Renewable energy EU under pressure.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of a leaked internal EU strategy paper proposing to halt green energy support due to rising costs. Participants explore the potential reasons behind this decision, including recent political changes in Germany and the broader context of renewable energy adoption in Europe. The conversation touches on various aspects of renewable energy, including technological advancements, financial sustainability, and the future of energy infrastructure.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the EU's proposal to stop green energy support may be linked to financial difficulties and the rapid growth in installation costs despite decreasing technology prices.
  • Others argue that the situation mirrors past events in the UK, where sudden changes in subsidy policies led to significant market disruptions.
  • There is a viewpoint suggesting that while renewable energy technology is becoming cheaper, the costs of supporting widespread adoption may still be unsustainable.
  • Some participants express optimism about the growth of wind energy, citing exponential increases in capacity, but others remain skeptical about the long-term feasibility of such growth due to potential limitations in suitable installation sites.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the influence of political and financial interests on energy policy, particularly regarding offshore wind generation targets.
  • Discussions also touch on the need for long-term planning in energy infrastructure rather than short-term target fulfillment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the implications of the EU's proposed changes to green energy support. While some see the potential for positive outcomes due to technological advancements, others highlight significant concerns about financial sustainability and political influences. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on the future of renewable energy in Europe.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding the financial viability of renewable energy subsidies and the impact of political decisions on energy policy. There are also references to the historical context of energy support mechanisms and their implications for future infrastructure development.

  • #31
The price of oil of course did not stay at the crash bottom of 2008.

True, although it is still way down from what it was in 2007. Part of it is that the "next big economic slowdown" just hasn't occurred yet. When it does we'll see prices go down again.

...a critical point, because much of the N. American boom in oil production via fracking and tar sands oil would be marginally uneconomic if the price had remained at the 2008 bottom.

Yep, pushing prices up somewhat, but again not nearly up to $140 a barrel.
 
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  • #32
Some interesting discussion here on energy and energy independence.

http://www.livestream.com/nytenergyfortomorrow/share?clipId=pla_4a1fa8c3-feba-4d50-803f-561f60ad4dde

T. Boone Pickens is one of the first speakers after Thomas Friedman, who is the panel moderator.

John Krenicki, president and C.E.O., GE Energy, has some interesting commentary starting at 20 minutes.

One point that is made is the intermittency of renewables, i.e., wind and solar. There are also interesting comments regarding China's approach to energy supply.

Full set of videos - http://www.nytenergyfortomorrow.com/video.php
 
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