Energy in Demand News, July 30, 2023

Energy in Demand News… July 30, 2023 No one said the zero carbon energy transition would be easy. This week there have been some interesting news related to making progress: A Financial Times newsletter noted that the energy transition could hinge on recycling because of a shortage of needed metals such as copper, nickel and … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, July 30, 2023

Energy ministers failed to agree on phasing down fossil fuels and setting ambitious renewable energy targets at recent G20 meeting

The world’s largest economies failed to agree on targets to phase down fossil fuels and scale up renewables. What sort of impact will this have on upcoming COP28 later this year? Matteo Civillini and Reuters discuss latest developments in an article on the Climate Change News website.   G20 divisions over key climate goals pile … Continue reading Energy ministers failed to agree on phasing down fossil fuels and setting ambitious renewable energy targets at recent G20 meeting

While household air conditioning is one of the “most effective adaptation strategies to reduce heat-related mortality and morbidity,” it can also be an unsustainable and problematic solution to extreme heat

Emily Chung  writes on the CBC News website about the benefits and costs of air conditioning in extreme heat. Passive cooling, greenery, behaviour changes are more sustainable, researchers say.   Why air conditioners can be a problematic solution to extreme heat As extreme heat hits many parts of the world amid a warming climate, millions … Continue reading While household air conditioning is one of the “most effective adaptation strategies to reduce heat-related mortality and morbidity,” it can also be an unsustainable and problematic solution to extreme heat

Even when the carbon captured by new trees is taken into account, wood consumption accounts for about one-tenth of the world’s annual GHG emissions

Little is understood about the emissions from harvesting wood. Max Graham writes on the National Observer website about a new report that discusses the impact of the forest industry. Even when the carbon captured by new trees is taken into account, wood consumption accounts for about one-tenth of the world’s annual GHG emissions. There are … Continue reading Even when the carbon captured by new trees is taken into account, wood consumption accounts for about one-tenth of the world’s annual GHG emissions

What engineers – and others – need to know about the EU Ecodesign Regulation

The second phase of the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation raises the bar for electric motor energy efficiency – and the rest of the world is sure to follow. Daniel Eberli from ABB, a technology leader in electrification and automation, discusses ecodesign in an article on the Engineer Live website.   Energy efficiency with ecodesign Energy efficiency … Continue reading What engineers – and others – need to know about the EU Ecodesign Regulation

Greenpeace criticizes the low cost of European flights

Despite the fact that flying produces more greenhouse gases than train journeys, people often opt for the former, Greenpeace says. According to the nonprofit organization Greenpeace, the boom of low-cost flying has led to damaging, potentially irreversible effects on the global climate. Their report is available here. Laura Hülsemann discusses the report in an article … Continue reading Greenpeace criticizes the low cost of European flights

July 16th EiD newsletter

This week, the New York Times had a news item (behind paywall) entitled: “Climate Disasters Daily? Welcome to the ‘New Normal.’” There were two especially worrying points. The first: “And yet even as storms, fires and floods become increasingly frequent, climate change lives on the periphery for most voters. In a nation focused on inflation, … Continue reading July 16th EiD newsletter

New Joint Research Centre report on role of heat pumps in our energy transition

Replacing about a third of EU’s 86 million residential fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps could cut those households’ final energy consumption by 36% and their CO2 emissions by 28%. Heating of buildings accounts for almost 40% of final energy consumption and 36% of energy-related GHG emissions in the EU. Within these, residential buildings account … Continue reading New Joint Research Centre report on role of heat pumps in our energy transition

Advanced insulation materials for energy efficiency

Lawrence Webb writes on the Energy Portal website about the critical role advanced insulation materials are playing in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. What are your views?   Exploring Advanced Insulation Materials for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Buildings Advanced insulation materials are playing a critical role in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, thereby reducing energy … Continue reading Advanced insulation materials for energy efficiency

Important role for industrial automation in addressing climate change

An article on the economist impact website highlights the importance of industrial automation in achieving net zero emissions. The article refers to the recent IEA Global Conference on Energy Efficiency held in Versailles.   Industrial automation is the key to addressing the energy and climate crises Industry is responsible for 32% of the world's CO2 … Continue reading Important role for industrial automation in addressing climate change