Energy & Environment
Electricity market reform: A European tour
The European Commission wants to reform “capacity mechanisms” put in place across EU member states to remunerate power plants that remain on standby in case of a demand peak, arguing they distort the market. But views differ on their value amid wide-ranging national disparities.
Europe’s e-mobility gamechangers
The European Union is starting to think in earnest about how to reduce the impact of transportation on the environment. But are plans to tackle a sector whose emissions continue to grow too strict or not ambitious enough?
European gas markets
At the turn of the century, the European Union launched a vigorous liberalisation agenda in a bid to open up its national gas markets – aiming for lower prices, a greater range of suppliers and energy security. EURACTIV takes stock of progress made and the challenges lying ahead.
Energy transition: Ambitious enough?
Europe needs to decarbonise its economy in order to meet its Paris Agreement obligations, but how ambitious are its plans for an energy transition?
Economic viability in the next CAP
EU farmers are calling for a simplified Common Agricultural Policy that will provide security for them to invest in their business and make a profit. Can the next CAP ensure a healthy and profitable business environment in the farming sector?
Closing loops for a circular economy
After marathon talks, negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states reached agreement last December on a package of waste legislation, which sets new targets for recycling. But although the ink has not yet dried on the deal, the European Commission is already preparing a revision of the laws.
Europe’s mayors: Speeding up the energy transition
While the EU hammers out its continent-wide energy and climate policy for the next decade, steps are being taken at local level to fight climate change and make a low-carbon European economy a reality.
Packaging and the environment
European countries are preparing to implement a brand new set of waste and recycling laws, following the conclusion of negotiations on the circular economy package in December. But there is more ahead, with the Plastics Strategy unveiled by the European Commission only one month later.
European forests and climate change
Forests are Europe’s biggest carbon sinks and forestry the sector with the greatest potential to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the quantities needed to meet the bloc’s objectives under the Paris Agreement.
Fact-checking science
Trust in science may face a tough time ahead as doubts about transparency and the way scientific evidence is used by policymakers persist. But the EU institutions at least seem aware of these concerns, as this latest Special Report shows.
Electricity networks: Connecting the dots
The growing electrification of the economy, driven by renewables, requires additional power networks to cope with the expected surge in demand for electric vehicles and consumer-centred services. EURACTIV explores the implications in this Special Report.
Seal of approval: Greenland fights stereotypes on Inuit hunt
Greenland has launched an initiative to support Inuit and indigenous communities in Canada and the EU to improve the perception of sealskin products. It focuses on sewing in a QR code which allows consumers to check their legality by scanning the label...
Renewable gas
Gas is not often mentioned in the same bracket as renewable energy but that could all change, as energy providers look to address the issue of surplus renewable power and storage problems.
Lighting
The European Union took a bold step when it imposed a ban on incandescent light bulbs in 2008. Almost ten years on, EURACTIV.com takes stock of progress made and sets sights on the next frontier – Human Centric Lighting.
Energy performance of buildings
Lawmakers in the European Parliament's industry committee are voting this week on the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). EURACTIV.com takes a closer look at the latest changes made to the bill before it clears this major political hurdle.
Expo 2017 Astana
EURACTIV.com reports from the International Exposition in Astana, Kazakhstan. Highlighting the theme "Future Energy," the expo aims to foster a global debate on "how to ensure safe and sustainable access to energy for all while reducing CO2 emissions".
Heating and cooling
The heating and cooling of buildings and industry is responsible for half of the EU’s energy consumption, and “much of it is wasted” according to the European Commission.
Healthy buildings, healthy people
The renovation of the EU’s building stock is seen as critical in achieving the bloc’s climate change targets, while reducing dependence on imported fuel. However, less is known about the positive impact renovation can have on people's health.
Rural Renaissance
Developing rural areas across Europe has emerged as a necessity in order for the EU to meet a wide range of economic, environmental and social challenges.
Financing energy efficiency
The European Union has made energy savings in buildings one of the cornerstones of the bloc's efforts to cut dependence on imported fuel. But private investors are still wary of unlocking the trillions of euros of capital needed to renovate Europe's ageing building stock.
EU farming getting smarter
The European Union is exploring ways of helping its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) enter the digital era after 2020.
Electricity in transition
Europe’s electricity system is on the cusp of a deep revolution, driven by the imperative of decarbonisation and the move towards decentralised renewables energy production.
Sunlight at the end of the tunnel?
Europe is the most solarised region in the world, but deployment of technology needs to be stepped up if the bloc is to meet its climate commitments.