Bioenergy has been steeped in controversy about the net benefits and the costs. Michael Le Page writes a good article in The New Scientist that it is not yet time yet to cheer about the impact on reducing emissions. Revealed: The renewable energy scam making global warming worse On the face of it, Europe … Continue reading Bioenergy may be reducing emissions but not by nearly as much as is claimed
Moving towards a standardised “energy efficient mortgage” in Europe
Following the previous post on financing, Priyanka Shrestha writes on the Energy Live News website about an initiative that has been launched in Europe on energy efficiency mortgages. While applauding this initiative, EiD’s concern, however, is about the potential impact given how low interest rates are, with no sign they will significantly increase in the … Continue reading Moving towards a standardised “energy efficient mortgage” in Europe
How do we pay for the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy?
This is a question perplexing many these days. Whether we are paying for adaptation or mitigation measures, the bill keeps rising. Henry M. Paulson Jr., a former Treasury secretary and chief executive of Goldman Sachs, writes an important opinion piece in the New York Times about how governments must create conditions that encourage private investment … Continue reading How do we pay for the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy?
The merger of two vehicle trends — automation and electrification
The energy transition is moving ahead at a dizzying pace. And this is true in transport. Chris Mooney writes in the Washington Post about a new study by the Rocky Mountain Institute that shows that we could “be on the verge of an energy and technology transformation to rival the sudden decline of the coal … Continue reading The merger of two vehicle trends — automation and electrification
US and China release fossil fuel subsidy peer reviews
There is a long road ahead to eliminating unnecessary subsidies to fossil fuels. Fortunately, China and the US have started the transparency process. The International Institute for Sustainable Development writes about the recently released voluntary peer reviews of both China and the United States. IISD Welcomes Transparency on Fossil Fuel Subsidies by China and … Continue reading US and China release fossil fuel subsidy peer reviews
Energy storage needs “a clear, long term policy and regulatory framework”
We are often reading about the need for good long-term policy signals to give the market enough time to adjust to the energy transition. Kelvin Ross writes a good article on the topic on the Power Engineering International website. Report highlights the ‘Rubik’s Cube’ of energy storage Energy storage developers and investors face “an … Continue reading Energy storage needs “a clear, long term policy and regulatory framework”
The energy transition and how some utilities are dealing with it
With consumers installing solar panels in greater numbers, utilities in the US are taking action to maintain their position. Kim Brunhuber writes a good article on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation website about recent developments. As solar installations multiply, U.S. utility companies fight back Below the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, they glimmer in … Continue reading The energy transition and how some utilities are dealing with it
Putting consumers at the centre of EU energy efficiency policies for buildings
The Energy Advice Exchange has published a briefing note explaining that there is an important gap in current energy efficiency policies related to buildings. Today’s policies do not recognise the real and practical advice needs of consumers. After all, it is those consumers who will decide on whether to have a deep renovation – or … Continue reading Putting consumers at the centre of EU energy efficiency policies for buildings
BUILD UP Webinar – Report presentation: Energy Transition of the EU Building Stock
How to transform the building stock from being an energy waster to being a positive element in the EU energy system and the EU economy? Do the EU’s climate and energy targets meet the needs and expectations of the energy renovation market in the EU? How to maximise on 2016 as the ‘year of delivery … Continue reading BUILD UP Webinar – Report presentation: Energy Transition of the EU Building Stock
Pot Pourri
• Congratulations to eceee This week the eceee hosted an excellent industrial efficiency conference in Berlin last week. With about 250 participants, five panels, plenary sessions, a pre-conference workshop on energy performance indicators, a Steam Up workshop and informal sessions, there were plenty of options for everyone. From the panel discussions, plenaries and workshops EiD … Continue reading Pot Pourri
