A Look at Energy Subsidies: A Massive $8 Trillion in 2022.

 

There is a common misunderstanding that renewable energy consumes the majority of government subsidies This not true…


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A of Two Elephants: Energy Policy Discrepancies on Subsidies Revealed…


Current estimates suggest that annual subsidies for wind power amount to tens of billions of dollars globally, with offshore wind receiving a larger share due to its higher associated costs. These subsidies have been instrumental in driving the growth of wind energy, enabling technological advancements, and reducing costs through economies of scale. As wind energy continues to achieve cost competitiveness, often reaching or even surpassing grid parity with fossil fuels, the reliance on subsidies is expected to decrease. However, ongoing support will remain crucial for facilitating the transition to a low-carbon energy system.

The global shift toward renewable energy requires substantial investments in infrastructure, and while wind energy is becoming more affordable, subsidies will continue to play a vital role in overcoming market barriers. Offshore wind projects, in particular, face significant upfront costs, regulatory challenges, and infrastructure requirements. Subsidies can help mitigate these obstacles, making it easier for developers to secure financing and move projects forward. Additionally, continued support can drive further innovation, such as the development of floating offshore wind turbines, which have the potential to unlock new areas for deployment and increase efficiency.

Moreover, subsidies can support research and development in energy storage and grid integration, which are critical for maximizing the value of wind energy and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. Offshore wind also contributes to energy security by diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on imported fuels. Subsidies can help ensure that these projects are developed in a timely manner, enhancing the resilience of energy systems.

Finally, subsidies and international support are essential for promoting global equity and development. In countries, where access to capital and technology may be limited, such support can play a vital role in deploying wind energy and achieving climate goals. This is crucial for ensuring a fair and equitable global energy transition.

In summary, while the decreasing cost of wind energy is a positive trend, subsidies and policy support will remain important for overcoming challenges, driving innovation, and ensuring a rapid and equitable transition to a low-carbon energy system. As the industry matures, the focus of subsidies may shift from direct financial support to mechanisms that address specific barriers, such as grid integration, storage, and market design.

 

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Not Angela, not...

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Glory, glory, hallelujah! Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Baltic


Of this enormous amount, approximately $7 trillion was allocated to fossil fuels, while a smaller $1 trillion was dedicated to clean energy initiatives. Despite the global momentum towards cleaner energy alternatives, numerous governments persist in subsidizing fossil fuels for several reasons.  First, subsidies help maintain affordable fuel and electricity prices for consumers, particularly in developing nations where access to energy remains a critical issue.  Second, fossil fuels are deeply entrenched in global economies, making it politically and financially challenging to phase them out swiftly. Lastly, there are concerns regarding economic instability; some industries and policymakers contend that a sudden reduction in fossil fuel subsidies could trigger inflation, job losses, and economic uncertainty, especially in regions that heavily depend on traditional energy sectors.

—A prevalent misconception is that renewable energy receives most government subsidies. Yes, fossil fuels receive —seven times more financial support than renewable energy sources. Should fossil fuel subsidies be reduced or eliminated, clean energy alternatives would become increasingly competitive, thereby facilitating a more rapid transition towards a sustainable energy future. The exact global subsidies for onshore and offshore wind energy are unknown, but wind energy receives a smaller portion of total energy subsidies compared to fossil fuels. Current estimates suggest that annual subsidies for wind power reach just tens of billions of dollars, with offshore wind receiving a larger share due to its higher associated costs. As wind energy continues to achieve cost competitiveness, the reliance on subsidies is expected to decrease; nevertheless, ongoing support will be crucial for facilitating the transition to a low-carbon energy system. In 2020, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that global subsidies for solar energy comprised a significant part of the $166 billion assigned to renewable energy, with energy storage subsidies also amounting to billions annually.

The now abolished Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), enacted in the United States in August 2022, was regarded as a landmark piece of climate legislation in the nation's history. With an allocation of $369 billion dedicated to clean energy and climate-related initiatives, it constitutes the most substantial investment in clean energy and climate action by the federal government to date. The subsidies and incentives incorporated within the IRA aim to expedite the implementation of clean energy technologies, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy security in the United States. As the global community confronts the challenges of climate change, the reformation of energy subsidies will be essential in promoting a more sustainable and equitable energy landscape.


Finally, the last…

The emerging issue of covert piracy in the Baltic Sea constitutes a significant yet underreported challenge that threatens critical infrastructure in international waters. Despite the extensive ramifications of this phenomenon, coverage in mainstream media has been insufficient, resulting in a lack of awareness among the public and various stakeholders regarding the magnitude and seriousness of the situation. Incidents of sabotage targeting gas pipelines, high-voltage submarine cables, and fiber optic communication lines have led to considerable financial losses for investors and have disrupted essential services. These occurrences underscore the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure, which is often challenging to safeguard due to its remote and intricate characteristics.

The offshore wind energy sector, has experienced severe repercussions. The sabotage of wind farms and associated infrastructure not only jeopardizes the financial sustainability of these initiatives but also threatens the broader transition to renewable energy sources. The Baltic Sea, recognized as a strategic nexus for energy and communication

For a taste of our latest publications, check out our work at https://muckrack.com/german-toro-ghio/articles!

 

The Owner of Non-Man and Other Tales… Second edition, revised and expanded…

Workart by Germán & Co is fully owned.

Help us make a dream come true…

From a young age we listen to the instructions of the elderly in the sense that we must be able to choose our path in life. It's a nice metaphor.

There are those who, complying with this, prepare themselves to travel the highways of life, provide themselves with fast engines and soft seats.   Others, simpler, choose secondary roads where the speed does not produce so much vertigo and the tolls are cheaper. Many have to join forces and travel the kilometers in collective buses that force the touches and strident music. And there are too many who have no other option than to walk along the humble paths crossing puddles or boulders and threatened by wild beasts or insects. This is the vineyard of the Lord, and everyone can make use of their free will. Say.

Reading the stories of Germán Toro Ghio one discovers that there are also those who chose all paths. And they also added the alternatives of lifts, elevators (and descenders), cliffs, flying devices and perhaps how many more.

With its eight stories, The Owners of No Man's Land takes us to a world so real that, unfortunately, we tend to forget it.  From the first story, he (Germán) rides the maelstrom of a roller coaster in which he mixes the discomforts of a Moscow hotel with the adventures in the Nicaraguan jungle.  He is a de facto witness to the invasion of the USA army in Panama and his cousin of millenary stubbornness at the same time, without us being able to deduce which of the two experiences was more dangerous.  He celebrates supposed birthdays in the company of an aphonic Fidel Castro (what a contradiction!) in a city of Havana corroded by sea salt or political blunders.  He walks through one of the most unusual borders in the world, the one that divides the island of Hispaniola.   He witnesses the sun sheltering us with unusual loves, in this case, his friend "Pepe" who, on a streak of good fortune, attracts them to a stale gypsy princess and a one-eyed gypsy king in the nights of Madrid and prologues his luck in the world of love to an island called Grinda in the Stockholm archipelago where Alexander's honey captivates.

Germán also takes us to a café in Paris where Ernest Hemingway is in existential conversations about life, accompanied by the sweet notes of a Santa Teresa rum, which invades the soul with harmony and helps the journalist and writer try to persuade some young gang members to change the course of their lives, in this world of violence, organ trafficking, and arms.  He evokes the spirit of the Nicaraguan poet and priest Ernesto Cardenal, particularly in his mesmerising "Ode to Marilyn Monroe".  This remarkable work invites him to explore the labyrinth of the mind's afflictions, guided by the brushstrokes of legendary artists such as Sorolla, Munch, Botero, and Modigliani.  Alongside this artistic journey, we encounter the candid whispers of Truman Capote in his poignant "Unanswered Prayers", which lays bare the frailties of our contemporary society, political systems, and monarchies.  Ultimately, Germán leads us to a heartwarming conclusion with the charming figure of "il Nono", a grandfatherly character we all wish we could have known.

The book is magnified by experiences that have taken place outside the battlefields, far from palaces and ambitions.  In other words, the principle of freedom of expression is paramount, even when individuals may endure defamation's repercussions.  With these stories, Germán Toro Ghio allows us to taste something of everything he keeps in his cupboard, and I hope he will continue to cook and deliver in successive books.

*Juan Forch, Puerto Octay, Chile

*Film director, writer, and political scientist is renowned for the 1990 "NO" campaign. / https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/movies/oscar-nominated-no-stirring-debate-in-chile.html

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O gods, women, and men with the souls of gods and goodwill, we request your solidarity and support for launching the second revised and extended edition of "The Owner of Non-Man Lan and Other Tales" in November 2025. We have already contacted a senior editor at Penguin Random House in London to help us create a remarkable and distinctive book handcrafted to serve as an exceptional corporate gift.

Thanks in advance...

 

You can't possibly deny me...

Have a wonderful day filled with good health, happiness, and love…

 

In December 2023, Energy Central recognized outstanding contributors within the Energy & Sustainability Network during the 'Top Voices' event. The recipients of this honor were highlighted in six articles, showcasing the acknowledgment from the community. The platform facilitates professionals in disseminating their work, engaging with peers, and collaborating with industry influencers. Congratulations are extended to the 2023 Top Voices: David Hunt, Germán Toro Ghio, Schalk Cloete, and Dan Yurman for their exemplary demonstration of expertise. - Matt Chester, Energy Central


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You can't possibly deny me...

Have a wonderful day filled with good health, happiness, and love…

 
 

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