European commissioners are considering scrapping a binding target for renewable energy for 2030, a move that would please big utility companies but infuriate environmentalists. Discussions have been influenced by mounting concerns that the generous subsidies supporting renewable energy in the EU are driving up energy costs for European industry and undermining its competitiveness, especially compared to the US. --Christian Oliver, Financial Times, 13 January 2014
The European Commission is on the verge of stepping on the brakes with regards Europe’s future climate policy. After a meeting of EU commissioners in Brussels on Friday, it seems almost certain that there will be no new obligations or targets for the expansion of wind turbines and solar power systems after 2020. Although nothing has been decided yet, Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard and Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik are isolated in their push for a new target to promote green energy. Many EU countries also reject new binding climate targets. --EU-Info News, 11 January 2014
A key part of our long-term economic plan to secure Britain’s future is to back businesses with better infrastructure. That’s why we’re going all out for shale. It will mean more jobs and opportunities for people, and economic security for our country. Research by the Institute of Directors showed that shale gas could generate some £3.7billion a year and support 74,000 extra jobs. --David Cameron, 13 January 2014
Families living near gas fracking sites could get direct cash payments and councils could keep more of the tax collected Number 10 has said, as David Cameron vowed to go ‘all out for shale’. The pledge came as French energy firm Total was due to confirm this morning that it is investing in fracking exploration in the UK. David Cameron said: ‘A key part of our long-term economic plan to secure Britain’s future is to back businesses with better infrastructure. That’s why we’re going all out for shale. It will mean more jobs and opportunities for people, and economic security for our country.’ --Gerri Peev, Daily Mail, 13 January 2014
Hundreds of protesters were making their presence felt again at a fracking site in Barton Moss, Greater Manchester, on Sunday. Since November a hardy group of campaigners have been protesting at the site – reflecting the fears of environmentalists that exploring for shale gas is unsafe. But their efforts seem unlikely to halt the tide of interest among corporations and the government. The French oil firm Total will on Monday become the first major oil company to announce plans to invest in Britain's fledgling shale sector. There are whispers that other major oil companies such as Chevron, Conoco and Shell could soon follow Total and others have already taken a financial stake in the UK shale gas race. --Terry Macalister, The Guardian, 13 January 2014
