News

• Japan's insured losses could reach ¥2.5 trillion

  25 March 2011

  Corrected: We reported that Atlas Re had a note put on 'credit watch', in the aftermath of the earthquake. Environmental Finance has since learned this was based on incorrect information. Final paragraph has been edited to correct this mistake.

• Nuclear disaster may dim hopes for US clean energy support

  24 March 2011

  The near-meltdown of nuclear reactors in Japan may derail already shaky prospects for a US clean energy standard (CES) and an expansion of the US nuclear fleet.

• Brokerage group to acquire Spectron for £95m

  24 March 2011

  Spectron's business in environmental commodities is one of the attractive parts of its operation, according to the company that is set to acquire the brokerage firm.

• Shipping will look to LNG to reduce emissions, cut fuel costs

  24 March 2011

  Liquified natural gas (LNG) – not crude oil, biofuels or mini nukes – will be the shipping fuel of choice in 2020 as the price of bunker fuel rises and tougher emissions regulations drive the maritime industry toward greener energy sources, according to research from verification and validation company Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

• Trading Emissions eyes sale of clean energy assets by June

  24 March 2011

  London-listed renewable energy and carbon investment company Trading Emissions is likely to sell its portfolio of clean energy businesses by June, according to its investment adviser.

• UK's Green Investment Bank launches next year, with £3bn in kitty

  23 March 2011

  The UK's Green Investment Bank (GIB) will launch in 2012, with £3 billion ($4.9 billion) of public money to support low-carbon development, the UK government announced today, to a mixed reaction from investors and analysts. The bank will be allowed to borrow – but not for five years, the Treasury said.

• Largest Middle East solar project secures $600m financing

  23 March 2011

  Plans to build the largest solar power plant in the Middle East moved a step closer to reality after financing closed on the $600 million Shams 1 project in the United Arab Emirates.

• Funds launch to support UK community quest for renewables

  23 March 2011

  Two funds are to lend money to local community groups in the UK seeking to become green power generators.

• London seeks climate glory, launches £70m green waste fund

  22 March 2011

  London should compete to become a world leader of the low-carbon economy, the city's mayor urged yesterday, as he announced the selection of the first manager for the long-anticipated London Green Fund and an additional £35 million ($57 million) in funding.

• Water makes business risky in Middle East, North Africa

  22 March 2011

  Businesses in 18 countries face "extreme" risks from water shortages, with water stress concentrated in the Middle East and North Africa, according to risk analysis firm Maplecroft.