News

• CDP queries firms on water risk for first time

  08 April 2010

  The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is expanding its remit from carbon emissions to water, for the first time asking companies to voluntarily report on water use and exposure to water stress.

• Oil, gas sectors fight US renewable fuels deadlines

  08 April 2010

  Oil and gas industry associations have launched legal challenges to deadlines imposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to blend renewable fuels into the country's fuel supply.

• World Bank votes on contentious $3.75bn African coal loan

  08 April 2010

  The World Bank will vote this evening on a controversial $3.75 billion loan application to build a massive supercritical coal-fired power station in South Africa.

• Smart grid firm raises $165m in private equity

  08 April 2010

  Metering company Landis+Gyr has raised $165 million from investors to finance growth of its smart metering business, ahead of a potential initial public offering (IPO).

• EU emissions data shows 11% drop in 2009

  01 April 2010

  Analysis of the data for 2009 from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) suggests that EU emissions fell by 11% last year compared with 2008, in line with expectations and prompting a small burst of buying as speculators, who had sold EU allowances (EUAs) in betting on a bigger drop, moved to cover short positions.

• Investors pass their judgement on Copenhagen

  01 April 2010

  The climate change investment theme has underperformed since the Copenhagen climate talks, according to HSBC – giving the lie to commentators who suggested the dismal outcome of the negotiations would have little impact on low-carbon investment.

• Substantial inflows seen for clean-tech VC in 2010

  01 April 2010

  A number of large private equity investors are poised to make major commitments to the clean technology sector this year, according to a leading advisor to the sector.

• Wall St wanted for novel environmental bonds

  01 April 2010

  An innovative municipal bond programme offers a promising means of funding energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, but private sector dollars will be needed to meet expectations of explosive growth in the market.

• Platina closes renewables fund at €209m

  01 April 2010

  Private equity fund manager Platina Partners has closed its European renewable energy fund at €209 million ($282 million), winning investment from banks, funds of funds and pension funds.

• Carbon trading scheme to hit UK businesses

  01 April 2010

  The first companies have registered for a pioneering UK carbon trading scheme, which comes into force today, as consultants warn that many organisations are unprepared and will face financial and reputational impacts.