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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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Can we make nodal pricing work? Another conversation with an inner teenage sceptic
On September 17, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen included a remarkable point in her mission letter for the incoming Energy Commissioner — advance the system integration of solar and wind by improving locational price signals. How could that… View Summary +
Electrification: A crucial step towards industrial decarbonisation
Europe is at a crossroads in its quest to meet ambitious climate goals. Industrial emissions, which contribute 20% of the continent’s greenhouse gases, must be drastically reduced — by 90% by 2040 — to align with the European Union’s net-zero… View Summary +
UK energy governance is changing fast, here’s what’s needed to get it right
In early October, the energy regulator Ofgem closed its Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) policy framework consultation; there are some positive developments coming, but the need for further reform remains. Overall, it’s clear more regional planning is… View Summary +
Network charges: Paving the way for industrial electrification and competitiveness
The Commission and others have identified renewable electricity as the main lever to reduce gas imports and reduce industrial carbon emissions. Yet electricity prices are often significantly higher than fossil fuel prices, so the business case does not always stack… View Summary +
How to drive industrial electrification for climate and strategic independence
Electrification is the name of the game Heat is a crucial element in almost every manufacturing process, whether it is in the heavy stuff of melting glass and steel or firing ceramics at scorching temperatures (800°C-1,500°C), producing chemicals (100°C-500 °C),… View Summary +
Treat the cause, not the symptom: Preparing for megawatt truck charging uptake in Europe
Unbalanced charging could put unnecessary stress on distribution grids The European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which entered into force mid-April 2024, requires Member States to scale up the buildout of truck charging capacity and density starting in 2025. View Summary +
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 +
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 +
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 +
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 +
