Jeremy Leggett's Triple Crunch Log

UK shale gas drillers confirm they will flare methane.

Guardian: “The two companies exploring for shale gas in the UK have confirmed that they intend to flare methane gas from their wells in a move that has been condemned by environmentalists.” “….In the US, where fracking wells are now widespread, flaring is so prevalent that the light from… Read-more

European Commission recommends tariffs up to 67% on Chinese solar.

REW: “ Wall Street Journal reports that the tariffs will affect more than 100 companies, and be implemented at a range from 37.3 to 67.9 percent at an average of 47.6 percent, close to projections earlier this week.” “Companies will face tariffs as follows: Suntech and its subsidiaries: 48.6… Read-more

Oxford alumni condemn choice of Shell to fund earth sciences lab.

Guardian: “Jeremy Leggett among 100 signatories to letter opposing oil firm’s likely influence over university’s climate change studies.” “The veteran environmental campaigners Jonathon Porritt and Jeremy Leggett are among 100 past and present students and staff who are accusing Oxford University of hypocrisy for accepting funding from

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“Call a truce in the no-winners solar war.”

Jeremy Leggett in the FT: Europe is on the brink of a trade war with China in one of the fastest-growing global industries. America and China are already engaged in battle. The job-rich and emissions-low solar photovoltaics industry is heading for severe impairment, at best.”“The solar PV industry grew… Read-more

EDF CEO ready to quit if he can’t get his way with Hinkley Point reactor..

Times: “The chief executive of EDF Energy will leave Britain if the French company’s £14 billion Hinkley Point reactor project collapses.” “Vincent de Rivaz, the longest-serving boss of Britain’s Big Six energy companies, has staked his credibility on getting the plan to build Britain’s first new reactors for decades… Read-more

EU trade commissioner favours 40% tariffs on Chinese solar panel imports.

FT: “Europe’s trade chief is pushing to impose provisional duties of about 40 per cent on Chinese solar panels in a move that risks stirring wider trade tensions with Beijing and dividing the EU industry.” “Karel De Gucht, the trade commissioner, has arrived at the provisional duties figure after… Read-more

Bet on Obama backing the Keystone XL pipeline: John Dizard.

In the FT: “Many, if not most, of the headline-dominating Washington political fights are less significant than they appear to be. ….However, the fight between TransCanada, the sponsor of the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from the Alberta tar sands to the US Gulf coast, and the North American environmental… Read-more

The vital role of foundations in the retreat from fossil fuels.

Alliance magazine: “On 18 April Carbon Tracker, a UK-based foundation-led initiative, released its second report, Unburnable Carbon: Avoiding wasted capital and stranded assets. We need a managed, rapid and complete retreat from the use of fossil fuels if disastrous global warming is to be avoided, Jeremy Leggett, chair of Carbon… Read-more

FERC Chairman: Solar roofs help a US grid vulnerable to terrorist attack.

Bloomberg: “The U.S. power grid is vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and the growing use of rooftop solar panels will provide protection against lengthy blackouts, the chairman of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said.” “It wouldn’t take that much to take the bulk of the power system down,” FERC… Read-more

Mosaic rolls out its third solar crowdfunding offer.

REW: “Barely three years old, the company has attracted over 1,200 investors to finance solar power generation projects, with contributions ranging from $25 to $10,000.” “Mosaic offers investment opportunities to individuals who can earn a return between 4.5 percent and 6.38 percent over five to 10 years. It’s akin… Read-more