Generation

Leadsom ‘optimistic’ energy white paper will be published in new year

Speaking at the BEIS select committee the secretary of state said the long-awaited document would focus on the decarbonisation of the power, heat and transport sectors.

Government to go ‘further and faster’ in response to CCC report

The government has published its response to the Committee on Climate Change's annual report. In its response it promises new measures including removing the planning threshold for storage technologies.

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.

Battery storage exports ‘increased 600%’ between 2017-18

Data provided by the energy market data hub (EMDH) shows the "exponential" increase of battery storage exports. The data was released as part of a collaboration between the REA and ElectraLink.

Good Energy awarded LSE ‘green economy’ mark

The classification from the London Stock Exchange recognises companies which significantly contribute to the green global economy. Companies are given greater visibility to investors who are interested in funding green economy activities.

Energy white paper’s absence from Queen’s Speech questioned

However, renewables campaigners expressed disappointment about the lack of a mention for the already delayed energy white paper in the Queen’s Speech.

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.

Feeling the heat

CBI: Labour’s renationalisation policy comes with £196bn price tag

Withering analysis of Labour’s plans to renationalise industries such as energy and water says it would be a return to “failed, ideological economics that would make millions of people poorer in their old age”.

Breaking Ground: WPD, SSEN and other projects

From WPD's £4.2 million safeguarding investment to Cadent's upgrade of Cheshire gas mains, there have been several projects happening across the sector recently. Utility Week takes a look at some of these in our weekly roundup.

Net zero : Don’t ignore the low-hanging fruit

Elexon calls for nationwide flexibility exchanges

Code administrator Elexon is proposing that nationwide electricity “flexibility platforms” are set up. The platforms would allow local distribution network operators (DNOs), suppliers and businesses to buy storage output or demand-side response (DSR) services. 

Gresham House energy storage fund passes £200m target

Shake-up of ‘short-termist’ regulatory regime proposed

Regulators should be equipped with new powers to ensure utilities invest in sustainable infrastructure and a tougher price control regime introduced for monopoly companies, the National Infrastructure Commission has concluded in its long-awaited report.

Northern Powergrid trials EV energy storage technology

Northern Powergrid is trialing technology to provide electricity to customers during power cuts. The Silent Power project will use electric vans for energy storage.