Shale gas: four myths and a truth

E3G, the independent, non-profit organisation operating in the public interest to accelerate the global transition to sustainable development, has produced an important briefing note and infographic on shale gas. Some argue that the solution to rising energy prices and energy security concerns lies not in cutting demand for energy imports by improving energy efficiency whilst … Continue reading Shale gas: four myths and a truth

This will get the Irish singing – renewable energy playing key role in energy policy

Tina Costanza writes in siliconrepublic.com that the use of renewable energy has already saved importing more than €1 billion.  This will definitely be welcome news to a country that has been making every effort to get out of the financial crisis that has punished the economy.    Renewable energy has saved Ireland more than €1bn … Continue reading This will get the Irish singing – renewable energy playing key role in energy policy

Videos of the week

They may not qualify for the upcoming Academy Awards, but this has been a good week for new videos on aspects of sustainable energy. • Walt Patterson No one has analysed the electricity system more thoroughly than Walt Patterson, Associate Fellow at Chatham House and Visiting Fellow at the University of Sussex. Walt recently wrote … Continue reading Videos of the week

Backlash in Germany’s industry to increased costs to support renewable energy

Australia’s Business Spectator provides an important article on how Germany’s heavy industry is being hit in the pocketbook to help fund renewable energy as part of Germany’s energy transition strategy.  Surely there must be a better way to promote auto-production. The success of Europe’s energy policies will obviously have a big impact on Australia’s policies.   … Continue reading Backlash in Germany’s industry to increased costs to support renewable energy

One more reason why we need to deal more effectively with fuel poverty

A new survey in the UK has given some unsettling results, showing that two thirds of adults questioned said they would not turn the gas or electricity on or up when feeling chilly.  Is this the traditional British stiff upper lip to adversity or people simply making a choice between keeping warm or eating? Or … Continue reading One more reason why we need to deal more effectively with fuel poverty

Global markets in fossil fuels are curbing the development of renewable energy in Africa

Fossil fuels have dominated energy markets for decades and the industry has no intention of changing that.  While there are efforts to transform our energy systems to low carbon energy sources, the road is not easy or straightforward.  The Business Standard in India reports on the message from a UN official from the Economic Commission … Continue reading Global markets in fossil fuels are curbing the development of renewable energy in Africa

Unintended impact of renewable energy targets in Romania

We have seen many EU member states retreating from high feed-in tariffs for renewable energy.  We see Germany bounding ahead with renewables as its centrepiece for its energy transition.  We have seen the European Commission recently propose a binding target for renewable energy for 2030, but binding only EU-wide and not for individual countries, whatever … Continue reading Unintended impact of renewable energy targets in Romania