World Bank Report Released: Global Tracking Framework

Recently, the World Bank, a partnership established in 1944, that provides "financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world" released a report titled, Global Tracking Framework v. 3 No. 7789 (2013). According to the executive summary for the 289-page report, available here,

[t]he Global Tracking Framework described in this report provides an initial system for regular global reporting based on indicators that are both technically rigorous and feasible to compute from current global energy databases, and that offer scope for progressive improvement over time. Although the identification of suitable indicators required for the framework posed significant methodological challenges, those challenges were no more complex than those faced when attempting to measure other aspects of development—such as poverty, human health, or access to clean water and sanitation—where global progress has long been tracked. In all these aspects of development, a sustained effort of building analytical capability and data capacity has been required across most countries

International Energy Agency Report Released: Tracking Clean Energy Progress 2013

Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) "an autonomous organisation which works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 28 member countries and beyond," released a new report titled, Tracking Clean Energy Progress 2013. The 154-page report is available here; according to the abstract:

Tracking Clean Energy Progress 2013 (TCEP 2013) examines progress in the development and deployment of key clean energy technologies. Each technology and sector is tracked against interim 2020 targets in the IEA Energy Technology Perspectives 2012 2°C scenario, which lays out pathways to a sustainable energy system in 2050. 

Stark message emerge: progress has not been fast enough; large market failures are preventing clean energy solutions from being taken up; considerable energy efficiency remains untapped; policies need to better address the energy system as a whole; and energy-related research, development and demonstration need to accelerate.   

Alongside these grim conclusions there is positive news. In 2012, hybrid-electric vehicle sales passed the 1 million mark. Solar photovoltaic systems were being installed at a record pace. The costs of most clean energy technologies fell more rapidly than anticipated.

G-20 Clean Energy, and Energy Efficiency Deployment and Policy Progress- IEA

Reporting to G-20 on Clean Energy and Efficiency Progress

G-20 Clean Energy, and Energy Efficiency Deployment and Policy Progress, a report prepared by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in collaboration with the G-20 Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Working Group, provides an overview of clean energy and energy efficiency technology deployment and summarises support policies in place across G-20 countries. The report highlights that while clean energy technology deployment has made steady progress and energy efficiency improvements have been made, continued reliance on fossil fuels to meet growth in global energy demand presents a significant challenge. Scaling-up the deployment of renewable energy, in addition to improving end-use efficiency, enhancing the efficiency of fossil fuel based power generation, and supporting the widespread deployment of CCS will, therefore, also be crucial aspects of the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Because the G-20 group of countries represent close to 80% of energy-related CO₂emissions, by developing and deploying energy efficiency and clean energy technologies, they are presented with a unique opportunity to make collective progress in transitioning the global energy system. IEA Deputy Executive Director Richard Jones emphasised the importance of G-20 efforts, saying, "The IEA welcomes this important collaboration with the G-20. Enhanced deployment of clean energy technologies and of energy efficiency improvements offers energy security and environmental benefits. It will also enable cost savings over the medium and long term – an aspect that is particularly relevant at a time of economic uncertainty. We believe that enhanced policy assessment and analysis, building on this initial report, will enable governments to take more cost effective and efficient policy decisions.”

Energy Innovation Summit -- DOE

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) will hold its third annual Energy Innovation Summit from February 27–29, 2012 at the Gaylord Convention Center just outside Washington, D.C.


"Now in its third year, the Summit is designed to unite key players from all sectors of the nation’s energy innovation community to share ideas for developing and deploying the next generation of clean energy technologies. The event is co-hosted by ARPA-E and Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI).


Last year’s annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit attracted more than 90 speakers and 2,000 attendees from 49 states and 20 countries. Attendees included members of research and development institutions, global corporations, technology entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and government officials.

The event will feature a technology showcase with more than 150 exhibits from DOE and ARPA-E-funded projects and applicants in areas such as energy storage technologies for electrical grids, power electronics, batteries for electric vehicles, energy-efficient building technologies, advanced carbon capture, and electrofuels. The showcase will also feature new ARPA-E programs that aim to advance alternatives to rare earth materials, plant engineering for fuel applications, advanced thermal storage, network integration architecture for the electrical grid, and power electronics for solar photovoltaic applications. A wide range of other energy technologies and new topic areas will also be discussed at the Summit."

Quantifying the Impact of State Policies on Clean Energy Development -- DOE Webinar

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Technical Assistance Program (TAP) presents a Webinar this Wednesday about how to quantify the impact of state and local policies on developing clean energy markets.

At this Webinar you will hear about state policies and aspects of policy design that are statistically connected to increased energy efficiency and renewable energy resource development. The speakers will discuss how policy longevity and combined policies that influence different markets and technologies tend to be found in states that generate more clean energy. And you will hear from the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office about how that state’s policies have helped foster renewable energy development.

The presentation will take place this Wednesday, November 17, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and is titled State of the States: Quantifying the Impact of State Policies on Clean Energy Development.

The Great PACE Controversy -- ABA

PACE (or “Property Assessed Clean Energy”) financing is a new mechanism for renewable energy projects intended to help homeowners and other property owners within participating communities finance clean energy generation or energy efficiency improvements.

Under the program, property owners receive financing from municipal PACE financing districts and that financing is secured by a supplemental tax assessment lien on the property. More than 17 states adopted enabling legislation to roll-out PACE financing programs in late 2009 and early 2010.

What are the issues in the PACE controversy and what future does it have? This panel will explore the history and future of the topic.

Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Format: Teleconference and Integrated Visual Webcast
Duration: 90 minutes

12:30 PM-2:00 PM Eastern 11:30 AM-1:00 PM Central
10:30 AM-12:00 PM Mountain 9:30 AM-11:00 AM Pacific

DOE Webinar October 27: Using RETScreen to Identify Promising Energy Projects - Webinar

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials will present a Webinar this Wednesday about a free software tool for screening potential clean energy projects. At the Webinar, you will hear about how to use RETScreen to significantly reduce the cost of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of potential renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

The presentation will take place October 27, 2010, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and is titled "Using RETScreen to Identify the Most Promising Clean Energy Projects."

Register to attend the October 27 Webinar

This Webinar is free of charge, but you must sign up in advance to obtain a URL for the presentation and call-in phone number. You can register online, find information about the presenters, and read background materials and reports on the Webinar section of the DOE Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program Web site.

ACCO Climate Change Leadership Summit & Gala

The Association of Climate Change Officers is inviting climate change leadership from industry, academia, non-profit communities and government for a 2-day program designed to further establish a forum for collaboration and thought leadership.

Location:
November 8-9, 2010
Marriott Inn & Conference Center
University of Maryland UC
Hyattsville, Maryland

Program Highlights:
Learn how Federal agencies, sub-national leaders, industry and academia are addressing climate change, from the greenhouse gas emissions related to their operations to the impacts of climate change and related business/market/political forces on their operations and jurisdictions.

Participate in 7 tracks of working group breakout sessions with peers covering a wide-range of topics including:
- Developing clean energy infrastructure
- Fleet management and vehicle fuel sources
- Enterprise management and governance
- National security
- Operationalizing supply chain programs
- Monetizing energy and GHG emissions
- Developing universal standards and metrics
- Stakeholder engagement and external relations
- Workforce education and training
- Developing and managing modern waste systems