Britain’s energy transition: great expectations from carbon capture technology

Labour’s green pledge hinges on technology that is proving less transformative than hoped. A recent report raises concerns about its underperformance. In an article on the Telegraph website, Jonathan Leake discusses the main issues the new government is facing. Are we seeing the same concerns in other countries? How the failure of carbon capture … Continue reading Britain’s energy transition: great expectations from carbon capture technology →

China is on the verge of bending its emissions curve from years of steep growth into a flat plateau

In an article on the New York Times website, Max Bearak discusses important developments in China. Analysts are seeing promising signs from the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. We can only hope this comes true. Why the Era of China’s Soaring Carbon Emissions Might Be Ending China, the world’s biggest source of planet-warming … Continue reading China is on the verge of bending its emissions curve from years of steep growth into a flat plateau →

Blueprints for a low energy economy

Is the new UK government prepared to rise to the challenge of investing in energy efficiency measures and reducing the country’s energy use? asks Andrew Warren, chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation in an article in the July/August issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry. In recognition of the new Government's determination to deliver … Continue reading Blueprints for a low energy economy →

Energy in Demand News, July 21, 2024

The energy transition is proving to be quite a challenge. This week, the New York Times (behind a paywall) wondered why the oil industry is booming. High prices and growing demand have helped US oil producers take in record profits despite global efforts to spur greater use of renewable energy and electric cars. The article … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, July 21, 2024 →

Is there a future for hydrogen?

Matt Oliver writes on the Telegraph website that hopes of a seamless transition to green hydrogen are crashing into economic reality. What are your views? How the West’s ‘absurd’ bet on hydrogen imploded Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest has been on something of a journey in recent years. The Australian billionaire, best known for making his … Continue reading Is there a future for hydrogen? →

Energy in Demand News, July 14, 2024

Despite growing at an unprecedented rate last year, renewable energy sources are still not being deployed quickly enough to put the world on track to meet an international goal of tripling renewables by 2030, new data shows. According to figures published on Thursday by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewables are the fastest-growing source … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, July 14, 2024 →

“I think the challenge for new nuclear is that it is just expensive”

The Chairman of the Energy Transitions Commission says hydrogen or gas power with carbon capture and storage could help to keep the lights on but nuclear is simply too expensive. Writing in the Times website, Emma Powell discusses the views of Lord Turner, chairman of the Energy Transitions Commission, on the priority now being given … Continue reading “I think the challenge for new nuclear is that it is just expensive” →

The emotional side of energy and climate policy

In an article on The Conversation website, Parker Muzzerall, PhD Candidate, Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia; Audrey-Ann Deneault, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal; and Steve Lorteau, SJD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto write about the important role of emotions in energy policy. What are your views? Emotions … Continue reading The emotional side of energy and climate policy →

Energy in Demand, July 7, 2024

The Financial Times columnist, Martin Wolf, argued this week (behind a paywall) that market forces are not enough to halt climate change. He notes that our efforts to decarbonise are going poorly. Furthermore, people just do not want to pay the price of decarbonising the economy. In explaining the global rise in electricity from fossil … Continue reading Energy in Demand, July 7, 2024 →

Blog by Stephen Davies: Natural gas is ‘clean’: unveiling the myth and proposing a sustainable alternative

The imperative to pivot toward sustainable energy practices has never been more critical, given the escalating climate emergency facing our planet. Against this backdrop, many are telling people that natural gas is a ‘clean’ alternative to conventional fossil fuels. However, this assertion skims over the complex, often detrimental environmental ramifications associated with its extraction and … Continue reading Blog by Stephen Davies: Natural gas is ‘clean’: unveiling the myth and proposing a sustainable alternative →