Briefing: February 15-21

INTERNATIONAL

Australia splits renewable energy target to bolster investment. (Feb. 26)

• Australia has experienced strong demand for small-scale generation projects, which has limited the amount of renewable energy credits available for large-scale projects. The government has now split the renewable energy target (RET) and therefore the credits available into 2 parts – one for small-scale and the other for large-scale projects.  Read more…

EUROPE

UK to offer up to £5,000 to purchasers of low-emission vehicles starting in 2011. (Feb. 21)

• The government will offer a discount of 25% off the purchase price up to £5,000 on certain vehicles. The program, with  £230M, will run until 2014.  Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

California launches $90M clean energy manufacturing program. (Feb. 25)

• Funding will support low-interest loans and grants to businesses that improve or expand their energy efficiency or renewable energy manufacturing facilities.  Read more…

Nebraska looks to open its market to wind development. (Feb. 25)

• The state legislature has proposed a new energy bill that would allow wind developers to export energy to neighboring states. Nebraska ranks #4 in the US for wind potential but the industry has developed slowly due to regulatory obstacles that will largely be overcome by the new legislation.  Read more…

Briefing: February 15-21

INTERNATIONAL

Germany to host additional climate change negotiation session in April. (Feb. 21)

• The additional session is hoped prepare the way for concrete agreement in climate negotiations later in the year on May 31 – June 11 in Germany and ministerial talks November 29 – December 10 in Mexico.  Read more…

EUROPE

Transport for London (TfL) invests in energy efficiency schemes. (Feb. 21)

• TfL £2.4m a hydrogen fuel cell, the largest in the UK, at the Palestra building in Southwark cutting carbon emissions by 40% and generating savings of £90,000.  Read more…

France lowers solar feed-in-tariff to pop speculative bubble. (Feb. 15)

• For building-integrated PV projects the new solar FIT will be €0.58/kWh for homes schools and hospitals, €0.50/kWh for commercial and agricultural buildings, and €0.32-0.38/kWh for ground mounted arrays. The lower rates, which remain the most attractive in the world, are set through 2012 with a gradual reduction for the following 20 years thereafter.  Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorizes Google to buy and sell energy like a utility. (Feb. 19)

• Google now has approval to buy and sell energy in bulk like a utility but cannot own or control energy generation or transmission facilities. Google says its intentions are to gain more control over the quality and pricing of energy to support its massive server consumption.  Read more…

US Government launches $130M fund for building efficiency technologies. (Feb. 15)

• Funding will support development and deployment of new building efficiency technologies over 5 years with $22M available in the first year.  Read more…

Briefing: February 8-14

EUROPE

UK expands support for hydrogen energy development.  (Feb. 12)

• The government will create its sixth Low Carbon Economic Area with £6.3m investment from the University of Glanmorgan and £7.2m in government funding for hydrogen and fuel cell technology development.  Read more…

UK, United Nations and Ethiopia leaders launch advisory group for climate change financing.  (Feb. 12)

• The “High Level Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing” follows up on the Copenhagen agreement to allocate $100B of public and private finance to developing countries by 2020.  Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

Renewable energy incentives too popular? Oregon moves to limit incentives.  (Feb. 12)

• The Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill to limit business energy tax credits and completely eliminate incentives for wind farms altogether. Last year, Massachusetts $68M solar rebate program ran out of money two years ahead of schedule.  Read more…

Government agencies create an Energy Regional Innovation Cluster (E-RIC) making $130M available  building efficiency.  (Feb. 12)

• The E-RIC initiative is led by the Department of Energy, which has plans for additional clusters. This specific initiative will focus on funding research and deployment of building efficiency technologies.  Read more…

INTERNATIONAL

Bumpy ride for Brazilian ethanol.  (Feb. 12)

• The Brazilian government reduced the ethanol blend requirement in gasoline from 25% to 20% and reduced the gasoline tax from 23 centavos/liter to 15 centavos/liter to cope with sugar supply constraints resulting from heavy rains in 2009.  Read more…

Briefing: February 1-7

EUROPE

UK energy regulator Ofgem urges government to act in order to secure energy supply. (Feb. 3)

• Ofgem CEO Alistair Buchanan warned that the UK had a window of opportunity to invest in infrastructure need to secure future energy supply. Ofgem proposed an array of substantial reforms to promote investment and improve market efficiency  Read more…

UK announces Feed-in-Tariff levels due to start April 1, 2010. (Feb. 1)

• The FIT is focused on solar and wind but unfortunately not anaerobic digestion, which has shown significant growth recently as a form of micro-generation. The government also plans to role out a second FIT for renewable heat generation.  Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

White House 2011 budget plan confirms continued support for clean energy. (Feb. 1)

• The proposed budget includes funding for renewable energy, smart grid and carbon capture technologies as well as multi-billion dollar loan-guarantee and tax credit schemes. Unlike the 2010 budget, the 2011 budget does not include projected revenue from cap-and-trade.  Read more…

Administraton announces plan to triple biofuel production by 2022. (Feb. 4)

• The plan will maintain target for biofuel production set in the 2007 energy bill. The EPA also issued its renewable energy standards – re-introducing corn ethanol, which will now increase competitive pressure for more efficient fuels such as biomass-based diesel and cellulosic ethanol.  Read more…

Briefing: January 18 – 24

EUROPE

German Minister of Environment announces 15% cut in feed-in-tariff.  (Jan. 22)

• The cuts include a new 15% cut for open-space and rooftop solar projects, representing a 26% and 24% cumulative cut respectively. The cuts precipitate a run on solar PV systems and accelerated emigration of technology abroad.  Read more…

Ofgem announces additional £1Bn network investment to meet carbon reduction targets.  (Jan. 19)

• The funding will be released in three tranches, with the first £319 focused on connecting renewable energy sources. This announcement comes in addition to an initial £3.8Bn allocated to three companies to upgrade transmission networks.  Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

Ontario finalizes $7Bn solar-wind development deal with Samsung.  (Jan. 21)

• The project includes 2,500 MW of solar and wind developments and four manufacturing plants to be built by 2013. The deal marks a strategic step forward for Ontario as it seeks to become a major provider of renewable technology to the US market.  Read more…

DOE awards $37M for solid-state lighting projects.  (Jan. 18)

• The 17 projects include research, product development and domestic manufacturing for LED and organic LED lighting. This is the first time the DOE allocates funds for manufacturing of solid-state lighting — representing an expanded effort to lower manufacturing costs and accelerate adoption.  Read more…

California launches $350M program to replace natural gas and electric hot water heaters with solar heaters.  (Jan. 21)

• Customers will receive up to 30% of the replacement cost. The program will likely provide the example for many other states to promote more energy efficient heating programs.  Read more…

Briefing November 23-29

China pledges to reduce carbon intensity 40% by 2020 as compared to 2005 levels.  (Nov. 26)

• China’s state council pledged to reduce carbon output by 40% of GDP. However, critics suggest this target represents more of a business as usual case rather than a significant reduction effort.  Read more…

EUROPE

UK Prime Minister proposes $10Bn fund to assist developing countries with climate change.  (Nov. 30)

• Gordon Brown proposed that 50% be dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and the other 50% on adaptation. Brown also stated that Britain had already budgeted for a portion of the fund and would contribute £800M over three years to help launch it.   Read more…

Denmark proposes emissions Copenhagen delegates commit to cut emissions by 50% compared to 1990 levels.  (Nov. 30)

• Along with the proposal, the Danish Prime Minister also stated his proposal for delegates to sign a politically-binding document that would define emission reduction targets for each country.  Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

China and US make progress on clean coal technology transfer.  (Nov. 29)

• GE and the Shenhua group is one of three pairs of US and Chinese companies to finalize a joint venture under the $150M low carbon energy initiative agreed between the two countries earlier this month.  Read more…

Obama commits to attend Copenhagen summit.  (Nov. 26)

• Obama is predicted to pledge a carbon reduction target of 17% as compared with 2005 levels. While the commitment has been welcomed, politicians and industry commentators have criticized the targets as not being enough.  Read more…

DOE awards $620M for smart grid demonstration projects.  (Nov. 25)

• The funding will leverage an additional $1Bn from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to support 32 demonstration projects across the country.  Read more…

Briefing October 26 – November 1 | In Focus: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

EUROPE

EU and US officials offer to eliminate duties on green goods. (Oct. 28)

• Officials are in discussions to form a pact between OECD countries and China to eliminate tariffs on goods such as wind turbines and solar panels. The negotiations are seen as a way to help solidify a deal with China at Copenhagen climate negotiations in December.  Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

President Obama announces $3.4B in stimulus grants to utilities for smart grid development. (Oct. 28)

• Funding includes $1B for consumer-facing home energy monitors, $400M to increase transmission security and efficiency, $2B to facilitate communication among smart grid components, and $25m to expand smart grid manufacturing operations. Utilities receiving funding will provide total matching funds of $4.7B.  Read more…

US DOE awards $151M to 37 wind, solar and biofuel research projects. (Oct. 27)

• The funding comes from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), which will allocate $400M from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Read more…

California passes the first state-wide smart grid bill. (Oct. 27)

• Senate Bill 17 requires the state utility commission to develop a smart grid plan by July 1, 2010 that includes smart meter installations, data networks, and other grid infrastructure.  Read more…

Briefing October 19 – 25 | In Focus: REDD

EUROPE

French government authorizes 31 biomass heat plant projects worth €148M. (Oct. 23)

• The funding comes from the Fonds Chaleur, which was launched in December 2008 and has an additional €1Bn through 2011 to support renewable heating projects. The investments are indicative of a broader surge in funding for biomass energy projects across Europe.  Read more…

European Commision estimates EU countries should pay $3-22Bn per year by 2020 to help developing countries cope with climate change. (Oct. 23)

• The Commission suggests that making such funding available would help secure a climate deal in Copenhagen that would limit emissions growth. Governments however remain deeply divided over funding amounts, purposes, and recipients.  Read more…

UK allocates £20M for public sector energy saving. (Oct. 23)

• The investment will support government departments in reducing carbon emissions. The funding is part of the £405M budget allocation announced in April to promote clean technology in the UK.  Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

Senator Boxer and EPA release new analysis of US climate legislation. (Oct. 24)

• Senator Boxer released the Chairman’s mark of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, which outlines recommendations by the committee chair for a final bill. The EPA’s economic analysis also helped clarify costs of the legislation estimating that average household energy bills would rise ~$10 per month.  Read more…

US House of Representatives passes Solar Technology Roadmap Act. (Oct. 23)

• The bill would require the DOE to create an expert panel to identify R&D needs and authorize $2.25Bn in solar research funding over the next five years to ten 1-3MW projects. The bill is modeled after the National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors.  Read more…

ITU approves universal phone charger. (Oct. 22)

• The approval paves the way for adoption of a charger suitable for any make or model of mobile phone. ITU predicts 50% energy savings with a 13.6 million ton reduction in GHG emissions.  Read more…

Briefing October 12 – 18 | In Focus: U.S. Climate Legislation

EUROPE

India and Scotland pledge partnership for renewables development. (Oct. 16)

• Universities, research institutions, and companies from the two countries will work together to further innovation in renewable technologies and deployment strategies. Read more…

EU Environment Commissioner opposes carbon border tax. (Oct. 15)

• Stavros Dimas criticized border tax proposal and instead voiced support for direct financial aid to poorer countries to help combat climate change. Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

DOE awards $24M in funding to three university-led wind energy research facilities. (Oct. 16)

• The Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Maine, and University of Minnesota were selected for the award of up to $8M each to improve land and offshore wind turbine performance. Read more…

US venture capital stalls in 3^rd quarter. (Oct. 16)

• Total investment in the quarter dropped 38% as compared with Q3 2008. The renewable energy sector was down 73% to $343M invested in 14 deals. Read more…

Exelon Chaiman and CEO endorses cap-and-trade. (Oct. 13)

• John Rowe endorsed current legislative efforts stating cap-and-trade as critical to establishing effectively regulated markets. Exelon is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States with over 5M customers and $19Bn in revenue. Read more…

Briefing October 5 – 11 | In Focus: Green Buildings United States

EUROPE

UK Government selects Accenture as smart grid advisor. (Oct. 9)

• Accenture will advise The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) on the viability, benefits, and adoption process of smart grid technologies. Read more…

European Commission releases financing proposal for renewable energies. (Oct. 7)

• The proposal calls for €50Bn to be invested in energy technology over the next 10 years. However, industry groups were disappointed by the lack of concrete EU funding commitments. Read more 1 and 2…

Wales launches £34M low carbon research and development program. (Oct. 6)

• The fund will support a 6-year program led by Cardiff University to jumpstart low-carbon energy projects to make all new buildings carbon neutral by 2011, reduce emissions by 3% per year, and become self-sufficient in renewable energy generation by 2025. Read more…

NORTH AMERICA

DOE makes $750M available in new loan guarantees for renewable energy. (Oct. 9)

• The funding will cover the cost of guarantees enabling between $4-8Bn in lending. The DOE also announced creation of its new Financial Institution Partnership Program (FIPP) aimed at streamlining the loan guarantee underwriting process. Read more…

Obama signs executive order directing federal agencies to cut greenhouse gas emissions. (Oct. 7)

• The order requires federal agencies to set 2020 emissions reduction targets within the next 90 days. The directive also requires agencies to cut fleet petroleum usage by 30%, achieve net-zero energy use by 2030, improve water efficiency by 26% by 2020, and recycle or divert 50% of waste by 2015. Read more…

DOE makes $87M available for solar technology development. (Oct. 9)

• Funding focuses on 47 projects with universities, utilities, local governments and DOE laboratories to train workers, overcome technical challenges, and ensure grid connectivity. $50M in funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Read more…

US DOE awards 12 carbon capture projects with $44.1M in first round funding. (Oct. 5)

• The funding includes $21.6M from the Recovery Act and $22.5M from private sources. The 7-month projects will be implemented in 8 states with funding size ranging from $0.5M to $3M. Read more…