By 2020, 58% of the energy consumed in the EU will be imported, while its own production will cover only 42% of demand. The EU’s energy mix by 2020 will consist of 35% oil and oil derivatives, 24% natural gas, 17% renewables, 13% nuclear energy and 11% solid fossil fuels. Russia is the main supplier […]
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Commission aid to Spain for energy consumption
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Spanish scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices resulting from indirect emission costs under the EU Emission Trading System (‘ETS’). Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €2.9 billion scheme enables Spain to reduce the risk of energy-intensive […]
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Synchronization of the continental European power grid with Ukraine and Moldova
Last March 16, the electricity grids of Ukraine and Moldova have been successfully synchronised with the Continental European Grid. This will help Ukraine to keep their electricity system stable, homes warm and lights on during these dark times. It is also a historic milestone for the EU-Ukraine relationship – in this area, Ukraine is now […]
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New EU rules for more sustainable and ethical batteries
During the debate on Wednesday, MEPs underlined the crucial role that batteries have in the transition to a circular and climate-neutral economy and for the EU’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy. The draft legislation was adopted on Thursday with 584 votes in favour, 67 against and 40 abstentions. MEPs are in favour of overhauling the current legislation […]
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REPowerEU: Joint European action for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy
The European Commission has today proposed an outline of a plan to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030, starting with gas, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This plan also outlines a series of measures to respond to rising energy prices in Europe and to replenish gas stocks for next winter. Europe has been facing increased energy […]
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Support for Ukraine and the energy situation in Europe
Russian military action in Ukraine is causing major damage to the country’s energy capacities. Energy ministers have said that they are willing and ready to provide assistance to Ukraine in this regard. Moreover, these military operations are leading to an increase in gas prices in the EU as well as in international oil prices. This […]
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Renewable energies continue to be an upward trend
In 2020, solid fossil fuels (coal) continued the downward trend of previous years and clocked another 18.3% fall, decreasing for the fifth consecutive year. Compared with 2015, it has dropped by 40%. Their share in the supply mix is now barely above 10%, while in 1990, it was 25.7%. Although oil (34.5%) and natural gas […]
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The UAL is coordinating an energy project in rural areas
The project, with a duration of 4 years, aims to develop analysis and decision-making instruments that justify and favour the implementation of distributed energy microgrids for the self-supply of isolated productive enclaves in Spain, Chile and Mexico. The University of Almeria can help to alleviate the depopulation of rural areas and improve the quality of […]
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Greenhouses join plants in the energy conversion business
Until recently, there were opaque photovoltaic panels, and there was transparent glass. Innovative nanomaterials bring photovoltaics and transparency together in greenhouse panels that convert the sun’s light into electricity, while augmenting plant photosynthesis. Meeting the world’s growing food and energy demands while mitigating climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Agriculture […]
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