Watts Happening In Energy
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Well… not exactly, according to a New York Times article, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council seems to think the sun shines a little more favorably on California. That’s because California leads the nation in local solar-power systems, followed by New Jersey (Great news for Snooki!), Colorado and others. However, California’s lead in solar is diminishing as other states step up initiatives to increase the use of this renewable energy source. Mind you, California’s lead is still strong with 869MW out of the nation’s 1,831MW total solar power production (Second place NJ produces 221MW). Do you prefer the sun or the shade?
Warren Buffett Says SUN
Over the past six weeks, Buffett’s MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company purchased two solar projects, Topaz Solar Farm in Southern CA (see – told you CA was in the lead) and Agua Caliente in Arizona (AZ ranked #4 in the nation for solar power). The question is… why is Buffett all of a sudden so bullish on the solar market? Perhaps it’s due to the flaring activity in the sector this past week, compounded by the fact that assets are being considered as undervalued in the current market, making them an attractive long-term investment.
Ener1 Says Shade…
Well, more so bankruptcy protection than shade. Ener1, the Indiana-based lithium-ion battery maker, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week. Following the likes of Solyndra and Beacon Power, Ener1 was also a DOE grant recipient, not boding well for the future of government assistance in the renewables sector. Recent public opinion suggests that investments and deal making should be left to the private sector and that the government should stick to tax breaks and incentives… what are your thoughts?
Green, Green, Green
And I’m not talking about the “The Benjamins” (money)… well, not exactly. According to Reuters, a PriceWaterHouse Coopers report issued this week found that renewable energy deals hit record highs in 2011. Deals in the sector hit $53.5 billion in 2011, up 40% from 2010. Which sectors took the lead? Solar… I think I’m seeing a trend here! One out of three deals in 2011 was solar related, totaling $15.8 billion in activity in the sector. Don’t let 2011 shade you from the truth, 2012 still holds challenges for the renewables sector.
Stop! Do Not Enter!
Ernst & Young issued the results from their latest survey this week, highlighting the decline in investments for the renewable power and energy-efficiency technology sector in 2011. According to the study, investments declined 4.5% in 2011, to $4.9 billion. With so many uncertainties in the market - the U.S. government pondering Chinese solar panel tariffs, Spain’s suspension of clean power incentives and the U.S. entering an election year, among others - what does 2012 hold for the renewables sector?
Conferences
One thing’s for certain, the 2012 conference scene looks quite exciting. Here are February’s conference highlights:
- 8th Annual Clean-Tech Investor Summit: Feb 1-2 (more info)
- Infocast 2012 Wind Power Finance & Investment Summit: Feb 8-10 (more info)
- 7th Annual US Power & Renewable Finance Forum: Feb 14-15 (more info)
- 2012 North American Petroleum Expo (NAPE): Feb 22-24 (more info)
- ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit: Feb 27-29 (more info)
- Infocast 2012 Solar Power Finance & Investment Summit: Feb 27-Mar1 (more info)
That’s Watts Happening in Energy this week… plug in next week for even more illumination. 