Renewable energies

Mind the gap: how EU countries perform on climate

EU member states will need to step up their efforts on renewables and energy efficiency in order to meet the bloc's updated climate and energy targets for 2030.

Finance for climate action is rising, but still a long way to go

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC (SR15), an additional 1.5% in global investment is needed to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Yet, if already under …

Energy and climate scenarios 2050

The EU has set a long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050. But getting there will be a huge challenge that will require a transformation of our energy system.

Live: #COP21 – endgame

Energy utilities push carbon pricing, lobby against renewable targets at COP21

The association of power companies working under the 'Magritte Group' umbrella, called on Tuesday (8 December) for carbon pricing, rather than renewable energy targets, to be the main tool for fighting climate change.

700 cities promise renewable energy transition by 2050

While national negotiators struggle to agree on climate action at the COP21, the mayors of 700 cities have committed to generating 100% of their energy from renewable sources by 2050. EURACTIV France reports. 

European banks clinging to coal investments

Europe’s big banks have failed to significantly cut their investments in coal in the five years between the UN climate conferences of Copenhagen and Paris. EURACTIV France reports. 

Paris and New Delhi launch the International Solar Alliance

Paris plans to offer its support to India to gain its backing for the COP21 agreement. Our partner Journal de l'Environnement reports. 

COP21 will end a decade of failed climate finance

With 8,000 projects in developing countries, the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is still clinging to life. But the Paris agreement might spell the end for the ineffective system. EURACTIV France reports. 

Half of French climate finance spent on building renovation

Building renovation absorbed half of France's energy transition finance in 2013, or €36 billion, while the country spent €54 billion on oil and gas. EURACTIV France reports. 

The plan to electrify Africa takes shape

Africa could be fully electrified in as little as ten years, according to the President of the Pan-African Parliament. But the project needs a further $50 billion of funding. EURACTIV France reports. 

Solar power to light the way for Africa as low-carbon campaign launches

Kofi Annan, Bob Geldof, Richard Branson and international business leaders have joined politicians from 14 African countries to launch a global campaign to bring solar power to the 620 million people on the continent who must still use kerosene, candles and wood to light their homes and cook.

Off-grid renewable energy recommended for rural Africa

A conference in Cape Town, South Africa, attended by ministers and government representatives of 28 countries, called for increased development of renewable energy, with rural needs being met with grid and off-grid solutions.

Mafia and multinationals milk Italy’s green energy boom

Thousands of solar panels glint in the sun, but the prized farmland beneath lies barren. While the Italian island of Sardinia revels in a renewable energy boom, the long arm of organised crime risks sullying its clean power ambitions.

Study: Solar thermal power promotes social development in North Africa

With Morocco’s electricity demand growing rapidly, solar thermal power plants could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer a sustainable solution to many social issues. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Greek renewable power projects stalled by turmoil

Ambitious Greek renewable power projects aimed at reducing the country's dependence on energy imports from Russia will be on hold for some time, as the threat of exit from the euro prompts investors to delay initiatives.

The UK’s National Trust to invest £30m in renewable energy sources

Europe’s largest conservation organisation to use solar, biomass and hydro power to supply half its energy needs for its estates, historic houses and palaces.

Member states on track to meet renewable energy targets, EU report finds

While most EU member countries are on track to meet the EU's binding 2020 targets on renewable energy, France, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands and the UK all need to step up their efforts, the European Commission will say in a report to be published later today (16 June).

IEA: Energy emissions can peak 10 years early, if fossil fuels targeted

Global energy emissions could peak as early as 2020 but only if governments worldwide phase out fossil fuels subsidies and ban the building of new coal power stations, a report published today (15 June) by the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said.

EU reopens China solar dumping probe

EU regulators opened a probe into the solar power panel industry in China, the European Commission said on Friday (29 May), in response to accusations that Chinese companies were dodging import duties by exporting via Taiwan and Malaysia.

Renewables jobs in EU drop, but rise worldwide

The number of renewable energy jobs worldwide increased last year by more than a million, an 18% rise to 7.7 million, but dropped in the European Union.

Renewable energy vital for internet lifestyles says Greenpeace

A Greenpeace report released on Tuesday (12 May) accused utilities of hampering efforts to use renewable energy to power data centres needed for services hosted in the cloud.