Articles by
Craig Morris
Renewables will always need support
By
Craig Morris
These days, more and more people, especially market analysts, are talking about the success of renewables without “subsidies.” But wind and solar, at least, will always require policy support.
Bad news about low renewable prices
By
Craig Morris
One major concern in renewable energy auctions is that big players might bid low today to scare away competition tomorrow. Once a small number of companies has scared away the competition, they can raise prices later.
Will Germany reach its 2020 target for renewable power this year?
By
Craig Morris
n the first half of 2016, 36.4 percent of the electricity produced in Germany was renewable according to preliminary data. The target for 2020 is only 35 percent – and that figure does not include power exports. Renewables seem to be cutting into both coal power and nuclear; gas is up.
What to do about the disenfranchised? Enfranchise them!
By
Craig Morris
To draw the right conclusions for all of Europe, it helps to understand how the Energiewende strengthened democracy in Germany.
PV crosses two symbolic milestones in UK and Germany
By
Craig Morris
Solar has trickled across the 40 GW threshold in Germany, while the UK now has 10 GW, according to data just published in each country. But both markets are slowing down.
Electric mobility news update
By
Craig Morris
Sweden has now opened what is says is the world’s first electric highway. The focus is on trucks, which connect to the overhead power lines much in the way trams – or, indeed, electric buses in places like San Francisco – do.
Local added value from a community wind farm
By
Craig Morris
A study conducted by the Institute for Distributed Energy Technologies (IdE) on behalf of Stadtwerke Union Nordhessen (SUN) took a look at the issue. It found that the local financial benefits were eight times greater.
German government hands power sector back to energy corporations
By
Craig Morris
The Energiewende is a federal energy policy that started off as a grassroots movement. Just a few years ago, investments in the sector clearly revealed those origins. But amendments implemented in 2014 changed the trend fundamentally. If the government does not address the issue soon, one can only include the outcome is intentional.
Critique of wind and solar cannot withstand light of day
By
Craig Morris
Australia is in the midst of an extended discussion about the country’s energy future. The timing is bad for critics of renewables, who increasingly have to pick their stats carefully. But not every number from the past applies to the future.
US media fail to report Watts Bar reactor downtime
By
Craig Morris
Weeks after the first new US reactor in decades failed to ramp up for the first time, the Washington Post has run two articles on how important the reactor will be in combating climate change. There is no mention of any failure to switch the thing on.
Is Denmark the real energy transition leader globally?
By
Craig Morris
For decades, the Danes have been an inspiration to and role model for German and independent proponents. But the story of what they specifically get right is not well understood in the English-speaking world. Now, American journalist Justin Gerdes has filled that gap with a short Kindle book.
Germany not about to ban non-EVs
By
Craig Morris
Translations of recent statements made by top German officials make it sound like the country is about to do the right thing. Reality is a bit messier.
