GE Energy is acquiring 90% of Converteam, a leading provider of electrification and automation equipment and systems, for approximately $3.2 billion from a controlling shareholder group that includes management, Barclays Private Equity, and LBO France. The transaction, which is expected to close during third quarter 2011, will significantly expand GE’s offering in rapid growth sectors … Read more
Ireland will generate enough renewable energy by 2040 to effectively cover 100% of the nation’s energy requirements, according to Peter Harte, chairperson of the Irish Wind Energy Association’s Markets Committee. He also sees Ireland becoming a carbon-free power and transport nation, with most, if not all, of our current fossil fuel plants decommissioned by then. … Read more
Against a background of rising world energy prices, ISO’s announcement of a third quarter 2011 target for publication of its ISO 50001 International Standard for energy management is particularly timely. ISO 50001 will help organizations to improve their energy performance, increase energy efficiency and reduce climate change impacts. ISO 50001 will establish a framework for … Read more
In 2010, the European Investment Bank (EIB) increased financing for climate action projects to Eur19 billion, representing an impressive 30% of its lending in the European Union. Significantly up from Eur16 billion the year before, this is a new landmark in supporting sustainable growth and building a low-carbon future in Europe. In 2010, total EIB … Read more
The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) has released a major new report addressing two of the British Government’s toughest energy policy goals – delivering reliable energy to consumers while meeting its legal commitment to reduce C02 emissions by 80% by 2050. The report concludes that: * The UK electricity sector must be decarbonised by 2050, … Read more
The Renewables Academy, based in Berlin, is celebrating its third birthday. Since its establishment in January 2008, over 1,200 participants from 96 countries have been trained in the technical, legal and economic aspects of renewable energy and energy efficiency – both in Berlin and abroad. Through its educational programs, RENAC has covered the necessary steps … Read more
Over half of all Irish companies have taken action to improve their energy efficiency in the last three years and only one third of these actions have involved a capital spend, according to a new survey from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Details of the survey reveal that reducing energy costs is a … Read more
Martin-Brower Metroplex Ireland, a leading distributor of food products to the restaurant retail sector, has been awarded ISO 14001 for environmental management systems by the NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland). The company-wide environmental management system has allowed Martin-Brower Metroplex Ireland, which is the exclusive distributor of food products to over 100 McDonald’s restaurants across … Read more
The European Commission has launched the 2011 call for project proposals under the Intelligent Energy – Europe (IEE) funding programme. €57 million are available to co-fund projects that facilitate the widespread use of renewable energy and help realise Europe’s energy saving potential. The projects funded under the Intelligent Energy – Europe programme are designed to … Read more
Negotiations have begun for the 44 projects that were shortlisted to receive a share of the nearly €58 million available under the 2010 call for project proposals of the Intelligent Energy – Europe programme. These new projects are set to contribute to the wider use of renewable energy sources and increased levels of energy efficiency … Read more