A new report from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES) contends that, in light of the Ukraine crisis, the EU should allow Gazprom to use its great new pipelines South Stream and Nord Stream for itself and not be required to grant access to third parties. But the Center for Security Studies (CSS) ETH ZĂĽrch, argues the opposite in a new report of its own. It says the EU should adopt a strict regulatory policy towards South Stream and … [Read more...]
VIDEO: EU pins hopes on 2016 for global airline emissions deal
Sonja van Renssen, leading environment journalist at viEUws.eu, talks to Member of the European Parliament Peter Liese, rapporteur on Aviation in the EU ETS, about the provisional agreement on including aviation in the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). On the 4th of March, the European Parliament, Council and European Commission reached a provisional agreement on ETS rules for aviation, which will restrict the scheme to intra-European … [Read more...]
What the Ukrainian crisis means for gas markets
A new report by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies discusses what the current Ukrainian crisis could mean for EU and global gas markets. According to the report, "The change of government in Kyiv, the Russian military action in Crimea, the diplomatic reaction by the western powers, and the perceived danger of war, clearly have implications for all economic relations between Russia, Ukraine and Europe, especially in the energy sphere. … [Read more...]
Today’s Prize: How to save the Energiewende with European Shale Gas
A new report from the international consultancy IHS shows that the German Energiewende could still be achieved at reasonable cost if Germany were to allow domestic shale gas production. According to Nick Grealy, the IHS report offers, perhaps for the first time, a realistic, achievable strategy to make the energy transition work. Â … [Read more...]
European Renewable Energy Council forced into liquidation
An Extraordinary General Assembly of the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) taking place in Brussels on 6th March decided the “voluntary” dissolution of the non-profit organisation after over a decade of existence. “Yesterday, EREC was forced to decide to go into liquidation mainly due to its high liabilities arising from its lease obligations for the three large office buildings which make up the Renewable Energy House, 63-67 rue … [Read more...]
IEA: Any country can reach high shares of wind, solar power cost-effectively
A study released on 26 February by the International Energy Agency concludes that integrating high shares – i.e., 30 percent of annual electricity production or more – of wind and solar PV in power systems can come at little additional cost in the long term. However, costs depend on how flexible the system currently is and what strategy is adopted to develop system flexibility over the long term. Managing this transition will be more difficult … [Read more...]
Aligning interests in Ukraine is key to both EU and Russian energy security
All parties in the Ukrainian crisis should do their utmost to avoid any further escalation, writes Friedbert PflĂĽger, Director of the European Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS) at King’s College, London, and Deputy Minister in the first Merkel government. According to PflĂĽger, Europe must recognize that Russia has legitimate interests in Ukraine, while the Russians have to recognize Ukraine’s right to self-determination. If Ukraine … [Read more...]
EU deeply divided over 2030 climate and energy policy
Thirteen member states want the EU to agree on the broad outlines of a 2030 climate and energy policy as soon as possible. But at least four call for the EU not to “rush” into anything – they argue all decisions should be put on hold until UN climate talks in Paris in 2015. That was the main outcome of the EU environment and energy ministers meeting this week. European Heads of State and government will meet in Brussels on 20-21st March to talk … [Read more...]
European manufacturing CEO’s sign manifesto asking for lower energy prices
On 27 February a Manifesto signed by 137 CEOs representing EU manufacturing industry was published by IFIEC Europe (International Federation of Industrial Energy Consumers). It calls upon Heads of State to adopt a set of measures to align the EU’s industry, energy & climate policies. “This initiative, representing more than 1 million direct jobs from various sectors and countries all over Europe is exceptional”, explains Fernand Felzinger, … [Read more...]
Exclusive: The end is near – for national renewable energy subsidy schemes in the EU
The national renewable support schemes in the EU are on the verge of a major overhaul. National governments will soon not be allowed anymore to limit renewables subsidies to domestic producers: they will have to treat all EU-based producers alike. This at any rate is the very likely outcome of a court case now before the EU Court of Justice, says Peter Niermeijer, Secretary-General of RECS International, an organisation that promotes pan-European … [Read more...]
European Commission launches negotiations with Georgia to join the Energy Community
The European Commission and Georgia have launched negotiations for Georgia's accession to the Energy Community. The negotiations in Tbilisi were held on 20 February in the presence of Energy Commissioner GĂĽnther Oettinger, for the European Commission and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Vice-Prime Minister as well as Minister of Energy Kakha Kaladze, for Georgia. By becoming Member of the Energy Community and implementing EU energy legislation … [Read more...]
HSBC: EU’s new climate policy unambitious, bad news for renewables
Europe’s climate policy proposals reflect the lowest level of ambition required to keep global warming at 2°C, while its goals on renewable energy are “disappointing” and bad news for the industry, according to a new report by banking giant HSBC. The report also sees “increasing downside risks” for offshore wind. Sophie Vorrath of Reneweconomy.com.au has the story. … [Read more...]
EU’s global cleantech leadership at risk
The EU still leads the world in clean energy technologies, but for how long? In 2012, 70% of new wind power capacity and 40% of new photovoltaic panels were installed outside Europe. Brussels has shied away from new national renewables targets in its 2030 climate and energy proposals. It is preparing fresh rules on state aid that will disadvantage less mature technologies such as offshore wind and solar PV. And the EU internal energy market … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Brussels Briefing on Environment – All you need to know for the month of February 2014
Sonja van Renssen, leading environment journalist at viEUws.eu, provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of European Environment Policy. Topics discussed include: - The 2030 Climate & Energy Framework (greenhouse gas emissions, renewables & energy efficiency) - Green light for first reform to the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) - The proposal for market stability reserve - Member states negotiating over how … [Read more...]
Ukraine turns to EU in energy
The Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Eduard Stavytskyi and Director of the Energy Community Secretariat Janez KopaÄŤ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on “Establishing an Implementation Partnership between the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine and the Secretariat of the Energy Community”. By signing the Memorandum, “Ukraine confirms its commitment to transpose into its national legal framework and fully … [Read more...]
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