Sustainable Energy news

• ‘Smart meter targets failing energy customers’

  17-09-2024 09:13 via energylivenews.com
  
  Consumer campaigner Martin Lewis has raised concerns about the UK Government’s smart meter programme, stating that the focus on installing new meters is causing problems for customers with faulty devices.
  In a letter to Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Mr Lewis argued that repair needs are being overlooked as energy suppliers prioritise meeting installation targets.Mr Lewis, Founder of MoneySavingExpert, suggested that suppliers should be incentivised t
  
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• Ofgem plans faster clean energy grid connections

  08-11-2024 17:37 via energylivenews.com
  
  Ofgem has unveiled new proposals to speed up grid connections for wind, solar, and storage projects, helping Britain reach its clean energy target by 2030.
  This plan will prioritise projects that can go live within five years and contribute to a balanced, reliable energy mix across the country.Under the new system, outdated processes will be reformed to clear a backlog of applications, allowing only viable projects to move forward.Ofgem also proposes stricter rules, including penalties for opera
  
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• Octopus Energy’s offshore wind tariff saves Grimsby residents on energy bills

  08-11-2024 14:30 via energylivenews.com
  
  Octopus Energy’s first-ever offshore wind tariff has delivered significant savings to customers from Grimsby to Skegness.
  The ‘Fan Club’ tariff has been running for one year, saving customers an average of nearly £200 annually, with the top 5% of users saving close to £400.The ‘Fan Club’ works by offering a 50% discount on electricity bills when local offshore wind turbines are generating power.
  Customers are notified through the Octopus Energy app, allo
  
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• Ofwat sets new standards to improve services for vulnerable customers

  08-11-2024 13:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  Ofwat has introduced new standards for water companies on managing priority service registers (PSRs) for customers who need extra support.
  The standards, now open for consultation, build on earlier guidance and discussions from this year’s Ofwat/Ofgem Vulnerability Summit.The standards define what a PSR is, what services it should provide, and who should be included. Water companies are expected to continue expanding their PSRs to reach eligible customers.
  Companies must ensure data is acc
  
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• elementalLONDON announces partnership with the Sustainable Energy Association

  08-11-2024 12:41 via sustainableenergyassociation.com
  
  The post elementalLONDON announces partnership with the Sustainable Energy Association appeared first on Sustainable Energy Association.
  
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• Manchester to lead new £8m research centre on fair low carbon living

  08-11-2024 12:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  The University of Manchester is set to lead a new £8 million research initiative called the Centre for Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST).
  Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the centre will focus on creating fair approaches to low carbon living across the UK.Launching in February 2025, the JUST Centre will work with communities in five Northern regions—West Yorkshire, West Cumbria, Merseyside, Greater Manchest
  
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• River Thames project secures major funding to boost London’s energy grid

  08-11-2024 11:39 via energylivenews.com
  
  A project to decarbonise the River Thames and support London’s energy system has secured funding from the UK Government’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).
  Following initial success, the project has entered its Alpha phase, expanding its partnerships to include the Port of London Authority (PLA) and energy firm ev.energy.Led by UK Power Networks, the project aims to use electric vessels to store renewable energy such as wind and solar power – when supply exceeds demand, then fee
  
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• Crown Estate funds study into tidal energy potential of Severn Estuary

  08-11-2024 11:31 via energylivenews.com
  
  The Crown Estate has announced a £150,000 funding grant to the Severn Estuary Commission, enabling crucial research into the potential of tidal energy in the Severn Estuary.
  Launched by the Western Gateway Partnership in March 2024, the Severn Estuary Commission is tasked with assessing if tidal energy solutions can sustainably tap into the estuary’s resources, which could contribute up to 7% of the UK’s energy needs.This funding aligns with the Crown Estate’s focus on pr
  
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• Leeds PIPES heating network reaches milestone with over 3k homes connected

  08-11-2024 11:15 via energylivenews.com
  
  The Leeds PIPES district heating network celebrated a major milestone this week, having connected over 3,000 homes since its launch in 2018.
  This fast-growing network now serves around 55 buildings across Leeds, including public venues like St James’s Hospital and Leeds Playhouse, as well as private residences, student accommodations, and social housing.The Leeds PIPES initiative, led by Vital Energi in partnership with Leeds City Council and Ener-Vate, has been instrumental in reducing lo
  
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• Sizewell C and University of Liverpool sign agreement to drive sustainability and skills growth

  08-11-2024 11:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  Sizewell C has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to advance sustainability, skills, and economic opportunities in the Liverpool region.The MoU sets the stage for extensive collaboration between Sizewell C and the University’s Department of Physics, which will provide research expertise and workforce training in nuclear safety and radiation protection.
  This partnership aims to support the region
  
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• Elexon rule change opens wholesale electricity market to independent aggregators

  08-11-2024 10:48 via energylivenews.com
  
  Independent electricity aggregators gained a new opportunity today as Elexon implemented a pivotal rule change, allowing these providers to register in the UK’s wholesale electricity market.
  Known as Virtual Lead Parties (VLPs) in the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC), these independent aggregators were previously restricted to offering services within the Balancing Mechanism.The modification, named P415, enables VLPs to register as Virtual Trading Parties, allowing them to compete direc
  
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• Flagship Energy’s Tejal Shah Energy Markets Update – 7th November 2024

  07-11-2024 16:32 via energylivenews.com
  Once again news that a deal to replace Russian gas with supply from Azerbaijan was close to being agreed saw markets ease off towards the end of last week. However, with no confirmation and ongoing talks all eyes have been on the US elections this week which has renewed volatility. The energy industry is weighing up the various implications Donald Trump’s victory has on global gas markets. Yesterday we saw gas markets fall after the win only to recover those losses by close of play. Trump
  
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• National Grid reports strong half year financial results

  07-11-2024 16:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  National Grid has announced robust financial results for the first half of the year, achieving a 14% rise in underlying operating profit to £2 billion.
  This growth was largely due to improved revenue from UK Electricity Transmission and new rate structures in the company’s New York operations.
  Additional gains came from a reduced environmental provision charge in New York and strong contributions from the UK Electricity System Operator (ESO), though profits were partially offset by l
  
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• £18m boost for Norfolk solar park to power thousands of homes

  07-11-2024 15:12 via energylivenews.com
  
  Virgin Money has announced a new investment in renewable energy, increasing its funding for Gresham House Solar Distribution LLP by £18 million.
  This additional financial support raises Virgin Money’s Revolving Credit Facility with Gresham House to £42 million and will be used to fund the acquisition of a new solar park in Norfolk, named Burgate Solar Park.The Burgate Solar Park is designed to produce 21MW of electricity, which is enough to power 6,300 homes in the region.
  This
  
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• National Grid may speed up two cable projects to meet clean energy goal by 2030

  07-11-2024 12:57
  
  Network hopes to deliver projects across Essex, Norfolk, Kent and Suffolk, crucial to ‘decarbonising’ power system, a year earlierNational Grid is considering whether it can fast-track two controversial power cable projects to help the government meet its pledge to create a clean electricity system by 2030.The FTSE 100 energy company is reviewing plans to build a 114-mile (184km) power line from Tilbury in Essex to Norwich, which is expected to begin construction in 2027 and carry el
  
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• UK to replace National Chargepoint Registry

  07-11-2024 12:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  The National Chargepoint Registry (NCR) will be decommissioned on 28th November, as the UK Government introduces a new, centralised data platform designed to enhance real-time capabilities.
  The NCR, the nation’s open database for public EV chargepoint information, has been a cornerstone of the UK’s EV ecosystem since 2011, providing developers, local authorities, and mobility providers with critical data on chargepoint locations, connector types, and availability.The new platform, wh
  
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• SSE and Lloyds Banking Group sign power purchase agreement

  07-11-2024 10:25 via energylivenews.com
  
  SSE Energy Solutions has announced a new corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with Lloyds Banking Group, helping one of the UK’s leading financial institutions advance its goal of net zero operations by 2030.
  Under the terms of the agreement, Lloyds will source renewable energy directly from two onshore wind farms: SSE’s Keadby site in North Lincolnshire and the Gordonbush wind farm in the Scottish Highlands.The agreement will meet approximately 25% of Lloyds Banking Group&rsquo
  
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• Urgent flexibility reforms needed for UK to reach 2030 clean power

  07-11-2024 10:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  The UK risks falling behind other European nations in creating the flexible energy markets essential for a renewable-powered future, according to the 2024 Energy Transition Readiness Index (ETRI).
  The report, published by the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), highlights that while countries like Norway, Finland, and Sweden have advanced significantly in building flexibility into their energy systems, the UK still faces substantial obstacles in this area.
  The UK’s
  
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• $151bn needed annually to close climate finance gap for smallholder farmers

  07-11-2024 09:57 via energylivenews.com
  
  New research indicates that an annual investment of $151 billion (£116bn) is essential to equip smallholder farmers with the resources needed to face the escalating impacts of climate change.
  Based on a cost of $300 (£231) per farmer per year, this financing would support 511 million farmers worldwide who manage less than two hectares of land.
  Current climate finance for smallholders totals only $2 billion (£1.5bn), underscoring a significant shortfall as climate impacts intens
  
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• ‘Hybrid energy hubs could transform UK’s clean power transition’

  07-11-2024 09:48 via energylivenews.com
  
  Hybrid clean energy hubs, which combine multiple renewable energy sources such as battery storage, solar power and onshore wind, offer a promising solution to alleviate the UK’s grid connection bottlenecks, according to a recent report by Cornwall Insight.
  By using one shared grid connection, these hubs can improve efficiency, minimise land use and drive down costs, according to the report.
  The report, commissioned by Telis Energy UK, reveals that hybrid hubs could optimise energy transfer
  
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• Nearly 70% of UK homeowners unaware of low carbon heating options

  07-11-2024 09:36 via energylivenews.com
  
  More than 70% of UK homeowners feel uninformed about low-carbon heating alternatives, despite growing interest in eco-friendly solutions, according to a survey by Mitsubishi Electric.
  While nearly half (49%) of homeowners express a desire to switch to low-carbon heating, 79% continue to rely on gas boilers, with only 4% currently using air-source heat pumps.The survey, which included over 2,000 homeowners, shows that misconceptions about heat pump costs and efficiency remain widespread, impactin
  
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• IEA calls for urgent action to double energy efficiency by 2030

  07-11-2024 09:30 via energylivenews.com
  
  The global push for energy efficiency is moving too slowly to meet the ambitious target set at last year’s COP28 conference, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Energy Efficiency 2024 report.
  While countries agreed to double the rate of improvement by 2030, new IEA analysis shows that efficiency gains remain at only 1% annually — a rate far below the 4% needed to align with the pledge.With energy efficiency improvements acting as a crucial lever for emissions r
  
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• Ofgem seeks input on 2028 electricity price control framework

  06-11-2024 16:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  Ofgem has launched a consultation on its proposed framework for the ED3 electricity distribution price control period, which will run from April 2028.
  This consultation will gather insights from various stakeholders, including those who use or connect to the electricity distribution network, providers of network services, and other interested parties such as government bodies, consumer groups, and investors.The electricity distribution network forms a vital link in the UK’s energy infrastr
  
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• Why does intermittency come with a cost?

  06-11-2024 15:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  However, the renewable output from intermittent assets (like wind and solar) is less reliable and flexible than the power that thermal generators provide as standard.There’s no storage technology currently available that’s capable of supporting a national grid more reliant than ever upon natural sources of renewable electricity. The peaks and troughs between windy or sunny days, weeks, or months are simply too long. Without such storage
  capacity on hand, it’s impossible to cont
  
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• Dick Smith’s ABC radio rant against renewables overflows with ill-informed claims | Temperature Check

  06-11-2024 15:00
  
  Millionaire points to Broken Hill’s blackout to attack the energy transition but experts say he should look at South Australia and EuropeFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFor 15 minutes on Sunday morning, ABC local radio listeners were treated to a rant from Dick Smith as the millionaire attacked Australia’s transition away from fossil fuels, claiming renewables would make electricity unaffordable and caus
  
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• Heat from sewers, tube and Thames could soon warm London buildings

  06-11-2024 14:33
  
  Westminster plan for UK’s biggest heat network could involve parliament warmed by waste and low-carbon heatAbout 1,000 London buildings including the Houses of Parliament and the National Gallery could soon be warmed by low-carbon heat sourced from the River Thames, London Underground and sewer networks.Plans to develop the UK’s biggest heat network to supply decarbonised heat to buildings across Westminster were set out on Wednesday by the government as part of its pledge to back se
  
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• Bristol’s nuclear sector growth boosts jobs to 3,500

  06-11-2024 14:07 via energylivenews.com
  
  The nuclear sector’s growth in the Bristol area has reached a new milestone, with 3,500 jobs now supported by the industry.Recent expansions and new facilities catering to Hinkley Point C in Somerset have bolstered employment in areas such as engineering, manufacturing, and research, making Bristol a hub of nuclear expertise in the UK.With planned developments for small modular reactors (SMRs) at nearby Oldbury and Berkeley sites, the city is set to see even more skilled job creation in th
  
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• Urgent action needed to meet clean power 2030 target

  06-11-2024 13:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  A new report on the journey towards achieving clean power by 2030 highlights the urgent need for increased investment in low carbon energy technologies.
  While the goal is technically achievable, energy experts caution that reaching the target will require a huge scale-up of renewable energy capacity and flexible energy technologies.The report emphasises that ramping up renewable energy sources – particularly offshore wind, solar, and onshore wind – is critical to reaching clean power
  
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• Net Hero Podcast: Clicks, clouds and constant emissions – your not so clean computer!

  06-11-2024 12:36 via energylivenews.com
  
  I’m no computer nerd, I did try writing some computer language once but failed dismally. I just use them like most of us do, as glorified typewriters, calculators and encyclopedias!
  But the one thing I do know is that they use energy and get hot.
  However, with the advent of wifi and cloud computing, gone are the days of servers in offices being cooled by fans, we now just send an email and think nothing of the energy used. In fact working from home, has been championed as being a green way
  
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• Nearly 40% of households concerned about affording proposed water bill increases

  06-11-2024 12:00 via energylivenews.com
  
  A recent survey conducted by the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has found that 40% of households across England and Wales are worried about affording the proposed increases to their water bills, with concerns being particularly high in Wales, where 48% of customers said the rises would be difficult to bear.The proposed bill hikes, which would take effect in April 2025, are set to average a 21% increase before inflation, to fund £88 billion worth of improvements in water services and envi
  
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