How energy developments are shaking things up

John Tagliabue writes in the New York Times about the effects of the extraction of natural gas in the northern regions of The Netherlands. This is from normal extraction and not from fracking, which is increasingly popular in many countries. Many are feeling the effects on communities is a high price to pay for the … Continue reading How energy developments are shaking things up →

Tribute well deserved

In our hectic daily lives, we get caught up in the priorities of the day, meeting deadlines, arguing with bosses or colleagues, just trying to cope. One day this week offered a wonderful opportunity to leave all that aside to listen and to think, and in a rare treat, to reflect along with many of the … Continue reading Tribute well deserved →

How big a problem is there in measuring floor area?

Tanya Powley writes in the Financial Times about the discrepancies in measuring the floor area in residential buildings in the UK. The discrepancy can be 10 to 15%. While it seriously affects valuation of properties, it can also impact on the UK’s total floor area, an indicator used in developing its buildings energy performance strategies. … Continue reading How big a problem is there in measuring floor area? →

Focus on energy subsidies

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently released advice on Energy Subsidy Reform. Robin Harding wrote an excellent article on the issue for the Financial Times. IMF signals push to scrap energy subsidies The world could solve a large part of its fiscal problems by scrapping $1.9tn* in energy subsidies, the International Monetary Fund said … Continue reading Focus on energy subsidies →

Taking a fresh look at nuclear power

Nick Butler recently provided an excellent blog for the Financial Times in the future of nuclear energy. While the example is from the UK, it is an important message for all. Nuclear power – yesterday’s technology? Why is it proving so difficult to close the deal on new nuclear in Britain? In part, of … Continue reading Taking a fresh look at nuclear power →

Renewable energy policy in Romania hits rocky patch

Luiza Ilie writes for Reuters news agency about the cut in support for renewable energy, following cuts in many other EU countries. Romania plans to reduce support for renewable energy Romania's government will cut its support scheme for wind, solar and small hydro renewable energy projects to avoid overcompensating investors, energy regulator ANRE said … Continue reading Renewable energy policy in Romania hits rocky patch →

The oil debate battles on

Javier Blas writes in the Financial Times about how the debate peak oil has changed to a debate on peak demand as opposed to peak supply. As Blas writes, “it could presage a massive revolution, and much lower oil prices in the next two decades than currently anticipated by the energy market.” This has been … Continue reading The oil debate battles on →

Fracking cultural wars go on and on . . .

On January 18th, EiD provided the last instalment of the fracking cultural wars. Now Adam Gabbatt writes in the Guardian of celebrities coming together for a new effort. Yoko Ono and Susan Sarandon star in new anti-fracking music video Celebrities join forces for new rendering of Sean Lennon's Don't Frack My Mother in effort … Continue reading Fracking cultural wars go on and on . . . →

Planning changes in ownership of electricity utilities

Diane Cardwell writes in the New York Times about an interesting development in the US for cities to create municipal utilities, replacing private ones, so that they can take a more active role in addressing climate change, power disruptions and increase the share of renewable energy. Cities Weigh Taking Electricity Business From Private Utilities … Continue reading Planning changes in ownership of electricity utilities →

Quote of the week

Canada’s Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver recently said in Chicago: “The oil sands are a greener alternative than some other sources from around the world . . . Many opponents are spreading false information about the oil sands, especially its impact on the environment . . . “Canada is a global environmental leader … and … Continue reading Quote of the week →