New IEA report on Russian energy policies

The International Energy Agency has just published its assessment of Russia’s energy policies. Russia's energy sector plays an essential role for the Russian economy, its energy security and global hydrocarbon supplies. Russia holds among the world’s largest resources of gas, oil and coal. Its liquids production has reached historical highs, yet major additional upstream investments … Continue reading New IEA report on Russian energy policies →

Road to low carbon economy never was going to be easy

We have seen many good efforts for our economies to reduce carbon emissions but there are undoubted blips along the path. Terry Macalister writes in The Guardian about how the use of coal grew by 3% in 2013, faster than any other fossil fuel. Coal's share of energy market at highest level since 1970 … Continue reading Road to low carbon economy never was going to be easy →

German renewable energy policy about to change

We have all been following Germany’s energy transition. With the new government coalition we are now seeing some interesting changes to the approach taken, as Bentham Paulos writes on the Greentech website. The next phase of Germany’s energy transition takes competitive markets into account. Will other European countries start making the same move? Germany’s … Continue reading German renewable energy policy about to change →

New report from IEA: Energy Technology Perspectives 2014

The IEA has recently published its 2014 edition of Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP 2014) with a special focus on harnessing electricity’s potential. Starting from the premise that electricity will be an increasingly important vector in energy systems of the future, ETP 2014 takes a deep dive into actions needed to support deployment of sustainable options … Continue reading New report from IEA: Energy Technology Perspectives 2014 →

Quote of the week

The current Ukraine crisis has energy policymakers looking at all options to address the European energy security concerns. Terry Macalister of The Guardian provides us with an important quote by Guy Hands, a well-known financier in the UK who makes a strong case for renewable energy. What is important for EiD readers is the perception … Continue reading Quote of the week →

The cost of deception

Canada’s tar sands and the means of getting the product to markets remain controversial in and outside Canada. Eric Reguly writes in Canada’s Globe and Mail about some of the misleading elements that have been included in the Canadian government’s attempt to sway American views. Canada’s $207,000 oil sands ad: Putting a price on deception … Continue reading The cost of deception →

Democracy in action?

It is amazing that there is now consideration being given to allow those affected by shale gas development to have a say whether it should take place in their “backyard.” Jim Pickard writes a good article in the Financial Times about a recent survey. Majority opposes fracking without residents’ approval Plans to allow fracking companies … Continue reading Democracy in action? →

Once we thought energy was going to be too cheap to meter. Now . . .

Just this week, I was having a chat with a friend and he mentioned that we are so lucky about how interesting energy policy is these days. There certainly isn’t a dull moment. One thing we agreed about was how energy policy has to be much more comprehensive and systematic, taking a strategic view of … Continue reading Once we thought energy was going to be too cheap to meter. Now . . . →

Renewable energy versus the fossil-fuel industry

Last week EiD had a post comparing renewable energy and fossil fuels. Well, there is now another from Hydrogen Fuel News. It seems obvious that if renewables increase, this will have an impact on the fossil fuel industry. The article refers to an important study that you may find of interest. Renewable energy may … Continue reading Renewable energy versus the fossil-fuel industry →

In-depth IEA Review of the Netherland’s energy policies and programmes

The IEA recently published its most updated review of The Netherlands’ energy policies. The IEA’s announcement is available here. While EiD feels it is a good review, there is a heavy emphasis on renewable energy and energy efficiency certainly seems to be underplayed. it would be good to hear from friends of EiD if this … Continue reading In-depth IEA Review of the Netherland’s energy policies and programmes →