15 Mar 2012
Even as a range of challenges threaten the success of the much-lauded Australian Solar Flagships Program; the industry appears to be forging ahead without pause.
What happened
The Australian government has retracted funding for its Solar Flagship Programs and expressed doubt about whether it would begin the program’s second phase.
Michael Barker at RenewableEnergyWorld.com said since its launch in May 2009, the Solar Flagships Program met with numerous challenges:
In late 2009, the government announced it would scale down the phase one goal of 500MW, by 2015, to 400MW
The initial budget of US$1.6bn was reduced by US$234.5m in May 2011...
30 Nov 2011
The EU governments’ main focus over the last 3 years has been the economic crisis. This has forced the energy sector into the backseat.
What happened
The IEA announced, in its ‘State of the Energy World Report,’ that 2017 is the cut-off date to take drastic steps towards lowering CO2 emissions. Governments must strive to avoid the 2ᵒC increase in global temperature. The economic crisis has not helped to achieve this global goal. The EU has seen a decline in investment in the energy sector, for much needed infrastructure upgrades and the urgent establishment of renewables.
Background
The EU’s energy...
16 Jan 2012
China announced an investigation into US renewable contracts, in an apparent retaliation to the US action against Chinese solar cell makers.
What happened
On 25 November 2011, China announced that it has launched an investigation into US subsidies for renewable energy companies. The probe will cover solar, wind and hydropower products and equipment, and six projects across five US states.
Earlier in November, the US branch of German-based SolarWorld initiated a probe into Chinese solar cell makers. A first of its kind, the investigation looks into whether Chinese imported solar cells unfairly undercut American products. ...
08 Mar 2012
SA will tax carbon by 2013 ... But SA’s nuclear reactors will cost US$42bn ... While UN issues a “how-to” on Africa sustainable energy development ... REEEP says tailor-made solutions will solve Africa’s energy poverty!
Engerati: SA budgets on New Carbon Tax
Denise Philip of Engerati reports that South Africa has introduced a carbon tax that will come in to effect by 2013. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced the tax in his latest Budget. It will apply to all sectors, including electricity, petroleum, iron, steel, and aluminum. A penalty of R120 (US$16) will be levied for emissions over the 60% threshold. This will increase by 10% each year until 2020.
The author explains that South Africa is one...
07 Mar 2012
South Africa is to introduce a carbon tax next year to reduce CO2 emissions.
What happened
Clean Technica reports South African Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, announced a national carbon tax in his latest budget. The tax will be effective by 2013, and will apply to all sectors including electricity, writes Reuters. A R120 (US$16) fee will be levied for all emissions over the 60% threshold, increasing by 10% each year until 2020.
The budget’s60% tax-free threshold will assist in the “transition to a low-carbon economy,” as well as reduce...
21 Mar 2012
Solar start-ups thinner silicon to profit solar sector … while IEEE submits new smart grid standards … and Metering International Awards celebrate smart grid excellence in the states!
Engerati: New Technology to Boost Wafer-Thin Solar Profits?
Jenni McCann of Engerati looks at a new technology unveiled by solar startup Twin Creeks, which promises to halve production costs of PV solar cells. The Hyperion 3 produces silicon wafers a tenth of the thickness of conventional ones, drastically reducing the amount of material needed to make solar cells.
This machine will replace 52 pieces of the machinery used to make solar cells and will reduce cell production from around...
29 Feb 2012
Donald Trump condemns Scottish wind power ... but UK solar power to grow despite subsidy cuts ... while Germany’s renewables will account for 36% of its power by 2020 ... and UK and France enter nuclear agreement.
Engerati: Trump’s Turbine Tantrum
Denise Philip of Engerati writes how Donald Trump has condemned Scotland’s plans to build a wind farm near his Menie Estate golf resort development. Trump has threatened to withdraw development plans on the estate as he thinks the wind turbines, “ugly monstrosities," will spoil the estate’s views.
Trump is also concerned for Scotland’s future. He says the farms will have a negative impact on foreign investment, tourism and...
26 Apr 2012
CAREBS unpacks bulk energy storage policy … while Greenpeace versus green Apple … and getting consumers to connect renewables with the smart grid.
Intelligent Utility: Bulk energy storage a modest proposal
Phil Carson writes for Intelligent Utility on the Coalition to Advance Renewable Energy Through Bulk Storage (CAREBS) policy document aimed at power industry stakeholders. (See: Getting Bulk Energy Storage Projects Built.)
CAREBS states that although market and policy conditions favor commercial bulk storage facilities, it cannot “monetize their benefits to the grid.” The organization wants to redefine the “grid...
24 Jan 2012
EU’s energy efficiency talks not so efficient; Russia faces competition as EU secures alternate gas supplies; more ambitious 2030 EU renewable energy target called for; TAP expected to come out tops in the South East Europe pipeline race
EurActiv: Energy efficiency talks focus on finance, deal uncertain
Ana-Maria Tolbaru writes that the EU’s 27 member states are unwilling to make a financial commitment to the energy efficiency directive. Martin Lidegaard, the Danish Minister for climate, energy and building, says that the binding 20% energy efficiency target and measures have also been snubbed.
The EU Council of Ministers wants targets to be measured “differently,” or include “opt-outs,”...
14 Feb 2012
US Department of Commerce dish out duties on Chinese solar imports … while Co-generation coalition relaunches … a smart grid audit shows security gaps in utilities who received federal funding … and the 15 best cyber security companies who can fill these gaps!
Engerati: After 30 Years … US Nuclear Given Another Chance
Engerati reported on the two new nuclear reactors that have been approved for the Vogtle nuclear power plant. The US Nuclear Regulation Commission (NRC) approved licenses to build these two nuclear reactors in Georgia, the first in over 30 years. This despite objections from the Chairman of the commission on issuing the license “as if Fukushima never happened.”
With commentary sourced from the general media, trade...
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