Energy efficiency is now higher on the political agenda, with seven countries writing to the European Commission to request binding energy efficiency targets be put on the table. Importantly this includes three of the four crisis-hit Member States – Ireland, Greece and Portugal. These are countries that have clearly understood that it is better for … Continue reading Latest briefing from E3G – Energy efficiency as Europe’s first response to energy security
Author: Rod Janssen
The EU subsidy rules: balancing energy and competition objectives?
No one said the energy transition would be easy and it is certainly proving to be true. Alex Barker and Jeevan Vasagar write in the Financial Times about the tug-of-war between Germany and the European Commission over subsidies for renewable energy Germany and EU row over energy subsidies Brussels and Berlin traded barbs on Thursday … Continue reading The EU subsidy rules: balancing energy and competition objectives?
Criticism in UK over cost of subsidising renewable energy projects
There is growing concerns in many countries about the costs of subsidising renewable energy. Well, there are also concerns about the costs for nuclear but the emphasis these days appears to be on renewable energy as shown in an article by Guy Chazan in the Financial Times. The criticism in this post is a national … Continue reading Criticism in UK over cost of subsidising renewable energy projects
Canadians in quandary over views on their tar sands
Konrad Yakabuski writes in Canada’s Globe and Mail about the conflicting feelings that Canadians have over their tar sands. While they have a significant impact on overall national income, Canadians also want to be seen as conscientious global citizens. While many countries have conflicting priorities, it is acute in Canada and this article is important … Continue reading Canadians in quandary over views on their tar sands
Taking a community approach to deploying solar systems
How would you like a solar garden? It sounds intriguing. Diane Cardwell writes in the New York Times about some community efforts in the US for customers to buy into a solar array constructed elsewhere and receive credit on their electricity bills for the power their panels produce. This could be an interesting approach for … Continue reading Taking a community approach to deploying solar systems
Update on rolling out smart meters
Barbara Lewis writes on the Reuters website about the poor progress of introducing smart meters throughout the EU. The EU risks not reaching the 80% roll out goal by 2020. Europe behind target for energy saving power meters Sixteen of the European Union's 28 nations will go ahead with a large-scale roll out of … Continue reading Update on rolling out smart meters
Concerns in Wales that addressing fuel poverty is falling short
Graham Henry writes in Walesonline about the Older People’s Commissioner of Wales, Sarah Rochira, fears that eliminating fuel poverty by 2018 is unrealistic. Drying toilet paper on radiators and eating only two boiled potatoes a day: Wales will fail to eradicate fuel poverty by 2018, fears Older People’s Commissioner Retaining a target to eradicate … Continue reading Concerns in Wales that addressing fuel poverty is falling short
UK’s Green Investment Bank wants greater manoeuvrability
The Green Investment Bank created in 2012, has been getting headlines for its investments in offshore wind projects together with others for energy efficiency. Only this week, it announced plans to launch a £1 billion offshore wind fund as well as support for small businesses to invest in energy efficiency. These efforts are certainly welcome. … Continue reading UK’s Green Investment Bank wants greater manoeuvrability
Question of the week – is the lock in effect a major policy concern?
It would be good to get readers’ views on the “lock in effect” related to the renovation of buildings. The EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive from 2012 requires member states to prepare long-term renovation strategies. In the recital to the Directive it states: Bearing in mind that the Council conclusions of 10 June 2011 on the … Continue reading Question of the week – is the lock in effect a major policy concern?
Tesla throws a challenge to competitors in promoting low-emission vehicles
Recently Tesla Motors has taken a bold step by offering its patents on charging technology to rivals. Henry Foy writes an excellent article in the Financial Times about the possibilities of collaboration. That article is followed by a blog by Matt McFarland in the Washington Post about how overrated patents can be. Electric car … Continue reading Tesla throws a challenge to competitors in promoting low-emission vehicles
