G8 leaders commit to promote renewables
ST PETERSBURG, Russia, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) Leaders of the world's industrialized countries have expressed support for open and transparent energy markets, and promise to take measures to “promote wider use of renewable and alternative energy sources.”

Renewables groups want more research budget in Europe
BRUSSELS, Belgium, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) Renewable energy industry associations want the European Commission to acknowledge the continental Parliament’s decision to prioritize research in renewable energies.

Solar car wins sixth consecutive victory in race
FORT WORTH, Texas, US, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) A student-built solar car averaged a speed of almost 30 mph and reached a top speed of 60 mph at the largest solar car competition in the United States.

Solar company moves into #3 spot with acquisition of Shell assets
FREIBERG, Germany, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) SolarWorld AG has moved into the ‘top three’ providers of solar power with its acquisition of the solar silicon activities of the Shell Group.

National Geographic Society buys wind power
ARLINGTON, Virginia, US, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) The National Geographic Society will purchase 39 million kWh of green power certificates, at a lower cost than buying conventional electricity.

Share of non-hydro renewables to remain flat, says IEA
PARIS, France, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) The share of wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, tidal and wave energy will remain flat at 11% around the world, suggests the chief economist of the International Energy Agency.

U.S. government announces funding to make solar cost-competitive by 2015
WASHINGTON, DC, US, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) The U.S. government will provide US$170 million over three years (FY07 to FT09) for cost-shared, public-private partnerships to advance solar energy technology.

Ireland increases green power with 70% increase from wind
Dublin, Ireland, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) Green power in Ireland contributed 6.8% of the country’s electricity in 2005, up from 5.2% in 2004.

Solar company signs US$200 million deal
MARLBORO, Massachusetts, US, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) Evergreen Solar will sell US$200 million of solar photovoltaic modules to SunEdison over the next five years.

Environmentalist questions popularity for green fuels
WASHINGTON, DC, US, July 26, 2006 (Refocus Weekly) The head of a U.S. environmental think tank says the focus on ethanol to reduce reliance on oil is ill advised.

News-in-Brief 26/07/06

Refocus Weekly News Archive . . .