29. IoM moots future as renewable power station
Owning the seabed 12 miles from its shore, the Isle of Man is looking to become a net exporter of renewable energy. Potential wind and tidal sites will be identified by a Manx Marine Environmental Assessment and public consultation. "One survey suggests a pragmatic offshore wind target by 2020 of between 22 and 55 turbines with capacity of 5MW," said Anne McIvor. "It suggests a target of installed offshore renewable energy generation capacity of 336MW by 2020 - 225MW from offshore wind and 111MW from tidal, equating to 1,247GWh." http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/16/01/2012/52713/isle-of-man-moots-future-as-renewable-power-station.htm
2. GENERAL – INTERNATIONAL NEWS
2.1. IFC, UK gov't to invest $150m in climate fund
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the UK government will invest around $150 million in the IFC Climate Catalyst Fund LP, to provide capital to low-carbon projects in emerging markets, the World Bank investment arm said on Friday. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/01/27/ifc-climate-idUKL5E8CR2S120120127
2.2. Rare minerals dearth threatens RE
Shortages of a handful of rare minerals could slow the future growth of the burgeoning renewable energy industries, and affect countries' chances of limiting greenhouse gas emissions, business leaders were told at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Last year, prices of many scarce minerals exploded, rising as much as 10 times over 2010 levels before dropping back, said PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/27/rare-minerals-global-renewables-industry
2.3. Spain suspends RE subsidies
Spain halted subsidies for renewable energy projects to help curb its budget deficit and rein in power-system borrowings backed by the state that reached 24 billion euros ($31 billion) at the end of 2011. “What is today an energy problem could become a financial problem,” Industry Minister Jose Manuel Soria said in Madrid. The government passed a decree today stopping subsidies for new wind, solar, co-generation or waste incineration plants. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-27/spain-suspends-subsidies-for-new-renewable-energy-plants.html
2.4. Obama sets out clean energy policy
President Obama used his State of the Union address last night to again call on Congress to deliver a more effective energy policy that ends subsidies to the oil industry, bolsters US energy security, and steps up support for clean energy. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2141147/obama-sets-all-above-clean-energy-policy
2.5. What next for world's greenest city?
Raising a city out of the desert and powering it entirely using renewable energy was always going to be a pretty big ask, and that was before the global property crisis struck, presenting the biggest challenge yet to the world's most ambitious green building project. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/feature/2141641/worlds-greenest-city
2.6. RWE’s new Renewables CEO
RWE has appointed Hans Friedrich Bünting as its new renewables CEO to succeed Fritz Vahrenholt. Bünting will assume the executive role for the company’s renewable subsidiary RWE Innogy from 1 July 2012. At this time Vahrenholt will become member of the supervisory board of RWE Innogy. http://renews.biz/story.php?page_id=74&news_id=1308
2.7. Climate sceptic thinktank to close
The much-criticised author and climate policy sceptic Bjorn Lomborg has told the Ecologist he is the victim of a vendetta after his funding was cut by the Danish government. Lomborg, working through the Copenhagen Consensus Centre, of which he is director, has been highly critical of proposals to tackle climate change. While accepting that climate change is happening, he argues that current policies for reducing emissions are not only failing but are a waste of money as well. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/23/bjorn-lomborg-climate-thinktank-close?intcmp=122
2.8. Japan launches renewable energies subsidy
A new programme designed to entice investors into the wind-generated renewables sector through a system of subsidies was launched by the Japanese government last week. Following the crisis of confidence in the nuclear industry post-Fukushima, there has been a radical overhaul of the country's energy policy with an increasing focus on renewables. http://www.insidejapantours.com/japan-news/2224/japan-launches-renewable-energies-subsidy/
2.9. RE boom about to start in Japan
Solar and wind companies, set your sails for Japan! The country is about to pass a landmark bill into law that will see “explosive growth” in both solar and wind energy investment according to Prime Minister Naoto Kan. The bill is designed to reduce Japan’s dependence on nuclear power, which accounts for roughly 30 percent of the country’s energy generation. Japanese lawmakers are readying to sign the bill into law by the end of August. http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Renewable-Energy/Renewable-Energy-Boom-About-To-Start-In-Japan.html
2.10. Women should be focus of energy plans
Women should be the focus of efforts to bring access to modern energy to those who lack it, a new United Nations report has found, as bringing energy to women and girls helps lift communities out of poverty and improves health. http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/jan/19/women-energy-access-un-poverty
2.11. Carbon savings: Phase out fossil fuel subsidies
Eliminating subsidies for coal, gas and oil could save as much as Germany's annual greenhouse gas emissions each year by 2015, according to one of the world's leading energy experts. Speaking to the Guardian, Fatih Birol, chief economist at the International Energy Agency (IEA), said such a move could provide half of the carbon savings needed to stop dangerous levels of climate change. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/19/fossil-fuel-subsidies-carbon-target?intcmp=122
2.12. NIB finances Østfold Energi's RE investments
The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) has agreed a EUR179M loan with Norwegian energy company Østfold Energi to finance investments in renewable energy, including hydropower. http://www.waterpowermagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=130&storyCode=2061612
2.13. Mainstream raises EUR40m in loan notes
Global renewable energy developer, Mainstream Renewable Power, has successfully raised EUR40 million in loan notes in what was one of Ireland’s largest private fundraisings of 2011. The three year loan notes were raised by Dolmen Stockbrokers from Irish high-net-worth individuals and institutions. It is expected that the formal closing of this EUR40mln will complete in the coming days. Mainstream is also finalising an equity fundraising, EUR13 million of which has already been invested by Irish high-net-worth individuals through NCB Stockbrokers. http://www.mainstreamrp.com/news-releases/mainstream-raises-40-million-in-loan-notes-through-dolmen-securities/
2.14. RE to play small role in 2030 energy: BP
Energy produced by wind, solar and other renewable sources will grow by fourfold by 2030, but the clean-energy sector will account for only a small fraction of total output, a BP report said on Wednesday. Renewable energy, excluding hydropower, will total 860 million metric tons of oil equivalent (Mtoe) by 2030, accounting for around 5 percent of the world's total energy production of 16,605 Mtoe. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/18/us-energy-bp-renewables-idUSTRE80H19B20120118
2.15. UN international year of sustainable energy for all
The Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), the only trade association in the world representing the off-grid renewables industry operating in developing countries, welcomes the United Nations' International Year of Sustainable Energy for All as an initiative that will increase awareness around energy access and provide a strong incentive for new investments in the area. As Ernesto Macias, President of ARE explained, any initiative that supports environmentally and economically sustainable solutions to the energy poverty issue should be supported. http://www.ruralelec.org/55.0.html?&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=164&tx_ttnews[backPid]=43&cHash=5e23d3a3e0
2.16. Norway’s pledge to green world's power
Norway will spend NOK 1.8 billion ($300 million) a year to devise ways to help some of the world's poorest people get better access to energy and to develop a new market-based system to limit emissions from global energy production, a foreign ministry official said Wednesday. The Nordic nation expects to launch a plan by June that will see several richer states give money to nine poor countries to invest in new and more efficient power plants. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/01/18/us-norway-carbon-idUKTRE80H1LT20120118
2.17. Zayed Future Energy Prize winners
The Carbon Disclosure Project and Environmental Defense Fund were among the organisations which shared the $3 million Zayed Future Energy Prize in Abu Dhabi yesterday.The prize is the world’s largest award for renewable and sustainable energy, given to companies, organisations and individuals with “long-term vision and leadership in renewable energy and sustainability”. http://www.environmental-finance.com/news/view/2236
2.18. WFES experience for Singapore
Masdar - Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted renewable energy company, and Reed Exhibitions today announced their plans to hold the 'Asia Future Energy Forum & Exhibition' (AFEF), as part of the annual Singapore's International Energy Week (SIEW), which will be held from 22-25 October 2012, organized by the Energy Market Authority of Singapore. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/masdar-to-bring-wfes-experience-to-asia-future-energy-forum-in-singapore-2012-01-17
2.19. Top deal-makers of 2011
Bloomberg New Energy Finance has today released its 2011league table results, which reveal the leading investors and service providers in clean energy and the energy smart technologies sectors. The list shows different leaders from the previous year in every single category, among them the US Federal Financing Bank in asset finance, UK-based Terra Firma Capital Partners in venture capital and private equity, and China-based Global Law Office in public markets. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-17/bloomberg-new-energy-finance-names-top-deal-makers-of-2011.html
2.20. Masdar/DBJ OECD renewables investment
Abu Dhabi government-owned green energy firm Masdar plans to invest jointly with Development Bank of Japan in solar and wind projects in OECD countries as part of a strategy to diversify the energy mix through renewables. The initiative will be through a renewable energy project platform, Masdar said on Monday. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/16/masdar-devtbankjapan-idUSL6E8CG4E420120116
2.21. UN Sec Gen calls for cleaner energy for all
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday called on participants at a forum in Abu Dhabi to help advance the goal of a clean energy future for all, stressing the advantages of renewables for communities, for economic growth and for the planet. "Now, more than ever, the world needs bold leadership to make the promise of renewable energy a reality," Mr. Ban said in remarks to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly. http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/45390
2.22. Ban Ki-moon’s IRENA speech
The UN Secretary-General’s remarks to International Renewable Energy Agency Assembly are online.
http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5805
3. GRID, TRANSMISSION, NETWORK – AND STORAGE
3.1. UK: grid-scale energy storage viable
Grid-scale energy storage could become economically viable in the UK with rapid falls in the price of technology and appropriate regulatory support, according to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance study. http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/23513/gridscale-energy-storage-viable-in-the-uk/
3.2. EUR7bn joined-up energy grid?
The ISLES project, a collaboration between the Irish Government, the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, is reportedly planning to create a joined-up energy grid, involving a EUR7bn investment in offshore wind, tidal and wave energy. http://www.siliconrepublic.com/clean-tech/item/25520-tapping-into-renewables-in/
3.3. Ofgem energy plan: row over cost
Energy transmission charges will have to rise to at least £27 a year to cover the cost for the multi-billion pound upgrading of the electricity network throughout Britain. The figure covering the cost of work in establishing vital new connections to the islands and subsea cables to England, as well as replacing old power lines and substations, is considerably more than the energy regulator had initially claimed. http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/ofgem-energy-plan-sparks-a-row-over-cost.16576596
3.4. REG wins Statkraft PPA extensions
REG has extended two power purchase agreements (PPA) with Statkraft from April 2014 until March 2015. The company said the PPAs relate to 8 of REG"s 10 operating wind farms, all of which are covered by long-term financings with The Co-Operative Bank. http://renews.biz/story.php?page_id=74&news_id=1314
3.5. Scotland to get £7.6bn to connect to grid
Energy regulator Ofgem signalled it was likely to approve up to £7.6bn of infrastructure investment to connect new Scottish wind farms and other renewable power generators to the UK grid. Ofgem said on Monday it had fast-tracked proposals for infrastructure spending by energy companies ScottishPower and SSE and expected to make a final decision in April, following a consultation. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/9034013/Scottish-renewable-energy-set-to-get-7.6bn-to-connect-to-grid.html
3.6. Anglo-Scottish interconnector approval
Planning consent has been granted for a change to the electricity grid that will allow new renewables developments to be connected to the grid. Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has approved a change to the route of the existing Anglo-Scottish Interconnector 400 kilo Volt (kV) overhead electricity transmission line at Bearholm near Moffat. http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/45585
3.7. Large-scale storage by 2016
Large-scale energy storage technologies could play a major role in electricity grids by 2016, according to a report that predicts the falling cost of storage systems will help accelerate the rollout of intermittent renewable energy technologies. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2140962/energy-storage-economically-viable
3.8. RE powers Super Bowl XLVI
The National Football League has been “greening” the management of Super Bowl for 18 years. This year, together with the Indianapolis Super Bowl XLVI Host Committee, the NFL has extended the use of ’green‘ power to all six major Super Bowl facilities. Everything from the computers in the Motorola Super Bowl XLVI Media Center to the lights that shine down on the teams as they compete during Super Bowl will be powered by green energy. http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/community/good_news/renewable-energy-powers-super-bowl-xlvi
3.9. Give up in the UK?
‘Only a system with its base-load provided by nuclear power, supplemented by gas for peak demand, and retaining the existing wind investment, can possibly supply the UK long-term with the huge amounts of secure and reliable, predominantly electrical energy, it needs. To actually achieve a changeover to a largely non-fossil fuel economy without wreaking catastrophe on our industries, the targets set by the Climate Change Act 2008 will have to be pushed back no matter whatever combination of electricity generating technologies is built’. So says Prof. Stephen Bush from Manchester University, writing, with David MacDonald, in The Chemical Engineer, ICE’s magazine, last Oct. This conclusion is reached in part by wheeling in the standard arguments about the low energy intensity and high variability of renewables and consequent large land areas needed. Is that so? http://environmentalresearchweb.org/blog/2012/01/give-up-in-the-uk.html
3.10. Anglo-Scottish grid link approved
Planning consent has been granted for a change to the electricity grid to allow new renewable schemes to be connected. Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has approved a change to the route of the existing Anglo-Scottish interconnector. It will move a section of the 400 kilo Volt (kV) overhead line to connect the Moffat substation at Bearholm. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-16628301
3.11. Plans for Mayo’s renewable energy reservoir
A EUR500 million renewable energy storage reservoir proposed for north Co Mayo could export 10 terawatt hours of “clean power” to Britain, according to its backers, providing the equivalent of 2 per cent of Britain’s electricity requirement by 2016, when the project is targeted for completion. Mayo County Council has expressed support in principle for the concept, developed by Organic Power Ltd of Skibbereen, Co Cork, to store surplus wind and wave energy generated as part of the county’s renewable energy strategy. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/0123/1224310625014.html
3.12. New research could end variability
Research aims to look at the local options in power grids to reduce peaks and dips associated with renewable energy and cut fossil fuel use. Work by Australia's Queensland University of Technology (QUT) will, according to academics, aim to overcome one of the 'main hurdles' to increased use of wind and solar energy. http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=21689&channel=0&title=New+research+could+end+variability+of+renewables+
3.13. Green energy prices 'not passed on'
Lower electricity prices generated by renewable energy are not being passed on to householders, the Consumer Council said. Wind power producers are profiting because the cost is set by the more expensive fossil fuel needed to meet demand in the system. This means they may be over-rewarded for the electricity they generate, the lobby group added. The council has published an analysis of the electricity market. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hg0v5rmH2efjn4hRgQWnvaUHcbcQ?docId=N1069041326908546924A
3.14. Smart grid: time to get moving
Government and industry have been warned "it's time to get moving" on the roll-out of smart grids and smart meters ahead of a "big year" for the technology. The UK is aiming to install 53 million smart meters by the end of 2019, a process set to get underway next year. But Eric Dresselhuys, executive vice president at US smart grid technology firm Silver Spring Networks, told BusinessGreen delays were not an option if the country wants to ensure the huge amounts of renewable energy generation scheduled to be built during this decade are able to connect to the grid. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2137537/-moving-smart-grids-warns-tech-chief
4.1. Atlantic Array consultation
RWE npower renewables has published a public consultation summary for the Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm. As part of formal consultation activity, the project team visited communities located around the Atlantic Array proposed site during September 2011 to present information, listen to and record people’s views, and discuss any possible concerns at this stage of the development. Thirteen consultation events were held across North Devon and South Wales. http://www.offshorewind.biz/2012/01/27/rwe-publishes-public-consultation-summary-for-atlantic-array-offshore-wind-farm-uk/
4.2. EOWDC submission finalised
Aberdeenshire Council have completed their submission to Marine Scotland on a controversial wind farm development off the North east coast. The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre is a £150m venture by Vattenfall, Technip and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group. The infrastructure services committee was not for or against the plans. Details of issues raised surrounding the bid will be sent to Marine Scotland as part of the consultation process. [Note from Editor: a conference session will be held on EOWDC at All-Energy 2012] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-16738112
4.3. Trump urges Scotland to defend coast
Donald Trump has said an independent Scotland would need to protect its coastline after he failed to win support for his opposition to an “eyesore” offshore wind farm from a local planning authority. The US billionaire claims plans for the wind farm have forced him to put the development of a £750 million golf resort on hold…. But yesterday (26 January) Aberdeenshire council’s infrastructure services committee agreed to offer “broad support” to the renewable energy development. http://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/donald_trump_urges_independent_scotland_to_defend_coast_1_2080240
4.4. Replacement turbines planned for Blyth
Some of the biggest and most powerful onshore wind turbines built in the UK so far are being lined up for the Northumberland coastline in a project to re-power one of the country’s oldest wind farms. Construction work is finally due to start within months on the scheme to replace the nine turbines at Blyth Harbour, which have been producing renewable energy for almost 20 years. http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/01/26/huge-replacement-wind-turbines-planned-for-blyth-harbour-61634-30201590/
4.5. REpower’s 3.4 MW for Blyth
The first REpower 3.4M104 onshore wind turbine has been sold in the UK for phase one of a repowering project at Blyth Harbour. http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/23508/repower-installs-34-mw-onshore-wind-turbine-in-the-uk/
4.6. Mountaineers urged to fight windfarm
The head of Scotland’s mountaineering representative body appealed to its members to stand up and be counted in opposing a windfarm development. Brian Linington, president of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland appealed to the organisation’s 10,500 members to write and object to plans by a German company to build 22 turbines in a remote Highland area. http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2012/01/27/mountaineering-members-urged-to-stand-up-and-be-counted-against-windfarm
4.7. Huhne to inaugurate Walney
On the February 9th, 2012, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, located in the East Irish Sea, will be inaugurated by Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change The Rt. Hon. Chris Huhne, MP. Barrow-in-Furness Town Hall will be the gravitation point for this grand celebration marking a milestone to the Cumbria County and expansion of renewable generation in the UK having the potential to power more than 320,000 British homes with carbon neutral electricity. http://www.offshorewind.biz/2012/01/23/secretary-huhne-to-inaugurate-wolds-largest-offshore-wind-farm-uk/
4.8. Thanet export cable being repaired
One of the world's biggest offshore wind farms off Kent is running at reduced capacity while a fault is repaired. Swedish energy giant Vattenfall said an export cable needed to be fixed at the wind farm in Ramsgate. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-16727243
4.9. N.Ireland: community funds report
People living near wind farms in Northern Ireland could be missing out on significant amounts of money to fund community projects. A report being published in Fermanagh claims renewable energy developers pay about four times more into community funds in Britain than they do in NI. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16752771
4.10. Wind: householders waste £24m
Householders paid out £24 million last year to wind farm owners who had to switch off their turbines because the conditions meant they could not operate, the Government has admitted. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9042202/Householders-waste-24-million-subsidising-redundant-wind-farms.html
4.11. Natural Power partners with Ecology Matters
Leading international renewable energy consultancy group Natural Power has signed a framework agreement with Welsh based ecology consultants, Ecology Matters. This agreement widens Natural Power's resource and expertise in onshore and offshore wind farm ecology issues, allowing the companies to work together in order to further develop their respective and mutual expertise. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/partner/natural-power/news/article/2012/01/natural-power-widens-ecology-offerings-through-partnership-with-welsh-firm-ecology-matters
4.12. Logic Shell Sprinboard-shortlisted
Logic Energy, the Hillington-based specialists in renewable energy monitoring equipment founded by Eduardo Estelles, has been shortlisted for the Shell Springboard Awards, the prize for the UK-based SMEs with the most commercially-viable and innovative business ideas to reduce carbon emissions. http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/company-news/estelles-is-the-logical-choice.16544244
4.13. MarineCo orders two offshore wind HSSVs
Scottish offshore service provider MarineCo UK has placed an order at Damen Shipyards for two more High Speed Support Vessels (HSSVs). Since taking delivery of Damen’s first-ever HSSV 2610 Twin Axe in June and the second one in the last week of December, the MarineCo Shamal and MarineCo Mariah have shown striking performance when working on offshore wind farms. http://www.offshorewind.biz/2012/01/23/the-netherlands-marineco-orders-two-offshore-wind-hssvs-from-damen/
4.14. Anger over imported English stone
Work on preparing the sea bed for the Gwynt y Môr wind farm is starting, but there have been complaints that rock to protect the sea bed from erosion around the 160 turbines is being imported from Cumbria. It has been argued that North Wales quarries could have provided the stone, helping to secure jobs and even create new ones. http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2012/01/26/anger-over-imported-english-stone-being-used-for-gwynt-y-m-r-wind-farm-55243-30198618/
4.15. Remp steps down from SeaEnergy
The founder of offshore wind company SeaEnergy is to step down, following a change in the firm's strategic focus. In a statement, SeaEnergy said Steve Remp would stand down as executive chairman after 34 years with the firm. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-16749016
4.16. Vestas now vital for Sheppey
The news the Thamesteel plant in Sheerness has gone into administration, threatening 400 jobs, has been described as a "devastating blow" to one of the most deprived parts of Kent. Local MP Gordon Henderson said it's an "employment disaster" ….. So it doesn't sound as if the government is able to do anything directly to help save Thamesteel. But Gordon Henderson says it emphasises how important it is to secure a deal for the Danish company Vestas to build a wind turbine factory on the island. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-16743758
4.17. Northants: 'wind farm capital'
Northamptonshire could become the "wind farm capital" of the country, according to a report from the Campaign to Protect Rural England. It said the Planning Inspectorate's decision to overturn rejected plans would turn the county into the most densely populated wind farm area. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-16701767
4.18. RUK hires Hill+Knowlton Strategies
The trade body for Britain's wind and tidal energy industries has called in Hill+Knowlton Strategies to amplify its voice in the UK energy debate. RenewableUK has appointed the agency to support its media relations programme at a crucial time for the wind power industry. http://www.prweek.com/uk/channel/CityandCorporate/article/1113690/renewableuk-hires-hill-knowlton-strategies-advocate-renewable-energy/
4.19. Lottery bird conservation centre row
An increasingly bitter struggle over wind turbines in the quiet countryside newly-christened David Hockney Country has led to a tit-for-tat attack on plans for a Lottery-funded bird conservation centre at one of the UK's best-known seabird reserves. Local campaigners, frustrated at failing to get the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to condemn three turbines proposed for a pig farm at Bempton Cliffs, near Bridlington in east Yorkshire, have asked the Heritage Lottery Fund to reconsider its support for the centre. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/24/wind-turbines-bird-centre-yorkshire
4.20. Full power for Fullabrook Down
Power restrictions have been removed from wind turbines at England's largest onshore wind farm, at Fullabrook Down near Ilfracombe in Devon. A 50MW cap on power produced by the 22 turbines has been lifted so they can produce full power of 66MW. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-16698660
4.21. Vestas in pole position for Kentish Flats
Vestas has been made preferred supplier by Vattenfall for an extension to the 90MW Kentish Flats project in the outer Thames estuary at the same time as appointing a new head of offshore. http://www.windpowermonthly.com/go/windpoweroffshore/article/1113109/?DCMP=EMC-CONWindpowerOffshore
4.22. Gwynt y Môr work to begin
Building work is due to begin off the north Wales coast for one of the largest offshore wind farms in Europe. The 160-turbine Gwynt y Môr project eight miles (13km) off Llandudno will take more than two years to build. The first task will be to place fist-sized pieces of rock on softer parts of the seabed to secure the foundations of around 70 turbines. The other 90 turbine sites are in areas of more stable seabed sediment and not in need of 'scour protection'. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-16676555
4.23. Glyndebourne wind turbine launch
When the wind blows at Glyndebourne this year, it won't just cause the guests at Britain's grandest opera season to huddle into their pashminas and dinner jackets as they picnic in the gardens. It will also be powering the fridges chilling the champagne as well as the spotlights on the soprano centre stage, as a £1.5m wind turbine turns. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/20/glyndebourne-wind-turbine-launch
4.24. The naming of wind farms
…. Whether it is finally approved or rejected, Allt Duine is among several planned and existing wind farms with names that recognise their locations' original Gaelic place names. Dotted around Argyll and the Highlands and Islands are farms called Bad a' Cheò, Druim Bà and Lochluichart. In English, the names mean Place of the Mist, Cow Ridge and Loch of the Encampment. A wind farm called Beinn an Tuirc in Kintyre means hill, or mountain, of the boar. The name relates to an ancient Gaelic epic tale. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-16366325
4.25. lackwood expands fleet
Kilmarnock-based Blackwood Plant Hire has bought 16 JCB excavators to meet expected demand from Scottish renewable energy projects. The firm, which operates across Central Scotland, has invested heavily in its fleet of equipment to serve civil engineering customers delivering infrastructure for renewable energy projects. http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2012/01/22/blackwood-expands-fleet-for-scottish-energy-projects/
4.26. RidgeWind awards scholarship
A science student from the Isle has been awarded a £1,000 scholarship from the wind farm company RidgeWind. Alistair Godley, of Chatsworth Way, Haxey, will use the cash to help fund his physics degree studies at Manchester University. The 19-year-old is in the first year of a four year course and RidgeWind - which owns the Bagmoor Wind Farm near Scunthorpe - hands out scholarships to talented young academics who live close to their sites. http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/news/isle-news/scholarship_for_alistair_1_4163122
4.27. 35-tower deal for Mabey Bridge
A Welsh manufacturer has secured a multimillion-pound order to build 35 wind turbine towers for sites in the UK. Mabey Bridge has employed an extra 45 people and transferred another 50 from its bridge-building operation to its new £38 million wind turbine manufacturing facility to meet demand following the deal with German company Nordex. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hDmGVbLxfQG4wL69DSpSic6_7eXA?docId=N0008801326973105025A
4.28. Solution for Shetland Proven turbines?
A solution may be on the horizon for owners of Proven P35-2 wind turbines in Shetland nearly four months after they were ordered to shut down their machines following catastrophic weld failures elsewhere in Scotland. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme, the body that decides which small renewable devices qualify for government power generation subsidies, said this week a way forward had been identified for the flawed £60,000 machines and agreement on the solution should be reached within weeks. http://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2012/01/19/deal-likely-within-weeks-to-help-owners-of-faulty-wind-turbines
4.29. Cereal mill becomes wind powered
Windmills were once a common sight in the countryside, with majestic sails turning the grind stones to create flour. However that largely died in its traditional sense and now it is mainly just electricity generating wind turbines which fill skylines. In Aberdeenshire the two have been combined to create a mill directly powered by the wind. The owners of the Mornflake oat cereal mill in Banff say they have gone back to their roots by investing £3.5m in the project. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-16618510
4.30. Narec celebrates a hat-trick
The National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) has drafted a framework agreement consisting of three build contracts for world-leading test facilities, which aim to help further grow the UK’s offshore renewable industry. Narec recently signed a £14.8m contract with Shepherd Construction Limited to deliver the world’s largest facility for testing offshore wind turbine nacelles of up to 15MW capacity. http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/business-law/2012/01/17/narec-celebrates-a-hat-trick-51140-30135098/
4.31. Wind power passes the 6GW threshold
RenewableUK, the trade association representing the renewable energy industries, has announced that the country's wind sector has reached a landmark 6 gigawatts of installed capacity – enough to supply electricity to 3,354,893 homes. The 6GW threshold was reached by the Ormonde offshore wind farm, off the coast of Cumbria, which now has 120 megawatts (MW) operational – enough to power more than 67,000 homes. http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/pr20120118-2.html
4.32. Government reaction to 6GW achievement
… Rt Hon Danny Alexander MP, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury said: "This is a significant milestone for the wind industry which demonstrates the increasingly important role that renewable energy is playing in the UK's energy mix. Working together, we can reach even greater heights. We are eager to ensure that the UK becomes the natural home for the most innovative, ambitious and inspiring renewable energy companies in the world, and we will continue to work with the industry to drive down costs and encourage even stronger growth in the years to come". http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/pr20120118-2.html
4.33. Tata wins wind deal for Scunthorpe
A steel giant which is shedding 1,200 jobs at its Scunthorpe plant has secured a multi-million pound contract to supply a wind turbine manufacturer. Tata Steel announced the order for 25,000 tonnes of steel plate, which is the largest so far for its dedicated wind tower site in North Lincolnshire. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-16615460
4.34. Allt Duine wind farm put on ‘hold’
A controversial wind farm earmarked for the edge of the Cairngorms National Park will be examined at a public inquiry after councillors lodged an objection. RWE-npower Renewables wants to build the 31-turbine Allt Duine wind farm on the Alvie, Dalraddy and Dunachton estates, near Kincraig. The 410ft structures would be 440 yards from the national park’s western boundary. http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/edinburgh-east-fife/objections_put_cairngorm_wind_farm_plan_on_hold_1_2061417
4.35. Trump puts hotel, housing on hold
Donald Trump will scrap plans for a hotel and housing at his golf resort in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, if the government approves an offshore wind farm in sight of his championship course due to open in June. The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, a venture between Vattenfall AB, Technip SA and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, applied in August to build 11 next-generation offshore wind turbines in Aberdeen Bay. The turbines will be as high as a 64-story building, Trump said today in a statement announcing planning approval for a permanent clubhouse on the site. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-17/trump-puts-scottish-hotel-housing-on-hold-for-wind-farm-ruling.html
4.36. REpower supplies 20.5 MW to Essex
REpower will supply 10 of its MM82 wind turbines to Bradwell wind farm, developed by RWE npower renewables in Essex, UK. http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/23254/repower-supplies-205-mw-of-wind-turbines-to-essex-uk/
4.37.North Killingholme £450m port plan
Plans for a major new port development at North Killingholme have taken a huge step forward. The Infrastructure Planning Commission, which is responsible for handling nationally significant projects, has announced that it has accepted for examination the application for the development of the Able Marine Energy Park. Submitted by the company before Christmas, the organisation will now consider the merits of the £450-million scheme, which would pave the way for 4,000 jobs to be created. At the centre of it are state-of-the art facilities for wind turbine manufacture, assembly and installation. http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/New-450m-port-plan-North-Killingholme-moves-step/story-14437346-detail/story.html
4.38. Mainstream unveils Neart grid details
Mainstream Renewable Power has taken the wraps off plans for the grid connection for its Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm in the Firth of Forth, Scotland. The proposed grid connection point is at the Crystal Rig II onshore wind farm in East Lothian. The project is planned to comprise between 64 and 125 turbines with a total capacity of 450MW. http://renews.biz/story.php?page_id=72&news_id=1259
4.39. Evance sees record year for UK small wind
UK small wind turbine manufacturer Evance Wind Turbines says 2011 proved a record year, with sales growing by over 200%. http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/23181/evance-sees-record-year-for-uk-small-wind/
4.40. Wind power for potato plant
One of the UK’s leading suppliers of fresh potatoes, Greenvale AP, has been given the go-ahead needed to generate energy from wind at its site in Cambridgeshire. Planning permission for the single 2 MW wind turbine has recently been granted by Fenland District Council. The turbine will supply the site with stable-priced electricity for the long-term future benefit of the Greenvale business. http://www.cospp.com/articles/2012/01/cambridgeshire-plant-secures-on-site-renewable-energy.html
5.1. EU offshore wind installations 'stable'
New offshore wind installations in Europe remained relative stable in 2011 with 866 MW, compared to 883 MW in 2010, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/23416/eu-offshore-wind-installations-stable-in-2011/
5.2. Market energizing prospect offshore vessels
Rising demand for considerably complex and highly-developed deepwater field undertakings results in greater, more advanced and technically brilliant offshore support vessels. These technological marvels play a vital role in the offshore industry construction, supply and maintenance thus a significant increase in demand for building such vessels has been recorded. [Note from Editor: offshorewind.biz goes into detail on recent vessel innovations] http://www.offshorewind.biz/2012/01/26/2012-market-energizing-prospect-offshore-vessels/
5.3. China hits back at US wind turbine investigation
The Chinese government has hit back against a US investigation into exports of wind turbine towers, warning that the escalating trade spat runs counter to global efforts to curb carbon emissions and could damage clean-energy co-operation between the two countries. The US Commerce Department announced last week that it will respond to a complaint by a group of American wind turbine tower manufacturers over low-cost towers imported from China and Vietnam by launching a formal probe into whether the imports breach trade rules. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/23/china-us-wind-turbine-import
5.4. Project delays: Siemens profits slump
German industrial giant Siemens has reported a sharp fall in profits after the eurozone debt crisis forced customers to delay certain projects .… Mr Loescher said project delays, particularly in connecting offshore wind power, had hit profits. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16699655
5.5. Fugro opens German offshore base
Fugro Consult has opened a contact office in Hamburg to support the offshore wind industry’s needs. The company said it will offer clients offshore survey/positioning, ROV/subsea installation support, jack-up stability and leg penetration studies. It will also provide pile installation supervision/monitoring and testing, cable surveys, burial assessments and cable trenching and large diameter drilling. http://renews.biz/story.php?page_id=70&news_id=1292
5.6. Large interest in French 3GW offshore
There has been large interest in France's 3 GW offshore wind tender with four consortia competing for five sites off the coasts of Normandy and Brittany. The 3 GW of offshore wind could be commissioned as early as 2015 with 500-600 wind turbines representing an investment of €10 billion. A second 3 GW phase is expected to be announced in April 2012 for 2020. http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/23184/large-interest-in-french-3-gw-offshore-wind-tender/
6.1. Pentland Firth marine energy park?
The UK Government is poised to deliver a major boost to the Highland and islands economy by naming the Pentland Firth as Scotland’s first marine energy park. The move would help promote the north as a global centre for wave and tidal renewable energy schemes – paving the way for new investment and thousands of jobs across the region. http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2613684
6.2. Sigma – shifts focus but keeps wave investments
Sigma Capital, the Edinburgh-based investment manager in which Sir Tom Hunter’s West Coast Capital (WCC) holds a 22 per cent stake, is preparing to sell its holdings in a host of companies as it shifts its focus into property. Four of the firm’s six venture capital funds are moving into their “realisation” phase, selling stakes to generate “strong cash flows” for Sigma…. But Sigma will be hanging on to its renewable energy investments, which include stakes in wave energy developers Aquamarine and Pelamis. http://www.scotsman.com/business/sigma_to_sell_stakes_as_it_moves_to_property_1_2077320
6.3. Maine: 10 percent from tidal power?
Maine has the potential to produce 10 percent of the nation’s tidal power energy, or 15 terrawatt-hours of electricity per year, according to recent reports by the U.S. Department of Energy. The reports note that water power – including conventional hydropower and wave, tidal, and other water power resources – could potentially provide 15 percent of the nation’s electricity by 2030. http://www.sustainablebusinessoregon.com/national/2012/01/maine-could-generate-10-percent-of.html
6.4. Alderney tidal power project
Environmental consultancy firm Sustainable Direction Ltd has announced it is advising on a major scheme to create a network of 2000 tide-powered electricity generating turbines off the coast of Alderney in the Channel Islands. http://www.waterpowermagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=257&storyCode=2061641
6.5. MCT seeks investors for tidal projects
Investors were being invited to back two of the UK’s most commercially advanced marine energy projects, today, as details of the country’s first marine energy park – stretching from Bristol to the Isles of Scilly – were unveiled. Marine Current Turbines (MCT), maker of the SeaGen tidal turbine, said it had launched investment prospectuses for its eight megawatt (MW) Kyle Rhea project in Scotland and its 10 MW Anglesey Skerries project in Wales. http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/mct-seeks-investors-for-tidal-projects-as-uks-first-marine-energy-park-unveiled-2988.aspx
6.6. FERC license for tidal power project in New York
On January 23, 2012, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Pilot commercial license to construct, operate, and maintain Verdant Power's Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy (RITE) Project in the East Channel of the East River in New York City. The RITE Project will use the natural tidal currents of the East River to generate up to 1 megawatt (MW) of emission-free electricity in a three-staged development approach, beginning in 2013. http://www.ferc.gov/media/news-releases/2012/2012-1/01-23-12.asp
6.7. UK's first marine energy park
The South West of England has been handed the opportunity to lead the world with offshore wind, wave and tidal power as the Government today reveals the region as the UK’s first marine energy park. The £100 million cluster, spread across sites in Devon, Cornwall and Bristol, could fuel a ten-fold growth in marine industry jobs in just five years. Energy Minister Greg Barker said he expects the region to export devices to China and South America, and supply power to thousands of British homes. http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/123073-energy-minister-announces-details-of-uk%5Cs-first-marine-energy-park.html
6.8. Marine Energy Park for Plymouth
Plymouth is at the heart of the country's first marine energy park, which is bidding to harness wind, waves and tides to bring jobs and investment, writes Business Editor William Telford. The city is today revealed as one of the three centres for the project to create renewable power across the region. Backers of the South West Marine Energy Park hope Plymouth can forge more traditional industries with cutting-edge research. The city's docks, university and port are to be at the forefront of designing, testing and building multi-million pound offshore facilities such as wind farms. http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Marine-energy-park-Plymouth/story-15009731-detail/story.html
6.9. Ecotricity buys into Searaser
An aquatic "bicycle pump" is set to take to the seas and turn wave power into clean electricity after being acquired by green energy company Ecotricity. The Searaser device, which pumps saltwater to an onshore generator, has been tested in prototype and praised by ministers. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/23/bicycle-pump-searaser-energy
6.10. Ecotricity on Searaser
We’re developing an innovation called Searaser – which we believe could solve two of the biggest challenges facing renewable energy – cost and variable output. Invented by Devon engineer Alvin Smith, Searaser harnesses the almost constant power of ocean swells to create electricity on demand. It’s such a simple design and we believe it’ll produce electricity cheaper than any other wave-power technology, or indeed any other type of renewable energy. Potentially it could be cheaper than all existing sources of electricity – including gas, coal and nuclear – and it’s carbon free. http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/our-green-electricity/and-the-sea/searaser
6.11. Multi-use H2OCEAN unveiled
AWS Truepower, an international leader in renewable energy consulting and information services, today announced the official start of the H2OCEAN project at the Barcelona Science Park (PCB). The project, which is funded by the European Commission 7th Framework Programme, aims to develop an innovative design for an economically and environmentally sustainable multi-use open-sea platform to harvest offshore renewable power. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/partner/aws-truewind-llc/news/article/2012/01/aws-truepower-leads-three-year-6-million-european-commission-study
6.12. Lord Foster on Thames Hub
I welcomed reports last week that the Government is considering the case for a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary….. Our Thames Hub vision is a UK-wide initiative bringing together high-speed rail, freight logistics, aviation, energy, a new Thames Barrier for flood protection, green tidal energy production and regional development. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2090063/Architect-Lord-Foster-Why-I-Thames-hub.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
6.13. VOTEC moves forward
…… One company pursuing OTEC technology is Lockhead Martin, which is collaborating with a smaller firm called Makai Ocean Engineering to build a 10 megawatt plant in Hawaii that is projected to open in 2015. Then if this plant is successful the idea is to construct a 100 megawatt plant by 2020. http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Renewable-Energy/Using-Ocean-Temperature-Differences-to-Create-Renewable-Energy.html
6.14. Tidal power generator for The Deep
A 15-tonne tidal power vessel is being installed on the Humber to generate electricity for a Hull aquarium. The Neptune Proteus device, which is 20m (65ft) long and is being installed over three days, will use the tides of the estuary to power The Deep. It is hoped five additional units will be installed in the future to generate energy for 5,000 homes. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-16615457
6.15. Wave, tidal, hydro: 15% of US electricity by 2030
Two reports released today (18 January) by the US Dept. of Energy (DOE) show that the nation’s conventional hydro, wave, tidal and other water power resources hold the potential to provide 15% of all the electricity the US needs by 2030. The DOE’s new wave and tidal resource assessment reports represent “the most rigorous analysis undertaken to date to accurately define the magnitude and location of America’s ocean energy resources,” according to a DOE press release. http://cleantechnica.com/2012/01/18/wave-tidal-hydro-can-provide-13-of-us-electricity-by-2030/
6.16. US wave and tidal resources
‘Mapping and Assessment of the United States Ocean Wave Energy Resource’ is online.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/water/pdfs/mappingandassessment.pdf
6.17. 200MW wave project for Alstom and SSE
French engineering giant Alstom and Scottish energy developer SSE Renewables have signed an agreement to work on a 200 MW wave energy site in Orkney, Scotland. The partners intend to install AWS-II wave energy converters at the Costa Head wave project site, which is 5 km north of mainland Orkney in The Crown Estate’s Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters ‘strategic area’. The ‘floating’ wave energy converter technology has been developed by AWS Ocean Energy, in which Alstom acquired a 40% equity stake last June. http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/4788/
6.18. SeaGen: environmental ‘all-clear’
The world's first tidal current energy turbine, in Northern Ireland's Strangford Lough, has been given an environmental all-clear by a group of scientists. Generating electricity from two massive underwater "propellers", the SeaGen was lowered into place in 2008. It was bolted to the seabed in one of the world's fastest tidal currents. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16595752
7. BIOENERGY – See also Sustainable Transport
7.1. AD industry ‘under threat’ from End of Waste
The UK anaerobic digestion industry is under ‘major threat’ from proposed changes to the EU Waste Framework Directive, according to the Renewable Energy Association. The changes, known as “End of Waste”, are currently being developed to define the point at which certain recovered materials cease to become a waste and can be classified as a product. Once finalised, they will replace the Quality Protocols already in place in the UK for materials such as compost and digestate. http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/compost/ad-industry-2018under-threat2019-from-end-of-waste
7.2. Cutting costs at dairy AD plant
Renewable energy company Clearfleau has installed heat exchangers from HRS Heat Exchangers Ltd for its high-rate anaerobic digestion (AD) system at BV Dairy in Dorset. The DTI-type model supplied by HRS is a double-tube heat exchanger, featuring a corrugated tube design to enhance turbulence and break the boundary layer at the tube wall. http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/process-engineering/corrugated-tube-heat-exchangers-cut-costs-at-dairy-ad-plant/1011547.article
7.3. Scottish businesses look to biomass
A Scottish brewery, dairy farm and ice cream manufacturer are all set to benefit from anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities that will provide heat and power for their operations. Renewable energy consultancy group Natural Power has been awarded three separate biomass contracts to oversee the feasibility of the project for the three companies. http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=21754&title=Scottish+businesses+look+to+invest+in+biomass+power+
7.4. Third AD plant awarded PAS110
Staffordshire-based Lower Reule Bioenergy has become the third anaerobic digestion plant in the UK to be awarded PAS110 certification for its digestate, as well the second to achieve compliance with the AD Quality Protocol. The approval was awarded on December 22 2011 under the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS), which is operated by Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd, a company set up by the Renewable Energy Association. http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/compost/third-ad-plant-awarded-pas110-certification
7.5. Global biomass investment: $100 billion by 2021
Biomass power generation capacity is predicted to grow by more than 86GW by 2021, a rise from the current 58GW, and representing a total investment of more than $100 billion (€78 billion), according to Pike Research. If a more aggressive implementation campaign is put in place to build on the bioenergy resources, capacity could hit 115GW, which is an investment of more than $135 billion. http://www.bioenergy-news.com/index.php?/Industry-News?item_id=4478
7.6. Humber: planned RE investment nears £1bn
A green energy revolution is set to transform the economic fortunes of the Humber after plans for a £130m biomass power plant in Hull pushed the total planned investment in the renewable energy sector on the estuary towards £1bn. http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/at-a-glance/main-section/yorkshire_at_heart_of_green_energy_revolution_1_4162528
7.7. Eco Express train unveiled in York
A locomotive that will deliver eco-friendly material to Drax Power Station has been unveiled at the National Railway Museum in York. The Eco Express will transport renewable and sustainable biomass material from the Port of Tyne in South Shields to the power station near Selby. Its name was chosen by ten-year-old Sophie English, who won a children’s competition at the Great Yorkshire Show. http://www.selbytimes.co.uk/news/local-news/district-news/eco_express_train_unveiled_in_york_1_4165706
7.8. DM expands AD plant chain
PDM has announced plans to invest £40m in extending its network of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants this year. The investment will result in two new plants in Widnes and East London and follows the completion of the company’s first AD plant at its headquarters in Doncaster, which was opened by Labour leader and local MP Ed Miliband in September 2011. http://www.mrw.co.uk/news/pdm-expands-ad-plant-chain/8625016.article
8.1. Smart meters that don't work
Millions of green energy meters may have to be replaced because the technology is not working properly. Homes and businesses which have already installed the digital devices have had problems switching to cheap deals and are even being hit with extra fees. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2092954/Costly-fiasco-smart-meters-dont-work-Millions-devices-replaced-warns-watchdog.html
8.2. New schools: Fears over green building standard
Businesses have made a last-ditch attempt to prevent the Education Secretary scrapping a rule requiring new schools to meet the globally recognised BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) green building standard, after a spending review report argued the scheme was too bureaucratic. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/26/green-building-standard-new-schools
8.3. Energy efficiency in the workplace
In the face of energy price hikes and the need to reduce carbon emissions, there is a growing imperative for businesses to cut their energy consumption and costs. But how are the energy suppliers – old and new – helping their business customers address the energy efficiency challenge? http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/energy-efficiency-in-the-workplace-is-your-energy-supplier-doing-enough-2993.aspx
8.4. What does it take to change a lightbulb?
New US standards help spur the global move towards low-energy lighting technologies such as LEDs, and away from incandescent bulbs. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/24/world-green-lighting-revolution
8.5. EU push for energy efficiency
Denmark’s Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt has promised to push energy efficiency initiatives while the Danes are running the EU. She said: “It’s good for Europe, it’s good for European technologies and it’s good for European jobs. Even though we have a crisis now, we have to focus on greener technology, energy efficiency. This is good for the environment; it’s good for the climate and it’s also good for the energy security that so many of our member states are concerned about.” http://www.racplus.com/news/danish-pm-promises-eu-push-for-energy-efficiency/8625337.article
8.6. Energy in industry
… The UK Carbon Trust’s Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator is looking at fourteen industry sectors, and has identified energy, carbon and cost savings typically averaging 25-30%. Energy supply companies are also gradually switching over to using renewables sources, so that the carbon content of the energy used by industry is falling. However some industries have adopted a more radical approach - actually generating green power themselves. http://environmentalresearchweb.org/blog/2012/01/energy-in-industry.html
8.7. GE unveils new smart meter
GE has introduced its SGM3000 family of IEC smart energy meters designed specifically for utilities facing increased energy demands. The new devices are designed to help Australia and the Middle East overcome 21st century energy challenges while building a more efficient, sustainable, and reliable electric grid. http://www.smartmeters.com/the-news/2960-ge-unveils-new-smart-meter.html
8.8. Bring on the windcatcher
Windcatchers – towers or specially designed roof vents that pull fresh air into a building — aren't a new idea, a trio of researchers note in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Windcatchers have been "utilized in the hot and arid regions, particularly in the Persian Gulf region… for the past three thousand years, functioning to reduce the building heat load." And some newer buildings, including government buildings in the United Kingdom and Australia, have borrowed the idea to reduce energy costs. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/23/ventilation-energy-saving
8.9. New East London LC community
E.ON, Countryside Properties and Affinity Sutton have announced plans to work together to develop a low carbon community of 649 homes at the East City Point development in London’s Canning Town. The scheme is part of Newham Council’s £3.7 billion Canning Town & Custom House Regeneration Programme. http://www.24dash.com/news/housing/2012-01-20-New-low-carbon-community-to-be-built-in-East-London
8.10. Huhne praises Leeds housing project
A pioneering green housing project in Leeds has been praised by the Energy and Climate Secretary Chris Huhne. The minister said he hoped to see similar projects rolled out "across our country if we're to get a grip on our energy bills". The Greenhouse includes 166 flats and 15,000 sq ft of office space, which has been "wrapped" in insulation. The entire building generates its own heat and energy using two wind turbines and solar thermal panels on the roof. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-16631042
8.11. Greg Barker on the Green Deal
2012 is set to be a monumental year for Britain. Of course we are looking forward to the diamond jubilee and the Olympics, but it's also the year in which we'll launch the pioneering green deal, unleashing real competitive forces in the energy efficiency market. Attracting more investment than ever before, the green deal will be the biggest home energy improvement programme of modern times, to tackle our draughty and expensive-to-heat housing stock. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/17/green-deal-home-energy?intcmp=122
8.12. Smart meters: huge rise in energy bills?
Plans to roll out new and more sophisticated meters to every home in Britain are open to abuse by energy companies and should be regulated with more vigour by the government, a powerful committee of MPs has concluded. Savings to the supplier from the installation of so-called "smart meters" might not be passed on to customers, while ministers may be over-reliant on an ineffective market to drive down prices, a report by the public administration committee finds. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/17/smart-meters-rise-energy-bills
8.13. Quest to reduce local carbon footprint
Determined Harbury people who made it to the final of a national competition in their quest to make their village ‘greener’ remain intent on achieving their goals. Harbury Energy Initiative, which was set up by resident Bob Sherman to reduce the carbon footprint of the village, beat off competition from 1,000 groups to make it into the final 100 of the Energshare launch fund, in which the winner was given £100,000 to spend on renewable energy projects that benefit their community. http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/local/villagers_press_on_in_quest_to_reduce_their_carbon_footprint_1_3419541
9.1. Olympic Lee Valley legacy
The roof overhang, clad in western red cedar, and bolstered by timber louvres on the upper terrace, provides natural shading from the sun. Geothermal ground-source pumps heat the building while rainwater supplies water for the loos and solar panels heat water for the changing rooms. The Lee Valley White Water Centre, home of London 2012's Olympic Canoe slalom in Broxbourne, typifies the Games' green agenda. Almost 40 per cent of its materials have recycled content. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-olympics/article-24031464-the-olympic-treasures-touching-the-earth-lightly.do
9.2. New role for Tyneside geothermal expert
A Tyneside-born scientist who has carved out an international reputation is to leave his home region after landing a top job in Scotland. Newcastle University’s Prof Paul Younger was born in Hebburn in South Tyneside and lives in Birtley in Gateshead. Now, after more than 30 years at Newcastle, Prof Younger is to take up a new post as the Rankine Chair of Energy Engineering in August at Glasgow University … In the region he has been key in the drive to make Newcastle a City of Science and Technology and has led the pioneering research to drill for geothermal energy in the heart of the city on the Science Central site. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/01/13/prof-paul-younger-takes-on-a-new-challenge-72703-30115765/
9.3. Heat pump opportunities
Heating professionals are recognising that their skills are transferable to renewable technology and are gaining new opportunities in the heat pump sector. The government’s Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) is helping to develop the market for heat pumps. http://www.hvnplus.co.uk/intelligence/technology/position-yourself-for-heat-pump-opportunities/8625316.article
9.4. Will volcano create power?
Engineers are set to pour 24 million gallons of water into a dormant volcano in Oregon to test whether it can create a renewable source of energy that does not rely on the weather. Water will be pumped into the Newberry volcano - 20 miles south of Bend, Oregon - to pick up heat from fractures in the base of the rock. The heated water then turns to steam, generating power. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2086985/Newberry-Volcano-Engineers-pour-24-million-gallons-water-Oregon-volcano-create-electricity.html?ITO=1490
10. HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS – See also Sustainable Transport
10.1. Ceramic Fuel Cells' orders double
Ceramic Fuel Cells has seen orders double in the last six months - up to 614 units - with the current order books standing at 477 units. The 614 orders comprise 62 integrated mCHP products and 352 BlueGen products. http://www.stockmarketwire.com/article/4295504/Ceramic-Fuel-Cells-orders-double-in-last-six-months.html
10.2. ACAL Energy fuel cell passes testing
A Runcorn fuel cell firm has completed a rigorous testing programme designed to evaluate the durability of its new FlowCath technology. ACAL Energy, based at the Heath Business and Technical Park, has revealed its platinum-free liquid cathode system eliminates many of the causes of lost performance in both continuous operation and in auto-cycling. http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-news/business-news/2012/01/26/innovative-fuel-cell-system-developed-by-runcorn-firm-acal-energy-passes-testing-55368-30196796/
11.1. Support for Dartmoor hydro scheme
Environment chiefs have backed a controversial plan to install a hydro-electricity turbine on a Dartmoor salmon river. Renewable energy firm CGP is planning to build a 100KW turbine on the River Walkham near Yelverton. Opponents fear the scheme will reduce the flow along a 1km stretch of the river where salmon are known to spawn. http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/mct-seeks-investors-for-tidal-projects-as-uks-first-marine-energy-park-unveiled-2988.aspx
11.2. Hydro for Dawyck Botanic Gardens?
Plans have been unveiled to create a hydro electricity system for a major attraction in the Borders. Thousands of visitors arrive at Dawyck Botanic Gardens every year. Now its management want to power the visitor centre, gallery and lecture rooms in Peeblesshire from renewable energy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-16629553
11.3. Hydroelectric plant plan for Bristol
Plans for a hydroelectric plant to power dozens of homes in Bristol are being drawn up. Bristol City Council is looking to install "relatively small" turbines on the River Avon. One of the locations being considered is between the city centre and Hanham Lock. Final proposals are expected in the spring and, if approved, the plant could be up and running within a year. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-16616990
11.4. Sheffield 'may get water wheel'
A water wheel which could generate electricity for 20 homes is planned for an industrial part of Sheffield. Sheffield Renewables, which proposed the wheel, said it would be on the site of "one of the earliest uses of water power in Sheffield". Sheffield Council said it was keen to promote renewable energy developments and a water wheel was "historically appropriate" for Kelham Island. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-16594590
11.5. Hydro on the River Tweed?
….. Philiphaugh laird Sir Michael Strang-Steel is now hopeful that the first hydroelectric scheme on the River Tweed system will become a reality later this year. With the north bank breach, first exposed during the notorious floods of 2005, now re-secured, work is due to begin on creating a state-of-the-art fish pass on one of the key salmon rivers in the Borders, thus improving the experience of Philiphaugh’s salmon viewing centre. http://www.selkirkweekendadvertiser.co.uk/news/local-headlines/cauld_repairs_lay_foundation_for_hydro_scheme_1_2052088
12. MICROGENERATION – See also Solar
12.1. Build eco friendly homes and save money
Passionate, green experimenters are vital to the future of house building and lowering fuel bills. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/greenerliving/9032738/Build-eco-friendly-homes-and-save-money.html
12.2. N.Ireland: delays stilt industry
Companies which build and install renewable energy products, like solar panels, have said delays at Stormont have stilted their industry for the last two years. In England and Wales homeowners and businesses are subsidised for installing certain kinds of renewable energy sources. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16619449
12.3. Microgeneration in Fife
A study to review the progress of the microgeneration market in Fife has now been completed by Fife Council. Microgeneration is small scale renewable energy installations, which effectively pay the owner for the energy they generate. Since 1999, 416 planning applications have been received in Fife, including 253 for wind power and 106 for solar power. http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/dunfermline-and-west-fife/business_chiefs_look_to_the_microgeneration_fife_market_1_2059381
13.1. Radical change in home heating urged
A new report, Heat: degrees of comfort, has been published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, stating that there is no possibility of the UK meeting its 2050 carbon emissions target without a fundamental change to the methods of heating homes. An 80 per cent cut in emissions cannot be achieved through using natural gas, but many renewable energy sources are “difficult or impossible to schedule”, says the RAE. http://www.hvnplus.co.uk/news/report-calls-for-radical-change-in-home-heating/8625310.article
13.2. E.ON warms to renewable heat revolution
E.ON’s Michael Woodhead outlines how the company’s Sustainable Energy division is blazing a path towards a decentralised energy future. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/interview/2136906/eon-warms-renewable-heat-revolution
14.1. UK faces huge solar panel shortage
The Renewable Energy Association is warning UK solar PV installers could soon face a shortage of solar panels as manufacturers divert stock to other countries following DECC's disastrous handling of the Feed-in Tariff scheme. http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/123093-uk-faces-huge-solar-panel-shortage-as-stock-heads-to-germany-and-us.html
14.2. Masdar’s Beam-Down solar thermal concentrator
…. But as Masdar City Director Alan Frost tells a small group of journalists as we approach the plant on a recent January afternoon, "the Beam Down project is a different kind of concentrating solar plant." Whereas most concentrating solar power (CSP) plants employing tower technology gather sunlight aimed at them from the mirror arrays below, the CSP tower at Masdar City goes one step further and directs the solar rays back downward and onto a receiver at the base of the tower, thereby eliminating the need for energy to pump the fluid up the tower. http://earthandindustry.com/2012/01/can-solar-energy-lower-the-cost-of-carbon-capture/
14.3. Davos 2012: Suntech talks subsidies
China's Suntech Power is the world's biggest maker of solar panels. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the company's chief executive, Shi Zhengrong, told the BBC that Chinese firms were not the only ones in the industry who received government subsidies. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16753791
14.4. Top 10 solar PV cell manufacturers
Despite high demand in Europe, there are no European companies in the latest top 10 list of solar photovoltaic (PV) cell manufacturers from Lux Research. http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/23484/no-europeans-among-top-10-solar-pv-cell-manufacturers/
14.5. Solarcentury quits BPVA over FiTs
Solarcentury has quit the British Photovoltaic Association after accusing it and its chairman of backing the Government over cuts to solar subsidies. The trade body representing the UK's solar PV trade was praised by energy secretary, Chris Huhne, in a House of Commons debate this morning (January 26). http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=21767&title=Solarcentury+quits+PV+association+over+FITs+cut+'support'+
14.6. Green Home Co: 100 jobs created
A solar energy company says it is creating 100 jobs in Bridgend as part of a major expansion. The Green Home Company, which installs solar panels, is creating 50 posts now, with plans to double its workforce by the end of February. It follows news that the UK government has lost its legal appeal over attempts to block subsidies for the industry. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-16732297
14.7. Huhne given rough ride in Parliament
Under pressure energy secretary, Chris Huhne, was jeered as he battled through a tough session on solar subsidies in the House of Commons today (January 26). There was a chorus of disapproval from the opposition Labour benches as Mr Huhne described the £66,000 spent so far by the Government fighting the legal case surrounding cuts to Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) as a 'few thousand pounds'. http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=21764&title=Huhne+given+rough+ride+in+Parliament+over+FITs+
14.8. FiT case for the Supreme Court?
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said: "The Court of Appeal has upheld the High Court ruling on FITs albeit on different grounds. We disagree and are seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court….. We want to maximise the number of installations that are possible within the available budget rather than use available money to pay a higher tariff to half the number of installations. Solar PV can have strong and vibrant future in UK and we want a lasting FITs scheme to support that future and jobs in the industry.” http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/huhne_fits/huhne_fits.aspx
14.9. Supreme Court: could take up to a year
The Supreme Court has today warned that if Government decides to launch a feed-in tariff appeal, it could take up to a year to be heard. The announcement comes after the Court of Appeal this morning ruled against the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), consequently putting a stop to Government’s intended feed-in tariff cuts. Speaking with the Supreme Court this afternoon the Solar Power Portal learnt that if DECC’s case is taken on, it will most likely take several months to reach the courtrooms. http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/supreme_court_appeal_could_take_up_to_a_year_5478/
14.10. FiT judgement – court document
The court of appeal on Wednesday rejected the government's appeal against a high court judge's ruling that cuts to solar panel subsidies were 'legally flawed'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2012/jan/25/court-judgement-solar-subsidies-appeal
14.11. REA reaction to FiT judgement
DECC has lost its appeal against December’s Judicial Review, meaning that it has to resort to its Plan B, announced last week, and cannot effect its cut to the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) – from 43.3p to 21p – until 3rd March. That is, unless Government does take its appeal to the Supreme Court. The REA is calling on all parties to now draw a line under the affair and allow the UK solar industry to get back to business. As long as DECC makes no further appeal, installers will at last be able to give customers prices with absolute certainty, and get back to business. http://www.r-e-a.net/news/decc-appeal-defeat-must-draw-a-line-under-the-fits-fiasco
14.12. Germany eyes cutting solar incentives faster
German environment minister Norbert Roettgen wants to bring forward reductions in the country's incentives for solar power by three months to April 1 in light of the continued strong expansion in the world's largest market. http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/germany-eyes-cutting-solar-incentives-faster
14.13. Desertec Industrial Initiative’s RE deal with Algeria
Desertec Industrial Initiative (Dii) has signed a deal with Algerian energy supplier Sonelgaz to develop renewable energy supplies in the region. Algeria has set a national strategyto produce 22 GW of renewable energy by 2030, 10 GW of which could be exported to Europe. http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/power-generation/i/4808/
14.14. Government loses solar FiT appeal
The Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court ruling that Government cuts to the Feed-in Tariff were unlawful. The three Lords Justices of Appeal announced their reserved judgement this morning (25 January) following a hearing 10 days ago. Today's decision is a damaging blow to Ministers and officials at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, who must now introduce the contingency date of March 3 for the start of the 21p rate for solar PV and not the original December 12 deadline.
http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/123081-government-lose-appeal-bid-over-unlawful-feed-in-tariffs.html
14.16. FiTs: govt offers compromise
Ministers say that if they lose the court case they will fund the higher rate payments for a further three months. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/19/solar-subsidy-cuts-government-compromise
14.17. Solar PV FiTs statement
A written statement by the Minister says that DECC is “… laying before Parliament today some draft licence modifications which, subject to the Parliamentary process set out in the Energy Act 2008, makes provision for a reduced tariff rate (from 1 April 2012 onwards) for new PV installations with an eligibility date on or after 3 March 2012…. The consultation closed on 23 December 2011 and over 2,000 consultation responses were received which we have been analysing carefully. We are intending to announce the outcome of the consultation by 9 February 2012, in time for any resulting legislative changes to come into effect from 1 April 2012. Our aim is that this announcement will be accompanied by a set of reform proposals for the next phase of the comprehensive review of the FITs scheme, which will be the subject of a further consultation. http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/WMSCH_FITs/
14.18. Dulas deliver NT's largest solar installation
Dulas claims to have delivered the largest solar PV array in the UK for the National Trust at its Grade I listed Llanerchaeron property in Wales. At just under 40kWp (37.5kWp) and combined with the existing 7.5kWp solar PV array the installation should generate up to half of the electricity that the house requires. http://www.heatingandventilating.net/news/news.asp?id=9380&title=Dulas+deliver+National+Trust's+largest+solar+installation
14.19. Deutsche Bank NY headquarters go solar
Deutsche Bank has built a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of its New York headquarters, cutting the building's carbon emissions by 100 metric tons a year. http://www.finextra.com/news/fullstory.aspx?newsitemid=23344
14.20. 700 rent-a-roof systems cancelled
The Energy Saving Group (ESG) – not to be confused with the Energy Saving Trust – has cancelled solar PV installations for 700 customers after taking deposits worth £350,000. According to Money Mail, ESG requested a £500 deposit in order to install a solar PV system on the roof of interested customers. http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/700_rent-a-roof_systems_cancelled_2467/
14.21. Wolverhampton Civic Centre’s solar panels
New solar panels on its Civic Centre roof will help cut energy bills and help the environment, according to Wolverhampton City Council. It cost £123,000 to buy and install the panels. The council said it anticipated they will have paid for themselves in around eight years. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-16590732
14.21. 100,000 rushed to beat subsidy cut
The Government's "botched" announcement of cuts to the solar energy subsidy scheme caused a scramble in which more than 100,000 people rushed to join at the old, higher rate. The frenzy late last year saw almost as many solar panels installed during a six-week window as in the preceding 19 months as homowners fought to set up their equipment before cuts were imposed. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/household-bills/9016121/Solar-panels-100000-rushed-to-beat-subsidy-cut.html
14.22. $2bn Oman solar project
Two of Europe's leading private investment funds, Switzerland's Terra Nex and Germany's Middle East Best Select (MEBS), have announced plans to invest about $2bn (£1.3bn) in a series of solar facilities in the Gulf state of Oman. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2137643/swiss-german-investors-announce-usd2bn-oman-solar-project
15.1. Aberdeen: major hydrogen transport project
Aberdeen city councillors have unanimously agreed to support a multi-million pound European project to introduce hydrogen buses in the North-east. The expectation is that the Strategic European Hydrogen Transport Projects will stimulate further innovative hydrogen technology projects and high-level investment in the area, realising Aberdeen's aspiration of becoming a world-leading hydrogen city. The project will see the first hydrogen bus deployment in Scotland, with up to a dozen buses operating in the North-east. The fleet, which will operate on routes into central Aberdeen, will be the largest in any European city. http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/CouncilNews/ci_cns/pr_hydrogen_250112.asp
15.2. New materials for hydrogen storage in vehicles
The biggest challenge with hydrogen-powered fuel cells lies in the storage of hydrogen: how to store enough of it, in a safe and cost-effective manner, to power a vehicle for 300 miles? Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is aiming to solve this problem by synthesizing novel materials with high hydrogen adsorption capacities. http://www.physorg.com/news/2012-01-chemists-materials-hydrogen-storage-vehicles.html
15.3. Whisky biofuel from Edinburgh start-up
A new company has been formed to commercialise a process for producing biofuel made from whisky by-products. Edinburgh Napier University's Celtic Renewables Ltd will initially focus on Scotland's £4bn malt whisky industry to develop biobutanol and other chemicals. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-16701335
15.4. Solar power helps shipping go green
From a distance, the yellow-and-blue ferry docking at the pier resembles the scores of other vessels that hop between Hong Kong's outlying islands and the peninsula every day. But a closer look as passengers disembark, reveals a grid of gleaming solar panels on the ferry's roof and, instead of the usual throbbing engine noise, there is a barely audible buzz. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16686260
15.5. HFuel CE compliance
ITM Power has achieved CE compliance for a standardised HFuel product; the Company’s transportable hydrogen refueling system. This represents important progress, enabling commercial sales of such systems to commence in the EU. ITM Power has added a stationary electrolyser product to its portfolio (HPac40) which has also achieved CE compliance. http://www.itm-power.com/news/93/HFuel+CE+Compliance.html
15.6. ITM’s M&S agreement
ITM Power has signed a pilot agreement with M&S to deliver the UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell, materials handling trial using on site hydrogen generation. Using the ITM Power HFuel platform to generate hydrogen, the six week trial involves M&S using several fuel cell vehicles as a direct substitute for part of the existing battery powered fleet. http://www.itm-power.com/news/92/M%26amp%3BS+Agreement.html
15.7. Making UK hydrogen powered travel a reality
A ground breaking project to ensure the UK is well positioned for the commercial roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles has been launched, Business Minister Mark Prisk announced today (18 January). The new programme – UKH2Mobility – will evaluate the potential for hydrogen as a fuel for Ultra Low Carbon Vehicles in the UK before developing an action plan for an anticipated roll-out to consumers in 2014/15. http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?ReleaseID=422877&NewsAreaID=2&HUserID=893,778,884,848,778,684,710,705,765,674,677,767,684,762,718,674,708,683,706,718,674&ClientID=-1
15.8. ITM and UKH2Mobility Initiative
ITM Power, the energy storage and clean fuel company, is pleased to announce its participation in the UKH2Mobility initiative. http://www.itm-power.com/news/91/UKH2Mobility+Initiative.html
15.9. From seaweed to biofuel
The ancient art of seaweed farming could provide a solution to a 21st-century energy dilemma, with the creation of a genetically engineered microbe that turns the algae into low-carbon biofuel, scientists said on Thursday. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/19/gm-microbe-seaweed-biofuels
15.10. UK’s first privately-owned DC rapid-charging station
ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, today announced that it delivered the UK’s first privately-owned direct current (DC) rapid-charging station for electric vehicles. The charger was installed in Retford, Nottinghamshire, and will be officially opened today (18 January) at 9:00 a.m. by Transport Minister, Norman Baker, underlining the UK government’s commitment to promoting ultra-low carbon transport. http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=69592
15.11. Which renewable fuel will be winner?
While it may be way too early to declare a final winner in the race to find replacement renewable liquid fuels to replace the jet fuel and diesel that power so many of the vehicles in the world, there are some indications as to the technology that just might end up coming out ahead. The results that are starting to appear also show that sometimes there is a disconnect between what the Government wants and considers possible and the real world. http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Renewable-Energy/Which-Renewable-Fuel-Looks-Set-to-Replace-Traditional-Petroleum-Fuels.html
16. CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE
16.1. BOC joins Drax-Alstom CCS alliance
Three of the largest engineering firms in the UK have announced they will work together on a flagship carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration project. French engineering giant Alstom and power station operator Drax announced yesterday that following a competitive tender it has selected industrial gas specialist BOC to join the project as co-developer of the planned 426MW oxy-fired carbon capture and storage (CCS) at Drax's existing site in Selby, North Yorkshire. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2141043/boc-joins-drax-alstom-ccs-alliance
16.2. Leading CCS project appoints BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas has been appointed to raise billions in debt for what its developer describes as the UK’s leading carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. 2Co Energy – formed by former BP and Rio Tinto CCS specialists – has named the French bank to advise on the financing of a 650MW coal-fired power plant in South Yorkshire, and the transport and storage of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in North Sea oil fields. http://www.environmental-finance.com/news/view/2233
16.3. Masdar moves ahead on CCS
Masdar Carbon, one of the five business units of Masdar, the Abu Dhabi national clean energy conglomerate, announced in Abu Dhabi that it is moving ahead with a carbon capture and sequestration facility that will capture nearly 1 million tons of CO2 annually at the Emirates Steel complex at Mussafah. http://earthandindustry.com/2012/01/abu-dhabi-moves-ahead-on-big-carbon-capture-project/
16.4. Doubts in Europe on CCS future
The European Union’s long-term energy plans to abate global warming while still burning fossil fuels hinge on proposals to capture carbon dioxide emissions and store them in deep underground rock formations. Yet weak support for the untested technology is putting Europe in the rear ranks of its development. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/17/technology/17iht-rbog-ccs17.html?_r=1
16.5. Over AUSD2m to CCS research and projects
The Global CCS Institute has announced funding for leading Australian carbon capture and storage demonstration projects and research initiatives. http://www.carboncapturejournal.com/displaynews.php?NewsID=888
16.6. Vehicle demonstrates CCS
Saudi Aramco’s Research and Development Center has developed and tested a prototype vehicle to demonstrate the viability of capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions, thereby reducing potential impact of combustion engines on the environment. This is the first time in the world for a research center to develop and test such a technology. http://arabnews.com/economy/article568766.ece
17.1. Sellafield plutonium reactor rejected
A plan to build a plutonium-burning reactor at Sellafield in Cumbria has been rejected by the UK government's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/24/sellafield-plutonium-reactor-plans-rejected?intcmp=122
17.2. Anti-nuclear legal challenge
New pressure group Fair Energy makes formal complaint to European commission over what it says are government subsidies for nuclear newbuild. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/19/anti-nuclear-campaign-british-legal-challenge
17.3. Dip in nuclear power support proves shortlived
A new, exclusive opinion poll shows public support for replacing the UK's ageing nuclear plants has recovered, although some citizens are far less convinced than others. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2012/jan/18/nuclear-power-public-support-opinion-fukushima
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