Some utility customers in California are paying for electricity they do not use

William Pentland writes on the Forbes website about the penalty affecting combined heat and power.   Reverse Net-Metering? California Penalizes Certain Types Of Energy Efficiency Can you imagine paying your local utility for electricity you did not consume? This seems absurd. We don’t pay taxes for income we never earn. In most places and most … Continue reading Some utility customers in California are paying for electricity they do not use →

New study on cities shows way forward to make urbanisation more efficient

Mark Kinver writes on the BBC website about a recent study on the role cities can play in addressing climate change.   Low-energy urbanisation 'can help climate goals' A study of 274 cities has helped shed light on energy consumption in urban areas and what can be done to make future urbanisation more efficient. Globally, … Continue reading New study on cities shows way forward to make urbanisation more efficient →

Environmental protests affecting fracking in Poland

There are many countries and regions that are opposing to fracking. Many in Poland were hoping that shale gas would be a panacea to its energy policy concerns but as Arthur Neslen writes in The Guardian, environmentalists appear to have the upper hand.   Poland's shale gas revolution evaporates in face of environmental protests “Whenever … Continue reading Environmental protests affecting fracking in Poland →

How governments can help transform our energy systems

Walt Patterson never stops challenging us to think through the essence of energy policy, where it should be and how we should get there. Walt recently wrote this excellent piece for the RenewEconomy website. It should give you much to think about. Since 1991 he has been a fellow of what is now the Energy, … Continue reading How governments can help transform our energy systems →

Re-thinking energy efficiency in California

Cynthia Mitchell writes a good article on the Greentech website on why California needs a new approach to address improving energy efficiency. What are needed are better markets, not programmes and a strong rate design, not more rebates.   Why California Needs to Think Differently About How It Supports Energy Efficiency The imperative to change … Continue reading Re-thinking energy efficiency in California →

Professional ice hockey addressing climate change

There have been previous posts about how different sports are promoting sustainable energy. Late 2014, Douglas Main wrote in Newsweek magazine about the latest efforts by the National Hockey League. Every effort helps, no doubt.   NHL Announces Plan to Go Carbon Neutral, Audit Energy Efficiency The National Hockey League wants to put a check … Continue reading Professional ice hockey addressing climate change →

US finds innovative approach to address climate change

Everyone is aware how difficult it is to have a progressive federal approach to addressing climate change in the US. It may prove even more difficult with the new Congress. But Coral Davenport describes in the New York Times how the Environmental Protection Agency is ready to impose its will on lagging states.   For … Continue reading US finds innovative approach to address climate change →

Renewable energy playing an important role in Germany’s energy transition

Deutsche Welle provides a good article on the role that renewable energy is playing to reduce Germany’s carbon emissions. As you see in the accompanying graph, while fossil fuels still plays the major role in the energy mix, its share is rapidly being reduced.   Renewables help cut German CO2 emissions For the first time … Continue reading Renewable energy playing an important role in Germany’s energy transition →

Latest update of sustainable energy finance

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides the December update on global developments in sustainable energy finance.   December 2014 Sustainable Energy Finance Update During the month of December, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), African Development Bank (AfDB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Inter-American … Continue reading Latest update of sustainable energy finance →