Energy
Japan proposes huge smart meter roll-out to cut emissions
UN submission stresses country is committed to addressing climate change, despite recent decision to ditch 2020 commitments
Wind power generated largest part of Spain’s electricity in 2013
Wind generated 21.1% of Spain’s energy in 2013, while coal-fired power plants declined by 4.7%
Fracking ‘bad for babies’ claim could fuel fight over shale
New research from Colorado links gas drilling to birth defects as focus grows on industry in USA and Europe
Are the economics and ethics of fossil fuel divestment aligning?
Divestment movement needs to target fund managers’ fiduciary duty and explain why fossil fuel investments will end in financial disaster
China solar capacity boosted by 1GW plant in Xinjiang
Trina Solar unveil plans for a huge solar PV installation with the same capacity as a Nuclear power plant
US scientists convert algae into crude oil in under an hour
US scientists have succeeded in producing crude oil from algae in under an hour – a technical triumph, but one that’s still a long way from commercial exploitation
Energy efficiency: the gift that keeps on giving
Taking care of the amount of energy you use makes economic and environmental sense, says the Carbon Trust’s Jeff Beyer
MIT scientists design ‘solar funnel’ to capture energy from sun
Scientists from MIT think that using an elasticated thin film will mean more of the sun’s light wavelengths can be used to create power
UK’s Cameron urges EU to cut fracking ‘red tape’
Letter to EC chief Barroso calls for minimal shale gas regulations and says climate targets should be simplified
Fracking could cause birth defects, infertility and cancer
US study shows fracking uses harmful chemicals, putting at risk children who are exposed to contamination
India on course to become solar ‘global leader’
Investment and skills bottlenecks need to be addressed if India is to hit true potential warns World Bank
Tougher Chinese policies turn screw on global coal demand
Coal will continue to grow, but will be dampened by tough environmental regulations in China, says International Energy Agency
Chevron v Ecuador: the big oil battle where everyone’s a loser
Few willing to take responsibility for cleaning up waste as bitter 20 year fight over oil pollution heads for another legal judgement
John Lewis switches to 100% renewable energy
Retail giant joins the ranks of Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Ikea by investing in clean technology to cut emissions
ADB approves $900m loan for Pakistan coal plant – but will it be the last?
Asian Development Bank support critical for construction of new power station, raising questions over funder’s climate change strategy
Coal blow as major European bank cuts funding
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to limit funding of coal projects and boost investment in renewables and energy efficiency
UK outlines new investment in carbon capture technology
White Rose project on north east coast given crucial backing, with hopes emissions could be injected under seabed by 2018
Protests halt Chevron fracking operations in Romania
Monday’s top 5: Chevron postpones fracking operations, Australian fire service warned it should double numbers, and Japan signals return to nuclear
Water ‘batteries’ can ensure constant clean energy supply
Energy from surplus wind power can be used to pump water uphill and will provide “battery” power to even out energy supply and demand, researchers say
National Trust launches plan to turn bracken into biomass
The UK’s National Trust is pioneering a project to turn useless fields into a source of biomass