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Global general energy policy highlights 2013

Oilfield Technology,


Over the past year, several countries have introduced energy policies, which impact the entire domestic energy industry and in some instances internationally. Below are some of the key policies from around the world.

Canada

This year, Canada looked towards responsible resource development as natural resources account for 15% of the nation’s GDP and 50% of its exports. The natural resource sector also employs 800 000 workers directly across the country.

Canada has launched the Responsible Resource Development (RRD) program, which will aid in the following;

  • Making project reviews more predictable and timely.
  • Reducing duplication of project reviews.
  • Strengthening environmental protection.
  • Enhancing aboriginal consultations.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is seeking to adapt its energy sector to the changing scene surrounding it. The Czech State Energy Concept (SEC) is up for review as the Czech energy sector is ageing and electricity supplies as well as supplies of other energy sources need to continue to be supplied in a cost effective way. The Czech Republic is currently seeing natural gas as a main provider of flexible energy and as a cogeneration fuel.

Germany

Over the year, Germany has been seeking to monitor its energy policy reforms. The German government has set the goal of making the country one of the most energy efficient and environmentally sound economies in the world, while also maintaining competitive energy prices and a high level of prosperity. The government are hoping these will be attainable through the Energy Concept set in 2010 and the energy reforms set in 2011.

The goals Germany has laid out include:

  • A reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of at least 40% by 2020 and a least 80% by 2050.
  • A decrease in primary energy consumption of 20% by 2020 and by 50% by 2050.
  • The portion of energy consumption covered by renewables to increase to 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050.

Sweden

The Swedish government are aiming for a vehicle fleet independent of fossil fuel by 2030. The Swedish tax system supports the purchase of environmentally friendly vehicles across the country and allows a tax exemption for the first five years. Also, to promote alternative fuels, high ration blends of renewables into gasoline and diesel are subject to full tax exemptions. From May next year, the Swedish government is planning on introducing blending obligations which will aim for an increased level of blending but it is still thought to be at a low level.

As of 2012, Sweden reached the EU target that by 2020 the share of renewable energy in the transport sector should be 10%, so, that could be why these new levels have been agreed domestically. Sweden has largely faded out fossil fuels from electricity generation and heating, so the transportation sector is its next challenge.

Sweden is also looking at energy and CO2 taxation. There is a long history of success in applying taxation measures to the energy industry, which were complemented by specific CO2, and sulfur taxes introduced in 1991. The main thrust of the taxation has been to levy energy and CO2 taxes on fossil fuels used as motor fuels and heating fuels. Sweden in fact has the world’s highest imposed CO2 on non-trading sectors, households and services.

USA

President Obama announced the US Climate Action Plan on 25th June 2013. It is being implemented for steady, responsible national and international action to cut the GHG emissions that cause climate change and threaten public health. There are three levels to this plan:

  • Cut carbon pollution.
  • Prepare for the impacts of climate change.
  • Lead international efforts to combat global climate change and prepare for its impacts. 

Written by Claira Lloyd.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/10122013/global_general_energy_policy900/

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