To help you keep up to date with this week’s events we’ve gathered together some of the top energy related news stories. You can follow us on Twitter too.

Cuts recommended to fossil fuel subsidies

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has suggested that fossil fuel subsidies be removed to cut global energy demand. These subsidies, predominantly employed by governments in developing countries, have totalled $312bn in the last year alone. IEA claim that by artificially lowering energy prices, subsidies actively encourage a wasteful attitude to energy consumption, as well as making renewables less competitive.

 The Economics of Happiness – Film Release

A new film, ‘The Economics of Happiness’ promotes the need for society to think differently about our economy, to focus on happiness rather than growth and prosperity. Produced by the International Society for Ecology and Culture and featuring interviews with the likes of  Zac Goldsmith and Michael Shuman, it reiterates the message that we need to localise our economies and become as self sufficient as we can. It’s in line with Good Energy’s philosophy about producing and using energy locally.

Have a look at the film trailer below:

The Economics of Happiness Trailer

Green Glastonbury

Michael Eavis of Glastonbury fame has completed the installation of 1,116 (200kW) solar PV panels on the roof of his cow shed, known affectionately as ‘Mootel’. This is the largest private solar PV system in the country with the generated electricity being used to power Worthy Farm and any excess being fed into the National Grid. There is a chance to admire the solar panels at a Farming Futures Workshop held at Worthy Farm on 16th November, where Good Energy’s CEO, Juliet Davenport, will be speaking about the potential of solar projects on farms.

Cancun talks seen falling short of deal

Following on from last year’s unsuccessful Copenhagen Summit, UN climate talks take place in Cancun, Mexico later this month. However, governments have lowered their sights for the talks, according to the UN’s climate chief Christina Figueres. Measures on the agenda will include a $100bn a year ‘Green Fund’ to be set up in 2020 to assist developing nations in coping with the affects of climate change.

Offshore wind turbine orders wane

                                           Freefoto.com

The Guardian reports that offshore wind turbine orders are forecast to fall 93% by 2013 due to a significant reduction in planned developments. This will result in a possible fall in wind power capacity from 1,368Mw to 90Mw. This is in marked contrast to the recent more poitive news that Siemens, General Electric and Gamesa are going ahead with plans to build new turbine manufacturing facilities in Britain.

Although Good Energy currently only invests in onshore wind, we believe that offshore wind has a substantial contribution to make to achieve a 100% renewable future for Britain by 2050.