The Swedish support scheme promoting green energy production in the national territory is compatible with EU law. Member States are not required to support the production of renewable energy in other EU States. The Renewable Energy Directive  allows Member States to support the production of green energy. Under that directive, Member States which grant benefits to producers  are not required to support the use of green energy produced in … [Read more...]
Why the US has not made more progress in moving to a renewable energy future – a personal view
In 1978 a monumental multi-departmental study was submitted to President Carter concluding that “solar energy could make a significant contribution to U.S. energy supply by the end of this century”. The study, backed by 30 federal departments, stated that “even with today’s subsidized energy prices, many solar technologies are already economic.” Yet no action was taken and solar power and other renewable energies stagnated for over 30 years. … [Read more...]
Corruption serious barrier to sustainable energy system in southeast Europe
High-level corruption in the energy sector is seriously affecting countries in seven countries in South Eastern Europe, according to the study Winners and Losers: Who Benefits from High Level Corruption in the South East Europe Energy Sector?. NGOs who authored the report, Â launched 24 June in Brussels during a High Level Policy Conference, call upon EU institutions to treat the reform of the energy sector in South East Europe as an urgent … [Read more...]
Capacity payments: expensive solution for a non-existing problem
As of 2015, the UK will be the first European country to launch a capacity mechanism that aims at rewarding power plants for the MW’s they can produce rather than the MW’s they actually generate. Similar plans are being  prepared in other countries, including Belgium, France and Germany. According to Benedict de Meulemeester, CEO of international energy procurement consultancy E&C, it is understandable that energy companies lobby for capacity … [Read more...]
The days of solar power may be closer than you think
Many people are unaware quite how close we are to reaching a critical milestone in the industry. Within a fairly short space of time, solar generated electricity will be fully cost competitive with coal-powered electricity -- at least if the governments of the world's two largest energy consuming nations have their way. … [Read more...]
New BP Statistical Review shows US oil production increase helped avoid oil crisis
The new BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2014, published on 16 June, shows that the world only narrowly escaped an oil crisis last year, thanks to a large increase of production in the US. The figures in the famous Review – the publication’s 63rd annual edition – show “how geopolitical events in a number of countries continued to impact oil production in 2013, with Libya suffering the largest single decline in the face of renewed civil … [Read more...]
Oil and gas producers: we subsidise government, not vice versa
Oil and gas contribute hundreds of billions of euros to European government revenues every year, a new study shows, highlighting how the industry – far from being subsidised – crucially boosts public finances in the European Union and Norway. Energy taxation and subsidies in Europe, a study commissioned by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) and carried out by independent consultant NERA Economic Consulting, sheds … [Read more...]
Obama’s Clean Power Plan: why it’s smarter than you think (and beats EU policy)
The Clean Power Plan recently announced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been hailed for its good intentions, but also widely criticized for its “modest” ambitions. What most commentators have failed to note, however, is that, compared to EU climate policies, Obama’s plan is really a smart piece of legislation. It avoids the policy failures made by Brussels and lays a solid foundation for a successful low-carbon strategy. … [Read more...]
UN starts new hub to bring investment and innovation in clean energy to Asia and the Pacific
A new regional hub launched by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), will help mobilize investment and innovative solutions to bring clean, modern energy to those who do not have it in Asia and the Pacific. The "Asia-Pacific Sustainable Energy for All" hub will gather governments, investors, … [Read more...]
Interview Shell strategist Jeremy Bentham: “Future organisations will have to cross boundaries”
What will Shell’s role be in an increasingly carbon-constrained, and increasingly electrified world? Clearly the company sees its natural gas business as becoming central to its operations, gradually overtaking its oil business. But beyond that, the future is uncertain. Jeremy Bentham, Vice-President of Global Business Environment and head of the Shell Scenarios team, sees Shell evolving into a company that provides flexibility and resilience and … [Read more...]
Will China follow the US example and cap carbon emissions?
With his Clean Power Proposal, President Obama has entered on a drive to put a ceiling on carbon emissions in the US – for the first time. The question  is now whether China will follow this example. Nicholas Cunningham of Oilprice.com believes China may be about to turn a corner – with huge consequences for global energy markets. … [Read more...]
“Retroactive amendments to Czech law threaten renewable energy sector”
The Czech Photovoltaic Industry Association and the Alliance for Energy Self-Sufficiency have expressed their fears about planned retroactive changes to legislation guaranteeing support for renewable energy in the Czech Republic in letters addressed to the European Commission and Members of the European Parliament and have asked for an independent assessment of related materials and documentation. Suspicions about retroactive changes of the … [Read more...]
Global Cumulative Wind Power Capacity to More than Double by 2020, Led by China, says GlobalData
Despite an overall slump in installations in 2013, the global cumulative wind power capacity will more than double from 319.6 Gigawatts (GW) at the end of 2013 to 678.5 GW by 2020, says research and consulting firm GlobalData. The company’s latest report* states that China, the largest single wind power market responsible for 45% of total global annual capacity additions in 2013, is expected to have a cumulative wind capacity of 239.7 GW by … [Read more...]
Perspectives on Obama’s clean power plan: small step for US, big step for mankind?
The proposal made by the US Environmental Protection Agency to reduce CO2 emissions from power stations in the US by 30% has been hailed by many as a historic breakthrough in US climate policy. Others, however, argue that the proposal is quite moderate. Some even say the plan will do nothing for the climate at all. Supporters say the main benefits of the plan is the precedent it sets and the message it sends. Energy Post editor Karel Beckman … [Read more...]
US Environmental Protection Agency EPA proposes first guidelines to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants
At the direction of President Obama and after an unprecedented outreach effort, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has on June 2 released the Clean Power Plan proposal, which for the first time cuts carbon pollution from existing power plants, the single largest source of carbon pollution in the United States.Today’s proposal will protect public health, move the United States toward a cleaner environment and fight climate change while … [Read more...]
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