EU member states have been given many tasks to promote energy efficiency in general and in the end-use sectors, meet 2016 targets, meet 2020 targets and contribute to energy and climate objectives. For countries with well funded and functioning energy agencies, the task is easier, but for most it is not easy, even if we … Continue reading Monitoring as we need it
Author: Rod Janssen
Taking a fresh look at nuclear power
Nick Butler recently provided an excellent blog for the Financial Times in the future of nuclear energy. While the example is from the UK, it is an important message for all. Nuclear power – yesterday’s technology? Why is it proving so difficult to close the deal on new nuclear in Britain? In part, of … Continue reading Taking a fresh look at nuclear power
An ACE effort
The UK’s Association for the Conservation of Energy has produced an excellent “fact-file” comparing fuel poverty and energy efficiency in the UK to 15 other European countries with comparable levels of prosperity and heating need. It ranks these countries against six key indicators for which consistent and recent European data are available to assess the … Continue reading An ACE effort
Renewable energy policy in Romania hits rocky patch
Luiza Ilie writes for Reuters news agency about the cut in support for renewable energy, following cuts in many other EU countries. Romania plans to reduce support for renewable energy Romania's government will cut its support scheme for wind, solar and small hydro renewable energy projects to avoid overcompensating investors, energy regulator ANRE said … Continue reading Renewable energy policy in Romania hits rocky patch
The oil debate battles on
Javier Blas writes in the Financial Times about how the debate peak oil has changed to a debate on peak demand as opposed to peak supply. As Blas writes, “it could presage a massive revolution, and much lower oil prices in the next two decades than currently anticipated by the energy market.” This has been … Continue reading The oil debate battles on
New energy efficiency regulations for renovation work in Finland
Finland’s Ministry of the Environment issued new regulations on February 27th for improving the energy efficiency of buildings during renovation and alteration works. The regulations will come into effect on June 1, 2013 for buildings in public use and on September 1, 2013 for other buildings. The regulations define the minimum requirements for energy efficiency … Continue reading New energy efficiency regulations for renovation work in Finland
New study from IRENA
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has published a new study on standardisation. “International Standardisation in the Field of Renewable Energy” helps understanding how standards support a sustainable and accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, presents the current landscape of RET standards, and provides a number of recommendations to address identified needs and gaps in … Continue reading New study from IRENA
UK’s Green Investment Bank supports new energy efficiency initiative
Louise Downing writes for Business Week about an investment by the GIB for an energy innovation centre for hospitals in Cambridge. U.K. Green Bank Backs Energy Efficiency Center for Hospitals The U.K. Green Investment Bank provided 18 million pounds ($27 million) to build a facility in Cambridge, southeast England, that will include a biomass … Continue reading UK’s Green Investment Bank supports new energy efficiency initiative
The EC’s Green Paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” finally out
On 27 March 2013, the European Commission adopted a Green Paper on "A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies". This document launches a public consultation lasting until 2 July, allowing Member States, other EU institutions and stakeholders to express their views; for example on the type, nature and level of potential climate and energy … Continue reading The EC’s Green Paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” finally out
Backlash?
In February, the Bulgarian government resigned amidst protests about high electricity prices and other austerity measures that were considered too harsh on consumers. While many other governments have fallen recently because of austerity measures, the Bulgarian case was the first to relate specifically to energy prices. Now we are seeing increasing frustration in the UK … Continue reading Backlash?
