Renewable Energy Investments Skyrocket in 2010, Especially in Developing Nations-

According to a recently published UN study, global investment in green energy sources have increased by 32 percent during 2010, hitting a record high of $211 billion. The UN reported that the main factors of growth were due in large part to rooftop solar installations in Europe and wind farms in China. Surprisingly enough, the report showed that developing countries invested more in renewable technologies than larger, more prosperous nations during that year. “The continuing growth in this core segment of the green economy is not happening by chance,” said Achim Steiner, executive director of the UN Environment Program. “The combination of government target-setting, policy support and stimulus funding is underpinning the renewable industry’s rise and bringing the much needed transformation of our global energy system within reach.” Topping the list of green energy investors for the second year in a row was (of course) China who spent $48.9B, up 28 percent from 2009; South and Central America spent $13.1B, up 39 percent; Middle East and Africa spent $5B, up 104 percent; and India spent $3.8B, up 25 percent.

DOE Issues Conditional Loan to “Direct Wafer” Solar Development Project-

The U.S. Department of Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, has announced a conditional loan guarantee of $150 million to 1366 Technologies, Inc., that is in development of a multicrystalline wafer manufacturing project. This breakthrough process, called Direct Wafer, could potentially slash manufacturing costs of silicon wafers by 50 percent — significantly reducing the price of solar power. The project will create 70 permanent jobs and 50 seasonal construction jobs. “This project is a game-changer that could dramatically lower the cost of photovoltaic solar cells. It is exactly the kind of innovation that puts America at the forefront of the global clean energy race,” said Secretary Chu. “As global demand for solar cells increases, this kind of technology will help the U.S. increase its market share and be more competitive with other countries such as China, which currently accounts for 60 percent of the world supply of multicrystalline wafers.”

New Study Shows 2010 Global Solar Installations More than Doubled-

According to an interview with Reuters, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association says that about 16 GW of new solar pv power were added throughout the globe last year. This is a little more than double the growth seen in 2009, which saw around 7.2 GW added worldwide. About 13 GW of the world’s solar PV was installed in Europe last year (mostly in Germany and Italy). Japan installed 1 GW, the United States reached 0.8 GW, and China followed close behind with 0.4 GW. With 2010 figures, solar PV power skyrocketed to roughly 40 GW – up 70 percent from almost 23 GW in 2009. Full story can be found at Reuters.

China Leads in Clean Energy Economy-

According to a recently published report by Pew Charitable Trusts, China’s spending in renewable energy technologies increased by 50 percent in 2009; designating the nation as the current leader in renewable energy investments. The report revealed that – for the first time – China’s investments in renewable energy throughout the year 2009 surpassed those made by the United States. China dedicated approximately $34.6 billion to wind power, solar energy and other forms of renewable energy; nearly doubling America’s $18.6 billion. “China is emerging as the world’s clean energy powerhouse,” the report’s authors confirmed. “Having built a strong manufacturing base and export markets, China is working now to meet domestic demand by installing substantial new clean energy-generating capacity to meet ambitious renewable energy targets.” Furthermore, over the last six months, China has signed agreements with American solar companies to build solar power plants which would produce 4,000 megawatts of electricity. “There are reasons to be concerned about America’s competitive position in the clean energy marketplace,” according to the report. “Relative to the size of its economy, the United States’ clean energy finance and investments lag behind many of its G-20 partners.” The report, labeled “Who’s Winning the clean Energy Race? Growth, Competition and Opportunity in the World’s Largest Economies,” was based on data collected by the consulting and research firm, Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Only time will tell if the United States President Barack Obama substantiates his past promises to propel a clean energy economy throughout the nation.

DOE Secretary Asks Leaders to Support Climate Change Legislation-

Department of Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu urged attendees at a recent energy industry meeting to accept strategic regulation on carbon pollution and begin exploring objectives which will help to realize this critical goal. “Let’s get moving now,” he told conference members. “That will get the innovation machine moving. Time is running out, and the train is leaving the station.” Chu also mentioned that if America does not enforce restrictions to control climate change, China and European countries will maintain a lead in developing the renewable energy market; driving a major portion of economic growth to foreign companies. “Over the long haul, the cost of oil will rise. And we will live in a carbon-constrained world,” Chu said here. “We need a long-term policy that says, ‘There will be a cap on carbon.’” In his speech, the DOE secretary additionally announced $154 million in governmental grants to fund NRG Energy, Inc.’s carbon sequestration and storage facility in Texas which will aid the United States in furthering its goal of a clean energy economy. NRG has proposed a six-year venture to construct a 60-megawatt carbon capture plant to substantiate many significant advances in carbon sequestration and reuse technologies.

U.N. Pledge Offers Positive Outlook for Dynamic Climate Action-

Big carbon producing nations such as China, the U.S., and India, together with 52 other countries have submitted national climate pledges to the United Nations, inciting positive prospects for significant political action on carbon reduction. The pledges will be marked in the Copenhagen Accord, a non-binding political treaty to reduce the anticipated impact of global warming which was negotiated at the U.N. climate discussions December 2009. A deadline was set for January 31st, 2010; however pledges that missed the cut-off date can sign up at a later time. “We have all the world’s biggest polluters saying they want to work together,” said Jennifer Haverkamp, International Climate Policy Director for the non-profit group EDF. “This sends a clear signal that countries intend to stay at the negotiating table. The challenge now is to translate this will into measurable action and a strong global climate treaty.” Pledges have been already submitted from the United States, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Costa Rica, Japan, Marshall Islands, Indonesia, Maldives, among others. The next conference will be particularly influential, and is scheduled for December in Mexico after various provisional negotiations take place throughout 2010.

Settlement between the U.S. and China Offers Sustainable Developments-


United States Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently announced a new accord between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Chinese Ministry of Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) which will promote an interpersonal partnership to maintain more efficient building designs and sustainable municipalities.

“Making buildings more efficient represents one of the greatest, and most immediate opportunities we have to create jobs, save money, save energy and reduce carbon pollution,” said Secretary Chu. “Our goal should be buildings that are 80 percent more efficient. Doing so will save families money and create millions of jobs in both countries.” The settlement will entail the United States and China to trade one another’s energy technicians and specialists to learn comprehensive recommendations in efficient building design, including insulation, geothermal heating pumps, high-performance HVAC, cold storage, solar thermal systems and photovoltaics.


The U.S. Government will also afford assistance to construct MOHURD’s eco-cities development for incorporated green cities that incorporate sustainable design, renewable energy and as well as efficient and modern transportation systems. In addition, the two countries will work together to investigate the practicability of a cooperative development in China which would exhibit green buildings, renewable energy technologies and building energy savings. The concord on energy efficient buildings and communities was authorized Wednesday on behalf of the United States by David B. Sandalow, Assistant Secretary of Policy and International Affairs at the Department of Energy, and on behalf of China by Qiu Baoxing, Vice Minister of MOHURD.