Energy-Efficiency News In A Nutshell
Britain urges European neighbours to adopt UK-style climate law (BusinessGreen, 16 November 2009)
The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office is partnering with NGO Friends of the Earth to hold a series of workshops in Embassies across Europe introducing the UK’s legally-binding climate legislation, aiming to promote the adoption of similar legislation in other countries. According to German Federal Environment Ministry official Dr. Patrick Graichen, Germany is currently considering a climate bill.
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2253190/britain-urges-european
Democrats aim for climate bill by early 2010 (Reuters, 16 November 2009)
After suggesting a “framework” outlining possible compromise climate legislation could be available to negotiators in Copenhagen last, US Senator John Kerry did not comment on the likelihood of this occurring on Monday (16 November). He said lawmakers would try and present the bill to the Senate floor “in the early spring”.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AF57N20091116
New study: An energy miracle is needed (Cop15, 16 November 2009)
A new study by two think tanks examining 18 of the most viable power production sources concludes that all known energy sources have severe limitations, and that neither conventional nor alternative energy sources will be sufficient to sustain industrial society in its current form.
http://en.cop15.dk/news/view+news?newsid=2608; http://www.energybulletin.net/node/50695
UK climate targets ‘unachievable’ (BBC, 13 November 2009)
The UK’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME) released an analysis of the UK’s GHG emission reduction target, arguing that they would not be reached until 2100 with measures currently in place and planned. The IME argues there will simply not be enough capacity to deploy the low-carbon technologies, such as wind turbines and nuclear power plants, for the target to be met. They believe more extreme measures will be needed, such as “carbon rationing” and geo-engineering.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8358077.stm
US and China to Cooperate on Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency
The US and China have signed a package of measures for strengthened energy co-operation. This includes the USD 150 million US-China Clean Energy Research Center for joint R&D of clean technologies, with initial priorities on building energy efficiency, clean vehicles, and CCS. The US-China Electric Vehicles Initiative was also agreed for the development of joint standards, demonstration projects and technical roadmaps. The US-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP) will leverage private funding (22 companies are involved in the program to date) for collaborative research. The countries will also work together, with the private sector, through the US-China Energy Efficiency Action Plan to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, industrial facilities, and consumer appliances. A new US-China Energy Efficiency Forum will be held annually.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15630
Obama and Hu revive ailing Copenhagen talks
In a joint communiqué, US President Obama and Chinese Premier Hu indicated that an agreement in Copenhagen must include emission reduction targets for industrialised countries, and declared action plans from developing countries to curb emissions growth.
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2253287/obama-hu-revive-ailing
Australian opposition confident of carbon deal
While the Australian opposition Liberal and National party coalition remains divided over the passage of climate change legislation, opposition negotiator Ian Macfarlane said he was confident a deal would be reached and that the opposition would vote on whether to support or reject the laws as early as next week.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AG10220091117?sp=true
Earth ‘heading for 6C’ of warming
The Global Carbon Project (GCP), a network of scientists and academic institutions, has published a new study indicating that global GHG emissions rose 29% between 2000 and 2008, a quarter of which come from production of goods consumed in industrialised countries, though the growth occurred in developing countries. It warns that the world is currently on a path to reach a 6 degree C temperature increase, if no urgent action is taken. Dr. Richard Betts of the UK Met Office questioned the conclusion of a 6C trajectory, while confirming that time to act was limited for chances of a temperature increase to remain below 2C.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8364926.stm
Business says EU carbon tax proposal premature (EurActiv, 13 November 2009)
BusinessEurope has provided comments to the European Commission regarding the revision of the Energy Taxation Directive, which could introduce minimum CO2 taxation rates across the EU, targeting emissions from non-ETS sectors. It finds the tax proposal “counter productive”, as businesses have not as yet had time to take emission reduction measures in non-ETS sectors. Among other proposals, the group wants quantitative criteria for non-ETS sectors developed, exempting those at risk of relocation from the tax on the basis of efficiency. It also wants the tax to be phased in, and for non-ETS sectors to have access to offsetting mechanisms.
http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-change/business-eu-carbon-tax-proposal-premature/article-187303
China’s low-carbon path outlined (Cop15, 12 November 2009)
The China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), an international panel advising the Chinese government, has proposed the country lower its carbon intensity 45% yearly up till 2050. This will result in a 95-90% reduction in carbon intensity by 2050 from 2005 levels. CCICED suggests this can be achieved through deployment of cleaner energy (half of new energy demand should be from low-carbon sources by 2030, and CCS should be promoted from then on) and structural reforms to the economy that would lower the manufacturing sector’s share from 50% to 30%.
http://en.cop15.dk/news/view+news?newsid=2586
EU ‘well on track’ to meet Kyoto target; Austria lags behind (Environmental Finance, 12 November 2009)
With policies and measures already implemented, EU-15 members will reduce emissions 6.9% below 1990 levels by 2012. Though short of their 8% Kyoto reduction target, the EU Commission was confident in its annual emissions report that the shortfall would be met with additional measures (including EU ETS, afforestation and reforestation) and purchase of carbon credits. Some countries have over-achieved their individual targets (Sweden, UK, France, Germany), while others (Italy and Austria) are not on track to meet theirs. Only Austria, according to the Commission, risks missing its national target.
http://www.environmental-finance.com/onlinews/1211euk.html; http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AB3WX20091112
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Down in One-Third of States (ENS, 12 November 2009)
In a new report, US NGO Environment America has found that though GHG emissions from fossil fuel consumption in the US increased 19% from 1990 to 2007, emissions declined in 1/3 of states between 2004 and 2007. Several states saw emissions peaking in 2004 and 2005, and emissions actually declined in 17. Four states had lower fossil-fuel emissions in 2007 than in 1990; in all the biggest factor was a switch to cleaner forms of electricity production.
PHILIPPINES: Guarded Optimism for New Climate Change Law (IPS, 10 November 2009)
The Philippine’s enacted its Climate Change Act on 23 October, which would establish a National Framework Strategy and Programme on Climate Change to bring mitigation into broader government policy, as well as establish a Climate Change Commission (CCC) to set up, monitor and coordinate adaptation and mitigation action plans. While welcomed by local environmental groups, activists stress the real test will be seeing how the law is implemented. The suggest NGOs will need to monitor to ensure the gap often seen between laws and their implementation in the Philippines does not occur.
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49199
Odds stacked against new German power stations (Reuters, 18 November 2009)
German power generators have reduced planned investment in new capacity faced with slumping industrial demand, which could lead to shortages and rising prices once the economy recovers. Generators are also faced with public opposition to new coal-fired plants, an uncertain legal framework for CCS, and delays with defining the future of nuclear power.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AH4AL20091118?sp=true
Intel sees opportunities in wind, electric cars (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
Intel is seeking to apply its processor and software expertise to numerical forecasting for wind power, building on its current business of microprocessors for wind turbines. It also sees electric vehicles as a ripe area for microprocessors, being used for energy management or range prediction for example.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AH00K20091118
Carbon intensity of European electricity firms dropped in 2008 (PwC, 17 November 2009)
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has released a report on the carbon intensity of European electricity companies, which it has been monitoring since 2001. Focussing on the top 20 power producers, the report finds the firms’ carbon intensity dropped 7% in 2008, to 350gCO2/MWh, from 2007; emissions dropped while electricity production remained constant. The drop is primarily explained by fuel switching, as several power producers reduced their coal consumption.
http://www.pwc.fr/le-facteur-carbone-europeen-des-electriciens-a-atteint-son-niveau-le-plus-bas-depuis-2001.html; Report, Facteur Carbone 8Â : http://www.pwc.fr/facteur-carbone-8.html (both in French)
Climate pact delay risks oil, gas investment: Statoil (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
Norwegian major Statoil expressed concern that lack of a global climate change agreement would result in “even lower investments” in oil and gas than seen recently, saying “The worst thing for Statoil is a continued uncertainty around climate regulations.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AG2YE20091117
Japan steelmakers buy less CO2 offsets than thought (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
Nippon Keidanren, Japan’s main business lobby, has issued its annual review of the 34 major industrial sectors that have voluntarily committed to reduce CO2 emissions. Overall the sectors reduced emissions 7.4% compared with 1990/91 levels, mainly due to improved energy efficiency. The power sector was the only one that redeemed carbon offsets in 2008/09, while steelmakers revised downwards the number of offsets expected to be received between 2008 and 2012 by 3 million tonnes – a shortfall due to project delays under the CDM.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AG2WZ20091117?sp=true
Coal stocks, abundant gas pose UK power plants dilemma (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
A mixture of abundant coal supplies, low gas prices, looming regulation requiring cleaning equipment for coal plants in 2015, and uncertainty over carbon prices are leaving several UK power producers with a dilemma of how to manage production. Some prefer to work coal plants harder now, expecting carbon prices and the Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) to make this option more expensive as of 2015. Low gas prices also mean some generators are considering running gas now while it is cheap, and keeping their coal plants online longer for later use.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AG2P820091117?sp=true
U.S. coal industry stakes survival on carbon capture (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
CCS is increasingly seen as the only option for coal-fired power plants in the US, who are likely to face emissions caps in the future. American Electric Power and Alstom are hoping to lead the first commercial CCS project in the US, to the tune of USD 670 million. AEP’s plant in Mountainwater, West Virginia, is already capturing, transporting and storing part of its emissions as part of a test project. The technology uses up to 30% of a plant’s power, and even with government support consumers will need to pay for part of the increased costs of using CCS.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AH2R920091118?sp=true
EPA to Expand GHG Reporting Rule to New Sectors in 2010 (Van Ness Feldman, 16 November 2009)
The EPA has announced that new industries may be required to begin reporting their GHG emissions as of next year; it is currently finalising 2010 reporting requirements for monitoring to begin in 2011. Sectors that may need to report emissions for the first time include ethanol production, industrial landfills, wastewater treatment, coal suppliers, underground coal mines, food processing, electronics manufacturing, fluorinated GHG production, magnesium production, and oil and gas systems.Â
http://www.vnf.com/news-alerts-412.html
Copenhagen deal to help boost climate fund flows (Reuters, 16 November 2009)
Businesses indicate that a Copenhagen agreement – whether a legally binding outcome or not – will likely change the way investors manage their portfolios, and could change the growth rates of companies. Tough targets and a strong deal would mean high growth in alternative energy and electric vehicle sectors.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AF1T720091116?sp=true
Green biz wary at climate deal delay prospect (Reuters, 16 November 2009)
Carbon traders and renewable energy investors say that while the carbon market widely anticipated that Copenhagen would not result in a new global climate change agreement, pushing this deadline beyond 2010 is highly undesirable.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AF3KM20091116?sp=true
Sharp increase in EU green energy R&D spending (EC, 16 November 2009)
The 2009 EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard reveals trends and benchmarks industrial R&D investment. Automobiles and parts, though some of the hardest hit by the recession, is still the 3rd largest R&D sector, while company R&D investment in alternative energy technologies continued to grow this year, increasing 80% in 2008. Five of the six top-spending green energy firms were German, with Danish firm Vestas topping the list as the largest single investor.
http://iri.jrc.ec.europa.eu/research/scoreboard_2009.htm
Spain to install 8.8 GW of renewable energy to 2012 (Reuters, 15 November 2009)
A spokesperson for Spain’s industry ministry announced that a slew of renewable projects have been approved, covering installations for the next 3 years. In the 2010-2012 period, 5.3 GW of wind power generating capacity and 1.5 GW of concentrating solar thermal power capacity will be brought online.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AE1KO20091115
Nuclear disposal put in doubt by recovered Swedish galleon (Guardian, 14 November 2009)
Sweden’s National Council for Nuclear Waste will be examining a potential and unexpected problem with its current plans for underground containment of nuclear waste: Copper, the material designated for sealing the waste, may not be suitable as new research has cast doubts on traditional understanding of copper’s corrosion.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/14/copper-nuclear-containment-vasa-sweden
China to crack down on investments that add pollution (Reuters, 12 November 2009)
China’s environment ministry says it will ensure a recent rise in lending and investment does not go towards sectors already burdened with over-capacity, or the construction of inefficient, polluting facilities. It added that construction of inefficient factories would not be approved in areas that have not met their energy efficiency targets.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AC0EX20091113
CLIMATE CHANGE-BRAZIL: Towards Carbon-Free Chimneys (IPS, 10 November 2009)
Chemists at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), supported by the private sector and state government, have developed a ceramic material to be placed in industrial smokestacks that absorbs CO2 emissions before they are released. The formula is currently being patented, and would absorb 40% of the CO2, though the researchers are aiming to increase this to 60%. Studies indicate the captured CO2 could be reused for other industrial purposes.
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49206
EU to extend energy labels to raft of new products, revise energy labelling and EPBD (BusinessGreen, 18 November 2009)
Agreements reached between EU member states and the European Parliament could see the creation of an “A+++” energy class for household appliances. British negotiators argued profusion of A classes would confuse consumers. Member states will also consider purchasing criteria aimed at highest efficiency products. The extension of energy labelling to energy-using products such as windows, taps, and home insulation was also agreed. A deal on the revision of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has reportedly also been reached, with all new buildings to be nearly carbon zero by 2020. Member states would need to issue action plans for zero-carbon buildings, with new rules for energy performance requirements to be made available to perspective property buyers and tenants, and included in advertisements.
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2253410/eu-extend-energy-labels-raft
California sets tough limits on energy-gulping TVs (Reuters, 18 November 2009)
California’s stringent energy performance standards for televisions received final approval, requiring all new TVs sold in the state to consume 33% less energy than current models starting with 2011 models, and 50% less starting with 2013 models. The standard was prompted by a surge in the use of larger flat-screen TVs that use 40% more electricity than cathode-ray tube TVs. Televisions account for 10% of home electric bills in California.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AH5AT20091119
EU’s eco-labeling scheme to tackle more products (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
A deal between the EU parliament and member states would see energy-related products, such as taps, shower-heads, windows and building materials, require energy-performance labels within one year’s time. The agreement is expected to receive formal approval in the coming weeks.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AG3WJ20091117
Siemens confident on green technologies sales goal (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
Siemens has announced that research spending on green technologies for this as well as next fiscal year (to September) would be at least EUR 1 billion each, and that the company’s target of generating EUR 25 billion in revenue in 2011 from its environmentally-friendly technologies was a “conservative” estimate.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AG3QJ20091117
Political agreement on energy performance of buildings reached (EC, 18 November 2009)
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and Member States struck a deal on revision of the energy performance of buildings directive; all public buildings will need to consume near zero energy from 2018 onwards, a provision extending to all new buildings after 2020. Near zero energy buildings are those with “very high energy performance” and using a large extent of renewable energy sources generated onsite or nearby. States will need to draw up national plans for increasing the number of nearly zero energy buildings. A proposal for scrapping a 1000m2 threshold for buildings refurbishments must meet energy performance requirements was, however, rejected. Building energy performance indicates will also be included in advertisements.
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/1733; http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/051-64747-322-11-47-909-20091118IPR64746-18-11-2009-2009-false/default_en.htm
EU to extend energy labels to raft of new products, revise energy labelling and EPBD (BusinessGreen, 18 November 2009)
Agreements reached between EU member states and the European Parliament could see the creation of an “A+++” energy class for household appliances. The extension of energy labelling to energy-using products such as windows, taps, and home insulation was also agreed. A deal on the revision of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has reportedly also been reached, with all new buildings to be nearly carbon zero by 2020. Member states would need to issue action plans for zero-carbon buildings, with new rules for energy performance requirements to be made available to perspective property buyers and tenants, and included in advertisements.
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2253410/eu-extend-energy-labels-raft
`Carbon trading for buildings to be the next step for CDM’ (Jakarta Post, 17 November 2009)
UNEP’s Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (SBCI) is currently developing a Sustainable Buildings and Climate Index to provide guidance for measuring the energy efficiency of buildings, using a common carbon metric for different building types in different climatic regions. A tool will be available in a few months, according to SBCI official Arab Hoballah, first focusing on energy and carbon. The full index should be ready in 2 years, with other parameters to be added on, such as air and water. SBCI has a longer term aim of allowing building sector projects to benefit from the carbon market, even though “[t]here will be a lot of resistance”.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/11/17/carbon-trading-buildings-be-next-step-cdm039.html
American Cities Embrace Green Buildings (ENS, 16 November 2009)
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) in its new report released last week indicates that 1 in 5 large US cities now have a policy of promoting green buildings, a 50% increase from 2007.
EU nears deal on buildings eco-standards (Reuters, 13 November 2009)
Key compromises between the European Parliament and member states have already emerged for final modifications to the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), with negotiations scheduled for 17 November. All public buildings built after 2018 will need to be low-energy, a requirement that will apply to all new buildings after 2020. The definition of “low-energy” is being worked out, and guidance for member states to calculate this being developed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AC18T20091113
EU Hydrogen transport project claims success (18 November 2009)
EU-funded hydrogen project HyFLEET:CUTE presented its successes at a conference on 17-18 November, indicating that the project operated 40 hydrogen powered buses in ten cities between 2006 and 2009, with engines running safely and efficiently. The overall message was that there were no fundamental obstacles to the development of hydrogen infrastructure, and that it could be a low or zero-emission fuel.
http://www.global-hydrogen-bus-platform.com/InformationCentre/Downloads; http://hyfleetcute.com/data/HyFLEETCUTE_Brochure_November09.pdf
Dutch plan to charge car drivers by the kilometre (EurActiv, 17 November 2009)
After nearly two years of debate, a legislative proposal before the Dutch parliament could replace vehicle and circulation taxes by a kilometre charge from 2012 onwards. Each car would be equipped with a GPS system to track when, where and how far it is driven. The charge would vary according to CO2 emissions for passenger cars, and by weight for other vehicles, while certain vehicles will be exempt. For an average passenger car, the basic charge would rise from EUR 0.03 to EUR 0.067 per kilometre over the 2012-18 period. The Dutch transport ministry argues the charge will not exceed current taxes.
http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/dutch-plan-charge-car-drivers-kilometre/article-187394
Intel sees opportunities in wind, electric cars (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
Intel is seeking to apply its processor and software expertise to numerical forecasting for wind power, building on its current business of microprocessors for wind turbines. It also sees electric vehicles as a ripe area for microprocessors, being used for energy management or range prediction for example.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AH00K20091118
Electric cars likely to lead to more CO2 because of EU legal loopholes (T&E, 12 November 2009)
European green transport group T&E says policies to promote electric cars under current EU legislation create loopholes that could lead to increased GHG emissions from the sector. Electric cars are considered zero emission under laws to limit CO2 emissions from cars, without taking into account the energy source of the electricity. Electric vehicles are also treated as “super credits”, with manufactures able to sell up to 3.5 SUVs for every electric vehicle sold and still meet their target. T&E proposes smart meters in electric cars be mandatory as part of electric car type approval rules still to be agreed.
Copenhagen still “golden opportunity” for CO2 market (Reuters, 18 November 2009)
Though a binding UN treaty is not expected in Copenhagen, carbon market players are urging countries to use the summit to agree in principle on reforms to scale up existing Kyoto market mechanisms, reform institutions to allow for streamlined processing, and outline new mechanisms such as in forestry or on a sector basis.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AH4EL20091118?sp=true
Japan steelmakers buy less CO2 offsets than thought (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
Nippon Keidanren, Japan’s main business lobby, has issued its annual review of the 34 major industrial sectors that have voluntarily committed to reduce CO2 emissions. Overall the sectors reduced emissions 7.4% compared with 1990/91 levels, mainly due to improved energy efficiency. The power sector was the only one that redeemed carbon offsets in 2008/09, while steelmakers revised downwards the number of offsets expected to be received between 2008 and 2012 by 3 million tonnes – a shortfall due to project delays under the CDM.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AG2WZ20091117?sp=true
Industry Urges Senate to Protect International Offsets (Van Ness Feldman, 16 November 2009)
The US Coalition for Emission Reduction Projects (CERP), grouping 18 US companies, has written a letter to the Senate arguing that use of low-cost international offsets would reduce the costs of a cap-and-trade programme almost in half, and that climate legislation must minimise legislative barriers to their use.
http://www.vnf.com/news-alerts-412.html; letter available at www.uscerp.org
UN Carbon Board Predicts More ‘Automatic’ Approvals (Bloomberg, 16 November 2009)
CDM Executive Board chairman Lex de Jonge says projects under the CDM will be registered more quickly next year. He expects better quality submissions to lead to greater automatic registrations, to reach about 50% by mid-2010. The UNFCCC Secretariat will also be taking on more of the executive board’s caseload, and communications between the board and certifiers will be made more efficient. De Jonge’s statement should reassure companies with projects stuck in the CDM pipeline, according to BofA Merrill Lynch’s Abyd Karmali.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601072&sid=aTbSH8_SA9D0
CRS Compares House, Senate Climate Bills (Van Ness Feldman, 16 November 2009)
The Congressional Research Service has released a report comparing the cap-and trade provisions of H.R. 2454, passed by the House in June, and S. 1733, reported out of the Environment and Public Works Committee on 5 November. The report looks at cap stringency, structuring of allowance allocations, use of international offsets, carbon market regulatory provisions and competitiveness provisions, as well as how the EPA’s power under the Clean Air Act is limited.
http://www.vnf.com/news-alerts-412.html; report available at http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40896_20091105.pdf
Lithuania to sell 50 mln tonnes of carbon credit (Reuters, 16 November 2009)
Lithuania’s environment ministry has announced the country is looking to sell 50 million AAUs “as soon as possible”, possibly by the end of the year, as protocols of intent with several countries have already signed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AF3QU20091116
EU carbon rises, ignores climate pact delay (Reuters, 16 November 2009)
Prices in the European carbon market did not react to news that a global climate agreement is no longer envisaged by most leaders, with carbon futures rising slightly. According to a trader this is because “The market has widely expected this for the past six months.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AF31820091116
Australia excludes farms from carbon scheme (Reuters, 15 November 2009)
The Australian government and opposition parties have reached a concession aimed to facilitate the passage of cap-and-trade legislation through the senate. Agriculture was to be included in the scheme from 2015 onwards, and how now been excluded, though farmers can still claim carbon credits.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AD1L520091115?sp=true
Senators seek tweaks in carbon permit plans (Reuters, 12 November 2009)
Fourteen US senators signed a letter requesting that allocation of free permits under currently proposed cap-and-trade legislation be modified, so as to be more equitable to sparsely populated states that rely on coal for electricity generation. They would like the allocation formula to be based solely on emissions, without taking into account electricity sales, as it currently stands in the proposed bill.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AB5Y220091112
Storm could follow calm in EU carbon market (Reuters, 12 November 2009)
European industrial companies holding surplus CO2 emission permits (EUAs) are expected to engage in a new selling wave at the end of December or early January, leading carbon traders bracing for drop in prices after six months of stability. The Copenhagen agreement is not expected to impact prices, unless “there is a very big failure”, as expectations are low. However, power companies could hold prices up as they have been hedging 2013 power sales and are banking their allowances for the third phase of the EU ETS. Should industrial output rise due to economic recovery, some firms may hold on to their EUAs as well.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AA1SB20091111?sp=true
Russia makes emissions pledge, confusion on WTO (Reuters, 18 November 2009)
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced a target of reducing GHG emissions 22-25% from 1990 levels by 2020, deepening a previous target of 10-15%.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AH2IE20091118?sp=true
Denmark expects U.S. greenhouse gas cut at summit (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said lack of treaty outcome in Copenhagen does not mean “watering down ambitions”, as he expects the US and all other industrialised countries to bring strong reduction targets to the negotiating table. He welcomed the US President’s promise that a Copenhagen agreement would cover “all of the issues in the negotiations” and have immediate operational effect.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AG2CC20091117?sp=true
Africa agrees on secret climate damages demand (Reuters, 17 November 2009)
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told reporters that African leaders have agreed on a minimum figure that developed countries must provide for dealing with the impacts of climate change in Africa, though he declined to say what the figure would be, saying countries “will be very flexible”. He also said that though he wanted a treaty to be agreed in Copenhagen, a “binding political agreement” could be accepted as a stepping stone to a treaty.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AG3F320091117
China “studying” plan to delay final climate deal (Reuters, 16 November 2009)
Beijing says it is “studying” proposals that a political rather than fully legally binding agreement be reached in Copenhagen, and says it might sign up to this on certain conditions, given the diplomatic capital already invested in reaching an agreement. It would want strong commitments from developed countries, and that any form of agreement “consolidate and expand the consensus and progress already made in negotiations concerning mitigation, adaptation, funding, technology transfers and other aspects”.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AF21520091116?sp=true
Danish PM’s speech on political deal for Copenhagen talks (Reuters, 15 November 2009)
Speaking to leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) forum, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen made a speech outlining a two-stage process to a global climate change agreement. Copenhagen in December 2009 would be the first step, resulting in political agreement with specific binding commitments that would pave the way legal negotiations and set a deadline for an agreement.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AE0FA20091115?sp=true
France sees U.S. as main obstacle to climate deal (Reuters, 15 November 2009)
French ecology minister Jean-Louis Borloo said the biggest obstacle to current climate change negotiations was the US. He said France was studying an option to allow countries that hadn’t ratified the Kyoto Protocol the option of extra time to meet targets. Commenting on a two-stage plan of a political agreement in Copenhagen followed by a legally-binding agreement, he said the term “political agreement” needed to be “precise declarations with figures”, and not “vague and non-binding declarations of intent”.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AE1GY20091115
Copenhagen climate talks: US refusal to rush gives Obama time to get Senate onside (Guardian, 15 November 2009)
According to the Guardian, a delay in global climate talks may save them in the long run; the US is needed for a global deal, and the delay gives President Obama time to garner the domestic support needed for climate change legislation, and eventually ratification of an international agreement. Thus extra time to pass domestic legislation will allow for stronger US involvement globally, which itself could bring China on board.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/15/obama-copenhagen-climate-talks-treaty
Apec leaders drop climate target (BBC, 15 November 2009; Reuters, 14 November 2009)
Leaders at the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) summit failed to endorse a target to reduce global GHG emissions 50% by 2050, as outlined in an earlier draft of the summit statement. The target was described as a “controversial issue” by a Chinese official. The declaration reaffirmed APEC leaders’ “commitment to tackle the threat of climate change and work towards an ambitious outcome in Copenhagen.” Meanwhile, Brazil pledged to maintain 2020 emissions at 1990 levels.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8360982.stm; http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AD0HW20091114
U.S. weighs backing interim international climate agreement (Washington Post, 13 November 2009)
Faced with the unlikelihood of domestic climate change legislation being passed before the end of the year, the US is considering reaching an interim agreement in Copenhagen. US climate negotiator Todd Stern emphasises it is not a substitute for “a real agreement”, but a first step, which could see political commitments from key countries outlining emissions reduction targets, as well as funding provided to developing countries.
South Korea adopts toughest emissions cut goal: source (Reuters, 14 November 2009)
Citing a senior government source, Reuters reports that South Korea will adopt the tougher of two proposed voluntary GHG emission reduction targets – a 4% reduction from 2005 levels by 2020. According to the official, “”There was some opposition from the industrial sector but the government’s will is very firm on this issue.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AD0M020091114
Obama and Hatoyama Pledge ‘Success’ at Copenhagen Climate Summit (ENS, 13 November 2009)
In a joint statement, US President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said their countries aspire to reduce GHG emissions 80% by 2050, and for global emissions to reduce 50% by then. At a bilateral meeting last week, several joint cooperation agreements in the area of clean technology RD&D were signed between the two countries, including on smart grids, CCS, nuclear energy, basic research, renewables, energy efficient buildings, and next generation vehicles.
Rich nations’ climate cash offers still not clear (Reuters, 13 November 2009)
According to chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Dennis Nally, developed countries have as yet not put any numbers on the table when it comes to helping developing countries adapt to and mitigate climate change, because they lack clarity on their economic recovery. He told Reuters recovery in developed country economies was unlikely for another 18-24 months, making climate change financing commitments difficult.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AC0Y820091113
Amazon deforestation ‘record low’ (BBC, 13 November 2009)
Brazil’s government will be able to show ahead of global climate change talks that Amazon deforestation rates are at the lowest level since monitoring began 21 years ago, the annual rate falling 45%. Environmentalists are concerned these may rise when the economy recovers, and that current rates still result in too much destruction of the Amazon.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8358094.stm
Climate pact text not fit for approval yet (Reuters, 12 November 2009)
European Commission environment department head Karl Falkenberg told Reuters that the text currently being negotiated for a global climate change agreement is not ready enough to be approved in Copenhagen. Falkenberg said what is important is that a deal be agreed; “We may need to take some time to transform it into the right form but the substance is key.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AB2WP20091112
Climate finance gap will be 32 billion euros in 2020 (Reuters, 12 November 2009)
At current carbon prices, the revenue provided by the public sector and carbon market mechanisms will leave a shortfall of EUR 32 billion by 2020 for climate change mitigation, according to analysts at Société Générale/orbeo. This gap is to be filled by private investment, which the analysts say can be incentivised by governments through policy certainty. Should the carbon price reach EUR 30/tonne of CO2 in 2020, the shortfall would virtually disappear.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AB3BI20091112
“Super greenhouse gas” deal fails (Reuters, 12 November 2009)
A US push to have global-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to be regulated under the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances was rejected last week, with developing countries led by China and India wanting funding and technology transfer for HCFC phase-out to be complete before further discussion. Observers also say the countries would rather the issue be dealt with under the climate change convention (UNFCCC), as potentially larger amounts of funding could be received for a phase-out. However, supporters of HFC phase-out under the Montreal Protocol say it would prevent their manufacture to begin with, and would result in phase-out being cheaper. The Montreal Protocol meeting did decide to stop funding the substitution of ozone destroying substances if high-global warming potential gases such as HFCs are used, and to accelerate destruction of existing banks of gases. The UNFCCC could still request HFCs be dealt with under the Montreal Protocol, with the existing climate regime providing oversight.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AB3A720091112?sp=true
Australia reaches out to India with climate aid (Reuters/ Business Standard, 12 November 2009)
During a bilateral visit, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced a $50 million investment in the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, from 2010 to 2015, which will be housed at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). $1 million will also go towards an Australia-India solar cooling research project. Through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, an additional $20 million will be spent on research into dryland farming in India. The visit is intended to soothe relations, including tension over India’s rejection of Australia’s proposals that both developed and developing countries agree to take on emission cuts in a new climate change agreement.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AB1D020091112; http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/australia-to-invest-in-india-for-research-enabling-tech/78146/on