The roller coaster approach to renewable energy policy

This article by Colm Kelpie in the Irish Independent is quite disturbing because EU and national energy policies were supposed to develop a long-term policy framework that gave investors confidence and reduced risk. Instead, we are seeing the traditional stop-start approach to energy policy. If we are serious about 2030 or 2050 energy and climate … Continue reading The roller coaster approach to renewable energy policy →

Europe is losing out because of the wide energy price gap with the US

There is much discussion on Europe’s competitiveness and how the region is losing out to other countries with much lower energy prices. As Pilita Clark of the Financial Times reports, the IEA’s chief economist is of the opinion that Europe is going to have difficulties for the next couple of decades, because the price gap … Continue reading Europe is losing out because of the wide energy price gap with the US →

Nicholas Stern answers . . .

For last week’s World Energy Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, Nicholas Stern, the economist and academic and author of the Stern Report on the economics of climate change, was asked several questions related to energy and climate policy by the UK’s Independent. The Big Questions: Is fracking the answer to the UK’s energy needs? … Continue reading Nicholas Stern answers . . . →

The winds of change

Definitely, offshore wind farms are increasingly appearing in the US. Interestingly, according to Diane Cardwell from the New York Times, companies from Europe are taking a dominant role. U.S. Offshore Wind Farm, Made in Europe Carl Horstmann strode around the floor of his factory here, passing welders honing head-high metal tubes as sparks flew. … Continue reading The winds of change →

Quotes of the week

In his eceee column reacting to the Commission’s 2030 climate and energy policy framework, presented on January 22nd, Hans Nilsson provides us with a quote within a quote: . . . it is worth being reminded of the words of the Danish professor Noergaard when he said that “it might not be cost-effective to save … Continue reading Quotes of the week →

The European Commission in the news

This week, the European Commission presented its long-expected 2030 climate and energy policy framework, whereby there will be a binding target for GHG emissions, a modest binding EU (but not at the member state level) target for renewable energy and, once again, a non-binding target for energy savings. The purpose behind the policy framework is … Continue reading The European Commission in the news →

Germany’s energy transition under the microscope

EiD has recently referred to the increased use of coal in Germany and there is a lot of speculation what this means for Germany’s energy transition policy. EiD has also had many posts on Germany’s energy transition. Now, Daniel Mittler, Political Director of Greenpeace International, provides his explanation. EiD is still hoping to hear more … Continue reading Germany’s energy transition under the microscope →

The great wall of . . . wind turbines?

David Shukman, Science Editor for the BBC, writes about the great push that China is making in the deployment of wind turbines. While already the global leader in the production of wind power, there is no letting up in the momentum to increase capacity. Still, wind only produces 2% of electricity requirements, compared to 75% … Continue reading The great wall of . . . wind turbines? →

New Chatham House report on shale gas

Paul Stevens, Distinguished Fellow at Chatham House, a renowned think-tank on international affairs, recently published an excellent new report on shale gas in the UK. There have been several parliamentary inquiries into shale gas operations in the United Kingdom. The House of Commons Select Committee most recently reported in April 2013. In June 2013, the … Continue reading New Chatham House report on shale gas →

Being irrational and “religious” in opposing fossil fuel development

The heat is being turned up in Britain to ensure that the country becomes a world leader in fossil fuel production from fracking. Now, in an article by Patrick Wintour in the Guardian, the Prime Minister is saying that those opposing are irrational. There can be a NIMBY attitude but it hardly seems to me … Continue reading Being irrational and “religious” in opposing fossil fuel development →