News

• US and China could revive carbon tax debate

  15 December 2010

  The US and China can lead the way in revitalising carbon taxes as a viable mechanism for reducing emissions, finance researchers say.

• Courts to force carbon cuts on US utilities?

  09 December 2010

  The US Supreme Court will consider whether lawsuits that seek to force utilities to mitigate their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions can proceed in federal courts.

• 11th hour rescue for renewables cash grant?

  09 December 2010

  A last-ditch effort to preserve the critical US Treasury grant programme for renewable energy projects may fall short amid Republican opposition, despite the urgent pleas of renewable trade associations, developers and green groups.

• More jitters as France, Spain cut renewables support

  09 December 2010

  Uncertainty about government support for Europe's renewable sector has deepened, with France suspending feed-in tariffs for new solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and Spain slashing subsidies for wind and solar thermal projects.

• €500m boost for China climate projects

  09 December 2010

  The European Investment Bank (EIB) will lend China €500 million ($664.3 million) to fund climate change mitigation projects which are expected to avoid the release of up to 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) annually.

• US government launches clean energy export push

  09 December 2010

  Eight US government departments have come together in a major push to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency exports, which includes promises of new financing tools.

• EBRD dips toe into green bond market

  09 December 2010

  The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has become the latest multilateral bank to issue a 'green' bond – but at a more modest size than its peers.

• World Bank eyes $100m for carbon market development fund

  09 December 2010

  The World Bank has launched a $100 million facility to help developing countries such as Mexico, Indonesia, China and Chile scale-up carbon market mechanisms.

• BNP Paribas brings new investors into renewables sector

  07 December 2010

  Around half of investors in BNP Paribas' Clean Energy Fund – which closed this week at €427 million ($568 million) – are making their first investments in renewables, according to the head of the French bank's clean energy investing arm.

• UK advisers propose 60% carbon cuts by 2030, radical electricity market reform

  07 December 2010

  The UK must shrink its carbon footprint 60% by 2030 from 1990 levels, an influential committee has recommended, in one of the first attempts to set emissions target for this staging post on the way to 2050.