What Trump’s exit from the climate deal really means
Quitting the Paris Agreement triggers a cascade of real-world impacts and signals the beginning of an aggressive agenda to undo U.S. climate policy.
solar
Europe needs to adapt or it will get left behind
Boldly aiming for “strategic interdependence,” the EU should embrace interconnectedness where prudent while building autonomy where it can.
Musk hosts love-fest with far-right AfD chief on X
Tech billionaire backs Alice Weidel as “leading candidate” to run Germany — but gets her name wrong.
German solar sector in distress as boom turns to bust
Collapse in demand triggers wave of bankruptcies in industry’s most important European market
Poland’s role in shaping Europe’s energy transition and competitiveness
During a tumultuous yet transformative time, PKEE seeks to drive a cleaner, more prosperous and resilient region
UK energy secretary to visit China in early 2025
The planned visit comes as the Labour government looks to renew relations with China.
I regret none of the climate policies we pushed in Ireland. But we underestimated the backlash | Eamon Ryan
From rural buses to solar panels, our Green agenda has been transformative. Yet, vested interests and big polluters helped to poison the well of public thinkingEamon Ryan was Irish Green party leader from 2011 to 2024Ireland’s Green party went into gov…
Inside the floating 80s relic that wants to be Britain’s energy future
POLITICO spent the afternoon on a soon-to-be-abandoned North Sea gas plant that’s hoping to ditch fossil fuels with government help.
EU should ban space mirrors and other solar geoengineering, scientists say
European Commission scientific advisers say technology to offset global heating could wreak havoc on weatherEurope should ban space mirrors, cloud whitening and other untested tools being touted to reflect the sun’s rays, the European Commission’s scie…
Top advisers say EU should ban solar geoengineering … for now
The bloc’s scientific advisers say the EU should push for an international treaty regulating the controversial technologies.
Keir Starmer’s reset, rated
POLITICO rates the prime minister’s six new “milestones” as he tries to drive change — and turn the polls around.
Local energy communities pinning hopes on new Commission
“Some of the building blocks are there, but an enabling framework for energy communities is still needed,” Josh Roberts told journalists in Anderlecht.
Landmark space mission set to create artificial solar eclipses using satellites
Two satellites in Proba-3 mission expected to be launched on Wednesday in India and will work in tandem to study sun’s coronaFinal preparations have begun for a landmark space mission that will use satellites flying in close formation to create artific…
Republican lawmakers channel Trump at COP29: Drill more fossil fuels
Their message about expanding U.S. gas production came at a global meeting that’s focused on moving the world away from fossil fuels.
The paradox of Italy’s industrial strategy
For all the talk of revitalizing and greening Europe, company owners in Italy are being allowed to relocate their businesses abroad rather than modernize and adjust at home.
EU governments struggle to fund green transition
Investors in Czech solar parks threaten to sue Prague over planned cuts to subsidies for photovoltaic installations
Victors in the race for emerging tech will determine future
Collectively, emerging technologies are creating an unstable world, where we don’t clearly understand what national security looks like.
Exxon chief has climate warning for US Republicans
The oil giant takes a stance before the Trump administration sets its sights on gutting Biden’s climate agenda.
Why Draghi is wrong on the European solar Industry
Mario Draghi says that “for some technologies, like solar panels, foreign producers are so far ahead that attempting to capture production in Europe would only slow decarbonization”.
Trump’s return provokes worry, not shock, at world climate talks
Beneath the brave words at the president-elect’s victory were real worries that action will stall without the United States.
Why Trump’s 2nd withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will be different
The president-elect could act faster this time.
Britain hugs oil giant BP while preaching climate action
BP is a global force in fossil fuel drilling — and a major player with COP29 summit host Azerbaijan.
Why Trump’s 2nd withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will be different
The president-elect could act faster this time.
Trump’s in. Here’s what it means for Europe.
From energy and trade to finance and defense, here’s how Donald Trump’s second presidency will impact EU policy.
Brussels’ global infrastructure plan isn’t challenging Beijing — it’s relying on it
EU-funded projects abroad are being built by Chinese companies.
EU shrugs off Trump’s threats to scrap green handouts
Trump may cut Europe out of America’s subsidy splurge, but EU industries aren’t seeing many benefits yet anyway.
Czech government under fire over solar subsidy cuts
The government’s decision has also raised concerns among Czech environmental NGOs.
Keir Starmer’s biggest enemy: The great-crested newt
Keir Starmer’s environment secretary wants to turn DEFRA into a growth department. That means a fight with the green lobby.
Who could be in Kamala Harris’ Cabinet? Here are the leading contenders.
If Kamala Harris wins the election, she will likely approach the task of filling out her Cabinet and West Wing much like she did when she took over Joe Biden’s campaign operation this summer. While she’ll ensure her closest advisers and key Cabinet members are people she personally trusts, there will be some continuity with […]
The future is bright for beer – given the right policy framework
Beer plays an important role in Europe’s economy, but excise burdens, production costs and the post-Covid environment are putting pressure on the sector’s ability to act as a motor for the whole economy.
The Greens’ dilemma
Winning elections isn’t just about having the right message, it’s about having a message that resonates with people’s daily concerns.
No one has a plan to fix Britain’s old, cold homes
The Tories promised to upgrade insulation and heating in millions of U.K. homes. They failed — and Labour’s plans are already in trouble.
World fails first review of COP renewable energy goal
A dramatic spending surge is needed to course correct, the International Renewable Energy Agency warned.
Ukrainian homeowners are using solar panels to prepare for a bitterly cold winter
Ukrainian homeowners are using solar panels to prepare for a bitterly cold winter
How scientists pinpoint climate’s ‘telltale signs’ on Hurricanes Milton and Helene
POLITICO discussed the emergence of attribution science and the human fingerprints on Helene and Milton with Gabriel Vecchi, a Princeton University professor of geosciences.
Leaked: Tense correspondence between EU commissioner hopefuls and Parliament
Still, the 23 nominees were cleared by the institution’s legal committee for hearings in early November.
Hydrogen’s toxic secret worries a town in northern France
Green hydrogen is central to Europe’s energy transition, but it relies on potentially dangerous forever chemicals.
UK homes to be offered payments to cut electricity use all year round
Plan by grid operator will help Britain’s network cope with more wind and solar power
Kazakhstan votes in favour of nuclear power plant construction
The government says a reliable energy supply is needed to supplement renewable sources such as solar and wind power, and, since Kazakhstan is one of the world’s biggest uranium producers, nuclear power is a logical choice.
Draghi report on Europe’s competitiveness falls short
While well-received in Brussels, the question of what exactly the common debt should finance, and how it would foster innovation, has been sidelined.
NESO launched to guide Great Britain’s energy system to net zero
Formally launched today, this independent, public corporation is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring reliable, clean and affordable energy.
Trade policy: 20 people to meet at Tory conference
POLITICO curates a lineup of the top players influencing the Conservatives’ Brexit and trade policies.
UK energy policy: 20 people to lobby at Conservative conference
LONDON — The Conservative Party “got trounced in the polls,” ex-Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho admitted earlier this month. After 14 years controlling Westminster’s levers of power, voters dumped the Tories unceremoniously from office overnight in July. And yet — the party is already regrouping, jumping on energy bills and cost-of-living as one basis for a […]
Ed Miliband is Britain’s minister for good vibes
Amid much Labour doom and gloom, the energy secretary appeared to be having the time of his life.
Biden on his climate legacy: ‘We did it’
The president celebrated his environmental successes and took aim at former President Donald Trump.
Keir Starmer’s Labour conference speech: 7 things we learned
PM forgoes ‘easy answers that may move a crowd’ but bungles a statement on Gaza.
Media Partnership – Smart siting: Unlocking Europe’s Solar and Wind Potential
On 24 September, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will unveil their new study showing the availability of community and biodiversity friendly land in Europe for achieving renewable energy targets.
‘You basically have free hot water’: how Cyprus became a world leader in solar heating
The country, which has more 300 days of sunshine a year, has embraced rooftop systems that harness the sun’s energyThe Thriamvos company truck pulls up at noon outside the four-storey building in the heart of Nicosia.It’s the third rooftop installation…
Consultancy stands ready to serve
From issues as diverse as supporting councils with children’s care to dealing with cybersecurity attacks and the drive to net zero, our firms are delivering specialist expertise, value, and support.
Former Poland PM: ‘We’re living under the illusion of environmentalism’
We aren’t reducing global emissions, just depriving ourselves of jobs, profits, raw material sovereignty and, therefore, security.
Technology helping solar farms counter growing hailstone threat
With storms becoming more frequent due to the climate crisis, insurers are forcing operators to respondOne of the least considered hazards of climate change is the increasing frequency of hailstorms and the size and the impact of the pieces of ice they…
The UK is backing away from oil
Britain has been drilling off the Scottish coast for generations. But the new Labour government has greener plans.
Europe’s new normal: High energy bills, fading industry and one chance to fix it
German manufacturers are being strangled. The EU is feeling the pinch. Mario Draghi on Monday warned the EU may be staring at ‘slow agony.’
Secretive Draghi is echoing Soviet Union restructuring
Like Gorbachev’s Perestroika, the report from the former ECB chief could herald a change of historic proportions. It’s far less innocuous than it sounds.
Trump gegen Green Deal
US-Politik für Sie entschlüsselt. Jeden Tag in Ihrem Postfach. Im Browser anzeigen oder hier anhören von JAKOB HANKE VELA Mit CARLOTTA DIEDERICH — TRUMP GEGEN GREEN DEAL: Der Republikaner will Joe Bidens Inflation Reduction Act einstampfen und Subventionen streichen. — BIDEN PUNKTET IN PENNSYLVANIA: Kurz vor den Wahlen verspricht der Präsident, den von US […]
China to pitch green tech exports to African leaders as Western curbs loom
China will urge a summit of 50 African nations in Beijing this week to take more of its goods, before Western curbs kick in on its exports such as electric vehicles and solar panels, in exchange for more pledges of loans and investment.
Keir Starmer channels JFK for his climate ‘moonshot’
Are Labour’s ambitions for delivering clean energy an inspired example of ‘mission thinking’ — or one more doomed big idea?
Solar panels and crops could meet 68% of central Europe’s energy demand
Combining farming with green energy production could also increase food security and generate additional income for farmers, according to a new study.
Key solar panel producer to stay in Germany as US plans fall apart
Germany’s biggest solar panel producer, Meyer Burger, will not close down its plant and move to the US, the company announced on Monday (26 August).
Republican fight over green subsidies heads toward a boiling point
The party’s leaders may soon have to decide whether to preserve at least parts of the Democrats’ climate law.
Sicily yacht sinking: body found confirmed to be chef Recaldo Thomas as missing passengers feared dead
Thomas was one of ten crew members onboard Bayesian yacht, says Italian coastguard, as passengers including tech tycoon Mike Lynch remain missingHow do waterspouts form and what risk do they pose?Lynch’s co-defendant in US trial ‘fatally struck’ by car…
Germans fight climate change on their balconies in solar panel boom
The price of electricity in Germany has shot up since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leaving residents to source cheaper alternatives.
How Ed Miliband became Britain’s most divisive government minister
The Energy Secretary has made an eye-catching start. But how far is he prepared to rock the boat?
White hat hacker shines spotlight on vulnerability of solar panels installed in Europe
An ethical hack of solar panels in the Netherlands has revealed their vulnerability to cyberspace attacks, prompting calls for more rigorous safety assessments by the industry.
Sun-powered beer: Berlin brewery gets creative with no-waste approach
This Berlin brewery’s innovative take on sustainability has seen it use rooftop solar panels to fuel its beermaking, feed spent grain to local cows and sell its beer in tins.
Teresa Ribera faces nuclear hurdle to running EU green policy
Nuclear-friendly lawmakers and countries like France don’t want the EU’s potential next green chief to thwart an atomic revival.
In the hydrogen battlefield, Europe tries to stay ahead of China
Terrified Beijing may come to dominate yet another clean tech market, the EU aims to impose regulations — and is looking to Japan for help.
Keir Starmer’s worst nightmare? Becoming Margaret Thatcher
The U.K. prime minister can’t afford to get tangled up in a war with labor unions. His green crusade could make it inevitable.
Trump vs. Biden’s historic climate agenda
President Joe Biden may no longer be on the 2024 ballot — but his legacy is. And former President Donald Trump would have multiple tools to thwart his ambitions on energy, infrastructure and climate change.
Renewables overtake fossil fuels to provide 30% of EU electricity
Report finds 13 member states generated more energy from wind and solar power than coal and gas for first time in 2024Wind turbines and solar panels have overtaken fossil fuels to generate 30% of the European Union’s electricity in the first half of th…
ESA ‘Juice’ spacecraft to swing by Earth, Moon on path to Jupiter
A spacecraft launched last year will slingshot back around Earth and the Moon next month in a high-stakes, world-first manoeuvre as it pinballs its way through the Solar System to Jupiter.
Labour’s climate plan: build, baby, build
A flurry of energy announcements from Keir Starmer are about one thing — driving through his government’s ambitious climate goals.
EU renewables compatible with food production, nature protection – and maybe humans
The EU’s onshore wind and solar energy needs can be met without undermining food production or nature protection efforts, according to a report by the European Environmental Bureau released on Wednesday (24 July). However, this depends on human choices…
EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities – uncovering the major impacts of a 15-year experiment
The EIT’s first three industry-focused networks are now set to ‘graduate’. What have they achieved and are they ready to operate independently?
Ukraine war briefing: Villages locked down in Putin’s Belgorod ‘sanitary zone’
Czech ammunition factory for Ukraine; Baltic states to cut electrical grid ties with Russia and Belarus. What we know on day 875Russia has been forced to lock down 14 border villages in its Belgorod region due to the Ukrainian fightback against Russian…
How Europe screwed up its rocket program
One successful test launch doesn’t mean that Europe’s struggles in the space race are over.
Starmer will have to walk a US-China tightrope
There’s already some discord between the two countries when it comes to China, but there are areas where they could work on similar approaches.
Labour energy chief Ed Miliband faces local solar backlash
Labour’s energy secretary has big goals for ramping up U.K. solar power. But first he has to deal with protests in his own backyard.
Russia-Ukraine war live: anger continues over Putin’s pact with North Korea
South Korea calls in the Russian ambassador and says it could supply arms to UkraineGood morning, and welcome to our Ukraine blog where the fallout from Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea and Vietnam continues.South Korea has summoned the Russian am…
Europe’s solar power surge hits prices, exposing storage needs
Europe has clocked a record number of hours of negative power prices this year due to a mismatch between demand and supply as solar power generation soars, potentially helping to shift investment to much needed storage solutions.
London could become the European capital of state-owned asset seizure
Madrid’s appeal looks like it will determine just how vulnerable other EU countries are to their valuable assets being targeted in the U.K.
Russian ties and cheap tech: G7 leaders unequivocal in criticism of China
Concerns set out over supply of materials with military applications, and impact of subsidies on global marketChina’s role in providing assistance to Russia in its war against Ukraine, and its “harmful overcapacity” in the production of cheap goods, ha…
Draghi backs French-style trade, industrial policy
Higher trade barriers, more subsidies, and bigger European companies, are all part of the solution.
Meloni puts brakes on Italy’s solar energy rollout
Prime minister says photovoltaics are threatening nation’s ‘food security’, but farmers disagree
Chinese exports threaten Europe even more than the US
Biden is right to heed working class voters in Pennsylvania. The Continent, which has even more to lose from a second China shock, better start listening to its workers too.
Dutch voters head to the polls as four-day, 27-country ballot to select MEPs begins – as it happened
Voting in the EU elections begins Thursday and ends on Sunday with turnout slightly up as polls open in the Netherlands. This live blog is closed Scholz hardens line on deportations after row with far-right as German election loomsTurnout in the Nether…
Over-reliance on gas delays G7 transition to net-zero power
G7 countries have only 10 years left to act on their commitment to reach net-zero emissions power systems.
Citizen activists take on ‘destructive’ solar power plants in France’s Provence region
Citizen activists in southeastern France’s Alpes-de-Hautes-Provence region have been campaigning for two years against the growing number of solar power parks in a protected natural area around the Lure mountain. The local authorities, and the parks’ …
Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône returns to Arles for the first time in 136 years
The painting is on loan for an exhibition that opens this weekend in the Provençal city where the painter became obsessed with the night sky and eventually descended into madnessIn September 1888, shortly before he descended into the madness that led h…
Labour’s election policy positions, tracked
Absolutely everything you need to know about what the opposition party is promising ahead of the July 4 election.
France to the US: Leave the tiny nuclear reactors to us
The EU invited U.S. firms to help develop these futuristic atomic reactors. But Paris is wary of having Americans “stick their noses in.”
Ukraine-Angriff auf Russland auch mit westlichen Waffen?
Das Briefing dazu, wie sich Entscheidungen in Brüssel auf Sie auswirken. Mit dem Wissen des größten Newsrooms der europäischen Hauptstadt. Im Browser anzeigen oder hier anhören von JÜRGEN KLÖCKNER mit JULIUS BRINKMANN und LAURA HÜLSEMANN DIE TOP-THEMEN — Russiagate weitet sich aus: Ermittler stürmten heute Büros im Europäischen Parlament. Unter Verdacht steht ein früherer Mitarbeiter […]
Is the EU already in a trade war with China?
Even if they aren’t yet, things could soon get nastier as Brussels’ investigation into Chinese electric vehicles nears its conclusion.
Yellen urges ‘more ambitious’ G7 plans for Russian assets
Stresa, Italy, May 23, 2024 (AFP) – US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday urged G7 ministers meeting in Italy to work on “more ambitious options” to use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine.The ministers and central bankers from the Group of …
Janet Yellen urges EU to join US in curbs on cheap Chinese exports
Comments come as Commission president hints EU could impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehiclesBusiness live – latest updatesJanet Yellen, the US treasury secretary, has urged the EU to intervene urgently to dampen the growing export levels of Chinese…
Does China have an ‘overcapacity’ problem?
The White House recently announced steep tariffs on a range of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles and solar panels, to protect the US economy from Beijing’s “unfair trade practices”. But are the US’s criticisms of China really justified?
Chinese solar firms pull out of tender after EU anti-subsidy probe
Two bidders for Romanian photovoltaic park withdraw a month after Brussels launched investigation
Weather tracker: Geomagnetic storms trigger northern lights
Strong solar flares produce breathtaking displays across Europe and the US, with southern lights illuminating skies in New ZealandNight skies were lit up around the world by a spectacular display of the northern lights on Friday, with sightings seen wi…
Northern lights captured in timelapse footage across Europe and US – video
Videos filmed across the northern hemisphere show skies illuminated by the aurora borealis.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US said the ‘very rare event’ was caused by a large sunspot cluster that has produced several moderate…
Biden’s biggest challenge: How do you even spend $1.6 trillion?
Congress gave Biden a historic sum to green the economy, revive manufacturing and fix crumbling infrastructure. But most of it is unspent.