Generation

ESO finds current regulations ‘difficult to handle’

Ofgem’s regulation of National Grid as an asset-based company has been described as an “absolute nightmare” by the grid’s director of operations. Duncan Burt made the comments in response to a question about what regulatory change he believes would enable National Grid to better prepare electricity networks for net zero emissions.

Regional Growth and Utilities: Speaking with a Northern accent

Why the DSO transition must accelerate

Brearley steals a march on doubters

Utility Week magazine editor Suzanne Heneghan looks at what's in the in-tray for Ofgem's new chief executive and how his decarbonisation plan may be a signal of intent.

Bevan: The ‘main thing’ is the climate emergency

Flexible energy firms laud Ofgem’s net zero action plan

Industry faces ‘major challenge’ to hit 40GW offshore wind by 2030

Analysis by Aurora Energy Research has set out the scale of the challenge in reaching the government’s target of 40GW of offshore wind by the end of the decade, with an estimated cost of £48 billion - double the amount invested in the sector during the 2010s.

Who will get burnt in the Boris bonfire?

The new prime minister’s unassailable hold over parliament and his party is likely to pave the way for a dramatic policy overhaul. An impending reshuffle - which could spell the end of BEIS - will be followed by a flagship Budget, where the government could unleash a torrent of infrastructure spending. David Blackman examines where decarbonisation is likely to sit within these plans and how the sector may be affected.

Energy UK calls for tax-funded energy efficiency scheme

The trade body has put forward 14 steps for the government to take in the upcoming Budget and energy white paper, including using general taxation to fund a national energy efficiency programme. It also calls for low-carbon heating trials, incentives for large-scale energy storage projects and “urgent clarity” on UK carbon pricing.

Target to end coal power brought forward

The government has pledged to eliminate coal power generation from the grid by 2024 – a year earlier than previously planned. Boris Johnson has also confirmed plans to bring forward the ban on petrol and diesel cars – including hybrids – by five years, to 2035. David Blackman looks at the figures behind the plans and gauges industry reaction.

DNOs publish asset registers to improve visibility

Onshore windfarms win first Capacity Market contracts

Ousted COP26 president says PM doesn’t understand climate change

Claire O’Neill has hit back at the prime minister and his civil servants over what she claimed was inaction around the UN climate change summit, to be held in Glasgow this November. She said she “could not stand by and see this extraordinary opportunity fail for lack of any leadership”.

Options to evolve Capacity Market proposed

The government is consulting on proposals to widen the scope for inclusion in the Capacity Market. The consultation comes as the latest Capacity Market auction cleared at £6.44 per kilowatt per year – the lowest price yet

Steps to speed sustainability

Organisations that do not embed a sustainable strategy will lose out, according to Gillian Huart, of Engie Impact