Montréal and Strasbourg, 12 July 2018 – Accelerating traffic growth and emerging challenges on the safe integration of drones, commercial space flights, and artificial intelligence were some of the key points addressed in Strasbourg, France where ICAO’s Council President and Secretary General took part in the European Civil Aviation Conference’s (ECAC) 36th Plenary Session.

In his keynote address to the European government and industry air transport leaders in attendance, ICAO Council President Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu highlighted Europe’s status as one of the most liberalized and integrated air transport markets in the world.

He praised the Region for its high levels of safety and security even as it carries half of the world’s international passengers, but stressed that forecast growth poses significant challenges in this regard, and that States and operators alike could benefit from ICAO’s global planning as they seek to optimize the socio-economic benefits of increasing flight volumes in finite air space.

“The most important step which governments seeking to modernize and expand their air transport systems today can undertake is to work closely through ICAO and strengthen their ICAO compliance,” President Aliu remarked. “We have global strategies, plans, programmes and agreements in place to ensure that new civil aviation standards are continuously developed to address emerging challenges, and in particular I would emphasize the importance of the ICAO Global Aviation Safety and Air Navigation Plans.”

The ICAO President also updated the European audience on the recent progress made by the ICAO Council on the standards for its CORSIA emissions offsetting programme, set to commence in 2021, and set the stage for what will be decided at ICAO’s 13th Air Navigation Conference this October.

“Today we are exploring new methods to enhance global harmonization and interoperability, researching new technologies and innovations to continuously make air transport operations more safe, secure, efficient and environmentally-friendly, and we continue to advocate for the more liberalized multilateral approaches and open skies which are so vital to a truly global and accessible network,” he said.

“Taken together, air transport’s many and diverse benefits are of critical importance today to every country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but in order to realize them, and improve local prosperity for their citizens and businesses, States must make due commitments to modernize and expand capacity, and to effectively implement ICAO’s global standards and policies.”

In her opening statement, ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu emphasized that the 27 percent of global traffic managed by Europe today corresponds to some 11.9 million jobs being generated in the Region, and a €735 billion impact on local GDP. “With low-cost carriers being responsible for over 40 percent of the seats available to passengers travelling in Europe today, we may also wish to recognize the synergies between air transport affordability and sustainability,” she highlighted.

Dr. Liu also underscored that safety performance has been a key contributing factor to Europe’s air transport growth and success, and how its improved coordination had helped its States achieve particularly admirable ICAO safety oversight audit results. “I appreciate the important contributions ICAO has received from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Eurocontrol toward these results, and how they represent such a positive example of enhanced pan-Regional coordination.”

Referring to the upcoming CORSIA capacity building being undertaken by the ICAO Secretariat, Dr. Liu noted that “States, industry and other stakeholders must commit to it together, to ensure that the CORSIA goals and objectives are met, and I would encourage European States to take a leadership role in these initiatives. One early assistance effort in need of your support will be the CORSIA implementation ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions ICAO will be conducting this autumn at our Headquarters.”

She also recognized and supported ECAC’s objective to achieve greater pan-European harmonization on air transport policy priorities, and strongly emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum on the Region’s implementation of the ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP).

“In light of how both aviation security threats and the methods to confront them are continuing to evolve, it is critical that your States plan and guide your cooperative progress on the basis of what the GASeP European and North Atlantic (EUR/NAT) Roadmap sets out, and to ensure that your national priorities continue to be aligned with the Plan’s provisions,” she remarked.

She concluded by noting that “as Europe has coalesced into a more unified region in the ensuing decades, we have also seen the role of ECAC, and its relationship with ICAO, evolving as well. I believe the current and admirable levels of coordination and partnership can be further enhanced, to the benefit of ICAO and ECAC and all States and Regions.”

During their stay in France, ICAO’s senior officials, accompanied by EUR/NAT Regional Director Mr. Luis Fonseca de Almeida, conducted bilateral meetings with Mr. Henrik Hololei, Director General, DG MOVE, European Commission, Mr. Volodymyr Omelyan, Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Mr. Sangdo Kim, Director General for Aviation Safety Policy, Republic of Korea, and Mr. Kevin Shum, Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

About ICAO

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 192 Member States.

ICAO Europe and North Atlantic Regional Office

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Clothing & footwear volumes declined 0.8% * in 2017 and will not grow again until 2019, says leading data and analytics company GlobalData. Increased manufacturing and import costs, stemming from the prolonged weakness of the pound, led to a sharp 2.4% * hike in inflation last year which proved a hindrance to volume growth as higher prices were passed on to consumers.

While inflation is forecast to soften this year, budgets will remain under pressure and shoppers will still be unable to afford further price hikes, minimising the opportunity for volume recovery – with consumers’ appetite for purchasing further weakened by poor weather in Q1. That said, inflation will soften out to 2023, helping to support volumes, despite a shift to more cautious spending.

Mamequa Boafo, Senior Retail Analyst at GlobalData commented, “The prioritisation of leisure spending and preference for experiences over ‘stuff’ will see consumers shopping from their own wardrobes this year, utilising what they have already and only buying clothing items they can truly justify spending money on. However, forecast growth in online clothing & footwear is high at 10.8% * for 2018, second only to the health & beauty sector. As store footfall remains weak, maximising online opportunities to drive sales and customer acquisition is vital – with multichannel players needing to invest to keep up with online pureplays such as ASOS and boohoo.com which continue to set the standard in fulfilment and online shopping experience.’’

Source: GlobalData Retail Intelligence Centre

About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

GlobalData’s retail division focuses on all aspects of retailing and consumer behavior through bespoke reports, projects and presentations and the leading edge Intelligence Centre platform. GlobalData works with many of the world’s leading retailers and retail suppliers, property firms and those in the financial sector to help them maximize success through developing a thorough understanding of the sector and its likely future performance.  

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By Josefin Berg, research manager, solar & energy storage research group at IHS Markit

Key Takeaways

• IHS Markit has raised its forecast for global PV installations in 2017, now predicting 90 GW – a 14 percent increase from 2016. The biggest changes are seen in China, now predicted to install 45 GW in 2017.
• The boom in demand in China is consuming a large proportion of the global PV module supply, leading to increased prices and lead times that extend into 2018. This has weakened the short-term outlook in some major markets outside of China.
• The shortage of Chinese modules is not impacting the supply in the United States as heavily as other regions, as the current rush to procure modules ahead of any potential trade action (resulting from the Suniva petition) focuses on securing tariff-free modules manufactured outside of Taiwan and China.

Significant upward revision to 2017 installation forecast

IHS Markit has made a significant upward revision to its forecast for installations in 2017, now predicting global installations to reach 90 GW – a 14 percent increase from 2016. The biggest changes are seen in China, where both positive revisions to policy support, a larger-than-previously-anticipated first-half of the year, and strong installations activity continuing into Q3 2017 have moved IHS Markit to raise its forecast for installations in the country to 45 GW in 2017.

Based on analysis of official connection statistics, as well as inverter and module shipments, IHS Markit estimates that 26 GW of installations were completed in in China the first half of 2017, and a further 12 GW will be installed in Q3 2017. Previously, it had been predicted that installations would peak in Q2 2017 due to the grace period allowing projects to receive the 2016 FiT ending on 1st July 2017, before declining in Q3 2017. However, recently-released PV connection data from the China Electric Council (CEC) reported that 34.9 GW of PV had been connected in China by the end of July (11.3 GW in July alone), indicating that installations had in fact continued into July and the Q3 2017 decline will be far softer than previously anticipated. IHS Markit’s revised forecast for installations in China in 2017 assumes that this official connection figure may not include several GWs of projects that may have been installed but not connected at the end of that period.

Impact of China’s booming demand

However, this exceptional boom in demand in China has consumed a huge proportion of the global PV module supply, leading to increased prices and lead times that now extend into 2018. The latest installation forecast implies that the PV module supply chain is at the very upper end of what it can produce within a year. In reality, the final number of module shipments for 2017 is likely to be limited by the supply of polysilicon. chain. As a result of the tight supply, projects are being delayed and the short-term outlook in regions such as Japan, India and Latin America has been reduced. IHS Markit has cut its forecast for installations outside of China in 2017 by 7 GW.

The outlook in the United States is not as heavily impacted as other regions as the current rush to procure modules ahead of any potential trade action resulting from the Suniva petition focuses on securing tariff-free modules manufactured outside of Taiwan and China, which are unlikely to be used to serve demand in China market. As the price of tariff-free modules has been driven upwards by the rush, it is an attractive market for suppliers, who are prioritizing supplying modules here over other markets.

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KOLKATA – December 16, 2015 – Mercom Capital Group, llc, a global clean energy communications and consultingfirm, forecasts another year of solar growth with installations expected to reach 64.7 GW in 2016 up from 57.8 GW forecast for 2015.

“The largest markets in 2016 will again be China, the United States and Japan; the United States is set to overtake Japan as the second largest solar market behind China. These three countries will account for about 65 percent of installations next year” said Raj Prabhu, CEO and Co-Founder of Mercom Capital Group.

China will continue to be the largest solar market in the world, installing approximately 19.5 GW in 2016. China has installed almost 10 GW in the first three quarters this year, well ahead of 3.79 GW installed in the same period last year. Curtailment and delayed subsidy payments remain a challenge. The announcement of an additional 5.3 GW installation quota with a completion deadline of June 2016 for provinces that have met or exceed their installation goals is likely to help China get close to meeting its installation goals in 2015, and ensures a strong 2016. The Chinese government is expected to increase its 2020 installation target to 150-200 GW.

Mercom is forecasting the United States to install about 13 GW of solar next year which will be the best year for U.S. solar installations by far. The U.S. solar market is expected to experience robust growth for the next 13 months as the industry rushes to complete projects before the 30 percent investment tax credit (ITC) drops to 10 percent. The industry is hopeful, but not betting, on a possible extension to 30 percent ITC at 30 percent. The 2016 installation estimates will need to be revised if solar projects are allowed to “begin construction” by December 31, 2016 instead of reaching completion, or if there is an agreement in Congress to extend the ITC in any form.

Japan is expected to install about 9 GW of solar in 2016. The Japanese solar industry has experienced two feed-intariff (FiT) cuts in 2015 as the government looks to trim solar subsidy costs. So far, Japan has approved a little more than 80 GW of solar projects under its FiT program, of which about 25 percent has been installed. Japan is going through a transformation in the energy sector with a change in its energy mix going into 2030, giving more weight to renewables and cutting back on nuclear energy. Japan also is in the process of deregulating its utilities and breaking up monopolies. Japanese domestic solar module shipments have dropped the last two quarters following the reduction in FiTs.

In European market activity, the U.K. is expected to lead in terms of PV installations in 2016 followed by Germany and France. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the U.K. PV market with a decision on FiT cuts still pending and Renewable Energy Credits set to expire in April 2016. Europe recently extended import tariffs on Chinese solar panels which could result in tariffs remaining for a few more years, which will be detrimental for solar project development in Europe.

Indian solar installations are expected to reach about 3.6 GW in 2016, significant growth compared to the 2.1 GW forecasted for 2015. Momentum has picked up after the government set a target of 100 GW by 2022. Aggressive bidding in its recent auctions has caused some concerns as to the viability of these projects due to unrealistically low bids. The latest India update can be found here: http://bit.ly/mercomifq4

Subscribers to Mercom’s weekly Solar Market Intelligence Report will have access to the full update. To become a subscriber, visit: http://clicks.skem1.com/signup/?c=1UbSmm.

About Mercom Capital Group

Mercom Capital Group, llc, is a global communications and consulting firm focused exclusively on clean energy and financial communications. Mercom’s consulting division advises cleantech companies on new market entry, custom market intelligence and overall strategic decision making. Mercom’s consulting division also delivers highly respected industry market intelligence reports covering Solar Energy, Wind Energy and Smart Grid. Our reports provide timely industry happenings and ahead-of-the-curve analysis specifically for C-level decision making. Mercom’s communications division helps clean energy companies and financial institutions build powerful relationships with media, analysts, government decision makers, local communities and strategic partners. For more information about Mercom Capital Group, visit: http://www.mercomcapital.com. To get a copy of Mercom’s popular market intelligence reports, visit: http://mercomcapital.com/market_intelligence.php.

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(Washington, D.C. – December 10, 2014)   Total silver industrial demand is forecast to grow 27 percent, adding an additional 142 million ounces of silver demand through 2018 compared with 2013 levels, according to a new report issued today by the Silver Institute.  Half of this growth will be accounted for by the electrical and electronics sector, but additional demand will be due to growth in other industrial applications, as highlighted in the report entitled, “Glistening Particles of Industrial Silver.”

The unique properties of silver – its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as its malleability, ductility and optical reflectivity – make it indispensable in many industrial applications, from watch batteries to industrial-scale solar energy systems, according to CRU Consulting, the London-based metals consultancy and authors of the report.

Increasingly, applications for silver are being invented, discovered and, importantly, commercialized.  The report outlines the potential for growth from several of the most important industrial silver applications.  Increasing demand for silver in solar panels, as well as in the production of ethylene oxide, automobiles, bearings and batteries, has influenced consumers in developed and developing countries to varying degrees, with silver industrial demand shifting among key geographical locations.  Increased use of silver has driven consumption growth in both China and India and the trend seems likely to continue.

Silver Consumption in Examined Industrial Sectors – 2013 and 2018F (millions of ounces)

The photovoltaic market has been a strong market for silver consumption.  Since 2013, there has been rapid development in the Asia-Pacific region with China dominating, along with strong potential for South America and Africa.  In Europe, especially in Germany, there is continued growth in the installation of new photovoltaic capacity.  Looking ahead, the Middle East and North Africa represent huge untapped potential as this technology becomes more affordable, and the Indian government aims for India to become a global leader in solar energy over the next three decades.

Additionally, the report examines future silver use in printed inks, brazing and alloys, and anti-bacterial applications as well as the evolution of silver demand over the centuries, underscoring silver’s continued vital importance to global industry.

Please click this link to download the report: Glistening Particles of Industrial Silver Report

The Silver Institute is a nonprofit international industry association headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1971, the Institute’s members include leading silver producers, prominent silver refiners, manufacturers and dealers.  The Institute serves as the industry’s voice in increasing public understanding of the many uses and value of silver, and also creates programs across many platforms that benefit the white metal. For more information on the Silver Institute, or silver in general, please visit: www.silverinstitute.org.

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Discovery of OLED, Advances in Pain Management and Genetic Predisposition to Disease Lead 2014 Picks

India,September 25, 2014 – The Intellectual Property& Science business of Thomson Reuters, the world leader in intelligent information for businesses and professionals,announcedits 2014 “Nobel-class” Citation Laureates today. Having accurately forecast 35 Nobel Prize winners since its inception in 2002, the annual Thomson Reuters Citation Laureates study mines scientific research citations to identify the most influential researchers in the fields of chemistry, physics, medicine and economics.

This year, noteworthy nominees on the Thomson Reuters list include, in the field of physiology or medicine, David Julius, for elucidating the molecular workings of how our nerves process the sensation of pain, opening the way to new advances in pain management; and, Charles Lee, Stephen W. Scherer, and Michael H. Wigler, for their research clarifying how specific genetic variations link to disease. In physics, the list includes Peidong Yang, for his work with light-generating nanowires which can be used for data storage and optical computing.In chemistry, Ching W. Tang and Steven Van Slyke are notable for their invention of the organic light emitting diode, a technology that is now ubiquitous in smartphones, tablets and high definition televisions. In economics, William J. Baumol and Israel M. Kirzner are noted for their advancement of the study of entrepreneurism.

The complete list of the 2014 Nobel predictionsincludes 27 researchers representing 27 distinct academic and research organizations acrossnine different countries.

“As imitation is one of the most sincere forms of flattery, so too are scientific literature citations one of the greatest dividendsof a researcher’sintellectual investment,” said Basil Moftah, president of Thomson Reuters IP & Science. “The aggregate of such citations points to individuals who have contributed the most impactful work and allows us to identifycandidates likely to receivea Nobel Prize.”

The annual Thomson Reuters Citation Laureates study is based on an analysis of proprietary data within the Web of Science^TM— the premier global search and discovery platform for the sciences, social sciences and arts and humanities–which identifies the most influential researchers in the categories of chemistry, physics, physiology or medicine, and economics.After a thorough review of citations, along with various qualitative measures, Thomson Reuters analysts identify the highest-impact researchers to be included among itsCitation Laureates, who are likely winners of the Nobel Prize now or in the future.

For detailed information on the methodology of this study, the Citation Laureates, and their fields of research, visit ScienceWatch, an open-Web resource for science metrics and research performance analysis.

Follow @TR_ScienceWatch on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news on the predictions and deeper insight into their fields of research. Facebook users are encouraged to submit their own predictions for the 2014 Nobel Prize winners and take part in Nobel discussions on the Web of Science Facebook page.

The 2014 Thomson Reuters Citation Laureates by Nobel Prize category are:

About Thomson Reuters

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All 1st half operating and strategic targets achieved · Order intake, sales and adjusted EBIT improved in 1st half and 2nd quarter · First net profit after two years

After a successful 1st half 2013/2014 ThyssenKrupp is raising its forecast for the full year . The industrial group now expects to achieve sales growth in the mid to higher single-digit percent region on a comparable basis. Adjusted EBIT is forecast to almost double year-on-year (prior year €586 million, previous guidance around €1 billion). The company continues to expect a significant improvement towards break-even earnings. ThyssenKrupp met all its operating and strategic targets in the 1st half. Order intake, sales and adjusted EBIT increased year-on-year both on a cumulative basis in the 1st half and in the 2nd quarter. The Group recorded a net profit after minority interest of around €269 million. Earnings per share came to €0.37 in the 1st half and €0.48 in the 2nd quarter (prior year €(0.26) and €(0.25) per share respectively).

“We have achieved positive net income for the first time in seven quarters. This shows that our efficiency program impact is working and our culture change is really bringing about a stronger performance ambition,” says CEO Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger. There were three main drivers behind the improvement: firstly the efficiency gains, secondly strong growth in the capital goods businesses, and thirdly the elimination of losses as well as disposal gains from divestments and restructurings.

Order intake from continuing operations came to €20.9 billion in the 1st half, up 4 percent from the prior year despite negative exchange rate effects. On a comparable basis, i.e. excluding currency and portfolio effects, order intake increased by 6 percent. 2nd quarter order intake was €10.2 billion, slightly higher year-on-year (up 2 percent on a comparable basis).

Sales from continuing operations came to €19.4 billion in the 1st half and €10.3 billion in the 2nd quarter, and were higher year-on-year in all business areas except Steel Europe, where sales decreased due to disposals. On a comparable basis sales climbed year-on-year by 7 percent in the 1st half and 9 percent in the 2nd quarter.

Adjusted EBIT from continuing operations increased significantly year-on-year to €555 million in the 1st half and €309 million in the 2nd quarter. At €848 million (prior year €738 million) the capital goods operations achieved much higher operating earnings in the 1st half than the materials operations, which however even including Steel Americas generated a clear positive contribution of €128 million (prior year €(29) million).

The Group’s net financial debt at March 31, 2014 was reduced further to €4 billion, down significantly from both a year earlier (€5.3 billion) and the balance sheet date September 30, 2013 (€5 billion).

Performance of the business areas in the 1st half 2013/2014

Components Technology continued its good performance in the 2nd quarter. Order intake and sales both increased to €3.0 billion in the 1st half 2013/2014, corresponding to growth of 12 and 10 percent respectively year-on-year (prior year both €2.7 billion). On a comparable basis the increases were 15 and 13 percent respectively. Adjusted EBIT rose year-on-year by €35 million to €138 million (prior year €103 million). The strong performance was mainly due to efficiency gains under performance programs initiated in the prior year.

Elevator Technology once again put in a positive performance. Although order intake in the 2nd quarter 2013/2014 was down slightly from a year earlier due to negative exchange rate effects, orders for the 1st half were 4 percent higher year-on-year at €3.4 billion (prior year €3.2 billion), driven mainly by pleasing business in China, the USA and South Korea. On a comparable basis the increase was 9 percent. Sales at €3.0 billion were also 4 percent higher (prior year €2.9 billion), on a comparable basis the gain was 8 percent. The positive performance was also reflected in improved adjusted EBIT, which rose by 7 percent to €338 million in the 1st half 2013/2014 (prior year €315 million) despite negative exchange rate effects.

At Industrial Solutions order intake in the 1st half 2013/2014 at €3.5 billion was largely stable versus the prior year (down 3%) and virtually unchanged on a comparable basis (prior year €3.6 billion). The high order backlog of €15.1 billion at March 31, 2014 secures continuing good workloads, offers planning certainty and contributes to growth prospects. Sales at Industrial Solutions came to €2.9 billion, up 5 percent year-on-year (prior year €2.7 billion). On a comparable basis the increase was 9 percent. Sales benefited from the initial recognition of revenues from a number of major contracts, especially at Process Technologies. 2nd quarter adjusted EBIT improved significantly quarter-on-quarter. Total 1st half adjusted EBIT came to €372 million, up 16 percent year-on-year (prior year €320 million). This was due to order billings at Process Technologies and efficiency gains in all business units.

In a difficult price and competitive environment, Materials Services held up well in the reporting period thanks to higher volumes, benefiting in particular from intensive sales initiatives. The inclusion of the VDM and AST groups as of March 1, 2014 affected sales and order intake to the tune of €300 million each and earnings in the amount of €(3) million. 1st half order intake was 9 percent higher year-on-year at €6.3 billion (prior year €5.8 billion), on a comparable basis the increase was 6 percent. Sales at €6.1 billion also rose by 6 percent (prior year €5.7 billion); on a comparable basis the gain was only 3 percent for price reasons. With 2nd quarter adjusted EBIT higher quarter-on-quarter, the 1st half figure of €90 million was roughly level with the prior-year period (€98 million).

Steel Europe reported a slight decrease in business volume in the 1st half 2013/2014 due to disposals and prices. Business was again affected by continuing pressure on prices, while volumes improved and became steadier in the course of the period. 1st half order intake at €4.7 billion and sales at €4.5 billion were each 6 percent lower year-on-year (prior year order intake €5.0 billion, sales €4.8 billion); on a comparable basis, both figures were stable. The measures implemented under the “Best-in-Class Reloaded” program already had a significant positive impact on earnings. Adjusted EBIT in the 1st half 2013/2004 came to €81 million, double the prior-year figure (€39 million).

At Steel Americas, order intake at €1.2 billion (prior year €1.1 billion) and sales at €1.1 billion (prior year €989 million) in the 1st half 2013/2014 increased by 11 percent and 8 percent respectively year-on-year. On a comparable basis, orders were up by 15 percent and sales by 12 percent. This was due to higher volumes and prices. 1st half adjusted EBIT improved by more than €100 million to €(43) million. Key reasons for this significant improvement included higher and more efficient capacity utilization, lower costs, and the positive impact of currency effects and market prices in the USA.

ThyssenKrupp has around 157,000 employees in just under 80 countries working with passion and expertise to develop solutions for sustainable progress. Their skills and commitment are the basis of our success. In fiscal year 2012/2013 ThyssenKrupp generated sales of around €39 billion.

Innovations and technical progress are key factors in managing global growth and using finite resources in a sustainable way. With our engineering expertise in the areas of “Mechanical”, “Plant” and “Material”, we enable our customers to gain an edge in the global market and manufacture innovative products in a cost and resource efficient way.

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KOLKATA – March 25, 2014  – Demand outlook for the solar industry remains strong and global solar installations are forecasted to be around 46 GW in 2014, according to the latest quarterly update from Mercom Capital Group, llc, a global clean energy communications and consulting firm. Global installations in 2013 are estimated to come in at about 37 GW, in line with Mercom’s forecast.

Raj Prabhu, CEO and Co-Founder of Mercom Capital Group, commented that the revised forecast reflects the ever-shifting market conditions and the new Chinese installation goal. “China recently announced an aggressive 14 GW installation goal, a 2 GW increase since our previous update in December 2013.”

Within the new 14 GW goal, China has set an aggressive target of 8 GW for distributed generation and another 6 GW for utility-scale projects with specific quotas in individual provinces. Mercom expects Chinese installations to be in the 13 GW range in 2014.

The Chinese government decision to let Shanghai Chaori Solar Energy Science & Technology Co. default on its bond issue shows that they are serious about not bailing out companies that don’t fit strict manufacturing norms. Though the effect of this case on the larger solar market may be minimal, Mercom will be watching the Chinese financial markets closely as major economic indicators are currently weak.

Japan is expected to install solar in a similar range (7-7.5 GW) to last year. Japan faces some challenges, however, as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) weeds out projects that, although approved, are unlikely to be built. In addition, the country’s generous feed-in-tariff (FiT) is likely to be reduced in the next month and a three percent sales tax increase could further dampen demand.

The U.S. solar market is forecasted to install 6.4 GW in 2014, spurred by utility-scale projects and an energetic residential sector. Solar lease has been the big driver of residential installations, with third party finance companies raising $3.3 billion in residential and commercial tax equity funds in 2013. System costs in the United States are still high compared to Germany, but innovative financial instruments, including asset-backed securities, third party finance and YieldCos, are helping bring the cost of capital down. Trade disputes, however, continue to be an issue with the United States.

PV installations in Germany are forecasted to be around 2.75 GW in 2014. Germany’s role in the solar market continues to decline as policy support retreats. In a bid to reduce price hikes in electricity, the latest policy proposals include bringing the installation levels closer to 2,500 MW a year. There is a proposal to replace the FiT with a tender system in 2017 in addition to a requirement that new solar projects greater than 500 kW market and sell electricity directly to consumers.

The current crisis in Crimea illustrates the importance of energy independence and the vital role solar energy and other renewables can play if added prudently to the energy generation mix, Prabhu noted. “Energy security is a key reason for governments around the world to review their energy generation mix and invest in domestic solar and other renewables,” he said.

Other markets highlighted in the update include the United Kingdom and India both of which installed approximately 1 GW in 2013 and are expected to install similar numbers in 2014. Mercom revises its forecast quarterly to reflect on-the-ground conditions.

Subscribers to Mercom’s weekly Solar Market Intelligence Report will have access to the full update. To become a subscriber, visit: : http://bit.ly/MercomWeeklyMISubscribe

About Mercom Capital Group
Mercom Capital Group, llc, is a global communications and consulting firm focused on clean energy and financial communications. Mercom’s consulting division advises cleantech companies on strategies for strategic decision making and new market entry and provides custom market research. Mercom delivers highly respected industry market intelligence reports covering Solar Energy, Wind Energy and Smart Grid. Our reports provide timely industry happenings and ahead-of-the-curve analysis specifically for C-level decision making. Mercom’s communications division helps companies and financial institutions build powerful relationships with media, analysts, local communities and strategic partners. For more information about Mercom Capital Group, visit: http://www.mercomcapital.com

The post Mercom Capital Group Updates Global Solar Installations Forecast to Approximately 46 GW in 2014 appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

Inchcape Shipping Services, (ISS), is advising that the adverse weather around the coast of North Queensland, Australia, is causing port disruptions, closures and evacuations.  The current monsoon low lies over the north of the Coral Sea, but is expected to strengthen as it moves towards the coast.  Forecasts predict there is a high probability it will develop into a cyclone on Wednesday or Thursday.

The ports of Townsville and Mackay are already closed, with berthing likely to be restricted or denied in Abbott Point and Rockhampton.  Many ships are waiting at anchor, including 26 vessels outside of Mackay. The ports of Brisbane and Gladstone are currently open, but all vessel movements are being assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Ports along the North Queensland coast are key to the export of multi-cargoes, especially the export of bulk coal and commodities such as sugar and grain.  Brisbane is the largest of Queenland’s cargo ports, and specialises in containers.

Please check the ISS website Inchcape Shipping Services – News for more detailed information and updates.

Inchcape Shipping Services is the world’s leading maritime services provider. With over 300 proprietary offices in 65 countries, and a workforce of over 3,800, the company’s diverse global customer base now includes owners and charterers in the oil, cruise, container and bulk commodity sectors as well as naval, government and inter-governmental organisations.

ISS provides landside commercial and humanitarian logistics, transit, offshore support, informational and other associated marine services. The company also provides a growing range of outsourcing services including global crew and marine spares logistics; port hub agency management; and sophisticated Enterprise Resource Planning solutions through its subsidiary ShipNet.

Inchcape Shipping Services – A World of Local Expertise

www.iss-shipping.com

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11 Sep 2013

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., September 11, 2013 – The worldwide smart connected device market, comprised of PCs, tablets, and smartphones, is forecast to grow 27.8% year over year in 2013, slightly lower than the 30.3% growth in 2012. The growth will be driven by tablet and smartphone shipments, while the PC outlook has been lowered by 10% in 2013. As a result, the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Smart Connected Device Tracker expects tablet shipments to surpass total PC shipments (desktop plus portable PCs) in the fourth quarter of 2013 (4Q13). PCs shipments are still expected to be greater than tablet shipments for the full year, but IDC forecasts tablet shipments will surpass total PC shipments on an annual basis by the end of 2015. Smartphones will continue to ship in high volumes, surpassing 1.4 billion units in 2015 and accounting for 69% of all smart connected device shipments worldwide.

In terms of shipment value, the worldwide smart connected device market will again exhibit double-digit year-over-year growth of 10.6% in 2013, but this growth will gradually slow to just 3.1% in 2017. The tapering revenue forecast reflects the increasing impact of low-cost smartphones and the white box tablet market. Worldwide smart connected device value is expected to be $622.4 billion in 2013, of which $423.1 billion will come from the sub-$350 smartphone and sub-$350 tablet segments collectively. “At a time when the smartphone and tablet markets are showing early signs of saturation, the emergence of lower-priced devices will be a game-changer,” said Megha Saini, Research Analyst with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Smart Connected Device Tracker. “Introducing new handsets and tablet devices at cheaper price points along with special initiatives like trade-in programs from Apple and BestBuy will accelerate the upgrade cycle and expand the total addressable market overnight.”

IDC expects the lower-cost devices to drive interest worldwide and help to spark uptake among first-time buyers in commercial sectors like education. A new round of device cannibalization is also expected to kick in, but this time with large-screen (5+ inch) smartphones beginning to impact the smaller (7-8 inch) tablet market. “The device world has seen several iterations of cannibalization impacting different categories, with the last few years focused on tablets cannibalizing PC sales,” said Bob O’Donnell, Program Vice President, Clients and Displays. “Over the next 12-18 months, however, we believe the larger smartphones, commonly called ‘phablets’, will start to eat into the smaller-size tablet market, contributing to a slower growth rate for tablets.”

Looking forward, the worldwide smart connected device space will continue to surge, with overall shipments surpassing 2 billion units by the end of 2015 with a market value of $735.1 billion. In terms of device mix, total PC shipments accounted for 28.7% of the smart connected device market in 2012 while tablets accounted for 11.8% and smartphones for 59.5%. By 2017, total PCs are expected to drop to 13%, while tablets and smartphones will contribute 16.5% and 70.5% respectively to the overall market. The shift in demand from the more expensive PC category to more reasonably priced smartphones and tablets will drive the average selling price (ASP) for the collective market from $462 in 2012 to $323 in 2017.

Smart Connected Device Market by Product Category, Unit Shipments and Market Share, 2013 and 2017 (shipments in millions) 

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Smart Connected Device Tracker, September 11, 2013.

About IDC Trackers

IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC’s Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly excel deliverables and on-line query tools. The IDC Tracker Charts app allows users to view data charts from the most recent IDC Tracker products on their iPhone and iPad.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. For more than 49 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world’s leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.

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