Sustainable development in the Paris region

Paris is taking a very progressive approach on sustainable development.  You can see from the “Neighbourhood” that there are good things going on in the EiD “quartier.”  This article from Agence France Presse presents a new roadmap that the regional council has recently published.   Sustainable Development: the Ile de France presents its roadmap PARIS … Continue reading Sustainable development in the Paris region

Climate change will reduce renewable energy capacity

We seldom think that climate change will actually affect renewable energy production.  This article from the Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development was released before the Rio + 20 Conference. Climate change will reduce renewable energy capacity, warn scientists Scientists fear climate change impacts will reduce Latin America's capacity to produce renewable … Continue reading Climate change will reduce renewable energy capacity

Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support

Many countries have had to re-think their policies to support the deployment of renewable energy technologies.  This article from CleanTechnica.com provides important information on developments in the Czech Republic.   Czech Solar Energy Industry Must Struggle with Retroactive Change in Support June 11, 2012 By Zachary Shahan CleanTechnica.com I received the following news release just … Continue reading Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support

Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes

We can expect more of this type of article as Germany implements its decision to completely phase out nuclear energy.  No one said it would be easy and it won’t.  But hopefully the drive and determination of the Germans will inspire others.  There are lessons for all of us.   Germany’s Energy Revolution Hits Potholes … Continue reading Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes

Communication on renewable energy from the European Commission

The European Commission has tabled a much-awaited 'communication' looking at the EU-wide prospects for renewable energy.  EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger published the policy "blueprint on the post-2020 strategy for renewable energy" on Wednesday.  EU energy ministers will discuss the new proposal at a Council meeting on June 15th. The Commission's idea is that renewables, … Continue reading Communication on renewable energy from the European Commission

Renewable energy can supply 40 % of demand in Ireland

This is a very good article on the renewable scene in Ireland from the Irish Independent newspaper   Renewable energy can supply 40 % of demand By Peter Flanagan Tuesday May 29 2012 IRELAND could get almost half of its energy from renewable sources and eventually become a net exporter of energy under plans revealed … Continue reading Renewable energy can supply 40 % of demand in Ireland

Discussing Germany’s nuclear exit

This is an important article by Damian Carrington of the Guardian on the costs of Germany’s phase out of nuclear.  This is important because there is so much mis-information around. For all countries, watching this “experiment” in Germany and learning lessons from it will be essential.  There is a need for more than just a … Continue reading Discussing Germany’s nuclear exit

EBRD announces new energy efficiency phase of its Sustainable Energy Initiative

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced on May 18th that it is stepping up investments to improve energy efficiency and address climate change via new investment in projects worth up to €25 billion over the next three years, under the new phase of the Bank’s Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI). Building on the … Continue reading EBRD announces new energy efficiency phase of its Sustainable Energy Initiative

Key figures from the European wind industry

The European Wind Energy Association released its new “Green Growth” report on the opening day of the EWEA 2012 Annual Event in Copenhagen on 16 April.  The report is available at the EWEA website. Key figures from the report released include: The wind energy sector contributed €32 billion to EU GDP in 2010 The sector’s … Continue reading Key figures from the European wind industry