Renewables
European Investment Bank moots fossil fuel lending ban
The world’s largest development bank proposed a pivot to clean energy, in a draft plan for consideration by EU finance ministers in September
Zimbabweans work at night to beat hydropower shortage as drought bites
Low water levels at Kariba Dam mean power cuts lasting 16 hours a day in capital Harare, making it difficult for businesses to survive
AIIB must stop backing gas in climate-hit Bangladesh
The Beijing-headquartered development bank is skewed towards fossil fuels, when it should be helping poorer countries access clean renewable power
Europe’s largest solar plant unveiled amid Spanish renewable rebirth
€300 million investment plan comes amid buoyant optimism for Spain’s long suffering solar sector
Australian voters can’t trust the Coalition on climate and energy
The current government has only shown contempt for meaningful climate policy and renewable energy – why would they change now?
Multiple coal deals emerge from China’s ‘green’ investment summit
At the belt and road summit in Beijing, leaders talked up sustainable development, while investors forged ahead with polluting power projects in partner countries
China promotes ‘green’ belt and road, but is pressured over coal investments
More than 30 heads of state arrive in Beijing to court its massive outward investment plan, but the UN chief and others warn the investments must be sustainable
New York City bans inefficient glass skyscrapers, WA state to end coal
New York mayor announces sweeping climate change programme, while Washington’s power will be carbon-neutral by 2030
EU, China agree to work together on clean energy
After a Brussels summit dominated by trade tensions, the two major powers presented a united front on climate change and clean energy
Energy and oil majors turn to rural Africa in grab for world’s next billion customers
Once basic energy is established in disconnected regions, the companies that supply it hope to cash in on demand for a slew of new products and services
Burning wood for power breaches EU treaty, new lawsuit claims
Plaintiffs from six European countries and the US argue biomass does more harm than good and should be not be counted as a renewable energy source
Germany can end coal power much earlier than 2038
The market can deliver much faster end to coal power than proposed last week, but it needs a confident signal from the German government
Empty car shows and stalled solar as sanctions keep Iran dirty
Innovation flees after Trump reimposes sanctions, environmentalists and government say that puts the country on a dangerous path
Exxon knows renewables are cheaper, even if Trump doesn’t
The US is pushing fossil fuels at UN climate talks, but prices for clean energy have tumbled so fast even oil companies are investing in renewables
Hungary wants end to coal power by 2030
‘Sky-rocketing’ EU carbon prices could mean Hungary is the first country in eastern Europe to set an exit date for the most polluting fossil fuel
Spain, Europe’s second largest carmaker, plans combustion engine ban
Proposal put forward for country’s first climate law takes swipe at auto-industry, scraps fossil fuel subsidies and sets 2050 goal for 100% renewable power
Can Teresa Ribera transform Spain into a green champion?
Highly experienced minister offers a contrast after years of slow-walking the environmental transition, but admits there is more to do
Colorado governor-elect has US’ most ambitious renewable goal
Jared Polis’ promise to phase out fossil fuel electricity by 2040 would be the fastest target in any state, as the midterms returned mixed results on climate policy
Asian Development Bank signals end to ‘dirty’ coal finance
Falling renewable energy costs and a shadow carbon price are making coal power investments unviable, according to bank energy chief Yongping Zhai
Bill Gates throws new weight and cash into climate fight
In back-to-back events this week, the billionaire launched projects to slow global warming and limit the damage it causes