Renewables in Poland – hard to get consensus on way forward

Jan Cienski recently wrote a blog for the Financial Times about the difficulties in getting renewable energy policies firmly established within Poland. Renewable energy in Poland: endlessly renewable squabble Poland’s long-running reluctance to tackle a new law on renewable energy is starting to impose growing economic and political costs, as big energy companies freeze … Continue reading Renewables in Poland – hard to get consensus on way forward →

The problems bringing basic heating to many Russians

Mikhail Loginov writes a very detailed report for Open Democracy Russia on the problems and hardships related to heating in Russia. It really shows the challenges that are being faced to bring decent comfort to the population. Unfortunately, these examples are all too often the case in many smaller cities and towns throughout the country. … Continue reading The problems bringing basic heating to many Russians →

New study shows that Canada can achieve an 80% carbon reduction by 2050

Ralph Torrie, Managing Director of the Trottier Energy Futures Project, describes a new study they have just released. While the focus is Canada, it reviews low-carbon scenario research from eight industrialised countries. This is an important study that deserves An 80% Carbon Reduction: It’s Not Just Business as Usual An 80% reduction in Canada’s … Continue reading New study shows that Canada can achieve an 80% carbon reduction by 2050 →

No “E” for effort

The UK magazine, Energy in Buildings & Industry, in its January 2013 issue provides the following report on how landlords are prepared for the upcoming changes to require landlords from 2018 to have their properties reach a certain standard before renting. What is also worrying in this article, is the general attitude towards sustainability. … Continue reading No “E” for effort →

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 →