NEW ENERGY IN TRANSITION

Pike Research: Clean Energy Business Models Are In The Midst Of A Transformation

"As the clean energy industry emerges from a challenging period caused by the global economic downturn, it is entering a stage of rapid change in which business models are being transformed against a backdrop of regulatory uncertainty, according to [Clean Energy: Ten Trends to Watch in 2011 and Beyond]… from Pike Research titled."

"In several key sectors, the market is shifting back toward business structures and technologies that were once abandoned, but are now being revived. The white paper identifies 10 key trends that are part of this transformation."

PV solar power plants - an emerging trend (click to enlarge)

[Peter Asmus, senior analyst, Pike Research:] "As the clean energy industry matures, and as it simultaneously comes to grips with economic challenges, market leaders are experimenting with new business models, both at a large scale and on a distributed basis…At the same time, key industry players are utilizing an increasingly wider diversity of technology options, especially in the solar and wind sectors."

offshore wind - an emerging trend (click to enlarge)

"Key clean energy trends for this year and beyond include…[1] The revival of direct current transmission and distribution technologies…[2]-New rules for economies of scale, from huge wind turbines as large as 10 MW to small modular nuclear reactors that could power a shopping center or a business complex…

"…[3] More product diversity in the wind power sector…including more vertical-axis and two-bladed turbine designs and the increasing importance of midsized turbines (100 kW to 1 MW)…[4] The movement of power plants to marine sites, including the growth of offshore wind, hydrokinetic wave and tidal generators, and even floating solar photovoltaics…[and, 5] Investor-owned utilities returning to ownership/development of new renewable generation…"