reegle Blog

Currently, less than 4 percent of the EU’s electricity consumption is met by wind power, but the wind has potential to meet 28 percent of the demand by 2030, according to the European Wind Energy Technology Platform (TPWind). In its Strategic Research Agenda TPWind presents a vision in which wind energy covers 12-14 percent of the EU’s electricity consumption by 2020, with a total installed capacity of 180 gigawatts. By 2030, this could be increased to 300 gigawatts. Final focus will be strengthening European wind power exports. Fulfilling this vision will be a major industrial and technological challenge, and it requires both policy-makers and sector players implement strategic action in technology and policy research.

At the annual REEEP-Wilton Park event last week, more than sixty representatives of business, government and climate negotiators met to discuss climate change and energy security post-Bali. This was the first time that REEEP invited climate negotiators to the event . Business typically does not have access to the inner circles of Kyoto climate negotiations.

A major outcome was the realization that the developed world’s accountability will have to increase with respect to emissions reduction work in the developing world.  Actions will have to be “measurable and verifiable”.

A report of the outcomes will be published in September.

In preparation for a big Green Press Conference in August 2008, Andrew Mannle, Mike Ratner and Paul Johnston premiered “The Green Radio Show” end of June with a roundtable meeting of Media, experts and grass roots activist.

Because there is a lot of conflicting information, misinformation, and changing information in the green space, the Green Press Conference sees itself as an opportunity to present these issues to mainstream journalists and open a dialogue with journalists to hear their questions and strategies for covering the crucial topics of climate change, the energy economy and sustainable solutions.

Peter Richards from REEEP participated at this press conference and presented REEEP, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership. He spoke about instituting renewable energy in developing countries and what the developed world can do to help these countries. Peter stressed that we should not only focus on the +5 countries (China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Mexico) in case of sustainability issues but have a look on other developing countries too.

After his presentation he introduced the STERN-Report to the audience which resulted in a very interesting discussion about several different topics (ie. “green things cost more money”).

See “The green radio show @ IDEOCAST” for further information and the whole lineup oft the cast. You can listen to or download the whole cast there too.

The Energy Globe Award has extended its deadline until 21.06.2008 for submitting projects. I would like to invite you to participate in the Energy Globe 2008 as I think it is a real great opportunity to promote good projects and create awareness for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects all around the world.

The Energy Globe Award is one of the most important environmental awards worldwide. The Award distinguishes projects that sustainably use our resources such as water, earth, energy and air or use renewable energy forms. This makes a significant contribution to climate and environment. Only if such harbinger projects are followed by many other projects can climate change be slowed.

The Energy Globe is awarded nationally and internationally in the categories earth, fire, water, air and youth. The first prize in each category of the international Energy Globe Award wins €10,000. Awards are made in a televised gala that is viewed worldwide.

See the Energy Globe Application site for further information and details on how to download the application form.

I heard last week from Glynn Morris of Agama that Doug passed away. We knew for the past six weeks that Doug was fighting with cancer of the liver and knew that he was in his final stretch but I didn’t think it will be so soon. REEEP had great expectations from a project run by Restio Energy led by Doug. Details here . http://www.reeep.org/showProject/655.1060730/developing-an-integrated-rural-energy-utility-roadmap.htm

The project was developing the concept of an integrated rural energy utility which will provide both thermal and electrical energy to rural consumers. The project proposal followed a discussion Glynn and I had with Doug at a dinner at the British Ambassodor’s residence in Cape Town about two years ago. We had also lined up Peter Richards to ensure that this project work and its outputs was promoted through REEEP communications. Doug thought that the time was not right for promotion and he wanted us to wait……

In my meetings with Doug, I have found him to be fiercely honest and very direct. He had excellent analytical skills, good understanding of rural energy dynamics, a clear perspective and vision. We interacted initially in 2002 when I was involved during my IT Power days in a Zambian project for UNIDO to develop a solar mini-grid concept where we applied some of the learnings from Doug’s RAPS experience. Doug was also a key contributor to the Uganda rural electrification master plan for IT Power. What I liked about Doug’s approach was the comprehensive way of looking all the technical, business, thermal, electrical, social and management aspects, which is crucial for long term sustenance of efforts.

Douglas also made very valuable contributions to the REEEP project managers meeting early this year in New Delhi. He was very honest, open and unbiased with his views and suggestions and made several very valuable suggestions that REEEP programmes will take on board. My colleagues at the REEEP international and Regional Secretariat - TERI fondly recall their interactions with Doug in Delhi and are shocked to learn about his death. I can also gauge from the mails from Glynn that the many of Doug’s associates in South Africa are also finding it difficult to come to terms with his sudden absence. I was very pleased to hear from Glynn that Doug’s family and associates of Restio are planning to set up a scholarship fund for Renewable Energy Studies in his memory. This is a laudable and an appropriate tribute to Doug and I’m sure that he would have approved of this initiative. I understand that more information on this initiative will be available on Restio’s website www.restio.co.za soon.

While it is a moment for us to pause and think, let us celebrate Doug’s life and contributions to renewable energy in Africa and beyond and try and do more for renewable energy globally and in Africa. Thank you Douglas for your life and your contributions to renewable energy, we will miss you.

The Group of Eight countries want to work with the nearly 200 states involved in U.N. climate change talks to adopt a goal of at least halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to a draft communique obtained by Reuters ahead of its formal approval. Mid-term goals also would be needed to achieve the shared goal for 2050. The statement puts the focus of fighting global warming on U.N.-led talks. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the deal represented a "new, shared vision" and kept negotiations on track for a global deal in 2009. The G8 would also unveil a series of measures to help Africa and would give USD 50 billion extra in aid by 2010.