Catalonia plans "independence from rainwater" by 2040
It will be achieved through seawater desalination plants
Which country is the champion in that regard? Read on to find out more
What is the state of solar power generation in Europe in a year when energy became synonymous with crisis but also with opportunity? According to a new report by SolarPower Europe, PV sector member association, things are panning out marvellously, though there is still a lot of room for growth. And there is a need, as well.
2022 was the year when solar facilities installation grew by an astounding 47% in the EU. In terms of capacity, this means 41.4 GW of new power has been added to the continental grid. In other words, enough to power the equivalent of 12.4 million households. For comparison, 28.1 GW were installed in 2021.
In one year, the bloc’s capacity to generate power from this renewable source has increased by 25 per cent.
“The numbers are clear. Solar is offering a lifeline amid energy and climate crises. No other energy source is growing as quickly or reliably as solar,” states Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
Ironically – Thank you, Russia!
The EU has already been driving on the green energy transition road for the past few years, with some trepidation and uncertainty. But what really gave a boost to its engine and conviction to get serious about sustainability was somewhat unexpected and grim – the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which happened just next door.
In the face of an unprecedented energy crisis and heightened energy security concerns, there was, and still, there is a sense of urgency that clean energy transition has to happen sooner rather than later. We have to do it for the environment but also for ourselves and our strategic autonomy as Europeans.
The other great news from the report is that there are now ten EU countries adding at least 1GW of solar per year. Here’s the top 5 list of new installations capacity per country for 2022:
The International Energy Agency recommends that the EU install around 60 GW of solar power in 2023 to compensate for shortfalls in Russian gas supply. With rapid and targeted support, solar power could fill the gap, reaching up to 67.8 GW of installations in 2023 in a high scenario.
The same goes for 5G coverage but that complete rate will be achieved already in 2025
Tusk’s administration failed to change the law, but it now promises to “change reality”
The country’s government cites security concerns behind the move
The same goes for 5G coverage but that complete rate will be achieved already in 2025
The tool builds upon the already available web version of the map
It marks the street spots that have recorded the highest number of incidents
Plus, you might have to book a spot in advance to view the famous attraction
This involves the creation of a special traffic control zone on streets leading to the UNESCO-protected Old Town
The German capital reps will head to COP16, in Cali (Colombia), with the aim of inviting other cities to join the cause
Plus, you might have to book a spot in advance to view the famous attraction
For many years, Molenbeek’s reputation was linked to terrorism, but now it wants to show the world that it has turned a new page
Passengers will be shuttled directly to and from the Port of Piraeus, skipping the lines at the airport
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital