Energy

The Covid-19 crisis brought about unprecedented reductions in CO2 emissions and energy consumption, benefiting renewables. This effect may be temporary however – but it could also mark the beginning of an ecological transition compatible with safeguarding the planet.

To match its ambitious carbon reduction targets, Germany needs is getting ridden of its high CO2 emitting coal power plants, and gradually replacing them with renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, the most likely transitional solution may well come from natural gas imported from Russia.

Since some of the world’s largest gas reserves were discovered in Cyprus, the island has been coveted by fossil-fuel giants. The situation is burdening delicate negotiations on reunification.

When it comes to electric bills, the components that determine how much you pay are changing significantly. And according to standards, this spells major disruptions for classifications.

Energy lobby groups may influence EU climate policies through privileged access to top decision-makers. Leaked email correspondence between a prominent current European Commission cabinet member, and his former employer E.ON. illustrates the case.

BP was part of oil and gas lobby that successfully undermined EU renewable energy targets and subsidies in favour of gas as a climate fix in 2011, reveal some documents seen by The Guardian.