ViEUw’s Video Summary Of The Cypriot Presidency’s Energy Priorities

To view ViEUw’s video summary of the Cypriot Presidency’s energy priorities please click here.

Carbon Capture And Storage Project Delays In Europe

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Europe and globally is facing challenges, with many projects being delayed. In 2008 Zero Emissions Platform (ZEP), the advisory body on CCS to the European Commission (EC), predicted that 11-12 demonstration plants would be required, but today a maximum of 6 are foreseen. A 7-12 billion euro funding gap was expected, while to date only 3-4 billion euro has been secured; it was predicted that demonstration plants would be operational by 2015, however the current outlook is either 2016 or 2017.

European Grid Not Yet Ready For Variable-Energy Sources

European Voice magazine has published an interesting article about the European grid and its (non-)readiness for new variable-energy sources such as

Australia To Join The EU’s Emissions Trading System By 2018

From 2018 onwards Australia, one of the world’s highest per capita emitters of climate change causing pollutants, will join the European Union’s Emission Trading System (ETS).

EU FP7 Energy Calls 2013 Published

In July 2012 the European Commission (EC) published the new FP7 Calls for Proposals for 2013.

Reduction In Number Of ETS Allowances Released From 2013-2020

The European Commission has recently concluded a review on the timing of actions of emission allowances under the European Trading System. In the words of Connie Hedegaard, Climate Action Commissioner, “the EU ETS has a growing surplus of allowances built up over the last few years. It is not wise to deliberately continue to flood a market that is already oversupplied. This is why the Commission today has paved the way for changing the timing of when allowances are auctioned. This short-term measure will improve the functioning of the market.’

US To Accelerate Investment In Industrial Energy Efficiency

In August 2012, US President Barack Obama issued an executive order to promote American manufacturing by helping to facilitate investments in energy efficiency at industrial facilities to improve the competitiveness of US manufacturing, lower energy costs, free up future capital for businesses to invest, reduce air pollution, and create jobs.

The Economist Publishes Article On Shale Gas

The Economist has published an article on shale gas. To view the article please click here.

BP’s Annual Energy Review

BP published its 61st Annual Statistical Energy Review in June 2012. BP’s chief economist, Christof Rühl, presented the data at the annual event in Brussels.

European Commission Launches Consultation On Energy Infrastructure

The European Commission (EC) has launched a public consultation to seek views on a range of electricity and gas infrastructure projects that may be eligible for EU funding.