Lessons grid operators could learn from Africa

Rule change promises South African renewables options beyond REIPPPP

South Africa’s energy transition has faltered in recent years with the ripples of political turmoil spreading to its regulatory frameworks and state-owned utility, hampering renewable energy auction rounds and transmission system development in the process. But a proposed change in the law may provide a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for renewable energy developers

Africa’s climate transition

This week, Policy Dispatch takes a look into Africa’s energy transition, the main hurdles that the continent’s 54 nations are facing, and its untapped renewable potential with Saliem Fakir, Executive Director at the African Climate Foundation

New supply chain law could help spur the energy transition

An upcoming EU supply chain law may see multinational oil and gas companies face a rise in lawsuits stemming from the environmental impacts of their operations. These traditional energy firms may consider driving more investments into less-risky renewables as a result

Emerging markets gain from the digital evolution of energy

Technology start-ups in Africa are making use of the roll-out of mobile phone networks to bring digital innovation to remote areas through pay-as-you-go models for services that can increase prosperity. For the first time, smallholders can afford solar panels for electricity while others can sign on to thriving energy-as-a-service business models that do not require an initial capital outlay

What net zero looks like around the world

Cities are key enablers of the energy transition. But each city in every area of the world will have a different set of priorities and ideas of how to achieve net-zero by 2050. FORESIGHT examines a city from each continent—and a research station—to show what this global action looks like from seven different perspectives

Isolated Iberian Peninsula unable to maximise renewables potential

The Iberian Peninsula in southwest Europe is blessed with wind and solar resources that could help the rest of the region reduce its reliance on natural gas—but whether it ends up as electricity or another energy carrier, getting it out remains difficult

The $100 billion climate finance question

Finance for development initiatives in emerging markets is intrinsically tied to climate change—from new roads and energy infrastructure to transportation and new buildings. Yet despite the billions of dollars in overseas development assistance funding, the promised $100 billion of new and additional climate finance by 2020 has failed to materialise

Finance dries up for coal, but flows on for oil and gas

COVID-19 may have reduced emissions in the short-term, but much more needs to happen to slash fossil fuel use to meet climate targets

Potential for Europe to pivot to China on carbon trade as UK and US pull back

The structure of the European Union’s 15-year-old carbon trading market is long overdue for an update if it is to keep pace with growing national ambitions to halt climate-destroying activity and geopolitical shifts

Concentrated solar power faces existential threat

It cannot easily compete with wind and solar PV for daytime electricity generation but in countries with high levels of direct solar irradiation concentrated solar power could play a vital role in decarbonising energy systems thanks to its ability to act as a thermal battery for overnight production. But few markets are rewarding dispatchable overnight renewable energy, putting the future of the industry at risk