Cities need to focus on facilitating the energy transition, not focus on 100 per cent renewables

Hundreds of cities are now committing themselves to be 100 per cent on renewables at specified times in the future. Kirby Calvert argues on the Policy Options website that the target is a simple and positive message, but it can unnecessarily confuse the public, fostering a false sense that this market transformation can be driven … Continue reading Cities need to focus on facilitating the energy transition, not focus on 100 per cent renewables →

We must take a global view of fair trade in energy, which is conscious of the true cost of our low to zero-carbon technologies

As renewable energy becomes more mainstream, it is necessary to see all aspects of its exploitation. David Flynn, Professor, Embedded Intelligence in Energy Systems, Merlinda Andoni, Research Associate and Valentin Robu, Associate Professor, Smart Systems Group, all from Heriot-Watt University raise an important sustainability issue in an article on The Conversation website. While the energy … Continue reading We must take a global view of fair trade in energy, which is conscious of the true cost of our low to zero-carbon technologies →

How we can ensure better energy access for the world’s poorest

Meeting the global Sustainable Development Goals was never going to be easy. There is growing concern that SDG7 concerning energy access is significantly not meeting its targets. Ruth Valerio writes on the Climate Home News website that just 1% of funding for energy access goes to decentralised energy, but it’s the only hope for delivering … Continue reading How we can ensure better energy access for the world’s poorest →

Can grey be the new green?

Most of us have probably not even heard of grey energy (gray is the popular spelling in the US and used in the article). Melina Grundmann writes on the Deutsche Welle website about how important it is to better understand and address grey energy. Ecological footprint: How ‘gray energy’ is totally underestimated Although we … Continue reading Can grey be the new green? →

Blog by Silvia Zinetti: Initial impressions of the sustainable energy scene in Washington D.C. under the current administration

When I moved to Washington D.C. last September I was thrilled by the idea of living in the Capital of the United States. At the same time I had some concerns regarding the sustainable energy scene and how the current federal policy and cutbacks would affect the industry. During the past few months I found … Continue reading Blog by Silvia Zinetti: Initial impressions of the sustainable energy scene in Washington D.C. under the current administration →

Now even public transport starting the day with a coffee

Most of us start the day with a cup of coffee or tea. Alan Cowell writes in The New York Times about how coffee grounds are being used in fuel to help power buses in London. Wake Up and Smell the Traffic? London Tries Coffee to Power Buses It was part of the imagery … Continue reading Now even public transport starting the day with a coffee →

US regulatory “reform” could hurt more than help

Everyone is watching the steps taken by the Trump administration to form its regulatory framework for energy. Lauren Urbanek writes an important article on the Natural Resources Defense Council website about the possible impact of revising the current regulatory framework. Standards Save Trillions. Why Mess With a Good Thing, DOE? The Department of Energy … Continue reading US regulatory “reform” could hurt more than help →

Seven challenges to achieving sustainable energy

Lynn Wagner writes on IISD’s SDG Knowledge Hub about a keynote address from Rachel Kyte, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) about the challenges we face in achieving sustainable energy. This is an important message for all. SEforALL CEO Outlines Challenges in Achieving Sustainable Energy for All Rachel Kyte, Chief Executive … Continue reading Seven challenges to achieving sustainable energy →

Africa’s great leap forward

We are regularly reading about important new developments in sustainable energy on the African continent. Robin Andrews provides a very good article on the IFLScience website about the sustainable energy transition underway in Africa. Africa Set To "Leapfrog" Over Coal And Choose Renewable Energy Instead Despite America’s temporary lack of leadership on the climate … Continue reading Africa’s great leap forward →

European Investment Bank increases investments in sustainable energy

The EIB is the world's largest international public lending institution. It is an institution of the European Union and plays an important role funding infrastructure and other related measures in Europe and globally. Joshua S Hill writes on the CleanTechnica website about new commitments the EIB has made to support sustainable energy. European Investment … Continue reading European Investment Bank increases investments in sustainable energy →