E.U. Parliament approves new measures to create a circular economy
“By 2025, at least 55% of municipal waste (from households and businesses) should be recycled. The target will rise to 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035.”
Europe
This archive covers progress stories and milestones from across Europe, spanning health, climate policy, social equity, and scientific research. From small-nation experiments to E.U.-wide initiatives, these reports highlight what is working and why.
HSBC to stop financing most new coal plants, oil sands, arctic drilling
Europe’s largest bank HSBC said on Friday it would mostly stop funding new coal power plants, oil sands and arctic drilling, becoming the latest in a long line of investors to shun the fossil fuels.
The U.K. goes 55 hours without using coal for the first time in history
No coal was used for power generation by stations in the U.K. between 10:25 p.m. in London on Monday until 5:10 a.m. on Thursday.
Portugal entirely powered by renewable energy for the month of March
Renewable energy accounted for 103.6% of Portugal’s electricity consumption last month.
French state-owned utility EDF to invest 8 billion euros in power storage business
“With storage we can smooth out the intermittence of renewable energy and guarantee the balancing of power grids,” EDF chief executive Jean-Bernard Levy told reporters.
European Investment Bank commits $25 million to strengthen African off-grid solar access
The $25 million in financing from the EIB will enable d.light design to develop the installation of solar kits in sub-Saharan Africa and aim to hit its goal of reaching 10 million solar installations within 5 years.
U.K. government funds £260 million to improve air quality
A £220 million Clean Air Fund is set to tackle roadside emissions, which is part of a £260 million plus package from the government to improve air quality.
Renault-Nissan aims for next generation battery car in 2025
The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is working to produce an electric car that uses solid-state batteries as early as 2025, in a move that puts it amid the frontrunners in the global race to launch the next generation of electric vehicles.
France to commit 700 million euros to International Solar Alliance
ISA is an inter-governmental organization that aims to mobilize $1 trillion in funds for future solar generation, storage and technology across the world. It has 60 signatories, with 30 of those countries having ratified the agreement.
U.K. carbon emissions down to 1890 levels
The data marked the fifth successive year in which the amount of carbon dioxide pumped into U.K. skies has fallen, and emissions are now 38 per cent below the level of 1990.