Supporting renewables can cut emissions and boost the economy, all while providing cost-competitive energy. Yet the Trump Administration continues propping up the fossil fuel industry — despite the sector facing real financial problems that began long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
A highly misleading anti-cleantech talking point is that renewable energy “relies on government subsidies,” and that all of the renewable energy growth in recent years is attributable to them. In actuality, fossil fuels and nuclear power have been receiving government support for much longer than renewable energy has. They have received much more government subsidy historically speaking than renewables. And these dirty energy options continue to receive a tremendous amount of government support even though they are overripe industries in many regards.
Sun Zsu counselled the value of knowing your enemy more than a thousand years ago. His wisdom is still valid today. Read Jane Mayer’s deeply troubling Dark Money to educate yourself about the enemy we all face today.
In order to more easily “achieve” its renewable energy goals (formally, at least), the state of Massachusetts may implement a plan that would see the burning of wood pellets classified as renewable energy.
Originally published on RenewEconomy. By Sophie Vorrath In the same week that a new study found that G20 nations, including Australia, were providing $US88 billion ($A102 billion) a year in subsidies just for fossil fuel exploration, another report – this time from the highly conservative International Energy Agency – has … [continued]
Originally published on Energy Post. By Karel Beckman. The national renewable support schemes in the EU are on the verge of a major overhaul. National governments will soon not be allowed anymore to limit renewables subsidies to domestic producers: they will have to treat all EU-based producers alike. This at … [continued]
If Chancellor Angela Merkel comes to power after elections in September, Germany may become the latest European country to curb support for renewable energy infrastructure. Amidst the poor economic environment in Europe, a number of countries have pulled back support for the renewable energy sector by either reducing subsidies or … [continued]
Last week, President Obama took a few moments during his inauguration speech to address climate change and the need for the US to show leadership in the transition to clean energy. Since the President made some refreshingly clear statements about the most important issues of our time, I am happy that … [continued]
Anti-wind and anti-solar folks (yes, there are a few out there — mostly tied to the fossil fuel industry) love to bring up renewable energy subsidies. However, there are so many reasons why they really shouldn’t be eager to do so. For example, fossil fuel and nuclear subsidies dwarf … [continued]
Continuing on from yesterday’s “Renewable Energy Big Pic” post, here’s Renewable Energy Big Pic: Part 2. As noted yesterday, this two-post series is basically a presentation I gave to a class of renewable energy graduate students this week. Enjoy this second part, and chime in below if anything interesting or … [continued]
