Monthly Archives: February 2014

What it’s really like to do a PhD!

Embarking on a PhD is similar to that of having a baby. Everyone tells you that it’s going to change your life. There will be sleepless nights, moments of despair as well as those of joy, happiness and discovery. The … Continue reading

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Utilities transforming into energy service providers?

A recent Financial Times (FT) article  ‘Crisis-hit European utilities square up to technological revolution’, argues that the large utilities have underperformed compared to the broader European equity market and, according to the CEO of RWE, are facing ‘the worst structural crisis … Continue reading

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Statistics with stories – the making of a policy brief?

It feels like it has been raining non-stop for weeks, even though I can now look outside and see some blue sky amongst the clouds. Certainly for those vulnerable communities across the country there is currently no silver  lining as … Continue reading

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European Commission critique of UK nuclear strategy – the potential for a Hinkley-shaped hole in UK energy infrastructure

Nuclear power returns and so does the state. The energy policy that spans England and Wales, unlike those of most European nations, includes strong commitments to construct new nuclear power, with 16GW of new capacity planned by 2030 (BIS, 2013). … Continue reading

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Can consumers influence mix of electricity generation methods in the EU?

The Council of European Energy Regulators believes that, through their purchasing of power this is possible – providing that consumers have reliable information on how electricity is produced. Its consultation on recommendations to make electricity disclosure “more transparent, resistant to … Continue reading

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