Wind energy in Europe: Mafia prospers from planning restrictions

Wind energy in Europe: Mafia prospers from planning restrictions

May 5, 2009 4:54 pm by Max Hogg

Environmentalists and the Mafia make strange bedfellows in the pursuit of wind power in Sicily. You could be forgiven for wondering if the notorious Italian gangs have belatedly developed a conscience. In reality this episode serves to highlight the deep contradictions in European policies towards renewable energy.

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Abandoning oil to meet 2050 emissions targets

April 30, 2009 6:13 pm by Max Hogg

Petrol prices will need to rise to “around £5/litre [at 2007 prices]” in 2050 if the UK is to meet its carbon targets, suggests the author of an independent report on the UK’s future energy system.

The report, produced by the UK Energy Research Centre, concludes that for the UK to emit 80 per cent less CO2 in 2050, oil use must be virtually eliminated and the electricity sector fully decarbonised. To achieve this will require a high and stable carbon price of around £200/tCO2 at 2007 prices by the middle of the century.

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