bigEE launched

bigEE has now been launched. bigEE is an international initiative of research institutes for technical and policy advice and public agencies in the field of energy and climate, co-ordinated by the Wuppertal Institute (Germany). Its aim is to develop the international web-based knowledge platform bigee.net for energy efficiency in buildings, building-related technologies, and appliances in … Continue reading bigEE launched

EC launches public consultation on Emissions Trading System

The European Commission has launched an online public consultation, calling for comments from all stakeholders or experts in the field of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The Commission is seeking feedback on structural options and views reflected in the report, titled “The state of the European carbon market in 2012,” which was published in … Continue reading EC launches public consultation on Emissions Trading System

Renewable energy investments in UK

Tom Bawden of The Independent newspaper highlights the concerns that investment in renewable energy has been decreasing at rate that is raising many concerns. Investment in renewable energy has halved in just three years, says alarming research Fundamental ideological disagreements within the government about renewable energy have turned away droves of potential investors in crucial … Continue reading Renewable energy investments in UK

Renewable energy policy in Germany

Paul Hockenos of Renewable Energy World provides an excellent blog on the lead Germany has in deploying renewable energy by focusing on benefits rather than on costs and sacrifices. Fight Climate Change like a German The in-progress Doha Climate Change Conference presents the perfect opportunity to read Global Cooling: Strategies for Climate Protection by Hans-Josef … Continue reading Renewable energy policy in Germany

New study on attitudes on energy consumption to begin

Rachael Fergusson for Energy and Technology Magazine describes the start of an important new study on attitudes about energy consumption in the work place. Project to study attitudes to energy use at work A new £1.3m project is to examine people’s attitudes to energy consumption in the workplace. Led by researchers at the University of … Continue reading New study on attitudes on energy consumption to begin

Fossil fuel freedom in Manitoba

The Gallon Environment Letter states that Manitoba is adopting a Clean Energy Strategy announced November 20, 2012 by Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak who said, "Building on our strengths, this new plan sets the province on a course that will ensure reliable, affordable energy for future generations, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and maximize local … Continue reading Fossil fuel freedom in Manitoba

The launch of the Green Investment Bank in the UK

The UK has set up the world’s first investment bank solely dedicated to greening the economy. The initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to setting the UK firmly on course towards a green and growing economy, while also delivering long-term sustainable growth. The  Green Investment Bank (GIB) will be a key component of the progression … Continue reading The launch of the Green Investment Bank in the UK

Number of the week – 30

The IEA reported in its 2012 World Energy Outlook that there has been a 30 per cent increase in fossil fuel subsidies to about €400 billion in 2011. “Subsidies to fossil fuels continue to distort energy markets,” Fatih Birol, IEA’s chief economist, added.  The report goes on that, although renewables will become the world’s second-largest … Continue reading Number of the week – 30

Impact of growth in use of coal on climate objectives

Richard Anderson, Business Reporter of the BBC has published an extensive article on the BBC website on what the global growth of coal will mean to climate change objectives.   Coal resurgence calls undermine clean energy commitments Coal, the dirtiest and most polluting of all the major fossil fuels, is making a comeback. Despite stringent … Continue reading Impact of growth in use of coal on climate objectives

What the IEA’s World Energy Outlook says about energy efficiency

This week, the International Energy Agency published its 2012 version of its World Energy Outlook.  There was considerable attention given to energy efficiency.  It is instructive to read some excerpts on energy efficiency from the executive summary. Our Efficient World Scenario shows how tackling the barriers to energy efficiency investment can unleash this potential and … Continue reading What the IEA’s World Energy Outlook says about energy efficiency