The Green Paper asks about the harnessing of emission trading to promote energy efficiency. Stavros Dimas, the EC Member responsible for the Environment, described the EU scheme, which started on January 1st 2005, as one of the flagship policies of the European Climate Change Programme at the Montreal COP/MOP conference in December.
He reported that it is already showing results as a cost-effective mechanism. So far, some 230 million tonnes of CO2 have been traded, worth 3 to 4 billion Euros. He also stated that the EU is still on target to meet the 2010 EU Kyoto target, with emissions of the EU-15 Member States 9.3%, and the EU-25 11.3% below 1990 levels.
January 11th, 2006
Electric domestic kettles represent an increasingly high proportion of total energy consumption in the EU. They benefit from the efficiency of electricity at the point of use, and also from a reduction of losses associated with convection, the thermal mass of larger heating elements etc. They have been estimated to consume half the energy needed to boil water on a stove.
However their size and energy ratings are increasing rapidly, particularly in households provided with high capacity electrical wiring circuits. In the UK they are now estimated to account for almost a third of the electricity used by cooking appliances. New features, such as incorporating a “keep-warm� capability, could increase carbon dioxide emissions by 220,000 tonnes a year.
January 10th, 2006
Energy efficiency has a key role to play in enhancing the performance and economics of new power generation technologies, and combining different technologies into viable energy supply systems. A partnership including EdF is installing the first commercial prototype for generating electricity from underwater tidal currents in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. The world’s first electricity supply system combining wind generation with hydrogen storage has started operation on the island of Utsira, Norway.
Such developments are likely to be an increasingly important focus for energy efficiency actions and investments, as well as a major driving force for the development of new energy efficient products, materials and methodologies.
January 5th, 2006
A global awards ceremony at the December COP11/MOP1 meeting on climate change in Montreal was based upon independent assessments undertaken by Innovest Strategic Value Advisors.
The winners were Dupont, (Low Carbon Leaders of the Decade) Johnson and Johnson, (Greatest Annual Percentage GHG Reductions) ST Electronics, (Low Carbon Corporate Governance) Toyota, (Low Carbon Technology Innovation) HSBC Bank, (Low Carbon Finance and Investment) Germany, (National Governments) Manitoba, Canada (State/Regional Governments) Woking, UK (City Governments).
January 5th, 2006
The Green Paper describes information and education as underused tools, and identifies the role of publicity and information in strengthening a culture of energy efficiency in Europe.
In discussing the Green Paper there has also been mention of the difficulties that politicians have in focussing on longer term goals, due to their likely short terms in office.
But do we not all share this inability to visualise the medium and longer term future, and relate it to our current behaviour? The success of the Montreal Protocol is often cited as an example our capability to work together globally on major environmental issues. But its overall impact on business, day-to-day activities, living standards and aspirations, was much more limited.
January 3rd, 2006
This webconference, in the context of the public consultation on the Green Paper on Energy Efficiency, focuses on system aspects.
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January 2nd, 2006
The Green paper identifies financing energy efficiency as one of the main problems to be resolved. A project being undertaken by the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy examines the scope for citizens to contribute to the retrofitting of local public buildings to higher standards.
An important point being made about this sector is that many local municipalities in Europe suffer from an acute shortage of funds.
December 23rd, 2005
Refrigeration and air conditioning account for about 15% of worldwide electricity consumption. Demand is growing rapidly, with the number of domestic refrigerators doubling every 12 years.
The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIF/IIR) has set challenging targets for the industry, to reduce the unitary energy consumption of refrigerating plants by 2020 by 30-50%, according to application.
The industry faces an additional challenge, as direct emissions of refrigerant gases are estimated to contribute about 20% of the total global-warming impact of refrigeration processes.
December 21st, 2005
Europe’s future energy efficiency and climate change targets are likely to be more challenging than the considerable gains achieved to date. Main contributors in the past have included improved standards of insulation, the handling of hot and cold fluids in many areas including domestic appliances, boilers and the food industry. Also the basic streamlining of production processes, particularly in the high temperature industries.
Much of the significant gains in these areas have already been made. New points of focus, possibly higher investment in cogeneration, and the wider adoption of newer technologies, could be essential for further improvement.
December 19th, 2005
The Republic of Ireland’s response to the Sustainable Energy Green Paper makes the point that energy efficiency should also assist in meeting a number of social objectives.
Among these are providing adequate warmth, comfort, and well-being for all, and in particular should attempt to alleviate fuel poverty.
December 16th, 2005
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