Reviewing Japan’s energy transition

Being a country with few domestic energy resources, energy policy has been a priority for Japan. It is obvious at organisations such as the International Energy Agency, how Japan gives attention to energy security. Obviously, the nuclear disaster only a few years ago has forced Japan to re-think its approach. Jarni Blakkarly writes in The … Continue reading Reviewing Japan’s energy transition →

The hydrogen future for vehicles has been slow to arrive but maybe that will change

Neal Boudette writes a good article in the New York Times about the increasing interest in fuel cells for vehicles. There have been efforts for many years without any market breakthrough. Could that change?   Water Out of the Tailpipe: A New Class of Electric Car Gains Traction Steve Manning, a financial consultant in Southern … Continue reading The hydrogen future for vehicles has been slow to arrive but maybe that will change →

Starting to target airlines in our climate change strategies

Many have argued that air transport has been given too free a ride in pushing for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. It is complex because it is international in scope and complicated to address. It is encouraging to see in an article by Associated Press that the Obama administration has taken the first steps to … Continue reading Starting to target airlines in our climate change strategies →

Understanding energy policy in Massachusetts

We often get caught up in our own policy tangles, trying to figure out how to effect the changes that will achieve our long-term goals. It is instructive to see how policies develop elsewhere. John Rogers, a senior energy analyst, writes a very informative blog on the Union of Concerned Scientists website. You should enjoy … Continue reading Understanding energy policy in Massachusetts →

Total economic benefits from windfarms assessed in Illinois

Lenore Sobota Isobota writes a good article on The Pantagraph website about a recent assessment of the economic benefits for landowners in Illinois who lease their land to wind farm developers. These are important to have documented.   Study outlines economic impact of wind farms The state's 25 largest wind farms generate $30.4 million in … Continue reading Total economic benefits from windfarms assessed in Illinois →

Europe needs a renovation strategy

We have put many of the pieces together in the EU to develop quite a robust energy efficiency strategy. But one area that has been left aside is in comprehensively tackling the one area where there is tremendous potential – our existing buildings. This current report by Dr. Yamina Saheb of OpenEXP provides important evidence … Continue reading Europe needs a renovation strategy →

Twitter for the Sustainable Energy Transition in Europe

I actively send out tweets and have been doing so for several years. For the most part, they complement my sustainable energy blog, Energy in Demand. I now have over 5,400 followers @EnergyDemand and the level of activity is encouraging. Based in Paris and London, obviously the policy world gravitates around the European Union – … Continue reading Twitter for the Sustainable Energy Transition in Europe →

UNEP Inquiry Highlights Green Finance in 13 Developing Countries

The International Institute for Sustainable Development has recently reported about a new UNEP report on green finance. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Inquiry into the Design of a Sustainable Financial System has published a report highlighting the diverse experiences of 13 developing countries in directing finance toward sustainable development aims. Launching the report to coincide … Continue reading UNEP Inquiry Highlights Green Finance in 13 Developing Countries →