Although many countries have explicitly promised to reduce fossil fuel subsidies to combat climate change, this has proven difficult to accomplish

Bruce Huber, Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame writes on The Conversation website about how difficult it is turning out to phase out fossil fuel subsidies.   Countries spend huge sums on fossil fuel subsidies – why they’re so hard to eliminate Fossil fuels are the leading driver of climate change, yet … Continue reading Although many countries have explicitly promised to reduce fossil fuel subsidies to combat climate change, this has proven difficult to accomplish

“This shocking increase in aid funding to fossil fuels is a wake-up call”

In an article on the Guardian website, Ajit Niranjan discusses the increase in foreign aid going to fossil fuel projects. With clean air projects receiving just 1% of aid, activists say nations ‘cannot continue polluting practices at expense of climate stability.’   Foreign aid for fossil fuel projects quadrupled in a single year Foreign aid … Continue reading “This shocking increase in aid funding to fossil fuels is a wake-up call”

EU to probe subsidies to Chinese solar panel manufacturers that have distorted European market

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer writes on the Euractiv website about whether subsidies allowed Chinese firms to submit unfair bids for the construction of a Romanian solar panel park. The probe reflects a hardening stance in Europe towards cheap Chinese imports, which the EU’s solar industry has blamed for the heavy losses and plant closures of several … Continue reading EU to probe subsidies to Chinese solar panel manufacturers that have distorted European market

Energy in Demand News, October 8, 2023

As we get closer to COP28 in Dubai, there are some disturbing signs. For example: the US and China  failed to pledge to the UN Green Climate Fund (most countries, including Germany, Austria and France, increased their pledges, while Denmark, Ireland and Liechtenstein doubled theirs but total pledges still did not reach target); Russia says … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, October 8, 2023

The EU’s anti-subsidy investigation of EVs from China is risky

In an article on The Conversation website, Louise Curran, Professor of International Business at TBS Education discusses the potential problems that the EU faces as it sets up its anti-subsidy investigation. The question is how China will react.   The EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles is a risky strategy that may backfire In her … Continue reading The EU’s anti-subsidy investigation of EVs from China is risky

‘Make Europe the home of clean tech’: European Commission President calls for more subsidies to fund EU’s future

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a "Net Zero Industry Act" to boost clean tech. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, she also vowed to support Ukraine "as long as it takes." Deutsche Welle provides a news item on Mme von der Leyen’s announcement.   European Commission outlines plan for clean tech … Continue reading ‘Make Europe the home of clean tech’: European Commission President calls for more subsidies to fund EU’s future

Hope is not lost: 2022 was an historic year for international climate policy

A lot of the reports out of COP27 in Egypt reflect failure of the international community to make any progress to raise the ambition needed to stay on the path to limit global warming to 1.5℃. Katherine Lake, Research Associate at the Centre for Resources, Energy and Environmental Law at the University of Melbourne takes … Continue reading Hope is not lost: 2022 was an historic year for international climate policy

British company used the Energy Charter Treaty to sue the Italian government for foregone profits and plans to invest the compensation in further drilling

A British oil company has won over €190 million ($190m) in compensation from the Italian government for blocking a planned project off Italy’s Adriatic coast. Arthur Neslen discusses the arbitration results in an article on The Guardian website. Bravo to Yamina Saheb, friend of EiD, for her role as whistleblower to expose the impact of … Continue reading British company used the Energy Charter Treaty to sue the Italian government for foregone profits and plans to invest the compensation in further drilling

“No matter how many supply-side resources we pour into the mix, the perfect blend will elude us until we stop treating demand-side flexibility as a final flourish of glitter”

With REPowerEU underway, Europe’s energy and climate strategy demands a rapid change of scenery. We must utilise the full palette of solutions available, including household flexibility, says Sophie Yule-Bennett from the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) in an article on the FORESIGHT Climate & Energy website.   House power: the hidden powerhouse of the new energy … Continue reading “No matter how many supply-side resources we pour into the mix, the perfect blend will elude us until we stop treating demand-side flexibility as a final flourish of glitter”

How important is it to keep the Energy Charter Treaty?

In an article on The Conversation website, Chamu Kuppuswamy, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, at the University of Hertfordshire argues that, while withdrawing from the energy charter treaty is possible for any country to do, losing the benefits of membership – such as fewer duties and taxes on imports of oil and gas – will … Continue reading How important is it to keep the Energy Charter Treaty?