World Future Energy Summit

Solar PV Cost Competitive in Middle East, New Analysis Finds

Andrew wrote a few weeks ago on Saudi Arabia perhaps becoming the next solar hotspot, and we’ve written a few pieces recently on big projects or ideas for projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A new analysis by the Emirates Solar Industry Association (ESIA) and sponsored by international consultancy firm PwC contends that we may just be getting started with such stories, as solar photovoltaic (PV) power is now “cost competitive” with conventional fossil-fuel-based electricity generation (not even taking into account massive externalities).

Responding to a Trillion-Dollar Call to Retrofit Buildings

The serial entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson brought to life an international need and business opportunity centered on thermally upgrading existing buildings, the world’s biggest users of energy. NYC’s Empire State Building was able to reduce its energy use by 40% thanks to a retrofit. Sir Richard founded the “Carbon War Room” based in Washington D.C. to unite international entrepreneurs, business leaders, researchers, policy experts, thinkers, to focus on solutions, not rhetoric, in efforts to tangibly combat climate change while creating 1000’s of “green” jobs.

Clean Energy Politics Link Drop

Here are some good stories on clean tech politics from the last week or so (other than what we’ve covered). U.S. and China / International Fearing high gas prices, Sean Hannity proposes re-invading Iraq and Kuwait to “take all their oil” Friday’s Hannity on Fox News featured a discussion by the Great … [continued]