Blog

In November 2024, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected Amazon’s request to directly purchase 180 megawatts of power from the Susquehanna nuclear plant for a nearby data center. The decision underscored concerns about fair grid usage as data centers increasingly drive electricity demand. After two decades of flat electricity demand, power consumption forecasts are now rising sharply, fueled in large part by AI-driven computing needs.

Continue reading “Can we make AI less power-hungry?”

The latest deadline for countries to submit their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement climate goals has passed, with only 15 of the 194 signatories complying. These plans outline how each country intends to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, ideally no more than 2°C. Despite the agreement’s intent to strengthen climate efforts every five years, the low submission rate highlights a concerning lack of urgency.

Continue reading “Paris Agreement climate goals missed deadline”

Europe faces significant challenges in meeting energy demand during winter due to limited solar availability in its northern latitudes. A fully decarbonized Europe will depend heavily on solar power from the south, wind energy from the north, and, critically, large-scale, long-duration energy storage systems to bridge days or even weeks of low renewable generation. Among storage solutions, PHES (pumped hydro energy storage) stands out as the most viable and cost-effective long-duration option.

Continue reading “Winter energy storage for Europe”

Europe is at a pivotal moment in its energy transition, facing an urgent need to modernise its aging electricity grid to accommodate the rapid growth of renewable energy. According to recent estimates, $633 billion in investment is needed by 2030 to upgrade and expand the continent’s grid infrastructure. This transformation is essential for integrating new wind and solar projects, which are currently being delayed or halted due to insufficient grid capacity. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that over 1,500 GW of renewable energy projects have already been affected by this lack of grid access. Without swift and coordinated action, Europe risks falling short of its 2030 climate and energy goals.

Continue reading “Europe’s aging electricity grid”

For centuries, economies have been shaped and managed by human decision-making, but the rise of artificial intelligence is challenging this notion. AI is no longer just a tool for automation—it is evolving into an independent economic participant. The rapid advancements in AI agents mean they are not just responding to commands but making decisions based on learned behaviors, incentives, and self-interest. This shift is paving the way for AI-driven economies, where AI plays a central role in market dynamics, governance, and financial decision-making.

Continue reading “AI driven economies shaping the future”

A new report warns that Ireland must act immediately to avoid paying significant compliance costs for failing to meet its climate targets. The report, published jointly by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) and the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC), estimates that Ireland could face penalties between €8 billion and €26 billion if it does not take stronger action to reduce emissions. However, implementing planned emission reduction measures could lower these costs by as much as €12 billion.

Continue reading “Ireland must act now to meet climate targets”

The global offshore wind industry is poised for a significant resurgence in 2025, with projected capacity additions reaching 19 gigawatts (GW) and expenditures expected to hit $80 billion. This marks a strong recovery from 2024, when new installations fell to 8 GW. The rebound is largely driven by a surge in lease auctions, with the global offshore wind industry seeing increased commitments, particularly from Mainland China, which accounts for 65% of new capacity. This expansion will surpass the previous peak in 2021, reinforcing the sector’s long-term growth trajectory.

Continue reading “Global offshore wind industry rebounds in 2025”

The analysis reveals that just 36 fossil fuel companies are responsible for half of the world’s climate-heating carbon emissions. The report, which builds on previous versions used in legal cases against both companies and investors, highlights that these firms produced fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—that are significantly driving global warming. In 2023 alone, these companies generated more than 20 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions. The study underscores the need to hold these corporations accountable for their disproportionate contribution to the climate crisis.

Continue reading “36 companies fuel half of global CO2 emissions”

A leaked proposal reveals a significant shift in EU energy policy, as the European Union considers backing investments in overseas fossil fuel infrastructure and securing long-term contracts for liquefied natural gas (LNG). This move comes amidst soaring energy prices that are severely impacting European industries, threatening their competitiveness against U.S. and Chinese counterparts. The proposal, part of an upcoming Action Plan for Affordable Energy, signals a departure from the EU’s previous strategy of short-term LNG contracts and limiting public funding for fossil fuel expansion.

Continue reading “EU energy policy LNG shift”

The growing realization that global CO₂ emission targets for 2030 and 2050 are increasingly unlikely to be met has prompted a debate on prioritizing climate change adaptation over mitigation. However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the critical role of mitigation, particularly through carbon capture, absorption, and storage, as a vital strategy to curb atmospheric CO₂ concentrations.

Continue reading “Carbon capture key to climate goals”