Wind Energy Business Could be Hurt by Rare Earth Shortages

The latest issue of Chemistry World warns that a looming shortage of Rare Earth Elements (REE) could hurt the production of REE-rich green technologies, like wind turbines or electric car batteries. Of concern is access to REEs like neodymium and dysprosium, used, for example, to make strong magnets for wind turbines. Chemistry World estimates that neodymium and dysprosium production would have to increase five-fold to supply a competitive renewable energy industry. [Chemistry World]

Global Wind Installations Up 22 Percent

Global wind installations increased by 35.8 gigawatts in 2010, up 22 percent from 2009 levels, said the Global Wind Energy Council on Wednesday. China accounted for nearly half of these new installations. Total wind capacity now stands at 194.4 gigawatts, from 158.7 gigawatts in 2009. The new capacity added in 2010 represents investments worth  $65 billion. [Global Wind Energy Council]

Companies Unable to Track Co2 Emissions

A survey released yesterday shows that Some 58 percent of energy and utility professionals have no system in place to record carbon emissions. About 61 percent of polled professionals say they have no plans to address a priced carbon.

Oil At $100

International Energy Administration Deputy Director Richard Jones tells the FT that the events in Egypt could boost crude to  $100, which could hurt the global economic recovery. He says that the current price-spike is largely due to the revolution in Egypt and so he does not expect it to last. On Tuesday Oil closed at $90.96 a barrel.

By. Green Energy Reporter