Union for Concerned Scientists push for greater energy efficiency

The Union of Concerned Scientists have reacted to the decision by Duke Energy in the US to close a nuclear power plant and its consideration to replace it with a natural gas-fired plant.  The UCS have a report that there are many more sustainable approaches that should be considered first. Report Shows Energy Efficiency and … Continue reading Union for Concerned Scientists push for greater energy efficiency

Roll out of smart meters hits snag in British Columbia, Canada

Justine Hunter writes in the Globe and Mail about the problems that B.C. Hydro is having in providing smart meters to all customers.  While the problem appears to be the fault of the current government, it shows that one cannot take the consumer for granted.  Now the energy company is busily trying to explain to … Continue reading Roll out of smart meters hits snag in British Columbia, Canada

European Environment Agency to give emphasis to climate change and energy in its new work programme

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released its “Annual Management Plan 2013,” which outlines the EEA work programme that will address a broad range of issues including: air quality and noise; air pollutant emissions; climate change mitigation; climate change adaptation; energy; and transport. The Annual Management Plan includes sections on: EEA mission statement, vision and strategic objectives; … Continue reading European Environment Agency to give emphasis to climate change and energy in its new work programme

Global Futures Report points to transformation policies for renewable energy

Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), in cooperation with the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies (ISEP), recently released its annual "REN21 Global Futures Report (GFR)," which presents a range of expert perspectives on possible renewable energy futures. The report is based on interviews with more than 170 leading experts and 50 published energy scenarios. It … Continue reading Global Futures Report points to transformation policies for renewable energy

Renewables in Poland – hard to get consensus on way forward

Jan Cienski recently wrote a blog for the Financial Times about the difficulties in getting renewable energy policies firmly established within Poland.   Renewable energy in Poland: endlessly renewable squabble Poland’s long-running reluctance to tackle a new law on renewable energy is starting to impose growing economic and political costs, as big energy companies freeze … Continue reading Renewables in Poland – hard to get consensus on way forward

Fracking cultural wars continue

The news agency AP reports in The Independent newspaper about the continuing cultural wars on fracking in the US.  EiD reported earlier this month on the topic. Imagine there's no fracking… Yoko Ono joins tour against controversial extraction technique Celebrities including Yoko Ono, her son Sean Lennon and actress Susan Sarandon were in Pennsylvania today … Continue reading Fracking cultural wars continue

EBRD adopts new Russia strategy for 2013-2015 that continues to give priority to energy efficiency

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has adopted a new strategy for Russia, setting priorities that will govern the Bank’s activities in its largest country of operation over the next three years.  It shows below how energy efficiency remains a high priority. During its new strategy period of 2013-2015, the Bank will prioritise … Continue reading EBRD adopts new Russia strategy for 2013-2015 that continues to give priority to energy efficiency

Green Investment Bank shows it’s in business

Renewable Energy Focus provides details on the first deal by the UK’s new public-funded green investment bank in wind energy. UK Green Investment Bank agrees its first offshore wind farm finance package The UK’s state-backed Green Investment Bank (GIB) has struck its first deal in the offshore wind sector, contributing to a £224 million re-financing … Continue reading Green Investment Bank shows it’s in business