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The 2011-2012 CDKN Partner Survey reveals high satisfaction with the network's information products, particularly its publications and newsletter, with higher approval ratings from partners in the South. While over 83% of respondents found CDKN effective at facilitating knowledge sharing, there were significant criticisms regarding its procurement processes and the administrative burden placed on partners, especially smaller organisations and individual consultants. Partners suggested a greater focus on grassroots support in developing countries and the creation of more practical, field-based partnerships.

The paper examines the EU power sector's transition toward a low-carbon future, highlighting the critical role of the electricity sector in decarbonizing transport and buildings. It identifies significant risks in current investment trends, such as carbon lock-in from new gas and coal plants, and argues that the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) fails to provide a credible long-term signal for post-2020 investments. The authors recommend establishing post-2020 emissions caps and calibrating the ETS to ensure carbon scarcity after accounting for energy efficiency and renewable energy objectives.

The policy brief examines the activities of Chinese state-run banks (Exim Bank and CDB) and the private Luso-Chinese fund Geocapital in Mozambique. While these entities leverage strong political and personal connections to enter the market, they have struggled to attract significant Chinese capital due to poor strategic planning and a lack of institutional capacity within Mozambique. The document highlights specific infrastructure loans and the establishment of Moza Banco, while noting that many large-scale projects have either collapsed or failed to materialize.

The document examines the evolution of Portuguese-Angolan relations since Angola's independence, highlighting a shift from historical conflict to a strategic partnership driven by economic interests and political rapprochement following the end of the Angolan civil war in 2002.

The author contends that the Fukushima disaster was avoidable and highlights the systemic failures in nuclear regulation and governance in Japan and the US. He argues that nuclear power is economically inferior to renewables and efficiency, noting that renewables surpassed nuclear's global installed capacity in 2010. The text calls for Japan to leverage its technological strengths in efficiency and renewables to lead a global shift away from centralized, high-risk power plants toward distributed, clean energy systems.

The document analyzes the transition to nodal pricing, noting that US Independent System Operators (ISOs) typically recover implementation costs within one year through efficiency gains. It details the use of Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs) and Auction Revenue Rights (ARRs) to hedge locational price risks and maintain market liquidity. The paper compares the US ISO model with European TSO structures, arguing that ISOs provide a more transparent framework for information sharing and system security, particularly as renewable energy penetration increases. It also highlights the Iberian experience in optimizing day-ahead and intraday markets to accommodate wind power forecasts.

The briefing describes Angola's political system as a hybrid of a formal government ruled by the MPLA and a more resilient 'shadow' government controlled by President José Eduardo Dos Santos. This shadow structure, powered by the national oil company Sonangol, manages international policy, money supply, and security independently of formal ministries. The author argues that recent legislative changes, including the 2010 constitution, have formalized the president's unlimited power and weakened the formal state's autonomy. While the regime maintains stability through a vast patronage network, the document identifies internal tensions within the MPLA and the risks of uncontrolled corruption as primary threats to the system's reproduction.

The report estimates that the currently proposed EU ETS Phase III structure would raise between €150-190bn under a 20% emissions reduction target, increasing to €200-310bn if the target is raised to 30%. Germany is projected to receive the highest proportion of these revenues. The authors argue that these funds should be prioritised for climate-related expenditures, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstrations, low-carbon RD&D, and energy efficiency improvements for vulnerable groups. The report also explores an alternative scenario where the cement and steel sectors are fully auctioned with border levelling; this would increase revenues by €18-22bn from cement and €14-17bn from steel under a 20% target. While some suggest using these funds for national debt reduction, the authors warn that this could damage the legitimacy of the EU ETS, though they acknowledge it as a potential short-term transitional option for severely indebted Member States.

The document estimates that Phase III of the EU ETS will generate between €150-190bn in revenues across the EU by 2020, potentially rising to €200-310bn if a 30% reduction target is adopted. Germany is projected to receive the highest proportion of these revenues, while Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK are each expected to accrue over €10bn from the power sector alone. The briefing also explores the financial impact of expanding auctioning to the cement and steel sectors and suggests strategic uses for these funds, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration, renewable energy RD&D, grid infrastructure, and international climate finance.

The report assesses the inefficiencies of the current European power market, specifically regarding congestion management and wind integration. It compares existing approaches like market coupling and loop-flow incorporation with the US-style nodal pricing system. The author concludes that an integrated power market managed by Independent System Operators (ISOs) is superior because it provides full system visibility, reflects actual transmission constraints in pricing, and accommodates the short-term forecasting nature of intermittent renewables. The document identifies institutional barriers from TSOs and conventional generators but suggests that European-level leadership is necessary to implement these reforms to meet low-carbon targets.

The document argues that while the Lisbon Treaty streamlines the EU's internal bureaucracy and foreign policy apparatus, it is likely to result in Africa commanding less attention on the EU's strategic agenda. The author suggests that the EU's focus will shift toward the Western Balkans, the Middle East, and emerging powers, while its ability to provide development aid may be constrained by the Eurozone financial crisis. Consequently, the brief recommends that African leaders diversify their economic and diplomatic partnerships beyond the EU, specifically by strengthening South-South cooperation with countries such as China, India, Brazil, and Russia.

The research evaluates the effectiveness of Environmental Assessment (EA) by analyzing Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), screening decisions for Natura 2000 sites, and stakeholder perceptions in Estonia. It identifies a generally satisfactory but inconsistent quality in EIS, with significant gaps in project descriptions and alternatives. The study finds that screening for Natura 2000 sites is poorly conducted and that stakeholder expectations often diverge. The author proposes a theoretical framework of five interlinked drivers for EA effectiveness: clearly defined objectives, effective participatory processes, high-quality documentation, positive influence on project design and decision-making, and cost-time efficiency.

The report examines the barriers and opportunities for implementing life cycle costing (LCC) in sustainable public procurement (SPP). It finds that while LCC is used in some industrialized nations, its application is often non-systematic and hindered by conflicting capital and revenue budgets, a lack of procurer expertise, and data gaps. The authors argue that LCC should be integrated into high-level public expenditure policy to shift the procurement mindset from 'best value for money' at purchase to 'best value across the asset life cycle.'

The report details a seminar on the complexities of unionisation within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). It examines the tension between constitutional rights to freedom of association and the requirements of military discipline and national security. Key discussions focus on the adversarial relationship between the Department of Defence (DOD) and unions like SANDU, the impact of underfunding and deteriorating equipment on soldier morale, and the need for improved grievance mechanisms and a National Defence Force Service Commission to address service conditions.

The document examines the bilateral relationship between China and Mozambique, highlighting how Mozambique's reliance on traditional Western donors and the influence of the FRELIMO party have constrained China's influence compared to other African nations. It details Chinese investments in infrastructure, such as the Mpanda Nkua dam, and identifies significant controversies surrounding illegal logging and poaching in the fisheries sector. The report also explores future cooperation in agriculture, biofuels, and the establishment of special economic zones, while noting Mozambique's strategic value as a maritime gateway for landlocked SADC countries.

The document defines media observatories as entities that analyze mass media to safeguard information quality, pluralism, and citizens' rights. It argues that the concentration of media ownership in a few hands—particularly in Latin America—undermines the 'fourth estate' and necessitates independent monitoring to ensure media accountability and gender equality.

The document provides a comprehensive overview of wind energy, detailing how turbines convert wind into electricity and the factors affecting power output, such as wind speed and turbine height. It examines the history of the US wind industry, noting the influence of federal tax credits and state renewable energy standards. The text argues that wind power is a cost-competitive, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels that can be integrated into the electric grid without compromising reliability, citing examples from Xcel Energy and various European nations. It concludes that achieving 20 percent wind energy in the US by 2030 is technically and economically feasible.

The report analyzes China's engagement with the Lusophone world through the Macau Forum, established in 2003. It argues that China uses the forum as a foreign policy instrument to secure energy and food security, expand its consumer markets, and increase soft power in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. While trade volumes grew from $11 billion in 2003 to $34 billion in 2006, the report notes that most significant economic agreements remain bilateral. Brazil and Angola are identified as the most critical partners due to their vast natural resources and economic scale. The document also highlights the role of Macau as a service platform and provides policy recommendations for China, the Lusophone states, and the Forum to improve transparency and mutual benefit.

The study evaluates twenty-one jurisdictions on six governance elements: strategy coordination, placement of responsibility, legislative underpinning, integration with budgeting, stakeholder involvement, and local linkages. While most jurisdictions pursue top-down strategies and use advisory councils, the report finds significant weaknesses in legislative mandates and integration with national planning and budgeting processes. Norway is highlighted as a leading example of integrating SD into national budgets, while Sweden is noted for creating a dedicated Ministry of Sustainable Development. The authors argue that the most effective governance occurs when NSDS are seamlessly integrated into government accountability systems managed by finance departments.

The document outlines various ocean energy technologies, including tidal dams, fences, turbines, wave energy converters, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). It highlights existing installations in France, China, and Canada, and notes that while these resources are renewable and pollution-free, they face challenges such as high capital costs, specific site requirements, and potential impacts on sea life migration.