Daily Energy News
Policy & Regulatory
China unveils new carbon intensity target by 2030
15 Dec 2020China has pledged to lower its carbon intensity (i.e. CO2 emissions per unit of GDP) by more than 65% by 2030 from 2005 levels, compared to a previous target of reducing its carbon intensity by 60-65% by 2030. In addition, the country plans to raise the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption from around 20% to 25% by 2020, and to raise its total installed capacity of wind and solar power to over 1,200 GW. China will also increase the forest stock volume by 6 bcm from the 2005 level by 2030.
Read moreCanada’s carbon tax will increase to US$133/t in 2030
15 Dec 2020The Canadian government plans to increase the carbon tax by CAD15/t (US$11.7/t) every year starting in 2023: the carbon tax should thus rise from CAD50 (US$39/t) in 2022 to CAD170 (US$133.1/t) in 2030. In turn, Canadian households will be granted carbon tax rebates, which will increase until 2030.
Read moreThe UK unveils clean energy program to cut GHG emissions
15 Dec 2020The UK government has unveiled plans for clean energy system, building on the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, which aims to cut greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from industry, transport, and buildings by 230 MtCO2eq over the next decade. The Energy White Paper, which backs the new program, targets generating emission-free electricity by 2050 with a commitment to deliver 40 GW of offshore wind by 2030, including 1 GW of floating wind.
Read moreSpain launches a 3 GW renewable tender
15 Dec 2020The Spanish government has launched its first renewable energy auction under the new regulatory framework, which will auction 3 GW of renewable capacity, of which at least 1 GW of solar PV and 1 GW of offshore wind; the remaining 1 GW will be allocated to any technology without restrictions. The auction will take place on 26 January 2020. Winners will secure 12-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) for PV, solar thermal, onshore and offshore wind and hydropower, and 15-year PPAs for biomass, biogas and bio-liquid technologies.
Read moreGermany amends energy law to boost renewables
15 Dec 2020The German coalition government has approved changes to a new energy law to ensure a significant increase in the country’s renewable power production. The new law, which is expected to be enacted by 1 January 2021, will give local communities financial incentives to build onshore wind projects, promote biomass and geothermal energy and encourage more large-scale solar plants.
Read moreThe European Council approves GHG emissions cut by at least 55% in 2030
14 Dec 2020The European Council has endorsed a binding EU target of a net reduction of at least 55% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared to 1990, which would put the regional bloc on track for meeting its Paris Agreement obligations and for climate neutrality by 2050. The 2030 target will be achieved in a way that preserves the EU’s competitiveness and takes account of Member States’ different starting points and specific national circumstances and emission reduction potential.
Read moreThe Brazilian Senate approves new law to liberalise the gas market
14 Dec 2020The Brazilian Senate has approved the new Natural Gas Law, which intends to open the market to the private sector and end the monopoly held by the national oil and gas company Petrobras. Gas distribution and the operation of gas pipelines will switch from a concession regime (concessions granted by the government, with public bidding), to a regime of authorizations granted by the oil and gas regulator ANP, which should reduce administrative procedures to build gas pipelines. In addition, the text prevents vertical integration in the production of natural gas.
Read moreEnergy & Climate Markets
China bans thermal coal imports from Australia
15 Dec 2020China has formally blocked Australian coal imports, after months of restrictions. The decision was taken by the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), which has authorised power plants to import without clearance restrictions, except for Australia, in an attempt to "stabilise coal purchase prices". China plans to increase domestic coal production and to raise imports from Mongolia, Indonesia and Russia.
Read moreInfrastructure & Investments
Denmark awards construction permit for Vesterhav Syd-Nord wind projects
15 Dec 2020The Danish Energy Agency has authorised Vattenfall to start building the Vesterhav Syd and Nord offshore wind projects (350 MW) in the North Sea. The projects are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2023. In September 2016, the group won the Danish Near Shore Wind tender to build two offshore wind parks with a total capacity of 350 MW.
Read moreEnel Green Power starts building 1.3 GW of renewable projects in Brazil
15 Dec 2020Enel Green power has started to build 1.3 GW of new renewable capacity in northeastern Brazil, including the Lagoa dos Ventos III (396 MW), Morro do Chapéu Sul II (353 MW), Cumaru (206 MW) and Fontes dos Ventos II (99 MW) wind projects and the São Gonçalo III (256 MW) solar plant. The projects require a BRL5.6bn (US$1.1bn) investment and are expected to be commissioned in 2021, excepted the Lagoa dos Ventos III, which is due to start operations in 2022.
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