News Renewable energy EU under pressure.

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A leaked EU strategy paper suggests halting green energy support due to rising costs, raising concerns about the sustainability of current subsidies. This situation parallels recent events in the UK, where abrupt subsidy cuts led to significant market disruptions. While the cost of renewable technologies like solar panels has decreased, the rapid increase in installations has resulted in higher subsidy expenses, prompting the EU to reconsider its financial commitments. The discussion highlights the need for a balanced approach to energy policy, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to non-fossil fuel sources amid an impending energy crisis in Europe. Critics argue that political decisions, rather than market dynamics, are driving the current energy landscape, and there is a call for more investment in next-generation energy technologies. The conversation also touches on the long-term viability of renewable energy and the necessity for effective energy storage solutions.
  • #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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