Energy networks

SPEN calls for fast-tracked planning regime

National Grid connects Statkraft’s greener grid park  

MPs hail Welsh floating offshore wind bonanza

Floating offshore wind power offers potentially the ‘single biggest investment opportunity’ for Wales in ‘decades’ but the government must give the fledgling sector greater certainty, according to a cross-party group of MPs.

Why embracing equity matters more than ever

ESO puts back-up coal plants to work for first time this winter

National Grid deploys ‘anti-leak’ tech at Sizewell and Dinorwig

National Grid has rolled out “anti-leak” technology at Sizewell and Dinorwig while keeping the substations in service. The technology has been developed in partnership with engineering technology company Rawwater to fix leaks of greenhouse gas SF6 while keeping substations safely in service.

ESO orders backup coal units to fire up

National Grid ESO has issued its latest electricity margin notice, warning of a potential 980MW shortfall in supply on Tuesday evening. It has asked winter contingency coal units to warm up in preparation.

Pennon named top utilities firm for gender balance

Soaring EV sales highlight need to plug charging network gaps

Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK have increased by 16% year-on-year, further highlighting the need to bolster the UK’s charging network. Latest figures show that almost 11,000 pure electric vehicles were registered in the UK last month, up more than 1,500 on February 2022.

Weekend press round-up: Ministers warned of legal action over climate crisis

In our latest review of sector coverage in the national media, leaked documents show increasing concern over the lack of progress on net zero. Meanwhile, United Utilities will appear before the Supreme Court in a landmark case where it will argue it should not be held liable by private landowners and individuals for sewage spills. And Shell’s new chief executive has said America is now significantly more attractive than Britain for energy investment.

DNOs to cover reinforcement costs for new developments

Distribution Network Operators will have to cover infrastructure upgrade costs when connecting new developments under rule changes set to come into force next month. Under the current arrangement, developers are obliged to cover the costs of reinforcing the local electricity network to provide sufficient capacity to serve their new developments.

Two-step process for grid connections gets green light

Ofgem seeks to create world’s first distributed energy supermarket

Hydrogen village trials won’t go ahead without public support

Hydrogen village trials will only go ahead in areas where there is strong public support for them, the government has confirmed. The announcement comes following local protests against plans for a hydrogen village trail in Whitby in Ellesmere Port.

2030 EV charger target at risk of 20 year delay

The government will miss its 2030 electric vehicle (EV) public charging point installation target by a "staggering" 20 years if roll out of the devices continues at its current rate, Labour has warned.