decarbonization

EU’s “Europe First” Policy Sparks Outrage From US and China

The European Commission’s proposed “Clean Industrial Deal,” prioritizing EU firms in public contracts, has drawn sharp criticism from Chinese and American industry groups. These groups argue the proposal violates WTO rules by discriminating against foreign companies, hindering decarbonization efforts and escalating trade tensions. While the EU’s legal justification may be stronger against China, which isn’t a signatory to the Agreement on Government Procurement, concerns remain that such protectionism will increase costs and slow the clean energy transition. Further, the upcoming Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act will reinforce this “made-in-Europe” preference, potentially exacerbating existing trade imbalances.

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France’s 2024 Power Grid: 95% Fossil-Free Thanks to Nuclear and Renewables

France’s 2024 power grid boasted a remarkable 95% fossil-fuel-free energy production, a testament to the significant contributions of nuclear and renewable energy sources. This achievement highlights a strategic shift towards cleaner energy, demonstrating a commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The success underscores the potential of a diversified energy portfolio, combining established nuclear power with the growing capacity of renewables. This blend offers a pathway to decarbonizing electricity generation while ensuring grid stability and reliability.

The impressive figures achieved in France stand in stark contrast to other nations struggling to transition away from fossil fuels. While some regions, like Quebec, with its reliance on hydro and wind power, have reached near-perfect fossil-fuel-free electricity generation, France’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given its substantial investment in nuclear power.… Continue reading

‘Without nuclear, it will be almost impossible to decarbonize by 2050’, UN atomic energy chief

Nuclear power has been a topic of controversy for many years, with strong opinions on both sides. The question of whether or not nuclear energy is crucial in the fight against climate change has been at the forefront of discussions in recent times. The UN atomic energy chief has stated that without nuclear power, it will be almost impossible to decarbonize by 2050. This statement raises important considerations about the role of nuclear energy in our quest to combat global warming.

One key argument in favor of nuclear power is its ability to generate large amounts of electricity without producing carbon emissions.… Continue reading