Tag Archives: green
World’s Carbon Markets: EDF, IETA Launch Online Resource On Emissions Trading Programs
By NAT KEOHANE | BIO | Published: JUNE 3, 2013 While Washington is stuck in gridlock, other jurisdictions around the world are moving forward on climate policy. Market-based approaches to cutting carbon are in place in jurisdictions accounting for nearly 10% of the world’s population. Above: areas shaded blue have emissions trading programs that are already operating; areas in green have programs that are launching or being considered. Market-based approaches to cutting carbon are already in place in jurisdictions accounting for nearly 10% of the world’s population and more than a third of its GDP. Many more jurisdictions are either moving ahead with market-based measures, or actively considering them. As interest grows around the world, policymakers are increasingly seeking information about the range of existing and proposed initiatives. In response, EDF has partnered with the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) , a trade association that represents businesses involved in carbon trading and climate finance, to launch The World’s Carbon Markets: A case study guide to emissions trading . The online resource provides detailed information about key design elements and unique features of 18 emissions trading programs that are operating or launching around the world. EDF has also put together a quick reference chart that makes comparing the 18 programs even faster and easier. Growing interest in emissions trading Market-based policies are a proven way to limit carbon pollution and channel capital and innovation into clean energy, helping to avert the catastrophic consequences of climate change. While emissions trading programs around the world, like the ones we have looked at in detail, vary in their features, they all share the key insight that well-designed markets can be a powerful tool in achieving environmental and economic progress. The countries, states, provinces and cities highlighted in this report, which are moving ahead with strong action on climate change, constitute a vital and dynamic world of “bottom-up” actions that complement multilateral efforts such as the ongoing United Nations climate negotiations. Jurisdictions considering market-based approaches can use this new resource to learn from their growing number of peers already headed in that direction. We expect the site will also be of value for policy makers, academics, analysts, journalists, and colleagues in the NGO community and beyond. If you find the information in The World’s Carbon Markets case studies helpful, please share edf.org/worldscarbonmarkets with your networks. Continue reading
Estover Toasts Sandwich Biomass Plant
£65m combined heat and power plant at Local Enterprise Zone in Kent could start construction next year By Jessica Shankleman 28 May 2013 Renewable power developer Estover Energy has taken a major step forward with plans to build a £65m combined heat and power plant in Kent, powered by biomass. The company announced last week that it would shortly apply to Dover District Council to build the CHP plant at the Discovery science and technology park in Sandwich, from which it will be able to supply 11MW of electricity and 8MW of heat. The Discovery Park is a former Pfizer research site that also used to operate a CHP plant. Estover hopes to be able to plug its new plant into the existing infrastructure to provide heat and power to the other businesses on the site via a power purchase agreement, as well as supply power to the National Grid. As the Park is also within an Local Enterprise Zone, it benefits from simplified planning regulations and improved infrastructure, designed to help boost development. If consent is secured, Estover aims to start construction in 2014, potentially bringing £80m into the local economy, while helping to create a stable market for low-grade wood in the area. Estover said the plant would use locally source low-grade wood fuel to generate power for both the park and to feed into the National Grid. “We believe that using the by-product from woodland management and harvesting to generate energy is a positive alternative to fossil fuels, and one that is supported by government and many environmental and rural campaigning groups,” said Andrew Troup, development director of Estover Energy. “Low-grade wood fuel is clean, has low emissions and is good for the local area, both providing rural jobs, and stimulating investment in local woodland and forestry.” The plans were also welcomed by Communities and Local Government Secretary of State Eric Pickles, as the plant would be based in an Enterprise Zone. “I’m delighted that Estover Energy is taking advantage of these changes. Their ambitious plan for a new £65m biomass plant at Discovery Park will boost employment and growth in Kent,” he said. Continue reading
