M&A activity up as renewables sector struggles in weak first quarter 
Following a record year in 2011, investment flows in clean energy during Q1 2012 were the weakest since 2009 according to Ernst & Young’s latest quarterly global renewable energy Country Attractiveness Indices report (CAI) released today. According to the consultancy firm, consolidation has driven M&A activity up 41% in Q1 2012, however new asset finance is down 30% on the previous quarter. “Grid parity is key to longer-term success as clean energy faces challenging 2012,” it warns. | Africa
Off-grid generation to step into spotlight in Ghana
The Alliance for Rural Electrification has joined forces with a number of other entities to organise what is described as the “first international conference dedicated to off-grid renewables”. The event will be held in Ghana in October. | Wind Ireland
IWEA welcomes Irish renewables strategy Wind power cheaper than conventional sources, find plethora of studies EWEA calculates true cost of energy generation PV New shade assessment protocol from NREL improves solar array performance New satellite-based solar resource database for China launched Biofuels United States
Twelve-state aviation biofuel initiative launched in Midwest United States
Steam engines making a comeback to curb emissions Energy saving Nokia uses fuel cells and biogas to power manufacturing for first time in 2011 GE completes installation of energy-efficient LEDs at London landmark ahead of Queen's Jubilee Geothermal United Kingdom
Hot rocks could meet supply heat and power to millions of UK homes GEA highlights US leadership in geothermal market… but for how long? Agenda GeoPower Indonesia & Philippines Conference of European Biogas Association 2nd CSP Optimisation Summit | 
