This report is the first in an expected series of biannual analysis reports on topical energy issues. It presents 5 papers, each of which has been recently published electronically as a feature article. These papers include: renewable electricity purchases: history and recent developments; transmission pricing issues for electricity generation from renewable resources; analysis of geothermal heat pump manufacturers survey data; a view of the forest products industry from a wood energy perspective; and wind energy developments: incentives in selected countries. Charts, tables, and graphs.