The energy transition cannot be resisted but it could be a source of some of the greatest political instability

It is always good to have different perspectives on the dynamics in the energy sector. While recognising that the energy transition is underway, Nick Butler writes in the Financial Times that there could be some disruptions that make the path a bit bumpy. Let us know your views.   Don’t count on an orderly transition … Continue reading The energy transition cannot be resisted but it could be a source of some of the greatest political instability →

Ireland starting to realise the benefits of improving the energy performance of its buildings

Sylvia Thompson writes in the Irish Times why making Irish homes more energy efficient is a good first step towards mitigating climate change and it also helps to lift vulnerable households out of energy poverty.   A retrofitting revolution Upgrading our homes and offices so that they use less energy is one of the most … Continue reading Ireland starting to realise the benefits of improving the energy performance of its buildings →

Scotland’s Existing Homes Alliance calls for energy efficiency to be priority in infrastructure investments

With the high level of fuel poverty and poor quality of buildings in Scotland, the Existing Homes Alliance is calling for the government to give a higher priority to improving energy efficiency. James Hamilton explains the situation on The National website.   Call to end scourge of poor housing with nationwide project With six months … Continue reading Scotland’s Existing Homes Alliance calls for energy efficiency to be priority in infrastructure investments →

Buildings in Britain’s low-carbon energy transition

It is well documented the role buildings can and should play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and help us achieve our long-term energy and climate objectives. That role is enshrined in both EU and national legislation. Andrew Warren, Chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, writes in the June issue of Energy in Buildings and … Continue reading Buildings in Britain’s low-carbon energy transition →

Is there really a role for nuclear in the low-carbon energy transition?

Nuclear energy still raises controversies, understandably. Diane Cardwell describes the level of support in a recent article in the New York Times. What are your views?   Nuclear Plants, Despite Safety Concerns, Gain Support as Clean Energy Sources Just a few years ago, the United States seemed poised to say farewell to nuclear energy. No … Continue reading Is there really a role for nuclear in the low-carbon energy transition? →

Are efforts to improve energy efficiency jeopardised by the so-called “rebound effect”?

Every once in a while we have another post on the rebound effect and its impact on energy efficiency. This is a post by Oybek Yuldashev and Mirkhonbek Mirkomilov of Colibri Law. Do you have any views?   Energy efficiency and the rebound effect The rapid depletion of energy sources as a result of global … Continue reading Are efforts to improve energy efficiency jeopardised by the so-called “rebound effect”? →

Latest update on climate finance

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides the May update on global developments in climate finance.   May 2016 Climate Finance Update: Calls for Adaptation Funding, Attention to Climate Risk A number of international meetings that convened in May 2016 included a focus on climate finance. Carbon pricing continued to receive attention, alongside climate … Continue reading Latest update on climate finance →

The role of crowdfunding in the energy transition

Recently the 2nd annual European Crowdfunding Network (ECN) CrowdCamp was held. Therese Torris writes on the Crowdfund Insider website about some of the highlights from the gathering.   Crowdfunding the European Transition to Renewable Energy The transition to sustainable energies, away from fossil fuel, is a political agenda that creates a huge need for capital … Continue reading The role of crowdfunding in the energy transition →

A new system in Scotland for capturing industrial waste heat

Mure Dickie provides a good article in the Financial Times about a newly developed system for capturing industrial waste energy heralds a “second golden age for Scottish steam”.   Start-up envisages second golden age of Scottish steam It has been a long time since Scotland was known as a leader in steam technology, but a … Continue reading A new system in Scotland for capturing industrial waste heat →