Report details mistakes and lessons to be learned from the past 30 years of France’s energy system

A recent Parliamentary report in France highlighted “the reasons for the loss of sovereignty and energy independence of France”. Le Monde introduced it as “the damning report on France's energy choices, and its loss of sovereignty: "A political rambling that has taken us away from the ecological transition."” Paul Messad discusses the report in an … Continue reading Report details mistakes and lessons to be learned from the past 30 years of France’s energy system

Is there really a need in Britain for small modular nuclear reactors in the net-zero drive?

Next-generation nuclear technologies will divert resources away from cheaper options that can more quickly contribute to energy security and climate goals, argues Andrew Warren, former special advisor to the House of Commons environment committee and a friend of EiD, in an article on the Business Green website.   Small modular reactors are a high-risk and … Continue reading Is there really a need in Britain for small modular nuclear reactors in the net-zero drive?

Increased risk of extreme heat and droughts amid climate change could impact nuclear plants

Muriel Boselli writes on the Montel news website that France faces major problems with its nuclear fleet because of the impact of climate change. Regardless of one’s position on nuclear energy, France is heavily dependent on it. Could this lead to a re-think of its entire energy strategy? What are your views?   Climate change … Continue reading Increased risk of extreme heat and droughts amid climate change could impact nuclear plants

A country’s ability to pursue major energy reforms hinges on the government’s capacity to defuse political opposition

Jared Finnegan, Lecturer in Public Policy at University College London (UCL) writes on The Conversation website about why some have been more successful than others in pursuing energy reform.   Energy transitions: why countries respond differently to the same problem Russia’s invasion of Ukraine upended global energy markets. Sanctions on Russian exports and the suspension … Continue reading A country’s ability to pursue major energy reforms hinges on the government’s capacity to defuse political opposition

Does expanding nuclear energy in Britain make sense?

We are in the midst of a zero-carbon energy transition globally and Britain has shown leadership with its strategy that sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet the net zero target by 2050. The UK Government is putting nuclear at the centre of its strategy to reach … Continue reading Does expanding nuclear energy in Britain make sense?

The options in Germany’s accelerated energy transitions

Without Russian natural gas, Germany will be facing an energy crisis. In an article on the Deutsche Welle website, Jeannette Cwienk discusses what the most realistic and climate-friendly options are.   How can Germany realistically replace gas? As Germany scrambles to find a way to lower its reliance on Russian natural gas, the country has announced  a … Continue reading The options in Germany’s accelerated energy transitions

EU taxonomy proposed change is a “recipe for a greenwashing disaster”

The leaked EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy proposal for a complementary Delegated Act sets out the role of fossil gas, two devastating scenarios emerge – both a far cry from net-zero by 2050.  The leaked proposal is discussed in a briefing by Lina Strandvåg Nagell on the Bellona Europe website. Note that the EC began expert … Continue reading EU taxonomy proposed change is a “recipe for a greenwashing disaster”

While energy efficiency is the central pillar of France’s low carbon strategy, there is still need to accelerate its clean energy transition according to IEA

The International Energy Agency has published its review of energy policies of France. It is a comprehensive review that examines all aspects of energy policy. The last review of French energy policies was in 2015. France has helped guide international efforts to tackle climate change, but it needs to accelerate key parts of its energy … Continue reading While energy efficiency is the central pillar of France’s low carbon strategy, there is still need to accelerate its clean energy transition according to IEA

Does nuclear energy have a role to play in addressing climate change?

Ten years since the Fukushima disaster, expensive nuclear energy plants are being shut down across the world as renewable power prices plummet. Stuart Braun discusses nuclear power today in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. What are your views?   Nuclear power: Downward trend ahead of climate summit In the face of soaring gas … Continue reading Does nuclear energy have a role to play in addressing climate change?

Where does nuclear power belong in our concerns over sustainability?

Lobbying by pro-nuclear stakeholders and a new report that concludes “the fuel qualifies as sustainable” under green investments has led to Greenpeace Europe warning the European Commission against reinstating nuclear power on the list of activities deemed sustainable by the European Union. Kevin O’Sullivan discusses latest developments in an article on the Irish Times website. … Continue reading Where does nuclear power belong in our concerns over sustainability?