UK highlights – Clean Energy Ministerial
Energy Ministers from 23 of the world’s leading economies gathered together in London last week for the third Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM3) to help accelerate the transition to clean energy technologies. A joint press release was released from Energy Ministers outlining commitments made on energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy access, and other cross-cutting initiatives. Under pressure from green groups, UK Government Ministers were keen to demonstrate their renewed commitment to be the “greenest government ever” and give a clear vision to investors in renewable energy.
UK highlights – birds counts, renewable energy and Rio+20
This weekend kicks off the Big Garden Birdwatch, set aside an hour, make yourself a cup of tea and count the birds in your garden or local park. The RSPB have even provided a handy counting sheet to help! In other ESTH UK highlights, Ministers have been busy with the UK’s first marine energy park, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, preparations for the Green Deal, the Rio+20 Conference and a legal battle over cuts to solar tariffs. MPs have warned the smart meter rollout faces challenges, the UK Carbon Price will outsource emissions, and there is renewed opposition to health reforms. Green charities are concerned about ‘Boris Island’ and give their thoughts on the year ahead. And you need to count your hedgehogs too.
Weekly highlights of UK news
Energy is the hot topic this week. The Prime Minister hosted an energy summit to help families keep down energy bills, the Government made announcements on Carbon Capture and Storage and renewable energy, and the Energy Act became law. In other news, the Health Secretary has launched plans to help tackle the problem of obesity.
Investment Conference Highlights Scottish Ambitions for a Low Carbon Future
I had the pleasure of attending the September 27-28 Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference in Edinburgh last week (for more details on the program see http://www.slciconference.com/). The gathering (organized by the Scottish Government and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce) was a terrific forum that highlighted all the key aspects of Scotland’s low carbon strategy – from offshore wind, to wave and tidal power, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, and energy efficiency, and – importantly — the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome for Scotland to realize its full low carbon potential. Read more 