“The lobby of the conventional energy sector is still very influential in Brussels, but it’s increasingly becoming split over renewable energy. Some of the incumbent companies are trying to slow down the development of renewables, others want to encourage them. At the same time, renewable energy lobbyists are becoming increasingly professional, catching up with the lobbyists for the conventional energy sector.” A senior lobbyist for the renewable … [Read more...]
“Vested interests frustrate spread of demand response in Europe, Germany most of all”
Vested interests are frustrating the spread of demand response solutions in several EU countries, most of all in Germany, says a senior expert from a leading demand response service provider. According to this expert, established utilities fear demand response solutions because they compete with their own power plants that have traditionally offered flexibility. However, utilities are also increasingly developing their own demand response skills, … [Read more...]
A young professional at RWE/Essent tells her story
The energy sector is in turmoil. Energy companies are in a painful process of restructuring their companies. This week a young professional at RWE/Essent shares her experiences. She sees a company that is shedding its old state-owned utility feathers. She also sees a company that tries to get on top of the game again by implementing new innovation strategies. Whether it will succeed is another matter. “This is still a conservative sector of old … [Read more...]
How are YOU dealing with the energy transition?
In a new blog hosted by Energy Post, POWER TALK, Ph.D-researcher Hendrik Steringa reports on his quest to find out how energy companies are dealing with the energy transition. He conducts in-depth interviews with company professionals as well as with the people they have to deal with: policymakers, NGO's, academics, lobbyists. What do they really think? What are their real strategies? You can participate in this project too! … [Read more...]
Big energy companies take control of Dutch wind energy association NWEA
In January this year the Guardian reported that big European energy companies like Total, Iberdrola, EON and Enel, are increasingly taking control of renewable energy lobby groups like the European wind energy association EWEA. In the Netherlands a similar process is taking place in Dutch wind energy association NWEA. Hendrik Steringa spoke with a senior professional in the Dutch wind energy sector who explains what is going on – and what the … [Read more...]