Making Scotch whisky can be a dirty business — an energy-intensive, carbon-spewing, peat-burning industry, mostly owned by multinational conglomerates that ship their $50-plus bottles to swells around the world. William Booth writes on the Washington Post website about how the industry in Scotland has committed to reach “net zero.” In Scotland, making whisky with … Continue reading Owners of the 140 distilleries in Scotland have pledged, voluntarily, to transform the industry and make their operations “net-zero”
Category: renewable energy
European Council and Parliament reach provisional deal on renewable energy directive
The Council and the Parliament negotiators this week reached a provisional political agreement to raise the share of renewable energy in the EU’s overall energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030 with an additional 2.5% indicative top up that would allow to reach 45%. Each member state will contribute to this common target. This provisional political agreement will now … Continue reading European Council and Parliament reach provisional deal on renewable energy directive
The energy crisis has shone a harsh light on Germany’s Bundesliga’s large energy footprint
Only months ago, we had the Football World Cup in Qatar, and the sustainability and energy/climate footprint of that tournament was on everyone’s lips. Germany’s top football league has won plaudits for its sustainability efforts and so it is good to see this article by Nikolaus J. Kurmayer on the EURACTIV website look at the … Continue reading The energy crisis has shone a harsh light on Germany’s Bundesliga’s large energy footprint
Global energy-related CO2 emissions edged up to record high in 2022 – IEA
Despite the rise, emissions were still below pre-pandemic levels. The IEA said global energy-related emissions were offset by the use of wind and solar energy, as well as electric vehicles. A news item on the Deutsche Welle website discusses the recent IEA report. CO2 emissions reached record high in 2022, says IEA Energy-related emissions … Continue reading Global energy-related CO2 emissions edged up to record high in 2022 – IEA
California’s new climate plan shows the way forward to achieving greater impact
Professor Daniel Sperling at the University of California, Davis writes on The Conversation website about how the experience and lessons learned in California will help show the way forward for the rest of the world to address the climate and energy challenges. How California’s ambitious new climate plan could help speed energy transformation around … Continue reading California’s new climate plan shows the way forward to achieving greater impact
New EEA briefing on urgency to decarbonise heating
About half of the EU’s final energy consumption goes to heating, making it a key focus area in Europe’s efforts to improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week, analyses this energy segment, urging investment in building renovations and modern renewable energy solutions. Renovations and … Continue reading New EEA briefing on urgency to decarbonise heating
Sailing cargo ships are making a genuine comeback
Christiaan De Beukelaer, Senior Lecturer in Culture & Climate at The University of Melbourne writes on The Conversation website about the potential for wind-powered cargo ships to make a comeback globally. Amid much scepticism, he found most objections to wind-propelled shipping are based on four myths that can be easily debunked. Wind-powered cargo ships … Continue reading Sailing cargo ships are making a genuine comeback
With blockchain-backed solar projects leading the way towards a greener future, many are looking to blockchain as a viable option for their investments
Blockchain has the potential to spur sustainable development through increased efficiency and reduced environmental impacts. Peter Bahorecz, chief networking officer at SunMoney Solar Group discusses the benefits of blockchain in an article on the Gulf Business website. Top 5 benefits of investing in blockchain-based solar energy programmes Blockchain-based solar energy investments have the unique … Continue reading With blockchain-backed solar projects leading the way towards a greener future, many are looking to blockchain as a viable option for their investments
The Netherlands had the highest share of solar power in its electricity mix of any EU country last year
Overall, solar produced 7.3% of the EU’s power in 2022. Germany was the biggest generator while the Netherlands boasted the highest percentage in its electricity mix, one percentage point ahead of Greece and Hungary and two percentage points ahead of Spain. Last year, energy grid operators saw historic growth in the number of solar panels … Continue reading The Netherlands had the highest share of solar power in its electricity mix of any EU country last year
Renewable energy statistics are probably overstated because of the way biomass is counted in EU renewable energy statistics, especially when it is burned for heating
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has acknowledged “weaknesses” in how biomass energy is counted in national statistics after several EU countries reported a sudden increase in residential wood burning to meet their 2020 renewable energy goals. Frédéric Simon discusses the statistics in an article on the EURACTIV website. Exposed: How EU countries use firewood … Continue reading Renewable energy statistics are probably overstated because of the way biomass is counted in EU renewable energy statistics, especially when it is burned for heating
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 