EBRD adopts new Russia strategy for 2013-2015 that continues to give priority to energy efficiency

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has adopted a new strategy for Russia, setting priorities that will govern the Bank’s activities in its largest country of operation over the next three years. It shows below how energy efficiency remains a high priority. During its new strategy period of 2013-2015, the Bank will prioritise … Continue reading EBRD adopts new Russia strategy for 2013-2015 that continues to give priority to energy efficiency →

Reviewing Germany’s transition to renewable energy

Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international broadcaster, has written an excellent review of Germany’s transition to renewable energy. Assessing Germany's shift to renewables In Germany, the transition to electricity from renewable sources is occurring faster than originally planned. Critics question whether this reflects overambitious planning, which could endanger overall reform plans. Germany's fundamental rethinking of energy … Continue reading Reviewing Germany’s transition to renewable energy →

Fracking debate brings out interesting characters

Reuters provides a curious article on how fracking is getting to be big business by a wide range of celebrities in order to try and influence public opinion. There certainly is a growing debate on fracking or not in the US. Stay tuned, it could next happen in Europe. Insight: In Fracking Culture War, Celebs, … Continue reading Fracking debate brings out interesting characters →

Renewable energy investments in UK

Tom Bawden of The Independent newspaper highlights the concerns that investment in renewable energy has been decreasing at rate that is raising many concerns. Investment in renewable energy has halved in just three years, says alarming research Fundamental ideological disagreements within the government about renewable energy have turned away droves of potential investors in crucial … Continue reading Renewable energy investments in UK →

Renewable energy policy in Germany

Paul Hockenos of Renewable Energy World provides an excellent blog on the lead Germany has in deploying renewable energy by focusing on benefits rather than on costs and sacrifices. Fight Climate Change like a German The in-progress Doha Climate Change Conference presents the perfect opportunity to read Global Cooling: Strategies for Climate Protection by Hans-Josef … Continue reading Renewable energy policy in Germany →

The launch of the Green Investment Bank in the UK

The UK has set up the world’s first investment bank solely dedicated to greening the economy. The initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to setting the UK firmly on course towards a green and growing economy, while also delivering long-term sustainable growth. The Green Investment Bank (GIB) will be a key component of the progression … Continue reading The launch of the Green Investment Bank in the UK →

The on-going controversy over lower VAT rates in the UK to promote energy efficiency

Will Nichols of BusinessGreen writes about the problems the UK has been having to convince the European Commission of the importance of a lower VAT rate to improve energy efficiency in buildings. It becomes all the more important as the UK rolls out the Green Deal. One would think the Commission would be encouraging this … Continue reading The on-going controversy over lower VAT rates in the UK to promote energy efficiency →

Creating jobs and boosting the economy

Energy efficiency investment is one of the best ways to boost the economy, new research reveals. GreenWise provides a good review of a new study from Consumer Focus in the UK. The lessons from this, however, go well beyond the UK. Carbon taxes could boost economy and lower energy bills Investing money raised through … Continue reading Creating jobs and boosting the economy →

Pushing green energy in France

Marion Douet writes for the Reuters news agency about the important but difficult role of local government to push for a greater share of green energy in France, given how centralised electricity production is. France needs more local power for green energy shift Centralised France may lack the clout at local government level to … Continue reading Pushing green energy in France →

Comments by experts on the energy performance of Russian buildings

The Moscow News recently asked two experts, Sergei Choban and Konstantin Kovalyovabout their views of the state of Russian buildings. Sergei Choban ismanaging partner of the architecture studio SPEECH Choban and Kuznetsov and Konstantin Kovalyov ismanaging partner of the real estate firm Blackwood and vice president of the Russian Union of Engineers. The Moscow News … Continue reading Comments by experts on the energy performance of Russian buildings →