In the energy transition governments have been losing fuel duties in the shift away from combustion engines. The Financial Times (behind a paywall) writes that, globally, policymakers are imposing new taxes on electric vehicles because last year there was a drop in receipts of $10 billion. The net loss is projected to rise to $110 billion by 2035 according to IEA data. The UK, New Zealand, Israel and the majority of US states are introducing tax changes and charges on EVs and hybrid vehicles. The FT states: “Europe, where countries tend to charge higher taxes on petrol and diesel compared with the US and China, made up 60 per cent of global revenue losses last year.” But the article does not mention any European countries, other than the UK, that are imposing or planning to impose such taxes. Are you aware of any European countries planning to do so?
The FT article ends with an important message: “The levies come at a tricky time for electric vehicle adoption. While global sales are expected to reach record highs this year, declining profit margins and slower growth are leading automakers to pump the brakes on their electrification plans.” The transition definitely isn’t easy. How do we turn this around?
As we prepare for COP29 in Azerbaijan in November, remember there is a global call to the UNFCCC to include cultural heritage, the arts and creative sectors in climate policy. There is one choir movement in Britain having peaceful protest performances on the climate and nature emergency. It has grown rapidly since Autumn 2022 and now has choirs in 13 British cities and Zimbabwe. Here is a video they recently posted on X disrupting the Standard Chartered AGM.
In upcoming weeks there are two events not to miss. In May there is Australia’s 2024 Energy Efficiency National Conference. In June, eceee holds its bi-annual summer study. It’s theme is “Sustainable, Safe and Secure Through Demand Reduction.” Check out details on the two events here.
In planning travel over the upcoming weeks, here is some useful news to help you along:
- The inews website provides Europe’s most exciting new rail routes for 2024.
- For the best hikes in Europe in 2024, there are many good suggestions on the 57 hours website. For those who want to combine hiking with food and wine, check out the Hedonistic Hiking website.
- 5 stunning spring cycling destinations in Europe are recommended on the Get Your Guide website.
- There is always the option of virtual tourism at the Xplore Nature Channel. There are now 130 videos. Find out more about the channel here. Why not start with a nature walk through an olive orchard in Tuscany.
Paul David Hewson, known by the nickname Bono (b. 1960), Irish musician, social activist and the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band U2, gives all of us an important message this week: “The world is more malleable than you think and it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape.”
EiD welcomes your views about this week’s selection of posts on the zero-carbon energy transition:
- UN’s outgoing leading environment and human rights expert says that states failing to take meaningful climate action and regulating polluting industries could soon face a slew of lawsuits
- Importance of reducing energy demand and improving energy efficiency
- Shell sold millions of ‘phantom’ carbon credits
- An important threat to the EU’s ecological and energy transition comes from the alarming number of Chinese and US companies moving into the EU power sector
- Blog by Jane Marsh: Coal transition can only occur through energy diversification
- Countries around the world hit a turning point for renewable energy but the US is falling behind
- The European Commission’s approach to industrial carbon management
- The world’s largest carbon-capture plant just switched
Please send your comments on any of the posts. Please follow us on X at @EnergyDemand and @rodjanssen. Please recommend EiD to your friends and colleagues.
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Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 