Recognising that energy markets might not always be able to meet demand on their own, the European Commission allows EU Member States to operate Capacity Mechanisms (CMs). These schemes offer contracts via publicly administered auctions to suppliers who help 'guarantee' there is always spare power for the grid, even as demand and supply fluctuate. But the designs of the CMs are proving contentious, and legal challenges to CMs threaten to shut … [Read more...]
NECPs – Analysis: EU ideals coming up against political realities
The European Union is trying to maintain its leadership on climate change with its Clean Energy for All Europeans package, which aims to make the EU climate neutral by 2050. The mechanism for achieving this target is member states’ National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). Mike Scott considers the plans, how Germany is moving towards an "Eastern European" energy policy and how the upcoming elections could dilute EU climate policy overall... … [Read more...]
EU election risk: policymakers should go for real decarbonisation now while efficiency savings can help
With elections in May, the balance of opinion in Parliament is a climate policy risk factor on the minds of many in Brussels. The national draft 10-year energy plans, just in to the Commission, project widespread growth in costlier renewables. But populists who see climate as a globalist rather than nationalist-first agenda may prove hard to bring on side with an expensive and disruptive transition. The public will be influenced by climate … [Read more...]
Wind build-out: convergence of process and permitting rules needed to promote certainty for investors
Two weeks ago, Energy Post reported on permitting and legal barriers to the development of onshore wind capacity in Germany. In this follow-up analysis, Mike Scott identifies similar obstacles in key regions as well as some clear success stories. To complete the picture, he spoke with WindEurope and Vattenvall to get their views on the way forward for the industry and investors across the EU. … [Read more...]
A Just Transition – or a transition, but only just?
At COP24 the Polish Presidency has issued a declaration for a "Just Transition". Jennifer Tollman of climate think-tank E3G says a Just Transition must make allies of those working in and dependent on the high-carbon economy by supporting them in the transition. They must not be left behind. But they warn that this support should not be an excuse for a “go slow” on the transition, as missing our global climate targets is a clear disaster. … [Read more...]
Poland, Europe and the coal conundrum
In December, Poland will be hosting the next UN Climate Change conference in Katowice. The choice of Katowice was made to showcase the successful modernization of this old coal region, but it will also highlight the difficulties shared by coal-dependent countries around the world, writes Anna Mikulska of the Kleinmann Center for Energy Policy. Like other countries, such as India and China, Poland is taking steps to reduce coal use, notes … [Read more...]
Interview Marcin Korolec, Polish Minister: “We will fight for climate agreement”
Last year at the UN Climate Conference in Doha, Poland surprised everyone by proposing to host the next Conference of the Parties (COP). As president of COP19 in Warsaw in November of this year, Polish Environment Minister Marcin Korolec will play a key role in paving the way for a worldwide agreement on climate action. A sharp contrast to the Polish position in Brussels, where the country is often perceived as “sabotaging” EU climate policy. How … [Read more...]
EU gets powerful mandate to regulate shale gas
The EU has received its strongest endorsement yet to push ahead and issue legislative proposals to control the extraction of shale gas: an official 3-month public consultation shows that “a large majority” of citizens believe Europe lacks adequate legislation on this front and that the EU should do something about it. The surprisingly strong support for enhanced EU oversight comes despite the fact that half the respondents come from Europe’s … [Read more...]
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