It is encouraging that the OECD has published a Data Explainer that details the need for governments to step up policies promoting more efficient energy use. It focuses on 13 energy efficiency policies, including minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), public financing mechanisms for buildings and industry (e.g. green mortgages, vendor credits), fuel economy standards and … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, May 10-11, 2026
Category: electrification
What if coal didn’t have to be burned?
Bojan Stojkovski writes on the Interesting Engineering website about Chinese researchers who have developed a coal-based fuel cell that generates electricity through an electrochemical process rather than combustion. China’s electrochemical system converts coal into electricity with no direct carbon emission Traditional coal-fired power generation is typically associated with high pollution levels, significant carbon emissions, … Continue reading What if coal didn’t have to be burned?
Investment in renewables supports Ukraine’s economy and energy future
Nigina Mirbabaeva writes on the EBRD website about new financial support solar and storage in Ukraine by the EBRD and the EU. EBRD and EU strengthen Ukraine’s energy security with new solar energy generation capacity The EBRD provides a US$ 45 million loan to Energy RTB 2 for a solar and storage project The … Continue reading Investment in renewables supports Ukraine’s economy and energy future
Blog by Jane Marsh – The complete solar project life cycle: from land rights to last mile power
The solar project life cycle is central to advancing the zero-carbon energy transition. Yet, its development involves a complex, multistage process. It requires coordination across technical, financial and regulatory domains, each influencing project outcomes in different ways. A clear understanding of the solar project life cycle enables stakeholders to manage risk more effectively and support … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh – The complete solar project life cycle: from land rights to last mile power
Energy in Demand News, April 19-20, 2026
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) spring meetings took place this week in Washington. Fiona Harvey wrote in the Guardian about the Trump effect at the global finance talks. “Governments desperate for cash to protect their citizens from the growing impacts of the climate crisis are being put in a … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 19-20, 2026
DR Congo’s energy transition challenges
Nik Stoop, Senior researcher, University of Antwerp; Elie Lunanga, Researcher, University of Antwerp; Marijke Verpoorten, Associate Professor, University of Antwerp; and Sébastien Desbureaux, Chercheur, Université de Montpellier write on The Conversation website about a private DRC project to bring electricity to one of the world’s most fragile regions. Mini‑grids can supply electricity, but what … Continue reading DR Congo’s energy transition challenges
Energy in Demand News, April 12-13, 2026
EU insurance, pensions and financial regulators have called for the creation of a €10bn to €65bn pool to close the insurance gap for disaster, the Financial Times reports. “As risks continue to grow, insurance coverage for natural catastrophes remains insufficient, leaving individuals, businesses and governments increasingly exposed to financial losses, undermining resilience and recovery efforts,”said … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 12-13, 2026
France’s energy transition: wanting to fast-track its electrification
Liam Gilliver writes on the Euronews website that French Prime Minister Sébastian Lecornu says electrification is now a concern of ‘national interest’ and no longer just about climate change. France wants to fast-track its electrification as the war on Iran continues to highlight the dangers of fossil fuel reliance with some new initiatives. In a … Continue reading France’s energy transition: wanting to fast-track its electrification
Is Canada ready for an AI-driven energy alliance with China?
Chris Brown writes on the CBC News website about plans from China to build in Canada massive wind hubs managed by artificial intelligence. This would be modelled on technology already implemented in the Gobi Desert. Let’s see if this gets off the ground. From the Gobi Desert to Canada’s North: This Chinese visionary is … Continue reading Is Canada ready for an AI-driven energy alliance with China?
Is there a more innovative way to finance solar power?
Emily Chung writes on the CBC News website about how Canadian solar firms JCM Power and Stardust Solar are tapping into Africa's solar potential in Malawi. What is fascinating is that the Malawian government pays JCM in Malawian kwachas, which is quite a volatile currency. JCM Power's solution was to invest the kwachas into community … Continue reading Is there a more innovative way to finance solar power?
