The potential for energy efficiency investments following COP 21

Any global deal means significant mitigation measures. Strangely, over the years, improved energy efficiency has been neglected or downplayed even though study after study has shown its cost-effective potential. Richard Black writes a good article on the BusinessGreen website that a global climate deal will boost investment in 'low carbon stuff'.   What could a … Continue reading The potential for energy efficiency investments following COP 21

Where China can make a big difference to UK’s energy system

Regardless where you live, you would have been aware of the recently agreements for China to be a major investor in Britain’s nuclear power industry. The decision has been controversial to say the least. Whether this is right or not will be argued for many years. But, Geoffrey Lean writes in the Daily Telegraph that … Continue reading Where China can make a big difference to UK’s energy system

An interesting reaction to low fuel prices

What do you do when energy prices fall? Binyamin Appelbaum writes an interesting article in the New York Times about the reaction of Americans that “don’t make much sense.” Is this your reaction too?   When Gas Becomes Cheaper, Americans Buy More Expensive Gas When gas prices fall, Americans reliably do two things that don’t … Continue reading An interesting reaction to low fuel prices

Gigantic changes that are now happening in the ways we get electricity

It is instructive to see what is going on in the US as it grapples with the changes to the electricity system. Chris Mooney writes a good article in the Washington Post about the controversies that are leading to legal action.   The electricity innovation so controversial that it’s now before the Supreme Court FERC. … Continue reading Gigantic changes that are now happening in the ways we get electricity

Action on climate change is self-defence not altruism

Increasingly there is a need to see the challenges associated with climate change as issues not just of energy policy and environmental protection but also as major defence and security challenges. Nick Butler, visiting professor at the Policy Institute, Kings College London, explores these issues in a recent column in the Financial Times.   Climate … Continue reading Action on climate change is self-defence not altruism

New report from eceee assesses how setting interest rates affects the Commission’s energy modelling

Increasingly, the European Commission is being challenged that its energy modelling is undervaluing the full set of benefits of energy efficiency. The modelling, many are saying, has faulty assumptions, particularly on discount rates. There have been concerns for years but as the review of current energy efficiency policies is set to take place to see … Continue reading New report from eceee assesses how setting interest rates affects the Commission’s energy modelling

Examining all energy performance ratings

It was inevitable after the revelations about Volkswagen tampering with fuel economy tests for its diesel vehicles, that we would be examining other technologies. Only this week the vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dyson has accused some of its competitors of similar practices.   Jonathan Leake, Environment Editor of Britain’s Sunday Times writes a good account of the … Continue reading Examining all energy performance ratings