Refocus Newsdesk

Report suggests renewables can meet half of global energy
BRUSSELS, Belgium, January 31, 2007 (Refocus Weekly) Renewable energy and energy efficiency can meet half of the world's energy needs by 2050, but time is running out, warn the European Renewable Energy Council and Greenpeace.

U.S. president calls for more solar and wind energy
WASHINGTON, DC, US, January 31, 2007 (Refocus Weekly) The United States must rely more on green power and green fuels, according to the 2007 ‘State of the Union’ address by president George Bush.

California regulator suggests plan to pay for transmission of green power
FOLSOM, California, US, January 31, 2007 (Refocus Weekly) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has been asked to approve a financing plan that would allow green power to be transmitted from remote locations.

England plans ‘greenest Olympic Games’ with renewables
LONDON, England, January 31, 2007 (Refocus Weekly) The 2012 Olympic Games will install a range of renewable energy technologies, providing 20% of the Olympic Park and Village energy demand in the post-games period from renewables.

Europe needs eight actions to spur green power, says EC
BRUSSELS, Belgium, January 31, 2007 (Refocus Weekly) Europe must immediately develop eight main areas of action on green power, says the European Commission.

Wind industry expects to see slower growth this year in U.S.
WASHINGTON, DC, US, January 31, 2007 (Refocus Weekly) The U.S. wind energy industry expects to grow by 26% this year, down from a 27% increase in 2006.

Renewables score high on survey of megacity leaders
MUNICH, Germany, January 31, 2007 (Refocus Weekly) Environmental issues play a central role in urban planning but, in emerging cities, infrastructure growth often takes precedence over the environment, according to the ‘Megacity’ report.