Steffan James, PhD Candidate, Sustainable Supply Chains, Cardiff University writes on The Conversation website about how the transformation of one steel plant has led to complex effects that ripple out over time at different scales. The unintended consequences of decarbonising steelworks For more than a century, Port Talbot in Wales has been dominated by … Continue reading Decarbonising steel comes with hidden costs for communities
Category: industry
European Commission proposes Industrial Accelerator Act to strengthen industry and create jobs in Europe
On March 4th, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to increase demand for low-carbon, European-made technologies and products. The Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) will boost manufacturing, grow businesses, and create jobs in the EU, while supporting industry's adoption of cleaner, future-ready technologies. In line with the recommendations of the Draghi report, the IAA introduces targeted and proportionate ‘Made in EU' and … Continue reading European Commission proposes Industrial Accelerator Act to strengthen industry and create jobs in Europe
Energy in Demand News, March 1-2, 2026
The New York Times reports that a North Dakota judge has approved a $345 million verdict against Greenpeace in a suit over its protests against a pipeline. “Greenpeace has said the verdict could bankrupt it. The lawsuit was over the group’s role in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. . . . The verdict was … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, March 1-2, 2026
Concrete without the carbon: how new materials could cut construction emissions
Alcina Johnson Sudagar, Research Scientist in Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, writes on The Conversation website about latest developments to reduce cement’s carbon footprint. Cement has a climate problem — here’s how geopolymers with add‑ins like cork could help fix it Concrete is all around you – in the foundation of your home, … Continue reading Concrete without the carbon: how new materials could cut construction emissions
New EEA briefing on modernising Europe’s energy-intensive industries
Emissions from energy-intensive industries in Europe have fallen sharply over the past two decades, but progress has stalled and the health-related costs of pollution remain high, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing. Further reductions will require deeper industrial transformation, alongside full implementation of existing EU environmental legislation. Industrial transformation key to … Continue reading New EEA briefing on modernising Europe’s energy-intensive industries
EU industry revival plan hits internal resistance as ‘Made in Europe’ debate intensifies
Nine European Commission departments pan the Industrial Accelerator Act, leaving the landmark proposal in a tough spot. In an article on the Politico website, Francesca Micheletti, Jordyn Dahl, Zia Weise and Martina Sapio discuss latest developments. Von der Leyen’s industry master plan runs into trouble Ursula von der Leyen’s master plan to revive European … Continue reading EU industry revival plan hits internal resistance as ‘Made in Europe’ debate intensifies
Electric motors in Europe: a no brainer for accelerating replacement
When one hears that one technology uses about 70% of a factory’s electricity consumption and that about half of those deployed are over 10 years old with a quarter over 20 years, one wonders why the market to replace them is sluggish at best. Yes, it is time for a shake-up. The technology under discussion … Continue reading Electric motors in Europe: a no brainer for accelerating replacement
Energy in Demand News, February 8-9, 2026
There is mixed news on climate-related philanthropy this week. Michael Bloomberg’s donations on climate action have topped $3 billion over a decade, “including a recent boost to contributions to the UN’s climate body, as broader financial support slides in the Trump era,” reports the Financial Times. “The 83-year-old pledged nearly $270mn to two climate initiatives … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 8-9, 2026
Reflections on an industrial energy efficiency conference this week
The European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (eceee) held a three-day conference this past week in Rome. The gathering brought together about 150 experts from various technical and non-technical fields related to industry. Timing was perfect because industry is at a crossroads with increased concerns about costs and competition not to mention long-term climate … Continue reading Reflections on an industrial energy efficiency conference this week
Energy in Demand News, February 1-2, 2026
Prof. Steve Thomas, Emeritus Professor of Energy Policy, University of Greenwich wrote in a letter to the editor published in the Financial Times this week about the impact small modular reactors (SMRs) to be a major source of low-carbon energy. He questions the length of time to build SMRs. Even new ones in Russia have … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 1-2, 2026
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 