Industry News Roundup March 2021
Friday 26/03 – BEIS issues an update that regulations amending the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive come into force on 1 April. Octopus Energy Group announces the acquisition of Octopus Renewables.
Thursday 25/03 – New BEIS stats show that UK carbon emissions fell 10.7% between 2019 and 2020. Additionally, renewables provided 42.9% of the UK’s electricity demand in 2020.
Wednesday 24/03 – The UK will no longer provide support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas from 31 March. The government announces the launch of a ‘North Sea Transition Deal’, which will aim to protect and support oil and gas workers, businesses, and the supply chain through the transition to green energy.
Tuesday 23/03 – BEIS announces that 50,000 low-income households are to be upgraded with £562mn in energy efficiency funding, with £62mn of the funding new. Ofgem issues a letter approving the DCC’s request to reduce the notice period for making amendments to its 2020-21 charging statement.
Monday 22/03 – The State Opening of Parliament will take place on Tuesday 11 May, the government announces, with the Environment Bill being discussed. EDF announces that it will end generation at West Burton A power station in Lincolnshire, its last remaining coal-fired power station, in September 2022.
Friday 19/03 – Centrica confirms that it has acquired Nabuh Energy.
Thursday 18/03 – COP26 President Alok Sharma sets out the progress so far on the climate conference taking place in Glasgow this November. Energy UK’s latest electricity switching figures show nearly 460,000 (457,447) customers moved to a new supplier in February.
Wednesday 17/03 – The government publishes the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy. BEIS confirms it will be implementing the Green Gas Support Scheme and Green Gas Levy. Ofgem issues a consultation as part of its Supplier Licensing Review on proposals for rules to reduce the scale of credit balances at risk of mutualisation in the event of supplier failure.
Tuesday 16/03 – Tackling climate change listed as a top international priority for government in the Integrated Review. Continued disruption to Scotland’s offshore wind sector “risks the loss of billions of pounds of long-term investment” and Scotland’s 2045 climate change target, Scottish Renewables warns.
Monday 15/03 – The government publishes two research papers on public engagement around net zero. The government consults on Standard Assessment Procedure for heat networks.
Friday 12/03 – The government publishes the outcome of its consultation on the Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance scheme. The government also publishes results from a study into the current state of heat distribution systems in homes.
Thursday 11/03 – The government publishes updated guidance on who the UK Emissions Trading Scheme applies to and what it requires of businesses that are covered. The government announces that a public inquiry will be held to examine whether plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria should go ahead.
Wednesday 10/03 – The government confirms the phase out date for new internal combustion engine cars and vans will be brought forward to 2030. The government announces a £95mn investment for two new offshore wind ports to be built in the Humber region and Teesside.
Tuesday 09/03 – The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies publishes a report exploring the energy policies required to drive the UK to net zero. The Science and Technology Committee holds an oral evidence session regarding the role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving net zero.
Monday 08/03 – Ofgem issues a consultation on minor changes to the licence fee cost recovery principles. The Public Accounts Committee holds an oral evidence session on environmental tax measures.
Written By Graham Paul
