Energy in Demand News, October 19-20, 2025

In his landmark 2006 analysis, the economist Lord Nicholas Stern concluded that climate action would cost less than the damage caused by inaction and that climate change was the greatest market failure the world had ever seen. It caused shockwaves at the time and really did influence the direction of climate change actions. Just not … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, October 19-20, 2025

European Commission advances in the completion of the Common Charger initiative

Each year over 400 million external power supplies (EPS) are sold in the EU. To increase consumer convenience as well as resource and energy efficiency, the Commission has revised today the ecodesign requirements for these devices. Manufacturers will have 3 years to prepare for the changes. The rules cover EPS which charge or supply electricity to devices … Continue reading European Commission advances in the completion of the Common Charger initiative

How to minimise environmental impact when scrapping e-bikes

Yvonne Ryan, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, University of Limerick writes on The Conversation website on the need to focus on making e-bikes last longer and use less resources.   E-bikes are becoming e-waste – here’s how to reduce the environmental cost Electric e-bikes make cycling easier, faster and more accessible. They are already playing … Continue reading How to minimise environmental impact when scrapping e-bikes

New German study has exposed the myth that newly purchased household appliances protect the climate and save money due to their higher energy efficiency

It makes more sense for your wallet and the climate to continue using and repairing older household appliances. This is according to a study commissioned by the German Federal Environment Agency. Stefan Krempl discusses the findings of the report in an article on the heise online website.   Energy efficiency: buying new household appliances is … Continue reading New German study has exposed the myth that newly purchased household appliances protect the climate and save money due to their higher energy efficiency

New EEA briefing benefits from extending product lifespans

Extending product lifespans helps reduce demand for new products and their related environmental impacts. This briefing aims to improve our understanding and provide novel insights on trends in product lifespans in Europe. This assessment is based on seven indicators developed specifically for the EEA’s Circularity Metrics Lab’s thematic module on product lifespans.   Product lifespans — monitoring trends … Continue reading New EEA briefing benefits from extending product lifespans

What engineers – and others – need to know about the EU Ecodesign Regulation

The second phase of the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation raises the bar for electric motor energy efficiency – and the rest of the world is sure to follow. Daniel Eberli from ABB, a technology leader in electrification and automation, discusses ecodesign in an article on the Engineer Live website.   Energy efficiency with ecodesign Energy efficiency … Continue reading What engineers – and others – need to know about the EU Ecodesign Regulation

European Commission presents new ecodesign rules for electrical appliances in “standby” mode

This week the European Commission adopted new EU rules to reduce the energy consumption of electrical appliances when they are in ‘standby’ mode. The revised rules introduce a number of amendments to the 2008 ecodesign regulation on standby, off mode and networked standby, last updated in 2013, following an extensive consultation exercise and scrutiny from … Continue reading European Commission presents new ecodesign rules for electrical appliances in “standby” mode

New report by Coolproducts: Impact of a ban of fossil heating technologies on NECPs and National Energy Dependency

Coolproducts coalition of European NGOs working to ensure that ecodesign and energy labelling truly work for Europeans and the environment. It recently published a report  that investigates the potential impact of an EU ban on sales of fossil boilers on achievement of existing targets for heating decarbonisation and energy dependency of the individual Member States. … Continue reading New report by Coolproducts: Impact of a ban of fossil heating technologies on NECPs and National Energy Dependency

Energy efficiency labels can have wider effects, including causing a small amount of people selling their properties to act just like those companies by actually redesigning their homes

David Comerford, Senior Lecturer of Economics and Behavioural Science at University of Stirling writes on The Conversation website about what it would take to make good energy efficiency labels even more effective.   Climate change: efficiency labels really do encourage less energy use – but there’s a better way of using them Reducing our energy … Continue reading Energy efficiency labels can have wider effects, including causing a small amount of people selling their properties to act just like those companies by actually redesigning their homes

New EEA briefing on applying circular economy principles in the renewable energy sector to address waste and resource challenges

A rapid transition to renewable energy is necessary if Europe is to achieve its climate objectives. Developing the infrastructure to enable this change will require substantial resources and generate large volumes of waste as equipment reaches the end of its service life. Applying circular economy principles in this sector provides a win-win approach to address … Continue reading New EEA briefing on applying circular economy principles in the renewable energy sector to address waste and resource challenges