Build Back Better

Calls for UK to lead on AI solutions to net zero

‘Every line’ of a Labour Budget would be tested against net-zero target

All spending under a Labour government would be tested against the net-zero emissions goal, the party’s shadow chancellor of the exchequer has pledged. Anneliese Dodds also said that businesses would have to meet net-zero obligations in order to secure funds from Labour’s proposed package of coronavirus crisis measures.

Gas must not be sidelined in the net-zero debate

As part of our Build Back Better series, Utility Week speaks to Matt Hindle, head of gas at the Energy Networks Association. He predicts the relatively low profile of gas networks in the public debate around decarbonisation is about to change as the country begins to confront the conundrum of eradicating emissions from home heating.

Labour calls for 2030 phase out of diesel and petrol vehicles

Labour has urged the government to bring forward its proposed ban on new non-electric cars and vans to 2030.

Making flexible working the new normal

Whitehall grip on net zero is ‘irresponsible’

Kwarteng says energy efficiency funding will go beyond GHG

Government coordination needed for innovation

Innovation will play a crucial role in the UK’s economic recovery after coronavirus but requires a coordinated strategy from government to allow businesses to grasp the opportunities available, according to a panel of experts. Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the CBI and Heidi Mottram, chief executive of Northumbrian Water, gave their views at the latter's Innovation Festival.

White paper to set out wider renewables targets

The upcoming energy white paper will include targets for a wide range of low carbon technologies such as onshore wind and solar, Kwasi Kwarteng has signalled. The minister of state for energy also said he hopes to see the UK launch a green sovereign bond to help to finance the transition to net zero.

BEIS Committee chair: CCS ‘only a temporary solution’

Darren Jones said the UK needs to understand the capacity of carbon capture and storage for scaling up decarbonisation efforts but said in his view it is “only a temporary solution”. He was speaking after the Climate Assembly UK report highlighted public opposition for the technology.

New scheme to train up 5,000 energy efficiency installers

Octopus creates 80 jobs with opening of Brighton offices

Octopus Energy has announced the creation of 80 jobs at its newly opened offices in Brighton, which will be home to a quarter of its overall UK staff. The renewable energy retailer says it is looking to recruit local talent to the new roles.

Could providers do more to help those impacted by Covid-19?

Dominic Goslett, director of utilities at TransUnion in the UK, discusses the urgent need to form plans for customer payments and business cashflow as the downturn bites

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.

Anglian calls for longer-term resource planning