About: decarbonisation
Lawmakers slam EU support for fossil gas projects undermining Green Deal
Energy projects that are incompatible with Europe’s climate goals are about to be granted priority status by the European Commission, EU lawmakers warned on Thursday (11 November).
Scientists warn against global warming effect of hydrogen leaks
Recent studies suggest that hydrogen could be a contributor to the greenhouse effect when it leaks through infrastructure.
EU countries urged to step up emission cuts in buildings, transport and agriculture
Lawmakers in the European Parliament's environment committee urged EU countries on Monday (27 September) to step up their efforts to reduce emissions in sectors such as agriculture, buildings and transport, which are currently not covered by the bloc's emissions trading scheme.
Just one country on course to meet 1.5°C target, new research warns
Only Gambia is currently on course to deliver climate action that is in alignment with the 1.5°C pathway of the Paris Agreement, according to new research from Climate Action Tracker (CAT), which warns that momentum on updating climate targets has stalled. EURACTIV's media partner, edie.net, reports.
Summer controversy illustrates polarisation of hydrogen debate
An August research paper by two US scholars, Robert Howarth and Mark Jacobson, cast doubt over the environmental merits of 'blue' hydrogen made from fossil gas with carbon capture technology, triggering fierce reactions from commentators and the industry.
‘Hydrogen valley’ projects sprout up across Europe
Projects to create a full hydrogen value chain combining production, infrastructure and use all in one region are sprouting up across Europe, but more needs to be done to accelerate their development, according to supporters.
Industry decarbonisation has stalled in recent years, warns think-tank
European industry is becoming increasingly vocal regarding the challenges it faces in decarbonising production while remaining competitive, a view supported by a recent think-tank report.
UK launches carbon market – without link to Europe
Britain will start its own market for trading fossil fuel emission permits this week, but with no sign of a link to the European Union's market, prices could end up being more volatile than the EU's.
EU pushes for fossil fuel phase-out in ‘last chance’ energy charter treaty talks
The European Union's executive will push for a 10-year phase-out of fossil fuel protection under the energy charter treaty (ECT), following calls from some EU countries to quit the accord unless it can be aligned with Europe's climate goals.
Finnish industries launch ‘game-changing’ bid to go green, digital
A consortium of twelve Finnish corporations calling themselves the "game-changers" have announced a new billion-euro offensive to build new digital infrastructure, saying the digital transition will be key to achieve green objectives after the COVID-19 crisis.
Ammonia: hydrogen’s green soulmate?
A chemical traditionally used in the fertiliser industry, ammonia is now also entering the realm of energy as a way to store and transport hydrogen, or as an alternative transport fuel in its own right.
Oil, gas, coal could lose two-thirds of value by 2070, says study
Business in oil, gas and coal is becoming increasingly unprofitable as global fossil reserves could lose around two-thirds of their value in the next 50 years, plummeting from around $39 trillion to $14 trillion, according to a study published on Thursday (4 May) by British think tank Carbon Tracker. EURACTIV Germany reports.
European Works Councils advocate a just transition into the future of work
In some ways, the future of work is already here, as digitisation and the drive to decarbonise have begun to change the face of employment. With radical changes to the workplace on the horizon, labour unions and other worker representatives want to chart a path that makes the transition fair for all involved.
Expert: Commission should expose weaknesses in national transport decarbonisation plans
The European Commission should ask member states to provide cost assessments of carbon abatement in their transport decarbonisation plans, but also to compare "alternative paths to decarbonisation" and look beyond Europe for inspiration, an international expert on agricultural issues told EURACTIV.com.
Study: No EU country has calculated transport decarbonisation costs
The EU risks missing its target to decarbonise transport by 2030, as in the current draft plans of member states, there is no cost-effectiveness calculation of the different proposed measures, a study has found.
EU climate official: Innovation fund will help decarbonise metals production
The production of non-ferrous metals such as aluminium is very energy-intensive, but new technologies are being developed to decarbonise the process and the European Commission is ready to finance them, says Mauro Petriccione.
Aluminium sector illustrates close link between trade and climate policy
New production methods and uses are making aluminium a material of choice for European policymakers looking to decarbonise the economy. But a flood of cheap carbon-intensive aluminium from China could complicate these efforts.
Greece vows €35 billion investment for energy transition
The Greek ministry of energy has finally submitted a new national energy and climate plan to the European Commission. It aims to reduce dependence on lignite power and increase the use of renewable energy. EURACTIV Greece reports.
Brussels remains guarded over ‘capacity mechanisms’ for power plants
The European Commission is trying to limit the development of so-called capacity mechanisms, which some member states have put in place as a way of ensuring electricity supply in situations of peak demand. EURACTIV France reports.
Future of gas: Decarbonise or go bust
Widely accepted as a “transition fuel” until 2030 to help wean Europe from coal, gas is also positioning itself as a clean fuel in its own right beyond that date. But meeting the EU’s 2050 climate goals will require a deep transformation of the sector, amid growing competition from solar and wind power.
Without carbon tax, we are heading for climate doom
A high tax on carbon emissions is strictly necessary to halt climate change, according to Gaël Giraud, chief economist in the French development agency (AFD). EURACTIV’s partner Journal de l’Environnement reports.
Scrapping old cars and boilers: Hulot’s first measures for decarbonising France
The French minister for ecological transition and solidarity fleshes out four measures of his climate plan. EURACTIV’s partner Journal de l’Environnement reports.
Germans ready to ditch cars in favour of buses, trains and bikes
German motorists are ready, in theory at least, to abandon their cars in favour of buses, trains and bikes, according to a new study. EURACTIV’s partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.
Commission and member states clash over capacity mechanisms
The European Commission fears that capacity mechanisms would just translate into subsidies for coal power plants. Therefore, installations exceeding emission limits should not take part in support schemes, according to a proposal under the Energy Union's Winter Package. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.