Dear friends and colleagues, Today’s geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe vividly illustrate how our growing addiction to methane gas is anything but sustainable. As war fears drive up energy prices, producers and traders profit off our continued fossil fuel dependence – leading to more consumer pain and a worsening climate crisis. The situation is even more disappointing given that mature, scalable, and truly renewable energy solutions already exist. In this edition, our authors interview technology experts from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and explore the benefits of fostering circular economies. We also look at mobility developments in Poland, the need to extend green energy development throughout the region, and Russian reactions to the European Union’s proposed extension of carbon tariffs. Continuing the Romanian Power Move series on this nations’ contentious energy transition, we look at initiatives to retrain coal miners, the vital role of NGOs in ensuring a just transition as well as Bucharest’s nuclear ambitions. Across the planet, we also review how South Koreans are pushing back on what many there see as a weak solar energy policy. And we also discuss the ongoing tragedy of irresponsible coal development in Zimbabwe. We hope you find new information and inspiration within. Happy listening and reading! Your Global Energy Transition Blog Team, Martin Keim, Lisa Tostado, Michael Buchsbaum, Joan Lanfranco and Leona Schmitt |