Blog
Incisive commentary from RAP experts
RAP experts keep their finger on the pulse of the energy sector and provide timely analysis of topics impacting stakeholders TODAY.
Filter >>
Content Filter:
October 22, 2019
Stuck in the past: Energy performance certificates hold back heat decarbonisation
In 2014, we bought an old Victorian house in Oxford, UK, well aware it needed major renovation work. Our energy performance certificate (EPC), which shows the energy performance of a building, was a poor grade “E” on a scale of… View Summary +
October 18, 2019
Emissionspreise sind nicht alles
Preise für Emissionen sind nicht alles, vielmehr ist die sinnvolle Verwendung der Einnahmen entscheidend. Schlüssig belegt ist, dass Energieeffizienzprogramme gut abschneiden. Auch das Ordnungsrecht – zum Beispiel Mindeststandards – helfe bei der Einhaltung der Klimaziele. Das Klimapaket der Bundesregierung ist… View Summary +
September 22, 2019
The UK’s August 9 blackout: Why did it happen and what can we learn?
- Philip Baker
The power outages that occurred in the United Kingdom on August 9 demonstrated our increasing dependence on secure electricity supplies and the extremely disruptive consequences when those supplies fail. The reasons for the extent of the disruption to transport… View Summary +
September 18, 2019
Clean, Flexible and Efficient: A Recipe for Energy Optimization
- John Shenot
The United States is the second-highest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet — but we are also a leader in technological and economic strength. We have the capability to lead the world in finding solutions to the urgent challenge… View Summary +
August 5, 2019
A Trans-Atlantic Take on Building Efficiency: Lessons from Germany and New England
Despite being an ocean apart, Germany and New England are similar in many respects. More than 75% of energy used for residential heat in both places relies on natural gas or heating oil. And both have adopted ambitious energy and… View Summary +
July 1, 2019
Paying our way out of purgatory? Is carbon pricing enough?
After the Pope backs a carbon tax to stem global warming, Louise Sunderland argues that only when coupled with the strategic use of the revenues will carbon taxes be efficient and cost-effective enough. This month, Pope Francis announced that… View Summary +
June 26, 2019
Why I replaced my new gas boiler with a heat pump
After installing a new air source heat pump in my home, I posted a photo on Twitter, delighted about the carbon emissions we will save. My celebration, however, was short-lived. The post triggered an intense discussion with many… View Summary +
May 22, 2019
Three smart ways to integrate electric vehicles
- Julia Hildermeier ,
- Christos Kolokathis
Promising practices are emerging in Europe and the United States to integrate electric vehicles into the grid and advance the clean mobility and energy transitions. We know that electric vehicles (EVs) can deliver extensive economic, power system, environmental and… View Summary +
April 17, 2019
Don’t throw money for heat decarbonisation out of the window
Last winter, I visited friends in London, who live in an old Victorian house. When I arrived for dinner, they told me that we could not use the kitchen as it was too cold. The radiators were running at full… View Summary +
March 21, 2019
Gilets Jaunes, RGGI, and Recommendations for China’s Carbon Reduction Policies
- Christopher James
The gilets jaunes (“yellow vests”) protests in France have highlighted the critical role that consumers must play in defining how we decarbonize our economies. In light of this and similar setbacks for action on climate change, such as the… View Summary +