Energy & Environment
Why CO2 transport and storage infrastructure is vital to reach climate neutrality
The large-scale deployment of cross-border CO2 transport and storage infrastructure is crucial for the EU to reach its 2050 climate target. To this end, all modes of CO2 transport – pipeline, ship, barge, truck, train – and CO2 storage should be included in the revised TEN-E regulation, writes Dr Graeme Sweeney.
Sustainable aviation fuels
To achieve the EU’s aim of a 90% drop in transport emissions by 2050, the European Commission has proposed a range of measures, including scrapping the tax-free status of kerosene, and phasing out free CO2 permits handed out to airlines...
Polish copper giant signs deal with US firm for small nuclear reactors
Polish copper giant KGHM on Thursday (23 September) signed a memorandum of understanding with NuScale Power of the United States for the development of at least four small nuclear reactors to power its plants.
EU countries struggle to agree approach to COP26 climate talks
European Union countries are struggling to agree their negotiating position for the COP26 climate change conference, with rifts emerging over timeframes for emissions-cutting pledges, according to officials and documents seen by Reuters.
Italy’s Draghi announces €3 billion package to keep energy prices down
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday (23 September) announced measures worth three billion euros to keep gas and electricity bills down this winter as power prices soar across Europe.
Commission proposes common charger for electronic devices in two years
The European Commission presented on Thursday (23 September) a proposal to establish a single charger for smartphones, tablets and other devices in two years.
EU forest strategy
In its forest strategy tabled in July, the European Commission has underlined the crucial role played by forests in absorbing carbon dioxide and meeting the EU's climate targets, setting out plans to plant 3 billion trees before the end of the decade.
US lures Eastern Europe with nuclear power, $23tln clean energy market
The climate crisis presents "a market opportunity for carbon-reducing technologies" such as nuclear power, said US energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, teasing a $23 trillion market to countries in Central and Eastern Europe by 2030.
Finnish MEP: ‘I’m against the power creep in the EU’s forest strategy’
There is no such thing as a European forest, and those trying to introduce an EU-wide forest strategy that does not take account of regional differences “live in Fantasyland,” Finnish lawmaker Nils Torvalds told EURACTIV.
EU countries buy more time to scrutinise green investment rules
European Union countries on Wednesday (22 September) pushed back their deadline to object to the EU's proposed rule book for green investments, giving themselves another two months to scrutinise the politically sensitive policy.
Why Europe is facing an energy price surge
Prices for gas and electricity are soaring in Europe as winter approaches, forcing governments to react. Here is what's behind the price increase:
Campaigners worry at delays in EU sustainable product policy
Ecodesign and energy labelling rules on everyday products could save consumers billions and help the EU meet its climate targets, but a lack of staff and resources means the European Commission is slow to put them forward, according to a report by environmental organisations.Editor's picks
La Palma volcano eruption could last up to November, experts warn
The area affected by the lava flow on the Spanish island of La Palma has increased by 50% since the eruption of the volcano three days ago and experts predict it will continue for an average of 55 more days but could last up to 84, EURACTIV’s partner EFE reported.
US blame Russia for manipulating Europe gas prices, Moscow retorts the EU messed it up
A US official warned against "manipulation" of gas prices in Europe, as a group of European MEPs accused Russia of being behind price rises. In return, Russia said the disbalance was a result of mistaken EU policy making.
Developing nations welcome US climate finance pledge but warn more is needed
Developing countries and campaigners welcomed the offer of increased climate finance from the US president, Joe Biden, at the UN on Tuesday (21 September), but warned that rich countries needed to do more to ensure the poorest received the assistance they need. EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian, reports.
EU energy ministers meet to discuss power price surge
Energy ministers from European Union countries will on Wednesday (22 September) discuss the soaring price of gas and electricity across Europe, as some governments draw up measures to protect their consumers.
How post-election Germany can become a climate delivery champion
National elections in Germany are only days away. The eyes of the world are turning to Berlin as Angela Merkel is stepping down after 16 years and polls are predicting a tight race. In this opinion piece, Cora Herwartz and Jule Könneke outline how post-election Germany can reclaim its climate frontrunner role.OpinionPromoted content
Part of the Solution: Glass and the New Age of Sustainable Consumption
Beauty has always been attractive to people deciding on their next purchase. But increasingly important to consumers around the world are the environmental impacts of the choices they make. As the EU prepares for new rules on green product claims,...
IEA says Russia could do more to supply Europe with gas
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday (21 September) Russia could do more to help alleviate gas supply issues in Europe which have driven prices up to record highs over the past month. VideoPromoted content
Life Terra’s first “Klimawald” takes roots in Germany
Life Terra spoke to Stift Ehreshoven about their castle and estate situated near Cologne, Germany, with 1,500+ ha of forest land that is managed sustainably and the effects of climate change on German forests.
The weaponisation of Nord Stream 2 has already started
Global market trends surely play a role in explaining the current gas price rally, but the shell game played by the Kremlin is here for everyone to see unless we choose to look the other way, writes Mykhailo Gonchar.
Energy ministers to hold first exchange on EU’s 2030 climate laws
In their first meeting since the European Commission tabled an overhaul of climate legislation in July, EU energy ministers are due to discuss two major files that will drive Europe’s push towards clean energy, according to a room document seen by EURACTIV.
Spain wants EU ‘menu’ of measures to combat power price surges
Spain urged the European Commission on Monday (20 September) to devise guidance to help member states react consistently to power price spikes without testing the rules of the bloc, and suggested moves to limit carbon market speculators and build up gas reserves.