New critique of “green” energy subsidies in the UK

Terry Macalister writes in The Guardian about the analysis of one consumer group in the UK that challenges the cost-effectiveness of energy subsidies. The organisation warns planned green energy subsidies may not be value for money, as more cost effective options may be overlooked Consumer group Which? questions virtue of green energy subsidies A … Continue reading New critique of “green” energy subsidies in the UK →

Economic modelling is so needed and yet . . .

Jenny Banks from WWF UK writes an excellent article in the Guardian about economic models and how they fail to accurately value our health or our environment and how that affects our climate change policies. It is certainly worth reading and thinking about. Now, how to solve it . . . Why Treasury model … Continue reading Economic modelling is so needed and yet . . . →

In-depth IEA Review of the Netherland’s energy policies and programmes

The IEA recently published its most updated review of The Netherlands’ energy policies. The IEA’s announcement is available here. While EiD feels it is a good review, there is a heavy emphasis on renewable energy and energy efficiency certainly seems to be underplayed. it would be good to hear from friends of EiD if this … Continue reading In-depth IEA Review of the Netherland’s energy policies and programmes →

Was the recent IPCC report watered down?

Pilita Clark writes in the Financial Times writes that nearly 75 % of a section on the impact of international climate negotiations was deleted at a meeting in Berlin that finalised the report. Most of us never see the behind the scenes deliberations that happen before such reports are published. Climate change report was … Continue reading Was the recent IPCC report watered down? →

In-depth IEA review of Austria’s energy policies and programmes

The International Energy Agency recently published its most updated review of Austrian energy policies. This covers everything from energy supply through to energy demand and includes R&D and links with climate change. The press release is available here. The following provides a quick snapshot of the sustainable energy aspects together with the key recommendations to … Continue reading In-depth IEA review of Austria’s energy policies and programmes →

Assessing the cost of energy efficiency programmes

CleanTechnica provides an important article on a recent study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on energy efficiency costs. This is reputed to be the most comprehensive study to date and it is definitely needed both in America and beyond. US Energy Efficiency Programs Cost 2 Cents Per Kilowatt-Hour Saved America’s most comprehensive study of energy … Continue reading Assessing the cost of energy efficiency programmes →

New academic paper on the rebound effect

It has been a while since EiD had a post on analysing the rebound effect. Miklós Antala and Jeroen van den Bergh will soon have a paper published in the May issue of the journal, Energy Policy, entitled “Re-spending rebound: A macro-level assessment for OECD countries and emerging economies.” Abstract It is well-known that energy … Continue reading New academic paper on the rebound effect →

Explaining why electricity use is declining

Steven Nadel writes on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) website about his analysis to explain why electricity use is declining in the U.S. It would be good to see equivalent analysis for Europe or other regions. Let us know. U.S. Electricity Use is Declining and Energy Efficiency May be a Significant … Continue reading Explaining why electricity use is declining →

Having a sober look at the impact of energy efficiency measures

Understanding the true energy savings from investing in energy-efficient roducts has been an on-going problem for analysts and policy makers. Patrick Collinson writes in the Guardian about the UK’s Energy Saving Trust downgrading of claims for savings on new boilers and loft insulation. It will be good to hear of other efforts to find out … Continue reading Having a sober look at the impact of energy efficiency measures →

We need to live within our biosphere’s thresholds

Andrew Simms of the New Economics Foundation wrote in the Observer about society’s need to live within our means in a material sense. As he argues, limits govern everything, even though the way we behave gives no indication we have learned that lesson. Simms argues that our economies – and this is a lesson that … Continue reading We need to live within our biosphere’s thresholds →