Kyla's energy dispatch

A summary of the news from the past three days

UK

Don't worry about blackouts
Energy secretary, Ed Davey, addressed last week's headlines of potential blackouts according to Ofgem. Acknowledging that the problem Ofgem identified is real, Mr Davey said the government wants to address the issue by giving National Grid more tools to balance the network. "The question is: ‘Are the lights going to stay on?’ And they are," he said.

Also, energy minister Michael Fallon says he's behind a National Grid consultation that could lead to businesses being paid to cut energy usage during shortages.

Shale revolution 'improbable'
According to a study released by Harvard University a shale gas boom as experienced by the US is unlikely to occur anytime soon elsewhere in the world.

This comes after last week's announcement by the British Geological Survey that the UK has 1300 trn cubic feet of shale trapped in the rocks beneath Blackpool.


WORLD

Russia to fix gas prices
In reaction to the continued US shale gas boom, gas producers from Iran, Qatar, Venezuela and Algeria are meeting with President Putin today to work together to support a price link to more expensive oil and keep gas prices high.

Luxury car industry stalls EU CO2 targets
Germany has been accused of delaying EU plans to introduce stricter car pollution targets, over fears that the new rules would harm the country's luxury car industry. This move goes against other manufacturers who continue to invest heavily in new low-emission and fuel-efficient technology.

France turns off the lights
A new law requires all businesses, stores, and public buildings across France to turn off lights in shop windows and on façades between 1am and 7am in an effort to save energy and reduce pollution.