Energy Efficiency, a history

Carbon Trust launches ‘Empower’ tool to help employees save energy

2012-01-17T19:52:00.002Z

Carbon Trust has just released a new tool to help employees save energy: Empower
Watch the video and start saving energy!

IEA - Solar energy could be competitive within 20 years

2011-12-26T20:17:00.002Z

A new publication by the IEA refers that solar energy could be competitive within 20 years.
Again this depends on the right policies specially in sunny places where economic growth occurring.

Integrating all solar technologies in a system-oriented policy approach will unlock the potential of solar energy within the broader set of low-carbon technologies

Paolo Frankl, head of IEA’s renewable energy division

Energy: Roadmap 2050

2011-12-26T20:12:00.002Z

The European Commission adopted on the 15th December the Roadmap 2050 for Energy.

Based on the analysis of a set of scenarios, the document describes the consequences of a carbon free energy system and the policy framework needed. This should allow member states to make the required energy choices and create a stable business climate for private investment, especially until 2030.
The Energy Roadmap 2050 identifies a number of elements which have positive impacts in all circumstances, and thus define some key outcomes such as:
- Decarbonisation of the energy system is technically and economically feasible. All decarbonisation scenarios allow achieving the emission reduction target and can be less costly than current policies in the long-run.
- Energy Efficiency and renewable energy are critical. Irrespective of the particular energy mix chosen, higher energy efficiency and important rising shares of renewables are necessary to meet the CO2 targets in 2050. The scenarios also show that electricity will play a greater role than now. Gas, oil, coal and nuclear also figure in all scenarios in different proportions, allowing Member States to keep flexible options in their energy mix provided a well connected internal market is achieved quickly.
- Early Investments cost less. Investment decisions for the necessary infrastructure up to 2030 must be taken now, as infrastructure built 30-40 years ago needs to be replaced. Acting immediately can avoid more costly changes in twenty years. The EU's energy evolution requires anyway modernisation and much more flexible infrastructure such as cross border interconnections, "intelligent" electricity grids and modern low-carbon technologies to produce, transmit and store energy.
- Contain the increase of prices. The investments made now will pave the way for the best prices in the future. Electricity prices are bound to raise until 2030, but can fall thereafter thanks to lower cost of supply, saving policies and improved technologies. The costs will be outweighed by the high level of sustainable investment brought into the European economy, the related local jobs, and the decreased import dependency. All scenarios get to decarbonisation with no major differences in terms of overall costs or security of supply implications.
- Economies of scale are needed. A European approach will result in lower costs and secure supply compared to national parallel schemes. This includes a common energy market which should be completed by 2014.

More information:
Press release
Roadmap 2050

Homes responsible for one quarter of European greenhouse emissions from energy

2011-12-15T13:53:00.001Z

A new report from the EEA states that european homes are responsible for 25 % of greenhouse emissions from energy:

Home energy use is responsible overall for 25 % of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU), according to a new analysis from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report calculates emissions based on their 'end use', or the sector using the energy. Homes in the EU only emit 12 % of energy emissions directly, but this doubles when related emissions from power plants and district heating are factored in.

Renewable Jet Fuels

2011-12-05T20:40:00.002Z

Renewable Jet Fuels is a platform intended for aviation companies that helps them choose the best biofuel for their planes.

World is risking an inefficient, insecure, high-carbon future, warns IEA

2011-11-17T19:39:00.002Z

A warning from the IEA after the release of the World Energy Outlook.
According to Maria van der Hoeven, IEA Executive Director

Governments around the globe need to introduce stronger measures to drive energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies.

She added that

Growth, prosperity and rising population will inevitably push up energy needs over the coming decades. But we cannot continue to rely on insecure and environmentally unsustainable uses of energy.

The model used in the World Energy Outlook assumes an increase in primary energy demand (three times what it is now in 2035). This is mainly due to non-OECD economies. It is assumed that the proportion of fossil fuels will fall from 81 to 75% and renewables will increase from 13 to 18%. Subsidies to renewables will also increase from $64 billion to $250 billion in 2035, which remains lower than subsidies for fossil fuels (about $300 bilion).

More information: Energy Efficiency News

Dial4Light

2011-11-08T21:36:00.002Z

Cost pressures are forcing many towns and cities into saving on public street and walkway lighting. Lighting times are being shortened as an ever-increasing result. To overcome the security issue this may cause, it is now possible in some cities to use the cell-phone to control the light.
Check it out:
Dial4Light

Come on labels

2011-10-02T10:59:00.003+01:00

Come on labels is a project funded by the European Commission with information about energy labeling of household appliances.
You can find the following information:

- Overview of the European and selected national legislation related to appliance labelling,
- Description of the system of product testing for ensuring the device features’ compliance with the information on the label,
- Information about known appliance tests undertaken during the duration of the project,
- Overview of how the proper presence of energy labels should be controlled in shops,
- Description of the status of label presence in retailer shops according to visits made by project partners,
- Examples of promotional activities designed to encourage the general public to take into account the information on the energy label in making their purchasing decisions.

Roadmap to a resource efficient Europe

2011-09-21T21:23:00.003+01:00

Yesterday the European Commission presented the Roadmap to a resource efficient Europe.

Some highlights:

Today in the EU, each person consumes 16 tonnes of materials annually, of which 6 tonnes are wasted, with half going to landfill.

The Vision: By 2050 the EU's economy has grown in a way that respects resource constraints and planetary boundaries, thus contributing to global economic transformation. Our economy is competitive, inclusive and provides a high standard of living with much lower environmental impacts. All resources are sustainably managed, from raw materials to energy, water, air, land and soil. Climate change milestones have been reached, while biodiversity and the ecosystem services it underpins have been protected, valued and substantially restored.

Computer energy efficiency doubles every 18 months

2011-09-20T21:51:00.002+01:00

An interesting article in Ecogeek states that computer energy efficiency doubles every 18 months. This comes as a indirect consequence of the Moore's law (power doubling every 18 months) because what contributes to the power improvement (reducing component size, capacitance and communication time between them) also increases energy efficiency.

More information A new and improved Moore's law

Energy efficiency directive

2011-07-01T20:27:00.003+01:00

The Commission is proposing a new energy efficiency directive to cut energy consumption by 20% in 2020. With all the measures on EU and national level in place so far the EU only reached 9% of savings.
The measures proposed include:
- Legal obligation to establish energy saving schemes in all Member States: energy distributors or retail energy sales companies will be obliged to save every year 1,5 % of their energy sales, by volume, through the implementation of energy efficiency measures such as improving the efficiency of the heating system, installing double glazed windows or insulating roofs, among final energy customers;
- Public sector to lead by example: public bodies will push for the market uptake of energy efficient products and services through a legal obligation to purchase energy efficient buildings, products and services. They will further have to progressively reduce the energy consumed on their own premises by carrying out every year the required renovation works covering at least 3% of their total floor area;
-Major energy savings for consumers: easy and free-of-charge access to data on real-time and historical energy consumption through more accurate individual metering will now empower consumers to better manage their energy consumption. Billing should be based on the actual consumption well reflecting data from the metering;
- Industry: Incentives for SMEs to undergo energy audits and disseminate best practices while the large companies will have to make an audit of their energy consumption to help them identify the potential for reduced energy consumption;
- Efficiency in energy generation: monitoring of efficiency levels of new energy generation capacities, establishment of national heat and cooling plans as a basis for a sound planning of efficient heating and cooling infrastructures, including recovery of waste heat.

For public buildings, from 2014 onwards, 3% of public buildings should be renovated each year with energy consumption reductions in mind. This percentage is renovated per year, but in only half of the cases efficiency improvements are included. In practice, this could mean that walls are insulated, double glazing windows are installed in kindergardens, schools or townhouses, roofs are redone and inefficient heating boilers replaced.

How can you force government to spend money in times they have to save money?

The renovation of public buildings would to a significant extent pay for itself through the savings on the energy bills and would also help the economic recovery by stimulating business activity and jobs.

However, still there is a need for upfront investment in the implementation of energy efficiency improvements. For this reason, the proposed Directive includes provisions to strengthen the energy services markets. In these markets energy service companies (ESCOs) would pay for the initial investments and get their money back from the savings on the energy bills. In addition to energy savings, this will create business opportunities and new jobs, for example, for construction companies, equipment providers. The energy service market currently accounts for about € 6 billion. The EU potential for such market is estimated at € 25 billion.

In addition to the private funding, Member States can also use their allocations under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to finance the renovation of public buildings. In the period 2007 – 2013, 4.4 billion Euro where available for that purpose.

New measures for increased energy efficiency to reach 20% goal in the EU

2011-07-01T20:22:00.002+01:00

Having in mind that the cheapest energy is the one we do not consume, the European Commission proposed a new set of measures for increased Energy Efficiency.
The proposal for this new directive brings forward measures to step up Member States efforts to use energy more efficiently at all stages of the energy chain – from the transformation of energy and its distribution to its final consumption.

More information: Energy Efficiency Directive

EC approves energy efficiency plan, references set-aside

2011-06-26T19:24:00.001+01:00

The European Commission finally approval the energy efficiency plan on Wednesday after reaching a resolution of debates about the impact of extended energy efficiency targets on the carbon market. The plan, which pursues a non-binding, EU-wide reduction in energy use of 20 per cent by 2020, now incorporates an explanatory Memorandum which provides for the possible set-aside of carbon allowances in the event that the market is affected. The plan now requires approval from the parliament and council and it remains to be seen whether these provisions will be incorporated into the main text of the Directive or left without legal effect.

Source: Energy Efficiency and Climate Change News: 24 June 2011, IEA

Germany will fase out nuclear power in 2022

2011-05-31T20:35:00.002+01:00

The German government decided that the country will phase out nuclear power by 2022. Seven out of 17 stations will remain closed, while the rest will gradually be shut down within the next ten years and be replaced by alternative energies, whose development the country now must push ahead with.
This decision will be costly (estimated two billion euros every year) with the consumer paying the bill.
There are also some issues with the security in energy supply and changes in the German energy network.

In nuclear energy, the global leader is France. Germany lags behind. Angela Merkel has concluded that it is better to engage in another sphere and to explore other markets, including renewable energies. There, the future belongs to Germany. One will tuck away the fact that in the meantime Germany will consume more coal and will generate even more CO2, which reached record levels last year. One will neglect to mention that the country will import more Russian gas and – nuclear power from France. But who will report that this decision, radical and energetic, will break up the foundation on which the European Union originally was built, the Europe that pooled the energies of that era, coal and steel?

Yves Harté, columnist from a french newspaper
More information: Where does nuclear exit lead to?

Greenhouse gas emissions decreased very sharply in 2009

2011-05-31T20:28:00.002+01:00

In the European Union!

According to the EEA, greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 7.1% in the EU-27 and 6.9% in the EU-15. This is mainly due to the economic recession of 2009. There is a minor contribution of renewable energy policies.

Although much of the decrease in greenhouse gases is due to the recession, we are starting to see the results of many EU and Member States’ proactive policies in renewable energy. We hope that policy makers continue to build on this success to cut emissions further.

Prof. Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA
Portugal had a decrease of 4.3% in 2009, compared with 2008. Greenhouse gas emissions increased from 1990 to 2009 about 25.5%.
We choose end this commitment period (2008-2012) with 60.1 million tons of CO2. In 2009, emissions were of 74.6 million tons.

Verified 2010 emissions from the EU-ETS point to a 3% emissions increase over the course of the year, which is still far below pre-recession levels. The EU ETS covers more than 12,000 power plants and manufacturing installations, or approximately half of all emissions. This rebound in emissions partly reflects the economic recovery.

Prospect of limiting the global increase in temperature to 2ºC is getting bleaker

2011-05-30T21:01:00.002+01:00

According to the IEA energy-related carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2010 were the highest in history, making it unlikely to meet temperature rise to no more than 2º.

IEA estimates that 40% of global emissions came from OECD countries in 2010, these countries only accounted for 25% of emissions growth compared to 2009. Non-OECD countries – led by China and India – saw much stronger increases in emissions as their economic growth accelerated.

Commission asks Portugal to change its end-user price regulation scheme to ensure freedom of choice and protection for consumers

2011-05-26T20:12:00.001+01:00

From the Energy DG newsletter:

On 19 May the European Commission formally requested Portugal to bring its national legislation on regulated end-user gas prices in line with EU rules. EU law on the internal energy market foresees that prices are set primarily by supply and demand. End-user prices set by state intervention put obstacles to new market entrants and therefore deprive consumers and companies of their right to choose the best service on the market. The Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Portugal. If Portugal does not comply with its legal obligations within two months, the Commission may refer it to the Court of Justice.

Full text

Simulators (in portuguese)

2011-05-26T20:03:00.002+01:00

Following the commemorations of the energy day, ERSE, the portuguese energy regulator entity released two simulators (in portuguese):
- Electricity labeling - know the source and emissions of the electricity you consume
- Power to contract - help consumers to know how much power they should contract
- Price comparison.

Go to the simulators

Why Energy Efficiency Doesn't Always Mean Reduced GHG Emissions

2011-05-25T21:30:00.001+01:00

According to Ecometrica energy efficiency doesn't necessarily result in reduced GHG emissions.

While improvements in energy efficiency often represent progress in reducing GHG emissions, the relationship may not be 1:1 and should not be assumed to occur automatically, either at the level of a business or in the economy as a whole.
There are a number of ways in which potential emission reductions from efficiency improvements can be “eaten up” in other parts of a business or economy, through “comfort taking”, and financial transfers to other carbon intensive activities. It is therefore important to capture the overall effect of changes in energy usage within a broader GHG accounting framework, such as the WBCSD-WRI Greenhouse Gas Protocol (for businesses) or national GHG reporting systems.

7 Radical energy solutions

2011-05-19T21:43:00.002+01:00

May's issue of Scientific American is dedicated to 7 radical energy solutions:
-Quantum photovoltaics
-Magnetic air conditioners
-Fusion-triggered fission
-Solar gasoline
-Clean(er) coal
-Schock-wave auto engine
-Heat engines

They're risky but they could pay off big.

Check them out here

Hydropower’s Resurgence and the Controversy Around It

2011-05-19T20:37:00.002+01:00

An interesting article in the New York Times about the resurgence of Hydropower, its consequences and the possible impacts of climate change.

Hydropower is arguably the most reliable — and certainly the most established — renewable electricity source in the world. It is a good way to back up intermittent renewables like wind, because the dams can add power instantly when the wind dies down, and cut back when there is a steady breeze.

Energy, let's save it!

2011-05-19T06:58:00.000+01:00

Energy, let's save it (video produced by the UE)

Portugal with the highest CO2 reduction in the EU in 2010

2011-05-18T20:37:00.003+01:00

According to a lot of portuguese newspapers (including Jornal de Negócios) Portugal reduced its CO2 emissions in 2010 14.5%. This reductions is is the highest in the EU, followed by Spain with 11.3%.
In fact, the average for the European Union is CO2 emissions increase of about 3%.
What is lacking from these news is to explain if this is due to energy efficiency increases, renewables, or if this is a sign of the economic crisis and the slowdown of the portuguese economy.
According to Connie Hedegaard, "The average CO2 emissions increase shows the economic recovery in the EU".

IPCC report says that 80% of energy supply can come from renewables in 2050

2011-05-17T21:50:00.002+01:00

According to a report by IPCC, nearly 80% of the world's energy supply can come from renewables in 2050. This includes hydro and bioenergy and it is estimated to save 220-560 Gt of CO2 eq between 2010 and 2050.

The co-chair of this report working group, Ottmar Edenhofer, recognizes that this is technically and politically very challenging. But consistent climate and energy policy could make it possible.

Read more here

EU ETS emissions could fall 43% if efficiency goal met

2011-04-22T07:39:00.000+01:00

EU ETS emissions could fall 43% if efficiency goal met
Ecofys has released a report suggesting that, if the EU’s non-binding target to improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020 was met, emissions could be reduced by up to 43 percent. It states that policy tools will be much more effective than market mechanisms in achieving carbon goals and that a 20% improvement in energy efficiency would also reduce emissions from installations covered by the EU’s ETS significantly, and would require a revision of the trading parameters. The report considers various adjustments to the EU ETS such as setting aside EUAs for auction or deepening the emissions cap from 21 per cent to 29-43 per cent.

From the IEA newsletter

European strategy failing to improve efficiency of energy generation

2011-04-19T21:09:00.002+01:00

A report published by GE Energy and the Assembly of European Regions states that European strategies pay too much attention to efficient energy consumption and not enough to the production and delivery of energy.

The only way that the EU can get back on track to meet its target of a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020 is to embrace energy efficiency across the entire energy value chain – not just end-use or demand-side efficiency

European strategy failing to improve efficiency of energy generation

The EU Sustainable Energy Week 2011 (11-15 April): Smart Energy for a Sustainable Future

2011-04-07T22:02:00.003+01:00

This year the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is about smart energy and it takes place from Monday 11 to Friday 15 April 2011.

This year’s events cover a range of issues, including: energy efficiency, renewable energy solutions (e.g. biomass, solar, and wind energy), reductions of greenhouse emissions, and sustainable energy for transport. However, EUSEW 2011 will largely focus on "Energy efficiency" as main policy theme and message.

Check out here the events in your country/city.

EU Sustainable Energy Week 2011 - Jovens em Acção
Country: Portugal - Lisbon
Event date: from 12 April 2011 to 13 April 2011
Organiser: Associação 5 Elemento

European Council conclusions on nuclear situation in Japan

2011-03-28T20:49:00.000+01:00

European Council conclusions on nuclear situation in Japan

The European Council met on 24 and 25 March. On the Japan nuclear situation it said the following:

Recalling that the energy mix is the competence of Member States, the European Council calls for work to be taken forward as a matter of priority on the following aspects:

- the safety of all EU nuclear plants should be reviewed, on the basis of a comprehensive and transparent risk and safety assessment ("stress tests"); the European Nuclear Safety Regulatory Group (ENSREG) and the Commission are invited to develop as soon as possible the scope and modalities of these tests in a coordinated framework in the light of lessons learned from the accident in Japan and with the full involvement of Member States, making full use of available expertise (notably from the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association); the assessments will be conducted by independent national authorities and through peer review; their outcome and any necessary subsequent measures that will be taken should be shared with the Commission and within the ENSREG and should be made public; the European Council will assess initial findings by the end of 2011, on the basis of a report from the Commission;

- the priority of ensuring the safety of nuclear plants obviously cannot stop at our borders; the EU will request that similar "stress tests" be carried out in the neighbouring countries and worldwide, regarding both existing and planned plants; in this regard full use should be made of relevant international organisations;

- the highest standards for nuclear safety should be implemented and continuously improved in the EU and promoted internationally;

- the Commission will review the existing legal and regulatory framework for the safety of nuclear installations and will propose by the end of 2011 any improvements that may be necessary. Member States should ensure the full implementation of the Directive on the safety of nuclear installations. The proposed Directive on the management of spent
fuel and radioactive waste should be adopted as soon as possible . The Commission is invited to reflect on how to promote nuclear safety in neighbouring countries;

- consequences for the world and for the EU need to be closely monitored, paying particular attention to the volatility of energy and commodity prices, in particular in the context of the G20.

Source: Energy DG newsletter

E10 fuel originates protests in Germany

2011-03-12T19:00:00.004Z

E10 fuel has 10% biofuels incorporated in the fuel, the goal European Union had for 2020 (currently only 5% biofuel is mandatory).
This fuel was introduced in Germany some weeks ago and it originated a lot of protest because not all engines can burn this fuel.
There are also issues on sustainability related to biofuels. It has not been demonstrated yet that they are not as or more harmful to the environment, specially biofuels that come from palm oil corn and other crops. In a time where food prices are raising due to natural catastrophes and bad crops, we must ask ourselves if this is the right path to reduce energy dependance in fossil fuels.

Biofuel E10 inflames motorists
Germany hosts crisis 'summit' over E10 biofuel

European energy efficiency plan

2011-03-12T17:31:00.002Z

The European Commission adopted measures for saving energy by creating benefits for households (up to €1000 per household every year), businesses and public authorities.

From the Energy DG newsletter:

Questions & Answers: The Commission's new Energy Efficiency Plan
What is at stake?

Energy savings is one of the most cost effective ways to enhance security of energy supply, and to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas and other pollutants. This is why in 2007, the EU has set itself a target for saving 20 percent of its energy consumption by 2020.

The 20% objective translates into a saving of 368 million tons of oil equivalent (Mtoe) by 2020 compared to projected consumption in that year of 1842 Mtoe. This needs to be achieved by the EU as a whole.

According to the Commission's most recent projections, which take into account measures implemented at national and European level up to the end of December 2009, consumption in 2020 is expected to be 1678 Mtoe, equivalent to a saving of only 9% relative to the previous projection.

Why was so little progress made?

A number of market and regulatory failures are responsible for that:
- Governance: the prominence of energy efficiency has increased in recent years but is still not sufficiently high on policy agendas, the policy mix is often insufficient or too softly worded to address all challenges and in many cases there is poor policy coordination.

- Building sector (residential and commercial buildings): there is still low awareness on the benefits, low mobilisation of the available funds to cover the initial costs, and a lack of the skills required by the buildings workforce.

- Industry: significant improvements have been achieved but energy is not a major concern in many production processes due to low awareness (especially for SMEs) and low availability of funds to cover the initial costs.

What can be done now? What sectors should be targeted?

Current estimates show that the sectors that deserve the highest attention are residential, transport and tertiary with more limited possibilities also available for industry. Major improvements are also needed in the energy transformation sector if the overall 20% target is to be achieved.

Why is there a need for an Energy Efficiency Plan? What about legislative proposals?

The Communication is a strategy paper that sets out ideas for binding measures to save energy. In a few months, legislative proposals with very concrete binding measures will follow.

As regards national energy efficiency targets, the Commission will firstly monitor the implementation of the national energy efficiency targets set in the context of Europe 2020 and check in 2013 whether they will deliver the European 20% objective. If the 2013 review shows that the overall EU target is unlikely to be achieved, the Commission will, at a second stage, consider proposing legally binding national targets for 2020.

What is proposed in the new Energy Efficiency Plan?

The plan focuses on instruments to trigger the renovation process in public and private buildings, to improve the energy performance of the appliances used in them and to foster energy efficiency in households and the industry. The Communication does not cover transport, as a White paper on Transport is due to come out soon.

For the public sector, the EU Commission proposes the following binding measures:
- Public authorities should be required to refurbish at least 3% of their buildings (by area) each year. This is roughly double of the actual renovation rate. Each refurbishment should bring the building up to the level of the best 10% of the national building stock. When public bodies rent or buy existing buildings, these should always be in the best available energy performance class.
- High standards of energy efficiency should systematically be applied when public authorities purchase goods (e.g. office appliances), services (e.g. energy) and works (e.g. refurbishment of buildings). Due to the large volume of public spending (17% of GDP or roughly €2,000 bn and public buildings are about 12% of the EU build up area) it could serve as a strong driver for higher market uptake of energy efficiency and development of the skills and knowledge required

For the private building sector, the EU Commission proposes:
Member States are called upon to introduce measures – in line with national property law - to address the problem of split incentives. This means how the costs of renovation are split between the tenant and the landlord in case of rented buildings and apartments. At the same time, Member States are called on to support the uptake of Energy Service Companies as catalysts for renovation. Energy Service Companies renovate private houses and apartment at their own costs and make profits by receiving the difference between the energy costs before and after the renovation over a defined period of time.

For energy companies, it is proposed:
Energy companies have to enable their customers to cut their energy consumption. This could take different forms. In the UK for example, large electricity and gas suppliers are obliged by law to cut energy consumption of their customers by a pre-defined level. The energy companies pay for new installations in private houses such as double glazing to cut energy. They get their costs back via energy prices. Another model is to ask Energy Service Companies to do the necessary investments.

For the industry, it is proposed:
Large companies have to do regular and independent energy audits. They have to organize these themselves. Member States are encouraged to develop incentives for companies that introduce an energy management system as a systematic framework for the rational use of energy.

Exchange of best practices in energy efficiency and projects aimed at building capacity on energy management are proposed for micro and small companies.

Labeling energy consumption

2011-03-12T17:16:00.002Z

Like calories labeling in food, all products could have a label with its energy intake, the daily energy calories or decal. This would give consumers a user-friendly measure with which they could compare products Additionally, this label would create demand out of public awareness, helping investment in energy efficiency innovations and industries.
Read the article: Making every oil calorie count
Check Tesco's policy on labeling carbon and energyCarbon and energy labeling in Tesco

eceee launches web page on the 2011 Energy Efficiency Plan

2011-03-11T20:13:00.001Z

eceee launches web page on the 2011 Energy Efficiency Plan

China's big plans for energy efficiency

2011-03-08T21:36:00.001Z

Over the next five years, China plans to introduce new regulatory measures including energy price reform, carbon trading pilots, energy labelling for consumer products and support for energy services companies (ESCOs).
The government also wants to see a four-fold growth in nuclear power (from 10 GW to 40 GW), 63 GW of new hydroelectric power, 48 GW of wind capacity and 5 GW of solar power. But coal generation will continue to provide 260 GW, although its share of China’s energy mix is predicted to fall from 72% to 63%.
Meanwhile, industrial energy efficiency measures will remain and the nation plans to target ‘aggressive growth’ in seven strategic areas including energy efficient products, renewable energy and new technologies like plug-in electric vehicles and LED lighting.

Read the article in the Energy Efficiency News

Is rising oil prices good news?

2011-03-08T21:17:00.002Z

According to the UK Energy Secretary, rising oil prices transform low carbon economies.

In the medium term, the US Department of Energy forecasts $108 a barrel by 2020. If oil prices continue on this trend, and gas prices rise to meet them, then our consumers will be winning hands down.

However, the plan to move away from fossil fuels stand on measures in the electrical sector (renewable energy, nuclear power and clean coal and gas). In Portugal oil is mainly consumed by the transportation sector, not in electricity generation and checking IEA statistics for the United Kingdom the trend is the same. Maybe the plan needs some adjustments.

Read the article: Rising oil prices transform low carbon economics, says UK Energy Secretary - Energy Efficiency News

Rebound effect

2011-03-08T20:50:00.003Z

An interesting article in The New York Times about the rebound effect, that is, improved efficiency may lead to higher production and consumption.

While there’s no doubt that fuel-efficient cars burn less gasoline per mile, the lower cost at the pump tends to encourage extra driving. There’s also an indirect rebound effect as drivers use the money they save on gasoline to buy other things that produce greenhouse emissions, like new electronic gadgets or vacation trips on fuel-burning planes.
Some of the biggest rebound effects occur when new economic activity results from energy-efficient technologies that reduce the cost of making products like steel or generating electricity. In some cases, the overall result can be what’s called “backfire”: more energy use than would have occurred without the improved efficiency.

I think energy efficiency is not in itself a solution to all energy problems, but a piece of a puzzle that includes renewables, conventional fuels, awareness and changing consumption patterns (perhaps the most difficult).

Another article about this in The Huffington Post

Top 20 Green Tech Ideas from Time Magazine

2011-03-07T20:36:00.001Z

Time article about Top 20 Green Tech Ideas:
-Recycling e-Waste
-Algae Biofuel
-Algae food
-Thin-film Solar
-Molten Salt Storage
-Solar Tower
-Custom Biofuels
-Electric Cars
-Smart Meters
-Lithium-ion Batteries
-Fuel Cells
-Rooftop Wind Power
-Tidal Power
-Green IT
-Green Concrete
-Green Building Materials
-Modular Nuclear Power
-Artificial Photosynthesis
-Waste to Energy
-Biochar

Lending through Kiva helps Mongolia going green

2011-02-23T21:37:00.001Z

From the Kiva newsletter:
Ulaanbaatar is ranked the world's 5th worst city for air pollution? The World Bank estimates that 60% of the air pollution comes from household heating systems and the fuel used to keep families warm in the winter. XacBank has partnered with Micro Energy Credits to develop green loans for items such as fuel efficient stoves, solar panels, warm housing covers, and energy efficient fuels.
Mongolia goes green

Energy, electricity and sustainability, by Carlos Pimenta (in Portuguese)

2011-02-14T21:37:00.002Z

Público published an article about energy, electricity and sustainability by Carlos Pimenta, a former politician.
It's in portuguese but it is worth reading!

The Energy Report, 100% renewable energy by 2050, by WWF and Ecofys

2011-02-08T21:51:00.002Z

The World Wildlife Fund just released The Energy Report, 100% renewable energy by 2050, where it states that 100% renewable energy by 2050 is expensive, but possible.

By 2050 power, transport, industrial and domestic energy demand could be met largely by renewables, with only small residual pockets of fossil fuels and nuclear power.

But for this we need improved energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles and industrial processes to drive down energy demand 15% compared to 2005 levels. Electricity transmission networks would need to be upgraded and smart grids installed and electric transport would have to be adopted on a global scale.

Read more:
Renewables could meet nearly all world’s energy needs by 2050, says WWF
Download the report

EU leaders rule out binding efficiency target

2011-02-08T21:46:00.002Z

The European Union target of a 20% improvement in energy efficiency is not on track. Current estimates indicate that only about a 10% improvement will be reached.
The EU leaders gathered together last friday just to reiterate a commitment to review the implementation of the 2020 energy efficiency target by 2013, without a legal binding target.
The top priority should be upgrading the energy grid infrastructure.

Read more:
ECEEE
European Council shies away from action on energy efficiency

2011-02-08T21:37:00.001Z

From the EcoGeek newsletter:

It's classic good news/bad news. The UK's greehouse gas emissions fell from 2008 to 2009, but this was not due to improvements in technology and cleaner industry, but rather simple economic downturn side-effects. While we're glad to see lower emissions levels, this isn't the way we want to see it happen. If the economy can bounce back, and emissions levels remain low, that would be far better. And if production increased and the emissions levels still continued downward? That would be outstanding!

The same in Portugal...

Clean Transport Systems Initiative

2011-01-27T21:32:00.002Z

Based on the assumption that oil will be depleted by 2050 and that this is the main energy source for transport overall, supplying nearly 100% of road transport fuels, the European Commission created the Clean Transport Systems Initiative. This is a long term strategy to fully meet the energy demand of the transport sector from alternative and sustainable sources by 2050, such as:
1. Biofuels
2. Hydrogen and fuel cells
3. Electric vehicles

Energy Efficiency Proves Unattractive for Policy Makers in Europe

2011-01-17T20:58:00.002Z

An interesting article in the New York Timess about energy efficiency policy in the EU. The European Commission has declined to endorse a motion passed last month by the European Parliament that would make a 20 percent improvement in energy efficiency by 2020 legally binding, but has approved a package of two loans worth €1 billion that is aimed at helping China use more renewable sources and increase energy efficiency.
Why?

The unit cost of reducing a ton of CO2 in Europe can be up to 30 times higher than in China.

Philippe Maystadt, president of the European Investment Bank
and

We simply don’t see the same levels of ambition for energy efficiency in Europe as does China.

Luigi Meli, the director general of the European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufacturers, an industry group

Meli also states that Europe could improve its own levels of efficiency and thereby improve its energy security: replacing old appliances, insulating buildings and windows, installing new lighting and using power plants that generated both electricity and heat. In particular, Meli bemoaned a call by the European Commission to invest €1 trillion in projects to build new grids and pipelines during the next decade while setting aside a relatively meager sum, about €150 million, for energy efficiency. Europe would save the same amount of money it would take to build 15 natural gas pipelines by reaching its energy efficiency target of 20 percent.

Hope after Cancún?

2010-12-22T20:12:00.002Z

According to Michael Jacobs in the Guardian sees the Cancún climate summit as a sign of hope because not only action must be taken to tackle climate change but also a low-carbon world generates different opportunities and a green growth.

Now countries have put domestic emissions reduction commitments into a formal UN agreement, further action can be justified. The really convincing political and economic case for investing in low-carbon energy is not just tackling future climate change but generating "green growth" now. It's the jobs and the new clean industries that will be stimulated by a low-carbon world that countries and businesses are eyeing up eagerly. But investing in these requires confidence that others are also cutting emissions – that there will be new low-carbon markets, and that high performance will not be undercut by competition from lower-cost polluters.
After Cancún, the global race to produce clean technologies is back on. Business and investor confidence has a chance of being restored. Europe has justification for moving to its higher 30% emissions reduction target by 2020. The really significant shift is the willingness of emerging economies — China, India, Brazil, South Korea and others – to cut emissions growth, and their refusal to allow the world to be dragged backwards by the dysfunctional domestic politics of the US. The view now is that America will simply have to catch up later when the economic costs of its high-carbon economy become painfully apparent.

Michael Jacobs

Revised Energy Efficiency Action Plan should focus on efficient buildings

2010-12-22T20:01:00.002Z

The European Parliament passed a resolution that states that efficient buildings should be a key priority in the revised Energy Efficient Action Plan, proposing proper implementation of existing legislation and public sector example-setting. Energy efficiency should also be improved 20% by 2020.

Since existing buildings consume about 40% of energy, the European Parliament strongly advocates their efficiency-oriented renovation. However, investment costs are high and must be upfront and incentives are split in multi-apartment buildings. Innovative ways to remove these downsides, such as district refurbishment plans, financial incentives available at regional, national and European levels (proven "pay as you save" mechanisms, are needed.

The assessment of the energy efficiency potential of existing buildings should start with public buildings including schools. EU institutions and agencies should set an example by refurbishing their buildings in a cost-effective manner to near-zero energy consumption levels by 2019. The Commission should propose minimum requirements for the installation of street lighting and the purchase of vehicles by public authorities.

Want to destroy carbon? Now you can!

2010-12-17T20:55:00.002Z

The Sandbag created an initiative to take pollution permits out of the system: Destroy Carbon.
Sandbag claims it is giving individuals and organisations the chance to intervene directly to buy and destroy pollution permits, taking them out of the hands of would-be polluters.

This is citizen action to reduce the number of pollution permits and hence to reduce the cap on CO2 emissions.

It comes with a cost, of course: the market price of permits plus Sandbag's operational costs (£14.78 per tonne), but includes an email to politicians to reduce the supply of pollution permits and a certificate.

Summary of the Cancún summit by the Pew Center

2010-12-17T20:52:00.002Z

The Pew Center provided a summary of the Cancún summit here.

The agreements import the essential elements of the Copenhagen Accord into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including mitigation pledges and operational elements such as the Green Climate Fund for developing nations and a system of “international consultations and analysis” to help verify countries’ actions. Agreement hinged on finding a way to finesse the more difficult questions of if, when, and in what form countries will take binding commitments. The final outcome leaves all options on the table and sets no clear path toward a binding agreement.

Pew Center

IEA-IETA-EPRI GHG Emission Trading Workshop Proceedings

2010-12-17T20:50:00.001Z

Check out the Proceedings of a workshop organized by IEA, IETA and EPRI on greenhouse gas emission trading.

The workshop covered topics relevant to the future of global carbon markets post-COP 15, including scaled-up and new market mechanisms, regional linkages, carbon market oversight, and accounting and verification. As in previous years, the workshop invited government and business to discuss advances in various national GHG markets, as well as carbon market developments over the past year. A high-level panel was invited to discuss the future of carbon markets in a Copenhagen Accord world.

Sara Moarif, IEA

Energy Efficiency not very popular amongst politicians

2010-12-17T20:40:00.002Z

A report from the World Economic Forum warns about the substantial gap between policy and implementation of energy efficiency measures.
The report "Energy Efficiency, accelerating the agenda" refers that energy efficiency could reduce substantially the energy demand by 2030. But identifies market and institutional failures that limit its success.
The major challenges identified include access to capital for energy efficiency projects, a regulatory structure of incentives, uniform measuring and reporting, skills and supply chains to deliver energy efficiency measures and international standards for products.

Tapping into the “largely unrealized potential” of energy efficiency will be essential to meet growing energy demand in the future, which is expected to see a 40% increase by 2050.

Pawel Konzal (World Economic Forum)

More information: Energy efficiency not necessarily low-hanging fruit, warns report

Cancún climate summit

2010-12-17T20:28:00.002Z

The Cancún climate summit didn't bring a new deal for post 2012 (the Kyoto protocol ends in 2012). It brought an agreement to take some modest steps to combat climate change and assist developing nations. It established a $100 billion a year Green Climate Fund to help poorer nations adopt low-carbon technologies, adapt to climate change and protect the world's forests.
It was also agreed that average global temperature should not rise above 2ºC above pre-industrial times and to share information about clean energy technologies.
We will have to wait for South Africa in 2010 for a successor of the Kyoto Protocol that attributed a legally binding target to the world's richest nations, with the exception of the US, to cut their greenhouse gas emissions since Japan, Canada and Russia refused to discuss extending the Kyoto Protocol in favour of a new deal including the US, China and India in this summit.

More information: COP16: Cancún talks end with modest climate deal

Financing energy efficiency, a new report by the IEA

2010-12-01T21:15:00.002Z

Money Matters—mitigating risk to spark private investments in energy efficiency is a new free publication from the IEA.

Scaling-up investment in energy efficiency is essential to achieving a sustainable energy future. Despite energy efficiency’s recognised advantages as a bankable investment with immense climate change mitigation benefits, most of the energy efficiency potential remains untapped and the investment gap to achieve climate goals is tremendous. This report seeks to improve understanding of why this is so, and what can be done about it.

Fourth Environment State and Outlook report by EEA

2010-11-30T20:36:00.002Z

The EEA released its fourth environment state and outlook report - SOER2010. This assessment shows that natural resources are being consumed at an accelerated rate increasing pressure in ecosystems, economies and social cohesion in the European Union.
However, there are some good news: the environmental policies developed in EU continue improving the environment without undermining its growth potential.
The report also states that all environmental resources (biodiversity, land, carbon, rivers, the seas and the air) need to be fully considered in production, consumption and global trade decisions.

There are no quick fixes but regulators, businesses and citizens need to work together and find innovative ways to use resources more efficiently. The seeds for future action exist: the task ahead is to help them take root and flourish.

Executive Director of the EEA

Key findings and recommendations

Climate change: The European Union has made progress in cutting emissions and expanding renewable energy. The EU-27's 2009 emissions stand 17 % below the 1990 level and therefore very close to the bloc’s target of cutting emissions 20 % by 2020. However, sectoral trends are not all positive. EU-27 emissions from transport rose by 24% between 1990 and 2008.
Climate change adaptation: Even if Europe meets all its emission reduction targets and world leaders agree on bold measures during the climate talks currently taking place in Cancun, Mexico, Europe will still need to adapt to ongoing and expected climate change impacts. Dedicated management of natural capital can help deal with these challenges.
Biodiversity, ecosystems and people’s health: The Natura 2000 network of protected areas, which now covers around 18 % of EU land, has helped protect endangered species and preserve green spaces for leisure. Air and water quality legislation has reduced pressure on biodiversity and people. On the other hand, intensification of land use, loss of habitats and overfishing prevented the EU from meeting its target of halting biodiversity loss by 2010.
Integrated solutions with a global perspective: By showing the many links between different challenges, environmental and others, SOER2010 encourages us to increase integrated actions across different policy areas dealing with these challenges, so as to deliver improvements quicker and maximise co-benefits (e.g. mitigate climate change and improve air quality at the same time).
Resource efficiency: Food, energy and water security are key drivers of land use as often conflicting demands increase (e.g. for food, feed and fuel). Accounting and pricing that takes full account of resource use impacts are essential for steering business and consumers towards enhanced resource efficiency.
Citizen involvement: Policy alone cannot halt or reverse environmental trends. We need to increase the number of citizens committed to reducing their impact on the environment by involving them in collecting data and through social media.

SOER2010 analysis for Portugal:
Air pollution: air quality is good except in some agglomerations in the north and centre regions, Lisbon and the Tagus valley. Most important pollutants are ozone and particles (PM10).
Climate change: Portugal is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
Nature protection and biodiversity: preservation of “montado” (traditionally grazed oak forests), the cereal steppes and the mountain “lameiros” (humid meadows) is essential to maintain the portuguese biodiversity. Desertification caused by water erosion and the degradation of water quality is a major threat. Portuguese ecosystems and agriculture are also particularly vulnerable to climate change due to the associated risks of fire and drought.
Land use: pressures created by increasing urban areas particularly in coastal zones; in rural areas major threats are the intensification of farming and forestry activity and abandonment.
Freshwater: an evaluation of the state of our river basins is being currently developed. This assessment will identify rivers that have poor ecological quality and define measures to increase it until 2015, according to the Water Framework Directive. Wastewater collection still needs to be improved.
Waste: Inadequate treatment or improper disposal of industrial, agricultural, domestic or medical waste are major threats.

European Parliament puts energy efficiency at top of the agenda

2010-11-30T09:24:00.002Z

The resolution A new Energy Strategy for Europe 2011-2020 adopted by the European Parliament states energy efficiency should be a key part of the EU energy strategy 2011-2020.

Exploit better the EU's energy efficiency and renewable energy potential

[The European Parliament]
37. Takes the view that energy efficiency and energy savings should be key priorities of any future strategy, as they represent a cost-effective way of reducing EU energy dependency and combating climate change, contributing to job creation and economic competitiveness and counteracting the increase in energy tariffs and bills, thus reducing energy poverty; calls on the Commission and the Member States to put energy efficiency at the top of the EU agenda, and calls for the implementation of existing legislation to be stepped up and for the timely adoption by the Commission of an ambitious Energy Efficiency Action Plan; therefore believes that it should be implemented in a way that takes into account the efforts already made in some Member States;

40. Believes that energy efficiency and energy savings should also focus on the whole energy supply and demand chain, including transformation, transmission, distribution and supply, alongside industrial, household and transport consumption;

41. Supports the development of a properly functioning market for energy services and the introduction of further market mechanisms to improve the energy efficiency as a way of stimulating the competitiveness of the EU economy;

42. Believes, further, that more focus should be placed on the energy performance of energy-consuming products; encourages the Commission to implement the eco-design directive to the full, e.g. by including more products and applying a dynamic standard-setting model to ensure that ambitious targets are set and regularly updated;

43. Calls on the Commission to present an evaluation of the implementation of the existing legislation; considers that, if the evaluation reveals unsatisfactory implementation of the overall energy efficiency strategy and the EU is therefore projected not to reach its 2020 energy efficiency target, the EEAP should include a commitment by the Commission to propose further EU measures for Member States, such as individual energy efficiency targets which correspond to at least 20% energy savings at EU level in line with the EU2020 headline targets and which take into account relative starting positions and national circumstances, and the approval in advance of each Member State's national energy efficiency action plan; considers that such additional measures should be shown to be necessary, fair and measurable and to have an effective and direct impact on the implementation of national energy efficiency plans; calls on the Commission and the Member States to agree on a common methodology for measuring national energy efficiency targets and monitoring progress towards achieving those targets.

Reviewing existing and proposed emissions trading scheme

2010-11-27T08:24:00.002Z

Reviewing existing and proposed emissions trading scheme is a new publication by the IEA that analysis emissions trading schemes in place and under consideration in 2010, focusing on the energy sector.
An emission trading scheme is very important to effectively tackle climate change. Without a greenhouse gas emissions price companies are not stimulated to take action.

China's commitments

2010-11-25T21:35:00.001Z

The chinese government is committed to stick to the targets announced at last year's Copenhagen Climate Summit to cut the country's carbon intensity by 40 to 45 per cent by 2020 compared with 2005 levels.
A new plan for 2011 to 2015 pledges to make "progressive efforts" to establish a carbon market, work towards improving energy efficiency, and further develop low-carbon technology on an international basis.

Yesterday, the Gulbenkian Foundation promoted a talk with Christine Loh, the founder of Civic Exchange about China and the World. Special attention was given to environmental challenges, particularly air pollution. It is expected that by 2020 China will have 50% of the population living in cities and this creates great challenges. This talk was broadcasted online (but with cuts) and it may be available soon here.

More information: China unveils climate goals

A new climate deal in Cancun? Probably not

2010-11-25T21:30:00.004Z

Starting on the 29th November, the climate change conference will be held in Cancun. A new climate deal for the period starting in 2013 is unlikely, but some agreements are possible, according to a UN official, on forestry, technology transfer and long-term financing to help governments tackle climate change issues.

More information: Cautious optimism ahead of climate summit

http://www.climatepolicytracker.eu

2010-11-25T21:19:00.003Z

WWF and Ecofys launched a new tracking tool that shows that only a third of the necessary action needed today to put EU countries on a path towards a low carbon economy by 2050 (reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95%), is currently being undertaken.
It provides for the first time an up-to-date snapshot of greenhouse gas emission controls across the EU using a Member State-by-Member State and sector-by sector analysis.

“The Climate Policy Tracker is a powerful tool that measures the impact of policies and their effectiveness. It allows people to easily identify the policy sectors which need more attention and where action is most effective in reducing emissions. []
There are success stories in each country and policy makers should learn from best practices across Europe. Overall, however, the ratings are low. Support for renewable energy is most widely implemented across Europe and shows the most progress, whilst energy efficiency, transport and industry are lagging behind.”

Niklas Höhne, Director Energy and Climate Policy, Ecofys

Portugal is rated E in the climate policy tracker, along with other 14 member states, including Spain and the UK. Denmark, Germany, Ireland and Sweden are rated D.
Country Summary
Portugal made a significant effort to implement new policies to reach the Kyoto target, but significant gaps exist for the country to be on a low-carbon development path. Several good initiatives are planned but not yet implemented. Highlights are its support for renewable electricity and efficient appliances. If the positive policy-making trend continues, Portugal will rate significantly better next year.

Success Stories
Portugal has a well-designed feed-in tariff for RES and is about to reach the ambitious target of 45% of electricity consumed coming from RES. - Energy efficiency policies in industry, buildings and transportation are promising.

Areas that need improvements
Portugal made a significant effort to implement new policies to reach the Kyoto target but significant gaps exist to be on a low-carbon development path. - Although the support for RES electricity is well designed and is giving important results, important barriers, such as administrative bottlenecks and grid development need to be removed to reach the targets.

Evaluation per sector for Portugal

Green touchscreen

2010-11-25T21:13:00.002Z

Green touchscreen is an online tool developed by Siemens to measure the energy efficiency of buildings, allowing to monitor energy consumption in real time.

Green touchscreen in Lx sustentável blog (in portuguese)

Lighter coloured roads could reduce temperatures in hot urban areas

2010-11-25T20:38:00.002Z

Urban areas are considered heat islands due to land use changes (materials that effectively retain heat with low permeability to water). Compared to rural areas, temperatures in cities can typically be warmer by several degrees. This heat is transferred to the surrounding air and increases air pollution problems (tropospheric ozone and smog) and the demand for air conditioning and even heat-related illness and dead in vulnerable people.
However, this effect can be minimised through the use of green roofs and lighter-colored surfaces, which reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.
A recent study by Synnefa, A., Karlessi, T., Gaitani, N. (2010) tested the use of cool colored thin layer asphalt and estimated its potential to improve microclimate. This solution could significantly lower surface temperatures in hot urban areas, making living conditions more comfortable and reducing the amount of energy needed to cool buildings. Paved roads are typically made of a mixture of asphalt (bitumen) and aggregate material. But different ways are being developed: in this study they used a colourless, flexible asphalt binder and various pigments and sizes of coloured aggregates (granular materials), resulting in beige, off-white, green, red and yellow paved material that were tested for their ability to reflect solar energy and compared to a thin-layer sample of conventional black asphalt. All samples reflected back higher levels of solar radiation than conventional black asphalt, ranging from 55% (off-white) to 27% (red and green), compared with 4% radiation reflection of black asphalt.
However, lighter coloured surfaces can cause glare, which can be a problem for drivers. But some 'invisible' reflectance is possible if the reflectance is in the 'near-infra-red' part of the spectrum.
In conclusion, the thin-layers of coloured asphalt could be applied onto existing or new asphalt road surfaces. Computer modelling suggests an off-white coloured surface on a road could lower the average air temperature by 5°C in low wind speeds.

Reference: Synnefa, A., Karlessi, T., Gaitani, N. (2010) Experimental testing of cool colored thin layer asphalt and estimation of its potential to improve the urban microclimate. Building and Environment. 46: 38-44.

Contact: asynnefa@phys.uoa.gr

IEA Open Energy Technology Bulletin (18th November)

2010-11-18T21:08:00.003Z

The IEA Open Energy Technology Bulletin states that if their 25 energy-efficiency policy recommendations were applied globally, carbon emissions equal to 200% of those currently emitted by the EU could be saved per year.

The IEA release the following Policy Pathways Brochures:
Monitoring, Verification and Enforcement - Improving Compliance within Equipment Energy Efficiency Programmes - provides policy makers and other stakeholders with “how-to” guidance for hands-on action to capitalise better on energy-efficiency policies.

Energy Performance Certification of Buildings - A Policy Tool to Improve Energy Efficiency - focuses on the building sector that is responsible for 40% of energy consumption.

Natural gas network and energy grid upgrades

2010-11-18T20:57:00.002Z

According to the European Commission, €200bn will be spent in the next ten years to upgrade EU's natural gas networks (€70bn) and energy grids(€130bn) and bring more renewable energy on-line.

The EU energy strategy 2020 published on 10th November

defines the energy priorities for the next ten years and sets the actions to be taken in order to tackle the challenges of saving energy, achieving a market with competitive prizes and secure supplies, boosting technological leadership, and effectively negotiate with our international partners.

Some priority areas for improving energy transport systems include a North Sea offshore electricity grid to link wind power installations in the regions and south-western electricity links between the North of Africa, Spain, France and Italy for solar power projects.

It is also referred that the implementation of smart grids could reduce the EU's annual primary energy consumption in 2020 by almost 9%. A decision on a specific strategy for smart grids is expected in the first half of 2011.

Carbon capture and storage should be treated with caution because the technology has not been proven.

More information:
Brussels unveils energy infrastructure overhaul

How to Build the Supergrid

2010-11-18T20:55:00.001Z

Check out the latest Scientific American article on how to build the supergrid (paid article).

Smart grids could save Europe €52bn

2010-11-18T20:49:00.002Z

Experts from the Smart Energy Demand Coalition state that smart grids and smart meters could save Europe €52bn.

Smart grids reduce losses in the electricity network through automation and smart meters provide information on energy consumption to consumers and allow them to manage their consumption.

Utilities will also be able to lower the system voltage level and make meter-reading redundant, argued Chris King, chief regulatory officer at eMeter. After deducting necessary costs like the installation of smart meters and new software, the net benefit would still be €31 billion per year, he said.

More information:
"Smart grids could save Europe €52bn"

Energy efficiency and emissions reduction

2010-11-18T20:42:00.002Z

According to the EPA, energy efficiency is most likely the most cost effective way for industrial facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The revised Clean Air Act states that from January 2011, new facilities or major modifications to existing ones should employ the best available control technology (BACT) to minimise emissions

More information:
Energy efficiency most effective way to reduce emissions, says EPA

Roadmap 2050

2010-11-09T19:21:00.004Z

Roadmap 2050 is an initiative by the European Climate Foundation to provide a practical, independent and objective analysis of pathways to achieve a low-carbon economy in Europe, in line with the energy security, environmental and economic goals of the European Union.
In 2050 is it technically possible and affordable to have an electric mix of 80% renewable energy, 10% fossil fuels with CCS and 10% nuclear. For this to happen, governments need to start cooperating now to create an European "super grid" reliable for high shares of renewable energy supply and to define ambitious targets to 2020 for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, so that the carbon price starts working as a stimulus for innovation and competitiveness.
Reports are available for download here.

World Energy Outlook 2010

2010-11-09T19:10:00.001Z

World Energy Outlook 2010

The world appears to be emerging from the worst economic crisis in decades. Many countries have made pledges under the Copenhagen Accord to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Commitments have also been made by the G-20 and APEC leaders to phase out inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies. Are we, at last, on the path to a secure, reliable and environmentally sustainable energy system?

What more must be done and spent to achieve the goal of limiting the global temperature increase to two degrees Celsius? What would be the impact of these actions on oil markets?

How will emerging economies increasingly shape the global energy landscape? Where will their policy decisions lead us? And will China sustain and intensify the four-fold improvement in energy intensity it has achieved in the last thirty years?

How quickly will the contribution of renewables to meeting the world's energy needs grow? How much will it cost? And to what extent does growth in deployment and use of renewable energy hinge on government support?

All these questions and many others are answered in the World Energy Outlook 2010 (WEO-2010).

Article uploaded in Pluridoc

2010-11-07T20:15:00.004Z

Analysing the implementation of three vehicle renewal and one urban mobility measures defined in the Portuguese Energy Efficiency Action Plan (PNAEE) is available in Pluridoc.

Abstract:
The Portuguese Action Plan on Energy Efficiency (PNAEE) aims a 10% reduction in final energy consumption in 2015, compared with the average of final energy consumption from 2001 to 2005, through the implementation of energy efficiency policies in transportation, residential, services, industry and government. The transportation sector is responsible for more than a third of final energy consumption and will have the highest predicted energy savings (41%). This paper analyses the implementation of measures included in the vehicle renewal and urban mobility programs. The vehicle renewal program aims to increase energy efficiency of cars through incentives to replace them by more efficient ones and equipment changes. It focuses on reducing the percentage of passenger and commercial vehicles with more than 10 years to 30% and the greenhouse gas emissions from new cars to 110 g CO2/km, so low emissions vehicles represent 10% of the total number of cars circulating in 2015. Urban mobility program aims to encourage the use of public instead of individual transport in urban areas through the creation of mobility plans, the increase in efficiency of public transportation and modal shifting in cities. It focuses on transferring 5% of passenger km (pkm) in Metropolitan Areas of Lisbon (AML) and Porto (AMP) from individual to public transportation in 2015. Based on estimated car ownership, end-of-life vehicles’ decommissioning and new low-emission vehicles sales, the paper concludes that meeting the targets for vehicle renewal measures is unlikely. Based on the increase from individual transport in pkm in AML and AMP, meeting the target is likely. However, trends in pkm are uncertain in the upcoming years. Even assuming that public transportation will continue losing pkm (from 1991 to 2001, the transportation system in AML and AMP changed from one based on public transport to one based on individual transportation), the percentage loss to cars remains difficult to estimate.

Keywords: efficiency plan, transportation, policies, mobility, vehicle renewal

Comments are greatly appreciated!

Interview with Tulsi Tanti (in portuguese)

2010-11-01T17:45:00.002Z

An interesting interview with Tulsi Tanti, the CEO of Suzlon (Indian wind turbines manufacturer) can be found here (in Portuguese).

Suzlon is the third largest manufacturer of wind turbines in the World.

Tanti argues that tariffs should be dynamic and that who should pay renewable energies costs' is everyone that consumes above the average and in the peek hours.

PassivHaus construction

2010-10-29T10:21:00.003+01:00

An interesting article from The Ecologist about PassivHaus Construction

How does it work?
Imagine wrapping a whole house in a tea cosy. Instead of just insulating the walls and lofts, the insulating layer is continuous. The emphasis is on super-insulation and stringent levels of airtightness to create a ‘tea-cosy effect’ (or minimal thermal bridging). The houses are also designed to optimise heat from the sun (passive solar gain). The only techie bit is the mechanical ventilation and heat-recovery system (MVHR), which provides the house with fresh air and helps to warm it by recovering heat from the extracted air and transferring it to the incoming air. In addition, most of the of heat generated inside – body heat from people and animals, heat from lighting and cooking, as well as solar gain – is retained within the building. As a result you hardly need any traditional heating or air conditioning systems.

Europe facing €1trn bill to upgrade electricity grids

2010-10-22T10:42:00.002+01:00

A draft version of the EC energy strategy estimates that the EU will have to spend about €1trn by 2020 to update, expand and strengthen its ageing electricity grids.

The European Union's five main energy priorities for the next ten years must be energy efficiency, an integrated market, technological leadership, energy security and strong international partnerships.

Read the article

Policy Pathways: Showing the way to energy efficiency implementation now

2010-10-19T19:51:00.002+01:00

Policy Pathways: Showing the way to energy efficiency implementation now is a publication by the IEA aimed at helping governments implement energy efficiency policies.

This first issue is about performance standards of appliances.

Governments are missing a great opportunity to save energy. Even the countries that are most proactive on energy efficiency have implemented less than 60% of the IEA energy efficiency recommendations,” said IEA executive director Nobuo Tanaka at the launch in Paris.

Read the article

International Low-Carbon Energy Technology Platform

2010-10-05T21:18:00.001+01:00

IEA created the Low-Carbon Energy Technology Platform.

Its aim is to accelerate and scale-up action for the development and deployment of clean energy technologies by: catalysing partnerships and activities at regional and national levels; sharing best-practice technology policy; and reviewing progress on low-carbon technology deployment to help identify gaps in policy and international collaboration.

Q&A about new energy labels for TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines

2010-09-30T15:50:00.001+01:00

The European Commission set new energy labels for appliances.

How does energy labelling concern consumers?
Televisions; refrigerators, freezers; dishwashers and washing machines represents on average 30% of the electricity bill paid each month by households. The energy label will allow the consumer in the shop to easily see which are the appliances consuming the least energy.

What are the main differences between the old and the new label?
The new labelling system allows up to three classes (A+ to A+++) to be added on top of class A so as to provide consumers with more differentiation between products. If the majority of the market reaches the upper two classes (A++, A+++), the classification will be reviewed. However, it is expected that classes A+++ are close to the technological limit of possible efficiency improvements.
Another novelty is that the label is language free and will be added in the packaging of each appliance. It will allow retailers to easily attach the label to the appliances at the point of sale and avoid today's situation where appliances are often mislabelled.

How much energy can a household save with the highest energy class on the label?
The actual amount of energy saved depends of course on a concrete product (its size and features). For example, a refrigerator-freezer in class A+++ will consume on average 60% less than a refrigerator-freezer in class A. A dishwasher or a washing machine in class A+++ will consume on average 30% less than a dishwasher or a washing machine in class A.

Will the TV and other equipment be more expensive for consumers?
The label scheme does not increase the prices. Energy efficient products tend to cost more but they save energy. The label gives the consumer the choice which product he prefers.

Does the introduction of these new labels ban some household equipment from the market?
The label does not ban any product from the market but provides information and market transparency to assist consumers to make an informed purchasing decision. It ensures that all products are comparable using the same test methods and classification. The aim of energy labelling is to provide incentives for industry to develop further improved products and innovations beyond the "minimum" mandatory energy efficiency levels.

Why does the energy label for televisions have seven classes from A to G while the energy label on refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines goes up to class A+++?
The principle is that the energy label starts with the classes A to G when it is introduced for the first time on the market (which is currently the case for televisions). Refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines have already been displaying the energy label with the A to G classes for more than 10 years. As a result of the technological improvement triggered by the label, around 90% of those products currently reach class A. This is why new classes have been introduced on top of class A to allow consumers to differentiate "better than A" products.

How will the new label be introduced at the point of sale? Is an old class A of household refrigerating appliances, dishwashers and washing machines the same as the new one?
The new label will gradually be introduced at the point of sale, meaning that consumers are likely to see the old and the new label close to each other for several months at the point of sale. However, since an old class A or B appliance is equivalent to a new class A or B, consumers will still be able to compare products at the point of sale on the basis of both energy labels.

When will the Regulations enter into force and when will the label become mandatory?
The entering into force of the Regulations is subject to the right of objection of the European Parliament and Council. If they do not object, the Regulations should enter into force around December 2010 or February 2011. The label will be allowed on a voluntary basis immediately after the entry into force of the Regulation and become mandatory on all appliances placed on the market one year after the entry into force of the Regulations.

What is the difference between energy labels, ecolabels and ecodesign?
Energy labels are adopted by the European Commission on a product by product basis (energy labelling Directive 2010/30/EU). They display ranking of products according to their energy efficiency consumption on an A to G scale, the A class (green) being the most energy efficient appliances and the G class (red) the least. Once the majority of products reaches class A, up to three classes (A+/A++/A+++) are added on top of class A.
Energy labels are mandatory for all appliances placed on the EU market and should always be clearly displayed on each appliance at the point of sale.
Ecolabels are voluntary labels adopted by the European Commission on a product by product (Ecolabel Regulation (EC/66/2010). The Ecolabel, i.e. the flower logo, may be displayed on products and promotional material on a voluntary basis if they respond to a list of the criteria pre-defined in implementing measures of the Commission and guaranteeing that the product is among the most environmentally friendly in his sector.
Ecodesign requirements are adopted by the European Commission on a product by product basis (ecodesign Directive EC/2009/125). They set minimum requirements on the performance of the products so as to improve their environmental impact. Ecodesign requirements are mandatory and must be met by all products to be allowed to be placed on the EU market. They are based on an assessment of the impact of the product on the environment throughout its life-cycle, starting from the production stage, through to production, distribution and disposal.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) network

2010-09-23T19:45:00.002+01:00

The CCS network is the first network of CCS demonstration projects.

More information: Commission sets up world's first project network for CO2 Capture and Storage

EU risks missing efficiency goal

2010-09-22T09:20:00.002+01:00

A report by the European Climate Foundation (ECF) concludes that EU's 20% energy efficiency goal for 2020 may not be reached. Despite 2008 economic recession and existing efficiency and renewable energy policies Europe will still have to save 208 million tonnes of oil equivalent.

This is more than half of what is needed to achieve the 20% non-binding target, which is equivalent to energy savings of about 394Mtoe. The gap can be bridged almost entirely by strengthening energy efficiency efforts in end-use sectors: residential, services, transport and industry. Further savings can be achieved by improving the energy efficiency of power generation and refineries.

The 2006 EU action plan on energy efficiency will be reviewed soon.

Source: ECEEE - EU risks missing efficiency goal, report warns

More information: Roadmap 2050

China turns climate change into Jobs

2010-09-19T15:00:00.002+01:00

Thomas Friedman in The New York Times writes about chinese cleverness in turning climate change into jobs. On the contrary, the US is getting behind: the energy bill needed to scale clean technologies has not been approved and lots of doubts remain about climate change.

So while America’s Republicans turned “climate change” into a four-letter word — J-O-K-E — China’s Communists also turned it into a four-letter word — J-O-B-S.
And because runaway pollution in China means wasted lives, air, water, ecosystems and money — and wasted money means fewer jobs and more political instability — China’s leaders would never go a year (like we will) without energy legislation mandating new ways to do more with less. It’s a three-for-one shot for them. By becoming more energy efficient per unit of G.D.P., China saves money, takes the lead in the next great global industry and earns credit with the world for mitigating climate change.

EU ETS responsible for no more than 0.3% carbon savings from 2008 to 2012

2010-09-13T09:21:00.002+01:00

A new report from Sandbag warns that the emissions trading scheme implemente by EU since 2008 can increase CO2 emissions rather than reducing them for most of the coming decades unless the it is revised.

The group's calculations show that the scheme, which covers some 12,000 industrial installations and half of the EU's emissions, will at best achieve some 32 million tonnes of CO2 savings during the 2008-2012 period. This is a small fraction of the annual emissions of 1.9 billion tonnes from these installations, it said, adding that the EU would have been better off by simply imposing a cap on one of Europe's largest polluters over the same period.
Moreover, the report argued that the meagre reductions are unlikely to take place in Europe because there is an ample supply of cheap international offset credits. As a result, European emissions could actually increase by 34% from current levels by 2016.

More information:
'Minuscule' CO2 savings expected from EU scheme

Recession accelerates the decline in EU greenhouse gas emissions

2010-09-10T17:26:00.002+01:00

The European Environment Agency estimated that greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union decreased by 6.9% in 2009, compared with 2008. This is due to the recession that affected cement, chemical, iron and steel industries. Consumption of fossil fuels, particularly coal, fell by 5.5 % in 2009 compared to the previous year. At the same time, renewable energy use (excluding biomass) increased significantly, rising by 8.3 %.

Siemens makes its factories greener

2010-09-09T16:45:00.002+01:00

According to a press release from Siemens, the company wants to reduce energy and CO2 emissions by 20% by the end of 2011. Siemens will invest circa €100 million until the end of 2012 to make its factories greener. The german company is also worried about its suppliers' performance, stating that in the next two years they are to check their companies' energy and environmental efficienct.

“We want to be the first industrial enterprise in the world with an entirely environmentally friendly supply chain”

It is estimated that the company’s 1,000 most important suppliers alone could reduce their CO2 emissions by 1.5 million tons a year and their energy costs by around €170 million.

Doing More While Using Less Power

2010-09-02T11:01:00.001+01:00

An interesting article in the New York Times about energy efficiency and the obstacles to efficiency:

“Policy makers are supportive of energy efficiency in concept, but there’s this whole argument of ‘just leave it to the market,”’ Mr. Nadel said. Politically, too, building a power plant brings visible, vote-winning jobs, so “efficiency is everyone’s second choice,” he said.

But some market incentives are misaligned. “Major energy providers make more money out of kilowatt-hours that they sell rather than the ones that they don’t sell,” Ms. Zoi said.

Decoupling utility profits from the amount of energy sold, as California did in 1983, is a way to fix this problem, and it is a growing trend. Twenty-nine other U.S. states have since followed that lead or are about to do so, according to the Institute for Energy Efficiency.

Energy efficiency and renewable energy

2010-08-23T07:48:00.004+01:00

Worldwide energy consumption would be 56% higher today than it would have otherwise been without the various Energy Efficiency policies that have been implemented since 1973.

Worldwide, investment in renewable energies has boomed in recent years, with some $190 billion worth of new clean energy in 2008, according to the Renewables Global Status Report for 2009. The number of large solar plants tripled to 1,800 between 2007 and 2008, with the majority of new plants in Spain, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea and Portugal.

Electricity survey May 2010

2010-08-16T21:52:00.005+01:00

The International Energy Agency released the May 2010 electricity survey for OECD countries.

The Figure below shows the electricity production by source in Portugal in May 2010. The highest share is hydro power production.

Electricity production by source in Portugal in May 2010

In May 2010, Portugal exports were higher than imports.

Compared to May 2009, electricity production from fossil fuels decreased 58.2% and hydro power increased 317.5%. 2010 has been a great year for hydro power production, as shown below.

Year to date comparison of production by fuel type

More information:
International Energy Agency Electricity Survey

Is efficient sufficient?

2010-08-10T14:39:00.003+01:00

A report published by ECEEE, Is efficient sufficient?, argues that energy efficiency does not prevent power consumption or annual energy use to rise, even if it is in a steady, linearly way, with product performance, size, amenity or functionality.
Although

we have slowed the rate of growth compared to a business-as-usual scenario, but have not consistently turned absolute energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions downward.

The report recommends that efficiency specifications should be tailored in a more effective way:

Progressive efficiency specifications can in many cases be crafted where the allowable power consumption approaches those sufficiency limits and ceases to increase, no matter how much more performance or amenity is provided. ENERGY STAR has proposed exactly that in its version 5.0 television specification, which will help to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions even as televisions continue to grow in size. Such specifications, when employed by programs that also recover and recycle the energy-using products consumers are replacing, reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels, increase product durability, and minimize hours of use, have the potential to finally bring overall energy use and greenhouse gas emissions downward.

However,

progressive efficiency standards alone will not be enough to turn down energy consumption.

We will need voluntary and mandatory efficiency policies and programs to systematically implement sufficiency and progressive efficiency concepts, keep specifications up to date, and discourage excessive consumption through price and information signals.

Renewable energy in Portugal

2010-08-10T14:02:00.002+01:00

An article in the New York Times, Portugal makes the leap to renewable energy, reveals the effort Portugal has been doing in renewable energies, particularly wind, hydropower, sunlight and ocean waves. Nearly 45% of the electricity in Portugal will come from renewable sources in 2010, wind power has expanded seven times and in 2011 there will be a national network of charging stations for electric cars.
However,

while Portugal’s experience shows that rapid progress is achievable, it also highlights the price of such a transition. Portuguese households have long paid about twice what Americans pay for electricity, and prices have risen 15 percent in the last five years, probably partly because of the renewable energy program, the International Energy Agency says. Although a 2009 report by the agency called Portugal’s renewable energy transition a “remarkable success,” it added, “It is not fully clear that their costs, both financial and economic, as well as their impact on final consumer energy prices, are well understood and appreciated.”

The other issue is the promise of job creation, but this can be limited:

In Portugal, as in the United States, politicians have sold green energy programs to communities with promises of job creation. Locally, the effect has often proved limited. For example, more than five years ago, the isolated city of Moura became the site of Portugal’s largest solar plant because it “gets the most sun of anywhere in Europe and has lots of useless space,” said José Maria Prazeres Pós-de-Mina, the mayor. But while 400 people built the Moura plant, only 20 to 25 work there now, since gathering sunlight requires little human labor. Unemployment remains at 15 percent, the mayor said — though researchers, engineers and foreign delegations frequently visit the town’s new solar research center.

China shuts down inefficient factories

2010-08-10T12:21:00.002+01:00

There are about 2,000 factories to shut down by 30th September in China, including steel mills, cement works and other energy-intensive factories.
According to the chinese Minister of the Industry and Information Technology, the goal of the factory closings is “to enhance the structure of production, heighten the standard of technical capability and international competitiveness and realize a transformation of industry from being big to being strong”.
The chinese plan to reduce energy use by 20% for each unit of economic output (compared to 2005).
Efficiency improved 14.4 percent from 2005 to 2009, but deteriorate by 3.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, according to official statistics.

China to close 2000 factories in energy crackdown

Collapse movie

2010-08-01T16:20:00.004+01:00

Collapse is a documentary about energy and oil dependence starring Michael Ruppert.

Energy shock within 10 years?

2010-07-26T19:03:00.003+01:00

The UK’s Energy Secretary said recently in the Financial Times that the UK is “very likely” to experience an oil shock similar to the crises of the 1970s in the next decade.

In Ireland, a report published last week warned that the country’s GDP could fall “by as much as 7.5% if the world were to experience a sudden oil or gas price rise.” It notes that Ireland is more vulnerable to such a shock than the US, UK or the rest of Europe.

In the EU, the average dependency on foreign energy supplies is about 53.8%. However, in some countries, this rises to as much as 100% (Cyprus and Malta) and it’s in the 90% bracket for Luxembourg and Ireland.

Clean Energy Ministerial

2010-07-22T20:51:00.003+01:00

Ministers from 24 governments launched new initiatives to accelerate the global transition to clean energy in the Clean Energy Ministerial
Some of them are:
-Appliances: The Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) initiative aims to transform the global market for energy-using equipment and appliances, such as televisions and lighting. SEAD will help governments overcome market barriers to capture a significant portion of global appliance efficiency energy savings.
SEAD addresses both ends of the efficiency spectrum: helping “pull” super-efficient devices into the market through cooperation on measures like manufacturer incentives and research and development investments and helping “push” inefficient devices off the market by bolstering national policies like minimum efficiency standards. Specific efforts include the development of “toolkits” for policymakers seeking to enhance national appliance efficiency programs and launching new Global Efficiency Awards, which will recognize the very best super-efficient appliances sold (and under development) in global markets.
-Buildings and Industry: The Global Superior Energy Performance (GSEP) Partnership will help large buildings and industrial facilities – which account for almost 60 percent of global energy use – measure and reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions over time, incentivizing positive change with an internationally-recognized certification program. GSEP participants will share tools, trainings and best practices for tracking and accelerating energy performance improvements, both within their sector and across industry sectors. As part of the program, eight companies representing over $600 billion in annual sales and one university will pilot the program.
-Smart Grid: The International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) will help accelerate the development and deployment of smart electricity grids around the world through high-level government dialogue, sharing best-practices, technical assistance, peer review and project coordination, where appropriate. Smart grid technologies will promote the growth of renewable energy, help consumers and businesses to better measure and manage their energy use, improve the reliability of the electrical system, and speed the introduction of fuel-saving electric vehicles. ISGAN complements the Global Smart Grid Federation, an ‘association of associations’ composed of leading smart grid stakeholder organizations from around the world, which was also announced at the Ministerial.

Energy priorities during the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

2010-07-22T17:04:00.002+01:00

The energy priorities during the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU are:
-Preparing the Energy Action Plan;
-A blueprint for a European Energy Infrastructure Plan;
-A benchmark report on measures how to make the energy policy more consumer-friendly with a special attention to vulnerable consumers;
-Finalising the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) review;
-Energy Efficiency: An Indispensable Tool for Decarbonising European society;
-Evolving by 2050 not only towards a low-carbon economy, but towards a low-carbon society.

Events scheduled under the Belgian Presidency:
-An Informal Energy Council "Fuelling a Secure, Low-Carbon and Affordable Energy Future for Europe" taking place in Brussels, 6-7 September, that will try to discuss how to make energy policy more consumer-friendly and how to build a modern and integrated european energy grid.
-The Conference on the Energy Challenges for European Industry in Spa, 16-17 September;
-The Atomium Culture High-Level Workshop "A low-carbon society by 2050" in Brussels, 19-20 October
-The Biomass Conference in Brussels, 29 November.

EU proposes to end coal subsidies by 2014

2010-07-21T22:06:00.003+01:00

Mines in Spain, Germany (Ruhr) and Romania (Jiu Valleu) rely on subsidies to be explored economically. The EU proposes to end coal subsidies by 2014. Why not ending coal subsidies sooner?

"Ending coal subsidies in 2010 would have "dire" social and economic consequences. It would also be worse for the environment because indigenous coal would probably be replaced by imported coal rather than other alternatives, says the Commission."

Poland produces more than half the EU's hard coal without subsidies.

China has become the most energy consuming country

2010-07-20T11:57:00.002+01:00

According to the IEA, China became the largest consumer of energy in the world in 2009.

“In the 2000, the US consumed twice as much energy as China, now China consumes more than the US.”

However, on a per capita basis, the US still uses far more energy than China and remains less efficient than Europe.

China will determine how energy is used on a global scale – from the types of cars manufactured to the kinds of power plants built.

Source:
Finantial Times

Municipalities, schools and others can start producing electricity (in Portuguese)

2010-07-09T11:27:00.002+01:00

Autarquias e IPSS incentivadas a produzir electricidade
09.07.2010
Lurdes Ferreira

As autarquias, as IPSS, as escolas e os mercados abastecedores podem passar também a ser produtores de electricidade e vendê-la à rede, segundo o pacote de medidas aprovado ontem em Conselho de Ministros, que estabeleceu também que a grande e média indústria deixa de ter tarifa eléctrica regulada em 2011.

As novas entidades produtoras de electricidade, com acesso a um regime bonificado de tarifas, passam a funcionar no regime de miniprodução descentralizada, que terá até 2020, uma quota de produção de 500 MW, o equivalente a onze centrais fotovoltaicas da Amareleja. As autarquias, que já recebem rendas pela concessão das suas redes à EDP Distribuição, poderão passar também a injectar energia na rede. O Governo tem dois meses para aprovar o diploma que vai estabelecer o regime jurídico de acesso a esta nova actividade e o regime remuneratório, cuja bonificação depende da associação a medidas de eficiência energética.

Na microprodução, a alteração que se espera de maior significado refere-se à agilização dos processos de registo junto do sistema informático online da Direcção-Geral de Energia, com o Governo a prometer agora que o registo passa a ser aberto até que se atinja o tecto de potência destinado a cada ano e que é aumentado de 10MW para 25 MW.

O interesse público das entidades candidatas e as medidas de eficiência energética associada passam ainda a ser critérios para o acesso ao regime de incentivos à microprodução. Entre as entidades estão as que prestem serviços de carácter social nas áreas da saúde, educação, solidariedade, protecção social, defesa, segurança, outros serviços do Estado e também autarquias.

A produção descentralizada de energia está prevista na Estratégia Nacional de Energia 2020 como um dos meios para atingir a meta de energias renováveis.

O impacto mais imediato do pacote de estímulo ao sector da energia, visando cumprir as disposições das directivas europeias sobre a matéria, prende-se com a extinção das tarifas eléctricas reguladas para a muito alta, alta, média e baixa tensão especial a partir de 1 de Janeiro de 2011. Actualmente já cerca de 85 por cento do consumo no mercado liberalizado é a da responsabilidade dos muito grandes, grandes e médios consumidores industriais.

A medida traduz-se, na prática, pelo fim da possibilidade de as empresas destes escalões de consumo poderem transitar entre o mercado regulado e o liberalizado consoante os preços, acabando a tarifa regulada. Hoje, apenas uma pequena parte da indústria permanece com tarifas reguladas, não passando dos cinco por cento do total. Todos os restantes consumidores - domésticos e pequenas empresas - continuam a ter acesso à tarifa fixada pela ERSE.

Para o Governo, esta medida "afigura-se simultaneamente favorável para os consumidores e para o desenvolvimento do mercado, tornando-o mais aberto e competitivo".

Na produção e utilização de biocombustíveis, será criado um sistema de emissão de títulos de biocombustível, baseado no princípio do mercado de carbono, e com valorização adicional para quem produza biocombustível a partir de resíduos e detritos ou matéria-prima com origem lenhosa. É também introduzido um sistema de comércio de títulos de biocombustível entre quem tenha disponibilidade de títulos e quem precise deles para cumprir as metas de incorporação ditadas pela directiva europeia.

From:
Ecosfera, Público

Interview with Randall Bowie about energy efficiency (in Portuguese)

2010-06-28T10:31:00.003+01:00

Randall Bowie worked for the EC and helped set the energy policy. He is now a consultant in Rockwool International. He was one of the speakers at PCEEE.

Jornal Público publishes an interview with him.

Goal 2020 - strategy for Portugal

2010-06-27T17:25:00.002+01:00

Biosfera is a portuguese television show dedicated to the environment.
One of the last shows was about the Portuguese energy paradigm and the strategy for 2020.
Video (in portuguese)

Energy intensity data

2010-06-27T11:38:00.004+01:00

World energy intensity (2009)

Energy intensity from 1990 to 2009 (koe/$05p)

Energy intensity per region (2009)

World energy intensity has been slowly decreasing.
CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States; includes Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan) countries are the main contributors to energy intensity, followed by Africa and the Middle East. Europe has the lower share (8% and less than 0.15 koe/$05p).

Source:
ENERDATA

World electricity consumption per sector

2010-06-26T21:41:00.004+01:00

Source: IEA, 2007

The Figure above shows the world electricity consumption per sector.
Residential and commercial and public services account for 50% and industry for 42%.

The dirty truth about plug-in hybrid cars

2010-06-23T09:29:00.002+01:00

An interesting article in the Scientific American points out that although electric cars are emissions free on the road, their charging will increase electricity consumption and can also increase emissions depending on the fuels used to produce that electricity.

PCEEE - energy efficiency conference

2010-06-22T15:44:00.003+01:00

I attended today part of PCEEE - Portugal em conferência para uma economia energeticamente eficiente.

This conference was organized by CENSE, ISR, UC, Quercus and IST.

Some interesting information I gathered:
- Energy efficiency is important in all the stages of the electric system.
- Lobbys that advocate for energy efficiency are not too powerful so it does not have the importance in public agenda that it should have.
- Policies associated with energy efficiency measures do not have enough visibility compared with renewable energies, for example.
- Negawatt hour does not have a direct value associated; only an indirect value related with CO2 eq emissions.
- Studies indicate that energy efficiency costs less to implement and has more direct impacts in energy supply and demand because when reducing energy consumption at home we are indirectly increasing the comfort index.
- In transportation, the average occupation of vehicles (private or public transportation) is about 20%. For cars this represents about 1.2 passengers per car.
- There is an Action Plan in preparation by the EU. It should be released in the summer of 2011 and it focus on increasing energy efficiency standards of existing buildings (30 million buildings should have deep renovations by 2020). The problem with this Action Plan is that it seems to be more a set of guidelines and a strategy than measures and actions.
- A lot of problems pose when thinking about financing existing buildings renovations, but there should be no "cherry picking". If you consider that the renovation cycle is of about 30 years, if you today renovated your building by 20%, the rest will be left to renovate 30 years later.

Some interesting links:
European Council for an energy efficient economy
Portugal Clima 2020 (in portuguese)
Ecocasa Quercus
Top ten Quercus
Unlocking Energy Efficiency in the US economy, McKinsey study

Fossil fuel subsidies

2010-06-15T21:49:00.004+01:00

According to IEA, fossil fuel subsidies amounted to $557 billion in 2008. This represents an increase from $342 billion in 2007. Fossil fuel subsidies are leading to higher levels of consumption and not promoting energy efficiency nor the switch from fossil fuels to alternative, renewable fuels.

“Many governments are giving subsidies to fossil fuel production and consumption that encourage greenhouse gas emissions, at the same time as they are spending on projects to promote clean energy,” says Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General. “This is a wasteful use of scarce budget resources.”

Source of this information:
Energy Efficiency News

Energy efficient equipments deductible in the Portuguese taxes (IRS)

2010-06-09T13:21:00.002+01:00

The Portuguese government approved that expenses with energy efficient equipments can be deductible in the taxes (IRS).

The equipments are the following:
- Solar thermal installations to be used in water heating and climatization.
- Heat pumps to be used in water heating.
- PV panels to produce electricity in buildings.
- Wind power equipments, with nominal power<5 kW to produce electricity in buildings.
- Biomass burning equipments
- Equipments and renovation works that improve isolation and thermal conditions of the buildings.
- Electric charging equipments for electric vehicles.

The maximum deductible amount is 803€, which corresponds to an investment of 2677€.
These deductions are only valid once every 4 years, to avoid abuses and to assure that every IRS payer can use it.

In PT:
Portaria n.º 303/2010 de 8 de Junho:
Lista de equipamentos abrangidos pelas deduções à colecta a que se referem as alíneas a) e b) do artigo 85.º -A do Código do Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Singulares.
1 — Instalações solares térmicas para aquecimento de águas sanitárias e de climatização, utilizando como dispositivos de captação da energia colectores solares.
2 — Bombas de calor destinadas ao aquecimento de águas de uso doméstico.
3 — Painéis fotovoltaicos e respectivos sistemas de controlo e armazenamento de energia, destinados ao abastecimento de energia eléctrica a habitações.
4 — Aerogeradores de potência nominal inferior a 5 kW e respectivos sistemas de controlo e armazenamento de energia, destinados ao abastecimento de energia eléctrica a habitações.
5 — Equipamentos de queima de biomassa florestal, combustíveis derivados de resíduos ou de biogás, nomeadamente recuperadores de calor de lareiras, destinados quer ao aquecimento ambiente quer de águas sanitárias, e as caldeiras destinadas à alimentação de sistemas de aquecimento ambiente ou aquecimento de águas sanitárias e de climatização.
6 — Equipamentos e obras de melhoria das condições de comportamento térmico de edifícios, dos quais resulte directamente o seu maior isolamento:
a) Aplicação de isolamentos térmicos na envolvente dos edifícios, seja pelo exterior ou pelo interior, incluindo coberturas (telhados ou lajes), paredes e pavimentos adjacentes ao solo ou a espaços não climatizados;
b) Substituição de vãos envidraçados simples por vidros duplos com caixilharia de corte térmico.
7 — Equipamentos de carregamento de veículos eléctricos de instalação doméstica, em conformidade com as especificações técnicas a definir por portaria.