THIS WEEK
Germany's new hope, clean tech solutions for the north, and miraculous floating wind farms.
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FEATURE
China could soon have more EV chargers than the rest of the world—combined
If you needed more evidence that the world's most populated country is overcoming its reputation as a notorious polluter, just take a look at China's adoption of electric vehicles. Numbers released last month from China's National Development and Reform Commission revealed that within just five years, China could have more EV charging stations than the rest of the world combined. Yes, the entire world.
If this comes as a surprise, it may be because of the speed at which it happened. China had fewer than 50,000 stations at the start of 2016 and by halfway through the year was up to 81,000. So, where are all these stations being built? Major cities, according to a new study out this week from Bloomberg New Energy Finance and McKinsey and Company. That report found that global metropolises such as Shanghai and London could see electric vehicles representing 60 per cent of cars on city streets by 2030.
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Canada's renewable energy building spree
In one decade, non-hydro renewable projects grew from representing two per cent of Canada's energy capacity to 11 per cent, says a new report from the National Energy Board. "One thing people don't really understand (is) just how significant on a world scale Canada is on the renewable front," NEB chief economist Shelley Milutinovic said.
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Your carbon pricing questions answered
Maclean's has a trio of analysis pieces tackling the hottest policy story in Canada: carbon pricing. Here's what it will likely cost you, here's a comparison of taxing versus trading carbon, and here's why Canada should be a leader, small though we may be.
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Clean energy investments decline in 2016
Now for some bad news: Global clean energy investments in 2016 will almost certainly fail to match 2015's record numbers—on a strictly dollar for dollar basis, anyway. There is actually some good news here. The decline is partly the result of lower costs.
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Gains in energy efficiency are accelerating
A new report from the International Energy Agency found that investment in energy efficiency hit US$220 billion in 2015. In the same year, gains in energy efficiency were three times 2013 levels. That growth, however, may not be fast enough.
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German states propose ambitious 2030 target
Germany's sixteen states have a modest proposal: they want sales of new diesel and petrol cars to be banned in the European Union by 2016. As for Germany's iconic carmakers—BMW, Daimler and VW—they're also looking to the future.
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A clean energy solution for Canada's territories
Big cities aren't the only areas ripe for carbon-fighting efficiencies. A new report has outlined a five-year plan to build hybrid micro-grids that would cut the Northwest Territories' diesel dependence by half. The plan may also be more affordable than its alternatives.
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Introducing Victoria's electric double-decker bus
Victoria is now home to North America's first fully electric double-decker bus. The vehicle seats 99 people and has a range of 400 kilometres on a single charge.
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Wind and water: turbines that float
As engineers look for ways to make offshore wind farms more viable, floating supports are one option where water is too deep. The floating turbines would be anchored and, perhaps, less disruptive to marine life than traditional offshore turbines.
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The future of New York's 'energy internet'
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is a believer in smart grids. And one of his latest projects, Reforming the Energy Vision, aims to let people see their home's energy data and share it easily with companies. That data is crucial for startups like Sealed Inc.
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Clean Energy Review is sponsored in part by Genus Capital Management, a leading provider of fossil-fuel-free investments.
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FRONT BURNER
QUEST Conference and Tradeshow
Oct. 17-19 | Calgary
If you're interested in connecting with leaders and experts from a range of sectors—and cities—to talk about smart energy in communities, Calgary will be the destination for roughly 350 key decision makers mid-month. The 10th-anniversary conference and tradeshow is a networking event for both national and international local governments, energy service providers, the real estate sector, the clean technology industry and anyone with an interest in efficiency. Learn more.
Oct. 19 | Online
Webinar: Best tools to cut carbon pollution from transportation
Canada has a mix of options—from biofuels to transit to regulations to self-driving cars—to reduce the climate impacts of moving people and things from A to B. But what's the best combination? Hosted by Ecofiscal Commission. Learn more.
Nov. 1-3 | Calgary
CANWEA Annual Conference and Exhibition
Canada's biggest wind power conference is whooshing in this November. Topics this year include asset management, social aspects of wind development for emerging markets, and industry initiatives to reduce bat fatalities. Learn more.
Nov. 14-16 | Ottawa
Scaling Up Conference
Canada has an opportunity to lead the world into its low-carbon future. Scaling Up offers attendees the chance to be a part of the conversation on innovation. Early-bird rates are available until October 14. Learn more.
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