Renewables
The rush for wood
The international biotrade market is expanding due to surging demand for wood pellets from power generators, but supply problems could lie ahead, writes Catherine Lacoursiere
UBS, Diapason launch first biofuels index
Swiss bank UBS and Swiss commodity firm Diapason Commodities Management Investors launch the first commodity-based index for biological fuels.
Anthony Hobley
London Climate Change Services represents businesses that are investing in environmental change. Oliver Holtaway talks to chair anthony hobley
Nuclear fusion R&D
In 50 years, nuclear fusion may be a major source of energy, but until then extensive research and development is needed. To justify the current and future R&D expenditure, a cost-benefit analysis designed specially for this sector is required. David…
2005 in review
The energy markets were a dynamic place to be in 2005, with high volatility and an explosion of new players hitting the scene. Inevitably, though, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Energy Risk looks back over the highs and lows of 2005, from the launch of…
Editor's letter
Surely in this post-Enron, Sarbanes-Oxley world it was now safe to go back in the water?
Standard Bank invests in biodiesel
South Africa-based Standard Bank has entered the biodiesel sector with an $8 million equity investment in Biodiesel Energy Trading (BET).
Finance and faith
Islamic shari’a law may prohibit interest, but far from discouraging investment, shari’a-compliant structured project finance looks set to grow – particularly in the energy arena, as Maria Kielmas reports
Blowing hot and cold
Across Europe, government enthusiasm and support for wind energy will dictate the ability for wind project sponsors to refinance project loans via the bond market. Jan Willem Plantagie of Standard & Poor’s explains
A good time to build
US utilities may need to spend more than $100 billion in the next 25 years on new power plants and transmission capacity. Richard McMahon looks at how utilities are assessing long-term risks and attracting potential investors
ABN Amro expands commodity-trading team, opens Singapore office
Dutch bank ABN Amro has made several commodity trading and marketing hires in London and New York, and opened an office in Singapore.
Answers in the wind
Project valuation means making calculated assumptions that aren’t always accurate. Brett Humphreys discusses the assumptions that may be embedded within a valuation and how these assumptions can affect the final value
Turbulent times
The new Renewable Sources Act obliges German utility companies to buy all the wind power generated in the country on any one day. And it is adding a new volatility to the German power market. By Stella Farrington