Why marine renewable energy developments have not taken off as expected

While renewable energy is definitely in the news regularly, we have heard less about those technologies related to streams and waves. Joshua Hill writes a good article for CleanTechnica about why the technologies have not taken off. Marine Renewable Energy Technology Taking Longer Than Hoped Tidal stream and wave power technologies are taking longer … Continue reading Why marine renewable energy developments have not taken off as expected →

Views on government’s role in technology innovation

Governments have traditionally played a big role in technology development. Yet, as Paul Mason writes in The Guardian, many governments today are reluctant or philosophically opposed to the state playing a major role. One of his final comments is excellent: If the proponents of modern laissez-faire economics could point to a single economy where technology … Continue reading Views on government’s role in technology innovation →

Energy Star products and class-action legal suits

Consumers in the US are raising their concerns when they feel that products do not meet the standards under Energy Star. Matthew L. Wald writes in the New York Times about one major manufacturer that is trying to prevent class-action lawsuits. Could something like this happen in Europe? Whirlpool Wants Congress to Ban Class-Action … Continue reading Energy Star products and class-action legal suits →

Dyson’s view on EU’s energy labelling and performance standards

James Dyson is one of Europe’s world-recognised innovators and is known for his iconic vacuum cleaner. He writes in the Financial Times about his concerns that the EU is essentially promoting mediocrity and not better performance, fewer materials and less energy. It would be good to get the views of others. James Dyson: ‘The EU … Continue reading Dyson’s view on EU’s energy labelling and performance standards →

New report from IEA: Energy Technology Perspectives 2014

The IEA has recently published its 2014 edition of Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP 2014) with a special focus on harnessing electricity’s potential. Starting from the premise that electricity will be an increasingly important vector in energy systems of the future, ETP 2014 takes a deep dive into actions needed to support deployment of sustainable options … Continue reading New report from IEA: Energy Technology Perspectives 2014 →

Formula One sets the pace of development

Recently John Llewellyn wrote a very interesting column for the eceee on the impressive improvements made this year by F1 racing cars. But for John the F1 experience of achieving massive fuel efficiency gains has a deeper significance: it shows what clever people can achieve when motivated and the importance of incentives. No sooner had … Continue reading Formula One sets the pace of development →

Every little bit helps

We are familiar with the use of drones in war zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq but increasingly they are being used for better civil purposes as well. Todd Woody writes a good article in the New York Times of their use, amongst other things, to monitor renewable energy projects. Drones Are Becoming Energy’s … Continue reading Every little bit helps →

What will it take to make consumers more energy efficient?

The Boston-based reporter, Martin LaMonica, writes an excellent article on how new “smart” products are changing how we use appliances in our homes. There are environmental benefits but they are not always immediate. LaMonica concludes that, whether a smart home is an energy-efficient home has more to do with the owner than the technology. It … Continue reading What will it take to make consumers more energy efficient? →

What next?

The R&D website provides a useful article describing the energy savings potential of 3-D printing. It seems as if only yesterday we first heard of such printing and now its application is expanding rapidly. And, yes, it is great to see that they are thinking of how to make it more energy efficient. Energy savings … Continue reading What next? →

Re-thinking innovation

Martin Wolf of the Financial Times provides a review of a new book that argues that government is behind the boldest risks and biggest breakthroughs. Wolf considers this a brilliant book. It is certainly worth the read. While the examples are from other sectors, it has important messages for those working in sustainable energy. … Continue reading Re-thinking innovation →