An international first: Dutch wind turbines shut down to prevent migratory birds from flying into the wind turbine blades

NL Times reports that wind turbines were shut down for four hours last weekend to protect migratory birds. It is planned that wind turbines will be shut down more often from this autumn, so that migratory birds can safely travel. Wind turbines at sea shut down for the first time to protect migratory birds … Continue reading An international first: Dutch wind turbines shut down to prevent migratory birds from flying into the wind turbine blades →

Britain’s energy transition: can the UK meet its 2030 energy consumption commitment?

As the European Union slashes its gas use by almost 20 per cent, the UK stubbornly refuses to follow suit. Could a lack of Government commitment be hampering progress asks Andrew Warren, Chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, in a column in the April issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry magazine? The … Continue reading Britain’s energy transition: can the UK meet its 2030 energy consumption commitment? →

Report details mistakes and lessons to be learned from the past 30 years of France’s energy system

A recent Parliamentary report in France highlighted “the reasons for the loss of sovereignty and energy independence of France”. Le Monde introduced it as “the damning report on France's energy choices, and its loss of sovereignty: "A political rambling that has taken us away from the ecological transition."” Paul Messad discusses the report in an … Continue reading Report details mistakes and lessons to be learned from the past 30 years of France’s energy system →

The key challenges for Africa to transform its energy systems today

Sebastian Sterl, Assistant Professor, Energy Meteorology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, in an article on The Conversation website, discusses the five challenges to develop sustainable energy systems for today’s world. Africa’s energy sector will need to transform radically - these are the five biggest challenges The future of Africa’s energy sector is getting increasing … Continue reading The key challenges for Africa to transform its energy systems today →

Member states should take more responsibility for meeting the targets of the EU buildings directive

Aneta Zachová writes on the EURACTIV website about the views of energy-saving construction expert Petr Holub that the onus for meeting targets from the EPBD should be on member states and not individual owners. Do you have any views on this? Czech expert: EU Building Directive targets should be met by states, not owners … Continue reading Member states should take more responsibility for meeting the targets of the EU buildings directive →

Is there really a need in Britain for small modular nuclear reactors in the net-zero drive?

Next-generation nuclear technologies will divert resources away from cheaper options that can more quickly contribute to energy security and climate goals, argues Andrew Warren, former special advisor to the House of Commons environment committee and a friend of EiD, in an article on the Business Green website. Small modular reactors are a high-risk and … Continue reading Is there really a need in Britain for small modular nuclear reactors in the net-zero drive? →

Greening from the bottom up

High-level solutions and grand designs will not fix climate change. Christof Brandtner, Assistant professor in organisational and economic sociology at EM Lyon Business School argues in an article on The Conversation website that the bulk of the action will have to take place at the interfaces between local governments and the organised citizenry. What are … Continue reading Greening from the bottom up →

Britain’s winter fuel support failing to tack high levels of fuel poverty

The billions paid out to pensioner households each winter in Britain are failing to tackle rising levels of fuel poverty, writes Andrew Warren, chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, on the BUSINESS GREEN website. This is an important message for all countries addressing fuel poverty. More quantitative easing than fuel poverty alleviation: The … Continue reading Britain’s winter fuel support failing to tack high levels of fuel poverty →

New Eurobarometer survey shows large majority are positive about recent EU actions addressing energy crisis

A new Eurobarometer survey released in December shows that the large majority of EU citizens are positive about recent EU actions to tackle the energy crisis. In particular, More than 8 in ten EU citizens (82%) agree that the EU should continue to take actions to reduce its dependency on Russian fossil fuels. An overwhelming … Continue reading New Eurobarometer survey shows large majority are positive about recent EU actions addressing energy crisis →

The climate priorities for the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council

With European economies severely affected by the war, the green and energy transitions take centre stage, with the ‘Fit for 55’ package setting the framework for climate action. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recognises the EU’s climate leadership and declared Sweden’s intention to strengthen this position during the Presidency. The Bellona Foundation, an independent non-profit … Continue reading The climate priorities for the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council →