Is renewable energy planning in Europe over regulated?

Geoffrey McLatchey from the Competitive Enterprise Institute provides a provocative article in The Commentator on the planning ideology for renewable energy in Europe. European renewable energy: Seeds of central planning The “ends justify the means” ideology surrounding the climate debate is certainly a dangerous game to play when government enters the equation. As European environmental … Continue reading Is renewable energy planning in Europe over regulated? →

Focus on energy subsidies

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently released advice on Energy Subsidy Reform. Robin Harding wrote an excellent article on the issue for the Financial Times. IMF signals push to scrap energy subsidies The world could solve a large part of its fiscal problems by scrapping $1.9tn* in energy subsidies, the International Monetary Fund said … Continue reading Focus on energy subsidies →

New report on moving to a low-carbon Canada

The Trottier Energy Futures Project has come out with an important new report on Canada moving to a low-carbon economy. An Inventory of Low-Carbon Energy for Canada shows that Canada’s supplies of solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass energy are much larger than the current or forecast demand for fuel and electricity, and technology costs have … Continue reading New report on moving to a low-carbon Canada →

Taking a fresh look at nuclear power

Nick Butler recently provided an excellent blog for the Financial Times in the future of nuclear energy. While the example is from the UK, it is an important message for all. Nuclear power – yesterday’s technology? Why is it proving so difficult to close the deal on new nuclear in Britain? In part, of … Continue reading Taking a fresh look at nuclear power →

Renewable energy policy in Romania hits rocky patch

Luiza Ilie writes for Reuters news agency about the cut in support for renewable energy, following cuts in many other EU countries. Romania plans to reduce support for renewable energy Romania's government will cut its support scheme for wind, solar and small hydro renewable energy projects to avoid overcompensating investors, energy regulator ANRE said … Continue reading Renewable energy policy in Romania hits rocky patch →

The oil debate battles on

Javier Blas writes in the Financial Times about how the debate peak oil has changed to a debate on peak demand as opposed to peak supply. As Blas writes, “it could presage a massive revolution, and much lower oil prices in the next two decades than currently anticipated by the energy market.” This has been … Continue reading The oil debate battles on →

Fracking cultural wars go on and on . . .

On January 18th, EiD provided the last instalment of the fracking cultural wars. Now Adam Gabbatt writes in the Guardian of celebrities coming together for a new effort. Yoko Ono and Susan Sarandon star in new anti-fracking music video Celebrities join forces for new rendering of Sean Lennon's Don't Frack My Mother in effort … Continue reading Fracking cultural wars go on and on . . . →

Planning changes in ownership of electricity utilities

Diane Cardwell writes in the New York Times about an interesting development in the US for cities to create municipal utilities, replacing private ones, so that they can take a more active role in addressing climate change, power disruptions and increase the share of renewable energy. Cities Weigh Taking Electricity Business From Private Utilities … Continue reading Planning changes in ownership of electricity utilities →

Quote of the week

Canada’s Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver recently said in Chicago: “The oil sands are a greener alternative than some other sources from around the world . . . Many opponents are spreading false information about the oil sands, especially its impact on the environment . . . “Canada is a global environmental leader … and … Continue reading Quote of the week →

The risks of relying on energy innovation

Bryan Walsh has an excellent article in this week’s Time Magazine about the role energy innovation is playing in America. There are important lessons for all EiD readers. Why Innovation Alone Isn’t Enough to Win the Climate Fight Politics can be frustrating. Actually, it’s more like politics ARE frustrating, especially in America and especially … Continue reading The risks of relying on energy innovation →