Slovakia’s priorities for its energy transition have so far been based on its goals of energy independence from Russia, and decreasing its emissions. But as a part of the EU, it should also be promoting the transition to renewable energy. How could this go forward? Veronika Jurcova explains.
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Fears mount US could ditch Paris Agreement
The landmark Paris Agreement on climate change set goals to reduce global warming – and the US president may be planning on exiting the deal (despite pressure from the European Union and activists inside the US). James Murray of Business Green asks: will the treaty be ‘cancelled’?
The mining curse haunts lignite towns
On this site we have often explored what comes after coal. Here, Jeffrey Michel offers a look at the German mining communities being hard hit by the financial and environmental consequences. In particular, towns in Lusatia are suffering.
Greece’s first battery storage system under way in the Aegean Sea
The island of Tilos in Greece’s Aegean Sea is going to host the country’s first renewable energy plus battery storage system. The microgrid will be able to support the island’s population, replacing diesel generators. Ilias Tsagas of pv magazine explores why this is so significant for Greece.
Germany starts to address sustainable mobility
The new think tank Agora Verkehrswende has come up with 12 theses for an energy transition in transportation, and Germany’s environmental Agency (UBA) has published its ideas about the “city of tomorrow.” There is a consensus in the sales pitch, as Craig Morris explains.
The global energy system is changing, and customers must take centre stage
The energy transition isn’t just about adding more renewables to the system – it’s about changing and democratizing energy production. Peter Terrium of Innogy writes on his experiences in the PV sector, the importance of the consumer, and the role of utilities.
Malta’s energy transition – a slow but promising start
The island of Malta is heavily dependent on oil imports, and could benefit greatly from its own energy transition. Despite some barriers to renewables, solar is booming – and if it continues to do so, Malta should be able to meet its 2020 energy goals. Geoffrey Saliba explains.
Germany to get free offshore wind! Wait, what?
The recent news of alleged “subsidy-free” offshore wind power in Germany has drawn a lot of international attention. Craig Morris spoke with Andreas Wagner, head of Germany’s Offshore Wind Foundation, not only about the reasons, which have been well reported, but about some downsides, which have not.
The German Greens: federal impact from the state level
The German chapter of the Green Party may be the strongest in the world – so how is it faring in numerous coalition governments? Can other countries with different political systems learn from the German experience? Craig Morris explains a new study.
Communities benefit from renewable grid expansion
The South African government’s renewable energy grid expansion has been outsourced to the private sector. A key part of this public-private partnership is that the companies assigned to do the ‘new build’ must also engage in much-needed community development work, writes Leonie Joubert.