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RAP experts keep their finger on the pulse of the energy sector and provide timely analysis of topics impacting stakeholders TODAY.
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May 24, 2024
Heat pumps gained European market share in 2023 despite falling sales
Following several years of strong growth, heat pump markets slowed in Europe in 2023. In previous articles for Carbon Brief, we discussed this initial surge in 2021 and explored the impact of the energy crisis in 2022. Yet, despite… View Summary +

March 25, 2024
Fact check: 18 misleading myths about heat pumps
Heat pumps are an alternative to gas boilers and wood stoves for indoor heating. They now feature in most proposals for cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by mid-century in order to meet the globally agreed… View Summary +

February 1, 2024
Will price cannibalisation kill the market for wind and solar? Another conversation with Dominic Scott’s inner teenage sceptic
Not to be out done by Monika and Bram, Dominic Scott has another chat with his inner teenage self. This time on the topic of whether the rollout of renewables will eat itself. (For more on this topic, please see our … View Summary +

January 23, 2024
Making contracts for difference smart: Conversations with Dominic Scott’s inner teenage sceptic
In response to stomach-churning increases in electricity prices of 2022, prompted by the invasion of Ukraine and issues with the French nuclear power fleet, European institutions have been devising reforms to put consumers on a more solid footing. One of… View Summary +

December 21, 2023
Boiler alert: Predicting boiler breakdowns benefits households and reduces harmful emissions
Policymakers can provide stronger tools to avoid households becoming locked into new gas boiler systems We do not get to choose when our boiler breaks down. It could be at the start of the weekend, when a houseful of relatives… View Summary +

December 20, 2023
China’s coal power capacity payment policy: What it means and what’s next
The possibility of establishing a new capacity payment for power plants has been under debate in China for years. If well-designed and open to competing clean-energy resources, a capacity payment mechanism could be a workable part of a broad power… View Summary +

December 15, 2023
Getting contracts for difference right: Conversations with Monika Morawiecka’s inner teenage sceptic
The fossil gas price rollercoaster witnessed over the last couple of years has underlined the need to get renewables deployed at breakneck speed. At the same time we need tools to protect consumers from big price hikes. Well-designed, two-sided contracts… View Summary +

December 8, 2023
Avoiding the worst pitfalls with capacity markets – Conversations with Bram Claeys’ inner teenage sceptic
Governments want to make sure the lights stay on during the most challenging moments of the year — think freezing cold days when the wind is not blowing and the sun hides behind grey clouds. Around Europe and further afield,… View Summary +

November 27, 2023
Will EU’s buildings directive bring benefits for low-income households?
Louise Sunderland highlights that flexible household energy use is pivotal to the energy transition. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive provides an essential gateway to citizen participation in the smart energy system and to cheaper energy for low-income households —… View Summary +

September 20, 2023
Key issues at stake as EU electricity market reform nears finishing line
A quick side-by-side of the positions in Parliament and Council Reform of the European electricity market design should enter the final stages ahead of next year’s elections. Will the racers be able to cross the finish line in time? This… View Summary +
