Hopes have been raised that an innovative renewable energy scheme harnessing the tides could get the go-ahead, after the Government announced it was starting in-depth discussions on the project.
The Treasury has announced it will start closer discussions with Tidal Lagoon Power Ltd, the company which is aiming to build the world’s first tidal lagoon power plant in Swansea Bay, to see if it is affordable and value for money for consumers.
The developers of the £750-850 million project have said their application is the first step to developing lagoon technology that could meet 10% of the UK’s electricity needs from the tides.
China can double its use of renewable energy from 13% to 26% by 2030, according to research by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The growth in renewable energy use would represent nearly a fourfold increase in the share of modern renewables between 2010 and 2030. A study, Renewable Energy Prospects: China, prepared by IRENA in association with the China National Renewable Energy Centre, also says China can expand renewables from 20% to 40% by 2030, making it the world’s largest renewable energy power user.
Renewable energy project developer One Plant Africa has appointed a former ambassador during the Clinton administration to its company’s board.
Ambassador Charles R Stith is considered to be one of America’s leading experts on development issues in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The company is a subsidiary of One Planet Infrastructure, a US-based developer which specialises in renewable energy and infrastructure projects in developing countries.
Cumulus Energy Storage (CES) has managed to raise £250,000 from its first round of seed investment.
The firm will use the cash to develop its renewable technology. CES is currently developing the low-cost, grid-level energy storage in a bid to reduce energy supply costs by developing prototype battery technology which can be used to cope with the rigours of the industry.
With the sunniest desert on Earth, a windswept coast and limited fossil fuel supplies, northern Chile has become the world’s top market for renewable energy.
The government of President Michelle Bachelet has approved 76 solar and wind projects since taking power March 11. Renewable energy developers are pursuing contracts to deliver electricity to mines run by by companies including Anglo American Plc (AAL) and BHP Billiton Ltd (BHP), which consume a third of the country’s power.
Renewable electricity supplier Good Energy is hoping to raise money for more renewable energy products in the UK after the success of a star-studded crowdfunding party.
