Category: energy policy

Walt Patterson’s website

One of the truly thoughtful experts in Europe about energy matters is Walt Patterson.  He is trained as a nuclear physicist and has published thirteen books and hundreds of papers, articles and reviews, on nuclear power, coal technology, renewable energy, energy systems, energy policy and electricity. Since 1991 he has been a fellow of what … Continue reading Walt Patterson’s website →

Cost of the German transition to a non-nuclear future

Juergen Baetz of AP news service provides an important look at the costs for the phasing out of nuclear energy.  The phase out is to be complete by 2022.  It shows that the policy will definitely cost in the coming years, although once complete, it should ensure that Germany is on a sustainable foundation that … Continue reading Cost of the German transition to a non-nuclear future →

The difficult road to a renewable energy world

Guest blogger, Kurt Cobb, recently wrote in the Christian Science Monitor about the difficulties there will be in transforming away from a fossil-fuel-based world.  This is an excellent article that should not be missed.   The clunky, lagging transition to renewable energy History suggests that it can take up to 50 years to replace an … Continue reading The difficult road to a renewable energy world →

How shale gas is affecting energy efficiency discussions

John Funk of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on the discussions underway at an energy efficiency conference at the end of September.  What it shows is that there are many who are now questioning the focus on energy efficiency when such cheap energy supply is available.   Shale gas dominates energy efficiency conference The steady … Continue reading How shale gas is affecting energy efficiency discussions →

India and its energy transition

This blog from Simon Denyer and Rama Lakshmi in the Washington Post give EiD readers a throughout discussion of the challenges facing the country as it modernises its entire energy infrastructure. Satisfying India’s thirst for power could be nation’s biggest challenge Like China two decades ago and the United States in 1950, India stands on … Continue reading India and its energy transition →

For the top of your summer reading?

Judith Shapiro, Director of the Global Environmental Politics MA Programs at American University, has written an important book on the environmental issues confronting China.  This is a very good book review by Pilita Clark, environment correspondent for the Financial Times.   China and its controversial carbon appetite This guide to Beijing’s ecological aims casts doubt … Continue reading For the top of your summer reading? →

On the other hand . . . German shift from nuclear increases use of carbon

Stefan Nicola and Tino Andresen of Bloomberg news service report on the difficulties that Germany faces in reducing its reliance on nuclear energy.   Merkel’s Green Shift Forces Germany to Burn More Coal Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government says RWE AG’s new power plant that can supply 3.4 million homes aids her plan to exit nuclear … Continue reading On the other hand . . . German shift from nuclear increases use of carbon →

More on electricity at the London Olympics

Following last week’s post on wind energy, there is more to be learned about the electricity provided at the London Olympics.  EDF Energy is the official provider of electricity for the London Olympics.  EDF Energy is wholly owned by EDF, the major French electricity company. This is what they say on their website about use … Continue reading More on electricity at the London Olympics →

Developments in Canadian energy policy

Much is written about Canada’s emphasis on tar sands (and fossil fuels in general) development but there are growing concerns in Canada that other countries are moving ahead in the “mega trend” towards clean energy and a low-carbon economy.  This article from Mike De Souza, in the Montreal Gazette, gives the non-Canadian reader a good … Continue reading Developments in Canadian energy policy →