Industry News Roundup May 2017
Wednesday 31/05 – A study warns that the global building industry must prepare for a seismic shift towards low-carbon property, if climate targets are to be achieved. Scottish Renewables calls on the Scottish government to set out in detail how it intends to meet the ambitious targets contained in the draft Energy Strategy.
Tuesday 30/05 – The SNP’s manifesto commits to standing up for Scotland’s renewables industry and the North Sea oil and gas industry. The Institute of Directors calls on the next government to force energy suppliers to create a new transparent default tariff that shows customers the different costs and profit margin that make up their bill. Trade association Energy UK argues that market-based measures, rather than more binding obligations, should be used to drive energy efficiency investment.
Monday 29/05 – The EU publishes a draft position paper for the Brexit negotiations, in which it says the UK should cease being a member of the European Investment Bank – a major backer of UK energy projects.
Friday 26/05 – A new survey from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds a substantial majority of Britons believe the UK should keep to its climate change goals. The Solar Trade Association hails the setting of a new record for solar output, with 8.75GW of generation meeting 25% of demand.
Thursday 25/05 – The government finds that small scale installations are driving new solar deployment, with a 7% increase in capacity recorded for April 2017 compared to April 2016. UKIP publishes its general election manifesto, saying it would repeal the Climate Change Act. OPEC confirms good compliance levels with oil production cuts and confirms they will maintained into 2018.
Wednesday 24/05 – A new report published by the Energy Innovation Centre and the Energy Systems Catapult says that although energy networks are adopting innovations from small and medium-sized enterprises, more is needed. The latest plans for Horizon Nuclear Power’s Wylfa Newydd power station are published for consultation. Northern Powergrid and Nissan sign a partnership to explore a range of innovation projects over the next six years.
Tuesday 23/05 – National Grid and the government confirm that appeals have been received from non-qualifying renewable energy projects in its next auction for subsidies through the contracts for difference mechanism. The European Commission grants approval to the acquisition of nine offshore windfarms from the UK Green Investment Bank by Macquarie Group and the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
Monday 22/05 – The Chief Executive of National Grid, John Pettigrew warns that renationalisation is the last thing the industry needs as the sector seeks to add more wind and solar onto the UK’s power grids. The European Commission issues for consultation a list of proposed Projects of Common Interest for cross-border carbon dioxide transport.
Friday 12/05 – Market analysts Bernstein warn that the Conservative Party’s proposed price cap could lead to thousands of job cuts in the energy industry. A coalition of rural landlords write to the government calling for it to urgently provide clarity on its plans to review the minimum energy efficiency standards set to be introduced this year.
Thursday 11/05 – The Liberal Democrats say that, if elected, the party would immediately approve plans for the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon. The Renewable Energy Association calls for the renewables industry to get the strength and stability that it requires from a new government.
Wednesday 10/05 – A leaked draft copy of the Labour Party general election manifesto reveals plans to take back parts of the energy sector into public ownership, including central government control of the transmission and distribution grid. The Scottish government announces that it is to invest £43mn in low-carbon infrastructure, shared across 13 projects throughout Scotland.
Tuesday 09/05 – Trade association RenewableUK launches its election manifesto, urging the government to secure the economic and export opportunities of renewable energy and its supply chains for Britain. A new report by WindEurope reveals that investment in wind power in Europe hit €43bn (£36.3bn) in 2016.
Monday 08/05 – The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis finds that the imposition of new EU emissions limits means that over one-third of coal-fired power stations across the EU face costly air quality upgrades or closure. A PwC survey finds that two-thirds (65%) of UK businesses are concerned over the cyber risks associated with energy technology.
Friday 05/05 – The Institute of Mechanical Engineers urges the government to secure the future of the UK’s nuclear industry post Brexit by focusing on developing small modular reactors. Small business group the FSB launches its general election manifesto, calling for any energy price control regime to apply to micro businesses.
Thursday 04/05 – SmartestEnergy forecasts that commercial battery capacity could expand to 100 times its current level over the next four years. The UK Green Building Council calls on the next government to recognise energy efficiency as a national infrastructure priority. Local electricity grid operator Western Power Distribution launches a new trial in parts of the Midlands, which will give businesses the opportunity to earn extra money from their existing energy assets through demand-side response.
Wednesday 03/05 – The Nuclear Industry Association details the key steps the government must take to avoid a “cliff edge” for the nuclear industry due to Brexit. Businesses in the East of England are invited to apply for between £25,000 to £75,000 of investment in the second funding round of the University of East Anglia’s Low Carbon Innovation Fund.
Tuesday 02/05 – The Commons business, energy and industrial strategy committee calls on the government to act urgently to ensure the continued operation of the GB nuclear industry post-Brexit. Cadent is announced as the new name for National Grid Gas Distribution – GB’s largest gas transmission network. The University of Bath releases research warning that non-domestic buildings are using far more energy than they should.
Monday 01/05 – Swedish energy company Vattenfall confirms that it is planning to sell renewable power to businesses from its growing GB green electricity portfolio. MPs warn that Northern Ireland could face further rises in energy bills if action is not taken to prevent a deficit in electricity supply.
Written By Graham Paul
