Bernd Lamprecht / pixelio.de
Market report » 15.05.2012
Japan's energy problems
The Japanese Institute of Energy Economics says that Japan's trade deficit hit a new record high in 2011, largely because so much energy had to be imported. Meanwhile, the country is debating whether to restart the first nuclear reactor since the disaster at Fukushima. read more »
Facenuke
Energy policy » 10.05.2012
What Hollande means for renewables
After the French elections on the weekend, Renewables International did not see any reason to write on the outcome because it is not clear whether very much will change at all. But in light of the international enthusiasm in the renewables community, it might be best to explain why there is so little reason to be enthusiastic. read more »
KA-CARE 2012
Energy policy » 09.05.2012
Saudi Arabia announces RE targets
Yesterday, Saudi Arabia announced specific targets for solar and wind. By 2032, the country aims to get nearly a quarter of its electricity from photovoltaics and concentrating solar power alone, but the country will be expanding nuclear even faster. read more »
TED
Liquid metal batteries » 08.05.2012
MIT spinoff for power storage
The firm called Liquid Metal Battery Corporation (LMBC) aims to store electricity in molten metal. But the technology is a long way from being market-ready. read more »
Bernd Lamprecht / pixelio.de
Energy policy » 07.05.2012
Concern about boom and bust in Japan
Two Japanese energy experts weigh in on the debate about whether Japan's upcoming feed-in tariffs are too high. Their expectations are mixed. read more »
DECC
But the government remains skeptical » 06.05.2012
British want renewables
According to a recent survey, two thirds of people in the UK want more renewable energy, with only two percent supporting a more power from natural gas. Nonetheless, the government continues to focus on slowing down the growth of renewables to keep costs in check and has yet to rule out nuclear. read more »
Foto: Kyocera
Energy policy » 06.05.2012
Japan is nuclear-free
Less than 14 months after the tsunami in Fukushima, Japan has done something that was never set forth in any official policy – switched off all of its nuclear power plants. read more »
EPEX
The switch to renewables » 04.05.2012
German wholesale power gets cheaper
As we approach the summer, the impact of solar and wind on the power exchange is increasingly making itself felt. According to recent figures for April, electricity on the European Power Exchange was cheaper in Germany & Austria than it was in France or Switzerland. read more »
Journeymen Pictures
Switch to renewables » 04.05.2012
"Power Play" short documentary on German success
In a new video documentary released on Monday, Journeyman Pictures investigates how Germany is switching over to renewables – and in particular, how communities are managing to force the switch against opposition from large power corporations. read more »
EPEX Apr27
Cost of renewable power » 27.04.2012
German FIT surcharge could explode
According to a report in German economics daily Handelsblatt, the surcharge passed on to our consumers to cover the cost of feed-in tariffs in Germany could rise by nearly 50% this fall. The problem is that renewable power is increasingly lowering the price of electricity on power exchanges – and ironically, the lower that price goes, the more expensive renewables look. read more »
