James Wallin

Weekend press round-up: Johnson urged to match Biden’s clean energy goals

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, five energy companies are lobbying the prime minister to commit to a date for a net-zero power system. The impact of Covid on household bills is discussed as is the true carbon impact of the proliferation of data centres.

Offshore wind to compete in separate CfD pot

Weekend press round-up: More than half of £50bn wind farm cash to go overseas

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, concern is expressed about whether homegrown supply chains will lose out in the UK’s spending boom in offshore wind. Details of Boris Johnson’s 10-point green plan are also explored, including regional disparities in the installation of electric car chargepoints. Meanwhile, a plan to export Scottish water to England to deal with shortages has been blocked by ministers north of the border.

Ofgem proposes £21 increase to price cap

Networks trial new approach to engaging innovators

PM’s vision puts ED2 in the spotlight

Former Ofgem chief executive Dermot Nolan has told Utility Week that Boris Johnson’s green plan has “shone the spotlight even more brightly on RIIO-ED2”. He pointed to the move to bring forward the ban on petrol and diesel car sales to 2030 as having major ramifications for DNO’s business plans for the next price control and said there will “inevitably be tensions” around the levels of investment required.

SSE appoints banks to explore sale of SGN stake

SSE’s chief executive has told Utility Week the company is “moving forward” with a full or partial sale of its 33.3 per cent stake in gas distribution network SGN. Alistair Phillips-Davies was speaking on the back of the company’s half-year results.

Net zero requires £400bn spend this decade

Green infrastructure investment must double from current levels, to £40 billion per annum over the next decade, to reach the UK’s decarbonisation target. This is the conclusion of research by PwC, which has also warned that half of the investment opportunities identified would currently be unable to access low-cost capital because they would be considered too high risk. It has called for government to urgently identify mechanisms to ensure this funding is forthcoming.

Utilities named as first COP26 sponsors

National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE have been unveiled as principal sponsors for the COP26 conference. The announcement was made simultaneously with confirmation that the three companies will work together on the Eastern Link project, which will see two 2GW HVDC subsea cables laid from Scotland to north-east England.

Weekend press round-up: Pennon considers takeover of Southern Water

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, there is speculation that Pennon Group, having considered approaches for several water companies, now has Southern in its sights. There is also the latest on Boris Johnson’s 10-point roadmap for building back greener and plans for a solar power station in space, among others.