Energy
Green activists decry EU vote in support of ‘bad bioenergy’
Lawmakers in the European Parliament’s environment committee voted in support of a proposal to phase out biofuels yesterday evening (23 October) but “completely failed” to secure climate friendly use of biomass in heating and electricity, green groups have said.
US forests, sustainably managed, really can help Europe decarbonise
Campaigners have warned about the environmental dangers of bioenergy, saying burning wood is not low-carbon. However, forests can – and must – be managed in a sustainable way that maintains or even increases the carbon stock, writes Tony Juniper.
Europe’s climate strategy of burning wood for energy isn’t working
Opposition to the use of forest biomass for energy generation is going mainstream, writes Linde Zuidema, as evidence builds that wood is being burnt in large scale inefficient coal-fired power stations.
Climate change may take a heavy toll on Greek GDP, land
The total reported economic losses caused by weather- and climate-related extremes in the 33 EEA member countries between 1980 and 2016 amounted to more than €450bn, according to a recent study released by the European Environment Agency. EURACTIV Greece reports.
Juncker: No EU unity for Russia Nord Stream 2 talks
The European Commission on Thursday (19 October) said that despite a lack of unity among member states over Russia's plans for a new gas pipeline to Germany, it would press ahead to seek support for talks with Russia on its objections.
‘Community’ energy projects in Greece under threat, activists warn
Two pioneering solar PV projects in Greece that enable renewable electricity benefits to be shared across local communities are coming under threat from draft EU rules on renewable energy “self-generation”, Greenpeace has warned.
Carbon market reform: Much ado about nothing?
The European Parliament and several member states, including France, have excluded new coal plants from future financing under the EU’s reformed carbon market. EURACTIV France reports.
EU agrees on Brexit-proof emissions trading amendment
EU lawmakers and member states agreed on Wednesday (18 October) a measure to guard the carbon market in case of a breakdown in Brexit talks as well as extending the exemption of international flights from the bloc's charges for carbon emissions until the end of 2023.
World’s first floating wind farm opens off the Scottish coast
The world's first floating wind farm started delivering electricity to the Scottish power grid on Wednesday (18 October), and will utilise an innovative battery storage system to provide power to around 20,000 households. EURACTIV’s partner edie.net reports.
‘Energy dash for biomass’ risks wasting potential of EU’s bioeconomy
By failing to take a holistic approach and treat the LULUCF and renewable energy dossiers as separate and distinct issues, the EU is slicing Europe’s bioeconomy up like a piece of salami, warns Sylvain Lhôte.
UK needs to put ‘efficiency first’ after release of Clean Growth Strategy
UK energy policy is in flux after its government last week launched its long-term Clean Growth Strategy for decarbonising the economy. Now is a good time to take stock and rethink energy policy, insist Jan Rosenow and Richard Cowart.
Cyprus set to come in from the cold and end energy isolation
Cyprus is due to end its energy isolation after it agreed with fellow EU member Greece to press on with an undersea electricity cable, which will also link the island to Israel in the hope of tapping into significant gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean.
UK supports staying in Euratom nuclear treaty after Brexit
A majority of British people oppose the government's plan for the UK to leave the Euratom nuclear treaty after Brexit, a new survey has found.
‘Black gold’ rush to peak in 2030 thanks to rise of electric car
World petrol demand will peak within 13 years thanks to the impact of electric cars and more efficient engines, energy experts have predicted. EURACTIV's partner The Guardian reports.
Circular Economy and Salt
Salt industry is confident of its role to power the transition from linear to the resource-efficient circular economy.
Estonian minister: ‘Nobody is objecting’ to CO2 limit on power plant subsidies
The European Commission’s proposal for a CO2 limit on power plant subsidies is supported by the Council of Ministers, insists Ando Leppiman. But now the issue is more how it can be managed, he told EURACTIV.sk.
Waste: Subsidies make it cheaper to burn than recycle
The growing trend of burning waste for energy undermines Europe’s recycling efforts by diverting waste to incinerators instead of having it reused or recycled, thereby defeating the purpose of the Commission's well-meant directive on minimising waste.
Airbus exec.: EU ‘bonus’ for aviation biofuels may be too little
The European Commission’s proposal to incentivise the production of biofuels for aircraft with a 20% “multiplier” goes in the right direction, says Thierry Nowaczyk from Airbus. The question is whether this is enough to fill the price gap with fossil-based kerosene, he told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Polish MEP under pressure on crucial EU energy saving law
An update of the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive risks coming undone as a result of political infighting between the Polish lawmaker charged with helming the European Parliament’s revision of the legislation and much of his own political group, EURACTIV.com has learned.
Ministers attach ‘strict conditions’ to EU’s carbon safety reserve
A carbon “safety reserve” aimed at helping poorer EU member states cut emissions in the transport, building and agriculture sectors will be accessible only for countries that reach their 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets early.
How do we keep the lights on in Europe ?
How the capacity markets should be designed to avoid blackouts and to ensure energy security ?
France looks to solar power ‘prosumers’ to underpin energy transition
France plans to more than double its solar power capacity in the next ten years and make it easier for citizens to become energy independent, as part of its energy transition plan. But closer inspections leaves room for doubt if Paris will make good on its promises.
Analyst: ‘Energy efficiency targets help, but they don’t go all the way’
When EU ministers discuss new energy savings objectives for 2030, they should also consider the actual policies needed to achieve them, because targets alone won’t deliver, says Phil Summerton.