First word
Green deal
As we go to print, details are emerging about
Germany’s planned coal exit. Too little,
too late, too costly, say critics of the proposed
2038 deadline to rid the country’s energy mix
of the dirty fuel. We investigate the details and
suggest the debate is only just starting. And we
also assess the way market dynamics, not policy
interventions, are displacing coal to make it
LNG 1, Coal 0.
Energy-intensive industry in Europe has long
complained it needs compensating for the cost
of carbon in the power price as it, unlike other
sectors, faces global competition. Proposals by
Brussels to potentially tax the carbon intensity
of goods at the EU border could be one way
of ending subsidies to industry, though such
plans could also open up a huge can of trade
complexities.
We also return to a familiar subject – French
nuclear issues. With several lengthy outages
planned, expect delays to reactor restarts and
a potential supply squeeze, say experts.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. We investigate
how Denmark’s wind plans are transforming
its energy market and by default also that of its
neighbours. Will the tiny Nordic country become
a renewable power hub for the region?
Wind power is not only booming in Denmark
but also in other Nordic countries. We look at
what this means for the market and whether
opposition to onshore facilities could hinder
further growth.
The next issue will return in April with more
in-depth analysis and insights into Europe’s ever
changing energy markets.
Richard Sverrisson
Chief Editor
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Montel Magazine 1–2020