Industry News Roundup November 2020
Monday 30/11 – The government launches a consultation on how to design the proposed Green Heat Network Fund scheme. National Grid Electricity System Operator publishes its Electricity Ten Year Statement (ETYS) 2020.
Friday 27/11 – Hosted by COP26 President and Business Secretary Alok Sharma, the Zero Emission Vehicle Transition Council releases their first joint statement.
Thursday 26/11 – Ofgem announces new Supplier Licensing Review changes to take effect from January 2021 – this aims to encourage more financially robust suppliers. New government statistics show that the low carbon share of electricity generation by major power producers was down 2.7 percentage points to 51.8% for the period July to September.
Wednesday 25/11 – Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivers the Treasury’s Spending Review, with the Treasury publishing the National Infrastructure Strategy alongside it. Announcements include the establishment of a National Infrastructure Bank.
Tuesday 24/11 – The government announces amendments to the Contracts for Difference scheme, including offshore wind having its own pot in the next allocation round. The scheme supports the development of low carbon generation, and the change is part of the government’s target to achieve 40GW of offshore wind by 2030.
Monday 23/11 – According to new analysis by the IPPR thinktank, the UK economy needs a cash injection of £164bn in the year 2021-22 in order to “restart it fully” after the COVID-19 crisis and set it on course for a green recovery.
Friday 20/11 – The Environmental Audit Committee announces an evidence session this week on the government’s plans to raise the heat pump installation rate to 600,000 a year by 2028. Ofgem issues its decision to modify the special licence conditions of the electricity distribution licences to allow the recovery of bad debt as a result of the COVID-19 Network Charge Deferral scheme.
Thursday 19/11 – Ofgem issues a statutory consultation on proposed licence modifications to the National Grid Electricity Transmission electricity transmission licence. EDF announces Hinkley Point B to move into decommissioning by July 2022.
Wednesday 18/11 – The government publishes the 10 point plan in full, including announcing the extension of the ECO scheme to 2026. SSE unveils plans to treble its renewable output by 2030 and set out its aspiration to add 1GW a year of new renewables capacity by the second half of the decade.
Tuesday 17/11 – The Prime Minister announces his 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution in a Financial Times article. The Institute for Public Policy Research North calls for the government to use energy efficiency retrofits to level up the North and help the UK achieve its decarbonisation objectives.
Monday 16/11 – SSE, ScottishPower and National Grid announce plans to develop an underwater super-highway.
Friday 13/11 – Ofgem published notice of its proposal to revoke the Final Order that was issued to Symbio Energy on 28 October. Tesco launches a new partnership with renewable energy investor, Low Carbon to develop three new solar farms in the UK.
Thursday 12/11 – Energy and Clean Growth Minister Kwasi Kwarteng tells MPs that the Energy White Paper will be published either at the end of November or the beginning of December. SSE announces 2050 net zero commitment.
Wednesday 11/11 – The National Security and Investment Bill is introduced to Parliament, giving the government updated powers to scrutinise and intervene in investment, including in energy infrastructure, to protect national security. Mutualisation is triggered for the 2019-20 Renewables Obligation scheme, resulting in all suppliers paying for the shortfall of the scheme.
Tuesday 10/11 – Labour announces its plans for a £30bn green recovery including actions on energy efficiency, carbon capture, renewables generation and transport. The Net Zero All-Party Parliamentary Group publishes its Decarbonisation Report, setting out recommendations for the government, including to develop a clear and systematic net zero roadmap.
Monday 09/11 – The BBC reports that that Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Chancellor and the Business Secretary will discuss nuclear power’s role in the UK's future energy strategy at a meeting this month. Centrica releases the findings of its large-scale flexibility trial, enabling businesses to warn rewards from changing their consumption habits.
Written By Graham Paul
