British Prime Minister Theresa May has triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, thereby giving the country 24 months to negotiate terms for leaving the EU. What will this mean for energy policy? Craig Morris has a tentative look with the help of an expert.
Year: 2017
Germany to miss 2020 carbon reduction targets by a mile
A recent study contracted by the German Greens finds that Germany stands little chance of reaching its 40 percent target for carbon emission reductions by 2020. But if you think coal power is the big issue, you might be surprised to hear what Craig Morris has to say.
CSIRO says Australia can get to 100 per cent renewable energy
The Australian government’s chief scientific body says there is no apparent technical impediment to reaching 100 per cent renewables for the national electricity grid, and levels of up to 30 per cent renewable energy should be considered as just “trivial” in current energy systems. Giles Parkinson explains.
Exclusive interview: energy transition architect Claude Turmes tells inside story of EU energy policy
Green MEP Claude Turmes has led some of Europe’s key energy and climate policy reforms since 2000. Now for the first time in a book, launched in Brussels on 1 March, he explains how and why Brussels has pioneered – and obstructed – the energy transition in Europe. In an exclusive interview with Energy Post, Turmes gives an insider account of dreams, lobbies, and political, economic and social realities.
Bolivia – a model for energy storage in Latin America?
Although Latin America has advanced in renewable energy generation in recent years, the storage issue has not moved forward to the same extent. The conventional view remains one of building electric towers and transformation stations to transmit the electricity miles away from the generation sites, a highly expensive and inefficient option. Emilio Godoy explains.
German nuclear fleet struggles to stay online as wind sets records
Last Friday, an Indian airliner passing over Europe lost radio contact and had to be escorted by fighter jets (it could have been a terrorist attack). As the plane passed over German reactors, some were evacuated just in case. None of them were generating power at the time. Wind power, in contrast, was strong across Europe – and there’s a downside to that, too. Craig Morris explains why.
Powering up: meet the women electrifying China’s energy transition
The world’s biggest polluter is now the global renewables leader, and these women are helping to lead the charge. Anna McGurk of Greenpeace introduces two women leading China’s transition.
Blockchain for the energy revolution? Don’t believe the hype!
Blockchain is currently the talk of the town. A couple of years ago it was assumed that the virtual currency would radically transform the financial industry; now, other industries (including energy) are expected to be disrupted as well. That hasn’t happened yet. Ajaz Shah provides a critical take.
Why Kosovo needs climate friendly energy alternatives
The majority of Kosovo’s energy comes from lignite, and a new plant is being planned (despite potential problems with the European Union). Communities must invest in renewables, which can help revitalize local economies, increase democratic participation, and improve the environment. Jasminka Young explains.
Bangladesh emerges as a hotbed for solar microgrids, p2p energy trading
In Bangladesh, government programs and startups are using solar to improve standards of living and agriculture. The small systems can have a huge impact on people’s lives, and act as an economic motor. Andrew Burger of MicroGrid Media has the details.