Renewables
UNEP & REN21: 2011 saw record growth for renewable technologies
Two new reports find 2011 was a record year for both capacity growth and investment in renewable technologies, with a record investment of $257 billion.
Can South Africa spark a clean energy revolution across the continent?
Government is addressing energy security, development and carbon emissions with pioneering public-private partnership.
The business case for standardisation
It sounds a boring topic – but the standardisation of clean-tech appliances can save money, increase business competition and improve energy efficiency.
EU “will not abandon” biofuels in face of renewed criticism
Bloc continues to see role for the technology in its fight against climate change despite claims linking it human rights abuses and concerns over food prices.
COMMENT: Why pooling Europe’s energy makes sense
As the UK touts the possibility of linking Iceland’s bountiful geothermal energy to the rest of Europe, Redpoint Energy explains why EU red tape could hold back plans for a European super-grid.
LCEDN VIDEO: Combining the traditional and the modern for climate resilience
Iván Azurdia Bravo from the Guatemalan non-profit Rijatzul Q’ij talks to RTCC about the need to consider both modern technology and traditional skills and values when adopting climate resilience projects in Central and Southern America.
Student Action: Promoting renewable energy at Cambridge University
In the first post as part of RTCC’s Student Project, Daisy Haywood from Energise Cambridge explains the pressure the group are putting on their university to move to renewables.
SEI: Scarcity of metals could hamper low-carbon development
Stockholm Envrionment Institute warns that low-carbon development could be hit if business and policy makers don’t address resource scarcity concerns.
Giddens compares climate change negotiations to The Matrix
Former advisor to British Prime Minister Tony Blair says global climate talks are divorced from reality and time is running out for solution to temperature rise.
VIDEO: Marine energy can help beat rising gas prices
Marine energy offers better value for money in the long-term than alternatives such as nuclear, says experts.
VIDEO: Independent Scotland would push for progress at UN climate talks
Energy Minister praises work towards country’s 100% renewable energy target that he says could spur action from other nations.
European electricity grid moves a step closer
Electricity likely to cross borders more frequently as renewable integration boosts supply and cuts costs.
Report: Britain could lead world on marine power
Committee says the country must not miss out an opportunity to take share of £340bn industry.
Photo of the week #5
This week’s Rio Conventions Calendar photo features renewable energy in China.
What can the oceans do for us?
Oceans are not simply a source of food and sanctuary for ecosystems. They could also provide us with vast quantities of energy.
Five things we learned about climate change this week
President Obama, Ban Ki-moon and NASA all had something to say in a hectic week of climate change news. RTCC runs through five ideas to takeaway from the week.
Scientists make underwater biofuel breakthrough
New discovery means ethanol can be produced from seaweed, sparing food crops.
Clean energy investment soars but government support slides away
$260 billion spent on clean energy in 2010 but renewables policy support is flagging.
Greenhouse gases to rise in wake of nuclear phase out, says IEA economist
IEA Chief Economist, Fatih Birol has warned the world to expect a rise in greenhouse gas emissions as countries turn their backs on nuclear.
Ban Ki-moon: Sustainable energy for all is achievable
UN Secretary-General says energy choices key to security, development and environmental challenges.