Showing posts with label Public affairs and PR for the Energy Industry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public affairs and PR for the Energy Industry. Show all posts

Tuesday, 22 September 2009

Politics News-China Expected to lead in UN Climate Change Meeting

Today in New York world leaders are sitting down to discuss their plans to fight climate change. Attention is likely to focus on Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is expected to unveil stringent new plans to tackle global warming. China, out of all the developing countries it is agreed have moved quickly. Yes indeed they do have a high level of emissions hover they are taking steps and investing in renewable energy and talking openly about emissions and what they want to do.

With Just 76 days left before Copenhagen the pressure is on for global leaders to come to agreement.

The cacophony of noise from politicians, pressure groups, and the public is rising. However the real challenge has not changed over the last ten months. The divide between developed and developing countries and the level of CO2 each must cut still remains the main bargaining point.

In the Daily Telegraph Lord Stern Summarises the situation as a "deadlock consists of an approach by rich countries which collectively involves inadequate emissions reductions and unwillingness to make financial commitments without being able to approve the plans for developing countries to move to low-carbon growth. And on the part of developing countries, an unwillingness to make commitments on reductions without a clear indication of financial support from the rich countries, together with an unwillingness to have their own plans for low-carbon development determined by, or subject to the approval of, the rich countries".

Writing in the Guardian Ed Miliband, appeals for the deal makers not to have a re-run of Kyoto, Doha and Gleaneagles where 'piecemeal' arrangements were the results of these rounds of talks.

Tony Blair reappeared on the world stage this time talking about the threat of Climate Change. While the liberal democrats are calling for no one to nominate him for the position of future European President he was in New York presenting his paper titled 'Cutting the Cost' to UN Secretary General Ban –ki-moon.

The paper focuses on the economic advantages of a global response to rising temperatures caused by the growth in greenhouse gas emissions. In the findings the Rt hon. Blair claims that over 10 million jobs can be created in fighting climate change. In a foreword to the report, Mr Blair attempts to head off criticism of the proposals.

Blair states: ''Some may choose to quibble about the exact numbers in the analysis, while others may argue that the policy scenarios used are unrealistic. This misses the point. Our objective is not to prescribe the targets and timetables that should be adopted: that is the job of scientists and governments”.

However in reality this week all eyes will be on China. They have the political will, the ability to invest in new green technology. They have the willingness to move ahead at speed in cutting emissions. If they decide to do so this week they will leave the US, the EU and the rest of the world behind.

Taylor Keogh Communications Public Affairs and PR for the Energy and Clean Tech sectors

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

Industry News-Made in Britain: the world's biggest wind turbine blades

The world’s biggest wind turbine blades will be made in Britain, Energy and Climate Secretary Ed Miliband said today.

Announcing grants for three offshore wind energy companies Mr Miliband today told the TUC annual conference:

“With strong government backing, the UK is consolidating its lead in offshore wind energy. We already have more offshore wind energy than any other country, we have the biggest wind farm in the world about to start construction, and now we’ll see the biggest turbine blades in the world made here in Britain.

“Our coastline means the offshore wind industry has the potential to employ tens of thousands of workers by 2020, manufacturing, transporting, installing and operating new turbines.

“It will take an active government to get us there and the funds I’m announcing today are part of the £120 million investment we
are making this year and next in the wind industry to make that happen.”

The three companies are:

* Clipper Wind Power - £4.4 million to develop their first prototype 70m blade for the Britannia project – the largest wind turbines in the world.

* Artemis Intelligent Power - £1 million to transfer their existing technology from automotive to wind energy.

* Siemens Wind Power UK - £1.1 million to develop the next generation power convertors for their larger offshore turbine.

As a result of their award Clipper will start work on a plant in the North East of England where blades for their giant turbines will be developed. Once constructed, each blade will be more than 70 metres long and weigh over 30 tonnes. The blades are part of the turbines that will stand at 175 meters tall. The plant will initially employ 60 people by the end of next year.

The grants are awarded under phase 1 of the Low Carbon Energy Demonstration (LCED) capital grants scheme. Vestas Technology UK Ltd was the first company to receive an award under the scheme last month. The total amount awarded under phase 1 is £10 million.

James G.P. Dehlsen, Chairman of Clipper Windpower, said:

“With the deployment of the 10MW Clipper offshore turbine in UK waters, the nation will benefit from clean power, and also from the strong economic boost arising from the development and serial production of the turbines in the coming years. DECC’s leadership in initiating and expediting the grant program is timely and will help to accelerate our planning for and delivery of the Britannia project.

We are appreciative of the support and look forward to the opportunity to continue to work closely with DECC.”

Waverley Cameron, Chairman of Artemis Intelligent Power said:

“This kind of targeted support by government enables small R&D companies like Artemis to develop the breakthrough technologies needed to bring Britain to the forefront of the low carbon revolution.”

Taylor Keogh Communications Public Affairs & PR for the Energy Industry

Industry News-UK and Ireland moving closer to one energy market

UK and Ireland moving closer to one energy market - In a move that will bring the UK and Irish energy markets closer together the Irish National Electricity network operator Eirgrid yesterday was given the green light for its planned €600 million power link between Wales and Ireland.
Source: Guardian.co.uk