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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.
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EU at risk of missing 2020 energy efficiency targets: Lessons for 2030
Energy consumption in the EU is rising despite targets to reduce demand across Europe. This should not come as a surprise and is explained mainly by GDP growth, writes Samuel Thomas. It’s 1992. The Republicans have been in the White… View Summary +
Walking the walk on capacity mechanisms
Following the decision of the General Court of the European Union in November last year to annul the capacity market in Great Britain, the European Commission has now embarked on a detailed formal investigation of the market’s design. The Court’s… View Summary +
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 +
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 +
A Green Deal that works for everyone – Making the renovation wave a reality
Change is in the air. European leaders agreed in December that Europe would adopt a net-zero emissions target for 2050. The European Commission announced that it will put forward new legislation by March to enshrine climate neutrality in law. View Summary +
Polish coal boiler phase-out an inspiration for clean heat
It all started in Krakow, Poland. The medieval city is known for its beauty, but also for poor air quality from coal heating. In 2012, a group of local residents joined together and founded the organisation Krakow… View Summary +
Pushing water uphill: Putting power behind the renovation wave
For some time now I have been struck by the irony of the European Commission’s chosen name for its building renovation policy package, the “renovation wave,” given that increasing the rate of renovation has been like pushing water uphill. Currently,… View Summary +
Extended ETS outperforms carbon border adjustment in the power sector
The European Commission’s proposal to introduce a carbon border adjustment mechanism would not work as well as extending the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to reduce global emissions and further integrate energy exporting countries into the European power market. Carbon leakage… View Summary +
Rugby, and the art of regulating energy in times of uncertainty
Here’s an analogy you weren’t expecting: Regulating energy is, surprisingly, much like regulating the sport of rugby. Regulators in both areas contend with challenges from a number of fronts. Rugby “regulators” have had to, over time, adapt the game to… View Summary +
Fit and fair: The case for a European fund for targeted renovation
This week European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans revealed that any extension of carbon pricing to heating and transport would be accompanied by a “climate action social fund.” He states the purpose of this fund is… View Summary +
