VAT challenge could harm Green Deal prospects

The UK government is to fight an EU ruling that the UK must raise VAT on energy efficiency products from 5% to 20%. VAT was reduced to 5% on energy efficiency products in the UK because government wants to tackle fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and create jobs. Andrew Warren of the Association for the … Continue reading VAT challenge could harm Green Deal prospects →

Germany’s transition to low carbon economy leaves no stone unturned

Stefan Nicola of Bloomberg’s Businessweek.com provides more information on Germany as it seeks ways to ensure the effective transition to a low carbon, no nuclear future. EiD continues to provide its readers useful articles on Germany because it is one of the most important test cases in Europe and globally to show what must and … Continue reading Germany’s transition to low carbon economy leaves no stone unturned →

India and its energy transition

This blog from Simon Denyer and Rama Lakshmi in the Washington Post give EiD readers a throughout discussion of the challenges facing the country as it modernises its entire energy infrastructure. Satisfying India’s thirst for power could be nation’s biggest challenge Like China two decades ago and the United States in 1950, India stands on … Continue reading India and its energy transition →

For the top of your summer reading?

Judith Shapiro, Director of the Global Environmental Politics MA Programs at American University, has written an important book on the environmental issues confronting China. This is a very good book review by Pilita Clark, environment correspondent for the Financial Times. China and its controversial carbon appetite This guide to Beijing’s ecological aims casts doubt … Continue reading For the top of your summer reading? →

On the other hand . . . German shift from nuclear increases use of carbon

Stefan Nicola and Tino Andresen of Bloomberg news service report on the difficulties that Germany faces in reducing its reliance on nuclear energy. Merkel’s Green Shift Forces Germany to Burn More Coal Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government says RWE AG’s new power plant that can supply 3.4 million homes aids her plan to exit nuclear … Continue reading On the other hand . . . German shift from nuclear increases use of carbon →

German bank leads way with major funding for renewable energy

The German state-owned bank, KfW, is highly regarded globally for its support for both energy efficiency and renewable energy. It is often seen as a “best practice” bank that sets the standard, even though few other governments have proven willing to create such an institution. Reuters reports on a new initiative from KfW that will … Continue reading German bank leads way with major funding for renewable energy →

Developments in renewables in Turkey

Turkey has high potential for the expansion of renewable energy. Until recently this has been poorly developed. Turkey is in transition to a much more sustainable energy approach and this article by Sinem Demir for Oilprice.com helpful in showing the dynamics of promoting renewable energy. Ms. Demir is an independent consultant in Turkey. Government … Continue reading Developments in renewables in Turkey →

The US Army marches forward with energy efficiency

There are two very good articles on what is going on in the US army to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. We are always saying the public sector is to lead by example. Well, here are good examples from the US Army. Behavioral changes key to Army energy efficiency By J.D. Leipold, Army News … Continue reading The US Army marches forward with energy efficiency →

Developments in Canadian energy policy

Much is written about Canada’s emphasis on tar sands (and fossil fuels in general) development but there are growing concerns in Canada that other countries are moving ahead in the “mega trend” towards clean energy and a low-carbon economy. This article from Mike De Souza, in the Montreal Gazette, gives the non-Canadian reader a good … Continue reading Developments in Canadian energy policy →

Tag: national policies