Barbara Lewis and Karolin Schaps write in Euronews about the controversy that is brewing over the expected changes to EU state aid rules that will open the door for subsidising new nuclear power plants. Picking up the nuclear energy bill divides the EU European Union rules to be published over the coming weeks could … Continue reading Changing the rules for state aid in the EU could open the door to subsidise nuclear
Author: Rod Janssen
Jevons meets the Undercover Economist
The Undercover Economist, Tim Harford, writes an excellent piece in the Financial Times on the age old issue of the rebound effect from energy efficiency. Energy efficiency gives us money to burn Is it possible to enjoy the benefits of fuel-saving devices without using more energy? William Stanley Jevons was born in Liverpool in … Continue reading Jevons meets the Undercover Economist
Crowdfunding playing an ever-increasing role
Sophie Yeo writes on the RTCC (Responding to Climate Change) website about the funds already raised in the UK for clean energy projects. One gets the impression that crowdfunding is going to play an increasing role in years to come. UK crowdfunding raises £3m for clean energy projects Crowdfunding is providing the financial impetus … Continue reading Crowdfunding playing an ever-increasing role
Renewable energy’s impact on transmission and distribution
The editors of Electric Light & Power provide an excellent assessment of the impact of renewable energy on Europe’s transmission system. It also stresses the importance of trans-border interconnections. Demand for renewable energy will drive Europe transmission market A rising demand for electricity and growing environmental concerns across Europe is leading countries to look for … Continue reading Renewable energy’s impact on transmission and distribution
Looking to Europe and Algeria for inspiration and innovation
Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Governor of California is fully committed to pushing for a clean energy future. While he knows innovation made the US great, he is worried that it is falling behind. He said he could not help but be jealous in Algiers and Brussels. As he said, “They have a vision, and they are … Continue reading Looking to Europe and Algeria for inspiration and innovation
Utilities are starting to wince
Diane Cardwell provides an excellent article in the New York Times about how electric utilities are starting to be concerned about the growing number of solar panels and what it means for their business. It will be important to watch how this evolves and whether this same backlash will come to Europe. On Rooftops, a … Continue reading Utilities are starting to wince
Re-thinking innovation
Martin Wolf of the Financial Times provides a review of a new book that argues that government is behind the boldest risks and biggest breakthroughs. Wolf considers this a brilliant book. It is certainly worth the read. While the examples are from other sectors, it has important messages for those working in sustainable energy. … Continue reading Re-thinking innovation
New report by GBPN on moving to more energy-efficient buildings in China
The Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN) has published a new report on China. The report, prepared by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Achieving scale in energy-efficient buildings in China: A view from the construction and real estate sectors, was commissioned by the Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN) in collaboration with the Energy Foundation’s China Sustainable Energy … Continue reading New report by GBPN on moving to more energy-efficient buildings in China
Graph of the week
Duncan Clark provided this in The Guardian this week. Does anyone think this is sustainable?
Webinar on modernising building energy codes – save the date!
Yamina Saheb, Head of the Sustainable Building Centre at the International Energy Agency, has announced an invitation to participate at a webinar on August 20th for the launch of the IEA-UNDP publication: “Modernising Building Energy Codes to Secure our Global Energy Future”. With the substantial pressure the buildings sector is adding every year to global … Continue reading Webinar on modernising building energy codes – save the date!
