The Walking Dead in Washington
How can a Trump Presidency be positive? Surely this is a major setback – to action on climate change, to addressing inequality, to human rights and global security.
Energy featured
Energy and Environmental Regulation in the Age of Trump: The Role of the States, Part 2
Scott Pruitt has now been sworn in as the new Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Agency. It is likely the dismantling of the Clean Power Plan (CPP), and ultimately much of the Agency itself, will begin in short order.
In-depth: The Whole System Costs of Renewables
Dramatic cost reductions mean wind and solar can now compete on price with conventional sources of energy in many parts of the world, including the UK. This turns the spotlight onto the so-called “whole system costs” of integrating renewables into the electricity system, which include backing up intermittent generation and strengthening grids.
Battery Power Boost to Renewables
Researchers at the John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University in the US say in an article published in ACS Energy Letters that they have now developed a long-lasting flow battery capable of storing renewable power that could operate for up to 10 years, with minimum maintenance required.
Appropriate Civilization versus New Despotism: State of Play on 20th February 2017, one month into the Trump presidency
Suddenly believers in the possibility of a better civilization, one rooted in increasing human co-operation and harmony, find ourselves in a world where demagogues can now realistically plot the polar opposite: a new despotism rooted in rising isolationist nationalism and human conflict. The more we dig into how the demagogues and their supporters have organised their recent successes, in particular in using technology to manipulate voter beliefs on an industrial scale, the more terrified many of us find ourselves.
EU Coal Plants ‘Should all Close by 2030’
EU countries should close all of their coal plants by around 2030 if they want to stick to the Paris Agreement on climate change. This is the conclusion of a new report by research non-profit Climate Analytics. The cheapest way to meet Paris targets is to replace EU coal power with renewables and energy efficiency, it says.
On Oil Spills, Alberta Regulator Can’t Be Believed: New Report
A study commissioned at the request of a First Nation says the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has not reported accurately on the scale or impact of daily crude oil and salt water spills in the petro province.
Questioning “Our Renewable Future”
We can and must shift to renewables, but there must also be dramatic reduction in energy consumption, rich world “living standards” and GDP.
Does the Australian LNG export experience foreshadow soaring U.S. natural gas prices?
A foolish energy policy gives away Australian energy resources at bargain prices to foreign countries, according to critics.
Sure, Pipelines are Good for Oil Companies, but What about Jobs Related to Preserving Nature and Culture?
A more accurate reckoning of the economic benefits of pipelines needs to consider the negative impact of pipelines on other parts of our economy.
Renewable Electricity Generation In Asia – A Realistic Assessment
The situation in Asia shows the problem facing the global electricity sector; as rich countries struggle to peak or reduce emissions, newly industrializing countries are rapidly increasing fossil fuel usage as they move through the energy intensive early stages of industrialization.
Clean energy: The Challenge of Achieving a ‘Just Transition’ for Workers
But while measures to curb emissions and reduce the impacts of rising temperatures will be good for the many, the few who work in industries affected by climate policies risk losing their livelihoods as the economy leans increasingly upon renewable energy.
