News

• Renewables sector sees spate of fund raisings

  01 June 2009

  A number of renewable energy companies have successfully raised funds on the public markets, sparking hopes that conditions in the sector are on the up.

• Energy chiefs bullish on renewables support

  01 June 2009

  Senior executives in the energy industry predict that subsidies for renewable energy will increase during the next year, despite global economic troubles, according to a KPMG mergers and acquisitions (M&A) report.

• Econcern breakup imminent

  01 June 2009

  Dutch renewable energy company Econcern is facing break-up, after seeking "suspension of payments" in late May, following the expiry of its financing facility on 1 April.

• EBRD earmarks €3bn–5bn for sustainable energy

  01 June 2009

  The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has unveiled plans to invest €3 billion–5 billion ($4 billion–7 billion) in the second phase of its Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI), over 2009–11. The SEI Phase 2 aims to attract private sector co-financing of an additional €9billion–15 billion in efficiency and renewable energy projects, and reduce some 25 million–30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (Mt CO2) each year.

• Despite Array, clouds on horizon for UK offshore wind

  01 June 2009

  The UK government will have to extend its additional subsidy for offshore wind, or the industry will have to cut its costs, if the UK's medium-term targets for renewable energy are to remain in sight, according to bankers and analysts.

• Nephila wins A$44m mandate

  01 June 2009

  Australian asset manager AMP Capital Investors has awarded Nephila Capital a A$44 million (US$35 million) mandate to invest in insurance-linked securities

• Munich Re offers PV cover

  01 June 2009

  Insurance broker Marsh and reinsurer Munich Re are insuring California solar module maker Signet Solar's products against deterioration in performance, through what they claim is a first-of-its-kind policy.

• US climate bill fight heads to committees, Senate

  01 June 2009

  The US House of Representatives is likely to vote in favour of a greenhouse gas (GHG) cap-and-trade bill in the coming weeks, following a vote by a key committee last month. Attention is now turning to the Senate, amid speculation that compromises forged to win over Democrats in the House may lead to increased support among senators.

• Obama unveils plan to improve US fuel economy voluntary market volumes

  01 June 2009

  Car companies with significant numbers of hybrids and electric cars, as well as parts manufacturers that can help create more fuel-efficient vehicles, are set to gain from US President Barack Obama's new fuel efficiency policy, analysts and investors said.

• Climate negotiators enter final furlong

  01 June 2009

  Government officials have begun substantive negotiations on a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol – due to be agreed in Copenhagen in December – following the publication of three draft negotiating texts last month.