Category: energy policy

Summer reading: The social dynamics of carbon capture and storage

This new book on carbon capture and storage (CCS) takes a different approach than the normal technical review.  This book will therefore be of interest to anyone who is engaged with the study of energy technologies, carbon reduction and climate change policy more widely, and concerned with questions about the political, policy and social context … Continue reading Summer reading: The social dynamics of carbon capture and storage →

Effect of procurement training on energy savings in small and medium-sized enterprises

Energy in Buildings & Industry, a UK monthly magazine, features in its June issue a report by the electricity company npower that shows that UK businesses are missing out on significant energy savings by not having trained staff in place to procure energy.  The average SME spends about €225,000 per year.  The report said that … Continue reading Effect of procurement training on energy savings in small and medium-sized enterprises →

Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes

We can expect more of this type of article as Germany implements its decision to completely phase out nuclear energy.  No one said it would be easy and it won’t.  But hopefully the drive and determination of the Germans will inspire others.  There are lessons for all of us.   Germany’s Energy Revolution Hits Potholes … Continue reading Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes →

CCS: Sitting on the wrong side of innovation

This is a valuable article by Matthew Ulterino, an independent consultant from London and a colleague of EiD.  This is an excerpt from his article in Energy and Environment, Volume 23 No. 2&3, 2012.  This is a debate that is going to continue for some time.   Carbon Capture and Storage: Sitting on the Wrong … Continue reading CCS: Sitting on the wrong side of innovation →

Reports from the European Environment Agency

The European Environment Agency has come out with a couple of very interesting and important reports recently.   * Do we live in a 'green economy'? New report assesses progress in Europe Despite progress in some areas, Europe must do more to create the 'green economy' needed for the continent to become sustainable, according to … Continue reading Reports from the European Environment Agency →

Balancing the promotion of sustainable energy with government revenue

While this article by Gwyn Topham from the Guardian is on the UK, it is an important issue for all countries.  Governments are caught between promoting sustainable energy and taxes they gain from “conventional” practices.   Green cars will lead to fall in motoring revenue for Treasury, says study The drive to promote greener, more … Continue reading Balancing the promotion of sustainable energy with government revenue →

More from the Clean Energy Ministerial

The Clean Energy Ministerial also had more to say on carbon capture and storage. At the 2011 CEM meeting in Abu Dhabi, the CEM Carbon Capture, Use and Storage Action Group (CCUS AG) presented seven recommendations on concrete, near-term actions to accelerate global carbon capture and storage deployment. This week, at the 2012 CEM meeting … Continue reading More from the Clean Energy Ministerial →

What’s a carbon footprint and how is it worked out?

This is a useful description of a carbon footprint written by Duncan Clark a consultant editor for The Guardian on April 4th. What's a carbon footprint and how is it worked out? A carbon footprint is an estimate of the climate change impact of activity – such as making a product, living a lifestyle or … Continue reading What’s a carbon footprint and how is it worked out? →