Phase-Out 2020: Monitoring Europe's Fossil Fuel Subsidies
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Trends in Electricity Prices During the Transition Away from Coal by William B
May 2021 | Vol. 10 / No. 10 PRICES AND SPENDING Trends in electricity prices during the transition away from coal By William B. McClain The electric power sector of the United States has undergone several major shifts since the deregulation of wholesale electricity markets began in the 1990s. One interesting shift is the transition away from coal-powered plants toward a greater mix of natural gas and renewable sources. This transition has been spurred by three major factors: rising costs of prepared coal for use in power generation, a significant expansion of economical domestic natural gas production coupled with a corresponding decline in prices, and rapid advances in technology for renewable power generation.1 The transition from coal, which included the early retirement of coal plants, has affected major price-determining factors within the electric power sector such as operation and maintenance costs, 1 U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS capital investment, and fuel costs. Through these effects, the decline of coal as the primary fuel source in American electricity production has affected both wholesale and retail electricity prices. Identifying specific price effects from the transition away from coal is challenging; however the producer price indexes (PPIs) for electric power can be used to compare general trends in price development across generator types and regions, and can be used to learn valuable insights into the early effects of fuel switching in the electric power sector from coal to natural gas and renewable sources. The PPI program measures the average change in prices for industries based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). -
Energy Subsidy Reform in Mena Oil Exporters
OIL PRICES, POLITICAL INSTABILITY, AND ENERGY SUBSIDY REFORM IN MENA OIL EXPORTERS Jim Krane, Ph.D. Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies Francisco J. Monaldi, Ph.D. Fellow in Latin American Energy Policy May 2017 © 2017 by the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy of Rice University This material may be quoted or reproduced without prior permission, provided appropriate credit is given to the authors and the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Wherever feasible, papers are reviewed by outside experts before they are released. However, the research and views expressed in this paper are those of the individual researchers and do not necessarily represent the views of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Jim Krane, Ph.D. Francisco J. Monaldi, Ph.D. “Oil Prices, Political Instability, and Energy Subsidy Reform in MENA Oil Exporters” Energy Subsidy Reform in MENA Oil Exporters Abstract Since the nationalization of petroleum sectors in the 1970s, low, state-subsidized prices of energy products and services have been a policy fixture of Middle Eastern oil producers. Starting in late 2014, however, many oil-producing governments began to reduce subsidies. Prices of fuels and services have risen in the six Gulf monarchies, as well as in Iran, Algeria, and Egypt. These subsidy reforms followed successful test cases in Iran in 2010 and Dubai in 2011, when price increases were accepted by the public with minimal backlash. Such reforms are understood to be politically illegitimate in autocratic settings where in-kind energy is supplied to citizens in lieu of public support for the government. -
Phase-Out 2020: Monitoring Europe's Fossil Fuel Subsidies
Brief Czech Republic France Germany Greece Hungary Phase-out 2020: monitoring Italy Netherlands Poland Europe’s fossil fuel subsidies Spain Sweden Leah Worrall and Matthias Runkel United Kingdom September 2017 European Union Italy Key Leading on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies: findings • Italy is demonstrating commitment to report on its fossil fuel subsidies, as part of the EU agreements. Following the approval of a Green Economy package by Parliament, the Italian Ministry of Environment released a summary of subsidies with harmful and beneficial impacts on the environment. This includes Italy’s tax expenditures and budgetary support for fossil fuels, but does not include support provided through public finance or state-owned enterprises . • Domestic oil and gas production are in decline, which may account for low domestic support for fossil fuel production infrastructure in Italy through its development bank Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP). • Remaining national subsidies to coal mining and coal-fired power are comparatively low in Italy, indicating the possibility for a complete phase-out of support for these subsidies by 2018, in line with its EU-level commitment to phase out hard-coal mining by 2018. Lagging on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies: • The Fiscal Reform Delegation Law introduced in 2014 required the removal of environmentally harmful subsidies, but it has never been implemented. All sectors reviewed in this analysis still receive fossil-fuel subsidies (see Table 1). • The transport sector receives the most support through government spending. This includes a reduced excise tax rate for diesel compared with petrol fuel, at an annual average cost of €5 billion. -
Biomass Basics: the Facts About Bioenergy 1 We Rely on Energy Every Day
Biomass Basics: The Facts About Bioenergy 1 We Rely on Energy Every Day Energy is essential in our daily lives. We use it to fuel our cars, grow our food, heat our homes, and run our businesses. Most of our energy comes from burning fossil fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas. These fuels provide the energy that we need today, but there are several reasons why we are developing sustainable alternatives. 2 We are running out of fossil fuels Fossil fuels take millions of years to form within the Earth. Once we use up our reserves of fossil fuels, we will be out in the cold - literally - unless we find other fuel sources. Bioenergy, or energy derived from biomass, is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels because it can be produced from renewable sources, such as plants and waste, that can be continuously replenished. Fossil fuels, such as petroleum, need to be imported from other countries Some fossil fuels are found in the United States but not enough to meet all of our energy needs. In 2014, 27% of the petroleum consumed in the United States was imported from other countries, leaving the nation’s supply of oil vulnerable to global trends. When it is hard to buy enough oil, the price can increase significantly and reduce our supply of gasoline – affecting our national security. Because energy is extremely important to our economy, it is better to produce energy in the United States so that it will always be available when we need it. Use of fossil fuels can be harmful to humans and the environment When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere. -
Biomass Cofiring in Coal-Fired Boilers
DOE/EE-0288 Leading by example, saving energy and Biomass Cofiring in Coal-Fired Boilers taxpayer dollars Using this time-tested fuel-switching technique in existing federal boilers in federal facilities helps to reduce operating costs, increase the use of renewable energy, and enhance our energy security Executive Summary To help the nation use more domestic fuels and renewable energy technologies—and increase our energy security—the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) in the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, assists government agencies in developing biomass energy projects. As part of that assistance, FEMP has prepared this Federal Technology Alert on biomass cofiring technologies. This publication was prepared to help federal energy and facility managers make informed decisions about using biomass cofiring in existing coal-fired boilers at their facilities. The term “biomass” refers to materials derived from plant matter such as trees, grasses, and agricultural crops. These materials, grown using energy from sunlight, can be renewable energy sources for fueling many of today’s energy needs. The most common types of biomass that are available at potentially attractive prices for energy use at federal facilities are waste wood and wastepaper. The boiler plant at the Department of Energy’s One of the most attractive and easily implemented biomass energy technologies is cofiring Savannah River Site co- fires coal and biomass. with coal in existing coal-fired boilers. In biomass cofiring, biomass can substitute for up to 20% of the coal used in the boiler. The biomass and coal are combusted simultaneously. When it is used as a supplemental fuel in an existing coal boiler, biomass can provide the following benefits: lower fuel costs, avoidance of landfills and their associated costs, and reductions in sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and greenhouse-gas emissions. -
Ecotaxes: a Comparative Study of India and China
Ecotaxes: A Comparative Study of India and China Rajat Verma ISBN 978-81-7791-209-8 © 2016, Copyright Reserved The Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) is engaged in interdisciplinary research in analytical and applied areas of the social sciences, encompassing diverse aspects of development. ISEC works with central, state and local governments as well as international agencies by undertaking systematic studies of resource potential, identifying factors influencing growth and examining measures for reducing poverty. The thrust areas of research include state and local economic policies, issues relating to sociological and demographic transition, environmental issues and fiscal, administrative and political decentralization and governance. It pursues fruitful contacts with other institutions and scholars devoted to social science research through collaborative research programmes, seminars, etc. The Working Paper Series provides an opportunity for ISEC faculty, visiting fellows and PhD scholars to discuss their ideas and research work before publication and to get feedback from their peer group. Papers selected for publication in the series present empirical analyses and generally deal with wider issues of public policy at a sectoral, regional or national level. These working papers undergo review but typically do not present final research results, and constitute works in progress. ECOTAXES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INDIA AND CHINA1 Rajat Verma2 Abstract This paper attempts to compare various forms of ecotaxes adopted by India and China in order to reduce their carbon emissions by 2020 and to address other environmental issues. The study contributes to the literature by giving a comprehensive definition of ecotaxes and using it to analyse the status of these taxes in India and China. -
Coal Characteristics
CCTR Indiana Center for Coal Technology Research COAL CHARACTERISTICS CCTR Basic Facts File # 8 Brian H. Bowen, Marty W. Irwin The Energy Center at Discovery Park Purdue University CCTR, Potter Center, 500 Central Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2022 http://www.purdue.edu/dp/energy/CCTR/ Email: [email protected] October 2008 1 Indiana Center for Coal Technology Research CCTR COAL FORMATION As geological processes apply pressure to peat over time, it is transformed successively into different types of coal Source: Kentucky Geological Survey http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.uky.edu/KGS/coal/images/peatcoal.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.uky.edu/KGS/coal/coalform.htm&h=354&w=579&sz= 20&hl=en&start=5&um=1&tbnid=NavOy9_5HD07pM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcoal%2Bphotos%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX 2 Indiana Center for Coal Technology Research CCTR COAL ANALYSIS Elemental analysis of coal gives empirical formulas such as: C137H97O9NS for Bituminous Coal C240H90O4NS for high-grade Anthracite Coal is divided into 4 ranks: (1) Anthracite (2) Bituminous (3) Sub-bituminous (4) Lignite Source: http://cc.msnscache.com/cache.aspx?q=4929705428518&lang=en-US&mkt=en-US&FORM=CVRE8 3 Indiana Center for Coal Technology Research CCTR BITUMINOUS COAL Bituminous Coal: Great pressure results in the creation of bituminous, or “soft” coal. This is the type most commonly used for electric power generation in the U.S. It has a higher heating value than either lignite or sub-bituminous, but less than that of anthracite. Bituminous coal -
A New Era for Wind Power in the United States
Chapter 3 Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power in the United States 1 Photo from iStock 7943575 1 This page is intentionally left blank 3 Impacts of the Wind Vision Summary Chapter 3 of the Wind Vision identifies and quantifies an array of impacts associated with continued deployment of wind energy. This 3 | Summary Chapter chapter provides a detailed accounting of the methods applied and results from this work. Costs, benefits, and other impacts are assessed for a future scenario that is consistent with economic modeling outcomes detailed in Chapter 1 of the Wind Vision, as well as exist- ing industry construction and manufacturing capacity, and past research. Impacts reported here are intended to facilitate informed discus- sions of the broad-based value of wind energy as part of the nation’s electricity future. The primary tool used to evaluate impacts is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) model. ReEDS is a capacity expan- sion model that simulates the construction and operation of generation and transmission capacity to meet electricity demand. In addition to the ReEDS model, other methods are applied to analyze and quantify additional impacts. Modeling analysis is focused on the Wind Vision Study Scenario (referred to as the Study Scenario) and the Baseline Scenario. The Study Scenario is defined as wind penetration, as a share of annual end-use electricity demand, of 10% by 2020, 20% by 2030, and 35% by 2050. In contrast, the Baseline Scenario holds the installed capacity of wind constant at levels observed through year-end 2013. -
"Subsidies and Costs of EU Energy", Ecofys, 2014
Subsidies and costs of EU energy Final report Subsidies and costs of EU energy Final report By: Sacha Alberici, Sil Boeve, Pieter van Breevoort, Yvonne Deng, Sonja Förster, Ann Gardiner, Valentijn van Gastel, Katharina Grave, Heleen Groenenberg, David de Jager, Erik Klaassen, Willemijn Pouwels, Matthew Smith, Erika de Visser, Thomas Winkel, Karlien Wouters Date: 11 November 2014 Project number: DESNL14583 Reviewer: Prof. Dr. Kornelis Blok This study was ordered and paid for by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy. All copyright is vested in the European Commission. The information and views set out in this study are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Commission. The Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this study. Neither the Commission nor any person acting on the Commission’s behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. © Ecofys 2014 by order of: European Commission A cooperation of: This project was carried out and authored by Ecofys. KPMG, the Centre for Social and Economic Research (CASE) and CE Delft provided data collection support with regard to public interventions in 28 Member States. KPMG collected data for twenty Member States and CASE and CE Delft collected data for the remaining eight. We wish to thank CE Delft and CASE also for helpful discussions during the development of the methodology. Summary Introduction The way energy markets function and the effect of government interventions in the European Union has been the subject of much debate in recent years. -
Energy in WTO Law and Policy
Energy in WTO law and policy THOMAS COTTIER, GARBA MALUMFASHI, SOFYA MATTEOTTI-BERKUTOVA, OLGA NARTOVA, ∗ JOËLLE DE SÉPIBUS AND SADEQ Z.BIGDELI KEY MESSAGES • The regulation of energy in international law is highly fragmented and largely incoherent. We submit that pertinent issues should be addressed by a future Framework Agreement on Energy within WTO law. • Successful regulation of energy requires a coherent combination of rules both on goods and services. Energy services require new classifications suitable to deal coherently with energy as an integrated sector. • Rules on subsidies relating to energy call for new approaches within the Framework Agreement on Energy. A distinction should be made between renewable and non- renewable energy. Moreover, disciplines need to be developed in the context of emission trading. • The Framework Agreement should address the problem of restricting energy production and export restrictions. • Disciplines on government procurement are able to take into account policies on green procurement, but a number of changes to the GPA Agreement will be required to make green procurement more effective and attractive. • In view of the close interactions between the energy sector and climate change, formulating effective rules to address energy under the WTO system will catalyse coherence and complementarity between the climate and trade regimes A. Introduction 60 years ago, when the rules of the GATT were negotiated, world energy demand was a fraction of what it is today and so were energy prices.1 While energy has always been a crucial factor in geopolitics, at that time liberalising trade in energy was not a political priority. The industry was largely dominated by state run monopolies and thus governed by strict territorial allocation. -
Phasing out Energy Subsidies to Improve Energy Mix: a Dead End
energies Article Phasing out Energy Subsidies to Improve Energy Mix: A Dead End Djoni Hartono 1,* , Ahmad Komarulzaman 2, Tony Irawan 3 and Anda Nugroho 4 1 Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia 2 Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 40132, Indonesia; [email protected] 3 Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia; [email protected] 4 Fiscal Policy Agency, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta 10710, Indonesia; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +62-21-727-2425 or +62-21-727-2646 Received: 3 March 2020; Accepted: 30 April 2020; Published: 5 May 2020 Abstract: A major energy transformation is required to prolong the rise in global temperature below 2 ◦C. The Indonesian government (GoI) has set a strategy to gradually remove fuel subsidies to meet its 2050 ambitious energy targets. Using a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, the present study aimed to determine whether or not the current energy subsidy reforms would meet the targets of both energy mix and energy intensity. It also incorporated the environmental aspect while developing a source of a detailed database in the energy sector. The energy subsidy reform policy (followed by an increase in infrastructure and renewable energy investments) could be the most appropriate alternative policy if the government aims to reduce energy intensity and emission, as well as improve energy diversification without pronounced reductions in the sectorial and overall economy. -
Hydroelectric Power -- What Is It? It=S a Form of Energy … a Renewable Resource
INTRODUCTION Hydroelectric Power -- what is it? It=s a form of energy … a renewable resource. Hydropower provides about 96 percent of the renewable energy in the United States. Other renewable resources include geothermal, wave power, tidal power, wind power, and solar power. Hydroelectric powerplants do not use up resources to create electricity nor do they pollute the air, land, or water, as other powerplants may. Hydroelectric power has played an important part in the development of this Nation's electric power industry. Both small and large hydroelectric power developments were instrumental in the early expansion of the electric power industry. Hydroelectric power comes from flowing water … winter and spring runoff from mountain streams and clear lakes. Water, when it is falling by the force of gravity, can be used to turn turbines and generators that produce electricity. Hydroelectric power is important to our Nation. Growing populations and modern technologies require vast amounts of electricity for creating, building, and expanding. In the 1920's, hydroelectric plants supplied as much as 40 percent of the electric energy produced. Although the amount of energy produced by this means has steadily increased, the amount produced by other types of powerplants has increased at a faster rate and hydroelectric power presently supplies about 10 percent of the electrical generating capacity of the United States. Hydropower is an essential contributor in the national power grid because of its ability to respond quickly to rapidly varying loads or system disturbances, which base load plants with steam systems powered by combustion or nuclear processes cannot accommodate. Reclamation=s 58 powerplants throughout the Western United States produce an average of 42 billion kWh (kilowatt-hours) per year, enough to meet the residential needs of more than 14 million people.