Renewables
Chinese coal consumption to peak in 2024 – Bloomberg
NEWS: China will add 1,000GW of renewables by 2030 as US$ 7.7billion is invested in electricity generation worldwide
World needs $550bn of renewables investment a year – IRENA
NEWS: Renewables investment needs to double to prevent runaway climate change, a leading industry body has warned
China outlines plans to triple solar capacity by 2017
NEWS: More ambitious solar target will help China to cut its reliance on coal as it targets air pollution
Solar accounts for a fifth of new US power capacity in 2013 – EIA
NEWS: Solar comes second only to natural gas in new US power, while wind slumps to fourth place behind coal
Renewables grow, even as investment drops – UNEP report
NEWS: Renewable energy grew to produce 8.5% of total electricity in 2013, including 44% of new installations
Crimea crisis forces EU to re-evaluate energy policies
It sounds an easy solution, but ditching Russian gas and replacing it with renewables is fraught with difficulties
Russia-Ukraine tension could be catalyst for EU 2030 targets
Tension with gas supplier Russia to spur push for domestic energy, but not only renewables would benefit
EU energy utilities ‘risk demise’ by ignoring renewables revolution
Cash-strapped companies that built too many coal and gas plants are lobbying strongly against tough EU targets
Wind farms remain ‘highly efficient’ for 25 years
New research allays investors fears that wind farms become less productive and need replacing frequently
Renewables revolution in China within reach, says WWF
Report says China could slash energy-related CO2 emissions 90% from business-as-usual with tough, but achievable new polices
New York $1 billion green bank “open for business”
Homes and businesses in New York State could find it easier to afford low carbon technology as Green Bank launches
Local opposition to wind grows as EU leaders mull targets
Fairer share of wind power proceeds could help slow growth of opposition to wind turbines
World’s largest tidal lagoon power project eyes 2018 start
UK wave power project could be supplying 120,000 homes with carbon-free power by 2018, but will require govt backing
Fukushima to use 100% renewable energy by 2040
Japanese province hit by nuclear disaster aims to generate all its own energy within 30 years
State of the Union: How will Obama tackle climate change?
US president’s climate ambition faces tough test as mid-term elections and hostile Congress limit room to manouevre in 2014
New battery could solve storage problems of renewables
A research team has high hopes it has found a cheap and effective way of storing huge amounts of energy
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%
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
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
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