Fossil fuels come out on top when their energy return on energy investment (EROI) — the ratio of how much energy a source such as coal will produce compared to how much energy it takes to extract— is compared to renewables. But researchers from the University of Leeds, UK, say this is because historically EROIs have been measured at extraction. Taking into account the energy required to transform oil, coal and gas into finished fuels brings the ratios much closer and makes a strong case for rapidly stepping up investment in renewable energies, say the scientists.

US states must do more than compete with each other for ocean energy power. They must cooperate to create a winning industry for the country, says the Leadership 100 Work Plan by the Business Network for Offshore Wind. This is because US states, which are independent in some ways from each other and from the federal government, often compete to be home to the nascent offshore wind supply chain. Cooperation between states is also key to developing the grid and transmission lines needed to support large offshore wind projects.

Fossil fuels make up over 40% of the annual cargo tonnage of all maritime trade. If the world changes its energy sources to reduce emissions in line with the Paris climate agreement, investors in shipping and ports will be exposed to substantial financial risks, says a study by Maritime Strategies International. If the average global temperature rise is limited to 1.5°C, the value of the world’s dry bulk ships will more than halve from $195 billion in 2018 to $90 billion by 2030 with significant implications for investment banks and major institutional investors.