The Myth of Net-Zero Emissions BERLIN – The emissions from burning coal, oil, and gas are heating up our planet at such a rapid rate that increasingly volatile and dangerous climate conditions seem almost inevitable. Clearly, we have to reduce emissions fast, while developing alternative energy sources that allow us to leave fossil fuels in the ground. By Lili Fuhr and Niclas Hällström
CEE nuclear folly Politicians from Central and Eastern Europe use wrong assumptions to justify new nuclear power in their region. They base their pro nuclear stance on an expected significant increase in domestic power demand and increasing wholesale prices. Jan Ondrich reports. By Jan Ondřich
Cloudy skies over Czech photovoltaics In many countries, solar energy is enjoying great success – photovoltaic modules are increasingly affordable and available to those interested in producing their own electricity. In the Czech Republic, however, those investing in and building solar power stations must constantly resist efforts by the government to destabilise the business environment. By Martin Sedlák
A more progressive programme declaration with atomic limits In the Czech Republic, we have had lots of practice commenting on the expectations and tasks of new governments. This is already the fourth cabinet to govern since 2009. Each time, we expect of the new government that it will finally make use of the possibilities to increase energy efficiency, which can liberate homes from their dependence on coal from surface mines in northern Bohemia and on Russian natural gas. Even more so, however, we are waiting for a government that will return stability to investments in renewable energy sources. How can the new cabinet – composed of the Social Democrats, the new party ANO and the Christian Democrats – fare in this role?
The Czech government wants to strengthen atomic energy – even at the price of subsidies In the Czech Republic, a new State Energy Policy is currently being prepared. The current energy policy dates from 2004, and its contents are inadequate for modern industrial trends. Unfortunately, the Czech government has decided to turn its back on opportunities to increase energy efficiency and the use renewable resources. Instead, the basis of the new energy policy is to be the construction of more nuclear reactors. By Martin Sedlák
German "Energiewende" – An Opportunity for the Czech Republic Clean energy sources are reducing Germany’s dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear power, and are creating new jobs. Renewables play an important role in supporting employment during an economic recession, and in building energy independence in Europe. It is precisely for this reason that the Czech Republic should take note of the rising trajectory of clean energy in Germany.
Energy Efficiency as a main pillar of Energy Policy The Prague Conference represented energy efficiency as a key part of progressive energy policies. European countries invest into energy efficiency through policies, which encourage investment in the energy sector and overall economic growth. This enables a productive and innovative energy market, offering business efficiencies whilst reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Future of the energy systems The international conference "What the future of energy systems willl be?" on 13. October in Prague fostered an international debate on the cost of nuclear power, the prospects of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. During the conference, The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2010-2011 and update was presented by its lead author, Mycle Schneider, and we offer you video of his presentation as well as PPTs presentations of other internationally and locally renowned energy experts.
Website Launch: The German Energy Transition – Arguments for a renewable energy future Increasing storms, more wildfires, and devastating droughts: The impact of climate change is felt around the world. The U.N. climate negotiations in Doha, Qatar (COP 18) are crucial to move towards a global agreement to fight climate change. But negotiations don’t replace action on the ground. It is important that countries to decarbonizes their economies and transition to a renewable energy future.