On 12 June, EU Environment Ministers will meet in Luxembourg, followed by Energy Ministers on 13 June, to debate on two burning and linked issues ahead of the June European Council later this month: the EU’s energy dependence on Russia and an EU climate and energy framework for 2030 to be agreed in
The world faces an important energy choice, according to a new report launched by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in New York. “REmap 2030” says that scaling-up renewable energy to 36% of the world’s total final energy consumption by 2030 is possible, affordable and will keep the w
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held the 7th meeting of its Council in Abu Dhabi with a record number of country representatives. Delegates from 96 countries travelled to Abu Dhabi to discuss climate change, the socio-economic benefits of renewable energy, and ways to accelerate it
At the direction of President Obama and after an unprecedented outreach effort, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the Clean Power Plan proposal, which for the first time cuts carbon pollution from existing power plants, the single largest source of carbon pollution in the U
The Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA) awarded funding to Fundy Tidal Inc., the Canadian Whale Institute (CWI), and Conserve.iO for a marine life observation program including public participation. Free smartphone applications will be available to public (“citizen scientists”),
Baryonyx Corporation has withdrawn its permit application from the United States Army Corps of Engineers for an 18 MW Gulf Offshore Wind (GOWind) project off the coast of South Padre Island, Texas. Audubon Texas, an organization for conservation of natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wil
Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd. (MESL) will be undertaking environmental survey activities on behalf of Scira Offshore Energy Limited at the 317MW Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm site. Briggs Marine Contractors’ coastal survey vessel, Humber Guardian, has been selected for acquiring of seabed ima
As part of the Obama Administration’s Climate Action Plan to create American jobs, develop domestic clean energy sources and cut carbon pollution, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking public comment as it prepares an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze potential impacts of a
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to release its first-ever proposed rule limiting carbon dioxide pollution from existing power plants on June 2. The good news is wind energy is already helping nearly every state make progress toward whatever reductions the EPA will require
The Offshore Energy Research Association of Nova Scotia (OERA) has announced the release of the Update to the Bay of Fundy Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Community Response Report for the Cape Breton Region. A Strategic Environmental Assessm
Deepwater Wind, a Rhode Island-based offshore wind developer, is conducting a study of marine life on the seafloor off Block Island that is paving the way for future harvesting of not only the fish but also of clean wind energy. As the company is planning to develop similar projects to the Block Isl
Tethys, a robust online resource available for free to anyone interested in ocean energy and offshore wind resources, focuses on the environmental effects of energy projects that are proposed, underway or completed in the ocean and above it. The database includes hundreds of scientific papers, techn
Marine ecologists and oceanography experts from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have yesterday (19 May) embarked on a four week survey as part of ongoing work to improve scientific understanding of Scotland’s natural marine environment. Utilising SEPA’s survey vessel, the Sir John
Natural Power, a renewable energy consultancy headquartered in Scotland, is conducting surveys of birds and marine mammals at the First Flight Wind offshore wind farm site in the Irish Sea. Natural Power’s team of ornithologists and marine mammal observers commenced survey work in July 2013, using a
