Rio+20

UN official highlights role of business sector in achieving sustainable development - The business and industry sectors play a key role in leading countries towards sustainable development, a top United Nations official said today, adding that their collaboration and partnerships with governments are essential to accelerate progress around the world. (UN News Centre)
Brazil stresses need for world consensus at Rio+20 meet - The upcoming Rio conference on sustainable development must yield a commitment to manage the world economy in a way that respects the environment and fights poverty, a Brazilian official says. (The West Australian)

Energy access

Discussion round-up: how can business enable energy access for all? - Our discussion, sponsored by the WBCSD, explored the role of business in providing solutions to global energy access challenges. (Jenny Purt, The Guardian)

Don Cheadle To Speak At ENVISION: Stories For A Sustainable Future - A two-day conference to be held in New York City later this month, ENVISION 2012: Stories for a Sustainable Future will focus on developing a better global future with opportunity for all, building on three key issues: just and sustainable cities, clean water and green energy. (Look to the Stars)

Mozambique: Cahora Bassa - a Foundation for Electricity Expansion - The Cahora Bassa dam on the Zambezi River is "a foundation for the expansion of electricity infrastructures and for energy-intensive industries in our country", declared Mozambican President Armando Guebuza on Monday night. (All Africa)

Renewable energy

RWE May Invest in Photovoltaic Plants on Lower Costs – Germany’s second-biggest utility, may invest in photovoltaic power plants because prices for solar modules are so low. (Stefan Nicola, Bloomberg)

China to become top PV market in 2012 - China's domestic demand for photovoltaic power is expected to nudge 5GW by the end of 2012, jumping over Germany and Italy to become the world's number one. (Xinhua, China Daily)

Decision on plan to build wind farm on Haworth moor - A decision is expected on a plan to build a wind farm on a West Yorkshire moor near the former home of the Brontë sisters. (BBC)

Energy Efficiency

Military 'Battle Lab' Cashes in on Solar Savings - No one ever said training for battle was easy, nor energy-efficient. The "Battle Lab" is a U.S. military facility in New Jersey where more than 20,000 soldiers prepare and train for battle. (AOL Energy)

Fuel panic buying: Are electric car owners feeling smug? - As talks aimed at averting a strike by fuel tanker drivers resume this week, electric car owners talk about whether the grass really is greener on their side. (Navtej Johal, BBC)

Sustainable energy policy

Idea of the Day: We Should All Have Access to Renewable Energy Standards - Consumers in 29 states are seeing the benefits of renewable energy today thanks to renewable energy standards. They have access to cleaner air, reliable power, and growing economies—all of which are benefits of a simple, commonsense policy. (Center for American Progress)

The Big Question: Will Lower FiTs Hit UK Solar? - Leading figures in the UK's renewables sector share their views on the impact of feed-in tariff cuts for the UK's solar industry. (Tildy Bayar, RenewableEnergyWorld)

Tax relief likely for solar energy use, green roof - In its bid to promote greenery and renewable source of energy, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is likely to announce tax rebate for green roof and solar panels in its budget on Wednesday. (The Times of India)