News

• Congressional fix for CSAPR fiasco seen a long-shot

  10 January 2012

  The dramatic suspension of the US Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) programme could refocus attention on Congressional efforts to address the regulatory morass around emissions – but their prospects are dim in an election year, experts said.

• 2012 seen breaking record for clean-tech investment

  10 January 2012

  The clean-tech sector is primed for a record-setting year of investments in 2012, following robust growth in 2011 despite difficult conditions, according to the Cleantech Group.

• Scottish Equity Partners launches £95m green energy fund

  10 January 2012

  Scottish Equity Partners (SEP) has launched a £95 million ($147 million) green energy fund, after acquiring a portfolio of clean energy companies from SSE Ventures, the investment arm of UK energy company SSE.

• Elections, trade battles to pose risks to green economy this year – HSBC

  06 January 2012

  Political uncertainty and trade disputes pose the greatest risks to the green economy this year, according to analysts at HSBC.

• Subsidy pullback to hit wind, biomass harder than solar, say experts

  06 January 2012

  The expiration of the 1603 US cash grant programme is likely to slow but not stop the solar industry's fast march toward grid parity, as solar costs continue to decline rapidly, said industry experts.

• GreenX delists CSAPR futures contracts

  06 January 2012

  Green Exchange has delisted the March 2012 expiration month for four Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) futures contracts, in response to the US Court of Appeals suspending the rule.

• Expiry of US grant programme to spur innovative renewables financing, say experts

  05 January 2012

  Competition for financing for US renewable energy projects will become fiercer following the expiration of the cash grant programme, but its absence will see alternative financing mechanisms take hold and new tax equity investors courted, financing experts said.

• China, India up ante in spat over aviation emissions

  05 January 2012

  China and India have ratcheted up their rhetoric against the inclusion of their airlines in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), with both countries reportedly threatening not to comply with the programme.

• China Three Gorges stake in EDP set to boost renewables – analyst

  05 January 2012

  Portugal's sale of its state-owned stake in the country's largest utility has been welcomed by a leading analyst as a "brilliant" opportunity that will boost renewable investments in Europe.

• Munich Re confirms highest ever catastrophe losses in 2011

  05 January 2012

  Last year was the costliest ever in terms of natural catastrophe-related economic and insured losses, according to reinsurer Munich Re, in line with preliminary estimates from its rival Swiss Re in December.