Nuclear power always promises jam tomorrow
DOMINIC MACLAINE In February 2007, according to the Daily Telegraph’s recent excellent article on planned new nuclear build, EDF said that the UK would have a new nuclear plant at Hinkley ‘by Christmas...
Author: Richard
Forget new build, just use what you have got
DOMINIC MACLAINE News this month that EDF Energy has been granted life extensions for its nuclear plant prompts an interesting question – are we entering a period of utilising existing power plant rather than...
Why Norway may open up spectacular Lofoten archipelago to oil and gas firms
At the start of each year, Norway hands out new licences for offshore oil and gas development. Typically, these “Awards in Predefined Areas” (APA) receive little coverage outside of the specialist media. But this...
Committees and hot air – is there a global warming link?
Dominic Maclaine After lengthy sessions negotiators at the latest COP21 (Conference Of Parties) meeting in Paris to tackle climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reached agreement on a new Protocol text aimed at...
State of the Energy Union: we need clear targets & effective governance
State of the Energy Union Review Highlights the Need for Clear Targets and Effective Governance on the EU and Member State Level This blog links to a more detailed working paper: A Comparison of the...
Pulling wool over your eyes
Dom Maclaine, 20th October 2015 The public smacking that the United Nation (UN) gave the UK over cutting renewable subsidies does seem to be a last ditch attempt to save solar power in the...
Rudd’s ‘magic money tree’ risks undermining investments in a low carbon economy
Bridget Woodman Amber Rudd’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference was enlightening in many ways. Apart from anything else, it was the first time since the her appointment as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change,...
The strategic importance of democratising energy
Iain Soutar, EPG, 8th October 2015 Speaking at the Labour Conference last week, shadow secretary Lisa Nandy sought to clarify what energy policy would look like under a Labour government. The speech appeared to...