The Ten Essential Renewable Energy Stories This Week

For the last two weeks much of the world has been caught up in the happenings of the largest international conference on climate change ever held.  Since the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen is stealing all the headlines, most people, with the exception of the super infatuated clean-techies, have missed out on the latest developments in the clean energy universe.

But, fear not, EnergyBoom has been holding the fort down.  We have tracked all the latest news on renewable technology--and don't tell any one, but we also covered some of the events taking place in Copenhagen. 

For efficiency and ease, we have compiled the most noteworthy stories in one place.  So, without further ado...

Here are this week's 10 Hottest Renewable Energy Stories You May Have Missed:

1.  25,000 Charging Stations in London by 2015 - This week London Mayor Boris Johnson announced a comprehensive electric car scheme, which would leave no Londoner more than one mile from an electric vehicle charging station by 2015.

2.  Super Solar: First Solar Becomes First Company to Manufacture 1-GW of Photovoltaic Panels in One Year - First Solar Inc., has skyrocketed through the solar industry, and is now not only the largest photovoltaic manufacturer, but is also setting manufacturing records.

3.  U.S. Announces Energy Efficiency Assistance for Developing Nations - One of the biggest sticking points in negotiations for an international treaty to fight climate change is how to develop an agreement that will not economically hand-cuff the development of the world's poor nations.  In order to mitigate this, the United States and host of other nations, have designed Climate REDI, a multi-million dollar initiative to promote clean energy technologies in developing countries.

4.  Alberta's Largest Wind Project Proceeds - Greengate Power Corporation has completed its final round of public consultations for the development of its 300-MW Halkirk I Wind Project.  There were no public objections; so, the project will move forward with a target operation date being set for 2011.

5.  Study Shows that State Policies Support Renewable Energy Development - Government intervention vs. free market capitalism, it is the undying political debate.  However, in the case of clean energy, there seems to be less of a debate.  A report by National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that renewable energy growth in the United States has been spurred by public policies specifically designed to stimulate growth in renewable technologies.

6.  The Future for Enhanced Geothermal Systems Looks Bleak - A once promising geothermal technology, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) have hit a major snag.  Two of the most prominent EGS projects have been shut down for environmental and technological reasons.

7.  DOE Prohibits Energy Star Labels on LG Refrigerators - After an investigation, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has refused to allow LG Technologies to put the Energy Star label on certain LG refrigerators because they do not meet Energy Star standards.  As a result, LG has decided to sue the DOE.

8.  Do-It-Yourself Solar Panels Coming to a Store Near You - For all of those Californians who want to install their own solar panels, they will now have their chance.  The home improvement store Lowe's has now started stocking solar panels in its California locations.

9.  Eight Countries Sign On To North Seas Supergrid Vision - Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, and Ireland have signed the North Seas Countries' Offshore Grid Initiative.  The agreement calls for the nine nations to co-operate on the development of an offshore energy grid that will allow for efficient transmission of offshore wind energy between the North Sea countries.

10. President Obama Proposes Home Energy Retrofit Program for Job Creation - Recently, President Obama proposed a new rebate program to reward homeowners for making their homes more energy efficient.  Obama also proposed new federal investments be made in energy efficiency and renewable energy.  According to Obama, smart, targeted investments can not only help create energy security, but also generate new jobs.

That's it, you're caught up.  Now you can get back to the end of the Copenhagen Conference.

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