Hydropower’s Resurgence and the Controversy Around It

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!

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

Portugal with the highest CO2 reduction in the EU in 2010

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

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

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

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

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