Freya Hodge writes on the Renews website about IRENA’s call for a major acceleration in renewable electrification and energy system reforms. Their new outlook calls for major grid upgrades and $10.3 trillion annual investment. IRENA urges faster renewable electrification The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has called for a major acceleration in renewable electrification … Continue reading The missing pieces of the energy transition: efficiency, grids and flexibility
Category: fossil fuels
Energy in Demand News, October 11-12, 2026
The EU and ministers from more than 30 countries are opposing efforts by Saudi Arabia, China, India and other fossil fuel-dependent nations to delay publication of key scientific reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Financial Times reports. The proposed postponement until 2029 would mean that crucial scientific evidence would not be … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, October 11-12, 2026
America’s fuel efficiency retreat comes at a cost
In an article on the Deutsche Welle website Stuart Braun discusses the difference between the price of buying a car and the cost of owning and running it. The US administration argues that weakening fuel-efficiency standards will make new cars cheaper. Yet, weakened US fuel-efficiency rules and promises of cheaper cars could yet see drivers … Continue reading America’s fuel efficiency retreat comes at a cost
Energy in Demand News, October 4-5, 2026
The Group of Seven (G7) countries agreed on Friday to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from emergency reserves and pledged to refrain from energy export restrictions after pressure from US President Donald Trump, Reuters reports. As a result, Trump has said that he would now not impose a diesel export ban. … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, October 4-5, 2026
Cheaper electricity — but at what cost?
In an article on The Conversation website, Akshaya Jha, Associate Professor of Economics and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, argues that the claimed savings from repealing US power-plant emissions rules omit potentially substantial health and climate costs. EPA says repealing power plant emissions rules will save billions – but its estimate leaves out health … Continue reading Cheaper electricity — but at what cost?
Who should pay for climate damage — taxpayers or fossil fuel companies?
In an article on The Conversation website, Patrick Parenteau, Professor of Law Emeritus, Vermont Law & Graduate School, questions who should pay the mounting costs of climate damage—the public or the companies being sued over their alleged role in causing and misleading the public about that damage? Question of whether taxpayers or fossil fuel … Continue reading Who should pay for climate damage — taxpayers or fossil fuel companies?
Germany’s answer to energy insecurity: phase out fossil fuels
In an article on the Deutsche Welle website, Rana Taha explains that Germany has said it plans to phase out the use of coal, oil and gas by 2045, reaffirming a climate strategy focused on electrification. The Iran war and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz turn what might otherwise sound like a purely climate-policy … Continue reading Germany’s answer to energy insecurity: phase out fossil fuels
China shows how to defuse an oil crisis: use less oil
In an article on The Conversation website, Lurion De Mello, Senior Lecturer in Finance, Macquarie University, discusses the contrast between vulnerability to disrupted oil supplies and the resilience that comes from reducing oil demand. China becomes the unexpected illustration of how electrification can also be an energy-security strategy. Energy security is usually discussed in terms … Continue reading China shows how to defuse an oil crisis: use less oil
Energy in Demand News, September 20-21, 2026
Multilateral development banks are under pressure from the United States to scrap climate finance targets. “The UN agreement to provide $1.3tn in climate finance is under threat, as multilateral lenders are expected to follow the World Bank in dumping green targets after intense US pressure,” the Financial Times reports. “At least two multilateral development banks, … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, September 20-21, 2026
Energy in Demand News, September 13-14, 2026
For once there was some truly encouraging news this week. Matthew Pearce writes in the Guardian about a new study that shows that a global shift towards clean electricity could trigger a ‘cascade’ of progress, helping reduce air pollution, cut waste and revive oceans. “The analysis focuses on “positive tipping points” – thresholds beyond which … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, September 13-14, 2026
