One of the main goals of energy transition is energy democracy and social justice: communities should be able to make and consume their own energy. Today, Andrew Burger of Microgrid Media describes the Blue Lake Ranchiera’s movement towards energy independence.
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What people don’t understand about electric cars
German parliamentary elections are coming up this fall, and the German Green Party has adopted a plan for 100% electric vehicles by 2030 for new car sales. But one leader of the party remains skeptical. His criticism showed that we have to get our heads around how fundamentally different electric cars will be. Craig Morris looks at the debate.
New proposals would kill solar and wind in the European Union
In mid-May, European grid regulators spoke out against priority grid dispatch for renewables. If the European Commission adopts their suggestions into law, it will be hard to add more wind or solar capacity. Craig Morris explains what this means for Europe.
“Still in”? American climate policy after Paris
The US government may want to leave the Paris agreement, but an overwhelming number of Americans are continuing to push for state and local action on climate policy. As Trump aims to revitalize the domestic coal industry, it’s crucial to stay focused on what’s possible for renewables and energy efficiency. Silvia Weko takes a look at the US climate resistance.
See you in court: how the South African public sued the nuclear sector and won
When conventional forms of activism don’t reach the ears of a democratically elected government, the courts can provide a platform to hold the state accountable. A High Court ruling against the South African government’s efforts to buy in nuclear power is a case in point, writes Leonie Joubert.
Renewable energy tops Turkish agenda
By developing a detailed system for renewable energy investment, Turkey is allowing investors to bypass the usual risks. The financial boost should help the country meet its ambitious 2019 sustainability targets. Gaye Spolitis takes a look.
Trump can make it impossible to count global carbon emissions
You can’t manage what you don’t measure – and US President Donald Trump’s new budget for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will leave too little funding for the country to measure its carbon emissions. Craig Morris takes a look.
The unknown climate risks for renewable energy projects
Just like every other form of power, renewable energy can be vulnerable to natural disasters (although considering the alternatives, the fallout is less dangerous). But as climate change makes storms more violent, it’s worth considering how to insure new renewable plants. Emilio Godoy takes a look at how Latin American countries are handling it.
Six years after Fukushima, much of Japan has lost faith in nuclear power
The 2011 Fukushima disaster was a huge turning point for how many countries saw nuclear energy. Years later, many Japanese people have not returned home but may be forced to help pay for the cleanup. Tatsujiro Suzuki looks at the current situation and recommends that the Japanese government take measures to regain public trust.
Stronger together: The EU’s energy and climate governance
Governance is not about imposing new obligations to member states. It is about mobilising and coordinating all relevant actors, including cities and regions. Europe is changing. Europe is greening. Let’s embrace this change rather than falter, write Michèle Rivasi and Claude Turmes.