Keith Findlay writes in the Press and Journal from Aberdeen Scotland of the use of crowdfunding to raise funds for new windfarm projects. The company involved, Triodos Renewables, was set up in 1995 and is a UK company managed by Bristol-based Triodos Bank. Renewables developer launches crowdfunded share issue Green-energy firm Triodos Renewables is … Continue reading Using innovative financing to support renewable energy
What smart grids offer
Smart approaches to our energy transitions are gaining attention. Glen Martin writes on the Stanford University’s Precourt Institute for Energy website about the need for smart grids to help the transition to alternative energy. 'Smart grid' needed to shift electrical system to alternative energy Electrical grids are balky beasts, and nobody knows that better … Continue reading What smart grids offer
How renewable energy should be subsidised
Seldom do we think about how we should provide subsidies. Iván Martén. senior partner at the Boston Consulting Group, provides three important principles in a recent Wall Street Journal blog. Three Principles for Subsidizing Renewable Energy Renewable-energy production brings extra costs to the power system that should be managed and subsidized in the most … Continue reading How renewable energy should be subsidised
How businesses are getting ‘smart’ about saving energy
Krystle Morey provides us with a good post from the Albany Business Review in the US about the benefits to manufacturers from investing in smart technologies. Manufacturer invests in 'smart' equipment to save on energy costs After watching his energy bill jump 40 percent last year during the winter, Scott Stevens is taking steps … Continue reading How businesses are getting ‘smart’ about saving energy
Look who is supporting ambitious EU climate and energy targets
There are negotiations going on before the climate and energy targets for 2030 are decided upon last week. When you look at it graphically, it shows quite clearly where member states stand. The energy efficiency community has now to raise its voice. Only yesterday, the British energy secretary said there was room for compromise, but … Continue reading Look who is supporting ambitious EU climate and energy targets
This week’s briefs
There are several good brief news items this week • American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) celebrates ACEEE, one of the most influential organisations promoting energy efficiency, celebrates its 35th anniversary by providing a tribute to Dr. Art Rosenfeld, who was instrumental in the creation of ACEEE and still guides their vision. Art … Continue reading This week’s briefs
Dissecting Germany’s energy policy
Germany’s plan for a major energy transition, including phasing out nuclear power, came under the scrutiny of the Financial Times this week. The FT sees Merkel’s decision to eliminate nuclear power as a huge mistake. But the argument is deeply flawed because the FT makes no reference to Germany’s comprehensive plans to reduce energy demand … Continue reading Dissecting Germany’s energy policy
Improving the sustainability of football
All sectors of our economies can make improvements to ensure greater sustainability. This article by Oliver Balch in The Guardian shows the efforts underway in “the beautiful game,” football and even some reference to American football. From organic pitches and recycled turf to footstep power and energy efficient lighting, new technology is taking football closer … Continue reading Improving the sustainability of football
Latest update on sustainable energy finance
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides the September update on global developments in sustainable energy finance, following last week’s update of climate finance. September 2014 Sustainable Energy Finance Update During the month of September, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Asian … Continue reading Latest update on sustainable energy finance
Tweaking lifestyles is not enough . . .
There is a growing number of articles showing that energy efficiency is so difficult and will produce such modest results, that needed impact will only come from the supply side. This is an article from John Hofmeister, a former president of Shell Oil Co. and founder and head of Citizens for Affordable Energy. He wrote … Continue reading Tweaking lifestyles is not enough . . .
