As we tackle the corona crisis, the lessons we learn can help us in the fight against other impending crises, such as the climate crisis. In a new article on our website, we list ten things we can learn from the corona crisis, such as the importance of flattening the curve, science and leadership. The crisis also reminds us that lots of people are eager to help each other and that we are willing to sacrifice a lot for our health. Despite the hardship, many nice things are happening and these are giving us the hope and strength we need to keep on fighting. Thanks to all those who continue to work on promoting climate action and renewable energy despite the difficult and unprecedented situation.
2. EKOenergy for Russia
The I-REC Secretariat has approved a Russian local issuer and as such, reliable tracking of renewable energy is making its way to Russia too. This long-awaited development is a huge step forward for Russian energy consumers who are looking for opportunities to contribute to the energy transition. For EKOenergy too, this is an important step. Since 2015, we have promoted renewable energy in Russia, e.g. by informing relevant Russian stakeholders about the principles of sourcing renewable energy. We translated key documents to Russian, wrote articles in Russian online magazines and organised a workshop about energy tracking for representatives of the Russian energy administration. With the arrival of I-REC certificates, it now becomes much easier to buy EKOenergy in Russia too! Read more on our website. See also our leaflet in Russian. Picture: Fortum, Ulyanovsk wind farm.
"EKOenergy is a concrete tool in the fight against climate change." Article in Greenious, 11 March 2020
3. Condoms #MadeWithEKOenergy
Consumers of EKOenergy-labelled energy can use our logo on their website, their publications, their buildings and on products made with EKOenergy. Since last week, our logo is visible on various products of Ritex, Germany’s largest domestic producer of prophylactics. They also talk about EKOenergy on their website. We thank Ritex for choosing EKOenergy and for communicating about this to their consumers! We are confident that your example will inspire many.
4. Funds for river restoration in Germany, Finland and Sweden
For each megawatt-hour sold as EKOenergy-labelled hydropower, a contribution of at least 0.10 € is paid to our Environmental Fund. These contributions are used to finance the implementation of river restoration projects. Since EKOenergy-labelled hydropower has mainly been sold in Germany, Finland and Sweden in 2019, we are now able to finance 2 to 3 small-scale river projects in these countries. Project applications must be submitted no later than 15 May 2020. An independent jury will select the best proposals. For more information, see the call for small scale river restoration projects on our website.
"Many consumers want an extra guarantee from a nonprofit organisation. That makes it easier for them to decide to purchase renewable energy." Steven Vanholme, EKOenergy, in an interview with Qui Est Vert
5. EU green recovery
Investment in a zero-carbon infrastructure and innovative solutions is the best and most cost-effective route to economic recovery. EKOenergy and 30+ other organisations, including SolarPower Europe and WindEurope, joined the EU Green Recovery initiative of the European Heat Pump Federation. Together, we call on the EU Commission to: - Fully integrate the promised economic stimulus packages in the European Green Deal. - Use the stimulus packages to accelerate investments in energy efficiency, renewable heating and cooling, electricity, mobility, zero-carbon buildings, and industrial processes. - Ensure that an ongoing supply of clean energy and ongoing investments in the energy transition can continue in the current pandemic under the classification of essential services. Click here to see the letter we sent to the European decisionmakers.
6. EKOenergy continues to work as usual, against "business as usual"
For EKOenergy's Secretariat, digital outreach is standard practice and most of our meetings have taken place on Skype and other online platforms so far. During the global pandemic, we continue to work towards a 100% renewable and sustainable world and are open to all cooperation, despite working in isolation! Those of you who spend these unusual times writing texts, making new plans, updating your website: We will be happy to join forces. If you need texts and pictures about EKOenergy and about how EKOenergy brings additionality to the energy market, let us know. Let's use this crisis to prepare for the fight against climate change.
7. Utilities in transition to 100% renewable energy
IRENA's Coalition for Action, which EKOenergy is a member of, published the report "Towards 100% Renewable Energy - Utilities in transition". Building on several case studies and first-hand interviews with utilities, the paper outlines a broad variety of experiences and lessons learned from utilities undertaking the transition to 100% renewable energy: - Citizen engagement is key for utilities making the transition to renewables. - Long-term and reliable government policies play an important role in utilities' decisions to transition to 100% renewable energy. - Utilities featured in the case studies have undertaken considerable efforts to modernise their generation fleets and establish a mix of variable renewable energy and utility-scale storage. - Early adoption of high shares of renewables across all sectors can enable synergies and create competitive advantages. The paper also includes an updated mapping of 100% renewable energy targets at the national and subnational levels. Thanks to all those involved in the writing and publication - we found the experience extremely beneficial!
We at EKOenergy are always looking to grow our network. If you want more information about becoming a partner of ours, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
