Renewables
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
Modern bioenergy is critical to meeting global climate change goals
It is controversial and often overlooked, but bioenergy is the only renewable energy today that can supply all sectors, say Kimmo Tiilikainen and Fatih Birol
Brexit: What it means for UK-EU energy trade
The UK says it wants to keep ties with the EU energy market – but it’s complicated
Saudi Arabia eyes Ethiopian hydropower link to cut reliance on oil and gas
The Gulf Cooperation Council’s grid operator is studying the feasibility of a cable to Ethiopia, which would run through currently war-torn Yemen
Green power set to surge while fossil fuels decline: report
Electricity will be dominated by renewables and supply nearly half of total energy demand by 2050. Yet the rise is not enough to meet the Paris Agreement goals
As he prepares to host climate bash, will California’s Brown bring gifts?
With a sweeping climate bill waiting for signature and an oil industry of his own, activists pressure governor Jerry Brown to live up to the vision of his own summit
South Australia to hit 100% renewable power by 2025 – market operator
Contrary to federal government modelling, as old gas turbines switch off in the next decade, renewable electricity share will soar
China solar industry struggles through sudden subsidy cuts
After years of breakneck growth, solar panel manufacturers are tightening their belts as the government slashes support