One promising storage option is pumped thermal electricity storage. This relatively new technology has been around for about ten years, and is currently being tested in pilot plants. Antoine Koen, PhD Candidate in Pumped Thermal Energy Storage and Pau Farres Antunez, Postdoctoral researcher in Energy Storage, University of Cambridge write about recent developments in an … Continue reading Pumped thermal electricity storage is expected to be competitive with other storage technologies
Author: Rod Janssen
G20 finance ministers included reference to the economic threat of climate change
The inclusion of the term “climate change” in a statement from the Group of 20 finance ministers appeared to be a notable, but subtle, acknowledgment by the United States that the threat from rising temperatures was a valid economic concern. Alan Rappeport and Lisa Friedman write about the G20 joint statement in an article on … Continue reading G20 finance ministers included reference to the economic threat of climate change
German-listed companies invested 11 times more in low-carbon investments than British companies
A report has revealed that German-listed companies invested 11 times more in low-carbon investments such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and smart energy grids than UK firms. Germany, Spain and Italy topped the company league table for low-carbon investment last year while the UK finished sixth, below France and Denmark. Jillian Ambrose discusses the results … Continue reading German-listed companies invested 11 times more in low-carbon investments than British companies
Even the best airlines are not doing anywhere near enough to reduce their carbon footprint
In a week when a court decision has halted the expansion of Heathrow Airport in London because climate change had not been factored in, it is useful to review what airlines are doing to reduce their carbon footprint. Susanne Becken, Professor of Sustainable Tourism and Director, Griffith Institute for Tourism at Griffith University gives a … Continue reading Even the best airlines are not doing anywhere near enough to reduce their carbon footprint
Planning the first interregional transfer in the US of carbon-free electricity made available as a result of savings from energy efficiency measures
Ralph Cavanagh writes on the Natural Resources Defense Council website about an attempt to send to California electricity produced in the Pacific Northwest, and not needed there because its customers exceeded energy savings targets established by regional planners to ensure adequate Northwest power supplies. This looks like an excellent opportunity to take advantage of electricity … Continue reading Planning the first interregional transfer in the US of carbon-free electricity made available as a result of savings from energy efficiency measures
School system needs wholesale reform to help young people deal with climate change
Using Britain as an example, the UK currently has no formal training or support for teachers to carry out “climate education”. According to Amanda Power, Associate Professor in Medieval History at the University of Oxford writing on The Conversation website, “the situation is now so bad that simply telling the truth about the climate crisis … Continue reading School system needs wholesale reform to help young people deal with climate change
The debate in Australia now turns towards the pros and cons of setting a long-term net zero emissions target for 2050
The summer of climate disasters in Australia has led to people seriously reflecting on how to address the situation. Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute, writes in The Guardian that there are 30 years to solve the hard problems, but no time to avoid the easy solutions. Putting the 'net' into net-zero … Continue reading The debate in Australia now turns towards the pros and cons of setting a long-term net zero emissions target for 2050
Ammonia could be powering ships within the decade
Roger Harrabin writes on the BBC website that ocean-going ships could be powered by ammonia within the decade. The industry hopes ammonia will help it tackle climate change, because it burns without CO2 emissions. The creation of the ammonia itself creates substantial CO2, but a report says technology can solve this problem. Fertiliser could … Continue reading Ammonia could be powering ships within the decade
JP Morgan report on the economic risks of human-caused global heating said climate policy
JP Morgan has financed many fossil fuel projects. Since the 2015 Paris climate agreement it has continued to finance such projects. Now, a leaked internal document warns clients that the climate crisis threatens the survival of humanity and that the planet is on an unsustainable trajectory. Jonathan Watt explains in an article in The Guardian. … Continue reading JP Morgan report on the economic risks of human-caused global heating said climate policy
Fossil fuels are emitting “vastly” more of the potent GHG methane than previously thought
Harry Cockburn writes on the Independent website that new research shows the impact of fossil fuels has been vastly underestimated. What does this mean for our policy development and implementation? Fossil fuels’ impact on planet ‘vastly underestimated’ The oil, gas and coal industries are emitting “vastly” more of the potent greenhouse gas methane than … Continue reading Fossil fuels are emitting “vastly” more of the potent GHG methane than previously thought
