Nuclear

Smaller nuclear reactors may be the best option for developed nations

Small modular reactors (SMRs) may be a more economical way to deliver nuclear power in developed economies than large plants, according to a senior official at the International Energy Agency (IEA). However, in order for such projects to be a success, a lighter touch approach to regulation would have to be taken.

Networks plot pathway to decarbonised gas grid

Weekend press round-up: Corbyn promises £250bn green upgrade to UK homes

Jeremy Corbyn promises a £250 billion green upgrade to the UK’s housing; Boris Johnson abandons government support for fracking; and sewage spills put swimmers at risk – all in this weekend’s press round-up.

Weekend press round-up: Ofwat ‘politicised’; energy companies owe customers millions

In this week's round-up of stories in the weekend press we see Ofwat accused by industry investors of being politicised as financial backers question if the CMA has the capacity to deal with anticipated appeals; energy suppliers are criticised for holding onto customers' cash to continue trading - Money Supermarket founder highlights energy firms that have gone bust while owing customers; meanwhile the Mail on Sunday offers advice to customers who think they are owed cash back; and is nuclear energy having a lightbulb moment?

Ofgem cuts £80m from National Grid’s Hinkley connection costs

Ofgem is proposing to use its RIIO framework to fund the connection of the new reactor at Hinkley Point C instead of its competition proxy model.

Renewable power overtakes fossil fuels in Q3 2019

A report by Carbon Brief found that electricity generated by renewable sources overtook fossil fuels in Q3 2019, the first time since the Industrial Revolution. Increased wind capacity was largely to thank for the increase.

Political Agenda: Fusion grabs headlines but new homes standard could be a game-changer

The eye-catching claim of fusion power by 2040 may have caught the attention at the Conservative Party Conference but it was the more prosaic announcement about energy efficiency that really matters, argues David Blackman.

NIC’s nuclear advice ‘outdated’ in net-zero era

Renewables investors ‘allowed to speculate at expense of the public’

“You barely have an energy market in this country at all, such is the level of intervention,” a libertarian thinktank has claimed.

Tories pledge energy efficiency drive, EV boost and fusion by 2040

A new Future Homes Standard is to be introduced from 2025, aimed at meeting “world-leading energy efficiency standards”, the Conservatives have announced. The party has also pledged to invest up to £1 billion in green growth in the automotive industry and to develop a fusion plant by 2040.

On the Move: NNL strengthens board, South East Water appoints customer service director

The National Nuclear Laboratory has appointed a new member to its board while there has also been changes to the senior team at South East Water. Utility Week takes a look at this and other appointments within the sector.

Labour says nuclear has to be part of net-zero plan

Hinkley Point C costs expected to rise by £2.9bn

Breaking Ground: Hinkley milestone, UKPN Services Manchester Metrolink work and South East Water diversion

This week EDF announced a milestone development at its Hinkley Point C nuclear plant. Utility Week takes a look at this and other projects happening around the sector.

In search of limitless cheap electricity