• Could teens be turned into techies?

    Could teens be turned into techies?
    The energy transition is going to need lots of skilled workers particularly engineers, so a new programme is going into schools to help find the technical whizzes of the future.EngineeringUK is partnering with Volvo Cars to expand the reach of its ‘Energy Quest’ schools programme to help get young people ‘thinking like engineers.’Energy Quest is a curriculum-aligned science workshop offering fun, practical, hands-on experiments to students aged 11 to 13.
    Students work in
  • Thank you and have a great Christmas

    Thank you and have a great Christmas
    This is our last post this year and it’s simply a massive thank you to you our readers and viewers across both our sites, energylivenews and futurenetzero.We try very hard to keep our journalism free and topical, report without favour and maintain independence. For almost 15 years we have done this and we are still by far, the only major energy news publisher which is still privately owned, we have no big publishing house or financiers behind us.We work for you, the energy professionals in
  • Voices: Australia is recklessly blowing its own climate promises

    Voices: Australia is recklessly blowing its own climate promises
    The Albanese government seems to be suffering from a split personality disorder on emissions. This raises serious questions about whether Australia can call itself a climate leader, Chris Wright says
  • Plea to make key solar panel change to lower energy bills

    Plea to make key solar panel change to lower energy bills
    Renewable energy chiefs are urging key change
  • Advertisement

  • Messing about in boats gets cleaner

    Messing about in boats gets cleaner
    Hydrogen powered boating is a step closer thanks innovation down under.Fabrum, a New Zealand company specialising in zero-emission transition technologies, has collaborated on the design and build of a zero-emission hydrogen-powered boat.The H2Ocean, built with King Watercraft, a developer of rigid inflatable boats, isa zero-emissions rib for tourism, commercial and leisure activities.The boat carries 18kg of 350 bar hydrogen gas, supplied to a fuel cell, which in turn maintains charg
  • Nottingham Uni £3m net zero project for Africa

    Nottingham Uni £3m net zero project for Africa
    The University of Nottingham is trying to help clean energy research in Africa.lts African SCENe project, now backed by £3 million from the Ayrton Challenge Programme, is a UK government-funded initiative for clean energy research, to create low-carbon systems in developing nations.African SCENe focuses on turning schools in Nairobi’s informal settlements into Community Energy Hubs. By introducing accessible energy generation and storage solutions, it aims to empower communities, boo
  • National Grid invests billions for cleaner future

    National Grid invests billions for cleaner future
    National Grid has unveiled its RIIO-T3 business plan for Electricity Transmission, outlining up to £35 billion of investment from 2026 to 2031.
    The plan focuses on upgrading infrastructure to meet the UK’s clean energy goals and expanding grid capacity.The baseline £11 billion investment will maintain existing networks and start constructing three approved Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) projects.
    A further £24 billion is earmarked for expanding capac
  • Winter fuel allowance axe leaves millions of ‘rich’ OAPs vulnerable

    Winter fuel allowance axe leaves millions of ‘rich’  OAPs vulnerable
    Millions of pensioners in the UK are caught in a financial trap, unable to afford a dignified standard of living but deemed too wealthy to qualify for Winter Fuel Payments, new research by the Centre for Ageing Better reveals.The decision by Kier Starmer to slash universal Winter Fuel Payments has been criticised by charities and unions alike, however this research shows how many are deemed ‘rich enough’ not to get the allowance are actually really struggling.The analysis shows one i
  • Advertisement

  • Ofgem boss welcomes review as does sector

    Ofgem boss welcomes review as does sector
    The CEO of Ofgem has welcomed a review into his own organisation.Labour has ordered a review of the remit and role of the regulator, in view of the changing goals and operations of an energy sector in transition.Stakeholders across the energy sector, will have until February to respond and give feedback on everything Ofgem does and the future role it should have.Jonathan Brearley the boss of the regulator, says he is glad the review has been ordered:
    This review is a great opportunity to help ma
  • Small firms now get free help in energy disputes

    Small firms now get free help in energy disputes
    Small businesses with up to 50 employees, can now use the Energy Ombudsman’s free dispute resolution service.The service, backed by Ofgem, is designed to sort out disputes with energy suppliers or brokers without the hassle and cost of going to court.Ed Dodman, Managing Director and Chief Ombudsman for Energy said: “One of our key priorities is ensuring all consumers have full access to our service. We also believe businesses should have the same access as domestic consumers, therefo
  • Ofgem review ordered by Labour

    Ofgem review ordered by Labour
    Labour have decided to review the role of Ofgem.DESNZ says this is to ensure it can meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy market and the net zero transition.Ofgem was set up in 2000 and in a paper announcing the review, the Department says it now faces significant changes in the energy sector, including new technologies, companies and the increasing importance of energy in daily life.
    The energy crisis and supplier failures have eroded consumer trust, which must be restored to achieve
  • Heat pumps – 85% love them!

    Heat pumps – 85% love them!
    It appears if you get a heat pump, you love them!In a government-backed trial, 85% of participants praised their reliability, ease of use and low noise levels, with many recommending them.Advocates say the study has shown that heat pumps are a reliable and efficient heating solution for UK homes, paving the way for large-scale adoption.
    The Electrification of Heat Demonstration Project, funded by DESNZ and led by Energy Systems Catapult, installed 742 heat pumps in a variety of housing types and
  • First 4G smart hub installed

    First 4G smart hub installed
    British Gas has taken the lead in the UK smart meter upgrade by installing the first 4G Communication Hub.This marks a key step in modernising the national smart meter network.The rollout, led by the Data Communications Company (DCC), began with a pilot phase in December 2024 and will run until February 2025.
    British Gas aims to install 1,000 hubs during this phase before ramping up for a mass rollout in summer 2025.With 30 million smart meters in UK homes, the upgrade will futureproof the syste
  • Cold reaction to Ofwat price rises

    Cold reaction to Ofwat price rises
    Bill rises which Ofwat announced today have been poorly received by unions and consumer groups.
    UnaffordableMike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said: “These bill rises may be less than what water companies wanted but they are still more than what many people can afford.
    “Customers will be hit particularly hard from April with a large chunk of these increases frontloaded into next year – on top of inflation.“We know at least 2 in 5 household
  • Water bills rise by 20%

    Water bills rise by 20%
    Ofwat has said water bills can rise by £86 next year and by £157 over the next five years to fund a huge investment in the sector.The average bill increases by 36% over the next five years. The average bill increase in 2025-26 will be £86 (20%), excluding inflation, with smaller percentage increases in each of the next four years.Ofwat has removed £8bn (7%) of costs from companies’ business plans and reduced the allowed rate of return on investment compared with com
  • Net Hero Special | What a year!

    Net Hero Special | What a year!
    THANK YOU.That’s all I really need to say, thanks to all the guests on the podcast this past year, to my team who make this show possible and to you the readers, viewers and listeners.It’s been a busy and eventful year for net zero and we have covered so many topics from lab grown meat, to mushrooms that can make furniture! We’ve looked at science and technology, politics and society, food, clothing, cars, pcs, medicine and even Mammoths! Yep you heard that right!Brilliant stor
  • Time to reform the water sector say MPs

    Time to reform the water sector say MPs
    The water sector is under fire, facing a backlash over sewage spills, agricultural pollution, shareholder payouts and weak customer satisfaction.Now, MPs are launching a major inquiry to address these issues and restore public trust.The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee’s “Reforming the Water Sector” inquiry will scrutinise resilience, water security, pollution and financial practices.
    Evidence sessions start in January, focusing on Ofwat’s pricing deci
  • Here's why Peter Dutton's nuclear power plan is a fantasy - video

    Here's why Peter Dutton's nuclear power plan is a fantasy - video
    The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, claims a national network of nuclear generators could be created to provide 38% of Australia’s electricity in just 25 years, and that this approach would be cheaper than Labor’s wind and solar scheme. Guardian Australia's Matilda Boseley dives into the Coalition's nuclear plan, which an overwhelming majority of agencies and experts in the field say is not credible Coalition’s nuclear plan will hit Earth with 1.7bn extra tonnes of CO2 before
  • We want net zero but we’re not paying!

    We want net zero but we’re not paying!
    When it comes to net zero 69% of us support the idea but we don’t want to pay more for it!Recent research from Accenture has found a huge gap between support and willingness to pay more to decarbonise. Of residential consumers, only 33% are willing to pay higher energy premiums to support it.
    Of the rest (67%), who are unwilling to pay higher bills, almost half (43%) cited the affordability of energy bills as the cause. And 44% felt it was not their responsibility to fund cl
  • Milford Haven… Hydrogen’s new home?

    Milford Haven… Hydrogen’s new home?
    Is the home of the Welsh oil and gas sector about to get a new cleaner tenant…Hydrogen?Green energy company Haush Ltd has officially announced Milford Haven will be its new headquarters, aiming to transform the area into a hub for green hydrogen innovation.
    The company plans to decarbonise land, sea and air transportation while exporting hydrogen to Europe.Work on the new HQ starts now and Haush’s efforts are backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fu
  • ‘If 1.5m Germans have them there must be something in it’: how balcony solar is taking off

    ‘If 1.5m Germans have them there must be something in it’: how balcony solar is taking off
    Balcony solar panels can save 30% on a typical household’s electricity bill and, with vertical surface area in cities larger than roof space, the appeal is clearThey are easy to install, and knock chunks off electricity bills. It may not be Romeo and Juliet, but Spain’s balcony scene is heating up as the country embraces what has hitherto been a mainly German love affair with DIY plug-in solar panels.Panels have already been installed on about 1.5m German balconies, where they are so
  • Dogger Bank wind farm a step closer

    Dogger Bank wind farm a step closer
    Dogger Bank Wind Farm is ramping up with a deal for a second turbine installation ship.The windfarm has engaged Seaway7, part of the Subsea7 Group, to charter a second turbine installation vessel. The jack-up installation vessel will begin turbine transport and installation work at the site in 2026, focusing on the GE Vernova Haliade-X turbines.Turbine installation and commissioning at Dogger Bank A are progressing, with the first phase set for completion in late 2025.
    The wind farm, slated for
  • SP Energy Networks £10bn plan for clean energy investment

    SP Energy Networks £10bn plan for clean energy investment
    SP Energy Networks has submitted a £10.6bn plan to transform Scotland’s power landscape by 2030.The RIIO-T3 plan to Ofgem details major upgrades to electricity infrastructure from 2026 to 2031, including 12 new substations, 450km of circuit upgrades and improvements to overhead lines and underground cables.
    The investment, says SP Energy Networks,will connect 19GW of clean power, reduce constraint costs and save households £167 annually by 2030. It will also strengthen the grid
  • SSE’s Yellow River flows powerfully

    SSE’s Yellow River flows powerfully
    A giant windfarm in Ireland has started generating power.SSE Renewables’ 101MW Yellow River Wind Farm in Rhode, County Offaly, has achieved its first power milestone following a successful grid connection by EirGrid.
    The project is a key addition to Ireland’s onshore wind capacity, marking significant progress towards the country’s 2030 renewable energy goals.The 29 turbine wind farm will produce clean energy for approximately 67,000 homes annually, displacing 66,000 metric ton
  • TotalEnergies sells half its stake in gas plant

    TotalEnergies sells half its stake in gas plant
    TotalEnergies has sold off a 50% share in a gas power plant in Nottinghamshire. EPUKI, the UK subsidiary of Czech based energy company EPH,has now acquired 50% of the shares in West Burton Energy, a company wholly acquired in June 2024 with the announced intention to resell one half.West Burton Energy owns a 1.3 GW gas fired power plant and a 49 MW battery storage system in the United Kingdom.
    The plant will be operated by the joint venture between TotalEnergies and EPUKI.Sophie Chevalier,
  • Energy firms to spend £77bn to rewire Great Britain’s electricity grid

    Energy firms to spend £77bn to rewire Great Britain’s electricity grid
    National Grid, SSE and ScottishPower submit five-year plans amid shift from fossil fuels to clean electricityEnergy companies have promised to spend up to £77bn over five years to help rewire to Great Britain’s electricity infrastructure in the global race to shift from fossil fuels to clean electricity.The companies that own the high-voltage power system – National Grid, SSE and ScottishPower – have submitted the spending plans to the regulator Ofgem for the period from
  • Geothermal energy could power both USA and India!

    Geothermal energy could power both USA and India!
    Geothermal energy could meet 15% of global electricity demand growth by 2050, according to a new IEA report.
    Advances in next-generation technologies are unlocking vast potential, allowing geothermal to become a global clean energy solution.
    With up to 800GW of capacity possible, it could match current electricity demand from the US and India combined.The IEA highlights that cutting costs is critical. Streamlined permitting, targeted policies and clear investor incentives, could reduce project c
  • Ho oh no! EV drivers face Xmas charging chaos

    Ho oh no! EV drivers face Xmas charging chaos
    Christmas travel chaos is back and for electric vehicle drivers, the stress comes with an extra twist—finding a working charger that isn’t already taken!With cold weather draining batteries faster and range anxiety looming, the festive dash could be more tense than jolly.While drivers can check apps or in-car systems for live charger updates, a new FOI request from Schneider Electric,reveals fewer than 20% of councils have the tech to track charger availability. Worse, only a quarter
  • Cleaner campus for students

    Cleaner campus for students
    The University of Kent (UoK) has unveiled a bold carbon reduction strategy to halve its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
    Developed with Siemens, the plan includes major campus upgrades to cut energy consumption and boost renewable energy production, aligning with the University’s commitment to net zero by 2040.
    Key measures include installing LED lighting across all buildings, upgrading management systems and optimising campus spaces for efficiency.
    A 0.74 MW rooftop solar array will gener
  • British Gas enters low carbon homes sector

    British Gas enters low carbon homes sector
    British Gas has unveiled its Low Carbon Homes pilot, to accelerate sustainable living.The initiative, a collaboration with housebuilder Strata and heat pump manufacturer Daikin, aims to meet The Future Homes Standard by equipping new-build homes with state-of-the-art low-carbon technology at no additional cost to builders or homeowners.Homes in the pilot will feature 6-8 kWh Daikin air source heat pumps, 4 kWh solar panels, 5 kWh battery storage and Hive EV chargers and thermostats.
    These system

Follow @SustainEnergy_ on Twitter!