The electric power industry stands on the brink of transformational, perhaps revolutionary, change. For much of its history, the industry has been based on a fundamental operating model: electricity, produced at large central power plants, is carried by long-distance transmission lines and local distribution lines to customers. Thanks to advances in technology and cost reductions… Keep reading →
As energy-focused investors search for opportunities brimming with potential, the growth in renewables – albeit from a small base – along with other cleantech solutions cannot be ignored. The Clean Energy Trends 2014 report issued today by clean-tech research and advisory firm Clean Edge details opportunities and challenges clean energy companies currently face. Sectors like… Keep reading →
Wind turbines that float 1,000 above ground for months at a time take advantage of higher wind speeds than ground-based units, but they cost a lot more. Nevertheless, floating windmills could be deployed in circumstances where cost is not a primary limitation, such as remote locations characterized by high power prices or military installations. [Inhabitat]… Keep reading →
When it comes to protecting the environment and fighting climate change, California has always been a first mover. Now the state is boldly acting to unleash a new market that saves energy, cuts pollution, and drastically increases clean energy investment for California’s residents. Last week, California approved a $10 million reserve that will revive the Property… Keep reading →
In this series on Myanmar’s power sector, Breaking Energy takes a look at the dynamics of the sector, what’s driving change, how foreign investors are getting involved, and the challenges facing the government. In Part I below, we examine the state of the sector. Last November, residents of the new, more democratic Myanmar took to… Keep reading →
The US EPA lifted a ban that prohibited BP from bidding on new leases in the Gulf of Mexico. BP was suing the EPA because of the ban. The British oil major may now participate in a lease sale being held this Wednesday. “After a lengthy negotiation, BP is pleased to have reached this resolution,… Keep reading →
The answer is that the two are rapidly converging Google, along with its peers such as Apple, Facebook, eBay, Yahoo, Tesla and hordes of other start-up in and around Silicon Valley, have been the darlings of the Wall Street with their stratospheric market valuations, rising stocks, and growing dominance in the phenomenally fast growing information… Keep reading →
A new methane emission study released this week details sources and potential costs associated with reducing emissions of the potent greenhouse gas from US energy infrastructure. The study, commissioned by the Environmental Defense Fund and completed by ICF International, found the US oil and gas industry could significantly reduce methane emissions using existing technology for… Keep reading →
These days, a $40 million dollar equity financing deal might not seem groundbreaking in America’s power markets. But for the keen analyst of distributed solar energy, that same investment may just herald a shift toward the future of project financing. Count our team among the latter after John Hancock Life Insurance announced it would partner… Keep reading →
Quick Take: Berg Insight is out with its latest “Smart Metering in Europe” research report. I’ve listed 12 highlights below. I found item #12 the most intriguing. Until recently, Europe has been a wireless holdout. But once its system is fully deployed, the UK will become the world’s largest wireless smart meter deployment to date.… Keep reading →
