The small wind industry is going through interesting times, in a new series of articles for Renewable Energy Focus, leading wind energy expert David Sharman addresses the “myths” and the real challenges faced – as well as the progress that has been made to date. 08 February 2010
The cost of building green can be prohibitive, but when using a holistic approach, it becomes more appealing. Kate Shepherd at Ultra Green Group investigates green social housing. 04 February 2010
The demand for bigger wind turbines, powered by longer blades, has placed many challenges on the blade manufacturers and their suppliers. Paul Langemeier, Director, Global Market Development, and Christoph Scheuer, Market Development Manager, of Hexion Speciality Chemicals, review the history of blade manufacture and the challenges facing resin manufacturers today. 01 February 2010
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo get help from COWI to generate electricity from the methane dissolved into the waters of Lake Kivu. 28 January 2010
The offshore wind industry has already garnered government support and is increasingly piquing the interest of the private sector thanks to its ability to contribute significantly to the European renewable energy targets of 2020. As installed capacity continues to grow, and market share increases, the banking sector will continue to become progressively more involved in this industry. 25 January 2010
A new low-energy concept focusing on solar energy promises energy savings of up to 70 % in villas in the Gulf. 22 January 2010
Several policy frameworks to mandate more environmentally responsible building methods are being developed at both the European Union (EU) and national levels, especially with climate change moving up the policy priority agenda, reports Hriday Malik. 20 January 2010
For a decade, the members of the California Fuel Cell Partnership have been working together to successfully navigate the early stages of fuel cell vehicle and hydrogen station deployments. As of June 2009, CaFCP members have placed more than 300 fuel cell passenger vehicles and transit buses, and 26 hydrogen stations, into California communities. 19 January 2010
The future of green building is blue sky and beyond if the numbers from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) continue to hold true. It released its first leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) third-party certification tool for commercial buildings in the year 2000, and already there are over 6,900 LEED certifications in the US alone. Lyn Corum spoke to David Gottfried, founder of the USGBC and the World Green Building Council. 18 January 2010
Technicians dealing with operation and maintenance (O&M) at wind farms often feel that the ‘high voltage’ distribution system within the wind farm is outside their area of expertise. But, says Jack Wallace Jr., high voltage brings with it important safety considerations. So what are the current HV safety concerns inherent in wind farms today and how can they be addressed? 15 January 2010
As the world reels from the major economic crisis of the past two years, a great deal of the political and business focus has been placed on finding the next generation of economic growth opportunities, and the further development and commercialisation of clean energy sources is key to that. So is this the time for the fuel cell to come in from the margins and play a key role? Dr. Jonathan Butler and Dr. Kerry-Ann Adamson of Fuel Cell Today (FCT) think the time is right. 14 January 2010
There are many potential challenges for utilities that look to integrate a larger share of renewable power into their generation mix. But none is more significant than whether a utility has the strategic will. Don C. Smith spoke with Roger Duncan, General Manager of Austin Energy about why it is undertaking an aggressive increase in the percentage of renewable energy in its generating portfolio. 12 January 2010
In terms of carbon emissions, how do we get deliver solutions to our climate and energy challenges? For those who simply wish to get there quickly, it may look easy in terms of technology. However, Miguel Mendonça of the World Future Council is convinced that getting there requires more agreement, more collaboration and more action. 07 January 2010
Companies in the energy sector, ranging from oil majors to start-ups, have long been looking for clean, sustainable sources of energy. In this sector, a start-up can face particular challenges in its quest to develop the “next big thing”. Even if it succeeds, a long road awaits. Connie Carnabuci, Stuart Grider, and Chester Toh chart the legal course of a small renewable energy start-up. 07 January 2010
Robin Priestley looks at whether the UK is finally getting its act together and adopting a feed-in tariff to rival that of countries like Germany... 23 December 2009
Energy storage options can be segmented by the length of storage that they offer. Long-term storage such as hydro reservoirs may store energy for many months and have an important impact on the overall energy budget, while small-time storage such as capacitors can help avoid flickering of the light when net companies switch between different electricity suppliers. In this article Bent Sørensen assesses a selection of short-term energy storage devices and their fields of application. 21 December 2009
Safety, hazard management, risk management: it’s all the same. Whether we act as component manufacturers, general managers, meteorological tower installers or wind turbine technicians, it is our responsibility to make ‘safe’ decisions each and every day. Jack Wallace Jr. provides a very personal technician’s perspective on safety awareness, techniques, and innovations that he would like to see in wind farm O&M. 21 December 2009
In the ‘Rise of the superconductor’, we highlighted the use of superconductor technology and its potential to transform the economics of wind power. In Part 2, Jack McCall of AMSC outlines how superconductors could help the USA get to grips with its grid modernisation issues. 15 December 2009
This is it. 2009 is the year to get serious about climate change, the greatest challenge of our age. World leaders meeting in Copenhagen need to reach an ambitious progressive post-2012 climate agreement. But vague promises and finger pointing will not cut it this time, cautions Steve Sawyer of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). 14 December 2009
In 2008, the United States Department of Energy (DoE) reported that the US could generate 20% of its electricity from wind energy by 2030, though noting that transmission issues represented a key challenge in meeting this target. One year on, some political steps have been taken – but what happens next? Don C. Smith examines the current status of the transmission issue and forecasts the possible road ahead. 08 December 2009
It was Democrats - not Republicans - who did in the Senate Climate Change bill, which would have, had it passed, been a big boon to the renewables industry. 07 December 2009
As the main line Senate Climate Change Bill faded from sight at least for this year, a second Bill emerged and, again, it underlined Democratic disaffection with the Clean Energy Jobs and Power Act of 2009 (S. 1733). 07 December 2009
No top US Federal official has been more pro-renewables, at least in his rhetoric, than Jon Wellinghoff, the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). But has this talk resulted in action? 07 December 2009
Misalignment in the drive trains of wind turbines can cause vibrations that reduce the service life and availability of gears and generators. These errors can be identified by means of vibration measurements or using condition monitoring systems. 04 December 2009
The renewable energy industry suffers from intermittent wind but the conditions can be cured. That, at least is the tenor of a number of recent studies and reports. Even transmission operators who previously had serious reservations about wind energy are now thinking hard about dealing with the variable nature of wind power. As George Marsh discovers, most believe that the problem can be managed. 30 November 2009
The UK does not have the necessary skills to make the transition to a low carbon economy at the pace required to meet mandatory targets - or the training arrangements in place to fill the gap, according to a report from Aldersgate Group. 26 November 2009
In the final article in a series of three on the use and development of small urban wind turbines, Bill Holdworth draws on his project work with one large UK retailer to explain what is needed if such micro wind generation technology is to have any chance of success - outside of the pr department that is. 20 November 2009
The Premier of Australia’s largest state, New South Wales, recently announced a gross feed-in tariff of AU$0.60/kWh for 7 years for solar power. 19 November 2009
In 2008, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) reported that the US could generate 20% of its electricity from wind energy by 2030, though noting that transmission issues represented a key challenge in meeting this target. One year on, some political steps have been taken – but what happens next? Don C. Smith examines the current status of the transmission issue and forecasts the possible road ahead. 19 November 2009
In the first of a series of articles on advances in solar photovoltaic (PV), Joyce Laird looks at how innovation can create a profitable playing field in the solar PV marketplace. 13 November 2009
With the EU’s goal of 20% renewable energy by 2020, and the UK government’s plan to roll out smart meters to all domestic customers by the same time, the way has been paved for smart grids. Global energy consumption is set to triple by 2050, and power networks need to transform into intelligent systems that will save energy, accommodate increasing amounts of renewable energy, and ensure supply security. 05 November 2009
The Australian renewable energy industry faces a colossal threat of sudden extinction. Last week, the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) price dived to AU$23 after spending recent months hovering at AU$38. This is well below the AU$50/REC enjoyed only four months ago, and poses severe problems for the renewable energy industry, writes Warwick Johnston of SunWiz consulting. 30 October 2009
If you are a foreign investor contemplating investment in the burgeoning wind energy generation business in the United States, beware of CFIUS!! No, this is not a disease, but a regulatory provision of US law that has a direct impact on any foreign investment involving national security. 29 October 2009
Steve Sawyer pieces together the frenetic events that took place in June in Egypt, which saw the official creation of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). 27 October 2009
While there are applications that could benefit from energy harvesting using solar photovoltaics (PV), few manufacturers and designers have implemented solar charging solutions for portable product batteries. Steve Krausse thinks the time could be right. 21 October 2009
More microfinance institutions need to fund renewables – often the first step out of poverty, says Binu Parthan, deputy director general of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP). 21 October 2009
The Waste Protocols Project - a joint WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and Environment Agency initiative – recently launched a new Quality Protocol for biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil and rendered animal fats. Here Mervyn Jones, WRAP’s Joint Project Executive for the Waste Protocols Project, explains why the protocol has been introduced, and how it will benefit producers and users of biodiesel… 13 October 2009
As an early convert to renewable energy as a business, the founder of Ernst & Young’s renewable energy, waste and cleantech unit - and originator of the Ernst & Young Country Attractiveness Indices - Jonathan Johns, looks at what the recession really means for renewables, and where we go from here. 13 October 2009
As if the US renewable energy loan guarantee program hasn’t suffered problems enough, Congress contributed another headache in late July - just before recessing for the August break - when it reduced the budget of one of two loan guarantee programs by US$2 billion, reports Steve Barlas. 06 October 2009
The 11th Renewable Energy Finance Forum, presented by Euromoney Energy Events in London, kicked off on 21 September 2009. 06 October 2009
On the second day of EU PVSEC in Hamburg, Germany, last week, a panel debate on solar PV policy debate took place with representatives from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), the European Commission, the US Department of Energy (DoE), and representatives from France, Germany and the UK. 28 September 2009
While the US Energy Policy Act of 2005 focused mainly on alternative energy sources, reducing dependence on foreign sources of oil and increasing domestic energy production, its emphasis on energy efficiency has had a direct effect on pump users and manufacturers. Blackmer's Tom Stone explores how the legislation has influenced day-to-day operations. 22 September 2009
A House committee has started the legislative ball rolling to develop a more coordinated, substantial US wind energy research program, reports Steve Barlas. 03 September 2009
A marine power technology company like Atlantis Resources Corp says governments should focus on supporting developers in the short term through offsetting the cost of proving 1 MW+ systems for at least 24 months 01 September 2009
A small-scale underground biogas plant in Malawi that has recently been established in an effort to mitigate climate change can also improve food security and livelihoods in rural Malawi, if well tapped. Mizeck Chagunda, geneticist and expert in livestock, agriculture and environment, explains. 01 September 2009
An all British consortium has been given the green light to develop a unique vertical axis winged aero-generator turbine, with substantial funding from the Energy Technologies Institute (ETi). 27 August 2009
Neighbourhoods that run entirely on direct current - rather than alternating current - could produce the power grids of the future. Ben Todd of Fuel Cell Today investigates. 13 August 2009
At every meeting I attend the wind advocates complain that the utilities do not understand the importance of wind to the economy and climate change. They focus on the fact that they are the most commercially viable clean energy source available today. That the industry needs them and that the wind machines are very reliable. In all cases they are right, but it is time for them to cool it. 10 August 2009
What could a raft of potential new CO2 iniatives in the USA mean for the country's Ethanol industry? 10 August 2009
This week India launched a major solar initiative - the National Solar Plan: Our India correspondent sets out the highlights. 07 August 2009
Solar energy is regarded as a green technology, but what happens to solar panels once they reach the end of their lifetime? Renewable Energy Focus' Kari Larsen investigates. 03 August 2009
A number of factors are making Romania emerge as an attractive and alternative location for renewable energy investors who are increasingly concerned about lower returns from more established markets in the Western European countries. Loredana Mihailescu explores. 01 August 2009
It is important from a cost standpoint to check the quality of incoming wafers and cells before they reach the production process. For example, reducing the occurrence of micro cracks, which cause wafer and cell breakage during production can save money. Michael van Dooren, of test equipment manufacturer RUV Systems, explains. 01 August 2009
Solar thermal heating and cooling attracts less media attention and R&D funding than the more glamorous "high-tech" solar PV. Yet, this low profile player dominates the solar renewables market, accounting for 84%- as opposed to solar PV's 14%- according to Jes Donneborg, ceo of Denmark's Arcon Solvarme A/S. How can this be so and what are the prospects for solar thermal now? 01 August 2009
Good news from renewables as Dieter Holm looks forward to the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) SWC2009 in South Africa later this year... 24 July 2009
José Luis Briceño, director of Industry and Technology at the Trade Commission of Spain gives us some facts and figures from Spain’s renewables sector 24 July 2009
Corrosive fluids and the high pressures required for the extraction of geothermal water turn geothermal power generation into a technical challenge. To ensure that geothermal power stations are both safe and cost-effective, TÜV SÜD experts analyse the individual risks and opportunities present at geothermal locations and advise plant owners and operators at every stage from planning through construction to operation. 20 July 2009
One of the major problems for fuel cells is the fuelling infrastructure itself. Hydrogen – the fuel of choice from an environmental or energy efficiency perspective – is not yet widespread enough to drive fuel cells towards the mainstream, and other fuel choices such as natural gas are equally problematic. But one fuel cell company in the USA has found an answer by powering fuel cells with biogas derived from a number of different applications. 14 July 2009
Predicting real-time energy yields is critical to ensuring that urban wind turbines are designed, constructed and installed in the most viable manner. In the second of a series of three articles on urban wind energy, Bill Holdsworth looks at predicting the energy yield, and architectural solutions. 07 July 2009
So, it finally happened. By the slimmest of margins (219-212) the US House finally approved the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) legislation, which some – most notably Al Gore - are hailing as the most important legislation Congress will ever pass... 01 July 2009
Steve Sawyer reports back from some notable events, including the second (of 6) negotiating sessions leading up to the UNFCCC cop 15 in Copenhagen, where the world is supposed to agree a new comprehensive global agreement to combat climate change … 01 July 2009
For the first time in history, a US Congressional committee has approved legislation that would establish a federal renewable electricity standard as well as a price for carbon emissions. Don C. Smith examines the Bill's most important provisions and assesses the reactions of the American renewables and energy efficiency communities towards the Bill. 01 July 2009
Like the house, the US senate is also pushing forward with a renewable electricity standard (RES) as part of its Energy Bill. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, chairman of the senate energy committee, had to reduce the res to 15% by 2021, to get enough votes to pass the provision and include it in the broader energy bill the committee passed. Steve Barlas reports. 01 July 2009
How important is a landscape architect to wind energy development? Richard Foote accompanies RSK Environment on a confidential project in the UK to find out. 01 July 2009
Talk to anyone and they'll tell you in principle they think solar energy is a good idea. But we haven't harnessed it for conversion to electricity utnil fairly recently and even today barriers still exist that -prevent solar energy entering the mainstream. But could solar mapping help bring the technology further into the public domain? 01 July 2009
Held in Munich from 27 May through 29 May, the Annual Intersolar tradeshow at 100,000 square metres and over 1400 exhibitors remains the standard for tradeshows in the global solar industry. 01 July 2009
Could superconductors transform the economics of wind power? 01 July 2009
The energy scene in Southern Africa is dominated by South Africa. While its coal-based electricity used to be cheap and reliable by world standards, the South African state utility recently ran out of reserve capacity – with blackouts resulting. In the second part of an article for Renewable Energy Focus, Dieter Holm, long-serving member of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), reports on renewed awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy in South Africa. 16 June 2009
Large conventional and nuclear power stations have traditionally been the ‘big hitters’ of electrical power generation, with a few up to 4 GW. Wind, too, is beginning to muscle into the ‘Gigawatt-Plus’ club. George Marsh asks: How soon solar power could join the big hitters. 09 June 2009
For the average citizen, algae is often viewed as a problematic growth within backyard swimming pools and in-home fish tanks. However in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2 and a potential biofuel, algae is a hot topic. 02 June 2009
Both houses of the US Congress have started work on energy bills they hope to pass by autumn. Stephen Barlas investigates. 01 June 2009
Although many different processes are used to build wind turbine blades, they all share the same maintenance challenges. Understanding how and why a blade is made a certain way will improve the chances of making good decisions on blade maintenance, say Jack Wallace Jr. and Mark Dawson of Frontier Pro Services. 01 June 2009
With increasing use of renewables in the electricity sector, overcoming the intermittency of for example wind and solar is key. James Tipping and Duncan Sinclair at UK energy consultancy Redpoint Energy investigate the use of marine energy to combat intermittency. 22 May 2009
The wind power market has been a huge success story for the composites industry. Is the developing wave and tidal energy sector going to prove the same? 14 May 2009
Has the world's largest energy consumer finally realised that energy shortages and price spikes are truly the norm, not the exception? If so, the Smart Grid could push the energy revolution forward, reports Eric Miller, Chief Solutions Officer at Trilliant. 11 May 2009
The European building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market is a niche market with great potential. Although the market takes up less than 5% of the total European solar photovoltaic (PV) market, there is considerable interest due to its high year-on-year growth and the increasing number of countries with supportive legislation for BIPV. Akhil Sivanandan, Research Analyst - Building Technologies - at Frost & Sullivan, reports. 06 May 2009
At present, installed wind capacity greatly exceeds that of solar.Can solar give wind a run for its money? Solar PV expert Paula Mints steps out into solar thermal territory to make the case for concentrating solar power (CSP) 01 May 2009
Has the electric vehicle (EV) arrived? More than a decade after General Motors introduced, then allegedly withdrew, a wildly popular electric vehicle from California and Arizona, the media are singing the praises of EVs. In real time though, Jon R Hickman reports that we need to keep our feet on the ground. 01 May 2009
US electric utility companies have historically depended on overall revenue growth to increase profits. The more electrons the utility sold, the more profit it would earn.But is growth the way in the climate change era? Don C. Smith considers the utilities dilemma and explores one tool- decoupling- that deserves serious consideration as a way to provide more energy efficiency incentives. 01 May 2009
Despite the continuing distressing news on the economy, the renewable energy sector has had some cheer of late, particularly in wind. At the New Energy Finance Summit on 5 March 2009, NEF's CEO Michael Liebrich discussed 7 positives. Most important for the wind industry: new financing sources, rising oil prices as the economy recovers and US $10 billion in stimulus packages from governments in the next 3 years, with a substantial part for renewable energy deployment. 01 May 2009
Fast forward to 2024 and imagine that wind power is even more common than it is today. But how can the manager of a large, fictional Danish utility company manage variations in wind power once and for all, using an abandoned natural gas store? In the second of his columns on the energy storage dilemma, Bent Sorenson follows the manager on his rounds. 01 May 2009
Voltage control technology developed by Senergy Econnect is enabling the connection of additional power generation on a remote part of the EDF Energy’s Southern Power Network area. Dr Vincent Thornley, Products Manager with Senergy Econnect and David Reid, a Project Manager at EDF Energy Networks explain. 24 April 2009
With the recent and continued increase in wind power, the challenge is clear: how can the energy industry integrate this intermittent power source into the electricity grid? Jeff Lerner, Michael Grundmeyer and Matt Garvert of 3TIER make the case for better forecasting. 18 April 2009
The challenge for Australia has always been to take clean energy inventions - such as those coming from the solar PV and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)/Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) sectors - to market, in a very large country, where most of the population lives in the southeast corner, and which has substantial reserves of coal. 14 April 2009
A consideration of the strategies to increase the energy efficiency of centrifugal pumps as a means to imporve the overall energy costs savings of the system. 09 April 2009
Understanding the fundamentals of the wind energy industry, and its past successes and failures, is key to investing in wind power and making profits in the sector. Nick Hodge, co-author of a new book that helps investors invest in the renewable energy sector, takes a look at the risks and opportunities associated with investing in wind power. 03 April 2009
How much wind power was installed, and where, in 2008? In total, global wind energy capacity surged by 28.8% - another record year for new installations. The United States passed Germany to become the number one market in wind power, and China’s total capacity doubled for the fourth year in a row. 03 April 2009
The UK's forthcoming transition to a low-carbon future has been much touted as a financial and environmental solution. However, it remains uncertain whether the UK has the appropriate skills to underpin a renewable energy revolution. Professor Peter Crossley, Director of the Joule Centre, examines the situation. 25 March 2009
The intermittency of renewables is forcing energy providers to look at ways to store energy – as a way to guarantee stable supply. Bent Sørensen from Roskilde University in Denmark looks at a classic case of energy storage – vehicles that use batteries and fuel cells. 01 March 2009
If a wind turbine can last three years at a wind farm in the US, Southern California's San Gorgonio pass without major servicing, then it should last longer in areas of the world with less turbulent winds. Why then is that sometimes not the case? And what can be done about it? 01 March 2009
The western third of the USA offers abundant sources of wind and solar energy, given the appropriate transmission infrastructure. As the development of this infrastructure has not been vigorously pursued, the ‘bi-partisan’ Western Governors' Association (WGA) has stepped up to the plate. 01 March 2009
At the first World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, early 2008, the agenda was dominated by fossil fuel companies seeking to paint themselves green – while maintaining the status quo with a few tweaks and some carbon capture and storage (CCS). Steve Sawyer returned for the second WFES in January 2009, and found the oil companies still there, but now competing with renewables for the spotlight. 01 March 2009
After successfully weavings its path through the two chambers of Congress in the USA, President Obama has signed into law the hugely-ambitious (and some would say risky) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, worth US$787 billion, and including around US$43 billion for energy. 01 March 2009
Contrary to negative opinion, micro-wind generation in urban areas could meet local energy demand in certain circumstances. In the first of a 3-part article looking at the findings of one UK supermarket's analysis into using urban wind, Bill Holdsworth cautions that city wind does not behave like rural wind. 01 March 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will infuse the US energy industry and its ratepayers with up to US$40 billion in various forms. These include loan guarantees, bonds, grants, direct investments in transmission projects, smart grid technologies and more. This also includes direct assistance from the US Department of Energy. Lyn Corum puts this into context for the glue that binds all this together- the grid infrastructure. 01 March 2009
Following on from a new column dedicated to energy storage options comes a new regular focus on advancements in the clean vehicle industry. Jon Hickman takes the driving seat and looks at some of the technologies in use today, as well as those whose roles will become more prominent in the future. 01 March 2009
Solar PV was born of electronic parentage, so it's not surprising that the two camps have much in common. Because of this, solar PV has inherited a manufacturing route and infrastructure originally fashioned for electronics. But some in the PV industry argue that this heritage can be as much a hindrance as a help, discovers George Marsh. 01 March 2009
Dieter Holm, long-serving member of the international solar energy society (ISES) looks at the role renewable energies can play in combating climate change in Africa, and argues that the EEG (feed-in-tariff) legislation pioneered in Germany would be the perfect place to start. 28 February 2009
Renewable energy in China has a promising future, but more incentives are needed, write Geoffrey D. Mullen and Weidong Wang at Grandall Legal Group. 23 February 2009
Until recently, most investors have largely ignored geothermal technology. But in the past two to three years, investor interest in geothermal technology is finally catching on – with increased recognition of the huge potential to be tapped. Kai Sametinger of forseo GmbH asks what has triggered this new interest surrounding the art of investing in geothermal. 01 February 2009
Fuels made from living biomass rather than organisms fossilised some 200 million years ago have attracted worldwide attention – and suspicion. While development continues apace, first and second generation fuels based on terrestrial plants are controversial because they require cultivation resources that could otherwise be used for growing food. What about the third generation? 01 February 2009
With a booming wind energy industry, the question is now arising of how to deal with end-of-life turbines, and particularly the blades made of hard-to-recycle composites. Kari Larsen investigates possible routes for the recycling of wind turbine blades. 31 January 2009
Things appear to be moving fast in Washington, as President Obama already seems to be living up to his promise of supporting renewable energy development. But do those in the industry think his policies will work? 15 January 2009
Could extended periods of wind turbine downtime be not just a problem of faulty turbines, rather on occasion also be down to the lack of expertise – and poor attitude – of wind turbine Operation and Maintenance (O&M) teams themselves? 01 January 2009
One of the most vexing challenges facing US utilities in integrating more renewable energy sources into their energy portfolios can be summed up in two words: improving transmission... 01 January 2009
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)'s Steve Sawyer takes stock of the achievements and failures of COP 14 in Poznan, and looks at what needs to be done before COP 15 in Copenhagen at the end of 2009. 01 January 2009
Looking to reduce dependence on imported energy and diversify the sources feeding the main power grid, Chile’s interest in harnessing renewable energies has grown significantly over the last year. A major conference in Santiago tackled the barriers to energy independence, reports Colin Bennett. 01 January 2009
Working in the offshore wind industry presents many challenges for companies, especially in dealing with operation and maintenance (O&M) challenges in harsh ocean conditions. So what approaches should be taken, asks Matthew Jackson? 01 January 2009
Bill Eggertson looks at a number of hiccups in the Emissions Trading System (ETS) that must be overcome to ease the way for renewables. 01 January 2009
If we are to have a sustainable transportation infrastructure that includes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, we must produce the energy carrier-hydrogen- in large quantities from clean, non-fossil energy sources, and that means from renewables. So exactly what options do we have to put us onto the clean hydrogen path and what challenges need to be overcome along the way? 01 January 2009
What's the best place for a wind farm? Not just any old hillside or "somewhere offshore". Deciding where to site a wind farm involves a range of criteria that can be termed “location intelligence”. This concept is playing a growing role in the planning, design and siting of European wind farms, says Justin Saunders. 01 January 2009
The Siemens wind power business is a force to be reckoned with. Active in the wind industry for 25 years, it has 5600 employees (within an energy division employing 73,500) and 7800 of its wind turbines have been installed worldwide. CEO Andreas Nauen talks about the company's plans for the future. 01 January 2009
Technical innovation in wind energy is alive and well, as evidenced at the British Wind Energy Association's 30th anniversary show in London, late last year. It seems that the prevailing three-blade "propeller on a stick" wind turbine model may not still be dominant 2 or 3 decades from now. So, if you're interested in which innovators are challenging the prevailing model, read on.. 01 January 2009
The US congress finally voted to extend and enhance tax credits for some renewables, notably solar. But will this provide the boost that the residential sector in the USA has been waiting for? Mark Bolinger, Galen Barbose and Ryan Wiser, of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, consider the implications of the legislation for existing incentives. 01 January 2009
Few expected an unknown first-term senator to become a US presidential candidate, much less be elected in November 2008. Despite this remarkable achievement, many wonder whether winning was the easy part. Don C Smith, US Policy correspondent for Renewable Energy Focus, considers Barack Obama's election and looks in depth at what the new administration may mean for the alternative energy sector. 01 January 2009
Not only has the US extended the ITC (Federal Tax incentive) for 8 years and removed the utility exemption so that utilities can now participate, but other countries are taking their own significant steps to boost solar. Is the time right for the photovoltaic (PV) industry-with its technologies still a small part of the global energy mix- to show further dramatic growth? Or will the financial crisis prove difficult to ride out in the short term? 01 January 2009
It's been another busy period for GWEC's Steve Sawyer, who has attended an eye-watering number of international events on the circuit. Here, he brings us up to date with a view from the front line of the climate change debate… 31 December 2008
96 entities have set their sights on the UK's latest round of offshore wind project development. 31 December 2008
Where next for renewable energies in the fast-developing world of carbon trading? 31 December 2008
During the months of August and September 2008, the WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index – which tracks 88 of the top clean energy companies – fell 26.8. This represented the biggest two-monthly fall in the index's history, and took it to a level 50% below its peak in November 2007. So what does the future hold? 31 December 2008
Energy from Waste (EfW) is increasingly being seen as something of a silver bullet solution to enable less organic waste to be sent to landfill, as well as deliver cleaner energy. George Marsh looks at a technology that is revolutionising the possibilities for organic waste – Anaerobic Digestion 31 December 2008
Compared to wind and solar, tidal power is still regarded as a renewable energy technology that remains unviable on a large scale. But throw together climate change, political will in the UK and the US, entrepreneurial enthusiasm and academic research - with some significant investment - and a new mood of optimism is starting to pervade the sector. 31 December 2008
Better known internationally for its mountain parks and vast tracts of oil sands, Alberta may also soon emerge as the most progressive province for solar development in Canada – a country lagging in development of this technology. 04 December 2008
For centuries civilisations have taken advantage of the power of water. Once used by the Greeks for grinding wheat into flour, the water wheels of the past have been transformed into highly-efficient turbines that generate electricity. Renewable Energy Focus takes an in-depth look at the current renaissance in Small Hydropower in the EU. 03 December 2008
Will the USA be able to count on large amounts of biomass energy in the next few decades? Some reports and organizations are more bullish than others, discovers Lyn Corum. 01 December 2008
Farmers around the world are showing increased interest in Anaerobic Digesters, as a result of higher energy and fertiliser prices, the growing costs of complying with waste disposal legislation in many countries and the continuing need to diversify in order to maintain farm incomes. One dairy farm in the USA is using the technology to produce electricity, heat and bedding for animals. 01 December 2008
With rising demand for wind power, wind turbine manufacturers are searching for solutions to make their turbines more efficient, at the same time increasing reliability and reducing maintenance. Renewable Energy Focus' Kari Larsen investigates two routes for achieving this: integrated drivetrains and direct drive technology. 01 December 2008
In this review of concentrating solar power (CSP) developments, Robert Palgrave looks at how technology is being developed to provide a more complete lower cost offering to the electricity market, and how the future for CSP includes not just power generation, but also the production of gas and liquid fuels. 01 December 2008
For those that missed the photovoltaic (PV) industry's biggest event of the year in Valencia, Spain, Paula Mints offers a review of the event's major talking points… 01 December 2008
As one of the largest wind events on the global stage approaches, the big wind companies continue to flex their muscles on the offshore wind stage. 01 October 2008
Just as one Texan gets ready to leave office - unlikely to be missed by many in the wind and solar community - another is emerging as unlikely hero of the wind movement, despite a long history in oil. Who'd have thought it, asks Steve Sawyer. 01 October 2008
Up until now, renewables projects have been viewed as an expensive way for companies to generate carbon credits. But according to one recent report, the era of cheaper projects may be coming to an end. 01 October 2008
Times of global economic gloom have proved tricky for the perceived riskier stocks, as the Wilderhill New Energy Global Innovation Index (NEX) demonstrated clearly in June and July. 01 October 2008
Small wind turbines have been hyped in the recent past, leaving a string of disappointed consumers and the perception that small wind technology is not as feasible for the householder as PV or solar thermal. Despite this, there are signs that given certain measures it can pay dividends, as George Marsh discovers. 01 October 2008
What does an electricity structure which seamlessly incorporates multiple sources of generating technology - including renewable energy - look like and crucially, how can it be achieved? Polly Higgins looks at liberalisation, long distance transmission, HVDC and supergrids. 01 October 2008
Concentrated solar power (CSP) is not new on the scene. So the question is, do latecomers still have a bright future and can they deliver solar power on a global scale that we can all afford? Graham Ford of Heliodynamics looks at linear fresnel CSP. 01 October 2008
The wind industry's race to increase the power generated by each wind turbine is leading to a vast increase in the size and scale of blades being built. This creates major manufacturing challenges for the companies charged with building them. George Marsh gives an overview of some of the tooling required to produce today's increasingly enormous wind turbine blades. 01 October 2008
Dye-sensitised cells (DSCS) have emerged alongside organic solar photovoltaics (PV) as a technology that might just transform solar energy prospects by delivering cheap "commodity" PV. George Marsh investigates. 01 October 2008
US states need a coherent action plan in order to develop solar PV markets fully, especially if they are able to match the growth markets in Europe. The Clean Energy Group recently released a report aimed at bringing solar PV into the US mainstream. Mark Sinclair summarises the main findings, together with the best practice from some leading states. 01 October 2008
Making sense of UK renewable energy policy has been tricky in recent times. There remains a contradiction between the challenging target the Government has signed up to, and the sluggishness with which policies are put into place. But as David Hopwood found out on a recent trip to the north east UK, regional development in renewable energy technologies is still taking place, something which is vital to the UK's chance of catching up with countries like Spain and Germany. 01 October 2008
Once management at business firms, government agencies and non-profit organisations acknowledge that there is a substantial body of evidence to support the "peak oil theory," as some people refer to it, they will soon thereafter be asking: "When should our organisation transition away from petroleum?" 16 September 2008
US, Washington State utility Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is combining solar PV and wind power at its grid-connected Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility in Kittitas County. Steven St. Clair, Manager, Renewable Assets at PSE, talks to renewable energy focus’ Kari Larsen about the project. 15 September 2008
In the March/April 2007 issue, Navigant's Paula Mints examined PV supply – i.e. who shipped what, where and how much in 2007. She now turns her attention to the demand side of the solar PV equation. 01 August 2008
Denmark is proud of its heritage when it comes to pushing forward the use of alternative energy solutions, and is all set to host the make or break un climate change conference (COP 15) in 2009. renewable energy focus assistant editor Kari Larsen saw some of the Danish projects for herself. 19 July 2008
It has been a rollercoaster ride for the NEX since its slide at the beginning of 2008, but the months of April and May saw investors again keen on solar, wind and power storage, reports New Energy Finance's Tom Greenwood. 01 July 2008
The last few years has seen investors flock towards early stage companies in 'cleantech', doling out healthy wads with abandon. But as the risk of the 'b' word has begun to encourage a far more critical eye, what do companies need to demonstrate to get their hands on the cheque? 01 July 2008
Major political developments in the UK could have a significant impact on the success of future project development of wind, wave and tidal energy in the country; the Crown Estate has released details of the Round 3 scheme, and parliament turned its attention to planning… 01 July 2008
GWEC's intrepid secretary general heads back to China for two high profile events, and peers into the muddy waters obscuring China's long term energy vision. 01 July 2008
Part three: Where does the renewable energy industry fit into the mandatory and voluntary carbon reduction schemes? Bill Eggertson reports. 01 July 2008
Made of organic monomer and polymer (plastic) semiconductors – rather than the inorganic silicon semiconductors that are the photovoltaic (PV) mainstream of today – Organic PV (OPV) promises to radically reduce material and production costs, which should lead to cheaper systems. Does its current lack of efficiency really matter, or can OPV’s other virtues make it a viable alternative? 01 July 2008
Obtaining more passenger/freight-miles for less fuel is a priority aim for aviation, given the pincer pressures of escalating fuel costs and environment, which are squeezing operators to desperation point. A more sustainable basis for fuelling aircraft is needed, and biofuel is a leading, if controversial, candidate. 01 July 2008
This article looks introduces an interesting aspect of concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) technology, namely solar dishes. 01 July 2008
The high cost of crystalline silicon has kept system prices high, and given cheaper, thin-film materials an extra boost in the credibility stakes. This article from Indium Corporation looks at CIGS technology – namely the sustainable supply of indium and gallium that is so important to the technology. 01 July 2008
Part 2: The burgeoning trade in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is viewed by many as one of the most effective methods to reduce the environmental damage related to the combustion of fossil fuels and one which holds significant potential for renewable energy technologies in the short-term future. 02 June 2008
During the period 1 February to 28 March 2008, the Wilderhill New Energy Global Innovation Index (NEX) fell a further 18%, on top of the 15% fall if the previous two months. Against this backdrop New Energy Finance held its inaugural summit in London on 28-29 February 2008. Tom Greenwood casts his eye over the NEX performance while Alice Hohler gives her view from the summit. 01 June 2008
What's new on the offshore wind and marine project front? Adam Westwood brings us up to date with the latest developments including the news that Marine Current Turbines has successfully completed the first installation phase of the 1.2 MW SeaGen tidal system in Strangford Narrows, Northern Ireland. 01 June 2008
The convoluted (and complex) debate surrounding the trade of guarantees of origin for renewably-generated electricity in a target-driven EU policy landscape rumbles on. To trade or not to trade (and what's legal and what isn't?)- that seems to be the thrust of the debate at present, as member states weigh up what the flexibility mechanism means for them. 01 June 2008
Among the family of renewable energy technologies, ocean energy is the least developed, with just a few MW in operation worldwide. Nevertheless, companies predominantly in Europe, the USA, Canada, are developing a dizzying array of technologies to try and exploit the vast kinetic and potential energy of the world's oceans. Government support is strongest in Europe, but a number of projects are at various stages of development in the US and Canada. 01 June 2008
The global market for offshore wind energy has reached a critical juncture in its path towards large-scale deployment. but what will the next steps be? A new report from Emerging Energy Research (EER) offers some perspective and Renewable Energy Focus gets a sneak preview. 01 June 2008
Q-Ccells has come a long way since it was founded in Germany in 1999. It started producing solar photovoltaic (PV) cells in 2001 with just 19 employees and within a decade, it has become the largest solar PV cell manufacturer in the world. Alice Hohler speaks to Q-Cell's CEO, Anton Milner. 01 June 2008
In a time when solar PV is characterised as being a prohibitively expensive alternative form of energy (subsidies notwithstanding) one application area that could make a real difference to perceptions is BIPV (Building Integrated PV). This application can effectively enable building owners to save on construction costs of new buildings while at the same time generate a portion of their own electricity. Further progress requires a high level of innovation to truly bring solar PV into buildings, while making the technology even more affordable. Fortunately, there are signs that such inventiveness is now making a difference. 01 June 2008
Twenty years ago, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the prospects for the economy of what was previously East Germany were bleak. but the federal states of Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt have emerged as Europe's prime solar industry region. The key to success has been Germany's feed-in tariff (FiT) legislation and well-coordinated efforts between Government departments, regions and industry. 01 June 2008
Old paradigms are being transformed and reshaped as alternative, sustainable solutions to meet the world's growing energy needs. This challenge is being fuelled in part by expanding economies of both China and India, coupled with issues of global warming, energy security and depleting resources of fossil fuels. One leading energy from waste (EfW) player, Covanta, looks to what extent EfW technology could really play a role. 01 June 2008
Despite having renewable resources that some countries can only dream of, Australia's antipathy towards the Kyoto Protocol- not to mention its vast sources of coal- have contrived to give it something of an image problem amongst clean energy investors. This has made it difficult for the country to be seen as financially viable when it comes to renewables investment. But with the new administration that has addressed the Kyoto question, could times be changing? Invest Victoria's Ben Foskett gives a perspective from the State of Victoria and ISES President Monica Oliphant reports back from Adelaide's Solar Cities 2008 Congress. 01 June 2008
The convoluted (and complex) debate surrounding the trade of guarantees of origin for renewably-generated electricity in a target-driven EU policy landscape rumbles on. To trade or not to trade (and what’s legal and what isn’t?) that seems to be the thrust of the debate at present, as member states weigh up what the flexibility mechanism means for them. 20 May 2008
Given the increased size of modern turbine blades and their growing fabrication sophistication and cost, blade monitoring is becoming important to operators and insurers alike. 01 May 2008
Stewart Taggart investigates the rise of the Power Tower, a Concentrating Solar Thermal Power generating technology which many experts think could be the way forward. 01 May 2008
With an established commercial track record of more than 20 years operating under real world conditions, the parabolic trough now holds pole position in the horserace among Concentrting Solar Power Technologies. But will being first off the mark turn out to be good enough? Stewart Taggart investigates. 02 April 2008
E.ON Sverige has pulled out of the Rodsand II offshore wind farm off Nysted in Denmark. What comes next for the project? Adam Westwood reports on this, and other breaking developments in the wave and tidal sector. 01 April 2008
Suzlon needs little introduction. The wind turbine manufacturer embodies the rise of renewable energy, perhaps more than any other company in the world. Founded in India in 1995, the wind group now ranks fifth worldwide and had a 7.7% share of the global turbine manufacturing market in 2006. It is the market leader in India, where it has installed more than 2GW of wind capacity and owns over 30 wind farms. David Hopwood speaks to Group CEO Andre Horbach. 21 March 2008
Since playing a key role in propelling the PV world out of the shadows in the 1990s, where does Japan – as well as some other Asian countries – sit in the PV pecking order today? Paula Mints investigates. 01 February 2008
Many experts predict a transition toward solar power as a primary energy source in the future, but how can today's players overcome the significant hurdles ahead on the PV side? 01 February 2008
Concentrating Solar Power technology isn't new. But high-profile projects – like PS-10 in Spain and Nevada Solar I in the USA – have proven the technology's ability to generate considerable amounts of electricity, and crucially, engage the utilities. Many now believe that CSP's time is upon us. 01 February 2008
As the number of renewable energy projects increases, driven by the growing targets at national and EU level, NIMBYism – community-level opposition to schemes, especially in the wind power sector – is a potential showstopper that won't go away fast. Can this opposition be managed in a sensible way to the benefit of developers and community alike? 01 February 2008
Structural health monitoring (SHM) of wind turbine drive trains is now regarded as an essential part of any MW class of wind turbine and has a dual pay-off for wind energy, as George Marsh found out when he examined an innovative solution from Insensys. 01 February 2008
The International Solar Energy Society (ISES) continues to raise awareness of the global impact of climate change, and how renewables need to play a vital role – especially in developing countries. In this article, ISES offers a policy perspective after a number of successful workshops in Africa. 01 February 2008
In the second part of a two-part column, Stefan Schmitz looks at how the issue of construction affects finance planning for PV projects. And how could the next generation of PV technology impact on project costs? John-Marc Bunce takes up the story. 01 December 2007
The 9th annual Renewable Energy Finance Forum (REFF) was held recently at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London. The consensus of opinion pointed to some muscular challenges ahead for clean energy. 01 November 2007
George Marsh reports back from the Renewable Energy Association's Wind & Tidal Symposium (WATTS) 2007 at Cowes, Isle if Wight, and Adam Westwood brings Renewable Energy Focus the latest project developments from the offshore wind and marine sector. 01 November 2007
Steve Sawyer continues his tour of high-level meetings around the world in his role as ambassador for GWEC, and remains frustrated by the intransigence of many who should by now know better. 01 November 2007
Finding efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways of transmitting electricity generated can be almost as important as generating the electricity in the first place. Peter Jones and Bo Westman look at HVDC Light. 01 November 2007
The debating chamber building for the National Assembly of Wales - the Senedd - was officially inaugurated in March 2006. The design approach is an interesting example of how to create a building that naturally responds to the dynamics of the local environment on the one hand; while ensuring it's possible to use a selection of renewables - geothermal and biomass in this case - on the other. 01 November 2007
It isn't just transmission that needs to be looked at carefully when delivering renewables in challenging environments and special applications. Chris Plant and Mike Foster introduce a project investigating sub-sea electrical and fibre-optic connector technology. 01 November 2007
Despite a number of studies from organisations like the US' Center for Energy and Environmental Policy and the Florida Solar Energy Center - focused on using PV for emergency power - most US federal, state and local agencies have not integrated PV into disaster planning or emergency response infrastructure. Montana is a notable exception. 01 November 2007
How can a particular volume of electricity generation i.e. from renewable energy sources, be properly accounted for in order to be allocated to a particular consumer or to receive subsidies? This is exactly what an important project has been looking into. 01 November 2007
The European Biomass Association's (AEBIOM) new European Biomass Statistics 2007 report offers a comprehensive analysis of the current bioenergy situation in the EU 27 member states. Herwig Ragossnig looks at where the EU currently stands with regard to biomass, and finds that a strategy to encourage renewable heating is vital of the EU is to achieve the magic renewable energy target of 20% by 2020. 01 November 2007
A company on the Isle of Wight, geographical focus for some of the UK's leading expertise in both composites and renewable energies, has provided Reinforced Plastics with an overview on tooling used to produce today's increasingly enormous wind turbine blades. 01 October 2007
Low weight but high strength and rigidity – these properties make composites useful as construction materials in various industries, including the wind power sector. Marcus Reichl talked to composites companies supplying the wind turbine manufacturers. 09 April 2007
Advanced composite materials and technologies, particularly direct manufacturing processes such as resin infusion are becoming the preferred manufacturing choice across the wind turbine industry. Philippe Christou, Technology Manager, EMEA, at Huntsman Advanced Materials looks at the latest developments. 05 April 2007
Wind power, as the fastest growing segment of the energy sector, has become big business and how it thrives has a profound influence on the reinforced plastics industry. It continues to draw in large volumes of material, used for the rotor blades that drive the turbines, but there are questions over whether the graph can rise smoothly from now on. The major question is how quickly offshore development can take off. 02 April 2006
Blade technology is key to the effective harnessing of wind energy. Current efforts are focussing on developing blades that have higher wind energy capture and which are smarter and more durable than their predecessors. 01 April 2005
Just as there were once 10 000 windmills across Europe, countless water mills helped power the rural economy and then the industrial revolution. And, just as reinforced plastics have supported the 21st century reincarnation of windmills as wind turbines, so they are beginning to contribute to the next likely large-scale commercial renewable energy source – water current power. 01 June 2004
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