• The UK’s energy system is fattening state coffers – just not Britain’s | Frances O'Grady

    The British public should enjoy the full benefit of the energy that is generated here, and help plan its future
    Frances O’Grady is general secretary of the TUCDespite yesterday’s mini-budget, nearly every family will face the winter with much higher bills than last year. The current government support to keep bills down is just a short-term sticking plaster. Liz Truss and her ministers have no long-term solution.Clues to the answer we need lie in Munich, Germany, where a dad takes hi
  • England’s reservoirs reach 95% capacity

    England’s reservoirs reach 95% capacity
    The National Drought Group, comprising government entities, water utilities and environmental specialists, convened to address future drought management strategies amid climate fluctuations.
    Despite apprehensions stemming from England’s historic rainfall, the group affirmed the nation’s robust water resources.
    Chaired by the Environment Agency, the meeting underscored the absence of drought conditions and the notable reservoir storage, peaking at 95% capacity by March’s end.
    Ho
  • Brits ready for battery and hydrogen planes

    Brits ready for battery and hydrogen planes
    A recent survey commissioned by the Jet Zero Council reveals that most Brits are willing to fly on eco-friendly aircraft powered by batteries or hydrogen.
    Despite concerns over safety testing and viability, the study shows a significant level of acceptance among the public for these emerging zero-emissions aviation technologies.
    The research indicates that 82% of Brits are open to the idea of flying on a hydrogen-powered plane, while 77% would consider flying on aircraft powered solely by batter
  • National Grid partners with schools for £2.7m solar power initiative

    National Grid partners with schools for £2.7m solar power initiative
    National Grid has announced a new partnership aimed at supporting schools in adopting solar power to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.
    The initiative, launched in collaboration with Solar for Schools, aims to provide funding for solar projects in schools located within National Grid’s South Wales, South West and Midlands licence areas.
    The £2.7 million commitment is part of National Grid’s broader Social Contract initiative, which seeks to enhance environmental sustaina
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  • Drax finalises carbon removals deal

    Drax finalises carbon removals deal
    Drax Group announces carbon removals deal with C-Zero Markets.
    The agreement involves C-Zero purchasing 2,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) credits from Drax.
    This deal, which transforms a previous memorandum of understanding into a firm offtake agreement, is linked to Drax’s forthcoming deployment of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the US.
    Laurie Fitzmaurice, President, Carbon Removals at Drax, said: “As those deadlines approach, experts predic
  • ‘Thames Water nationalisation: Potential £15bn debt transfer’

    ‘Thames Water nationalisation: Potential £15bn debt transfer’
    The UK Government is reportedly considering nationalising Thames Water, Britain’s largest water company, potentially transferring most of its £15 billion debt to the public.
    Details obtained by the Guardian reveal that under a Whitehall blueprint, lenders could incur losses of up to 40% of their investments.
    Originally debt-free in 1989, Thames Water’s financial situation has evolved, prompting the need for a new management structure.
    If implemented, Thames Water would become a
  • Scotland’s climate targets revised: Industry response

    Scotland’s climate targets revised: Industry response
    Màiri McAllan, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero, and Energy, addressed the Scottish Parliament in response to the Climate Change Committee’s Progress Report.
    The rollback on Scotland’s landmark 2030 target and wider climate change legislation has drawn criticism from industry leaders.
    Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, voiced disappointment over the decision, highlighting Scotland’s global leadership in c
  • ‘Scotland’s green economy potential at risk without nuclear investment’

    ‘Scotland’s green economy potential at risk without nuclear investment’
    Scotland‘s potential for green economy investment is being jeopardised by its reluctance to invest in new nuclear projects, according to the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA).
    The NIA’s analysis of the economic impact of the UK’s next new nuclear power station underscores the missed opportunities for Scotland.
    The report highlights the economic benefits of projects like Hinkley Point C, with £5.3 billion spent locally and thousands trained in specialised skills.
    However,
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  • Oil and gas company fined £100k for breaching vent consent

    Oil and gas company fined £100k for breaching vent consent
    NEO Energy Production UK Limited (NEO) has been hit with a £100,000 fine after failing to comply with its vent consent for the Donan, Lochranza and Balloch fields, situated approximately 200 kilometres northeast of Aberdeen.
    The breach occurred when NEO exceeded its venting consent limit, leading to a violation of approximately 1,200 tonnes above the maximum annual allowance.
    An investigation conducted by the North Sea Transition Authority revealed that NEO erroneously allocated cold flare
  • Scotland ditches annual emission targets

    Scotland ditches annual emission targets
    The Scottish Government has unveiled plans to overhaul its approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, signalling a departure from annual targets in favour of a new five-year strategy.
    Energy Secretary Mairi McAllan addressed the Scottish parliament, acknowledging the challenge of meeting the 2030 net zero target and emphasising the importance of realistic and equitable climate policies.
    In response to recommendations from the Climate Change Committee, expedited legislation will be introduced
  • Billion-pound Viking Link launches: Powering up 2.5m UK homes

    Billion-pound Viking Link launches: Powering up 2.5m UK homes
    National Grid has officially inaugurated Viking Link, a £1.8 billion project connecting the UK with Denmark, representing a notable development in renewable energy infrastructure.
    Spanning 475 miles, Viking Link aims to provide clean energy to 2.5 million UK households.
    The project is expected to bring £5.2 billion in consumer benefits over 25 years, underscoring its economic and sustainability impact
    Group Chief Executive Officer of National Grid John Pettigrew said: “In an ev
  • Irish power prices drop

    Irish power prices drop
    New forecasts from Cornwall Insight indicate a notable reduction in Irish power prices for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with expectations of an average decrease from €106 (£90) per MWh in the previous fiscal year to €91 (£77) per MWh.
    This projection marks a 14% decline, attributed largely to ample gas reserves and a mild winter across Europe.
    Cornwall Insight’s ongoing monitoring of power price trends suggests a steady decline in forecasts over recent months, driven by
  • ‘It is immoral for us to not pursue technologies like de-extinction’

    ‘It is immoral for us to not pursue technologies like de-extinction’
    Ok it had to happen. For dinosaurs, substitute the Dodo and the Mammoth. For a theme park, substitute the more altruistic goal of combatting climate change.
    Yep, that’s right. A company called Colossal Biosciences from America is trying to bring back extinct species in a bid to rebalance the natural carbon cycle as well as fight the extinction of endangered species.
    Their plan is to create the first Woolly Mammoth since the Ice Age, as co-founder Ben Lamm explained, as he believes the gia
  • Petrol prices rise by 8p per litre since start of year

    Petrol prices rise by 8p per litre since start of year
    The cost of petrol has surged by 8p per litre since the start of the year, sparking concerns among consumers and industry experts.
    RAC fuel price spokesperson Simon Williams highlighted the challenges faced by drivers, with fuel prices climbing by 9p per litre overall in 2024.
    This increase translates to an additional £5 for the average family car’s fuel costs.
    Simon Williams said: “Both petrol and diesel are now the most expensive they’ve been since November last ye
  • UK launches £1.3m transport innovation fund

    UK launches £1.3m transport innovation fund
    A £1.3 million government-backed initiative, the Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG), has been unveiled to drive innovation in the UK transport industry.
    Administered by Connected Places Catapult, TRIG aims to support businesses and academics in developing pioneering ideas to enhance the nation’s transport infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
    Applications for funding are now open until 21st May 2024, with a focus on projects addressing specific transport challenge
  • ‘There’s no bigger challenge in the world than tackling climate change’

    ‘There’s no bigger challenge in the world than tackling climate change’
    The energy sector needs to represent the customers we serve.
    This is what bp’s Senior Vice President for Europe & Head of Country, UK, Louise Kingham told us at Energy Institute’s International Energy Week.
    Ms Kingman said: ‘We need to have conversations about equity and inclusion in the energy sector.
    ‘For companies that have not yet imbedded equal representation into their people strategies, they’re missing out.
    ‘There is a real opportunity for us to bri
  • Metals go green

    Metals go green
    Masdar and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) have partnered to collaborate on initiatives aimed at decarbonising aluminium production and exploring growth opportunities through renewable energy.
    The partnership involves exploring joint renewable energy projects to support the decarbonisation of EGA’s operations in the UAE.
    Additionally, the two companies will seek international opportunities for Masdar to provide renewable energy to power new aluminium production facilities.
    Abdulnasser
  • Octopus wraps Its tentacles around Brazil’s energy market

    Octopus wraps Its tentacles around Brazil’s energy market
    Octopus Energy Group and Energisa Group have announced a partnership to advance Brazil‘s energy revolution.
    Through this collaboration, Octopus Energy Group aims to introduce its energy solutions to South America’s largest country.
    The partnership will focus on deploying cost-effective renewable energy solutions at scale, leveraging Octopus’ proprietary technology platform, Kraken.
    Energisa Group is one of Brazil’s leading energy companies.
    Together, the companies plan to
  • UK offshore wind industry unveils growth plan

    UK offshore wind industry unveils growth plan
    The UK’s offshore wind sector is preparing for significant expansion with the introduction of an Industrial Growth Plan (IGP) by RenewableUK, the Offshore Wind Industry Council, and The Crown Estate.
    This plan outlines strategies to triple offshore wind manufacturing capacity over the next decade, positioning the UK as a prominent player in the global offshore wind market.
    Already a significant contributor to the UK economy, the offshore wind industry employs 32,000 individuals and each ne
  • ‘UK’s largest’ heat network operator launches

    ‘UK’s largest’ heat network operator launches
    A new entrant into the UK’s energy sector has emerged with the launch of Bring Energy.
    The company positions itself as the largest operator of city-scale heating and cooling networks in the UK, taking over from its previous ownership under Equans.
    Supported by a consortium of investors from both the UK and abroad, Bring Energy boasts a portfolio that includes notable locations such as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, ExCel Centre, Battersea Power Station, and extensive city-centre network
  • Nearly £60 million in UK heat pump funding remains unused

    Nearly £60 million in UK heat pump funding remains unused
    More than £60 million allocated for a government scheme promoting heat pump installations has gone unspent, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the initiative.
    The scheme, which offers grants to households replacing fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps, was budgeted at £150 million per annum from 2022 to 2025.
    However, statistics released by Ofgem reveal that only £88,821,500 was spent in Year 2 (April 2023 – March 2024), while £50,084,000 was spent in Year 1
  • Brits to own ‘UK’s largest’ people-powered wind farm

    Brits to own ‘UK’s largest’ people-powered wind farm
    In the Scottish Borders, plans for the UK’s largest people-owned wind farm are underway, led by Ripple Energy.
    This project allows individuals to collectively co-own a 14-turbine wind farm at Whitelaw Brae near Tweedsmuir.
    Through this cooperative model, participants can access up to 100% green energy, reducing electricity costs and environmental impact.
    Scheduled to commence operation in late 2026, the wind farm is projected to supply renewable energy to over 50,000 homes annually, genera
  • Scotland set to abandon key climate target

    Scotland set to abandon key climate target
    Scotland‘s government is reportedly preparing to retract its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.
    Formerly endorsed by ex-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the target is now deemed unattainable.
    The forthcoming announcement, expected at Holyrood on Thursday, signifies a notable departure from Scotland’s prior environmental stance.
    The decision to abandon the 2030 emissions target highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving significant reductions, as minist
  • Clean energy’s dirty secret: the trail of waste left by India’s solar power boom

    Clean energy’s dirty secret: the trail of waste left by India’s solar power boom
    As vast solar plants multiply, so does the scrap, set to reach 19m tonnes by 2050. But disposing of the waste often falls to informal traders who risk injury when dismantling broken panelsUnder the scorching sun, a sea of solar panels gleams in the semi-arid landscape. Pavagada, 100 miles north of Bengaluru in southern India, is the world’s third-largest solar power plant, with 25m panels across a huge 50 sq km site, and a capacity of 2,050MW of clean energy.India has 11 similarly vast sol
  • Green light for 719MW Sheringham, Dudgeon extensions

    Green light for 719MW Sheringham, Dudgeon extensions
  • Boom Power seeks feedback on UK PV project

    Boom Power seeks feedback on UK PV project
  • Octopus Energy forms Brazilian partnership

    Octopus Energy forms Brazilian partnership
  • Funding Australia’s renewable transition isn’t ‘picking winners’ – it’s securing our future | Greg Jericho

    Funding Australia’s renewable transition isn’t ‘picking winners’ – it’s securing our future | Greg Jericho
    Government support for green manufacturing is actually the easy part. To truly reduce emissions, we must stop digging up and burning fossil fuelsGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastLast week Anthony Albanese finally announced the government’s major plan for the transition to a renewable energy economy. The Future Made in Australia plan was quickly derided by critics as “picking winners”, in the misguided view that the market is better at dec
  • GreenGo wins approval for Italian BESS project

    GreenGo wins approval for Italian BESS project
  • US developer inks 188MW storage deal

    US developer inks 188MW storage deal

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