Environment-Renewables
Carbon trading volumes up but market value down in 2009
Trading volumes in the global carbon market grew by 37% in the first quarter of 2009, compared to quarter four of 2008, according to New Carbon Finance.
Utilities call for early allocation of emissions
US utilities have called on Congress to allocate emissions allowances in the early years of a national cap-and-trade scheme during testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee yesterday.
No new coal without CCS, says Miliband
Energy secretary Ed Miliband announced yesterday that there will be no new coal plants built in the UK without carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, in a move designed to place Britain at the forefront of technological developments.
Swiss Re ceases carbon trading
Zurich-based reinsurer Swiss Re is closing its carbon emissions trading desk, according to a spokesperson.
UK government revises Community Emissions Trading Scheme
HM Treasury announced revisions to the Community Emission Trading Scheme today which set out how the UK will conduct auctions of carbon allowances and how participation in Phase II of the European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) will be governed.
CCFE launches REC futures
The Chicago Climate Futures Exchange (CCFE) has launched the first futures contracts based on renewable energy certificates (RECs).
China at forefront of clean coal technology
China is leading the way in developing new cleaner coal technologies according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), which says that advanced technologies with higher efficiency levels and the potential to reduce CO2 emissions are already widely used…
Canadian report calls for national cap-and-trade scheme
The Canadian government should establish a national carbon pricing policy through an economy-wide cap-and-trade scheme, according to policy development committee, the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE).
CFTC prepares for carbon regulation role
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today announced the expansion of its existing energy committee to create the Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee (EEMAC) in anticipation of a national carbon trading scheme.
EPA finding could lead to GHG regulation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued a proposed finding that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare.
Smart thinking
Updating ageing power transmission infrastructure with smart grid technology must be a top priority if the US is to meet growing demand while fully harnessing the potential of renewable energy. By Pauline McCallion
Phoenix rises into green markets
Interdealer broker expands in to renewables and emissions markets to harness sector growth, and plans to act as a counterparty for RECs
Sectoral CDM proposals spark debate
In the run up to key climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December the EU has surprised the carbon market with vehement backing of a redesigned CDM. Roderick Bruce investigates
First agricultural swap on CME Clearport
Starsupply Renewables, a biofuels and agricultural commodities brokerage, has successfully brokered the first ever cleared swap for an agricultural product using CME ClearPort.
New York may up RGGI allowances
New York State may decide to allocate more allowances under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to ease the cost burden on compliance buyers, finds Pauline McCallion
Emissions drop shows carbon markets are working, says Point Carbon
A 6% decrease on annual global emissions in 2008 in comparison to 2007 shows that the carbon markets are working, according to Point Carbon analysts.
First biodiesel paper swap traded through ClearPort
The first ever over-the-counter (OTC) biodiesel paper swap has been brokered by US firm Starsupply Renewables, through CME Group's ClearPort system.
House unveils draft cap and trade bill
Democrats in the House of Representatives issued draft legislation today proposing an 83% carbon cap by 2050 and a national renewable energy requirement of 25% by 2025.
Iberdrola Renovables: “No change in investment plans”
Spanish energy company Iberdrola Renovables has confirmed that it still plans to deliver all the wind projects planned for this year and will continue with its strategic plan to invest €18.8 billion by the end of 2012.
Phoenix launches platform for renewable credits
Interdealer broker Phoenix Partners has launched an electronic OTC trading platform for renewable energy credits (REC.)
EPA finding could trigger GHG regulation
The US Government is reviewing a proposed finding submitted last week by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the dangers posed to public health by greenhouse gas emissions.
European utility CEOs aim for carbon-neutral power by 2050
Sixty European electricity company CEOs have handed over a declaration to EU energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs in which they pledge to supply carbon-neutral power by 2050.
EcoSecurities makes first transfer on Voluntary Carbon Standard registry
Carbon project developer EcoSecurities has made the first transfer of Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs) to Australian voluntary carbon retailer Climate Positive through the global Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS)registry TZ1. The generated VCUs came from an…
New registry will guarantee carbon offset credits
Caisse des Dépôts, a AAA-rated financial security centre, has launched a Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) registry for the voluntary carbon emissions offset market.