http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/ Copyright Elsevier Ltd Intuitiv Ltd (www.intuitiv.net) Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:45:17 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/_common/img/template/ref/site-logo.gif http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/12316/comment-round-two-of-the-solar-shakeout-who-will-thrive-survive-or-dive/ Lux Research assesses which solar module and inverter makers will win – and which will lose. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:25:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/12316/comment-round-two-of-the-solar-shakeout-who-will-thrive-survive-or-dive/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/12286/epia-market-installed-72-gw-of-solar-pv-in-2009/ The global solar photovoltaic electricity (PV) market counted an additional increase in installed capacity of 7.2 GW in 2009, reaching a total capacity of over 22 GW world-wide, according to the latest figures from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA). We look at which countries led the way, and then Paula Mints reviews what has shipped so far in 2010. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:14:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/12286/epia-market-installed-72-gw-of-solar-pv-in-2009/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11714/unlocking-asias-renewable-energy-potential/ Asian and Australasian countries are brimming with renewable energy resources that have never been fully exploited. Poor infrastructure is one of the main obstacles to development, says Stewart Taggart, but successful European models can provide a blueprint for the future. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11714/unlocking-asias-renewable-energy-potential/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11705/renewable-energy-in-scotland/ An excellent wind resource, powerful coastlines and a wealth of woodland give Scotland an undeniable advantage in the renewable energy race. And Scotland’s politicians appear keen on using this clean energy potential as a major tool to drive economic development. Derry Alldritt and David Hopwood report. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11705/renewable-energy-in-scotland/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11674/the-power-of-the-concentrated-sun/ During a recent visit to Siemens’ concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in Spain, Renewable Energy Focus’ Kari Williamson learnt about the company’s technology, ongoing research and plans for the future. Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11674/the-power-of-the-concentrated-sun/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11669/pv-innovations-thinfilm-technology-update/ Joyce Laird examines the latest technology developments in CIGS thin-film solar cells, and picks out the key new players in the industry on both sides of the Atlantic. Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11669/pv-innovations-thinfilm-technology-update/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11692/comment-are-solar-pv-module-prices-really-falling/ That is one of the questions asked by IMS Research as it looks at solar photovoltaic (PV) market trends for the second quarter (Q2) 2010. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:31:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11692/comment-are-solar-pv-module-prices-really-falling/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11664/solar-electricity-2009-surprise-success/ Solar (PV) surprised the market in 2009 with healthy growth and promising technical developments. Paula Mints reflects on a buoyant year and argues that the industry has a promising future as long as it lessens its reliance on incentives – and investors remain confident. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11664/solar-electricity-2009-surprise-success/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11233/securing-uk-marine-energy/ Lack of investment and an underdeveloped marine supply chain are holding back the marine energy industry in the UK. But there is room for development if the Government and private companies act on the vast potential for wave and tidal power that lies within and around the island, writes David Elliott of QinetiQ. Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:42:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11233/securing-uk-marine-energy/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11231/vessel-supply-chain-shapes-up-for-offshore-wind/ The offshore wind turbines that will fulfil the UK’s Round 3 needs require a sophisticated supply chain of service and installation vessels, not to mention highly-developed port facilities. The industry has some way to go to reach Government targets but, as George Marsh explains, marine infrastructure will develop on the right track – as long as companies can keep up with demand. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11231/vessel-supply-chain-shapes-up-for-offshore-wind/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11230/are-we-ready-to-transform-uk-waters/ The United Kingdom’s windswept coastline makes it the ideal location for exploiting the vast quantities of offshore wind energy available, and the UK Government sees this resource as vital to achieving its 2020 renewable energy targets. In addition, the UK has a unique opportunity to establish itself as a global centre of excellence for marine renewable technologies and infrastructure for wave and tidal power. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11230/are-we-ready-to-transform-uk-waters/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11106/comment-has-the-longawaited-uk-solar-revolution-really-arrived/ The UK is perhaps not the first country one thinks of when talking about solar photovoltaic (PV), but the country has some great potential. Dr Serge Younes, Sustainability Services Director at WSP Environment & Energy, explores. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:20:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11106/comment-has-the-longawaited-uk-solar-revolution-really-arrived/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10982/bigger-blades-mean-better-opportunities-for-new-core-materials/ Dr Rob Banerjee, Vice President, Business Development at WebCore Technologies, discusses how a new core material can help manufacturers of large wind turbine blades optimise their designs. Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:59:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10982/bigger-blades-mean-better-opportunities-for-new-core-materials/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11087/comment-abolition-of-rss-leaves-renewable-energy-schemes-in-doubt-warns-dpp-/ The UK coalition Government’s decision to scrap Regional Spatial Strategies (RSSs) will leave the future of renewable energy generation schemes in doubt, warns independent planning and sustainability consultancy DPP. Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:35:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11087/comment-abolition-of-rss-leaves-renewable-energy-schemes-in-doubt-warns-dpp-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11066/schott-solar-sees-future-as-bright/ Talking to Renewable Energy Focus at Intersolar, SCHOTT Solar CEO Dr Martin Heming said SCHOTT Solar managed to grow in both its concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) segments in 2009 despite the economic recession. He believes this is down to having a strong brand and high quality of products. Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:10:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/11066/schott-solar-sees-future-as-bright/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10931/heating-and-cooling-europe-with-solar/ When talking about solar thermal, it is tempting to think only about domestic hot water, and in some cases, space heating, but solar thermal has potential for larger applications and cooling/air-conditioning. Kari Larsen looks at how solar can heat and cool Europe towards 2020. Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10931/heating-and-cooling-europe-with-solar/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10922/solar-pv-and-thermal-a-marriage-made-in-heaven/ Solar photovoltaic cells become less efficient as they get hotter, a decline that can be substantial on hot sunny days. Furthermore, solar PV is inefficient and some energy is ‘lost’ to the surrounding environment. What solar PV needs is a partner able to complement its strengths and compensate its deficiencies. Fortunately, such a partner exists – solar thermal. Now it seems the two are getting together in what could be a happy marriage. Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10922/solar-pv-and-thermal-a-marriage-made-in-heaven/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10921/how-to-harness-the-power-of-advanced-weather-information-to-improve-wind-farm-decisions/ Lightning safety is a key concern for maintenance crews at wind farms, as most farms are located in wide open, lightning-prone areas and include turbine structures hundreds of feet high. And while tall structures are especially prone to lightning because they provide a conductive channel to the ground, some experts suspect that wind turbines may even have a higher risk of a lightning strike than most tall structures. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10921/how-to-harness-the-power-of-advanced-weather-information-to-improve-wind-farm-decisions/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10919/recent-developments-in-wind-resource-assessment/ Accurate measurements and assessments of wind farm sites are becoming increasing important. NRG Systems' Brendan Taylor and Steven Clark look at recent developments in wind resource assessment. Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:14:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10919/recent-developments-in-wind-resource-assessment/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10810/blade-pitch-control-systems-offer-new-challenges-to-designers-and-manufacturers/ The explosive global growth of the wind turbine industry has created several unique challenges for suppliers of the hydraulic components and systems used to control blade pitch. These challenges include an often hostile operating environment, difficult access for maintenance, and combinations of force, vibration, and motion seldom, if ever, experienced in more traditional applications. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:44:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10810/blade-pitch-control-systems-offer-new-challenges-to-designers-and-manufacturers/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10801/avoiding-stress-fractures-in-towers-through-welding-innovation/ Performance standards for wind turbine components, particularly those operating offshore, confront manufacturers with tough challenges. In this case study we look at how one organisation - the Linde Group - is offering help to wind turbine tower manufacturers. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:13:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10801/avoiding-stress-fractures-in-towers-through-welding-innovation/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10797/how-the-wind-power-industry-works-with-the-bird-community/ Wind power firms need a wide array of specialised knowledge to measure the environmental impact of their turbines. Richard Foote finds out how companies are working with ornithologists to plan wind farms around bird flight patterns and migratory routes. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:59:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10797/how-the-wind-power-industry-works-with-the-bird-community/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10792/innovations-in-pv-installation-technology/ Part 2: Utility scale installations can cover anything from municipal distributed solar centres to complete plants with acres of solar farms for harvesting the sun's energy. Building the best structures and systems that offer the technology to back them up is critical to this area. Joyce Laird turns her attention to specific installations at the distributed/commercial scale, as well as the utility side of solar PV. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:37:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10792/innovations-in-pv-installation-technology/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10472/microinverters-vs-string-inverters-for-solar-pv/ Enecsys launched its solar photovoltaic (PV) micro-inverters at Intersolar Europe in Munich on 9-11 June 2010. Assistant Editor Kari Larsen spoke to CEO Paul Engle about the advantages and disadvantages of micro-inverters compared with string inverters. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:32:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10472/microinverters-vs-string-inverters-for-solar-pv/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10385/comment-the-marine-renewable-engineering-challenge/ With its 2020 targets of 20% of energy from renewable sources, the challenge for the UK Government and the energy industry is to deliver almost a seven-fold increase in the share of renewable energy in little over a decade. The marine renewable energy potential is enormous, with an estimated, technically exploitable potential of some 15 TWh, however, little of this potential has been realised. Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10385/comment-the-marine-renewable-engineering-challenge/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10235/comment-feedin-tariff-reductions-in-europe-to-change-solar-pv-market/ The period from 2010 to 2012 is shaping up to be one of significant transformation for the European solar photovoltaic (PV) industry as it confronts regulatory incentive revisions, expanding market development opportunities and scaling competition from better financed and more robust power players, says IHS Research. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:11:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10235/comment-feedin-tariff-reductions-in-europe-to-change-solar-pv-market/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10157/rea-event-puts-uks-renewable-future-in-sharp-focus/ On 9 June the UK's Renewable Energy Association hosted an event in the House of Commons, with new DECC Minister of State Charles Hendry on hand to address the question: is the UK on track with renewables? Elizabeth Block was there. Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:16:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/10157/rea-event-puts-uks-renewable-future-in-sharp-focus/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9950/2009-snap-shot-investment-in-alternative-energy-increased-dramatically-/ Investments in the alternative energy market saw a 59% increase in deal value last year, reporting US$678.1 billion in 2009, compared to US$425.5 billion in 2008. Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9950/2009-snap-shot-investment-in-alternative-energy-increased-dramatically-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9934/comment-uk-needs-to-do-more-to-support-renewables/ The renewable energy resources are there in the UK, but the Government needs to put its money where its mouth is, urges Tom Hopkinson. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:30:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9934/comment-uk-needs-to-do-more-to-support-renewables/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9909/narec-becomes-national-renewable-energy-testing-and-training-hub/ The National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in the UK is set to become a national hub for renewable energy testing, and perhaps even training. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9909/narec-becomes-national-renewable-energy-testing-and-training-hub/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9912/offshore-wind-potential-entices-ge-back-in-/ GE's enthusiasm for the offshore wind turbine sector has been rekindled with the acquisition of ScanWind, and a new offshore model is planned. David Hopwood travelled to GE Wind's European wind turbine headquarters in Salzbergen, Germany, and spoke to Stephan Ritter, general manager of Europe & offshore wind for GE Energy's renewable energy business. Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:20:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9912/offshore-wind-potential-entices-ge-back-in-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9893/comment-germany-to-raise-solar-target-for-2010-and-to-adjust-pv-tariffs/ The German political establishment has agreed to substantially raise the target installation rate of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems from 1.1-1.7 GW per year in 2010 to 2.5 -3.5 GW per year. Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:55:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9893/comment-germany-to-raise-solar-target-for-2010-and-to-adjust-pv-tariffs/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9529/using-cpv-to-deliver-fresh-water/ Could a combination of concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) and micro-generation provide clean, fresh water to places where it is needed most? Tue, 18 May 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9529/using-cpv-to-deliver-fresh-water/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9341/eu-renewables-will-the-decade-belong-to-onshore-wind/ Onshore wind is set to be the star technology in helping the EU’s 27 Member States to meet their mandatory targets for 20% of the EU’s energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2020. Gail Rajgor speaks to Christian Kjaer, Chief Executive Officer of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), about where the biggest markets will be and which other countries are worth watching for some potential surprises. Fri, 14 May 2010 09:36:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9341/eu-renewables-will-the-decade-belong-to-onshore-wind/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9227/comment-district-heating-and-beyond-bioenergy-lessons-from-finland/ These days residents of Finnish cities, towns and villages, nestled among thick forests and thousands of cold lakes, are kept warm by wood. Bioenergy from wood pellets, chips or biofuel fuels a central boiler and pipes the heat into the local hospital, schools, and homes. For many of these towns, cooperative district heating models have brought not only a lower carbon footprint, but the foundation for a thriving, local economy. Wed, 12 May 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9227/comment-district-heating-and-beyond-bioenergy-lessons-from-finland/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9225/comment-norfolk-engineering-firms-gear-up-for-windfall/ Norfolk’s energy and engineering companies are determined to reap the benefits of Round 3 of offshore wind licensing in the UK, according to regional energy chiefs. Mon, 10 May 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9225/comment-norfolk-engineering-firms-gear-up-for-windfall/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9224/comment-australian-solar-shines-in-2009-updated/ Despite the global financial crisis, the Australian solar power industry grew a phenomenal 366% in 2009. Driven by a rebate that enabled ‘free’ solar power systems to be sold, installations of grid connected solar power systems grew even eclipsed past-years’ 200% growth. Will Australia be able to repeat these figures in 2010, now that the Federal Government’s rebate has been substituted for a far less generous point-of-sale discount? Thu, 06 May 2010 11:24:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9224/comment-australian-solar-shines-in-2009-updated/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9125/storing-energy-look-to-the-future/ The increasing penetration of variable energy sources in some parts of the world is making it more difficult to match production with demand. So more robust energy storage options will have to be part of future energy systems. Bent Sørensen reports. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9125/storing-energy-look-to-the-future/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9059/helping-the-uk-energyfromwaste-industry-succeed/ Government legislation and pressure on local authority waste management strategies have, in recent years, led to the explosive growth of the energy-from-waste industry. Simon Ellam from Siemens Industry Automation looks at some of the market drivers and standard issues facing plant controllers and operators. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/9059/helping-the-uk-energyfromwaste-industry-succeed/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8783/are-cellulosic-biofuels-set-to-compete-with-oil/ The unpredictable price of oil is slowly changing industry and public sentiment in favour of bio-based energy. Especially in the USA. But before the biofuels market can fully commercialise, the public sector needs to clarify its goals. Jim Imbler, President and CEO of ZeaChem (a company active in the development of cellulosic ethanol), reports. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:11:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8783/are-cellulosic-biofuels-set-to-compete-with-oil/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8659/eu-renewable-energy-national-action-plans-naps-the-current-status/ EU Member States are currently preparing National Action Plans to detail how they will meet their renewable energy targets. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8659/eu-renewable-energy-national-action-plans-naps-the-current-status/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8660/innovations-in-pv-installation-technology/ Part 1: Cell manufacturers continue to drive down the cost of manufacturing and boost efficiency of their products. But it’s for nothing if installation costs and peripheral devices that harvest usable energy from the cells negate the manufacturing cost savings, and add to the price for the end user. Joyce Laird looks at what is being done on the user end to move PV closer to a universal reality – one that meets all demands at a reasonable cost. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:52:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8660/innovations-in-pv-installation-technology/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8621/comment-a-change-of-direction-for-solar-inverters/ The new medium-voltage directive of the German Federal Association of Energy and Water Management (BDEW) demands that photovoltaic inverters no longer turn themselves off after a temporary blackout. Sputnik Engineering AG has adapted their SolarMax products accordingly. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:16:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8621/comment-a-change-of-direction-for-solar-inverters/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8662/are-eu-member-states-energy-efficiency-plans-efficient-enough/ Energy efficiency is not as easy to achieve as one would think. The 27 EU member states themselves are struggling to get targets and actions straight, but an EU project has been running to make sure these will ultimately be set in place. Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8662/are-eu-member-states-energy-efficiency-plans-efficient-enough/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8620/reaching-the-eus-2020-renewable-energy-targets/ As part of the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) in March, two of the panel debates discussed how to reach the EU’s 2020 renewable energy targets and how the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) plan will ensure successful implementation. Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8620/reaching-the-eus-2020-renewable-energy-targets/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8610/pv-in-2010-clouds-on-the-horizon/ 2010 was predicted by many to be the year that solar PV recovered some of the ground lost over the past 18 months after the industry’s well-documented problems. So how are things likely to play out? Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8610/pv-in-2010-clouds-on-the-horizon/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8568/nrels-new-robots-scrutinise-solar-cells/ The race to build a better solar cell is looping through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory where new robots are fabricating thin-film cells and analysing glitches faster and with more precision than ever before. Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:36:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8568/nrels-new-robots-scrutinise-solar-cells/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8379/the-challenges-ahead-yvo-de-boer/ Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has outlined the challenges lying ahead for combating climate change and securing energy supply. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:54:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8379/the-challenges-ahead-yvo-de-boer/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8167/offshore-wind-do-we-have-what-it-takes/ According to analyst Emerging Energy Research (EER), the global installed offshore wind base is expected to grow to nearly 45 GW in 2020. But how far are we away from the technology and supply chain to reach that goal? Renewable Energy Focus' Kari Larsen investigates. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8167/offshore-wind-do-we-have-what-it-takes/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8169/hywind-floating-offshore-wind-turbine-foundation/ “We didn’t understand why it shouldn’t be possible to mount a wind turbine on a floating construction,” Sjur Bratland, Asset Manager for Hywind at Statoil. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8169/hywind-floating-offshore-wind-turbine-foundation/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8159/abu-dhabis-masdar-plan-takes-shape/ If anyone was in any doubt that the UAE’s Abu Dhabi is serious about its alternative energy credentials, think again. The richest Emirate's vision to look past its vast fossil fuel heritage and be seen as purveyors and thought leaders of a brave new world of sustainable living and renewable energy development is gaining momentum rapidly. David Hopwood visited Abu Dhabi and the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) to see for himself. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:55:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8159/abu-dhabis-masdar-plan-takes-shape/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7639/the-importance-of-intellectual-property-for-renewable-energy-companies/ Many renewable energy companies have intellectual property (IP) at their heart - the unique aspect of the company, whether it be a new technology or application. But does this IP have the potential to attract investors and, eventually, a market? Are you making the most of it? Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:12:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7639/the-importance-of-intellectual-property-for-renewable-energy-companies/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7635/whos-tracking-the-money-renewable-energy-investment/ Before 'clean energy' climbed up to the top of the political agenda, a number of people already had their eye on investment in the environmental and renewable energy sector. Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7635/whos-tracking-the-money-renewable-energy-investment/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7712/environmental-testing-is-critical-to-cleantech-commercial-success/ The Advanced Testing and Validation Centre at the NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation in Vancouver, British Columbia provides a specialized environment for objective, reliable and accurate standardized performance characterization and long-term testing applications of hydrogen, fuel cell, and other clean energy technologies in real-world conditions. Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:26:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7712/environmental-testing-is-critical-to-cleantech-commercial-success/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7634/who-got-the-money-running-the-renewable-energy-funding-gauntlet/ Many renewable energy companies have run the gauntlet from original idea to initial funding to institu-tional funding. We present our case studies. Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7634/who-got-the-money-running-the-renewable-energy-funding-gauntlet/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7669/wind-for-australian-aboriginal-community/ A remote school in Australia has recently celebrated the commissioning of a wind turbine bringing 24-hour electricity to their community for the first time. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:12:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7669/wind-for-australian-aboriginal-community/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7631/whos-got-money-for-cleantech/ Following the financial crisis, are things getting easier for early stage cleantech companies and those ripe for investment? Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:38:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7631/whos-got-money-for-cleantech/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7438/bioenergy-from-olive-oil/ Widely used throughout the Mediterranean and beyond for cooking olive oil, or its residues are also an important bioenergy source. Andy Allen reports from Spain. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:21:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7438/bioenergy-from-olive-oil/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7435/maximising-wave-power/ Technology for extracting power from waves is still very much at the developmental stage, but it is already well known that devices in which the waves set up an oscillation work better if they can achieve resonance with the ‘forcing’ impulse i.e. the waves. In fact, exploiting the resonance phenomenon can amplify harvested wave power several times over what it would otherwise be. George Marsh investigates. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:32:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7435/maximising-wave-power/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7350/solar-pv-innovations-on-the-leading-edge-for-2010-/ There are many materials, techniques and technologies ready to announce their arrival on the solar PV scene. All will stretch the solar PV focus in some way. Some are very new and far-reaching, while others are focused on addressing immediate issues. But all are ready to be implemented within the next few months. Joyce Laird rounds up the ones to watch. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:44:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7350/solar-pv-innovations-on-the-leading-edge-for-2010-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7329/comment-is-the-biofuel-bubble-bursting/ Following a production boom from 2000-2008, biofuel is now leaving the R&D stage entering the commercial realm – something that could prune the biofuel company landscape. Lux Research looks into how to make biofuel companies successful. Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7329/comment-is-the-biofuel-bubble-bursting/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7283/china-to-lead-global-wind-energy-development/ There is good news in the wind for proponents of wind power. Wind turbine capacity has been increasing dramatically, and the unit cost of power generated by wind energy is expected to drop further. Much of this will continue to be credited to China’s efforts, according to a new report from the Global Intelligence Alliance. Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:21:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7283/china-to-lead-global-wind-energy-development/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6628/renewable-energy-at-linde-gas/ Linde’s involvement in renewable energy stretches back 20 years, when Linde started its development of hydrogen as a fuel. Since then, the company has entered renewable energy areas such as biogas, biomass, wind, geothermal, solar photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal, and fuel cells. Here Renewable Energy Focus’ Steve Barrett and Kari Larsen talk to Alan Watkins, Head of Merchant and Packaged Gases, and Andreas Opfermann, Head of Innovation Management at Linde Gas. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:36:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6628/renewable-energy-at-linde-gas/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7209/comment-france-ups-feedin-tariff-for-solar-geothermal-and-biomass-/ France has introduced new feed-in tariffs for 2010 with higher geothermal, biomass, and building integrated solar photovoltaic (BIPV) tariffs than in 2009. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:23:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7209/comment-france-ups-feedin-tariff-for-solar-geothermal-and-biomass-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7033/getting-real-about-small-wind/ 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. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:19:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7033/getting-real-about-small-wind/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7031/green-build-for-social-housing/ 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. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:20:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/7031/green-build-for-social-housing/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6252/big-challenges-the-role-of-resins-in-wind-turbine-rotor-blade-development/ 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. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:30:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6252/big-challenges-the-role-of-resins-in-wind-turbine-rotor-blade-development/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6728/renewable-methane-supply-secured-on-the-shores-of-lake-kivu-/ 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. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:18:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6728/renewable-methane-supply-secured-on-the-shores-of-lake-kivu-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6721/comment-banking-on-europes-offshore-wind-industry/ 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. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:52:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6721/comment-banking-on-europes-offshore-wind-industry/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6673/bright-sun-cool-cities/ A new low-energy concept focusing on solar energy promises energy savings of up to 70 % in villas in the Gulf. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:44:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6673/bright-sun-cool-cities/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6575/co2-conundrum-how-do-we-reduce-it-in-buildings/ 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. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6575/co2-conundrum-how-do-we-reduce-it-in-buildings/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6442/transition-to-a-commercial-fuel-cell-vehicle-market-in-california/ 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. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:45:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6442/transition-to-a-commercial-fuel-cell-vehicle-market-in-california/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6530/usgbc-leeds-the-way-in-green-build/ 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. Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:31:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6530/usgbc-leeds-the-way-in-green-build/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6446/high-voltage-at-the-wind-farm-om-safety/ 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? Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6446/high-voltage-at-the-wind-farm-om-safety/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6398/fuel-cells-can-the-industry-seize-the-initiative/ 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. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:48:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6398/fuel-cells-can-the-industry-seize-the-initiative/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6351/austin-energy-looks-to-renewable-energy/ 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. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:55:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6351/austin-energy-looks-to-renewable-energy/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6284/comment-how-do-we-get-to-a-sustainable-future/ 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. Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6284/comment-how-do-we-get-to-a-sustainable-future/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6283/technology-start-ups-what-are-the-legal-challenges/ 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. Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:44:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6283/technology-start-ups-what-are-the-legal-challenges/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6138/what-will-the-feedin-tariff-in-britain-look-like/ 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... Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:38:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6138/what-will-the-feedin-tariff-in-britain-look-like/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6114/shortterm-energy-storage-adaptable-flexibility-/ 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. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6114/shortterm-energy-storage-adaptable-flexibility-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6113/om-safety-at-the-wind-farm-/ 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. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:50:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/6113/om-safety-at-the-wind-farm-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5926/rise-of-the-superconductor-part-2/ 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. Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5926/rise-of-the-superconductor-part-2/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5925/cop15-what-can-renewable-energy-expect-from-cop15/ 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). Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5925/cop15-what-can-renewable-energy-expect-from-cop15/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5801/usa-update-transmission-top-of-the-agenda/ 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. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5801/usa-update-transmission-top-of-the-agenda/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5754/comment-us-senate-climate-change-bill-rained-on-by-democrats/ 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. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5754/comment-us-senate-climate-change-bill-rained-on-by-democrats/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5755/comment-would-a-new-us-climate-change-bill-fund-solar/ 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). Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5755/comment-would-a-new-us-climate-change-bill-fund-solar/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5757/comment-us-ferc-does-the-rhetoric-match-the-results/ 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? Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5757/comment-us-ferc-does-the-rhetoric-match-the-results/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4930/comment-alignment-with-target-values-reduces-vibrations-in-wind-turbine-drive-trains/ 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. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4930/comment-alignment-with-target-values-reduces-vibrations-in-wind-turbine-drive-trains/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5595/from-intermittent-to-variable-can-we-manage-wind-power/ 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. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5595/from-intermittent-to-variable-can-we-manage-wind-power/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5526/comment-uk-lacks-skills-to-make-low-carbon-transition/ 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. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5526/comment-uk-lacks-skills-to-make-low-carbon-transition/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5381/options-for-micro-wind-generation-part-three/ 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. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5381/options-for-micro-wind-generation-part-three/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5353/comment-australias-largest-solar-feedin-tariff/ 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. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5353/comment-australias-largest-solar-feedin-tariff/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5362/is-transmission-in-the-usa-back-at-the-top-of-the-agenda-/ 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. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5362/is-transmission-in-the-usa-back-at-the-top-of-the-agenda-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5234/solar-pv-innovation-the-new-buzz-/ 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. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5234/solar-pv-innovation-the-new-buzz-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5030/smart-grids-a-smart-idea/ 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. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5030/smart-grids-a-smart-idea/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4914/australian-renewable-energy-crisis-as-rec-price-dives/ 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. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4914/australian-renewable-energy-crisis-as-rec-price-dives/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4832/comment-foreign-investor-must-understand-cfius-regulations-to-invest-in-the-us-wind-energy-/ 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. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4832/comment-foreign-investor-must-understand-cfius-regulations-to-invest-in-the-us-wind-energy-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4777/irena-comes-into-being/ 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). Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4777/irena-comes-into-being/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4685/could-advances-in-solar-photovoltaics-pv-make-solarcharged-portable-products-feasible/ 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. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4685/could-advances-in-solar-photovoltaics-pv-make-solarcharged-portable-products-feasible/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4689/renewable-energy-microfinancing-oxymoron-or-reality/ 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). Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4689/renewable-energy-microfinancing-oxymoron-or-reality/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4517/quality-protocol-introduced-for-biodiesel-from-waste-cooking-oil-and-rendered-animal-fats/ 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… Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4517/quality-protocol-introduced-for-biodiesel-from-waste-cooking-oil-and-rendered-animal-fats/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4535/comment-is-renewable-energy-finally-coming-of-age/ 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. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4535/comment-is-renewable-energy-finally-coming-of-age/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4380/us-congress-drains-us2-billion-from-renewable-loan-guarantees/ 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. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4380/us-congress-drains-us2-billion-from-renewable-loan-guarantees/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4394/reff-focuses-on-the-silver-lining-for-clean-energy/ The 11th Renewable Energy Finance Forum, presented by Euromoney Energy Events in London, kicked off on 21 September 2009. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4394/reff-focuses-on-the-silver-lining-for-clean-energy/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4218/eu-pvsec-solar-pv-policy-debate/ 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. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4218/eu-pvsec-solar-pv-policy-debate/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4076/the-impact-of-the-us-energy-policy-act-on-the-pumps-industry/ 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. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/4076/the-impact-of-the-us-energy-policy-act-on-the-pumps-industry/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3760/us-to-start-new-wind-energy-research-program-/ A House committee has started the legislative ball rolling to develop a more coordinated, substantial US wind energy research program, reports Steve Barlas. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3760/us-to-start-new-wind-energy-research-program-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3687/comment-time-for-tidal-power-turbines-to-prove-their-operational-capability-/ 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 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3687/comment-time-for-tidal-power-turbines-to-prove-their-operational-capability-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3690/biogas-project-in-malawi-leads-to-other-benefits/ 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. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3690/biogas-project-in-malawi-leads-to-other-benefits/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3613/green-light-for-unique-nova-offshore-wind-turbine----------------------/ 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). Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3613/green-light-for-unique-nova-offshore-wind-turbine----------------------/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3199/dc-microgrids-a-new-source-of-local-power-generation-/ 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. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3199/dc-microgrids-a-new-source-of-local-power-generation-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3134/comment-it-is-time-to-cool-it-with-wind/ 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. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3134/comment-it-is-time-to-cool-it-with-wind/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3136/ethanol-and-co2-in-the-usa/ What could a raft of potential new CO2 iniatives in the USA mean for the country's Ethanol industry? Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3136/ethanol-and-co2-in-the-usa/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3107/highlights-of-indias-20-gw-solar-energy-plans-/ This week India launched a major solar initiative - the National Solar Plan: Our India correspondent sets out the highlights. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3107/highlights-of-indias-20-gw-solar-energy-plans-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3005/endoflife-pv-then-what-recycling-solar-pv-panels/ 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. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3005/endoflife-pv-then-what-recycling-solar-pv-panels/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3245/wind-power-in-romania-/ 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. Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3245/wind-power-in-romania-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3246/how-to-handle-defective-pv-cells-and-wafers-/ 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. Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3246/how-to-handle-defective-pv-cells-and-wafers-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3248/solar-thermal-thriving-in-the-shadows/ 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? Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3248/solar-thermal-thriving-in-the-shadows/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2711/comment-recession-what-recession-/ Good news from renewables as Dieter Holm looks forward to the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) SWC2009 in South Africa later this year... Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2711/comment-recession-what-recession-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2713/snapshot-spain-in-a-nutshell/ 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 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2713/snapshot-spain-in-a-nutshell/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2608/geothermal-power-generation-in-germany-challenges-for-plant-and-materials-engineering/ 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. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2608/geothermal-power-generation-in-germany-challenges-for-plant-and-materials-engineering/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2525/efw-could-biogas-be-used-to-power-fuel-cells/ 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. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2525/efw-could-biogas-be-used-to-power-fuel-cells/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2458/options-for-microwind-generation-part-2/ 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. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2458/options-for-microwind-generation-part-2/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2389/comment-us-deal-offers-glimmer-of-hope/ 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... Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2389/comment-us-deal-offers-glimmer-of-hope/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2391/yes-to-res-us-wind-industry-rallies-in-chicago/ 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 … Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2391/yes-to-res-us-wind-industry-rallies-in-chicago/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3208/us-sets-the-standard-with-federal-renewable-electricity-bill/ 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. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3208/us-sets-the-standard-with-federal-renewable-electricity-bill/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3215/us-senate-committee-finds-it-tough-going-/ 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. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3215/us-senate-committee-finds-it-tough-going-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3220/can-landscape-architects-aid-wind-development/ 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. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3220/can-landscape-architects-aid-wind-development/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3221/solar-mapping-demystifying-solar-potential/ 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? Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3221/solar-mapping-demystifying-solar-potential/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3223/intersolar-2009-report/ 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. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3223/intersolar-2009-report/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3224/rise-of-the-superconductor-/ Could superconductors transform the economics of wind power? Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3224/rise-of-the-superconductor-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2204/renewables-in-africa-part-2/ 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. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2204/renewables-in-africa-part-2/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2082/power-stations-can-solar-power-join-the-big-hitters/ 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. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/2082/power-stations-can-solar-power-join-the-big-hitters/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1999/algae-an-annoying-growth-or-green-bioenergy-gold/ 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. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1999/algae-an-annoying-growth-or-green-bioenergy-gold/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3242/us-energy-bills-go-head-to-head/ Both houses of the US Congress have started work on energy bills they hope to pass by autumn. Stephen Barlas investigates. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3242/us-energy-bills-go-head-to-head/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3243/om-for-wind-turbine-blades/ 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. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3243/om-for-wind-turbine-blades/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1860/marine-energy-can-balance-intermittency-of-renewables/ 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. Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1860/marine-energy-can-balance-intermittency-of-renewables/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1710/wave-and-tidal-power-an-emerging-new-market-for-composites/ 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? Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1710/wave-and-tidal-power-an-emerging-new-market-for-composites/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1751/renewables-and-the-smart-grid-/ 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. Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1751/renewables-and-the-smart-grid-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1708/bipv-hotspots-in-the-eu-/ 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. Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1708/bipv-hotspots-in-the-eu-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3188/can-csp-and-wind-coexist/ 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) Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3188/can-csp-and-wind-coexist/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3190/are-electric-vehicles-here-to-stay/ 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. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3190/are-electric-vehicles-here-to-stay/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3193/the-us-utility-and-decoupling-/ 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. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3193/the-us-utility-and-decoupling-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3200/reasons-to-be-cheerful-for-the-renewable-energy-sector/ 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. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3200/reasons-to-be-cheerful-for-the-renewable-energy-sector/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3201/managing-variations-in-wind-power-through-storage/ 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. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3201/managing-variations-in-wind-power-through-storage/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1451/voltage-control-scheme-proves-its-power-on-landfill-site/ 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. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1451/voltage-control-scheme-proves-its-power-on-landfill-site/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1379/the-importance-of-wind-forecasting-/ 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. Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1379/the-importance-of-wind-forecasting-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1280/solar-electricity-in-australia/ 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. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1280/solar-electricity-in-australia/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1278/energy-cost-savings-with-centrifugal-pumps-/ 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. Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1278/energy-cost-savings-with-centrifugal-pumps-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1064/investing-in-wind-power/ 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. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1064/investing-in-wind-power/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1071/global-wind-industry-statistics-2008/ 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. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1071/global-wind-industry-statistics-2008/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/917/skills-shortages-for-uk-renewables-industry-revealed/ 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. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/917/skills-shortages-for-uk-renewables-industry-revealed/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/950/using-energy-storage-for-intermittency-problems/ 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. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/950/using-energy-storage-for-intermittency-problems/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1396/improving-wind-turbine-gearbox-reliability-with-om/ 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? Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1396/improving-wind-turbine-gearbox-reliability-with-om/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1400/wga-to-tackle-us-transmission/ 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. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1400/wga-to-tackle-us-transmission/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1401/renewables-take-centre-stage/ 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. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1401/renewables-take-centre-stage/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1413/obamas-renewables-boost/ 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. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1413/obamas-renewables-boost/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1480/options-for-microwind-generation-part-1/ 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. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1480/options-for-microwind-generation-part-1/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3184/creating-the-21st-century-us-grid/ 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. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3184/creating-the-21st-century-us-grid/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3186/advancements-in-the-clean-vehicle-industry/ 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. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3186/advancements-in-the-clean-vehicle-industry/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3187/pv-manufacturesynergy-without-dependance/ 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. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3187/pv-manufacturesynergy-without-dependance/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/918/renewables-in-africa/ 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. Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/918/renewables-in-africa/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/150/promising-but-uncertain-future-for-renewables-in-china/ Renewable energy in China has a promising future, but more incentives are needed, write Geoffrey D. Mullen and Weidong Wang at Grandall Legal Group. Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/150/promising-but-uncertain-future-for-renewables-in-china/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/886/investing-in-geothermal/ 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. Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/886/investing-in-geothermal/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/931/biomass-from-algae-/ 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? Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/931/biomass-from-algae-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/319/recycling-wind/ 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. Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/319/recycling-wind/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/537/economic-stimulus-in-the-usa/ 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? Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/537/economic-stimulus-in-the-usa/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1397/wind-turbine-downtime-and-the-om-team/ 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? Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1397/wind-turbine-downtime-and-the-om-team/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1398/integrating-renewables-into-us-utility-portfolios-/ 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... Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1398/integrating-renewables-into-us-utility-portfolios-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1404/a-long-way-to-cop-15-/ 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. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1404/a-long-way-to-cop-15-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1802/renewable-energy-rising-in-chile/ 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. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1802/renewable-energy-rising-in-chile/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3152/how-can-the-offshore-wind-industry-overcome-om-obstacles/ 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? Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3152/how-can-the-offshore-wind-industry-overcome-om-obstacles/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3153/emissions-trading-for-better-or-for-worse/ Bill Eggertson looks at a number of hiccups in the Emissions Trading System (ETS) that must be overcome to ease the way for renewables. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3153/emissions-trading-for-better-or-for-worse/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3157/hydrogen-production-from-renewables/ 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? Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3157/hydrogen-production-from-renewables/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3159/harnessing-geography-for-european-wind/ 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. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3159/harnessing-geography-for-european-wind/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3161/siemens-wind-power-a-profile/ 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. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3161/siemens-wind-power-a-profile/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3163/wind-turbine-innovation-at-the-british-wind-energy-association-bwea30-event/ 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.. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3163/wind-turbine-innovation-at-the-british-wind-energy-association-bwea30-event/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3164/full-steam-ahead-for-photovoltaics-in-us-homes/ 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. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3164/full-steam-ahead-for-photovoltaics-in-us-homes/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3165/the-obama-administration-prospects-for-alternative-energy/ 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. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3165/the-obama-administration-prospects-for-alternative-energy/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3177/can-the-solar-photovoltaic-industry-beat-the-economic-downturn/ 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? Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3177/can-the-solar-photovoltaic-industry-beat-the-economic-downturn/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3258/climate-urgent-action-required-/ 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… Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3258/climate-urgent-action-required-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3259/round-3-of-uk-offshore-wind-development-underway/ 96 entities have set their sights on the UK's latest round of offshore wind project development. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3259/round-3-of-uk-offshore-wind-development-underway/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3260/renewables-and-carbon-trading-/ Where next for renewable energies in the fast-developing world of carbon trading? Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3260/renewables-and-carbon-trading-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3262/clean-energy-stocks-take-a-hit-/ 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? Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3262/clean-energy-stocks-take-a-hit-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3267/focus-on-anaerobic-digestion/ 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 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3267/focus-on-anaerobic-digestion/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3268/tidal-power-an-update/ 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. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3268/tidal-power-an-update/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/261/private-pv-installation-a-sign-of-things-to-come-in-sunny-alberta/ 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. Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/261/private-pv-installation-a-sign-of-things-to-come-in-sunny-alberta/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/772/focus-on-small-hydro-/ 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. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/772/focus-on-small-hydro-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/972/biomass-in-the-usa-/ 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. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/972/biomass-in-the-usa-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3270/case-study-biogas-harvest-for-us-farm/ 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. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3270/case-study-biogas-harvest-for-us-farm/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3271/making-wind-more-efficient-/ 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. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3271/making-wind-more-efficient-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3272/innovation-in-concentrating-thermal-solar-power-csp/ 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. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3272/innovation-in-concentrating-thermal-solar-power-csp/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3274/eu-pvsec-a-review-of-2008s-solar-pv-event/ 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… Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3274/eu-pvsec-a-review-of-2008s-solar-pv-event/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3276/husum-windenergy-welcomes-offshore-wind-sector-/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3276/husum-windenergy-welcomes-offshore-wind-sector-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3279/t-boones-stake-in-wind-power-/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3279/t-boones-stake-in-wind-power-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3280/column-carbon-credits-low-hanging-fruit-no-more-/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3280/column-carbon-credits-low-hanging-fruit-no-more-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3284/wilderhill-new-energy-global-innovation-index-reacts-badly-to-global-economy-/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3284/wilderhill-new-energy-global-innovation-index-reacts-badly-to-global-economy-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3285/no-childs-play-making-small-wind-pay-/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3285/no-childs-play-making-small-wind-pay-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3287/renewable-electricity-and-transmission-hvdc-and-supergrids/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3287/renewable-electricity-and-transmission-hvdc-and-supergrids/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3291/csp-sees-a-bright-future-for-linear-fresnel-technology/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3291/csp-sees-a-bright-future-for-linear-fresnel-technology/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3292/what-are-the-tools-of-the-wind-turbine-blade-trade-/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3292/what-are-the-tools-of-the-wind-turbine-blade-trade-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3304/can-dyesensitised-solar-cells-deliver-lowcost-pv-/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3304/can-dyesensitised-solar-cells-deliver-lowcost-pv-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3307/mainstreaming-solar-pv-in-the-usa-/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3307/mainstreaming-solar-pv-in-the-usa-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3308/north-east-uk-ready-and-waiting-for-renewable-energy/ 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. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3308/north-east-uk-ready-and-waiting-for-renewable-energy/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/795/quantitatively-estimating-the-cost-of-converting-now-or-later/ 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?" Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/795/quantitatively-estimating-the-cost-of-converting-now-or-later/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/399/load-balancing-pse-installs-wind-with-pv/ 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. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/399/load-balancing-pse-installs-wind-with-pv/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3323/solar-pv-demand-2007-and-beyond/ 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. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3323/solar-pv-demand-2007-and-beyond/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/843/denmark-continues-its-renewable-tradition-/ 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. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/843/denmark-continues-its-renewable-tradition-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3311/nex-update-april-may/ 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. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3311/nex-update-april-may/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3313/venture-capitalists-getting-on-the-cleantech-radar/ 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? Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3313/venture-capitalists-getting-on-the-cleantech-radar/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3314/uk-potential-for-wind-wave-and-tidal-in-focus/ 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… Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3314/uk-potential-for-wind-wave-and-tidal-in-focus/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3315/wind-and-renewable-energy-from-beijing-to-houston/ 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. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3315/wind-and-renewable-energy-from-beijing-to-houston/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3317/mandatory-or-voluntary-carbon-reduction/ Part three: Where does the renewable energy industry fit into the mandatory and voluntary carbon reduction schemes? Bill Eggertson reports. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3317/mandatory-or-voluntary-carbon-reduction/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3318/pv-make-way-for-the-organic-movement-/ 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? Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3318/pv-make-way-for-the-organic-movement-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3320/biofuel-aviation-alternative-/ 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. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3320/biofuel-aviation-alternative-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3321/csp-dish-projects-under-development-/ This article looks introduces an interesting aspect of concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) technology, namely solar dishes. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3321/csp-dish-projects-under-development-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3322/indium-and-gallium-longterm-supply-/ 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. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3322/indium-and-gallium-longterm-supply-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3332/renewable-energy-in-the-carbon-market/ 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. Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3332/renewable-energy-in-the-carbon-market/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3326/new-energy-finance-summit-proves-a-success-amidst-stock-turmoil-/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3326/new-energy-finance-summit-proves-a-success-amidst-stock-turmoil-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3330/seagen-tidal-installation-moves-forward-/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3330/seagen-tidal-installation-moves-forward-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3333/eu-directive-trading-places/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3333/eu-directive-trading-places/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3335/ocean-energy-technology-basics-/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3335/ocean-energy-technology-basics-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3339/is-the-offshore-wind-market-poised-for-scale-/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3339/is-the-offshore-wind-market-poised-for-scale-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3351/qcells-solar-pv-at-the-sharp-end-/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3351/qcells-solar-pv-at-the-sharp-end-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3352/building-integrated-photovoltaics-bipv-innovation-puts-spotlight-on-solar/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3352/building-integrated-photovoltaics-bipv-innovation-puts-spotlight-on-solar/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3354/former-east-germany-gains-solar-boost-/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3354/former-east-germany-gains-solar-boost-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3355/tapping-into-the-power-of-energy-from-waste/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3355/tapping-into-the-power-of-energy-from-waste/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3357/australia-ready-for-renewable-investment-/ 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. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3357/australia-ready-for-renewable-investment-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/904/eu-directive-trading-places-/ 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. Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/904/eu-directive-trading-places-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1375/inservice-monitoring-of-turbine-blades/ 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. Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1375/inservice-monitoring-of-turbine-blades/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5015/csp-power-tower-technology/ 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. Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/5015/csp-power-tower-technology/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3390/parabolic-troughs-concentrating-solar-power-csps-quiet-achiever-/ 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. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3390/parabolic-troughs-concentrating-solar-power-csps-quiet-achiever-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3374/danish-wind-project-to-take-eons/ 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. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3374/danish-wind-project-to-take-eons/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3375/2007-a-year-to-remember-for-climate-change/ After digesting the contents of the first events of the year, Steve Sawyer hopes that 2008 can live up to the promise of 2007. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3375/2007-a-year-to-remember-for-climate-change/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3376/trading-to-win-in-renewable-energy-indepth-look-at-carbon-trading-/ In the first installment of a new column for renewable energy focus, Bill Eggertson introduces the issues surrounding carbon trading. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3376/trading-to-win-in-renewable-energy-indepth-look-at-carbon-trading-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3380/stocks-plunge-amid-selloff-/ Tom Greenwood of New Energy Finance takes the reins of the “markets” column, and analyses the mixed fortunes experienced by the NEX in December and January. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3380/stocks-plunge-amid-selloff-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/907/suzlon-feels-the-need-for-speed/ 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. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/907/suzlon-feels-the-need-for-speed/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3423/asia-sleeping-solar-pv-giant-or-simply-sleeping/ 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. Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3423/asia-sleeping-solar-pv-giant-or-simply-sleeping/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3424/meeting-the-solar-pv-gigawatt-challenge-/ 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? Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3424/meeting-the-solar-pv-gigawatt-challenge-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3441/an-introduction-to-concentrating-solar-thermal-power-csp-/ 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. Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3441/an-introduction-to-concentrating-solar-thermal-power-csp-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3449/community-consultation-and-wind-energy/ 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? Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3449/community-consultation-and-wind-energy/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3455/intelligent-wind-turbine-blade-monitoring-the-benefits-/ 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. Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3455/intelligent-wind-turbine-blade-monitoring-the-benefits-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3457/renewable-energy-the-future-for-the-developing-world-/ 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. Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3457/renewable-energy-the-future-for-the-developing-world-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3461/financing-solar-pv-the-fundamentals-ii-/ 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. Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3461/financing-solar-pv-the-fundamentals-ii-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3546/reff-calls-for-extra-policy-muscle/ 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. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3546/reff-calls-for-extra-policy-muscle/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3550/watts-2007-wind-and-tidal-symposium-report/ 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. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3550/watts-2007-wind-and-tidal-symposium-report/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3556/renewable-energy-in-the-news/ 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. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3556/renewable-energy-in-the-news/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3567/hvdc-transmission-from-energy-source-to-consumer/ 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. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3567/hvdc-transmission-from-energy-source-to-consumer/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3600/green-building-how-can-passive-and-active-systems-work-together/ 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. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3600/green-building-how-can-passive-and-active-systems-work-together/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3611/electrical-connection-systems-for-offshore-windfarms-and-marine-applications/ 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. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3611/electrical-connection-systems-for-offshore-windfarms-and-marine-applications/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3681/montana-firefighters-use-photovoltaics-pv-technology-for-emergency-response/ 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. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3681/montana-firefighters-use-photovoltaics-pv-technology-for-emergency-response/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3686/electricity-on-the-right-track/ 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. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3686/electricity-on-the-right-track/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3782/heating-up-the-eu-biomass-market/ 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. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3782/heating-up-the-eu-biomass-market/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1149/tooling-up-for-large-wind-turbine-blades/ 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. Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1149/tooling-up-for-large-wind-turbine-blades/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1309/composites-turn-the-blades/ 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. Mon, 09 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1309/composites-turn-the-blades/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1501/advanced-materials-for-turbine-blade-manufacture/ 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. Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1501/advanced-materials-for-turbine-blade-manufacture/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1358/wind-energy-the-offshore-conundrum-/ 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. Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1358/wind-energy-the-offshore-conundrum-/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1656/composites-help-improve-wind-turbine-breed/ 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. Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1656/composites-help-improve-wind-turbine-breed/ http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1364/tidal-turbines-harness-the-power-of-the-sea/ 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. Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/1364/tidal-turbines-harness-the-power-of-the-sea/