The European Commission last night unveiled plans for a sweeping overhaul of the EU's emissions trading scheme. It also proposed new measures to speed up the development of carbon capture and storage and to put Europe on a path to meet its 20% by 2020 renewables target.
And in comments likely to set off alarm bells for Australian exporters to Europe, EC President José Manuel Barroso floated the prospect of protecting the competitiveness of EU industry by requiring importers to obtain emission allowances.
CE Daily reports on the latest initiatives from the region widely seen as the global pacesetter on climate change policy. (with video
A finance mechanism capable of putting clean energy technology fully into play in the crucial energy choices the world now faces – that's what the head of the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wants to see.
Alexander Karsner's office is coordinating next week's U.S.-convened major economies meeting, which could play a key role in shaping any such mechanism. Karsner has firm ideas on what will work, based on his experience with a U.S. multi-billion dollar loan guarantee program, and last week briefed Climate Minister Penny Wong. CE Daily reports. (plus audio)
NSW fuels plan reveals Caltex's $450,000 fuel quality 'late fee' * NZ business coalition says trading scheme risks 'substantial' * Climate change will cost rural householders more, study says * Sydney Water shortlists for desal plant wind power contract * Victoria details $77 million biosolids contract, SA announces $100,000 biodiesel grant * Federal department proposes new EPBC Act harvesting guidelines * City of Sydney tests 'car share' scheme guidelines
The Australian refining industry could collapse without free permits, while making refiners liable for vehicle emissions imposes a financial risk "far out of proportion" to earnings, Caltex has warned. The company has based its concerns on a carbon price of A$40 to A$50 per tonne.
