Blog by Jane Marsh: Coal transition can only occur through energy diversification

Coal miners feel antiquated in light of the renewable revolution, yet the fossil fuel still accounts for a significant portion of the world’s energy consumption. The only way to ensure coal’s exit is to diversify energy assets. A smooth shift analyzes the modern coal landscape, workers and legislation. Overcoming challenges while introducing varied alternatives is … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh: Coal transition can only occur through energy diversification

Polish court overturns approval for controversial open-cast coal mine that had negative impact on Czech neighbours

Aneta Zachová and Barbora Pištorová write on the Euractiv website about a Polish court decision that defended Czech citizens who were negatively impacted on controversial Polish coal mine. One wonders how the mine was approved in the first place.   Polish court sides with Czechs, cancels environmental assessment of controversial mine A Polish court has … Continue reading Polish court overturns approval for controversial open-cast coal mine that had negative impact on Czech neighbours

Energy in Demand News, March 10, 2024

The World Trade Organization's Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) recently took place in Abu Dhabi (February 26-March 2). In its energy update, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) wrote that “fossil fuel subsidy reform conversations have made marked progress at the WTO. Last week, the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform initiative—comprised of 48 members—delivered a new … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, March 10, 2024

China lagging behind goal to reduce energy intensity

Matteo Civillini writes on the Climate Home News website that the Chinese government aims to cut the amount of energy needed for its economic growth by 2.5% in 2024, putting it far off track for a key five-year climate target.   China steps away from 2025 energy efficiency goal China looks set to miss one … Continue reading China lagging behind goal to reduce energy intensity

Air pollution particles from coal-fired power plants are more harmful to human health than many experts realised

In an article on The Conversation website, Lucas Henneman, Assistant Professor of Engineering at George Mason University discusses the results of a study he and colleagues undertook to better understand the health effects in the US.   Pollution from coal power plants contributes to far more deaths than scientists realized, study shows Air pollution particles … Continue reading Air pollution particles from coal-fired power plants are more harmful to human health than many experts realised

China is “badly off track” when it comes to controlling coal-fired capacity and also meeting energy intensity targets for 2025

A Reuters news agency article by David Stanway discusses a new report that China's renewable energy sector to meet climate goals is being undermined by continued coal capacity expansion and a rapid rise in energy consumption.   China's progress on renewables to meet climate goals undermined by coal expansion-research Fast growth in China's renewable energy … Continue reading China is “badly off track” when it comes to controlling coal-fired capacity and also meeting energy intensity targets for 2025

Will Germany really phase out coal by 2030?

Germany's finance minister has questioned the country's ability to phase out coal as an energy source by 2030. Abandoning the goal could deepen division within Germany's ruling coalition. The issue is discussed in a news item on the Deutsche Welle website this week.   Germany: Minister casts doubt on 2030 coal exit Germany's finance minister … Continue reading Will Germany really phase out coal by 2030?

The world’s existing fleet of coal-fired plants grew by 19.5GW last year, of which more than half was commissioned in China

The world needs to stop building new plants and close existing ones at almost five times the current rate to meet Paris agreement goals. In order to meet the Paris climate agreement, all coal-fired plants need to be closed by 2040 and no new ones can come online but such is not the case at … Continue reading The world’s existing fleet of coal-fired plants grew by 19.5GW last year, of which more than half was commissioned in China

Rather than embrace the task of decarbonising the Australian economy, the new government is going all out to exploit fossil fuels

Richard Denniss, Adjunct Professor at the Crawford School of Public Policy at Australian National University writes on The Conversation website about the impact that new fossil fuel projects in Australia will have. It will be interesting how the Australian government explains this at COP28.   Australia’s 116 new coal, oil and gas projects equate to … Continue reading Rather than embrace the task of decarbonising the Australian economy, the new government is going all out to exploit fossil fuels

A country’s ability to pursue major energy reforms hinges on the government’s capacity to defuse political opposition

Jared Finnegan, Lecturer in Public Policy at University College London (UCL) writes on The Conversation website about why some have been more successful than others in pursuing energy reform.   Energy transitions: why countries respond differently to the same problem Russia’s invasion of Ukraine upended global energy markets. Sanctions on Russian exports and the suspension … Continue reading A country’s ability to pursue major energy reforms hinges on the government’s capacity to defuse political opposition