March 2, 2011 Page 1 Economic Conditions Still Challenge Renewable Energy Growth Farm Renewable Energy Production Shows Big Growth DOT Seeks $3.2B in Transit Infrastructure for FY 2012 DOE, Masdar Test Solar PV Coating Technologies Economic Conditions Still Challenge Renewable Energy Despite record global investment in renewable energy in 2010, the continuing impacts of the global financial crisis are placing renewable energy markets in a state of flux, according to a recent analysis by Ernst & Young. The company's latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices, released on February 28, still place China in the top spot, thanks largely to the country's 64% growth in wind power capacity in 2010. China reached 42 MW of wind capacity in 2010, but Chinese companies are dealing with falling stocks, inflationary pressures, weak research and development capabilities, and limited grid capacity that may not be able to continue supporting the country's rapid growth in both wind and solar power. Ernst & Young has received reports of unconnected wind power capacity in China. The US closely trails China, which gained status by extending its Treasury grant program through 2011, but its renewable energy markets still face long-term uncertainty. Across Europe, the picture is mixed, with tightening government budgets, falling technology costs, and (in some quarters at least) booming solar markets. This has led to a series of reductions in feed-in tariffs, especially for solar. The UK ranks fifth in the indices, bolstered by electricity market reform, although an ongoing review of its feed-in tariffs is creating uncertainty. India also ranks high in the indices, tying with Germany for third place, thanks to the development of a 250 MW tidal plant and to government obligations to purchase solar power. See the Ernst & Young press release and the indices report . Farm Renewable Energy Production Shows Big Growth The number of solar panels, wind turbines, and methane digesters on America's farms and ranches has increased significantly over the past decade, according to survey results released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 8,569 farms now produce their own renewable energy, according to the 2009 On-Farm Renewable Energy Production Survey. Conducted by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service as a follow-up to the most recent Census of Agriculture, this was the first nationwide survey to look at renewable energy practices on America's farms and ranches. Solar is the dominant way of producing on-farm energy. In 2009, almost 8000 farms reported using photovoltaic and thermal solar panels. The use of wind turbines was reported by 1,420 farmers; use of methane digesters was reported by 121 farms. California leads the nation with 1,956 farms producing renewable energy, accounting for nearly a quarter of all participants. Colorado, Hawaii, and Texas are other major states where at least 500 farms produce their own renewable energy. See the USDA press release, a USDA fact sheet , and the survey results. DOT Seeks $3.2 Billion in Transit Infrastructure for FY 2012 The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced funding recommendations for 10 new capital transit construction projects under President Obama's fiscal year (FY) 2012 budget request. The budget proposal includes a record $3.2 billion for 28 transit construction projects across the US designed to reduce energy consumption and curb air pollution.
Monty Bannerman
ArcStar Energy
646.402.5076
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