Energy Wars in Europe post Trump, renewables winning despite NATO, nuclear and fossil fuel lobbying!

What would be the impact on the global energy market (from post Trump USA protectionism), given that the EU needs to import most of its energy?

“…We are one of the biggest energy importers. We will follow all the developments very carefully. Now we are in a lucky period. We have an abundance of energy, of oil and gas. We are also increasing our energy efficiency, and reducing our dependence by incorporating more and more renewal energy. We need to continue progressing in our interconnectors. But we should not worry about protectionism in the energy market because currently there are a lot of sellers who are looking for solid clients like Europe…27 Jan 2017 EU Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič ” Source for qoute; http://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/interview/sefcovic-everybody-wants-to-be-in-good-terms-with-us/

“….Cities and nations are rapidly installing small and large-scale renewable power sources and new storage technologies. Even China, currently the most aggressive country with respect to nuclear power, is adding more capacity with wind and solar compared to nuclear — and it’s not just nameplate capacity — it’s actual generated power. Last year alone, China added 20.72 GW of wind (4.8 GW output as their capacity factor is only 23 percent) and 28 GW of solar (10.6 GW output), with around 90 percent of their solar installations coming from utilities. New capacity from wind and solar were more than the 5 nuclear plants added in the same year (5.7 GW output). China is just one example of how wind and solar can be built faster while generating more power. By the time (and if) China completes their 28 nuclear plants (many are already behind schedule), with an added capacity of 34 GW, they will have added more power from wind and solar in the same timeframe — again, taking capacity factors into account….”April 28, 2015 By Tom DeRosa

Text and image source ; http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/articles/2015/04/renewables-vs-nuclear-do-we-need-more-nuclear-power.html

EU countries oppose duty extension on Chinese solar panels

A majority of EU countries yesterday (26 January) opposed a European Commission plan to extend anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar panels for two years, according to EU diplomats, putting pressure on the EU executive to review its proposal.

The duties in question will not necessarily end because the 18 countries that voted against them do not represent a majority of the EU’s population, falling short of the blocking “qualified majority”.

The case will now go to an appeal committee, also including representatives from the EU’s 28 member states. The majority view could also pressure the Commission to review its proposal.

The EU governments did back a two-year extension of tariffs designed to counter trade subsidies. These tariffs are capped at 11.5%.

400 companies, NGOs demand immediate end of trade measures on Chinese solar

More than 400 companies from across the European Union, and leading environmental NGOS, have demanded the immediate end of punitive trade measures on solar panels and cells imported from China.

EurActiv.com

The European Union and China came close to a trade war in 2013 over EU allegations of solar panel dumping by China. But this was averted by an agreement to allow a limited amount of tariff-free panels at a minimum €0.56 per watt.

The Commission reviewed that agreement and also import duties as high as 64.9% for those outside the agreement all of which ended in December 2015.

The EU executive said in a paper sent to EU members that ending the measures would likely lead to a continuation of Chinese subsidies for the solar sector and a significant increase in dumped imports of solar cells and modules.

China starts trade battle over Market Economy Status

Beijing on Monday (12 December) filed a dispute with the World Trade Organisation over the approach used by the European Union and the United States to calculate anti-dumping measures against Chinese exports.

EurActiv.com

It also said the measures would only have a limited effect on demand and that comparisons between the 50,000 people working in importing and installation and the 5,000 to 10,000 in manufacturing were not appropriate. Job gains in the former could be outweighed by losses in the latter, it said.

A separate document said the minimum panel price would be cut to €0.46 per watt.

EU ProSun, a group of manufacturers including Germany’s SolarWorld, had welcomed the Commission’s findings and said it was convinced an extension of anti-dumping measures would be settled within weeks.

But SolarPower Europe, which represents those in the solar industry opposed to duties, said it was pleased with the majority view and hoped the Commission would review its proposal.

The case is due to be settled by 3 March.

Article source; http://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/eu-countries-oppose-duty-extension-on-chinese-solar-panels/