Energy & Environment
Natural gas is a ‘caveat’ in energy transition, EU admits
While fossil fuel projects are in theory excluded from EU funding, natural gas will continue to play a key role in replacing coal while helping to build a hydrogen infrastructure at least cost, EU climate chief Frans Timmermans said on Thursday (28 May).
EU urged not to mess with UN aviation rules
Leading MEPs have asked the European Commission and Council not to seek changes to the UN's global aviation scheme, which is aimed at making the industry carbon neutral. Airlines have requested more leeway to ride out the coronavirus outbreak slump.
EU lawmakers debate 65% climate target proposal
The European Parliament's environment committee discussed for the first time on Thursday (28 May) a proposal by Swedish MEP Jytte Guteland to set an EU-wide CO2 reduction target of 65% by 2030. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Number crunching on expanded Just Transition Fund continues
The European Commission revealed on Thursday (28 May) how individual EU members stand to gain from the newly-fortified €40bn Just Transition Fund. Talks are still ongoing on widening the scope of the fund to more regions that might need green aid.
Scientists warn of ‘zombie fires’ in the Arctic
Dormant "zombie fires" scattered across the Arctic region – remnants of record blazes last year – may be coming to life after an unusually warm and dry Spring, scientists warned Wednesday (27 May).
Ships, planes could help EU pay for virus recovery
The European Commission’s €750 billion recovery fund could be covered financially by new sources of revenue, which include extending the EU’s carbon market to the aviation and shipping sectors, the bloc’s executive confirmed on Wednesday (27 May).
Danish groups team up to deliver green hydrogen for transport fuel
Renewable energy company Ørsted and Copenhagen Airport are amongst the consortium of businesses aiming to develop a hydrogen and sustainable transport fuel facility in the heart of the Danish capital. EURACTIV's media partner edie.net reports.
EU recovery fund is a chance to accelerate the circular economy
The EU recovery fund can be used to unlock an estimated €1.8 trillion opportunity by 2030 by making better use of materials and reducing waste, write Patrick Schröder and David McGinty.
German and French NGOs call on governments to make green investments
One day before the EU Commission presents its long-awaited proposal for an EU reconstruction programme, a group of German and French civil society organisations has sent a letter to their respective governments. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The case for green buildings in the COVID-19 recovery
By supporting green buildings, the European Commission can simultaneously cut down energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions while improving comfort and health, and supporting Europe’s 18 million construction workers, writes Peter Sweatman.
Russian gas transit via Poland has almost halted
Russian natural gas transit via the Yamal-Europe pipeline, which traverses Poland, has almost dried up, Interfax cited gas pipeline operators as saying on Monday (25 May), days after a gas transit deal between Moscow and Warsaw expired.
Electricity giants join forces on renewable hydrogen
Major European electricity groups – including Enel, Iberdrola, Ørsted, and EDP – have issued a joint call urging the European Commission to prioritise renewable hydrogen in its upcoming pandemic recovery plan.Editor's picks
How the EU can emerge from coronavirus stronger – and greener
When the EU re-emerges from this crisis, what will it look like? Will it be stronger and more adept at responding to future crises like climate change? Or will it be weaker, unable to address the concerns of Europeans and in danger of breaking apart? A lot depends on what happens this Wednesday, writes a group of authors from the Jacques Delors Institute.OpinionPromoted content
Renewable hydrogen is key to unlocking the complete decarbonisation of European industries
Europe has taken the lead in the fight against climate change with the European Green Deal. While most of the power system will be electrified by 2050, renewable hydrogen is the missing piece to deliver Europe’s commitment to climate neutrality.
Germany’s top court says VW must pay damages to customers
Germany's highest court ruled on Monday (25 May) that Volkswagen must pay damages to plaintiffs in the diesel emissions scandal, who can now demand a refund of the purchase price. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Energising the EU Green Deal through better battery chemicals management
Europe's climate plans have electrification at their core but in order to unlock its potential, batteries have to be managed and regulated in the right way, explain the Cross-Industry Initiative for better regulation in chemicals management (CII).
French MEP floats ‘win-win’ green compromise on EU budget
A European tax on financial transactions and corporate profits could bring an annual €120 billion to the EU budget and finance a green recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, without asking a penny more from national governments, says Pierre Larrouturou.
Four cities call for multi-billion-euro clean bus fund
The European Commission has been urged by to set up a multi-billion euro grant scheme for zero-emission buses and to help cities build new cycle paths, as part of the EU’s coronavirus recovery package.
Green recovery hinges on the right data
EU policymakers are promoting a green recovery. A public-private agency rating companies’ climate performance would help keep it on track, argue Steven Tebbe and Laurent Babikian.
Kazakhstan approves new green projects in a bid to cut fossil fuels in half by 2050
Kazakhstan‘s new leadership, faced with concurrent challenges of volatile oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic, has approved nineteen new renewable energy projects worth $1.1 billion in the country’s latest effort to go green and diversify its energy supply. To date,...
EXCLUSIVE: Eight EU states back ‘natural gas’ in net-zero transition
A group of eight EU countries from the Balkans and the east have joined forces to defend the “role of natural gas in a climate-neutral Europe”.
‘Not appropriate’: Uniper seeks compensation for Dutch coal phase-out
Uniper is threatening to sue the Dutch government over a plan to phase out coal power by 2030, in a case experts warn could have a chilling effect on climate ambition internationally. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
Denmark plans two huge ‘energy islands’ to meet climate goals
Denmark plans to build two “energy islands” totalling 4GW of offshore wind capacity, under plans to reduce emissions by 70% from 1990s levels by 2030 and become a green energy exporter. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.