[GWSG] Socialist bloc?; EU on track; German energy; FL energy; E.ON divests; tidal turbine

[Tilley, Al]

1.  Gabe Hanson had a reaction to the story in the last news list concerning the objections of “a set of socialist governments in Latin America” to negotiations for a global carbon market:

I note in your transmission on this subject that the pro-marketers include or represent corporations and the "Socialist bloc" (more like a particle of sawdust in the global picture) is against. The EU offers the best example: it's had a carbon market for years. And it hasn't worked. The corporations can and do game it, so that the net carbon reduction achieved is near zero. I add that most economists not in the hire of corporations advocate carbon taxes as the way to cut carbon emissions and have done so for years.
So this piece is propaganda/b.s. aimed at discrediting the effective way to cut emissions before negotiations begin. In coming months there'll be tons more of this crap produced to control public opinion and undermine progress.
And Bolivia, for one, is not socialist, it's "winging it-ist;" the one country in the world where an indigenous movement took power and has since struggled to continue representing the best interests of its poor and deprived.

2.  The EU’s goal of cutting emissions by 40% by 2030 is the most ambitious of larger government units so far, but is under pressure within the EU for both increase and decrease.  To reach the goal the EU will probably have to tweak their carbon market structure.  The EU is on track to meet its goal of a 20% reduction by 2020 on a 1990 base.  (Subscription required.)  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/business/energy-environment/testing-the-limits-of-european-ambitions-on-emissions.html?ref=world&_r=5

3.  The most comprehensive and detailed model yet shows that Germany could achieve 80% renewable energy in all sectors before the transition begins to cost more than it saves.  (Subscription required.)  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/business/energy-environment/plan-outlines-low-carbon-future-for-germany-energy.html?ref=earth&_r=5

4.  The Florida Public Service Commission has been busy dismantling supports for renewable energy.    http://tbo.com/news/politics/deck-stacked-against-renewable-energy-in-florida-environmentalist-say-20141130/  With anyone now able to buy rooftop solar at $2.80/watt, the Florida government’s war on the sun in the service of fossil fuel interests and the utilities will probably not thrive.

5.  Germany’s largest utility, E.ON, is spinning off its fossil fuel operations to concentrate on developing renewable energy.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/01/eon-splits-energy-renewables

6.  The Spanish company Magallenes is testing the prototype for a 2MW floating tidal turbine.  http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2384132/floating-tidal-turbine-makes-a-splash-in-scotland
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