Data centres and the energy storage solution

In an article on the Clean Technica website, Tina Casey discusses the on-going issue of growing energy consumption for data centres and the possible energy storage solution. The concern is that by some estimates, data centre energy demands are projected to consume as much as 9% of US annual electricity generation by the year 2030. … Continue reading Data centres and the energy storage solution →

The EC’s Competitive Compass plots a course for policymakers to follow over the next five years

This week the Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass, the first major initiative of this mandate providing a strategic and clear framework to steer the Commission's work. The Compass sets a path for Europe to become the place where future technologies, services, and clean products are invented, manufactured, and put on the market, while being the … Continue reading The EC’s Competitive Compass plots a course for policymakers to follow over the next five years →

Energy in Demand News, January 26, 2025

Apart from watching what is going on in Washington DC , our attention has understandably focused again this week on the devastation in the Los Angeles area from the continuing wildfires. The total area affected was recently estimated at more than 16,000 hectares and it is going to take years and a lot of money … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 26, 2025 →

AI presents opportunities and challenges in the energy landscape

Ginelle Greene-Dewasmes, Initiatives Lead, Artificial Intelligence and Energy, World Economic Forum and Thapelo Tladi, Lead, Energy Initiatives, World Economic Forum write on the WEF website about AI’s opportunities and challenges. What are your views? AI's energy dilemma: Challenges, opportunities, and a path forward The energy demand of data centres, including hyper-scale facilities and micro … Continue reading AI presents opportunities and challenges in the energy landscape →

Energy in Demand News, January 19, 2025

It was welcome news this week from the Coalition for Energy Savings that, according to latest Eurostat data, there was a sharp drop of the EU's primary and final energy consumption in 2023. Compared to 2022, primary energy consumption dropped by 3.9% and final energy consumption lowered by 3%. This is the largest decline since … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 19, 2025 →

“We need urgent action to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon energy as well as the rapid rollout of technologies that improve energy efficiency”

In an article for the World Economic Forum annual meeting, Morten Wierod, CEO at ABB, the Swedish-Swiss multinational electrical engineering corporation, gives a strong argument for the importance of energy efficiency. Why electrification and efficiency are the two keys to hitting net zero An urgent challenge of the energy transition is integrating renewable energy … Continue reading “We need urgent action to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon energy as well as the rapid rollout of technologies that improve energy efficiency” →

The environmental benefits from the world’s tallest bridge in France shows how transport infrastructure policy can have a direct impact on decarbonisation

In an article on The Conversation website, Florimond Gueniat, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Birmingham City University discusses the environmental benefits of the Millau Viaduct in the south of France. How the world’s tallest bridge saves thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions Measured from ground level to the top of its highest tower, the … Continue reading The environmental benefits from the world’s tallest bridge in France shows how transport infrastructure policy can have a direct impact on decarbonisation →

Energy in Demand News, January 12, 2025

The devastation from the wildfires in the Los Angeles area is a human tragedy beyond belief. It only adds to those who are suffering globally from droughts, floods and other climate-related disasters. An article on the Financial Times (behind a paywall) counts the cost from catastrophes in 2024. “Hurricanes, fires and other disasters caused $320bn … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 12, 2025 →

France’s energy transition: “The fact that emissions are on the rise again should be an electroshock for this new government”

Audrey Garric writes on the Le Monde website about latest developments in France’s energy transition. GHG emissions rose again in the third quarter of 2024. Other indicators are in the red, such as the pace of energy retrofits and vehicle electrification. The green transition: Is France veering off course? It's probably not the Christmas … Continue reading France’s energy transition: “The fact that emissions are on the rise again should be an electroshock for this new government” →

Energy in Demand News, January 5, 2025

The Italian energy giant Eni has just fired up the world’s most powerful supercomputer outside the US as it races rivals to build the technology infrastructure needed to better explore for new sources of oil and gas. The supercomputer cost €100 million, reports the Financial Times (behind a paywall). The supercomputer took fifth place in … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 5, 2025 →