Update on Scotland’s green ambitions

The Energy Saving Trust has recently published its report on progress in Scotland entitled “Supporting Scotland’s Green Ambitions: December 2024 report.” The Energy Saving Trust receives many enquiries about how the programmes it delivers on behalf of the Scottish Government work and what changes they deliver on the ground. These are from both organisations seeking … Continue reading Update on Scotland’s green ambitions

Energy in Demand News, December 15, 2024

BP and Shell are scaling back electricity ambitions to escape the ‘valley of death,’ according to the Financial Times website (behind a paywall). Over the past five years, the two companies had spent a combined US$18 billion to be major players in electricity. But now Shell has sold its retail electricity business in Germany, the … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, December 15, 2024

Energy in Demand News, November 24, 2024

The talks at COP29 ran 33 hours late, and came close to collapse. In the end richer countries pledged a record $300bn to help the developing world fight climate change, but the deal is facing recrimination that it comes nowhere near addressing poorer countries' challenges from global warming. The New York Times (behind a paywall) … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, November 24, 2024

“The EIB has integrated the energy efficiency first principle into its Energy Lending Policy”

In 2023, the European Investment Bank provided more than €21.3 billion for energy-related projects, of which €8.3 billion was for energy efficiency, jumping from €2.1 billion in 2014 – but the energy-efficiency gap remains challenging. Christoph Schwaiger writes on the Euractiv website how the EIB is taking lending in energy efficiency seriously.   EIB sees … Continue reading “The EIB has integrated the energy efficiency first principle into its Energy Lending Policy”

Energy in Demand News, November 17, 2024

It has been quite a first week at COP29. Azerbaijani president, Ilham Aliyev, defended Azerbaijan’s current exports of gas and plans to expand production told world leaders gathered in his country for COP29 that natural gas was a “gift from God” and he shouldn’t be blamed for bringing it to market. Kicking off the leaders’ … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, November 17, 2024

Clean energy technologies save households serious money, but the barrier to entry increased in 2024

With the cost of living top of mind for Canadians, a new Clean Energy Canada report finds that making a few clean energy changes to your household can save hundreds of dollars a month for families. The report is discussed in a news item on the Energy Mix website.   EVs, Energy Efficiency Save Canadians … Continue reading Clean energy technologies save households serious money, but the barrier to entry increased in 2024

UK businesses ready to ramp up carbon credit investments despite market and integrity concerns

Nearly two thirds (63%) of all sustainability targets set by large businesses in the UK will be achieved by the purchase of carbon credits, with companies planning to spend on average £20 million to do so, according to new research by global risk management and insurance broker, Gallagher. Details of the study is on the … Continue reading UK businesses ready to ramp up carbon credit investments despite market and integrity concerns

Energy in Demand News, July 21, 2024

The energy transition is proving to be quite a challenge. This week, the New York Times (behind a paywall) wondered why the oil industry is booming.  High prices and growing demand have helped US oil producers take in record profits despite global efforts to spur greater use of renewable energy and electric cars. The article … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, July 21, 2024

New report from UK’s Energy Saving Trust on use of loans

The Energy Saving Trust has put together a policy brief on how loan schemes have and are being used in Scotland to encourage action to reduce emissions in homes and businesses. It is valuable to learn how effective they have been in Scotland. What is the experience in your country?   Policy briefing: the use … Continue reading New report from UK’s Energy Saving Trust on use of loans

For the EU to meet its climate goals, a strong policy push is needed to redirect financial flows towards transition financing

In a news item on the Euractiv website, a new report by the European Climate Neutrality Observatory provides the state of EU progress to climate neutrality, emphasising investment really needs to ramp up.   EU needs to double investment to meet climate goals: report The European Union needs to double targeted investment to meet its … Continue reading For the EU to meet its climate goals, a strong policy push is needed to redirect financial flows towards transition financing