Weekly Clean Energy Roundup: March 2, 2011

Economic Conditions Still Challenge Renewable Energy Growth Farm Renewable Energy Production Shows Big Growth DOT Seeks $3.2B in Transit Infrastructure for FY 2012 DOE, Masdar Test Solar PV Coating Technologies Economic Conditions Still Challenge Renewable Energy Despite record global investment in renewable energy in 2010, the continuing impacts of the global financial crisis are placing renewable energy markets in a state of flux, according to a recent analysis by Ernst & Young. The company’s latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices, released on February 28, still place China in the top spot, thanks largely to the country’s 64% growth in wind power capacity in 2010. China reached 42 MW of wind capacity in 2010, but Chinese companies are dealing with falling stocks, inflationary pressures, weak research and development capabilities, and limited grid capacity that may not be able to continue supporting the country’s rapid growth in both wind and solar power. Ernst & Young has received reports of unconnected wind power capacity in China. The US closely trails China, which gained status by extending its Treasury grant program through 2011, but its renewable energy markets still face long-term uncertainty. Across Europe, the picture is mixed, with tightening government budgets, falling technology […]

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