News

  • Clean energy sees record $243bn investment in 2010

    12 January 2011

    Global investment in clean energy reached a record of $243 billion in 2010, a 30% increase on 2009 levels, according to research house Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

  • Venture capitalists close record number of clean technology deals

    12 January 2011

    Venture capital (VC) firms invested $7.8 billion in clean-tech firms in 2010, up 28% year-on-year, according to figures from the Cleantech Group. The California-based research and advisory firm tracked 715 deals last year, across North America, Europe, China and India, an annual record.

  • Carbon market will grow to €107bn in 2011 – analyst

    12 January 2011

    The carbon market will grow 15% to €107 billion ($139 billion) in 2011, according to analysts at Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

  • Agricultural weather risk targeted by weather veteran

    12 January 2011

    Weather risk veteran Brian O'Hearne has set up a new venture, initially offering weather risk protection to the agricultural sector.

  • LDK snaffles Solar Power, First Solar buys RayTracker

    10 January 2011

    Chinese solar wafer company LDK Solar has grabbed a 70% interest in solar module designer and manufacturer Solar Power, in a $33 million deal, while another solar transaction saw Arizona-based First Solar snap up technology company RayTracker.

  • US looks to easy target in renewables subsidy spat with China

    06 January 2011

    The US government's case against China for allegedly violating international trade law in its support of its wind sector focuses on the one allegation that's easiest to pursue because it appears to be a blatant violation of trade rules, experts said.

  • Sale of California concentrated solar project shows up financing woes

    06 January 2011

    The sale of a large-scale solar project in California is indicative of the ongoing challenges of financing unproven renewable energy technologies, according to a finance expert.

  • Australian floods send coal soaring but won't hurt reinsurance market

    06 January 2011

    Widespread flooding in northern Australia has caused economic disruption and sent coal prices soaring, but reinsurers are likely to avoid heavy losses, according to industry participants.

  • UK electricity reform splits power sector

    06 January 2011

    The head of a UK electricity association admits there is wide disagreement among its members about the government's energy reform package, but says it is confident the sector will reach a position in time for the March response deadline.

  • Chinese turbine maker plans $1.4bn IPO

    06 January 2011

    Chinese wind turbine producer Sinovel hopes to raise up to 9.47 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in an initial public offering (IPO) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.