It continues to be worthwhile to read IEA articles and commentaries on various energy developments.
In a recent article by the IEA (for details click here), the authors emphasise the fact that fossil fuel subsidies are creating an uneven playing field for clean energy. IEA organisation monitors energy prices that consumers pay around the world, and compares them with so-called reference prices. In this way the IEA estimates the size of subsidies over time.
In the context of aiming for a sustainable world, this article shows that there is still quite some work to do internationally.
A disconcerting message as this could have negative consequences for the required sustainable energy growth. On the other hand, the COVID-19 crisis may help us with a more stronger focus on a sustainable world where solar and wind power are important building blocks for our future.
Yes, we realise that when the balance sheets of large energy firms are affected, this may cause an impact on sustainable energy investment. However, decentralised sustainable energy generation, by investments of individual home owners, SME’s and housing corporations can provide the positive push our society needs.
IEA has launched a new “Methane Tracker”, providing a global picture of methane emissions, covering eight industry areas across more than seventy countries.
This tool provides up-to-date estimates of current oil and gas methane emissions, drawing on best available data. Read more ….
When reading the above, please view the “Climate Action Tracker” as well. It all places matters in an interesting context.
In a previous blog we reported on this tool extensively; click here. Read more ….
We would like to draw the readers’ attention to recent information from the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations regarding the “Analysis of project proposals (click here)” and the “Evaluation of pilot projects for natural gas-free residential areas (click here)”.
We would also like to refer you to the EnShared website.
According to Dutch CBS: Natural gas revenues from gas extraction in NL amount to nearly 417 billion euros. Read more ….
According to Dutch CBS: in 2018, renewable energy sources accounted for 7.4 percent of total Dutch energy consumption, up from 6.6 percent one year previously.
Solar energy consumption (for electricity and heat) increased by 40 percent. The use of energy from wind only increased by 4 percent (mainly due to onshore wind capacity). Read more ….
Dutch Climate agreement | 1 billion extra investments needed in the electricity grid for solar energy in the Northern part of the Netherlands An article in Solar magazine, with the above-mentioned “headline”, published March 13, 2019, does something to us.
QUOTE “If the growth of solar energy continues, an extra 1 billion must be invested in the electricity grid in the north of the Netherlands to connect solar panels. This is apparent from the calculation of the Climate Agreement.
The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) and the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) conclude this in the report “Effects of draft Climate Agreement”. This report contains the calculation of the effects of the Draft Climate Agreement that was presented in December. The network costs have been mapped by TenneT and the 3 largest regional network operators Stedin, Enexis and Liander. This is based on assumptions about the interpretation of the production of renewable energy and the development of demand that are aligned with the PBL. “It has been taken into account that extra investments of around 1 billion euros in the high-voltage network are required if solar PV in the Northern Netherlands grows to a capacity of 3 to 4 gigawatts,” the PBL writes. “From 3 to 4 gigawatt peak solar PV in the Northern Netherlands, extra transport capacity is needed on the extra high-voltage network (EHS), which means that investments will be around 1 billion euros higher.” UNQUOTE
It has been known for quite some time that we need to increase our investments in our infrastructure. The writer of this blog who, as former director/CEO of KEMA and former CEO of Ecofys, has quite some knowledge of these subjects, wonders why our joint predictive capacity has not resulted in timely actions. We have the knowledge and therefore must be able as a society to choose and implement smart solutions in time.
On the other hand, this issue gives room for great alternatives, such as Storage! After all, flexibility and therefore storage is essential in the energy transition. For that reason, a related company, EnShared, is a member of the Flexiblepower Alliance Network.
NVDE: ECN study: Climate agreement can create more than 70,000 jobs
Interesting article; read more …..
CPB: Calculation of draft Climate Agreement
The recent calculation of the draft Climate Agreement by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) shows the implications of the existing climate policy and the various plans that the government wants to take towards 2030.
According to the calculation, the desired CO2 reduction will not be achieved with the existing plans, the industry is lagging behind in climate terms and especially the low income groups are affected in their wallets. The Cabinet responded by announcing that the energy tax increase will be reversed from 2020 and by establishing a (yet to be determined) “CO2 tax” for companies. Read more ….
Many articles appear in the media, which could be pretty confusing to the average homeowner. We have already communicated before that a balanced approach for gas is needed. And to make all of the Netherlands homes all-electric, is not a very realistic scenario. Of course, certain (new) neighbourhoods can and will be free of natural gas. But various areas will continue to use natural gas for a long time in combination with other sustainable measures.
It is important to bring the role of sustainable gases in the spotlight. Green gas and hydrogen. Especially green gas can already be used in houses and there are already several effective solutions available. We generally have a good gas network in the Netherlands, where we can make good and smart use of it for many years to come. Read more ….
important work is done in Europe by the “Gas for Climate” initiative, which states: “Gas and its infrastructure are important today and continue to be important in 2050, providing that a shift takes place towards renewable and low carbon gas to meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees. Gas for Climate: a path to 2050 advocates an affordable solution in the transition to a sustainable energy system.“. Read more ….
“To achieve the Paris Agreement target of limiting global temperature increase to well below two degrees, a major redesign of the energy system is required. This study by Ecofys, a Navigant company, explores the role of gas in a fully decarbonised energy system by 2050. We conclude that it is possible by 2050 to scale up renewable gas (biomethane and renewable hydrogen) production in the EU to a quantity of 122 billion cubic metres by 2050. We also conclude that using this gas with existing gas infrastructure, smartly combined with renewable electricity in sectors where it adds most value, can lead to €138 billion societal cost savings annually compared to decarbonisation without a role for renewable gas”.
Existing home gas burners can function perfectly if 30% of natural gas is replaced by hydrogen in the existing grid, according to engineers from British Swansey University. Read more …
A unique trial will start in the Dutch city Heerhugowaard, which can help large parts of the Netherlands’ residential areas to become natural gas-free. For the first time, homeowners living in a neighborhood with a mix of residential and rental houses, will receive a proposal from the local housing corporation to become energy-neutral collectively.
It concerns 14 homeowners who live within a block of 97 rental homes. To get them involved they will receive an attractive, ready-made offer. Both technically and financially viable.
