Role of cities in the energy transition
When we talk about climate and energy policy it is often on the country level. But cities can (and are) advancing the transition to clean energy.
Entries tagged with "European Union"
The EU energy transition
While the European Union has both expanded its borders and its capabilities, it has also interconnected its energy markets. Now member states are trying to clean up their energy sectors.
Renewable energy in the European Union
Renewable energy is making progress in the EU, but it is uneven across member countries.
Energy poverty
Energy poverty is the lack of adequate warmth, cooling, lighting and the energy to power appliances. More than 50 million households in the EU are impacted by energy poverty.
The energy transition in Spain
Sun-drenched and zephyr-kissed, Spain occupies a corner of Europe that is ideal for solar and wind power. After an initial surge of investment in renewables, the flaws of the government’s energy policy became evident, and the authorities slammed the brakes on investment. There are signs that they may now be relenting.
History of the EU Energy Union
In the EU, an Energy Union is emerging from a bewildering array of packages, policies, projects and proposals. They map the shift from concern over how energy markets function to efforts to promote renewables and curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Flexible power production
To complement renewables, we will need power plants that can change how much energy they produce relatively quickly. To pay for such reserve generating capacity, the power market will need to be redesigned.
Digitalization
Digitalization when referring to the energy sector is about the collection and analysis of data on energy use. It can range from being able to track your power consumption online to the ‘internet of things’ where devices from toasters to thermostats communicate and interact.
Biomass
Biomass usually means ethanol, biodiesel, biogas and wood pellets made from plants and waste products. It is the most versatile type of renewable energy as it can provide heat, energy and fuel.
The European Energy Union
Energy has become a core issue for the European Union. However, the EU does not have an exclusive competence in this field. Making it a shared competence in the Lisbon Treaty of 2009 was a bold move forward, but it remains a natural field of conflict between Member States and many EU institutions.