energy
UK gas and electricity watchdog Ofgem has proposed a radical overhaul in energy practices following a review that found supply companies are “failing consumers.” Among the reforms it proposes: * A simplification of pricing * Requiring the “Big Six” utilities to auction up to 20 per cent of their electricity generation output
solar energy
With Pennsylvania’s largest power utility poised to increase rates for the first time in over a decade, clean energy group-buying leader One Block Off the Grid has launched a 90-day group deal on home solar systems in the Philadelphia area. Using group purchasing power, One Block Off the Grid
sustainable cities
France-based AeroGRID has signed a data distribution agreement to distribute the aerial imagery of the National Land Survey of Finland (NLS) via its WMS server. NLS Finland is the third government organisation to join the AeroGRID partnership after IGN France and CNIG Spain. The growing AeroGRID library of highly accurate
solar energy
Pythagoras Solar, a provider of energy-efficient windows that also generate solar power, will collaborate with Chicago’s Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) on a pilot project to help meet the building’s renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement goals. The pilot project, deployed last November on the south-facing windows of
solar energy
The US subsidiary of solar energy firm Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited has formed a strategic partnership with GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit solar installer whose mission is to empower communities in need by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment and training. Under the terms of the agreement,
Smart Grid
The utility company Entergy and its customers could benefit from reduced energy production costs if it chooses to join the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO) organisation, according to testimony presented to the Arkansas Public Service Commission. “Over the last few years, we have spent considerable time collaborating with our
photovoltaics
British officials today announced the cutting of support for large-scale (greater than 50 kilowatts) solar photovoltaic (PV) installations supported by the government’s feed-in tariff (FIT). This news has been expected for some time, as the government announced the FIT review in February. However, it’s still a shock for
innovation
IBM has opened its first IBM Innovation Centre in Mexico. Local startups, venture capitalists, developers and academics will gather there to begin building new skills that will drive innovation across industries such as banking, communications, healthcare, retail and government. The Mexico centre joins a worldwide network of 39 IBM Innovation
biofuels
California-based OriginOil is shifting from the development phase to the commercialisation phase in its goal of transforming algae into a renewable oil that’s price-competitive with petroleum. The company has also brought on board a new executive to fast-track the commercialisation process. Veteran technology executive Paul Reep has accepted the
transport
Stagecoach Bus is making a multi-million-pound investment in a high-tech eco-driving system for its bus operations in Scotland, England and Wales. From April, some 13,800 Stagecoach drivers will start using the GreenRoad system to help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, improve passenger comfort and cut the risk of
sustainability
Sustainability is set to become one of the top three considerations in the purchasing decisions of large UK companies over the next 18 months as the pressure of environmental regulation makes them demand commitment to good environmental practice throughout their supply chain. In London, the Lord Mayor’s office has
energy
Alstom has teamed up with Rotem Industries Ltd and Gefen Biomed Investments — two Israeli firms specialising in cutting-edge technology — in creating a joint venture to finance and support the growth of innovative startups in the field of renewable and alternative energy and energy-saving technologies. Alstom will have a 50-per cent
