H2 – the strongest link in the energy chain? From the research community to the policy world

It is an important step when technologies move along the deployment continuum. Many remain in the research world, struggling to find their place in the market place. When I started in energy policy, there was always discussion about hydrogen and its potential to be a major form of sustainable energy. We are still waiting. This … Continue reading H2 – the strongest link in the energy chain? From the research community to the policy world →

Energy company worries that energy efficiency is hurting its financial position

Scott Wright wrote in the Herald Scotland that Iberdrola’s finances dropped because of costs involved in meeting UK energy company obligations. The new Energy Companies Obligation was considered the single most important factor on overall performance. Energy efficiency costs take toll on Iberdrola results Energy giant Iberdrola felt the weight of legislative measures to improve … Continue reading Energy company worries that energy efficiency is hurting its financial position →

Hydrogen moves closer towards centre stage

Emily Dugan writes in The Independent about new scientific breakthroughs that make the use of hydrogen as a clean and cheap power source much more feasible. Interestingly, DG Energy of the European Commission is now getting more active in considering hydrogen as a strong option. These are positive steps forward. Science moves step closer to … Continue reading Hydrogen moves closer towards centre stage →

Showing how an all-renewable approach is feasible.

Mark Diesendorf recently wrote in The Conversation on how renewables can provide all needed electricity. Much of the argument concerns the need for baseload demand. This is an interesting article, well worth reading. Why 100 per cent renewables is possible... and affordable The future of civilisation and much biodiversity hangs to a large degree … Continue reading Showing how an all-renewable approach is feasible. →

Is renewable energy planning in Europe over regulated?

Geoffrey McLatchey from the Competitive Enterprise Institute provides a provocative article in The Commentator on the planning ideology for renewable energy in Europe. European renewable energy: Seeds of central planning The “ends justify the means” ideology surrounding the climate debate is certainly a dangerous game to play when government enters the equation. As European environmental … Continue reading Is renewable energy planning in Europe over regulated? →

Striving to be the first solar capital of the world

Felicity Barringer of the New York Times provides an excellent article on one city in California that is showing total commitment to solar energy. Hopefully more will be following the lead. With Help From Nature, a Town Aims to Be a Solar Capital There are at least two things to know about this high … Continue reading Striving to be the first solar capital of the world →

Renewable energy policy in Romania hits rocky patch

Luiza Ilie writes for Reuters news agency about the cut in support for renewable energy, following cuts in many other EU countries. Romania plans to reduce support for renewable energy Romania's government will cut its support scheme for wind, solar and small hydro renewable energy projects to avoid overcompensating investors, energy regulator ANRE said … Continue reading Renewable energy policy in Romania hits rocky patch →

New study from IRENA

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has published a new study on standardisation. “International Standardisation in the Field of Renewable Energy” helps understanding how standards support a sustainable and accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, presents the current landscape of RET standards, and provides a number of recommendations to address identified needs and gaps in … Continue reading New study from IRENA →

Backlash?

In February, the Bulgarian government resigned amidst protests about high electricity prices and other austerity measures that were considered too harsh on consumers. While many other governments have fallen recently because of austerity measures, the Bulgarian case was the first to relate specifically to energy prices. Now we are seeing increasing frustration in the UK … Continue reading Backlash? →

Even China is having problems financing energy savings

Charlie Zhu of Reuters news service provides an excellent review of the situation in China today and the effect of the financial credit crunch. There is a big impact on energy service companies that are used for both energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Credit crunch stifles Chinese energy savings sector A credit crunch … Continue reading Even China is having problems financing energy savings →