Adélaïde Charlier

Many people believe that wind, solar and electric vehicles are solutions to our energy problems. In this post I talk about the important role complexity plays. Growing complexity uses energy in hidden ways. The result tends to be more energy use, rather than less, as complex solutions such as wind turbines, solar panels and electric vehicles are added. Many measures of energy desirability give unreasonably favorable ratings to wind and solar and electric vehicles. The problem is that dual systems are needed, driving up energy consumption. Without enough energy, economies tend to collapse. This is a form of simplification.

After two years and 14 negotiation rounds to modernise the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), the signatory states meet on 24 June 2022 to try to find a compromise.Three days before the conference, there are still no prospects of a genuinely ambitious reform, let alone one in line with the Paris Agreement. The only proposal on the table on which they may agree on June 24th will maintain the ECT protection of existing foreign investment in EU countries in fossil fuel for at least another decade and in gas power plants until 2040. In case an agreement in principle is reached by June 24th, the ECT might well be extended to several countries that host large fossil fuel investments.

Un Noël sans dinde ni Christmas pudding ? La perspective fait trembler de nombreux Britanniques car le Royaume-Uni vit en ce moment la pire pénurie de son histoire depuis la seconde guerre mondiale.