Industry News Roundup September 2023
Friday 29/09 – DESNZ publishes a consultation seeking views on whether any new generating technologies, which could participate in future Capacity Market auctions, have emerged since the last consultation in 2022.
Thursday 28/09 – The Electricity System Operator (ESO) announces that it has published its Winter Outlook, setting out its expectations for GB’s electricity supply and demand across winter 2023-24 (30 October 2023 to 30 March 2024).
Wednesday 27/09 – The North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA) announces it has granted development and production consent for the Rosebank field to Equinor and Ithaca Energy.
Tuesday 26/09 – DESNZ announces that thousands of customers will benefit from heat network upgrades as a result of £13.9mn of government funding for 55 heat network projects in the first round of awards under the £32mn Heat Network Efficiency Scheme.
Monday 25/09 – The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee announces that it has published a report urging the UK Government, Ofgem, and energy suppliers to act quickly in helping households face an apparently inevitable winter crisis.
Friday 22/09 – Ofgem publishes a statutory consultation on amendments to the smart meter reporting requirements for suppliers.
Thursday 21/09 – Ofgem publishes its proposed forecast administration cost for the Renewables Obligation (RO) Scheme for 2023-24, standing at £8,059,396. This represents an increase of 7% from 2022-23, which in turn was a decrease of 7% from 2021-22.
Wednesday 20/09 – In a speech, the Prime Minister announces that the government will revise several current measures intended to help reach net zero emissions as a country by 2050.
Tuesday 19/09 – Ofgem publishes a consultation on its proposed draft conditions for the Electricity System Operator (ESO) and Gas System Planner licences, which will be held by the Future System Operator (FSO).
Monday 18/09 – The government opens applications for private investors to register their interest in the Sizewell C nuclear power project.
Friday 15/09 – The National Audit Office (NAO) announces that it has published a report titled Approaches to achieving net zero across the UK in partnership with the UK’s public audit offices.
Thursday 14/09 – The government launches its £1bn energy efficiency drive through the Great British Insulation Scheme. The release states that more than 300,000 families will be offered roof, loft, and cavity wall insulation through the scheme which could reduce energy bills by an average of £300 to £400.
Wednesday 13/09 – DESNZ announces that 26 businesses are to receive a share of £45.7mn of government funding to clean up industrial processes and reduce business energy costs.
Tuesday 12/09 – The House of Lords considers the Energy Bill.
Monday 11/09 – Ofgem publishes an open letter on strategic transmission charging reform. The letter sets out the regulator’s initial thinking on the future role and design of electricity transmission network charging within the wider context of fundamental system change and policy reform, such as that being considered as part of the government’s Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA).
Friday 08/09 – DESNZ publishes the results of Allocation Round 5 (AR5) of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which commenced on 30 March 2023. This lists the successful applicants for AR5 and includes information such as the size of the project, strike price, and delivery year.
Thursday 07/09 – The UK Government reports that it has joined the Horizon Europe programme through a new agreement with the EU, which will allow UK scientists access to what it states is the world’s largest research collaboration project.
Wednesday 06/09 – Ofgem publishes a statutory consultation on a proposal to modify the special conditions of the electricity transmission licence held by National Grid Electricity System Operator.
Tuesday 05/09 – The UK Government announces it will introduce new measures that will enable onshore wind projects supported by local people to be approved more quickly in England.
Monday 04/09 – The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) publishes new analysis showing that placing further restrictions on ground mounted solar farms could cost energy bill payers as much as £5bn annually.
Friday 01/09 – DESNZ announces that the government will be reviewing its Energy Charter Treaty membership and considering withdrawal if member states do not reach agreement on modernised terms by November 2023.
Written By Graham Paul
