The difficulties in developing clean energy

This article by Gary Brodeur in the Victorville Daily Press in the California highlights the difficulties and frustrations in developing renewable energy projects. Clean energy proving harder to capture than expected As the developer of a solar power plant sweats getting approval by deadline, some nearby residents hope it never gets built at all. It’s … Continue reading The difficulties in developing clean energy →

German renewable energy policy about to change

We have all been following Germany’s energy transition. With the new government coalition we are now seeing some interesting changes to the approach taken, as Bentham Paulos writes on the Greentech website. The next phase of Germany’s energy transition takes competitive markets into account. Will other European countries start making the same move? Germany’s … Continue reading German renewable energy policy about to change →

A high-rise Active House in Germany

Planetsave writes about a new residential building in Franfurt that shows what can be done combining energy efficient measures and solar. It does not state what the consumption per square metre is and it would be good if any EiD readers could let us know. Tallest German Residential High-Rise Will Also Be Solar Aktivhaus … Continue reading A high-rise Active House in Germany →

New global report on renewables

REN21, the global renewable energy policy multi-stakeholder network, has published its 2014 global status report. The Renewables Global Status Report provides a comprehensive and timely overview of renewable energy market, industry, investment and policy developments worldwide. It enables policymakers, industry, investors and civil society to make informed decisions. The report covers recent developments, current status, … Continue reading New global report on renewables →

New Oxfam study shows that Ukraine situation provides a wake-up call for the European Union

The Press Association writes in The Guardian about a new study by Oxfam that calls on EU to end reliance on imported and domestic fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency and boost renewables. Ukraine conflict wake-up call for EU's looming fuel and energy crisis – Oxfam The turmoil in Ukraine should be a wake-up … Continue reading New Oxfam study shows that Ukraine situation provides a wake-up call for the European Union →

How political experience can be used to promote renewables

It is difficult for small “green” electricity companies to make gains in the market. Diane Cardwell writes in the New York Times about one former political operative and his move to break into the market. Applying the Lessons of Politics to Green Power Over the years, Tom Matzzie — by working as a political … Continue reading How political experience can be used to promote renewables →

How new developments in nuclear could affect renewables

James Montgomery, contributing editor of Renewable Energy World, gives four reasons why recent developments in nuclear technology could harm the future developments in renewable energy. Why New Nuclear Technology Hurts the Case for Renewables "We need to act fast with efficiency and renewables, while nuclear continues to be plagued by the same drawbacks and problems … Continue reading How new developments in nuclear could affect renewables →

EIB support for Dutch wind farm

The European Investment Bank recently agreed to provide EUR 587 million for the world’s largest wind farm to be constructed 85km north of the Netherlands, at a site not visible from land. Once operational the 600MW Gemini offshore wind farm will supply renewable electricity for more than 1.5 million people, equivalent to the all the … Continue reading EIB support for Dutch wind farm →

Quote of the week

The current Ukraine crisis has energy policymakers looking at all options to address the European energy security concerns. Terry Macalister of The Guardian provides us with an important quote by Guy Hands, a well-known financier in the UK who makes a strong case for renewable energy. What is important for EiD readers is the perception … Continue reading Quote of the week →

Sustainable Energy for All

Globally, there is a new effort to seriously address universal energy access, improve energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy. Many organisations and companies are participating. In Europe, the European Commission recently began a couple of important long-term projects in Africa under the SE4ALL banner. Krysta Villeda has written an excellent blog for … Continue reading Sustainable Energy for All →