New Electricity and New Cars. The Future of the European Energy Doctrine / Michał Kurtyka, dr Leszek Jesień

"This book offers a unique contribution to the current EU energy debate. Written from the perspective of a rapidly growing economy heavily dependent on coal, the book introduces us to the complex and contentious aspects of energy policy-thinking and policy-making. The book is written in an erudite and yet accessible manner. Students, politicians and anyone interested in Europe's future will profit from reading this book."
Jan Zielonka, Professor of European Politics at the University of Oxford and Director of the European Studies Centre at St Antony's College


"Electricity goes far beyond physics into economy, politics, environment, welfare, sociology, etc. The book guides the reader through the various realms of electricity. Energy is a market product, which one can buy and sell, but it could also be considered as a basic human right. It is crucial for the economy, so it could be used as a strong political weapon, more powerful today than tanks. Electricity drives major technological revolutions: the electric bulb, telegraph, radio and computers. The book argues that the next revolution - electric cars - is about to come. We just need a snow ball to initiate an avalanche. According to the authors, an avalanche may come from the Tatra mountains towards the Baltic Sea, and then it would continue throughout Europe."
Grzegorz Wrochna, Professor at the National Centre of Nuclear Research


"This book is certainly worth reading. Affordable, secure and clean looks to be the most appropriate description of energy as Polish citizens expect it to be in the coming years. The book is the first example of a creative thinking approach to catching up with the dramatically changing energy environment in Europe. As the Energiewende is not a copy-paste scheme for all, we should only welcome the book's attempt to find the way ahead, a third way."
Piotr Woźniak, CEO of PGNiG S.A., ACER Council, former Minister of the Economy of Poland, former Chief National Geologist


"The book shows that starting from different energy mix boundary conditions it is possible to compromise on a common European energy doctrine that would leave sufficient flexibility to the EU member states. The proposal of electric cars is an excellent example of a project that may increase the European Union's competitiveness and fulfil environmental requirements."
Maciej Chorowski, Professor at Wrocław University of Technology


"A very timely, frank and straightforward invitation to real European debate on the fundamentals of the Energy Union. The chapter on electric cars is a must-read for policy makers, particularly today."
Marcin Korolec, former Polish Minister of the Environment, former government plenipotentiary for climate policy

Introduction 7

1. Ten challenges of the energy doctrine 11
2. Of prices and traditions 29
3. Between Kyoto and the European Union 49
The Kyoto protocol 52
Emission Trading Scheme 53
Energy policy as industrial policy 63
A case of policy on renewables 70
4. Germany and its Energiewende 83
5. Energy security and Russia 99
6. Of cars and electrification 111

Conclusion 127
Bibliography 131
Tables 139
Figures 141