Generation

SPEN to launch 1.4GW flexibility tender

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is to launch its largest ever flexibility tender. Graham Campbell, head of distribution systems operation at SPEN, exclusively revealed at Utility Week’s Future Networks Conference that the company is seeking to procure 1.4GW of flexibility for 2023 to 2028.

Large energy suppliers back calls for carbon tax

Optimising address data to drive efficiency

Octopus utilises Nest fund to acquire biomass portfolio

Octopus Renewables has acquired two biomass plants in one of its first deals to be backed by the government’s workplace pension scheme.

PAC urges Treasury to set out net zero vision

The Treasury is being too slow in working up its net zero funding review, Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has warned. By COP26, which is scheduled to take place in November, the PAC recommends that the Treasury should set out a clear vision of how it will work to help the UK achieve net zero.

WPD spearheads combined approach to local energy planning

A consortium led by Western Power Distribution (WPD) is working to create a combined approach to local energy planning to help local authorities and network companies achieve net zero. The Energy Planning Integrated with Councils (EPIC) project is being trialled in three areas in South West England and will seek to develop an agreed process for identifying and analysing energy plans in relation to the increased uptake of low carbon technologies.

Digital substations are a catalyst to achieving net zero

Ofgem sets out key criteria for MHHS intervention

National Grid calls for creation of a heat delivery board

Countdown to COP: The state of storage

Weekend press round-up: Bulb boss mulls float

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, Bulb founder Hayden Wood sets out his ambitions for the energy retailer. Meanwhile, a new report has found a dramatic fall in water pollution prosecutions over the past decade. There is also an investigation into the use of solar panels made by Chinese companies accused of exploiting forced labour camps in Xinjiang province in projects run by UK utilities.

What would Scottish independence mean for energy?

Floating tidal turbine sets sail for Orkney

Alistair Phillips-Davies: Powering change

SSE’s chief executive writes for Utility Week about the company’s new campaign, We Power Change, which aims to shine a light on the SSE employees at the heart of building a better world of energy for tomorrow.

UK climate targets: A (net) zero sum game

The UK has announced that it is increasing the ambition of its climate targets – but delivery requires a clear, costed plan setting out how they will be met. Tim Lord, former director of clean growth at BEIS and now at the Tony Blair for Global Change, sets out the challenges facing the government now there are “no more targets”.