More on UK’s VAT issue with European Commission

In the recent post on Britain's taxing issue, EiD quoted Andrew Warren, Director of the UK Association for the Conservation of Energy. Following other comments that EiD has received, Andrew has kindly provided the following extended note. As all Europeans are trying to address how to finance energy efficiency investments, this is an important issue … Continue reading More on UK’s VAT issue with European Commission →

When you wish upon a . . .?

Roland Gribben has recently written in the Telegraph about a Bloomberg New Energy Finance report that questions what bonanza will really come to the Britain by its development of its shale gas reserves. Obviously, the jury is still out. UK shale gas revolution is 'wishful thinking' There is little prospect of a repeat of the … Continue reading When you wish upon a . . .? →

Letter to the editor of The Independent

This is a very interesting letter to the editor of a major British newspaper published February 12th. It was written by a friend of EiD, Bill Bordass, who has been part of a group battling with how the UK government is implementing the display of energy performance certificate. Our red tape John Morgan . . … Continue reading Letter to the editor of The Independent →

Is the Green Deal a big deal?

Everyone in Europe is watching with great interest how the Green Deal will be implemented in Britain. It is one of the big “experiments” in trying to improve financing for building retrofits. The Green Deal has just started and it has, not surprisingly, gained much press attention. This article by Lisa Bachelor for The Observer … Continue reading Is the Green Deal a big deal? →

Renewables in Poland – hard to get consensus on way forward

Jan Cienski recently wrote a blog for the Financial Times about the difficulties in getting renewable energy policies firmly established within Poland. Renewable energy in Poland: endlessly renewable squabble Poland’s long-running reluctance to tackle a new law on renewable energy is starting to impose growing economic and political costs, as big energy companies freeze … Continue reading Renewables in Poland – hard to get consensus on way forward →

The problems bringing basic heating to many Russians

Mikhail Loginov writes a very detailed report for Open Democracy Russia on the problems and hardships related to heating in Russia. It really shows the challenges that are being faced to bring decent comfort to the population. Unfortunately, these examples are all too often the case in many smaller cities and towns throughout the country. … Continue reading The problems bringing basic heating to many Russians →

New study shows that Canada can achieve an 80% carbon reduction by 2050

Ralph Torrie, Managing Director of the Trottier Energy Futures Project, describes a new study they have just released. While the focus is Canada, it reviews low-carbon scenario research from eight industrialised countries. This is an important study that deserves An 80% Carbon Reduction: It’s Not Just Business as Usual An 80% reduction in Canada’s … Continue reading New study shows that Canada can achieve an 80% carbon reduction by 2050 →

No “E” for effort

The UK magazine, Energy in Buildings & Industry, in its January 2013 issue provides the following report on how landlords are prepared for the upcoming changes to require landlords from 2018 to have their properties reach a certain standard before renting. What is also worrying in this article, is the general attitude towards sustainability. … Continue reading No “E” for effort →

EBRD adopts new Russia strategy for 2013-2015 that continues to give priority to energy efficiency

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has adopted a new strategy for Russia, setting priorities that will govern the Bank’s activities in its largest country of operation over the next three years. It shows below how energy efficiency remains a high priority. During its new strategy period of 2013-2015, the Bank will prioritise … Continue reading EBRD adopts new Russia strategy for 2013-2015 that continues to give priority to energy efficiency →

Reviewing Germany’s transition to renewable energy

Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international broadcaster, has written an excellent review of Germany’s transition to renewable energy. Assessing Germany's shift to renewables In Germany, the transition to electricity from renewable sources is occurring faster than originally planned. Critics question whether this reflects overambitious planning, which could endanger overall reform plans. Germany's fundamental rethinking of energy … Continue reading Reviewing Germany’s transition to renewable energy →