BMW accused of hypocrisy

This is a thought-provoking article by Adam Vaughan of the Guardian on BMW lobbying against tougher emission proposals while talking up its green credentials as official Olympics. BMW accused of hypocrisy over opposition to European car targets BMW is lobbying to water down European plans to improve the fuel efficiency of cars at the … Continue reading BMW accused of hypocrisy →

Quote of the week

The European Council met in Brussels June 28th and 29th and formally approved the Energy Efficiency Directive. The Communiqué states: Following the formal adoption of the Energy Efficiency Directive, Member States must rapidly implement it, making full use of its provisions in order to exploit the significant potential for job creation in this sector. Council … Continue reading Quote of the week →

EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break

BusinessGreen reports (below) that the European Commission recently ordered the UK government to repeal a law that allows reduced rates of VAT on insulation materials and solar panels, on the grounds that it fails to comply with the EU's VAT Directive. In a bizarre move, the European Commission suggests a defence that the UK can … Continue reading EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break →

Number of the week . . . or how the European Energy Efficiency Directive succeeded

Finally on June 13th, the rabbit was pulled out of the hat and an agreement was reached on a compromise Energy Efficiency Directive. According to many within the Coalition for Energy Savings, there is disappointment because the measures do not sufficiently close the gap to reach the 20% energy savings target by 2020. The Commission … Continue reading Number of the week . . . or how the European Energy Efficiency Directive succeeded →

Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support

Many countries have had to re-think their policies to support the deployment of renewable energy technologies. This article from CleanTechnica.com provides important information on developments in the Czech Republic. Czech Solar Energy Industry Must Struggle with Retroactive Change in Support June 11, 2012 By Zachary Shahan CleanTechnica.com I received the following news release just … Continue reading Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support →

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 →

Run, rabbit, run . . .

The negotiations on the proposed Energy Efficiency Directive are coming down to the final steps, at least the final steps under the Danish Presidency which ends this month. The last trialogue meeting is scheduled for June 13th. In particular, there are still disputes on energy efficiency obligations for energy companies, and for retrofit strategies for … Continue reading Run, rabbit, run . . . →

Communication on renewable energy from the European Commission

The European Commission has tabled a much-awaited 'communication' looking at the EU-wide prospects for renewable energy. EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger published the policy "blueprint on the post-2020 strategy for renewable energy" on Wednesday. EU energy ministers will discuss the new proposal at a Council meeting on June 15th. The Commission's idea is that renewables, … Continue reading Communication on renewable energy from the European Commission →

New head for CLASP Europe

Dr. Pernille Schiellerup has just been appointed Director of European Programmes of CLASP. CLASP provides technical assistance, training, and capacity building on all aspects of energy efficiency standards and labelling, and capitalises on opportunities to collaborate and disseminate research and best practice information. The European office, based in Brussels, is part of a global network … Continue reading New head for CLASP Europe →

Energy Efficiency Directive negotiations update

Concern is growing that the negotiations between the European Council, Parliament and Commission may collapse because of a lack of serious movement on the part of Council. While there has been some change of position by Council on energy efficiency obligations and cogeneration, Council seems reluctant to budge on the retrofit of buildings. There is … Continue reading Energy Efficiency Directive negotiations update →