Kyla's energy dispatch

UK

A dark cloud cast over future of wind power
A new study by the Institute for Public Policy Research finds that the government's plans to encourage new windfarms are 'over-expensive and flawed' and that it's done little to attract new investors.

Incentives to boost Green Deal
In a new report by the UK Green Building Council it's predicted that incentives could increase the number of energy efficiency retrofits by up to 1.5 million per year. Incentives included in the report include variable council tax payments, a variable stamp duty, and an energy efficiency Feed in Tariff.

This comes at the same time that some experts warn Green Deal energy-saving measures to save bills during the winter could pose health risks during the summer.

Meanwhile energy-efficiency saves Scotland money and cuts CO2
According to the Scottish government, Scottish home energy programmes are set to save householders more than £1bn on their energy bills. The measures, implemented between 2012 and 2013 are also expected to save one million tonnes of CO2.

WORLD

Coal pollution shortens lifespan in northern China
China's free coal policy implemented between 1950 and 1980 is found to have lead to more pollution, and subsequently deaths, in northern China according to a new study. The pollution shortens lives by 5.5 years compared to the south.

Tight gas production to triple by 2030
Currently accounting for a third of China's total output , the country continues to expand it's unconventional gas industry, leaving it's shale reserves (which are said to be greater than those in the US) relatively unexploited.

Japan applies to restart reactors
After the majority of Japan's nuclear reactors were closed in the wake of the 2011 tsunami and earthquake, four companies have applied to restart 10 despite opposition that they remain shut.

BP appeals to limit compensation payouts
BP returns to court in the US claiming damages payouts related to the Guld of Mexico spill are being inflated. The number of claims filed with the spill compensation fund has risen by 18 percent over the last six weeks. The court of appeals however, remains skeptical to BP's claims.

Environmental groups to sue EPA
Several leading environmental groups in the US are launching a law suit against the Environmental Protection Agency for refusing to regulate US coal mines as major emitters of methane. This comes after groups such as the Wild Earth Guardians and the Sierra Club petitioned the EPA to regulate methane emissions from coal mines three years ago.