Online news 25 June 2009
US government lending could support $250bn of renewables projects
25 June: With the distressed capital markets currently reluctant to provide extensive funds for renewable energy projects, the US Department of Energy is committed to temporarily providing financial support for mature technologies, officials said. More…
Industry group to develop €400bn African solar plan
25 June: Munich Re is backing a €400 billion ($560 billion) plan to build solar energy plants in north Africa that could supply 15% of Europe’s energy needs by 2050. More..
Climate Exchange shares rally following ICE investment (from Carbon Finance)
25 June: Shares in leading carbon exchange operator Climate Exchange jumped more than 16% on Tuesday following news that IntercontinentalExchange had bought a 4.8% stake in the company – sparking speculation of a takeover attempt. More…
Export credit agencies pull out of Ilisu project – report
25 June: Germany, Austria and Switzerland are to withdraw their export credit guarantees for Turkey’s Ilisu dam project, jeopardising the project’s future, according to a report last Friday from the German newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau. More…
ADB’s energy policy draws fire, despite renewables boost
25 June: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is to double its clean energy investments to $2 billion from 2013. More…
Wheb’s new fund sees opportunity in valuations
25 June: Wheb Ventures has launched a sister company to invest in listed equities set to benefit from their exposure to three ‘megatrends’ – water, climate change and demographic change. More…
Sustainable timber fund gains €30m backing from EIB
25 June: Dasos Capital’s private equity timber fund has made its first close of €85 million ($119 million), following a pledge of €30 million from the European Investment Bank. More…
Econcern finds buyers for some assets
25 June: Stricken Dutch sustainable energy company Econcern has managed to find buyers for parts of its business – but the jobs of some 600 of its 1,100 staff remain at risk. More…
Leapfrog carbon reduction initiative jumps ahead
25 June: The Leapfrog initiative, which aims to provide specialist volunteers to help bring emission reduction and clean technology projects to fruition, is moving ahead on several projects and is planning a formal launch on 24 September. More…
