Policy

EU flag fluttering by wind above Barcelona

EU Approves Ambitious Energy Efficiency Goals, Encourages Clean Energy Feed-In

Europeans will now be entitled to consume, store and sell the renewable energy they produce in line with ambitious targets set by the EU. The targets are to be reviewed by 2023, and can only be raised, not lowered. By making energy more efficient, Europeans will see their energy bills reduced. In addition, Europe will reduce its reliance on external suppliers of oil and gas, improve local air quality and protect the climate. For the first time, member states will also be obliged to establish specific energy efficiency measures to the benefit of those affected by energy poverty. Member states must also ensure that citizens are entitled to generate renewable energy for their own consumption, to store it and to sell excess production.

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Group of middle eastern kids in Dubai

Clean Energy: Most Competitive Source of New Power Generation in the Middle East

Renewable energy is the most competitive form of power generation in GCC countries, according to a new report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). It says that achieving stated 2030 targets brings significant economic benefits to the region including the creation of more than 220 000 new jobs whilst saving over 354 million barrels of oil equivalent (MBOE) in regional power sectors. Furthermore, the power sector’s CO2 emissions can be reduced by 136 million tonnes (22%), while water withdrawals in the power sector can be cut by 11.5 trillion litres (17% reduction) in 2020.

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Solar wind turbines at sunset.

Solar And Wind Provide 100% Of New Generating Capacity Additions In September

US – According to an analysis by the SUN DAY Campaign of data just released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), solar and wind were the only energy sources adding new capacity to the U.S. electricity generation mix in September. Three “units” of new wind accounted for 363-MW while nine units of solar provided 339-MW.

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sustainable clean energy

IRENA: Innovation Front and Centre, As Leaders Shape the Future Energy System

Participants from more than 80 countries explored the disruptive innovations in digitalisation and decentralisation that are transforming energy systems around the world. Remarkable cost reductions driven by technological innovation and an increasingly conducive policy environment have made renewable energy increasingly competitive with conventional fuels in many parts of the world. In parallel, innovations such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, artificial intelligence, smart charging of electric vehicles, and hydrogen power and storage are making energy systems increasingly integrated and flexible and are supporting the transition to a renewable-powered future.

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Air Pollution! Smog! City Life!

InnoEnergy, Deloitte: Smog Reduction Can Save European Citizens €183bn By 2025

InnoEnergy and Deloitte’s radical new research reveals that EU citizens could save €183bn by adopting innovative smog-reduction technologies to 2025. This is in response to the European Commission’s finding that smog will cost the EU an astonishing €475bn between 2018 and 2025. The report identifies best technologies to reduce Europe’s 400,000 pollution-related premature deaths a year. These key technologies include fast, interconnected and interoperable car charging solutions, solar thermal, and underground energy storage.

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Ørsted Announces Plans For Offshore Wind Farm To Power 1 Million UK Homes

Ørsted, the largest energy company in Denmark has recently unveiled its plans for a sustainable energy solution to power more than 1 million homes in the UK when completed. The company is one of many leading organisations speaking and presenting at the 17th annual Benelux Infrastructure Forum on 21–22 November in Amsterdam. This year’s 2-day conference is the biggest yet, hosting an international gathering of industry leaders from law firms, banks, investment asset and fund managers, energy companies, insurance companies, European Commission, and engineering consultancies.

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UK Wind Generation Capacity Smashes Through 20 Gigawatt Mark

RenewableUK has announced that the UK has hit a historic milestone of 20GW (20,000MW) of wind generation capacity. The opening of Ørsted’s 659MW Walney Extension off the coast of Cumbria this month pushed the total over the 20GW mark. Commenting on the announcement, RenewableUK’s Executive Director Emma Pinchbeck said: “It took 19 years to install the first 5GW of wind energy in the UK and we’ve now installed the same amount in under two years. That phenomenal growth shows just how quickly the UK is moving to a smart, low carbon power system and wind energy is at the heart of that.  

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Distributed Generation: A Lynchpin For The Small And Medium Scale Renewables

The global distributed generation market is expected to witness a growth of over 15% and is projected to reach nearly US $500 billion by 2024. Factors such as high cost of utility tariffs, interruption of power supply, and losses incurred during transmission of electricity over long distances have focused interest towards distributed generation. Furthermore, financial incentives given by governments for construction of renewable distributed generation facilities is likely to give even greater impetus to the market. In its knowledge series, Clean Energy World focuses on Distributed Generation and signposts to training available for professionals.

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EIB to Bankroll Offshore Wind Projects: Benelux Infrastructure Forum

European Investment Bank (EIB), participants of this year’s Benelux Infrastructure Forum, have recently announced their intention to support the transition towards renewables by bankrolling offshore wind projects. The Benelux region has been seeing huge developments in renewables and related infrastructure. EIB, who are also speaking at this year’s Benelux Infrastructure Forum on 21-22 November in Amsterdam, recently approved financing for an offshore wind project in Belgium, as part of the €3.4 billion investment package for renewable energy, energy efficiency, Near Zero Energy Buildings, hydropower and district heating projects.

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Electrification The Key To Decarbonising Europe’s Economy

Electrification is the key to decarbonising Europe’s economy, according to WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson. He said: “according to the IEA, wind will be the #1 source of electricity soon after 2030, providing more than 30% of Europe’s electricity, but electricity is only 22% of the final energy needed by Europe’s economy. Political momentum is starting to grow for an EU target of net-zero emissions in 2050. To do this we’ll need to electrify heating and transport, where the share of renewables is just 18% and 6% respectively; that has to be the #1 priority”.

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