Governments across the globe are encouraging the use of electric vehicles to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and their impact on the environment, says a new report by energy experts GlobalData.

The new report states that growing environmental concerns and the urge to reduce dependency on fossil fuels has called for changes in existing energy generation technologies, and particularly in the transportation sector.

According to the International Transport Forum, 98% of the transportation sector is dependent on fossil fuels for its energy, and the sector represents a major source of GHG, contributing about 23% of global CO2 emissions.

Currently, significant effort is being made by policy makers, governments and automakers across the globe to promote EV adoption among consumers. Incentives are provided by governments to customers willing to purchase EVs in many countries, and the market has a wide range of models suitable for commuting around cities. EVs are available at reasonable prices, and research shows that electric vehicles are more economical over their lifetimes than conventional vehicles which run on Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) technology. Increasing consumer awareness, the positive impact of EVs on the climate, and policies and incentives put forward by governments are all driving EV adoption.

However, the electric vehicles currently available operate on batteries that have limited power density and energy density, which restricts their use. Due to the limitations of current battery technology and the lack of widespread charging infrastructure, electric vehicles are largely used for commuting within city limits, but aren’t used for long journeys – a fear of running out of charge is holding EV drivers back.

To overcome this problem, manufacturers are developing new EVs which can travel longer distances on a single charge. Some manufacturers have developed a system to switch to gasoline to power the vehicle when the charge in the battery gets depleted, whileToyotais installing solar panels on the roof of a hybrid EV to power the vehicle with renewable energy when the battery is exhausted. Other manufacturers are developing new EV models which will charge more quickly. These efforts to manufacture extended range EVs are likely to increase the vehicles’ acceptance levels among consumers.

Upcoming improved battery systems with high power density, energy density and enhanced energy efficiency will also reduce anxiety among EV drivers. Approximately 97% of the HEVs available on the road are currently using NiMH batteries as their source of energy, but these are likely to be replaced by advanced Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technologies. The range offered by electric vehicles with NiMH batteries is 200km per charge, whereas advanced battery technologies such as Li-ion batteries offer 300-500km per charge. The forthcoming extended range EV models, which are likely to use enhanced battery technologies or other supporting technologies, will therefore improve the outlook for EV vehicles. Alternatively, EV charging infrastructure manufacturerBetter Placeplans to offer a network of battery switch stations, which facilitate the swapping of depleted EV batteries with fully charged batteries, enabling EV drivers to recharge their vehicle immediately.

Global funding for carbon capture and storage technology, a tool for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, remained unchanged at $23.5 billion in 2011 in comparison to the previous year, according to a new report from the Worldwatch Institute. Although there are currently 75 large-scale, fully integrated carbon capture and storage projects in 17 countries at various stages of development, only eight are operational – a figure that has not changed since 2009.

Carbon capture and storage, more commonly known as CCS, refers to the technology that attempts to capture carbon dioxide from a human-created source – often industry and power generation systems – and then store it in permanent geologic reservoirs so that it never enters the atmosphere. The United States is the leading funder of large-scale CCS projects, followed by the European Union and Canada. The new Worldwatch report, part of the Institute’s Vital Signs Online series analyzing key global trends, discusses a variety of new CCS projects and facilities throughout the world. Among these is the Century Plant in the United States, which began operating in 2010.

“Although CCS technology has the potential to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions – particularly when used in greenhouse gas-intensive coal plants – developing the CCS sector to the point that it can make a serious contribution to emissions reduction will require large-scale investment,” says report author and Worldwatch Sustainable Energy Fellow, Matthew Lucky. “Capacity will have to be increased several times over before CCS can begin to make a dent in global emissions.” Currently, the storage capacity of all active and planned large-scale CCS projects is equivalent to only about 0.5 percent of the emissions from energy production in 2010.

The prospects for future development and application of CCS technology will be influenced by a variety of factors, according to the report. This March, the US Environmental Protection Agency proposed regulations on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. As a result, US power producers would soon be unable to build traditional coal plants without carbon-control capabilities (including CCS). The technology will likely become increasingly important as power producers adjust to the new regulations.

Globally, an international regulatory framework for CCS is developing slowly, and the technology has been factored into international climate negotiations.

Data submitted by the EPA to the EU Commission show that emissions of Greenhouse Gases in 2011 for companies in Ireland covered by the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are considerably lower than in 2010. The data for 2011 shows emissions have dropped sharply to 15.77 Mtonnes from 17.36 Mtonnes in 2010.

The reduction is largely due to a decline in emissions from the cement industry (a decrease of 12 per cent) and from the power generation sector (a decrease of 11 per cent). A slight increase (1 per cent) was noted in the emissions from companies in the food and drink sector, reflecting the current strength of this sector.

Dr Maria Martin of the EPA comments: “The emission reduction reflects both the impact of the current recession in terms of reduced energy and cement demand, and the increased availability of wind generation on the grid. Continued development of both the renewable energy sector and energy efficiency policies is crucial to further reducing power generation emissions. The decarbonisation of the energy sector is essential to assist Ireland in meeting future Greenhouse Gas emissions obligations and moving us to a more sustainable low carbon economy.”

Over 100 major industrial and institutional sites in Ireland are covered by the Emissions Trading Scheme. These include power generation, other combustion, cement, lime, glass and ceramic plants and oil refining. Also included are large companies in areas such as food and drink, pharmaceuticals and semi-conductors.

As was the case for 2010, emissions have again shown an over-allocation of Greenhouse Gas allowances in 2011, under the National Allocation Plan, as compared to the earlier years where there was an under-allocation to participating companies. The major reductions in emissions (and the associated over-allocation) are in the cement sector and the power generation sector, reflecting the very significant downturn in the economy.

The magnitude of the recession was not anticipated when allowance allocations to companies in the ETS were decided in 2006 and 2007. While the resulting over-allocation of allowances to any companies is not desirable, it should be noted that the current Allocation Plan covers a five year period and the overall outcome will not be clear until the end of 2012.

Pressure is mounting on the EU to raise the carbon price under the Emissions Trading System (ETS) – the EU’s main tool for reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions. The European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee has just voted by a significant majority in favour of withholding carbon allowances in the ETS – a move that would increase the carbon price if it were adopted.

The price of carbon has collapsed in recent years – mainly due to the financial crisis, which reduced industrial production and therefore emissions, flooding the carbon market with surplus emissions allowances. This has seriously impacted the effectiveness of the ETS.

The vote came as part of discussions on the Energy Efficiency Directive. The Parliament’s Environment Committee had already voted in favour of the move at the end of January.

“It is good to see two important Parliamentary committees recognise the impact the economic crisis has had on the effectiveness of the ETS, and propose solutions to fix it,” comments Remi Gruet, Senior Regulatory Affairs Advisor for Environment and Climate at the European Wind Energy Association. “The European Commission and Council must now support and implement measures to withhold carbon allowances so that the ETS can rapidly start reducing Europe’s emissions as it was designed to do.”

The recent European Commission paper on the impacts of moving beyond a 20% emissions reduction target shows that it is possible to withhold emissions allowances without harming the lower-income countries in the EU.

Provisional greenhouse gas emissions figures released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include trends since 1990, and show Ireland’s status in meeting our obligations set under the Kyoto Protocol. Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 0.69 million tonnes (1.1%) in 2010.

Agriculture remains the single largest contributor to overall emissions, at 30.4% of the total, followed by Energy (primarily power generation) and Transport at 21.7% and 19.1%  respectively. The remainder is made up by the Industry and Commercial at 14.9%, the Residential sector at 12.6% and Waste at 1.5%.

The figures show that, while Ireland’s Kyoto limit in the period 2008-2012 is 62.84 million tonnes per annum, Ireland’s combined emissions in 2008, 2009 and 2010 were 6.65 million tonnes above this limit when the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and approved Forest Sinks are taken into account. Taking unused allowances from the ETS into account, Ireland is on track to meet its Kyoto commitment.

”The reduction in Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions is welcome, particularly the continued reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector,” comments Laura Burke, director of EPA. “Ireland is on track to meet our emission limits for 2008-2012 under the Kyoto Protocol. However in order to meet the very stringent EU 2020 limits and to move permanently to a low carbon economy, new policies are required to be identified, assessed, adopted and implemented.”

Dr Eimear Cotter, senior manager at EPA, says: :”Emission reductions have been recorded across Transport and Waste with all other sectors showing an increase on 2009 levels. This is despite the economy contracting in 2010 and highlights the challenge we are facing in meeting our emission reduction targets.”

Changes to Sectoral Emissions

The emissions from agriculture increased by 0.04 million tonnes (0.2%) in 2010. This is the first increase in this sector since 2003. The increase in emissions reflects primarily a large increase in fertiliser sales as well as an increase in gas oil use on farms. Declining trends in total cattle numbers and sheep continue in 2010 while swine numbers have increased relative to 2009.

Emissions related to energy are calculated based on SEAI’s annual energy balance and for 2010 were 0.25 million tonnes higher than in 2009 which represents a 1.9% increase. This reflects a reduction in the share of renewables in gross electricity consumption from 14.3% in 2009 to 12.9% in 2010. Wind and hydro resources were less in 2010 which resulted in more electricity generation from coal and gas-fired power stations.

Transport emissions were 1.32 million tonnes lower in 2010 than in 2009. This represents a decrease of 10.1%, following sustained increases in this sector since 1990. The decrease primarily reflects the impact of the economic downturn plus the changes in vehicle registration tax and road tax introduced in mid-2008 and the Biofuels Obligation Scheme. Emissions in 2010 were 131% higher than the 1990 transport emissions.

Industry and commercial emissions increased by 0.1 million tonnes (1.1%) in 2010. This reflects an increase in CO2 emissions from the alumina industry which is offset, to some extent, by the continuing decline in cement production. In particular, returns from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme show emissions from the cement sector peaked in 2007 and have decreased by 55% between 2007 and 2010.

Residential emissions in 2010 increased by 0.32 million tonnes (4.4%) from the 2009 level. This reflects an increase in fossil fuel use from households due to a considerably colder and longer heating season in 2010.

Waste emissions show a decrease of 0.07 million tonnes (6.9%) below the 2009 level which reflects increased methane utilisation for electricity production relative to 2009. Landfill gas utilisation and on-site flaring offset over 70% of methane production in 2010.

The Government has released the promised review of National Climate Policy. On foot of the policy set out in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-12, Ireland is on course to meet its binding commitment for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol in the compliance period 2008-12. However, beyond 2012, Ireland has clear and challenging greenhouse gas mitigation targets for the 2013-20 period, which are binding under EU law and which must be addressed in the longer-term context of transition to a competitive, low-carbon economy.

“Completing the review was my immediate climate policy priority,” says Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, TD. “It is an important stock-taking exercise, in terms both of the progress that has been achieved to date in reducing national greenhouse gas emissions and the deeper reductions to which Ireland, as a Member State of the European Union, is already committed to in the medium and longer term.”

A three pronged approach will be undertaken in order to develop the necessary policy mix to support an ambitious but realistic national mitigation agenda:

* An independent study will be carried out by the secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council;

* A public consultation, to be initiated by the Minister in 2012, will enable all stakeholders to engage in the policy development process; and

* Sectoral mitigation progress will be pursued through the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Green Economy based on positive engagement with the relevant Departments where progress must be made if we are to meet our legally-binding EU targets.

As a first step towards a national 2050 low-carbon plan, the Minister announced that he is asking the secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) to undertake an independent piece of analysis to inform the policy development process. In parallel with the analysis to be undertaken by the NESC secretariat, the Minister has signalled his intention to initiate a substantial period of consultation early in 2012.

Minister Hogan continues: “My objective, in line with the Programme for Government, is to introduce climate legislation. However, the right policy must be in place before legislation can be introduced. Environmental protection and a competitive economy are complementary and my priority is to make sure we have the appropriate policy in place in order to make a successful transition to a low-carbon future; legislation should underpin policy.”

Greenhouse gas emissions decreased very sharply in 2009, by 7.1% in the EU-27 and 6.9% in the EU-15. These most recent results, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), confirm estimates made by the EEA last year. This decrease was largely the result of the economic recession of 2009, but also sustained strong growth in renewable energy.

“Although much of the decrease in greenhouse gases is due to the recession, we are starting to see the results of many EU and Member States’ proactive policies in renewable energy. We hope that policy makers continue to build on this success to cut emissions further,” comments Professor Jacqueline McGlade, executive director of the European Environment Agency.

The 2009 recession affected all economic sectors in the EU, leading to a decrease in energy demand. Consumption of fossil fuels fell compared to the previous year, mainly for coal, which in turn led to even steeper emission reductions. In relative terms, the largest emission reductions occurred in manufacturing industries and construction, and in public electricity and heat supply. Despite the relatively cold winter of 2009, emissions also fell in the residential sector.

Alongside falling energy demand linked to the economic recession, there was a strong growth in renewable energy deployment, particularly biomass, wind and solar, leading to a significant increase in the share of renewables in final energy in the EU. Primary energy consumption of renewables increased by 5.8% in the EU-27, according to Eurostat energy balances for 2009.

Key findings for 2009 are:

* The economic recession and the increase of renewable energy in final energy consumption were the main factors behind the fall in emissions in 2009.

* In the EU-27, total GHG emissions decreased by 17.4 % in the EU-27 between 1990 and 2009 (974 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent, or CO2-e). In line with EEA estimates made last year, emissions decreased by 7.1 % (-355 million tonnes CO2-e) between 2008 and 2009.

* In 2009, total GHG emissions in the EU-15 The 15 Member States constituting the EU when the Kyoto Protocol was ratified. They have committed to reducing their collective emissions in the 2008-12 period to 8% below the level in their chosen base year. In most cases the base year is 1990. were 12.7 % (542 million tonnes CO2-e) below the base year level. Emissions decreased by 6.9 % (274 million tonnes CO2-e between 2008 and 2009.

* Emissions of GHGs from international aviation and shipping decreased by 8.6 % in the EU-27 between 2008 and 2009. These two sectors currently represent 6.3 % of total GHG emissions.

The most recent data available for the EU GHG inventory is for 2009. Verified 2010 emissions from the EU-ETS point to a 3% emissions increase over the course of the year, which is still far below pre-recession levels. The EU ETS covers more than 12,000 power plants and manufacturing installations, or approximately half of all emissions. This rebound in emissions partly reflects the economic recovery.

Pictured are Jim Barry, chairman of NTR Foundation, and Dick Budden, Ireland director of CDP.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the not-for-profit organisation that gathers data on how companies act to prevent dangerous climate change, is issuing a final call to Irish businesses to participate in this year’s project. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, 31st May 2011.

The Project, principally sponsored in Ireland by the NTR Foundation and supported by KPMG, acts on behalf of large international investors and invites Irish companies to measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate change strategies, encouraging them to set reduction targets and make performance improvements.

Dick Budden, Ireland Director of CDP, has called on Irish businesses to participate: “Investors want smarter, more efficient, more sustainable organisations. Consumers are also looking for more sustainable suppliers. CDP has become the established and accepted global standard for examining the possible impacts on business of the many factors connected with climate change. Last year more than 3,000 companies around the world responded to the CDP request, recognising that carbon management has a strategic role to play in reducing energy costs, generating revenue and remaining competitive. The deadline for entries for Ireland is 31st May 2011 and we look forward to welcoming more Irish firms to the Carbon Disclosure Project this year,” he said.

Chairman of the NTR Foundation, Jim Barry said: “The adverse impacts of climate change will be global and the risks are too big to ignore. But it is also increasingly evident that ‘green’ practices actually contribute to the bottom line and more and more companies are taking this on board. It therefore makes sound business sense, even in today’s global recession, to participate in CDP and demonstrate that your organisation is also assessing the challenges and opportunities of sustainable business practices.”

The CDP Questionnaire examines climate change practices; emissions reduction targets; climate change risks and opportunities; emissions data; zero or low carbon strategies.

The Questionnaire is circulated to 40 of the largest companies in Ireland listed on the Irish Stock Exchange; large organisations involved in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, including the major utility companies such as Bord na Mona and ESB; and other companies that volunteer to take part.

In Ireland, 33 Irish companies participated in 2010 and it is anticipated that this number will increase in 2011.

Questionnaires must be completed by Tuesday, 31st May 2011 and the Carbon Disclosure Project Ireland 2011 Report will be published later in the year.

For the first time, Europe’s 300 biggest companies are being ranked according to their greenhouse gas emissions. The ET Europe 300 Carbon Ranking highlights the best and the worst of the continent’s top businesses, focusing not just on emissions but also on levels of disclosure and verification.

The Environmental Investment Organisation (EIO), a UK based independent non-profit research body, employs a transparent methodology for its ranking, based on public reporting of Scope 1 and 2 emissions according to the widely accepted Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

First place Aviva is followed closely by Dutch firm Aegon, which offers life insurance, pensions and asset management services, with respective Carbon Intensities of 0.85 and 1.35 (tCO2e/$M turnover). The top three non-financial companies are Switzerland’s leading telecoms provider Swisscom, followed by Nokia (11th, 5.61) and BSkyB (13th, 6.69).

All five of the companies mentioned above rank in the top category of the ET Carbon Rankings because they publicly report ‘public, complete and verified’ data for their Scope 1 & 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The number of companies providing data in this category totals 129 across Europe’s largest 300 companies.

Sam Gill, operational director of the EIO, says: “The purpose of the Carbon Rankings is two fold – to highlight the carbon emissions and levels of disclosure of the world’s largest companies with the aim of fostering greater transparency and to form the basis of a series of stock market indexes, designed specifically to provide the investment community with a viable tool for tackling climate change.”

He adds: “Despite most companies producing corporate social responsibility reports there remains a remarkable lack of transparency and clarity in greenhouse gas emissions reporting.”

The ET Carbon Rankings make up the first phase of the Environmental Tracking concept. The EIO will be using them to create a series of real-time mainstream investment indexes. The ET UK 100 and The ET Europe 300 are due to be released as ‘live’ indexes in mid May this year.

The ET Carbon Indexes are designed to lower corporate emissions by influencing a company’s share price, offering the investment community an innovative tool to encourage transparency and emission reductions on a global scale. They do this by re-weighting companies according to their position in the Carbon Rankings.

“Investing in a way which can help tackle climate change is an essential component of intelligent long term investment,” Sam Gill points out. “Our ET Indexes are designed to offer investment opportunities along the same lines as their conventional counterparts. However, above all, they apply pressure to companies in a way that cannot be ignored: by influencing their share price.”

The British Government has announced funding of over £46 million for 542 new low carbon buses on roads across England by March 2012. The money is part of the Government’s drive to target investment in new projects that promote green growth and encourage use of sustainable local transport.

All English regions will benefit with funds which have been paid to 20 bus operators and six local authorities. All the buses are expected to be in service by 2012.

“Low carbon buses emit around 30 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than standard diesel buses and use around a third less fuel – that is why it was so important to kick-start the market,” says British Transport Minister Norman Baker. “They also represent an important and developing industry – both in this country and throughout the world – which has the potential to create jobs and boost economic growth.”

Green, low carbon hybrid-electric buses supported by the Fund are already in operation in London, Manchester, Oxford and Reading. Electric buses supported by the Fund are operating in Durham.

Some 300 researchers and delegates from a wide variety of scientific and engineering disciplines will gather at University College Cork (UCC) from April 6-8th to participate in The 21st Irish Environmental Researchers’ Colloquium (ENVIRON 2011). The Colloquium offers a unique forum for researchers, government and industry to discover emerging areas of environmental, energy and marine research along with potential environmental technologies for the future.

The theme of this year’s colloquium is ‘Towards 2020: Environmental challenges and opportunities for the next decade’. The ‘2020’ date reflects the many environmental targets that have been set for the next decade particularly in the areas of climate change reduction in EU greenhouse gas and renewable energy generation.

The 2011 ENVIRON colloquium has the Environmental Protection Agency as a new partner in the event, along with the Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland and UCC. The 2020 date is appropriate to the Environmental Protection Agency which has established goals for key environmental challenges in the area of climate change, clean air, water, soil and biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources as part of its ‘2020 Vision –Protecting and Improving Ireland’s Environment’.

Professor Michael Depledge (former chairman of the UK Science Advisory Committee on the Environment & Climate Change) will deliver the colloquium keynote address on Wednesday, April 6th (8pm, Devere Hall, UCC) on the topic of ‘Health and the Value of Nature’. The seminar is open to the public and all are welcome.

The colloquium programme will begin on Thursday, April 7th with a plenary session involving a number of high profile speakers who will speak on the colloquium theme of environmental challenges and opportunities for the next decade; speaker will include Professor John Sweeney (NUI Maynooth), Laura Burke (director of the EPA’s Office of Communications and Corporate Services) and John Mullins (chief executive of Bord Gais).

The 2011 colloquium research programme contains more than 150 oral and poster presentations which will be presented under the sub-themes of:

* Water Quality

* Energy & Climate Change

* Marine and Coastal Research

* Biodiversity and Ecosystems

* Environmental Management

* Environmental Technologies

* Environment and Health.

ENVIRON 2011 also has a range of additional training seminars, symposia and workshops including:

* Ocean Studies – Avenues for Employment; Creating a Career from Studies of the Sea

* Geospatial technologies – their value for your real world applications

* Science Communication workshop

* 3rd Annual Postgraduate Research Symposium on Environmental Law

Life Coaching

All workshops are free to colloquium delegates. The colloquium organisers are cognisant of the current economic environment and have introduced a special one-day registration fee of Eur150 and students/OAPs/unemployed can register for Eur100. For more information on the colloquium programme and to register for the event visit www.esaiweb.org/content/environ2011.

GE Energy is acquiring 90% of Converteam, a leading provider of electrification and automation equipment and systems, for approximately $3.2 billion from a controlling shareholder group that includes management, Barclays Private Equity, and LBO France. The transaction, which is expected to close during third quarter 2011, will significantly expand GE’s offering in rapid growth sectors that demand high energy efficiency, such as oil and gas, thermal power generation, and renewables.

Converteam’s senior management will retain a 10% stake in the company. However, GE has agreed to purchase the remaining shares in the company over the next two to five years. GE expects that the price should be no greater than about $480 million.

Converteam’s solutions enable customers in a variety of industries to replace or improve mechanical processes with high-efficiency electric alternatives that deliver better reliability, less maintenance, and lower emissions. Converteam’s portfolio includes drives and other power electronics, advanced rotating machines, generators, and controls.

The multi-sector energy efficiency, electrification, and automation industry, in which Converteam participates, was valued at over $30 billion in 2010 and is growing at rates above global GDP growth. Approximately 25% of the world’s electricity is used to power rotating machines in a wide range of industries and applications.

Converteam’s high-efficiency solutions are designed to reduce the electricity consumption of rotating machines by nearly one-third, offering significant savings in terms of cost, energy intensity, and greenhouse gas emissions. GE’s global reach and local expertise will improve Converteam’s ability to serve customers in high growth regions such as Brazil, Russia, China, India, and the Middle East.