After power producer Iberdrola announced the closure of their last coal plants, the Spanish government has said it might intervene to keep them open. Such an intervention, write energy experts Gerard Wynn and Paolo Coghe, is taking a page out of Donald Trump’s book. It is costly, bad for the investment climate, and for the planet’s climate.
All posts tagged: Utilities
Are renewables good for democracy? Not necessarily.
In Carbon Democracy, Timothy Mitchell describes how people’s ability to sabotage the economic system strengthened democracy. Craig Morris wonders what the future holds – and if the year 2050 might be cleaner, but also less democratic.
Electricity customers pay for groups that lobby against clean energy, report says
Successful oversight of trade group membership dues has faded away in many states across the United States, a new report says. Mark Hand of Think Progress explains how American utilities use their customers’ money to fight renewables, and subside fracking and nuclear.
U.S. utilities try new tactics to discourage solar, but still aren’t getting what they want
In the US, utilities are trying to increase charges for their customers – disproportionately affecting those who use solar. Such changes can be catastrophic for the solar market. But very little utility-sponsored legislation has been successful, and some states are even taking proactive steps to develop community solar. Christian Roselund of PV magazine 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.
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.
Renewable sector calls for stable energy policy environment
This year, the South African government has the chance to set in place the kind of policy environment that will incubate local manufacturers and encourage foreign investment in the renewable energy sector here. But if the current draft policy is approved, it will create market uncertainty and drive investors away, writes Leonie Joubert.
Commission proposal risks giving energy distributor foxes keys to henhouse
Energy distributors will play a crucial role in transforming Europe’s energy system. But as a self-interested industry group, empowering them to write and monitor the rules for it is a ludicrous way forward, warns Josh Roberts.
Impressive First Quarter Results for American Wind Power released by AWEA
There are now more than 48,800 wind turbines operating in the US, across 40 states. American wind power has had its most productive first quarter for installations since 2012, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has announced. Robin Whitlock takes a look.
WANTED: Champions for a cleaner, greener city
Solar water heaters, or biofuel-powered public buses, or any other low-carbon solution isn’t going to install itself or switch itself on. Without visionary thinkers to champion the cause, without people to plan for business-unusual and craft the regulations that’ll make it easier to implement, Southern Africa’s cities won’t evolve into the energy-smart, carbon-friendly engine rooms that they must become, writes Leonie Joubert.