THE FRIDAY NOTE: Poland, Cyprus referred to court for not enforcing EU renewable rules and the rest of the week's top picks

Mar 22, 2013 – The last day of the week has brought the news that the European Commission (EC) was taking Poland and Cyprus to court over failing to implement the renewable energy directive. The two member states are also facing heavy penalties. Earlier this week, German government officials have admitted the dynamic development of renewable energy would put the country at risk of "dramatic over-production of electricity" by 2020, unless measures are taken. Meanwhile, France invites bids for a combined 1.0 GW in a second offshore tender, while EDP and Repsol get positive recommendation for their 1.5 GW wind project, with final decision being in the hands of the Scottish state now. Australia sticks to the renewable energy target of 20% despite opposition pressure for reduction.

The EC on Thursday said it was taking Poland and Cyprus to court for not succeeding to introduce new European Union (EU) laws for renewable energy.

According to the EU's Renewable Energy Directive, some 20% of the total power generation in the EU must come from renewable energy sources by 2020. All member countries were presented with specific targets and were required to pass laws and implement the policy. They had a deadline until December 2010 to introduce the regulations.

More details on: http://renewables.seenews.com/news/eu-brings-poland-cyprus-to-court-over-renewable-energy-policy-342388

German govt admits mistakes in energy turnaround

The German government has underestimated the dynamics of the energy transition and there is a lot to catch up with, German daily Agrarheute reported Wednesday citing Ursula Heinen-Esser, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry, as saying.

If the share of renewable energy in energy consumption grows at the same rate until 2020, Germany will have to struggle with "dramatic over-production of electricity", Heinen-Esser added. Moreover, the country will have to push ahead with grid expansion so that it matches the market development.

More details on: http://renewables.seenews.com/news/german-govt-admits-mistakes-in-energy-turnaround-report-341916

France extends deadline for bids in 2nd offshore wind tender

The deadline for submitting offers for the two offshore wind parks near the French coast, under the second offshore wind tender, has been extended until November 29, instead of a previously envisaged deadline for September, according to the terms of the governmental tender published on Monday.

More details on: http://renewables.seenews.com/news/france-extends-deadline-for-filing-bids-in-2nd-offshore-wind-tender-until-nov-29-341572

Council recommends nod for EDP, Repsol 1.5-GW wind farm off Scotland

Highland Council officers have recommended that EDP Renewables and Repsol Nuevas Energias UK’s up to 1,500-MW wind project off Scotland's shore be approved, BBC News reported.

More details on: http://renewables.seenews.com/news/council-recommends-nod-for-edp-repsol-1-5-gw-wind-farm-off-scotland-341427

Australian govt to keep renewable energy target despite opposition objections

The Australian Labour government has decided to stick to the renewable energy target (RET) of 41,000 GW, or 20% of the energy generation in Australia, by 2020, the ministry of climate change said Thursday.

More details on: http://renewables.seenews.com/news/australian-govt-to-keep-renewable-energy-target-despite-opposition-objections-342179

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