Even with a push, energy policy often cannot be rushed

Americans are concerned about Europe’s dependence on Russian gas and are as anxious as Europeans on developments related to the Ukraine crisis. Clifford Krauss writes in the New York Times about the effort being made to speed up exports to Europe but, with the infrastructure needed, this has to be looked at as a more … Continue reading Even with a push, energy policy often cannot be rushed →

The gloves are off in arguing for Scottish independence

In September, Scots will be voting on whether they will become an independent state. The debate, not surprisingly, is heating up. While Scotland has benefited from offshore oil and gas, the Scottish government sees its future in a green energy revolution. Scot MacNab writes in The Scotsman about whether or not independence will be a … Continue reading The gloves are off in arguing for Scottish independence →

How Crimea affects Europe’s energy strategy

Stephen Stec and Alexios Antypas from the Central European University in Budapest write an excellent article in The Guardian on how Europe’s energy strategy must evolve. As they argue, the role of climate and energy policy in the 'long game' that will play out between Russia and the west has been overlooked. What is missing … Continue reading How Crimea affects Europe’s energy strategy →

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 →

Quote of the week

This week the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK, George Osborne, presented this year’s budget. Here is a startling quote from his speech in the House of Commons: We need to cut our energy costs. We’re going to do this by investing in new sources of energy: new nuclear power, renewables, and a shale … Continue reading Quote of the week →

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 →

Quote of the week

The environmentalist and visionary, Amory Lovins, recently commented on the UK government’s recent decision to provide support for the expansion of nuclear energy said: "Britain's plan for a fleet of new nuclear power stations is … unbelievable," he says. "It is economically daft. The guaranteed price [being offered to French state company EDF] is over … Continue reading Quote 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 →