Energy
Canada approves tar sands pipeline
NEWS: Northern Gateway gets government go-ahead, despite protests from environmentalists and indigenous people
US fracking boom threatens water supplies
ANALYSIS: Campaigners in the US warn that fracking is seriously depleting or contaminating water supplies
Hydropower poses grid challenge for Brazil
NEWS: Brazil may be too reliant on hydropower as it builds world’s 3rd biggest dam, according to US Department of Energy
China CO2 emissions growth slows sharply
NEWS: BP energy review shows Chinese carbon emissions growth in 2013 was half average levels for the last decade
Alternative solar source offsets high costs by storing energy
NEWS: Using molten salt to store electricity offsets the high cost of solar thermal power, says report
Low carbon energy saves money in the long run – study
NEWS: Fuel savings will pay for higher up-front costs of renewable energy, say consultants EY
US proposed carbon cap nears EU climate ambition
ANALYSIS: Proposed EPA rule on power sector emissions gets closer to EU climate ambition
Global natural gas demand and output growth falter – IEA
NEWS: Global energy analysts say natural gas faces growing competition with coal and renewables
India PM Modi targets “saffron” revolution for solar energy
NEWS: Government plan offers prospect of solar boost, but gas, coal and oil likely to remain part of long-term energy mix
G7’s focus on energy security ‘at odds with’ climate goals
NEWS: Green groups slam G7 pledge on energy and climate targets, arguing it opens door for gas and coal
What does China’s talk of a carbon “cap” really mean?
ANALYSIS: Writing for China Dialogue, Beijing-based Greenpeace campaigner says emissions will need to peak before 2030
Obama climate plan will deliver only a quarter of pledged 2030 cuts
ANALYSIS: New US proposals likely to be tip of new carbon cuts as country seeks to meet international targets
China’s curbs on coal a rising risk for investors – report
NEWS: Carbon Tracker warns banks to be wary of lending to coal producers, citing the risk of stranded assets as China cuts CO2 emissions
Renewable energy capacity grew 8.3% in 2013
NEWS: Renewables hit new record in 2013, accounting for over 56% of new power capacity across the world
African Development Bank refuses to quit coal funding
NEWS: US and World Bank ‘don’t understand’ impact of coal funding withdrawal on poor countries, says senior official
Why are solar panel prices starting to rise?
ANALYSIS: Solar panel prices are rising again, good news for investors but perhaps bad for developers
US – Mexico gas exports to double in next five years says EIA
NEWS: Doubling of US natural gas exports may undermine Mexican wind as well as coal and fuel oil
UK solar capacity passes 3 gigawatts – data
NEWS: UK solar industry forges ahead into world’s top 10, but insiders warn subsidy cuts could hit prospects
EU to place efficiency at heart of energy security plans
NEWS: Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger says new demand cutting target will be proposed in September
First shipment of Canadian tar sands heads towards EU shores
NEWS: Arrival of tar sands in Spain next week will raise fears that Europe will provide new market for polluting fuel