News

• First Wind scores financing for major Utah project

  30 April 2009

  Californian wind farm developer First Wind has secured $376 million to finance the first phase of a 203.5MW wind farm in Utah, involving a syndicate of nine banks.

• Commission slams 'patchy progress' on EU renewables goals

  30 April 2009

  The EU is unlikely to meet renewable energy targets set for 2010, according to a report by the European Commission, which forecasts renewables will make up 19% of the bloc's electricity supply and 4% of the transport fuels by next year.

• IFC to invest in growth-stage clean-tech firms

  30 April 2009

  The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is to begin lending to growth-stage clean technology companies as part of its efforts to promote environmentally sustainable businesses in developing economies.

• Clean-tech angel investors launch 'network of networks'

  30 April 2009

  Three angel investors have launched a 'network of networks' aimed at boosting the profile of very early-stage investment in clean-tech firms.

• Ethanol sector unites against California's land-use ruling on emissions

  29 April 2009

  Ethanol supporters sharply criticised what they perceive to be unfair treatment of biofuels in California's controversial, new low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) adopted last week.

• Financial sector lagging badly on ESG – EIRIS

  23 April 2009

  The financial sector is the worst performer in terms of managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, and has shown the least improvement over the last three years, according to a study from Ethical Investment Research Services (EIRIS).

• US renewables standard unachievable, say legislators

  23 April 2009

  Several US states would find it impossible to meet a proposed federal standard on renewable energy generation, legislators complained during hearings this week.

• Enel may sell half of renewables business

  23 April 2009

  Italian utility Enel could sell up to 49% of its renewable energy unit, CEO Fulvio Conti said yesterday, to potentially net up to €6 billion ($7.8 billion).

• Industry welcomes Budget boost for UK low-carbon sector

  23 April 2009

  The UK's 2009 Budget, unveiled yesterday, promises a boost to the development of a low-carbon economy, according to industry groups. Yesterday's announcements, combined with initiatives put forward since last autumn, should enable £10.4 billion ($15.1 billion) of investment in the sector, on top of the £50 billion from existing policies to 2011, said the government.

• EcoSecurities founder quits

  23 April 2009

  The co-founder and president of EcoSecurities, one of the oldest companies in the carbon trading business, has resigned "to pursue other interests", the company announced today.