30 Nov 2011
The EU governments’ main focus over the last 3 years has been the economic crisis. This has forced the energy sector into the backseat.
What happened
The IEA announced, in its ‘State of the Energy World Report,’ that 2017 is the cut-off date to take drastic steps towards lowering CO2 emissions. Governments must strive to avoid the 2ᵒC increase in global temperature. The economic crisis has not helped to achieve this global goal. The EU has seen a decline in investment in the energy sector, for much needed infrastructure upgrades and the urgent establishment of renewables.
Background
The EU’s energy...
28 Mar 2012
South Korea embraces smart meters … as Bihar goes from zero to surplus … Japan rebuilds Fukushima with geothermal plants... while Russia stays power subsidy … and two more Asian countries get in on solar.
Smart Planet: South Korea rolls out smart meters for half of the nation
Charlie Osborne, at SmartPlanet.com, says South Korea plans to install smart meters in half of the country’s households by 2016. The move would cut electricity consumption equivalent to the projected cost of a nuclear plant.
Despite opposition from citizens and other interest groups, installation of the smart meters will go ahead. The South Korean government has pledged US$1.3bn to support the scheme. If the 2016...
16 Jan 2012
The late-December 2011 release of an Interim Report, that contain damning findings on the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster, has driven Japan’s lawmakers to prompt action on nuclear safety regulation. This report contrasts directly with a the nuclear reactors owners’, Tokyo Power Company (Tepco,) sponsored study that proportions blame entirely on the...
What happened
Hiroko Tabuchi of the New York Times says that on 26 December 2011, the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident Investigation Committee released their preliminary findings. The state-appointed committee reported grossly inadequate responses from both the government and the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco.)
On Friday 6 January 2011, the Japanese government announced details of new nuclear safety regulations it plans to present to parliament early this...
07 Mar 2012
The UK looks to add to its nuclear generation capacity as a cheaper source of “clean energy.”
What happened
The UK and French governments will pool their expertise to develop civil nuclear energy, reports BBC News. The UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, and French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, signed a nuclear agreement at a summit in Paris. The deal will create business opportunities of over US$793m (£500m) and 1,500 jobs for the UK.
Mr. Cameron says that the “two great civil nuclear nations” will build an “industrial partnership” and “...
26 Jan 2012
Eskom announces outages across South Africa; Saudi Arabia’s energy crisis and Africa is the world’s powerhouse.
Engineering News: Risk of Blackouts ‘Very High’ - Eskom
Sapa writes that South Africa’s energy utility, Eskom, warns of large-scale electricity outages throughout the country. The article quotes Hilary Joffe, Eskom’s spokesperson, who says that overdue maintenance and growing energy demands are to blame for the blackouts.
The Chamber of Commerce reacted by calling the blackouts unacceptable, especially during the current economic climate. Joffe says that two new...
14 Feb 2012
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approves licenses for two nuclear reactors in “as if Fukushima never happened.”
What happened
The BBC (US and Canada) reported that Federal Regulators approved the first US nuclear reactors since 1978. They voted 4-1 in favor of two new reactors. These will be built at the Vogtle plant in eastern Georgia. Huff Post Green states that the license was awarded to Georgia Power (a Southern Co. subsidiary) although the NRC chairman, Gregory Jaczko abstained. He said that he could not support the building of new reactors “as if Fukushima never happened....
31 Jan 2012
Sudan is aggressively developing its Nile waters into hydroelectric power projects to increase the country’s electrification and replace its dependence on oil. However, this has stirred discontentment amongst Nile basin countries over the unequal use of the Nile waters, thanks to an outdated treaty. There are also social and environmental costs...
What happened
The Sudanese government plans to transform the Nile into five reservoirs. Plans have become more urgent since south Sudan’s independence in July 2011, which caused Sudan to lose 75% of its oil reserves. The plans have caused upstream countries to call in to question the Nile Waters Treaty that gives only Egypt and Sudan entitlement over the Nile’s volume. The plans are set to increase Sudan’s productivity and electrification but thousands of people who...
08 May 2012
The UK’s smart grid upgrade will increase employment and bring significant economic benefits.
What happened
The UK will see a £13bn (US$21bn) boost to its economy, as well as the creation of 10,000 highly skilled jobs if the country upgrades its electric distribution network with smart grid technology. This is according to an Ernst & Young report, “Smart Grid: A race worth winning.” Click Green says this report offers the “most detailed assessment yet” of the smart grid’s potential benefits for the UK’s economy.
Reuters reports...
05 Feb 2012
North African and Middle Eastern countries have both oil and solar. Developing solar resources allows these countries to continue exporting oil, thus improving their financial well being and build for the future.
What happened
As fossil fuel prices have risen, so solar technologies have become more competitive. Many Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries are turning to solar PV for electricity generation, reports Energy Matters. The Emirates Solar Industry Association (ESIA), in its report “Sunrise in the Desert”, states that solar PV projects are more viable, as oil or liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices climb above US$13/million British thermal units (MMBtu) and about US$80/...
15 Mar 2012
UK community energy projects continue to grow ... While Europeans work towards a sustainable lifestyle ... And the renewable energy potential of the Mediterranean ... Still solar PV brings electricity prices down.
Engerati: UK Energy Independence at a Local Level
Denise Philip of Engerati reports that community-owned energy projects in the UK will receive US$1.5m from the Co-operative Group’s Enterprise Hub. The Hub aims to help communities develop and sustain their own energy projects.
Philip explains that compared to Germany, the UK has very little community-generated energy. This is due partly to the dominant role played by the “Big Six”energy companies.
Other factors include the...
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