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A roll-out possibly to close for comfort, but backed up by a corporate release, not aspirations in the blogosphere. 2 years is pretty close, and actually about the time that the new renewables directive is expected to enter into force in the EU.

"Resources such as guidebooks, technical reports, tools for training and asset management for social, public and cooperative housing professionals to support the development of their energy efficiency and environmental strategies; Case studies of both retrofitting of older properties and low energy new construction, effective partnerships with residents, ICT applications for empowering residents and more; An on-line forum for information and knowledge exchange between practitioners and policy makers and updates on EU funding opportunities; POWER HOUSE National/Regional platforms which gather enablers of the energy transition from all sectors to work in partnership; A platform to easily establish contacts and partnerships between local social and cooperative housing providers; Updates on development and policy discussions on EU legislation related to energy efficiency and renewables in housing and on the activities of the CECODHAS - Housing Europe Energy Policy work."

Photovoltaics firm Signet Solar has inked what might be a first in the renewables industry (PDF): a 25-year insurance plan that covers the performance warranty of Signet's solar modules. Implemented by insurance provider Munich Re, the plan is designed to protect against the risk of performance deterioration in Signet's photovoltaics. Signet guarantees that its modules will perform to at least 90 per cent capacity in the first 10 years and to at least 80 per cent in the remaining 15 years.

Applies to both hydro reservoirs (i.e. water pooled behind a dam) and hydro pools filled with pumped-hydro. Note that the latter, pumped-hydro, already carries the emissions profile of the energy used to power the turbine pumping the water against gravity, scaled up for conversion efficiency losses.

Scottish Hydro Electric offer some innovative schemes for supplying green electricity and gas to homes and business. Scottish Hydro is part of Scottish and Southern Energy-the largest generator of renewable energy in the UK.

Shell will no longer invest in renewable technologies such as wind, solar and hydro power because they are not economic, the Anglo-Dutch oil company said today. It plans to invest more in biofuels which environmental groups blame for driving up food prices and deforestation.