Category: renewable energy

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 →

From the Clean Energy Ministerial

The third Clean Energy Ministerial of 23 leading countries was held in London late April.  Leaders from the 23-government Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and the UN Secretary-General’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative (SE4All) have given their backing to a renewed push to increase energy efficiency worldwide. Meeting at the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM3) taking place … Continue reading From the Clean Energy Ministerial →

Clean energy investment reaches $263 billion in 2011

Global clean energy finance and investment (i.e. for renewables) grew to $263 billion in 2011, a 6.5% increase over the previous year, according to new research  released by The Pew Charitable Trusts.  Among G-20) nations, the United States reclaimed the top spot from China, which led the global clean energy race since 2009. Germany, Italy, … Continue reading Clean energy investment reaches $263 billion in 2011 →

Financing energy efficiency in buildings – the American way

Financing energy efficiency in buildings is a challenge to policy makers, to consumers and to the energy efficiency industries (services and products). Two innovative approaches have recently been discussed in the US. SolarCity SolarCity, a national provider of clean energy services, on March 27th unveiled a Home Energy Loan for energy efficiency upgrades that will … Continue reading Financing energy efficiency in buildings – the American way →