This week the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published its latest report and, no doubt, you have had much to think about on where we are headed in terms of the importance of mitigation and the need to adapt. One cannot go without the other. This blog by Damian Carrington in the Guardian is important … Continue reading “Planetary insurance”
More innovation in energy storage
From the garage we move to the train tracks. Ambert Cortes writes in Grist.org how Greek mythology brings some lessons to energy storage. Is this train the “little engine that could” for clean energy storage? In Greek mythology, the story of Sisyphus endlessly rolling a boulder uphill is meant to be a cautionary tale. … Continue reading More innovation in energy storage
Storing more than old paint cans in your garage
Most garages I go into end up being junk piles. Those days now appear to be over. Todd Woodymarch writes in the New York Times about creating the self-sufficient home with a car’s battery as the linchpin. Car Companies Take Expertise in Battery Power Beyond the Garage As more homeowners generate their own electricity … Continue reading Storing more than old paint cans in your garage
EIB support for renewable energy in France
The European Investment Bank is turning into one of the largest financiers for sustainable energy. In 2013, alone, the EIB invested €19bn on climate change projects. The New Energy World Network reports on the latest loans for renewable energy projects in France. EIB to make €750m in loans for French renewable energy The European … Continue reading EIB support for renewable energy in France
This week’s briefs
These news briefs should be of interest to EiD readers. • Britain and the EU renewable energy target The Independent newspaper reports that, according to Eurostat, Britain is the third lowest producer of renewable energy in the EU, and is far below its sustainable energy targets for 2020, a recent study has shown. Britain is … Continue reading This week’s briefs
Efforts underway in EU to increase lending to SMEs
Analysts and policymakers are struggling to find a way to improve the long-term financing of small and medium-sized enterprises. This goes beyond energy efficiency and the problem is simply crippling many companies. James Fontanella-Khan reports in the Financial Times that are hopefully on the way within the EU to bring these reforms forward. Brussels … Continue reading Efforts underway in EU to increase lending to SMEs
Figure of the week – £31.78
The Independent newspaper reported this week that UK Fuel Poverty Monitor from the charities National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland reveals that in Wales and Scotland £31.78 of Government funding is available per domestic electricity consumer to improve domestic energy efficiency. But in England the figure falls to just £3.52. The fuel poverty report … Continue reading Figure of the week – £31.78
Assessing the cost of energy efficiency programmes
CleanTechnica provides an important article on a recent study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on energy efficiency costs. This is reputed to be the most comprehensive study to date and it is definitely needed both in America and beyond. US Energy Efficiency Programs Cost 2 Cents Per Kilowatt-Hour Saved America’s most comprehensive study of energy … Continue reading Assessing the cost of energy efficiency programmes
More on the impact of renewables on electric utilities
I’m not sure we can hear enough about how the electricity sector is affected by the low-carbon energy transition underway. Matt McFarland writes in the Washington Post about the good news and the bad news. Grid parity: Why electric utilities should struggle to sleep at night What’s good news for those concerned with climate … Continue reading More on the impact of renewables on electric utilities
Update on Romanian renewable energy situation
Following last week’s post on the green certificates allocated in Romania, Balkans.com Business News reports that Romania has already passed its 2020 target set through the European Union. Romania overshoots target for renewable energy The share of electricity produced through renewable sources reached a level of 41 percent in 2013, overshooting the target of … Continue reading Update on Romanian renewable energy situation
