Global clean energy finance and investment (i.e. for renewables) grew to $263 billion in 2011, a 6.5% increase over the previous year, according to new research released by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Among G-20) nations, the United States reclaimed the top spot from China, which led the global clean energy race since 2009. Germany, Italy, … Continue reading Clean energy investment reaches $263 billion in 2011
Category: financial instruments
Question of the week
Reuter’s news agency reports that of Romania’s 19 million population, less than five million are workers paying taxes, with most of the rest pensioners, children, subsistence farmers or people working illegally. Costs for the more than five million pensioners amounted to 9% of GDP in 2010. Also, Romania, the EU’s second-poorest member with an average … Continue reading Question of the week
Housing project becomes a beacon
This is a very good article from the New York Times about a housing project about a 15 minute walk from the EiD office. The results on energy performance are good and can probably even be better. But they show that important upgrades can be made to public housing. Hopefully this "beacon" will inspire changes … Continue reading Housing project becomes a beacon
Financing energy efficiency in buildings – the American way
Financing energy efficiency in buildings is a challenge to policy makers, to consumers and to the energy efficiency industries (services and products). Two innovative approaches have recently been discussed in the US. SolarCity SolarCity, a national provider of clean energy services, on March 27th unveiled a Home Energy Loan for energy efficiency upgrades that will … Continue reading Financing energy efficiency in buildings – the American way
Public consultation on financial support for energy efficiency in buildings
A two-month public consultation on "Financial Support for Energy Efficiency in Buildings" has been launched by the Directorate General for Energy. The consultation period expires on May 18th. The objective is to obtain the views of the wide range of stakeholders throughout Europe on ways to improve the financial support for energy efficiency measures that … Continue reading Public consultation on financial support for energy efficiency in buildings
Video-in-Demand
EiD has come across two excellent videos for EiD readers. The first is by Peter Sweatman for Eurima, the European Insulation Manufacturers, on Financing Mechanisms for Europe’s Buildings Renovations. This is an excellent argument for an ambitious energy efficiency directive and the need for incentives for building refurbishment. The second is by the UNFCCC Executive … Continue reading Video-in-Demand
Let’s meet in Paris
It is almost springtime and the meeting season has already started. It is Energy Efficiency Week at the IEA from March 12th to 16th and there are three important workshops. On Wednesday, March 14th a workshop on “The Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency” will expand on previous IEA work on multiple benefits for fuel poverty … Continue reading Let’s meet in Paris
Briefly speaking . . .
China increase in energy consumption Bloomberg News reports that China's energy use rose at the fastest pace in four years in 2011, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Consumption climbed 7 % to 3.48 billion metric tons of standard coal equivalent. That was the fastest rate since 2007, when it grew 7.8 %. However, … Continue reading Briefly speaking . . .
IEA Energy Policy Review of Denmark
The International Energy Agency recently published a report on Danish energy policies. The IEA in-depth review opens: “Denmark is a leader among OECD member countries in terms of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change policies.” This is obviously a winning combination. The report sets the scene by stating that Denmark has a long history … Continue reading IEA Energy Policy Review of Denmark
IEA Energy Policy Review of Slovak Republic
In early February, the International Energy Agency published its in-depth review of Slovak energy policies with important findings on sustainable energy. The key objectives of Slovak energy policy include energy efficiency, reducing energy intensity, reducing dependence on energy imports, expanding the use of nuclear power, increasing the share of renewables and supporting the use of … Continue reading IEA Energy Policy Review of Slovak Republic
