Energy

Date of Editorial Board meeting:

Publication date:

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Abstract in English:

This paper is one of a series on biomass produced by Chatham House. Between them these papers aim to provide an analysis of the growth in the use of wood for power and heat and a discussion of its impact on the global climate and on forests. In addition, the series intends to reach conclusions on the appropriate treatment of woody biomass for energy in policy frameworks. This paper provides background information on the use of woody biomass for power and heat within the EU – the main global source of demand for non-traditional uses of biomass – and examines patterns of demand and supply in nine EU member states, together with the policy frameworks that support the use of biomass for energy.

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European Forest Institute

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A forest-based circular bioeconomy for southern Europe: visions, opportunities and challenges

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2018

Forest

Agriculture and Forestry

European Forests

Sustainable Development

Bioeconomy

Bioenergy

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Date of Editorial Board meeting:

Publication date:

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Abstract in English:

This report analyses the challenges and opportunities to develop a forest based bioeconomy in southern Europe.
Current bioeconomy strategies of southern European countries focus on developing biobased sectors, especially agriculture, with no clear connection to related environmental or industrial policies. However, there is a wealth of knowledge, resources and relevant developments that can help the transition from a niche to the norm.

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European Forest Institute

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European Union

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Number of pages:

124

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Towards a sustainable European forest-based bioeconomy

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Resources (Food, Energy, Water, Biodiversity)

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Publication date:

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Abstract in English:

This science-based study provides a synthesis of existing knowledge for policymakers on the prospects for a sustainable, inclusive forest-based bioeconomy in Europe, including:
• The importance of forests and the forest-based sector in contributing to a European bioeconomy;
• The assessment of a forest-based bioeconomy in view of innovation and economic, social and environmental sustainability;
• Future issues that may affect the development of a forest-based bioeconomy.

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Environmental Sustainability

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European Union

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162

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Fourth Industrial Revolution for the Earth

Author:

Pricewaterhouse Coopers

Keywords:

2018

Artificial Intelligence

Technological innovation

Technological Disruption

Environment

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Date of Editorial Board meeting:

Publication date:

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Abstract in English:

The focus of this report is on harnessing AI systems today, and as they evolve, to create maximum positive impact on urgent environmental challenges. It suggests ways in which AI can help transform traditional sectors and systems to address climate change, deliver food and water security, protect biodiversity and bolster human well-being. This concern is tightly linked with the emerging question of how to ensure that AI does not become harmful to human well-being.

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The Oxford institute for Energy studies

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Decarbonisation of heat in Europe: implications for natural gas demand

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Heating and cooling sectors

Date of Editorial Board meeting:

Publication date:

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Abstract in English:

The EU has so far mostly focused on the electricity sector to reduce her greenhouse gas emissions. To meet its target, though, Europe will have to focus on other sectors, such as heating and cooling. The latter is Europe's single largest energy consumer, covering half of Europe's energy demand. 42% of Europe's current energy supply comes from natural gas. Therefore, the gas industry needs to understand the implications of the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sector on natural gas demand.
However, the role of those sectors in the natural gas demand is still not properly understood. This paper tries to fill this vacuum by studying the heating and cooling sector in Europe, with a special focus on the implications for the gas industry, especially for the natural gas demand.

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The Oxford institute for Energy studies

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The Role of Natural Gas, Renewables and Energy Efficiency in Decarbonisation in Germany

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Energy Efficiency Policies

Germany

Energiewende

Date of Editorial Board meeting:

Publication date:

Monday, April 30, 2018

Abstract in English:

This paper looks at the implications of the 2015 Paris Agreement for renewables, energy efficiency and natural gas and draws conclusions on the limitations of renewables for meeting national and international climate targets, illustrated by the past and present German renewable-focused approach. It discusses the need to complement an all-electric renewable approach with the important contribution decarbonized natural gas can make to meet the decarbonisation targets of the Paris Agreement within the time frame given by it. Finally, it illustrates the overlap of EU decarbonisation and German renewable policy and how this hinders short term fuel switching to natural gas and possible remedies. Throughout the paper “gas”, unless otherwise specified, should be taken to mean “natural gas”.

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Wold Energy Issues Monitor 2018

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Publication date:

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Abstract in English:

The monitor helps to define the world energy agenda and its evolution over time. It provides a high-level perception of what constitute issues of critical uncertainty, in contrast to those that require immediate action or act as developing signals for the future. It is an essential tool for understanding the complex and uncertain environment in which energy leaders must operate, and a tool through which one can challenge own assumptions on the key drivers within the energy landscape.
This ninth iteration of the monitor is based on insights provided by more than 1,200 energy leaders to provide over 30 national assessments across six regions. It first discusses global issues regarding energy, then deliver country by country assessments of what the latter's national energy agendas should look like.

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Institut Français des Relations Internationales

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128

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Gas in the European Energy Transition: Challenges and Opportunities

Title Original Language:

Le gaz dans la Transition Energétique Européenne: Enjeux et Opportunités

Abstract Original Language:

Les performances environnementales du gaz lui permettent de réduire rapidement et dès maintenant les émissions de CO2 du secteur électrique quand il remplace le charbon, deux fois plus émetteur. Sa flexibilité lui permet aussi de pallier l'intermittence du solaire et de l'éolien, facilitant ainsi le développement des ENRs. Il contribue de même à un approvisionnement électrique fiable et réduit les coûts d'équilibrage du système électrique. Il pourrait aussi être utile pour réduire les émissions des transports routiers et maritimes.
Le gaz a donc toute sa place dans le futur bouquet énergétique européen, a condition de décarboner encore son usage, d'augmenter l'intégration et la compétitivité du marché gazier européen et d'assurer la sécurité d'un approvisionnement qui dépendra de plus de plus des importations extra-européennes.

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Gas

Liquefied Natural Gas

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Date of Editorial Board meeting:

Publication date:

Monday, January 15, 2018

Abstract in English:

Thanks to its environmental performance, gas can help to quickly reduce the CO2 emissions of the electricity production when replacing the twice-as-emitting coal power. Its flexibility also help make up for the intermittence of the sun and wind powers, thus facilitating to the development of the renewable energy production. It similarly contributes to a reliable electricity supply and reduce the balancing cost of the electric system. It could also be used in the near future to reduce the emissions of the road and maritime transportation sectors.
In nutshell, gas could play a key role within the future European Energy Cluster, provided the further decarbonization of it usage, the increase in the integration and competitiveness of the European gas market, and the securing of its supply-which will increasingly depend on extra-European imports.

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cornot-gandolphe_gaz_transition_energetique_2018.pdf

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France

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The rise of offshore wind power in the North Sea

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L'essor de l'éolien offshore en Mer du Nord

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Les acteurs industriels européens ont su préserver le marché de l'éolien offshore pour leurs produit et services. Le savoir-faire ainsi acquis les place en bonne position sur ce marché, dont le potentiel paraît immense. Cependant, la compétition ne fait que débuter et de nombreux groupes extra-européens ont déjà pris des parts dans des projets en Mer du Nord, acquérant à leurs tours les compétences nécessaires pour essaimer sur d'autres rivages.
Autour de la Mer du Nord, les politiques de soutien à ce secteur ont évolué vers des procédures concurrentielles, notamment par des appels d'offre. Jointe à une maîtrise technologique croissante, cette démarche a abouti à une remarquable baisse des coûts pour les projets annoncés après 2018, dans les pays déjà équipés. La compétitivité ainsi accrue de l'éolien offshore offre des perspectives considérables en Mer du Nord. Hélas, elle bute encore sur les coûts d'extension du réseau électrique. A l'heure où chaque Etat mène sa propre politique énergétique, la coordination interétatique est indispensable pour minimiser les coûts d'exploitation de cette ressource.

Author:

Institut Français des Relations Internationales

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Date of Editorial Board meeting:

Publication date:

Monday, July 16, 2018

Abstract in English:

Over the past years, European industry players have acquired a significant know-how that they can value on the promising global offshore wind market. Yet, competition is still at an early stage and many non-European stakeholders have taken shares in projects in the North Sea, hoping to gain similar expertise before wandering to other shores. Support policies have recently moved to competitive tenders ad, combined with a growing technological lead, the have contributed to a remarkable fall in prices announced for projects to be commissioned after 2018. Offshore wind represents a strategic opportunity for Europe but requires strong investments in grid infrastructures. While each national government is currently defining its own targets and support schemes, cross-border coordination is imperative to guarantee the integration of massive wind production at minimal cost.

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cruciani_eolien_offshore_mer_du_nord_2018.pdf

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France

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Digital Decarbonization: Promoting Digital Innovations to Advance Clean Energy Systems

Author:

Council on Foreign Relations

Keywords:

Digital globalization

Digital Transformation

Digital Decarbonization

Low Carbon Economy

Low-Carbon Technologies

Energy Demand

Date of Editorial Board meeting:

Publication date:

Monday, June 18, 2018

Abstract in English:

A digital revolution is sweeping the global energy sector. As energy industries produce ever more data, firms are harnessing greater computing power, advances in data science, and increased digital connectivity to exploit that data. These trends have the potential to transform the way energy is produced, transported, and consumed.
An important potential benefit of this digital transformation of energy is a reduction in global emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change; the elimination of such emissions from the global economy is known as decarbonization. By enabling clean energy systems that rely on low-carbon energy sources and are highly efficient in using energy, digital innovations in the energy sector can speed decarbonization. Yet they are not guaranteed to do so. In fact, digital innovations could well increase global greenhouse emissions, for example, by making it easier to extract fossil fuels.

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