EIB focuses on renewables, R&D and energy efficiency

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will focus its investments on target areas: large energy projects, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, R&D in the energy sector, and cooperation with partner and neighbouring countries. In renewables, the EIB aims to achieve development of less mature renewable energy markets in the EU, and development of ‘underdeveloped’ renewables (particularly biofuels) and new renewable energy technologies.

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Seabed carbon storage allowed from February 2007

Storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) under the seabed will be allowed from 10 February 2007. Parties of the London Protocol adopted amendments to the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972. Parties also agreed that guidance informing them on the means by which sub-seabed geological sequestration of CO2 can be conducted, in a manner that is safe for the marine environment, over the long and short term, should be developed as soon as possible. This means that a basis has been created in international environmental law to regulate carbon capture and storage in sub-seabed geological formations for permanent isolation.

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Danish government supports RE & EE in rural areas

The Danish government announced that they will support the establishment of the Second Danish Cooperation fund for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Rural Areas with 20 million Danish Kroner, which is about 2.68 million Euros. This fund aims to increase the use of renewable energy in developing countries that are member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The first Danish Cooperation Fund for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Rural Areas was established in December 2001 as part of the ADB’s Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Climate Change (REACH) program. The REACH program was launched in 2002 to promote sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific through renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas abatement (REGA) technologies and increase access of the poor to energy services.

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Seven European countries in climate top 10

The results of the 2007 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) show that seven European countries, led by Sweden, form the Top 10 together with three rapidly industrialising countries. Sweden is followed by the UK, Denmark, Malta, Germany and Argentina. The CCPI gives a comparison between countries concerning climate policies. Based on data sets form the International Energy Agency and a survey among national experts, the index looks at emission volumes of given countries, analyses trends in emissions and even includes an assessment of climate policies at domestic and international level.

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