Tag: energy policy

The European Commission in the news

This week, the European Commission presented its long-expected 2030 climate and energy policy framework, whereby there will be a binding target for GHG emissions, a modest binding EU (but not at the member state level) target for renewable energy and, once again, a non-binding target for energy savings.  The purpose behind the policy framework is … Continue reading The European Commission in the news →

Germany’s energy transition under the microscope

EiD has recently referred to the increased use of coal in Germany and there is a lot of speculation what this means for Germany’s energy transition policy. EiD has also had many posts on Germany’s energy transition. Now, Daniel Mittler, Political Director of Greenpeace International, provides his explanation. EiD is still hoping to hear more … Continue reading Germany’s energy transition under the microscope →

The great wall of . . . wind turbines?

David Shukman, Science Editor for the BBC, writes about the great push that China is making in the deployment of wind turbines. While already the global leader in the production of wind power, there is no letting up in the momentum to increase capacity.  Still, wind only produces 2% of electricity requirements, compared to 75% … Continue reading The great wall of . . . wind turbines? →

New Chatham House report on shale gas

Paul Stevens, Distinguished Fellow at Chatham House, a renowned think-tank on international affairs, recently published an excellent new report on shale gas in the UK. There have been several parliamentary inquiries into shale gas operations in the United Kingdom. The House of Commons Select Committee most recently reported in April 2013. In June 2013, the … Continue reading New Chatham House report on shale gas →

Being irrational and “religious” in opposing fossil fuel development

The heat is being turned up in Britain to ensure that the country becomes a world leader in fossil fuel production from fracking.  Now, in an article by Patrick Wintour in the Guardian, the Prime Minister is saying that those opposing are irrational.  There can be a NIMBY attitude but it hardly seems to me … Continue reading Being irrational and “religious” in opposing fossil fuel development →

Coal use in Germany increases even though the low carbon transition is underway

No one said the transition to a low carbon economy would be high and everyone is watching Germany’s effort with great interest. Stefan Wagstyl writes in the Financial Times that electricity production from brown coal actually rose last year and now it is at the highest level since 1990. The new coalition government envisages the … Continue reading Coal use in Germany increases even though the low carbon transition is underway →

Will there be a new approach to Germany’s energy transition?

Jeanette Seiffert writes on the Deutsche Welle website about the views from the new economics minister on what it will take to reform Germany’s energy transition.  Now that Germany has a new coalition government, it will be interesting to watch how the country’s energy policies evolve.   Germany's economics minister Gabriel seeks reform for renewable … Continue reading Will there be a new approach to Germany’s energy transition? →

New energy strategy for the EBRD

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has played a key role in the transition to market-based economies for countries that were formerly planned economies, primarily under the influence of the former Soviet Union. It was created in 1991 and is now the largest financial investor in its region of operations which now stretches from … Continue reading New energy strategy for the EBRD →