Policy

The European Union could be poised to give its ailing solar sector a welcome shot in the arm in the form of its proposed clean fuel strategy.

Given the number of world leaders gathering to argue over topics such as the global economic malaise and whether Britain really wants to be in the EU or not, you might imagine enough hot air would be spouted annually at the World Economic Forum in Davos to power the Swiss city without the need for renewables.

President Obama’s plans to extend a US$16 billion renewables stimulus package for another year are set to be another bone of contention in his ongoing battle with the U.S.’ Republican-dominated Congress.

U.S. Secretary of State for the Interior, Senator Ken Salazar, has announced the designation of more than 192,000 acres of public land in Arizona as suitable for utility-scale solar and wind projects as part of the Restoration Design Energy Project.

The CEO of solar testing company TÜV Rheinland has called on politicians in Germany and the European Union to make a huge effort to upgrade grids because, he told an audience at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, “our current network is our lifeline”.

The German Minister of Environment Peter Altmaier attended the World Future Energy Summit this year.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the advocacy organisation commited to establishing solar policies at state level in the U.S., Solar Alliance, will operate under the SEIA brand with effect immediately.

Tijuana, Baja California, has been in the spotlight for being an important leader in the green energy sector. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore also commended Tijuana on its efforts and forwardness in promoting clean energy.

A review of the New South Wales (NSW) solar bonus scheme has led the state government to the decision to reduce the feed-in tariffs for solar energy.