Category: energy transition

While renewables boom in South Africa, national utility still pushing for nuclear

Many countries are caught trying to find the optimal low carbon energy path. Norimitsu Onishi reports in the New York Times about the differing views underway in South Africa. What are your views?   Windmills or Reactor Cores? Inside South Africa’s Energy Clash In one of the most sun-drenched corners of the planet, a 670-foot … Continue reading While renewables boom in South Africa, national utility still pushing for nuclear →

“No one can use China as an excuse of not taking action anymore”

With the climate conference starting in Morocco, there is increased interest in better understanding what is happening around the world. By Saša Petricic writes a very good article on Canada’s CBC News website about whether China, the world’s biggest polluter, can bring real change to its smoggy skies.   China goes from red-alert pollution to … Continue reading “No one can use China as an excuse of not taking action anymore” →

Impact of big data on the energy transition

The energy transition is definitely underway and everyone is trying to figure out how to accelerate efforts. Dave Keating writes a good article on the DW website about the important role of big data. Deutsche Welle (DW) is Germany’s international broadcaster .   Big data is about to transform renewable energy This week, the International … Continue reading Impact of big data on the energy transition →

Wake up call from insurance industry to speed energy transition away from fossil fuels

With leaders of the G20 meeting this week in Hangzhou, China, it is timely for some of the world’s biggest insurers to call on the G20 to speed up the energy transition by ending fossil fuel subsidies. Karl Mathiesen describes the call by insurers in The Guardian. Will we see leaders call for the end … Continue reading Wake up call from insurance industry to speed energy transition away from fossil fuels →

Eliminating tariff barriers will do much to promote sustainable development

The World Energy Council will have its next global congress in October in Istanbul. The main theme for the Congress is “Embracing New Frontiers”. The WEC has just published a report on tackling non-tariff measures a priority in addressing the energy trilemma. This is an important report for all EiD readers.   Non-tariff measures: next … Continue reading Eliminating tariff barriers will do much to promote sustainable development →

How the energy transition is transforming one city in Ontario

Sault Ste. Marie Ontario was known for locks that allowed for shipping between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. It was also known as a major steel producer. It has fallen on hard times with the industrial and economic restructuring that affected so many cities and regions in all our countries. Peter Kuitenbrouwer writes an encouraging … Continue reading How the energy transition is transforming one city in Ontario →

SMEs at the heart of Germany’s energy transition

Roy Hales writes on the CleanTechnica website about the role SMEs play in Germany in its low carbon energy transition. There are important messages for all of us.   SMEs Are Energiewende’s Backbone A number of prominent companies come to mind when you mention Germany’s energy transition. Names like E.ON, Volkswagen, and Siemens are recognized … Continue reading SMEs at the heart of Germany’s energy transition →

Reviewing Japan’s energy transition

Being a country with few domestic energy resources, energy policy has been a priority for Japan. It is obvious at organisations such as the International Energy Agency, how Japan gives attention to energy security. Obviously, the nuclear disaster only a few years ago has forced Japan to re-think its approach. Jarni Blakkarly writes in The … Continue reading Reviewing Japan’s energy transition →

Questions about the energy transition in China

Is there a contradiction in China’s commitment to greater sustainability? Wade Shepard raises the question on the Forbes website about the supposed contradiction between promoting renewable energy – for many environmental benefits – and yet the drive to construct more and more coal-fired power plants. What are your views?   If China Is So Committed … Continue reading Questions about the energy transition in China →