Though they have survived fires, insect outbreaks and logging, the forests of Europe may now face their biggest challenge ever – climate change. Disrupted weather patterns could intensify droughts, fires, storms, pest infestations, species loss, and other natural calamities harmful or even fatal to forests. Rather than wait until Europe’s forests begin to die off, … Read more
The recent start-up of the grid interconnection between the UK and the Netherlands is a major step forward for a better interconnected electricity grid in Europe. The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) is a strong supporter of an integrated power grid in Europe and believes that the BritNed link, which has just gone live, is … Read more
20 Megawatt wind turbines are feasible, according to a new report from the EU-funded UpWind project. The UpWind project explored the design limits of up-scaling wind turbines to 20 Megawatt (MW) and found that they would have rotor diameters of around 200 metres, compared to some 120 metres on today’s 5 MW turbines. Such turbines … Read more
China is starting to act positively on international climate targets though challenges remain. A new report by The Climate Group commissioned by the HSBC Climate Change Centre of Excellence, says the Chinese government’s decision to put a ‘clean industrial revolution’ at the heart of the nation’s 12th Five Year Plan will deliver real carbon savings … Read more
The European wind energy sector’s most prestigious award, the Poul la Cour prize, has been presented to Henrik Stiesdal, chief technology officer at Siemens Wind Power. Henrik Stiesdal was one of the pioneers of modern wind energy technology and has helped guide its development ever since. Since 1993, the prize has been awarded to individuals … Read more
According to the latest glass recycling estimates – published one year ahead of the official Eurostat data – more than 67% of glass bottles and jars were collected for recycling in the European Union in 2009. The figures released by FEVE, the EU Container Glass Federation, translate into about 11 million tonnes or 25 billion … Read more
Vaillant, the heating and ventilation specialist, and vehicle manufacturer Honda have introduced a new micro-combined heat and power (mCHP) system for Europe. It is the first European system with highly efficient gas engine technology for use in single-family homes. The mCHP system simultaneously produces environment-friendly heat and electricity and will be available in Germany by … Read more
Initial findings of The EU Zoo Inquiry 2011, the most comprehensive investigation into the licensing and performance of zoos across the EU, has revealed the systemic failure of governments, competent authorities and enforcement agencies to ensure that European zoos meet their legal obligations to species conservation, education and animal welfare. The EU Zoo Inquiry 2011 … Read more
GE has signed a ten year contract with Spanish wind developer Cobra Energia to provide advanced services for 178 GE wind turbines installed at eight wind farms across Spain. The agreement is GE’s largest wind energy services contract in Europe, and reinforces the company’s position in Europe’s highly competitive wind turbine services sector. The agreement … Read more
Alternative fuels have the potential to gradually replace fossil energy sources and make transport sustainable by 2050, according to a report presented to the European Commission by the stakeholder expert group on future transport fuels. The EU will need an oil-free and largely CO2-free energy supply for transport by 2050 due to the need to … Read more