In this latest Brussels Briefing on Energy viEUws.eu, leading energy journalist Hughes Belin provides anoverview of the latest EU energy policy developments: … [Read more...]
Archives for November 2014
Five take-home messages from the IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2014
Current events risk distracting governments “from recognising and tackling the longer-term signs of stress that are emerging in the energy system” says the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its latest World Energy Outlook (WEO) 2014 unveiled on 12 November in London. Just like a year ago, it warns that long-term oil supplies are far from secure, with the Middle East re-establishing itself as the main supplier in the long-term. Moreover, while … [Read more...]
Interview Joe Phillips, DNV GL: “For offshore wind there is only one way forward: together”
“Offshore wind offers great promise but the industry is at a very delicate stage now. We can’t afford to make mistakes in construction that lead to cost overruns,” warns Joe Phillips, Head of Strategy & Policy for Renewables at DNV GL, one of the largest technical energy consultancies in the world. DNV GL has recently issued an “offshore wind cost reduction manifesto” that commits the company to help reduce costs in the sector by 25% and … [Read more...]
Europe’s nuclear future may hinge on UK’s Hinkley deal
The fate of future nuclear power projects in Europe could hinge on whether government-backed guarantees for Britain’s Hinkley Point C power station survive an expected challenge from Austria in Europe’s highest court. Analysts agree that large nuclear undertakings have become too costly and risky for private investors alone. For this reason many EU countries are backing the UK’s support for nuclear power. Timothy Spence reports from Vienna. … [Read more...]
Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director IEA: “The energy security challenge has become global”
Not so long ago “energy security was seen primarily as a concern of industrialised countries”, but today “the challenge has become global”, says Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in a recent interview with World Energy Focus, a publication of the World Energy Council. And it extends beyond oil. “With oil we are doing well. But I do worry when we take a broader definition of energy security.” … [Read more...]
Cleantech innovation in Europe: here are the gamechangers of the future
At a “business booster” event in Barcelona, sixty European cleantech startups supported by KIC InnoEnergy, presented themselves to the world. They offered an impressive variety of new technologies and market innovations, ranging from new storage devices and solar chips to energy saving techniques, financing models and consumer engagement platforms. In this article we present to you some of the gamechangers of our future energy system – all made … [Read more...]
Outcome of nuclear talks could make Iran an Energy Superpower – even in renewable energy
An international settlement by November 24 could put Iran on a path to becoming an energy superpower, says Friedbert PflĂĽger, Director European Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS) at King’s College. And not just in fossil fuels – but even in renewable energy, which Iran now supports with feed-in tariffs and currency guarantees for foreign investors. US Secretary of State John Kerry meets with his counterpart this weekend. … [Read more...]
What the Republican midterm election victory means for global climate policy
The US electorate has spoken. The Republican party yesterday won a majority in the US Senate, meaning the party controls both chambers of Congress for the first time since 2005. That's thrown the future of US climate policy into some doubt, as Republican voters and politicians are generally less concerned about the issue than their Democrat colleagues. … [Read more...]
viEUws VIDEO: MEPs say yes to ETS reform but dissent on timing
In an exclusive interview with viEUws.eu, Giovanni La Via - Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) - speaks with correspondent Sonja van Renssen about the environment priorities for the new parliamentary term. … [Read more...]
Everything you always wanted to know about Russian gas supplies to Europe
There are various ways for Europe to reduce its “dependence” on Russian gas, but they all have their drawbacks, concludes a new report from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES). The report makes it clear that the Russian-EU gas relationship has many intricacies that policymakers should be aware of when they develop new gas policies. … [Read more...]
How to solve the crisis in the EU electricity market
Climate policy and government support of renewable energy are often blamed for the current crisis in the European electricity market. In reality, however, this crisis is caused by changed market fundamentals as well as the inadequacy of the existing market design, argue Andreas RĂĽdinger and Mathilde Mathieu of the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI). What is needed is better integration of climate and … [Read more...]
The end of an era: is the US petrodollar under threat?
Western sanctions imposed on Russia are driving Moscow further into the arms of Beijing, writes Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com. This may have the unintended consequence of ushering in the demise of the “petrodollar” – with profound consequences for global energy markets. … [Read more...]
IPCC: climate change can be limited, pricing carbon can be effective
Human influence on the climate system is clear and growing, with impacts observed on all continents. However, options are available to adapt to climate change and implementing stringent mitigations activities can ensure that the impacts of climate change remain within a manageable range. … [Read more...]