Simulators (in portuguese)

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

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

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

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