Generation

Living Lab reopens for trials with new integration platform

Citizens’ assembly backs EVs and low-carbon heat, but unsure on nuclear and CCS

A ban on the sale of internal combustion engine cars and gas boilers should be brought forward to as soon as 2030, the pioneering citizens assembly set up to help chart the UK’s route to net-zero emissions has recommended. The first report from the 110-strong Climate Assembly UK also expressed strong support for on and offshore wind generation and solar but was considerably cooler on nuclear and fossil fuels with CCS

Networks defer £39m of charges as part of Covid support

Ofgem has revealed that around £39 million of network charges had been deferred as of the end of August. Under the schemes announced earlier this year energy networks were to defer up to £350 million of charges as a last resort for struggling suppliers and shippers.

Warning over ‘dysfunctional’ model for UK ETS

Government plans to set up a standalone UK emissions trading system (ETS) are likely to lead to “highly volatile” carbon prices, Labour has warned. Meanwhile, a a former chief secretary to the Treasury said the absence of a post-Brexit strategy for carbon pricing is the “missing piece” in the government’s plans for zero carbon”.

Flexibility across the spectrum

Matt Watson, project manager for Western Power Distribution’s Intraflex project, talks to Utility Week about their efforts to increase participation in local flexibility markets by buying services both further away and closer to real time.

Habitat Energy begins trading in balancing mechanism as virtual lead party

Readying the networks for the electric vehicle revolution

The decarbonisation of the power sector has so far tackled the “low hanging fruit” but significant challenges remain, writes Randolph Brazier of the Energy Networks Association. As part of out Build Back Better series, he examines the obstacles to the rollout of rapid charging infrastructure, and how they can be overcome.

Weekend press round-up: Ofgem under pressure to rethink crackdown on UK energy networks

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, there is further backlash from energy networks over the regulator’s approach to the next price control. There is also a suggestion that more nuclear power plants could close early, as well as concern about the total cost of delivering a green grid. Meanwhile, Thames Water is under fire from a celebrity critic.

Brearley stresses importance of local net-zero targets

Local net-zero emissions targets, set by councils, are “incredibly important”, Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brealey has said. However, Greater Manchester MP Lucy Powell has warned that the conurbation’s target to hit net zero by 2038 may have to be adjusted in the wake of the economic crisis resulting from coronavirus.

Renewable UK says current RIIO2 plans will hold up vital network expansions

SSE seeks consent to boost size of proposed Strathy South windfarm

Social Energy bags fully domestic frequency response contract in weekly auctions

SSE fined £2m for failing to publish inside information

SSE: Net zero delay is not zero cost

Nuclear sector pledges lessons from Hinkley will drive costs down