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EnergySource

Oct 8, 2024

A new European Commission faces three key issues at the heart of the clean energy transition

By Michał Kurtyka

As the European Commission takes shape, it faces three critical issues that it must address to meet energy demand and restore Europe’s climate credibility: inadequate funding for the green transition, dependence on foreign energy imports, and declining economic competitiveness. The EU must take bold action to survive in a changing world.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

EnergySource

Oct 2, 2024

China’s cleantech growth strategy sets its sights on Brazil

By Joseph Webster, William Tobin

China is relying on cleantech exports to help drive economic growth, but with the United States and other developed nations becoming increasingly hesitant to purchase Chinese imports, China’s cleantech sectors need to search for alternative markets. Brazil has emerged as a potential top buyer, but it must walk a fine line to avoid becoming overly dependent on China.

Brazil China

EnergySource

Sep 27, 2024

Renewables offer opportunity in the Western Balkans. But challenges remain.

By Michael Hochberg

The Western Balkans rely heavily on aging coal plants for electricity production, with five of its nations generating about 40 to 95 percent of their electricity from lignite, leading to significant pollution and related health issues. Tens of thousands of megawatts of solar and wind projects have been proposed, but despite policy incentives and investor appetite, five key challenges remain.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

EnergySource

Sep 17, 2024

As Middle East tensions simmer, the world fixates on the wrong energy market risks

By Ellen Wald

As the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel approaches, governments and industry leaders fear that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz, with serious consequences for energy markets. But this move is highly unlikely. Rather, global leaders should be prepared for energy disruptions in other parts of the region.

Conflict Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Sep 12, 2024

After Venezuela’s stolen election, here’s how the US should craft an effective sanctions policy

By David L. Goldwyn

As Venezuela's political crisis worsens, the United States has a role to play in advancing the country’s democratic cause and also inflicting pain on the Maduro regime, while minimizing negative impacts on Venezuelans, the broader region, and US interests. This will require crafting a smart sanctions policy based on lessons learned and five key elements.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Aug 29, 2024

The US government should build a Resilient Resource Reserve for wartime and peacetime

By Gregory Wischer and Morgan Bazilian

China currently dominates critical mineral supply chains, putting American security needs at risk. Congress should both incentivize domestic mineral production and mitigate supply disruptions to the US military in a potential conflict with China by building a physical stockpile of strategic minerals that would last for five years.

China Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Aug 11, 2024

Japan’s economic revitalization requires nuclear energy

By Lauren Hughes, Maia Sparkman

Japan's economy is recovering, with government efforts to boost population growth and expand energy-intensive industries like AI and semiconductors. However, current energy policies may not meet rising demand. Restarting nuclear reactors under enhanced safety measures is key to Japan’s energy security and climate goals. To sustain growth, Japan must continue restarting its nuclear fleet and invest in next-generation reactors, addressing workforce and supply chain challenges.

Japan Nuclear Energy

EnergySource

Jul 31, 2024

Pragmatism can improve Mexico’s energy outlook

By David L. Goldwyn and Antonio Ortiz-Mena

Claudia Sheinbaum's victory in Mexico's presidential election marks a crucial juncture for the country’s energy future. Sheinbaum's initial moves are a promising beginning to maximizing Mexico's economic potential, which requires significant clean energy investment.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Jul 24, 2024

European energy security requires stronger power grids

By Andrei Covatariu

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the urgency of strengthening Europe's power grid to meet the interrelated demands of energy security and decarbonization. Europe can build a resilient energy future by improving regional connectivity, increasing digitalization, investing in grid infrastructure, and reforming unwieldy regulations.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

EnergySource

Jul 11, 2024

Chevron deference is dead—and US climate action hangs in the balance

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

The US Supreme Court's seismic decision to overturn Chevron deference ends decades of federal agencies’ regulatory authority to interpret laws’ where there is ambiguity. While not specifically about climate or energy, the change is deeply consequential for the current—and next—administration’s ability to act on these issues according to its agenda.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance