Energy
Universal electricity access goal set to be missed, new report reveals
The international community is falling well short of providing the cash needed to ensure universal access to electricity by 2030, according to a report released Monday (12 November).
European oil majors better prepared for energy transition than US, Chinese counterparts
Oil majors are “lagging” when it comes to preparing for the low-carbon energy transition, according to a new report from financial watchdog CDP, which nonetheless praised BP, Eni, Equinor, Total, Repsol and Shell for taking the industry’s lead.
Electricity market must serve higher climate ambition
As negotiations on the EU’s new electricity market enter their crucial trialogue phase, the bloc faces a litmus test for the credibility of its climate ambition. With only two trialogues left, the fate of coal subsidies is still not sealed while COP24 is approaching, writes Joanna Flisowska.
Think-tank: Artificially low electricity prices ‘not good for EDF’ nor consumers
Artificially low energy prices in France are one of the reasons why former state monopoly EDF loses money, says Thomas Pellerin-Carlin. Moreover, regulated prices are useless to protect vulnerable consumers from energy poverty and “almost never leads to low energy bills,” he argues.
Electricity prices
Many European countries have placed limits on electricity prices, often justified by consumer concerns about rising energy bills, or to protect households from energy poverty. But regulated energy prices also thwart competition and hinder the deployment of clean energy solutions....
Raw power
Vanadium, borate, bismuth, gallium – they may sound like planets from a science fiction movie, but in fact they are some of the most critical elements of the European Union’s economy.
Europe’s path to carbon neutrality: A move to ‘sobriété énergétique’?
What is 'sobriété énergétique' and what is its role in pushing Europe towards its carbon reduction goals? Kamila Waciega explains.
US-Poland LNG deal will ease Europe’s reliance on Russia: Perry
Washington's energy secretary on Thursday (8 November) hailed a 24-year deal to deliver US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Poland as signal for Europe on ensuring energy security and easing dependence on Russian supplies.
Climate change will affect EU monetary policy ‘one way or the other’, ECB says
Whether humankind fails or succeeds in keeping the rise in global temperatures within manageable levels, central banks will sooner or later be called upon to act, said Benoît Cœuré, a member of the European Central Bank's (ECB) Executive Board.
Row over fuel prices highlights flaws of France’s ecological tax
The many exceptions to the French carbon tax do not make it easier for people – and drivers – to accept green taxation, EURACTIV France reports.
A strong EV benchmark can cut transport emissions and help modernise Europe’s electricity grid
Over a century ago, electric vehicles (EVs) were the best-selling cars on the market. Bringing them back on today’s roads will not only help to decarbonise transport, but the energy sector too, with wider benefits for society, argues Julia Hildermeier.
Why rewarding renewable fuels under the truck CO2 regulation would be a bad idea
It may sound like a good thing to reward advanced fuels. But doing it under the CO2 standards for heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) would not achieve this goal and would only end up weakening EU fuel efficiency standards, says Cristina Mestre.
UK’s renewables attractiveness drops amid no-deal Brexit fears
The UK has fallen in a ranking of the world's most attractive renewable energy markets for investors, with apprehensions around Brexit cited as a major reason for a year-on-year drop in investment. EURACTIV's media partner edie.net reports.
Regulated energy prices: The end of an era?
Many European countries have various types of limits on gas and electricity prices paid by consumers, a legacy inherited from the post-war period.
Four priorities for a future-oriented Connecting Europe Facility
Swift implementation of the EU’s energy and climate commitments is only possible if the next EU budget gives a clear signal to invest in a transition to a low-carbon economy, write Lisa Fischer and Elisa Giannelli.
Swiss researchers chart path to zero-emission cement
The construction sector can cut polluting emissions up to 80% by applying efficiency measures along the whole value chain, according to new research. If combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, emissions could even be brought down to zero by 2050, they argue.
Conte tells Italian rebel village he is unable to stop TAP pipeline
In an open letter of the to a rebel municipality where the TAP pipeline is expected to come on shore, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte explains at length why he cannot stop the project.
German coal plant exposed as Europe’s single worst air polluter
The Niederaussem coal plant and mine, operated by RWE, was singled out as Europe’s largest hotspot for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) pollution, according to a groundbreaking analysis of new satellite imagery. London’s polluted air, caused mainly by transport emissions, comes second.
Britain’s capacity market for electricity: Lessons for Europe
The UK’s market-wide capacity mechanism for electricity provides a solution to a supply problem that has yet to emerge, writes Phil Baker. A targeted strategic reserve is likely to be a more cost-reflective alternative, he argues.
Italy’s Di Maio warns against party divisions after TAP pipeline U-turn
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio called on Monday (29 October) for unity within his 5-Star Movement after the anti-establishment party was forced to renege on an electoral pledge to halt a major, international gas transport project.OpinionPromoted content
Regulatory flaws in the Clean Energy Package, part 1 – The bidding zones: Shaky foundations of complex machinery
The ambition behind the Clean Energy Package is to create a liquid, pan-European electricity market. However, the crucial tool - the appropriate representation of the grid in market processes - has been significantly blunted and remains flawed.
‘Price and accessibility’ to drive Romania’s energy agenda at EU helm
Romania intends to push “price and accessibility” of energy as the guiding principles of its EU Presidency next year – whether it relates to the EU’s 2050 climate goals, the expansion of nuclear power, new gas pipeline projects, or even coal.
Nord Stream 2 exposed as Russian weapon against NATO
Polish and other speakers at the Warsaw Security Forum on Wednesday (24 October) exposed the Gazprom-sponsored Nord Stream 2 pipeline as a security threat for the EU and NATO.