Yorkshire Electricity: attracting interest

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Yingli Solar: partnership with US charity should provide inspiration for UK renewables sector

Global solar energy giant Yingli Solar recently awarded US non-profit solar installer GRID Alternatives the biggest donation it has ever received, in a deal that makes the Chinese solar company GRID's official supplier. The partnership will provide solar energy for low-income families, and sets forth a blueprint that could help shape the UK's own energy and social ambitions.

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Winter gas & power will still prove costly for UK business

Falling wholesale energy prices have had significant column inches recently, with UK regulator Ofgem threatening to "go after" domestic retailers caught with profit-laden "jam on their fingers." While households may enjoy a welcome fall in energy bills in the New Year, British industry faces the more immediate prospect of another winter of discontent in the volatile spot and near curve markets.

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Wingas: plans to expand UK gas market share could be too limited

After acquiring 100% of its joint venture business from Norwegian company Norsk Hydro, Wingas UK has announced that it is seeking to significantly increase its share of the high end of the UK gas market. Although the recent market opening makes this a prudent time to become more aggressive, Wingas's designs on the UK market and its plans to sell higher volumes may be too narrow in scope.

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Wind power: Scroby Sands and the winds of change

The forthcoming confirmation of the development of a 76MW wind farm at Scroby Sands reflects the ongoing development of renewable generation in the UK. The development could be the first of many new wind farms but it does not answer key concerns surrounding grid interconnection and NETA balancing requirements.

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Wind and CCS stakeholders go head to head following funding fears

At a global level, coal makes up the bulk of new power generation capacity, particularly in China, where the country's economic growth depends on coal-fired power generation. Renewables, such as wind, have a big part to play in reaching 2020 emission targets, but CCS speaks to issues such as security of supply and long-term meaningful carbon abatement in a way renewable power generation cannot.

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Will the fuel duty increase lead to greater acceptance of green cars?

On October 1, 2010, the taxation levied on fuel in the UK will increase by 1p to 58.19p per liter for petrol and diesel, pushing the cost of fuel ever closer to prices experienced in 2008. While such a price hike may negatively affect both motorists and sales of petrol- and diesel-driven cars, it could prove beneficial to makers of hybrid-electric vehicles.

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WestLB/AWG: cards on the table

WestLB has publicized its bid for AWG as a new tactic in its attempt to acquire the business. WestLB has become increasingly frustrated with the board's reluctance to discuss its proposal, but shareholders should wait for an improved offer.

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Wessex Water: less of a bargain in the long term

After months of wrangling, Azurix has secured the sale of its Wessex Water subsidiary to YTL of Malaysia for GBP1.24 billion after increasing its offer to bondholders for the third time. YTL is one of several companies looking to pick up UK water firms 'on the cheap' as tightening regulatory controls depress stock values. However, their long-term attractiveness could be questionable.

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Water: 78% of UK households have no meter

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