Energy
Europe on track to smash its 2020 climate goal, EEA says
Greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union dropped by 3.7% last year, bringing the bloc on track to smash its 2020 emission goals by 4 percentage points, according to the European Environment Agency.
IRENA chief: EU geothermal capacity could grow eight-fold by 2050
Geothermal is competitive with wind and solar technologies and can work together with them to create a reliable supply of renewable energy, according to Francesco La Camera, who sees geothermal capacity as growing up to eight-fold in the EU by mid-century.
Biggest challenge in energy transition is social justice, EU official says
While legitimate worries are being expressed about funding for low-carbon technologies to meet EU climate goals, the biggest challenge will be to manage the energy transition in a way that does not deepen social inequalities, a senior EU official has said.
Italian and German trains hitch up to hydrogen bandwagon
Rail operators in Italy and Germany are turning to hydrogen power in an attempt to make their train networks more environmentally friendly, with Deutsche Bahn, partnering up with Siemens, among the trailblazers.
Green recovery after COVID-19: Last chance for V4 to climate transition?
The recovery of European economies after the coronavirus pandemic may become - thanks to national recovery plans financed by the EU funds - a prelude to catching up with climate goals. Are the Visegrád countries ready to seize the opportunity?
What is the real cost of green hydrogen?
What is the real cost of green hydrogen? Is there a reliable and straightforward way to obtain this cost? What information is needed? Is it valid to compare green hydrogen prices with grey or blue hydrogen prices? Mike Parr and Simon Minett attempt to answer these questions.
Renewable or ‘low-carbon’? EU countries face off over hydrogen
EU member states are fighting over which type of hydrogen to support, with two opposing camps facing off: those backing green hydrogen produced exclusively from renewable electricity, and those in favour of a broader “low-carbon” definition, which also includes nuclear power and decarbonised gases.
Are stars finally aligning for CCS in Europe?
With greater investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects and the need for the EU to rapidly decrease its carbon emissions, optimism in the schemes is growing, writes Guloren Turan, ahead of an online event to launch Global CCS Institute’s new report in December.
EU Commission backs global hydrogen market with euro as its key currency
Europe wants to install the euro as the reference currency for trading hydrogen, but a global market with harmonised standards needs to be put in place first in order to meet demand, the EU's energy commissioner said on Thursday (26 November).
Brussels approves German hard coal exit tender
The European Commission on Wednesday (25 November) green-lit a scheme under which operators of hard coal-fired power plants in Germany will be paid to shut down their stations earlier in the wake of the country’s accelerated exit from the fuel.
EU needs mandatory targets and means to save energy
The European Commission needs to bring in legally-binding energy efficiency targets to support building renovation and give member states the support they need to reach them, write Kamila Waciega and Ville Niinistö.
Czech nuclear expansion faces delay amid concerns of opposition, secret services
A tender to decide who builds a new unit at a Czech nuclear power plant may face delays after security services and opposition parties raised concerns about the possible participation of bidders from China and Russia, officials said.OpinionStakeholder Opinion
Ocean Energy: A test of the Green Deal’s transformational ambitions
Beyond its decarbonisation goals, the Green Deal aims to create entirely new industries and jobs, reframe our relationship with local environments and natural resources, and re-prioritise fairness and quality of life. A powerful step-change by a confident young Commission, or just admirable intentions? A new initiative on ocean energy may prove to be an important barometer, writes Rémi Gruet.
Trade bodies team up to grow Europe’s green hydrogen sector
Trade bodies including WindEurope and SolarPowerEurope have received backing from Bill-Gates-backed Breakthrough Energy to form a new coalition aimed at growing renewable hydrogen production and use across the continent.
Oil hits highest since March, but still drastically down from last year
The oil price has reached its highest point since it plummeted in March due to COVID-19 lockdowns, as market confidence grows in coronavirus vaccines.
Steelmakers call for ‘Green Deal’ to counter Chinese dumping
European steelmakers were already reeling from dumped Chinese imports and US tariffs when the coronavirus pandemic hit this year. According to trade body Eurofer, it will take two years for the industry to recover, a process it says could be accelerated with a new “Green Deal for steel” and a carbon border levy.
Poland can contribute to the EU’s 55% target while solving its key problems
Poland is lagging behind cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but diversifying its energy mix, making heating clean and increasing traffic electrification could improve emission reductions and transform the economy for the future, writes Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Fyk.
Oil and gas majors sign up to ‘gold standard’ of methane reporting
Sixty-two major oil and gas companies on Monday (23 November) agreed to a new framework for monitoring, reporting and reducing methane emissions as part of the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0.
European air quality improves but still detrimental to health
Air quality has improved significantly across Europe over the past 10 years, but pollution still contributes to significant numbers of premature deaths, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA).
China seeks green cooperation with EU in post-pandemic recovery
Over the course of the last two months, China has made an emissions-busting pledge, while Joe Biden’s victory in the US presidential race is likely to shift Washington’s climate policy.
EU failed to properly assess climate risk of gas projects, watchdog says
The European Commission granted priority status to natural gas projects without properly assessing their impact on climate change, the European Union's Ombudsman said in a decision on Tuesday (17 November).
UN chief presses EU to agree tougher climate change target
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday (19 November) urged the European Union to lead global efforts to slash planet-warming emissions by setting a new climate change target next month.
Warsaw says ‘further analysis needed’ before EU’s 2030 climate target can be agreed
Further analysis into the impact of tougher climate goals on EU member states is needed before Poland can sign up to the European Commission’s proposed 55% greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030, a senior Polish minister has said.
As EU plans offshore wind boom, Greens worry about fish
The European Commission laid out plans on Thursday (19 November) for a massive scale-up of offshore wind, aiming for a 25-fold increase in wind power at sea as part of EU efforts to phase out fossil fuels and combat global warming.