Low-carbon generation

Sector’s wish list for Budget 2020

As the Johnson government prepares to unveil its first Budget, one of the energy industry’s key wishes has already been granted – with a new position for onshore wind and solar set out. But, there is plenty more the Treasury could do to unleash the sector’s potential to play a key role in the net-zero journey.

UK needs to more than double emission reductions to hit 2030 target

Analysis by Carbon Brief has found that the UK reduced carbon emissions by 28 per cent over the last decade, with 2019 seeing a 3 per cent reduction. In its efforts to reach net zero by 2050, the UK is aiming to reduce emissions by 57 per cent by 2030, on 1990 levels.

BEIS proposes new pot structure for CfD auctions

Industry welcomes return of price support for onshore wind and solar

Government to lift subsidy block for onshore wind and solar

The government is on the verge of re-opening the Contract for Difference (CfD) auctions process to onshore wind and solar projects. The department for business, energy and industrial strategy is due to officially announce that it will lift the exclusion on so called Pot 1 technologies, the more established onshore wind and solar projects, from competing for CfD contracts, after briefing environmental groups.

New EV code of practice launched

As electric car and van use becomes more widespread in the early 2020s, the number of chargepoint installers operating on the market will also have to increase. The new code is a voluntary scheme which offers members a model quotation, contract and warranty as well as access to alternative dispute resolution services if things should go wrong.

Flexibility exchanges receive £2.2m funding boost from BEIS

Oil giants join forces to create zero-carbon industrial cluster in Teesside

Greencoat expects further churn of ROC projects in 2020

Greencoat UK Wind (UKW) plans to take on more subsidy-free offshore wind projects in 2020 after making its first acquisition of this kind last year. However, investment manager Stephen Lilley told Utility Week that the company also expects more Renewables Obligation Certificate-backed assets to be made available, as utilities try to recycle capital.

Drax considering alternatives to new gas turbines

Drax to cease coal generation from March 2021

Energy white paper set for release at end of March

A minister has revealed that the long-awaited energy white paper will not be published until the end of next month, as a former First Sea Lord accused the civil nuclear programme of being in “disarray”.

Public parks highlighted as potential energy source

Current policies ‘not enough’ to attract net-zero investment

UU installs water sector’s largest battery storage system

United Utilities has partnered with Zenobe Energy to add 2MW of battery storage to its Preston wastewater treatment plant as part of its efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.