Renewable energy
Tories plan to phase out UK Renewables Obligation
The Conservative Party has responded to rumours it is preparing to overhaul the UK's renewable energy policy by confirming that, if elected, it will phase out the government's Renewables Obligation scheme.
All Europe’s electricity could be from renewables by 2050, says PwC report
Europe and North Africa could be powered solely by renewable electricity by 2050 through the implementation of a SuperSmart Grid, according to a report issued this week by global advisory firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Placing the UK's green energy
The UK’s ambitious renewable energy targets raise questions about how new electricity generators will be connected to the grid and how costs should be spread between system operators and generators. Neil Cornelius and Etienne Gabel look at the latest…
Energy Risk: What's coming next?
Energy Risk brings you a snapshot of what's moving and shaking the markets.
FirstEnergy and Allegheny announce $8.5bn merger
FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy have announced an $8.5 billion stock-for-stock merger transaction that would create a diversified generation portfolio including 2,200 megawatts (MW) of renewables.
Obama boosts biofuels and clean coal
US President Barack Obama has announced a series of measures designed to boost biofuel production and reduce US dependence on foreign oil.
US budget drops fossil fuel subsidies
US President Barack Obama has used his 2011 budget to call for an end to fossil fuel subsidies, apportioning funds to the clean energy sector instead.
Massachusetts REC futures start trading on CCFE
The Chicago Climate Futures Exchange (CCFE) has announced the successful completion of the first Massachusetts Renewable Energy Certificate (REC-MA) futures contract trade.
Uncertainty over UK ROCs damages investor confidence
Recent changes to the allocation of Renewable Obligation Certificates by the UK DECC has left industry participants wary about their long-term value, finds Katie Holliday
APX launches Michigan RECs system
APX, an infrastructure provider for environmental and energy markets, has launched the Michigan Renewable Energy Certification System (Mirecs) and hinted at future plans to enable inter-market management of renewable energy assets.
Obama awards $3.4bn in smart grid grants
President Barack Obama this week announced the largest single energy grid modernisation investment in US history.
Power project could link US grids
A proposal to link the three US power grids could create the country’s first renewable energy trading hub.
Tarmac enters power-purchase agreement
UK quarrying and construction company Tarmac has signed a £3.5 million power-purchase agreement (PPA). As part of the deal, Tarmac will buy discounted renewable energy from UK renewables firm Nuon Renewables and sell it back to UK energy company npower.
Clean energy fund tops $200 million in first year
A clean-energy infrastructure fund managed by Fortis Investments has attracted €158 million ($232 million) in investment in its first year.
US DOE launches transmission project
US energy secretary Steven Chu has announced details of a new $213 million transmission project to bring renewable energy resources to market.
Offshore wind to provide 17% of European electricity by 2020
Current offshore wind capacity has the potential to supply 17% of European Union electricity demand by 2030, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). Offshore wind currently provides a meagre 0.3% of European electricity demand.
Environmental exploitation
Recessions usually spell bad news for the environment. Promises of investment in clean energy and sustainable technology wither away as mediocre returns drive investors to count the cost of easing their conscience. But today's burgeoning green sector…
Green shoots
Will the US Department of Energy's stimulus funding provide the financing required by the renewable energy sector?
Umbrella coverage
Pauline McCallion investigates the budding opportunities for managing weather risk in the renewable energy sector.
A seagull's-eye view
US offshore energy could receive a boost from a newly announced US Federal regulatory scheme. Gregory Lawrence, Mustafa Ostrander and Stephen Smith of McDermott Will & Emery outline the programme