Falling coal use in China and the US and a shift towards renewable energy globally saw energy emissions level for the second year running, says IEA. Preliminary data for 2015 from the International Energy Agency (IEA) showed that carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector have levelled off at 32.1bn tonnes even as the global economy grew over 3%. Electricity generated by renewable sources played a critical role, having accounted for around 90% of new electricity generation in 2015. Wind power produced more than half of all new electricity generation, said the IEA.
Guardian 16th March 2016 read more »
Anthony Kyriakides is Renewables Programme Manager at Energy Saving Trust in Scotland: As announced in the chancellor’s autumn statement, new applicants to the UK Government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme for domestic solar energy will now receive a reduced rate of payment for the energy generated by household solar PV panels. This may seem a setback for small-scale renewables, however, given the far-reaching benefits they can bring to our homes, this will by no means spell the end for the industry. In fact, by shifting the focus from subsidies to other, more pressing drivers for consumers – reducing household bills, making homes warmer, supporting energy security – home renewables will reaffirm their value as a worthwhile, achievable longterm investment. We work with thousands of homeowners who have already made the transition to home renewables.Reducing bills rather than generating income throu gh subsidies has been the leading motivation for the owner. Regardless of whether subsidy payments exist, home renewable energy will always have the power to save money given the abundance of natural resources over fossil fuels.
Scotsman 16th March 2016 read more »
The British renewables industry today remains frustrated and unclear following announcements contained in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget. A new series of tax breaks and government support has been included for the fossil fuel industry, yet support for renewable energy ‘remains thin.’ A spokesman for the Renewable Energy Association – the largest such trade body in the UK – contrasted the government’s fiscal position on oil and gas with renewables. He said: “For fossil fuels, the Government will: Effectively abolish the Petroleum Revenue Tax; Reduce the Supplementary Charge from 20% to 10%; Provide an additional £20 million in funding for seismic surveys, and Consult on a new shale wealth fund (in England only).
Scottish Energy News 16th March 2016 read more »