Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act has required power companies to buy all the energy produced by anyone making renewable power, at a fixed above-market price for 20 years. If other countries, such as Britain, would follow similar acts as to solar and small wind much of the energy needs and demands of Europe could be made available by renewable sources. MORE

As our energy needs rise, as our supplies of fossil fuels run out and as the state of our planet become more precarious, we increasingly need to look at alternative energy sources to meet our requirements and to allow our modern lifestyles. Solar Energy. The sun, a huge burning ball of hydrogen, outputs vast amounts of energy every second. Even the minute fraction that falls on the Earth’s surface is more than enough to supply all our energy needs. MORE

By comparison, the European countries with the highest current gas prices — Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands — pay € 1.85, € 1.83 To reduce its dependence on foreign petroleum and natural gas, Turkey ought to rapidly develop its renewable and nuclear energy infrastructure, said Fatih Birol, chief economist at the International Energy Agency, on the day that Turkey’s new petroleum prices were announced. Focus should be on renewables, not nuclear. MORE

· European Wind Energy Association 2010 stats just released, confirm UK position · Total EU offshore now close to 3 gigawatts, powering 2.9 million EU homes · 19 gigawatts consented in EU waters, sufficient to power 14 European capital cities Latest offshore wind statistics, released today by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), confirm that the United Kingdom is the European and world sector leader with 1,341 megawatts (MW) installed. MORE

As users, we are mainly interested in having a constant supply of energy which is also affordable so we can go on with our life. Where the energy comes from is rarely something we are aware of unless it carries financial implications. But the reality is that the majority of our energy needs are met by forms of non-renewable energy , in particular fossil fuels. Why do we insist on using fossil fuels instead of switching to other (less-harmful) kinds of energy? MORE

Case in point, thanks to Francesca Rheannon of CSR Wire, Republicans like presidential hopeful Mitt Romney still think that anthropogenic climate change is debatable, even though reputable scientists from NASA’s James Hansen to Michael Levi, a senior fellow for energy and environment at the Council on Foreign Relations, agree it is the result of modern human lifestyles. China has become a world leader in low-carbon and renewable energy sources. MORE

A promising offshore wind energy project has languished on the East Coast for 15 years—and its enemies range from a Koch brother to the Kennedys. In 2001, Jim Gordon, a Boston-based energy entrepreneur who played a critical role in the development of natural gas–fired power plants in the 1990s, was searching for a way to produce energy on the East Coast. He began working on what would become the Cape Wind Energy Project in Nantucket Sound, off the Massachusetts shore. MORE

The cars won’t really reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Israel (giving, I’m guessing, how long it will be before electricity is derived from renewable energy sources.). Better Place Inaugurates First Battery Swap in Denmark. Better Place EVs are looking less and less like a good idea for Israel. Haaretz writer Dan Rabinowitz claims that the Better Place pricing structure for its electric vehicles in Israel shows nothing but contempt for the consumer. MORE

Please see the case catalogue Press releases from Take Lead 2011 can be viewed here Policy recommendations Governments, Markets, And Green Growth: Energy systems transformation for sustainable prosperity. Brussels, September 30, 2010 Harnessing Green Growth – Creating Green Jobs; Report from G20 Business Summit Working Group, Seoul 2010 G20 Business Summit Joint Statement, Seoul 2010 Green jobs Green Jobs and The Clean Energy Economy. MORE

The new red and green government in Denmark wants to end the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. In a proposal presented to the parliament last week the Danish government laid out their new and bold energy plan. By 2050 Denmark should get 100% of their energy from renewable energy sources. The proposed energy plan would have four central deadlines. This target alone would cut Denmark’s greenhouse gas emissions with 35% based on 1990 levels. MORE

Dressed as different renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and water, and with the help from a old fire truck the activists managed to cross the security fences surrounding the Swedish nuclear plant. Ludvig Tillman, energy campaigner for Greenpeace Nordic said that: “The Swedish parliament is risking the country’s reputation and position as a progressive leader in clean and safe energy development. MORE

PERI's Robert Pollin, author of Greening the Global Economy, says community-owned renewable energy sources are the path to the future PAUL JAY, SENIOR EDITOR, TRNN: Welcome to the Real News Network. In the new book Greening the Global Economy Rob Pollin says we don’t need to go big to create new energy sources; in fact, small is beautiful. It’s going to depend on being heavily insulated, high efficiency building, with solar energy and geothermal energy. MORE

It’s The part of the nation’s Energy Transition for Green Growth Act, which will also carry out a ban on plastic bags in grocery shops and markets beginning in July. The law comes into effect in 2020.French President Francois Hollande says the law aims to make France ‘an exemplary nation in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions , diversifying its energy model and increasing the deployment of renewable energy sources’ Viva la France! MORE

Sweden, Switzerland, and Denmark—three countries holding the top three spots in the environmental sustainability pillar- are characterized by strong environmental legislation and a focus on developing the tourism sector in a sustainable way. Further opportunities will be found specifically in the energy efficiency retrofitting of accommodation establishments and other hospitality infrastructure, the scaling up of renewable energy sources, and improved waste management.”. MORE

EfficienCity is a virtual city but all towns and cities in the UK could be enjoying the same lower greenhouse gas emissions, cheaper bills and better energy security. As a result, they're enjoying lower greenhouse gas emissions, a more secure energy supply, cheaper electricity and heating bills and a whole new attitude towards energy. What is decentralised energy? Combined heat and power CHP is the heart of an efficient, decentralised energy system like EfficienCity's. MORE