For many years, Andrew Warren has been one of the leading thinkers of a holistic approach to energy. While Andrew has headed the UK’s Association for the Conservation of Energy, he has been at the forefront to encourage a positive national awareness of the need for and benefits of energy conservation as well as to … Continue reading The historical link between growth in national wealth and growth in national energy consumption has completely evaporated
Author: Rod Janssen
Views on government’s role in technology innovation
Governments have traditionally played a big role in technology development. Yet, as Paul Mason writes in The Guardian, many governments today are reluctant or philosophically opposed to the state playing a major role. One of his final comments is excellent: If the proponents of modern laissez-faire economics could point to a single economy where technology … Continue reading Views on government’s role in technology innovation
Strong developments in trade of renewable energy technologies amongst developing countries
The Business Recorder from Pakistan provides good news about trade in renewable energy technologies amongst developing countries. Renewable energy sector: trade among developing states growing rapidly A study shows that renewable energy (RE) trade among developing countries is growing faster than global and North-South RE trade as developing countries, led by China, take advantage … Continue reading Strong developments in trade of renewable energy technologies amongst developing countries
A ‘light touch’ doesn’t always achieve the best results
John Vidal provides some disturbing news on how the World Bank’s current practices are actually seriously affecting the development it is supposed to promote. Leaked World Bank lending policies 'environmentally disastrous' New 'light touch' rules on bank's $50bn annual lending have been gutted to remove protections, watchdogs claim Radical plans by the World Bank … Continue reading A ‘light touch’ doesn’t always achieve the best results
Good news for renewables, less so for energy efficiency
Tom Revell writes in Blue & Green Tomorrow about a recent poll in the UK that shows that voters believe renewables is the most important way to address energy security. Nuclear came second and energy efficiency came third. Poll: UK voters think renewable energy is best way to secure energy supply British voters from … Continue reading Good news for renewables, less so for energy efficiency
Large or small, EU member states have their obligations
The Times of Malta explains how Malta is one of the few member states that has fully transposed the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive. Member states had until June 5th. Malta among few member states meeting energy deadline rules Currently, only Italy, Cyprus, Denmark, Malta and Sweden have so far declared full transposition of the … Continue reading Large or small, EU member states have their obligations
Sustainable energy developments in California
Californians believe they are entering the new energy frontier, as shown in an article by Gary Brodeur in the Victorville Daily Press. While California is often in the news, these are interesting new developments. Victorville is a small city of 115,000 on the edge of the Mojave Desert. It is encouraging to see such quality … Continue reading Sustainable energy developments in California
Energy efficiency strategy in the news – Europe at the vanguard?
Seldom do energy efficiency policies get such attention but this week the European Commission recommended a new target for 2030. While much has been written this week, Alex Barker provides a very good review in the Financial Times. The new target of 30% improvement is good but many have argued that even the Commission’s impact … Continue reading Energy efficiency strategy in the news – Europe at the vanguard?
New fuel poverty strategy in UK under attack
While Ministers in the UK set new targets for improving the energy efficiency rating of 'fuel poor' homes, Emily Gosden writes in The Telegraph that there are many campaigners who feel the targets are too loosely defined. Government fuel poverty strategy 'meaningless' and 'inadequate', campaigners warn Government plans to tackle fuel poverty are "inadequate" … Continue reading New fuel poverty strategy in UK under attack
An interview with Jeremy Rifkin
Jeremy Rifkin is an economic and social theorist, writer, public speaker, political advisor and activist. Rifkin is president of the Foundation on Economic Trends and the bestselling author of 19 books about the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the workforce, society, and the environment. He has recently been interviewed by David … Continue reading An interview with Jeremy Rifkin
