I'm putting together a trip to France to see firsthand how the European Union's Renewable Energy Standards are being implemented.

I'd like your input on the topic, so let me first tell you some of my plans.

Back in May 2006, Abengoa (ABG:Madrid) started construction on the first corn-based ethanol plant in a tiny town in Southwest France: Lacq. The Lacq plant will also use wine as a feed stock.

Not the good stuff, mind you… just the product that's outlived its shelf life.

It's an interesting concept, I want to see just how it works.

Also, one of the biggest renewable energy acquisitions that I've ever heard of involves France's largest nuclear reactor manufacturer, Areva (Private). Areva bought German turbine manucturer Repower for a sizzling $1 billion.

I think we'll see France's wind-power generation expand greatly as a result, and I want to find out where else Areva plans to plant new turbines.

And lastly, an enzyme company called Novozymes (NZYM:Copenhagen) is involved in creating enzymes for the cellulosic ethanol industry. It has a sales office in Paris, and I want to find out just how much business it's doing, and what percentage of that is specifically for the cellulosic ethanol sector.

Now, I'm opening up the floor to your suggestions. Tell me what you want to hear about in the renewable energy industry and the European Union.

Send them to me in an e-mail with the subject, “EU Suggestion.” Send that e-mail to e-news@taipanfinancialnews.com. (Note: Remember, this e-mail has changed from wavestrength@taipangroup.com, so update your address books!)

I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say.