New International Agency – AFP (via Yahoo) had this to say the other day: Germany hails creation of global climate-change agency. More than 100 countries are to be represented in Bonn next week for the founding conference of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Here’s how the new agency describes itself: “Mandated by governments worldwide, IRENA aims at becoming the main driving force in promoting a rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy on a global scale. Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, IRENA will provide practical advice and support for both industrialised and developing countries, help them improve their regulatory frameworks and build capacity.”
For more on IRENA, read their comprehensive brochure, available in English, German, French, Arabic and Spanish. See also their presentation. The timing is excellent for the advent of this potentially critical international agency.
Less is More – “GreenerBuildings” reports here on an Electric Power Research Institute study that “energy users in the U.S. could reduce the growth rate of consumption by 22 percent in the next 20 years — a reduction equivalent to 14 times the electricity used annually in New York City” Sweet! (I have looked at efficiency a good number of times here, including in More Groundbreaking Work on Efficiency and Good Grief, More Efficiency.)
Special “FT” Report – In another sterling bit of journalism from the “FT,” see this look at Clean Energy from earlier this week. There are articles on the green economy, the smart grid, microgeneration, among other key topics, as well as videos and an excellent interactive graphic on green building. Don’t miss this fine report.
Massachusetts and Wind – Following up on my note on offshore wind below (Jan. 19), the Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, is calling for 2GW of wind capacity by 2020. See this from RenewableEnergyWorld.com. “wind power is going to be a centerpiece of the clean energy economy we are creating for Massachusetts,” said Patrick. This can supply 10% of Massachusetts’s present electricity demand.
I’m In With the In Crowd – An interesting story from “US News & World Report” has this perspective: The New In-Crowd in Obama’s Washington: the Renewable Energy Folks. Where were the in-crowd members on Tuesday night? At the Green Ball, where else? “Among the several hundred attendees were a large number of D.C. lobbyists, environmentalists, and trade association officials. They sat at small tables (with green tablecloths) or stood around in small groups, discussing topics like the nuances of carbon cap-and-trade legislation.” Well, as the late, great Ron McKernan , Pigpen to most , was wont to say: “That’s what I’m talking about!”
