Generation

Do we need EMR 2.0 to replicate success of offshore wind?

Aggreko makes 1MW solar system available for hire

Weekend press round-up: Ofgem chief seeks to calm row over returns

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, the head of Britain’s energy regulator has stressed there is still an “open conversation” to be had over network price controls. Elsewhere, large energy retailers are accused of “greenwashing”, Professor Dieter Helm gives his view on Boris Johnson’s renewables pledge and sector figures are honoured by the Queen.

British Gas Business signs green power deal with Lotus

British Gas Business has signed a green power deal with Lotus which will provide the capability for the car manufacturer to develop its own renewable assets. Centrica agreed an electric vehicle (EV) strategy with Lotus earlier this year, creating a platform which will integrate EVs into home energy services.

Ofgem reveals final network deferral charges

Ofgem has revealed the final amount of charges that have been deferred by network companies over a three-month period in response to Covid-19. In June three schemes were announced which allowed networks to put off up to £350 million worth of charges relating to gas transportation, electricity distribution and electricity transmission as a last resort. The schemes have now closed.

#AskUsAnything: Net zero – how local and how fast?

Join the chief executive of UK Power Networks, Basil Scarsella, and former Ofgem boss, Dermot Nolan, to discuss how the energy sector can respond to local decarbonisation targets.

SSE launches levelling up action plan

SSE is to remove qualification entry requirements for apprentices as part of a wider push to improve social mobility. Utility Week speaks to the company’s HR director John Stewart and former minister Justine Greening, who chairs the social mobility pledge, about the sector’s role in creating new green jobs and supporting the levelling up agenda.

The UK’s infrastructure must evolve to meet the wind revolution

Boris Johnson’s pledge to become the “Saudi Arabia” of wind is a strong sign of intent but now action is needed turn this promise into reality. This will require whole system changes, dynamic collaboration between sectors and countries and regulatory evolution to ensure our infrastructure base is up to the transition, says Burns & McDonnell managing director, Jonathan Chapman.

Peaking plants and batteries: building a flexible fleet

Current domestic heat policy failing net zero test

It is “extremely unlikely” that heat decarbonisation will be achieved unless a “significant” ramping up of government policy is forthcoming, according to a new briefing from the UK’s main hub for research into sustainable energy.

Build Back Better: Making small modular reactors stack up

Government could be set to invest more in small modular reactors as part of the green recovery plan. They could provide the natural successors to large nuclear reactors, supplying baseload in a future where intermittent energy will play an increasing part. But only if there is commitment to the necessary volume to deliver progressive cost reduction, say Julianne Antrobus and Robbie Lyons

Group submits £75m bid to create zero-carbon industrial hub in Humber

SSE CEO: Is this finally a watershed moment for the UK’s net zero ambition?

The public has spoken… but is anyone listening?

Blending – the next big chapter in the UK’s hydrogen story

If hydrogen is to fulfil its potential as a driver of decarbonisation then large-scale production projects need to kick off in the next few years. According to Gas Goes Green Champion, and former Cadent chief executive, Chris Train, the first step should be to start the process of allowing gas networks to blend hydrogen into the grid.