Industry News | Haven Power

Feb 22nd 2012

Cameron suggests priority areas for European growth

Prime minister David Cameron suggested priority areas for growth in a letter sent to European Council president Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission president Jose Barroso on Monday 20 February.

Feb 22nd 2012

CBI calls on chancellor to end the �discredited� CRC

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) called for chancellor George Osborne to change the tax system to incentivise growth and investment on its submission to the 2012 budget on Wednesday 22 February.

Feb 22nd 2012

Ofgem to open up electricity market for independent suppliers

On Wednesday 22 February the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published a detailed roadmap outlining how it hopes to make the electricity market a more transparent and open market for all suppliers.

Feb 21st 2012

Drax outlines plans to become a �predominantly renewables generator�

On Tuesday 21 February the Drax Group published its company posted its preliminary results for the year to 31 December 2011.

Feb 21st 2012

Energy minister highlights challenges to UK energy security

Speaking to the University of Edinburgh Business School on Monday 20 February energy minister Charles Hendry said there were four key challenges for UK energy security that need to be addressed

Feb 20th 2012

Britain makes agreement to strengthen co-operation on nuclear power

Prime minister David Cameron attended a UK-France summit in Paris hosted by France's president Nicolas Sarkozy on Friday 17 February.

Feb 20th 2012

Britannia could �rule the waves� in marine renewables, says select committee

The Energy and climate change select committee published a report on Sunday 19 February claiming the UK could become a leading exporter of wave and tidal power with a more "visionary" approach from the government.

Feb 20th 2012

EU considers supporting the price of carbon

Businessgreen reported on Friday 17 February that EU ministers have made a compromise text to withhold carbon permits from auction in order to boost low prices.

Feb 17th 2012

UK and France to sign nuclear co-operation deal

The BBC reported on Friday 17 February that the UK government is expected to sign a deal with France to strengthen co-operation in the development of nuclear energy.

Feb 17th 2012

Ofgem may impose mandatory price controls on suppliers, says Marlee

The Independent published a letter on Friday 17 February from the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) partner Ian Marlee, a senior official at the regulator, explaining how poor supplier behaviour and the complexity of the energy market have caused erosion in consumer trust.

Feb 17th 2012

Oil jumps to over $120/bl on Greek bailout progress

Brent crude oil for the April settlement rose $0.24/bl to $120.35/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, Bloomberg reported on Friday 17 February.

Feb 16th 2012

Energy and fuel one of 10 �megaforces� set to affect corporate growth

Consultants KPMG published a report on Wednesday 15 February identifying 10 sustainability impacts that could significantly affect corporate growth globally over the next few decades.

Feb 16th 2012

Application for first new pumped storage scheme since 1974 submitted

SSE announced on Wednesday 15 February it had submitted an application to the Scottish government for consent to construct a new 600MW pumped hydro-electric scheme in the northwest of Loch Lochy in the Great Glen.

Feb 16th 2012

EU consults on financial support for energy efficiency in buildings

On Wednesday 15 February the European Commission opened a consultation seeking views on how the financial support for energy efficiency measures to increase the energy performance of buildings could be improved.

Feb 15th 2012

Energy minister discusses European energy infrastructure

The energy minister Charles Hendry attended the European Energy Council meeting held in Brussels on Tuesday 14 February.

Feb 15th 2012

Scotland�s energy minister issues consent for commercial wave power array

Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing approved the country's first near-shore commercial wave power array on Tuesday 14 February.

Feb 14th 2012

UK businesses urge Davey to provide ministerial support to low-carbon economy

A recent letter sent to the energy and climate change secretary Ed Davey called for the minister to provide "credible long-term policies" and "vocal ministerial support" to the low-carbon economy.

Feb 14th 2012

Public sector is the most committed to carbon reduction, reveals survey

The Carbon Trust revealed the results of a recent survey into the commitment of organisations towards reducing carbon emissions on Monday 13 February.

Feb 13th 2012

Gloomy economic outlook leads to lower global oil demand forecasts

In its most recent Monthly Oil Market Report published on Thursday 9 February the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) revised down its forecast of world oil demand growth in 2012 by 120,000bl/day to 0.9mn bl/day based on last month's report.

Feb 13th 2012

GQE is route to green economy, says MP

Following the Bank of England's announcement that it is to inject £50bn of "quantitative easing" into the economy, on Thursday 9 January leader of the Green Party and MP Caroline Lucas called for an additional programme of Green Quantitative Easing (GQE).

Feb 10th 2012

Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult to be located in Glasgow

Business secretary Vince Cable announced that a £50mn centre aimed to accelerate the commercialisation of offshore wind, wave and tidal power will be located in Glasgow on Thursday 9 February.

Feb 9th 2012

Wave Hub gets first energy device

The BBC reported on Wednesday 8 February that Irish marine energy company Ocean Energy has agreed to install the first device at the Wave Hub off the north Cornwall coast.

Feb 9th 2012

Scotland sets out blueprint for offshore renewables

On Wednesday 8 February the Scottish government unveiled a blueprint to streamline offshore renewables developments.

Feb 9th 2012

European renewables is solution to Russian gas crisis, says MEP

On Tuesday 7 February Liberal Democrat MEP Graham Watson said the switch to green energy has become "just as much an energy security issue as an environmental imperative".

Feb 8th 2012

DECC seeks evidence on energy efficiency

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) issued a call for evidence on the government's promised Energy Efficiency Deployment Office on Wednesday 8 February.

Feb 8th 2012

UK greenhouse gas emissions rise 3% in 2010

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published data on Tuesday 7 February showing UK emissions increased 3.1% during 2010.

Feb 7th 2012

Wind makes up over 20% of new EU power capacity

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) published research on Monday 6 February, which revealed that 2011 saw more renewable energy capacity installed across the EU than any other year previously.

Feb 7th 2012

Gas prices rise on freezing temperatures

The cold weather gripping northern Europe has pushed gas prices to four-year highs, the BBC reported on Monday 6 February.

Feb 6th 2012

Edward Davey replaces Chris Huhne as energy secretary

Chris Huhne resigned from his post as energy and climate change secretary on Friday 3 February.

Feb 6th 2012

Companies �must take hold of supply chain emissions�

Research published by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) on Wednesday 1 February showed that businesses still have a long way to go de-carbonising their supply chains.

Feb 3rd 2012

Foreign office minister addresses energy security

On Thursday 2 February foreign office minister Alistair Burt delivered a keynote speech on energy security at a World Affairs Council event at the Federal Reserve Bank in Houston.

Feb 3rd 2012

Relative stability in oil prices may not last, warns IEA

On Thursday 2 February the deputy executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Richard Jones warned those seeking stable oil prices in 2012 will be disappointed.

Feb 2nd 2012

Engineers claim burying cables is £20mn/km more expensive

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) published a report on Tuesday 31 January outlining the costs of burying transmission cables.

Feb 2nd 2012

MPs �misled� over need for nuclear power stations

A report published on Tuesday 31 January accused the government of misleading the MPs about nuclear energy.

Jan 30th 2012

Government pledges £110mn in green energy funding for climate aid

International development secretary Andrew Mitchell announced a new initiative to help tackle climate change on Friday 27 January.

Jan 30th 2012

2012 to be unstable year for renewable energy, says report

According to a report published recently by consultant PwC businesses should remain confident in the renewable energy market, despite the company also warning that the green energy sector could face a continued climate of "rolling uncertainty".

Jan 30th 2012

Short-termism is the major barrier to businesses transition to sustainability

The latest results of the annual Sustainability Survey show that pressure for short-term financial results is the major barrier preventing businesses from becoming more sustainable.

Jan 27th 2012

Survey finds most companies are na�ve about energy management

Software solutions company Epicor released the results of a global survey into carbon accounting on Wednesday 25 January.

Jan 27th 2012

Wind generation increases 40% in latest energy trends

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its latest report on energy trends and quarterly energy prices for the UK on Thursday 26 January.

Jan 26th 2012

DECC fails to secure FiT appeal

The Court of Appeal voted to uphold the High Court decision that cuts to the Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) for small-scale solar photovoltaic projects were illegal on Wednesday 25 January.

Jan 26th 2012

MPs attack carbon floor price

On Thursday 26 January the energy and climate change select committee published its report on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Jan 26th 2012

Drax joins N2EX power market

Newswire Commodities Now reported on Wednesday 25 January that the UK's largest independent generator Drax has joined the N2EX power market.

Jan 25th 2012

Energy storage has �significant opportunities in the UK�

A report published by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) on Tuesday 24 January found that imminent falls in the price of storage technology and appropriate regulatory support could create a significant opportunity for the use of storage in the British electricity network

Jan 25th 2012

SMEs deserve domestic consumer energy protections, says trade body

The Federation for Small Businesses (FSB) has called for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to be given the same level of protection as households from energy firms, price comparison service uSwitch reported on Tuesday 24 January.

Jan 25th 2012

BOC joins Alstom and Drax in flagship CCS project

On Tuesday 24 January industrial gases group BOC announced it is joining services company Alstom and power generator Drax as a co-developer for the 426MW carbon capture and storage (CCS) project currently under development at the Drax site in North Yorkshire.

Jan 24th 2012

EU confirms ban on Iranian oil

EU foreign ministers agreed to an "unprecedented" oil embargo against Iran on Monday 23 January over the country's nuclear programme.

Jan 24th 2012

Marine energy gets further boosts

Following the launch of the UK's first marine energy park on Monday 23 January Marine Current Turbines (MCT) and Ecotricity announced new marine energy projects.

Jan 23rd 2012

First marine energy park to be located in South West

Jan 23rd 2012

Hendry defends government smart meter plans

Energy minister Charles Hendry defended the government's plans for the roll-out of smart meters in a letter to the Daily Mail issued on Friday 20 January

Jan 20th 2012

Offshore wind energy statistics show 2011 as a �stable� year

On Thursday 19 January the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) published its annual offshore wind statistics for 2011 that showed 235 new turbines were fully grid-connected across nine offshore windfarms.

Jan 20th 2012

Scottish government announces programme to help businesses save energy

A new Scottish Energy and Resource Efficiency Service web portal was made available on Thursday 19 January to provide businesses and the public sector with advice on saving money and reducing carbon.

Jan 19th 2012

BP forecasts growing global energy demand

Oil giant BP published its latest Energy Outlook 2030 on Wednesday 18 January. The company forecast global energy demand to grow 39% over the next twenty years driven by economic and population growth, but at a slowing annual rate.

Jan 19th 2012

Green Deal still needs work, says CBI

Business lobbyist the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation still faced key challenges on Wednesday 18 January--the last day of the government's statutory consultation.

Jan 19th 2012

UK achieves 6GW of installed wind capacity

Trade association RenewableUK announced on Wednesday 18 January that the UK's wind sector has reached 6GW of installed capacity.

Jan 18th 2012

IEA trims global oil demand on weakening economic outlook

The International Energy Agency (IEA) released its latest Oil Market Report on Wednesday 18 January.

Jan 18th 2012

Industrial energy efficiency key to sustainable development, says UN report

The UN published a report on Tuesday 17 January calling for greater investment in energy efficiency technologies.

Jan 18th 2012

2Co appoints BNP Paribas as financial advisors for UK CCS project

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) company 2Co Energy announced that it has appointed the bank BNP Paribas to act as financial advisors for its planned CCS facility.

Jan 17th 2012

Opec issues stabilised monthly report

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) published its latest Oil Market Report on Monday 16 January.

Jan 17th 2012

UN carbon offsets hit record low

The price paid for UN carbon offsets hit a record low of €3.32/t on Tuesday 16 January, Businessgreen reported.

Jan 17th 2012

EU meets its 2010 renewable electricity target

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) announced the EU had met its renewable energy target for 2010 on Thursday 12 January.

Jan 16th 2012

Government to invest £10mn in new marine energy research

The Technology Strategy Board, Scottish Enterprise and the Natural Environment Research Council announced on Thursday 12 January that £10mn would be allocated to research and development into wave and tidal energy.

Jan 16th 2012

Consultant analyses RO bandings

The Department of Energy and Climate Change published a report by consultant Pöyry analyzing the bandings of the Renewables Obligation (RO) that will take effect from 1 April 2013.

Jan 13th 2012

DECC issues draft regulations on the CRC

The Department of Energy and Climate Change published draft statutory instruments for the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency (CRC) Scheme on Thursday 12 January for consideration by MPs in parliament.

Jan 13th 2012

�Radical changes� needed to meet carbon targets

The Royal Academy of Engineering released a report on Thursday 12 January that said the UK will be unable to meet its 2050 carbon targets without a fundamental change in the way heat is generated.

Jan 13th 2012

Barker sets out vision for Green Deal

Climate change minister Greg Barker gave a key note speech at the launch of the Green Deal Skills Alliance on Thursday 12 January.

Jan 12th 2012

Huhne urges remaining big energy players to follow recent prices reductions

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne welcomed EDF Energy's announcement to reduce domestic gas prices on Wednesday 11 January.

Jan 12th 2012

Scientist claims shale gas is �safe�

Head of energy science at the British Geological Survey Mike Stephenson claimed that drilling for shale gas in the UK was safe, reported Bloomberg on Tuesday 10 January.

Jan 11th 2012

Miliband hits out at Big Six energy companies

Labour Leader Ed Miliband hit out at the Big Six energy companies for not doing enough while energy costs are rising in a speech at the OXO Tower on Tuesday 10 January.

Jan 11th 2012

DECC defends position on financing FiTs

Newswire Businessgreen reported on Tuesday 10 January that the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) "quietly" raised the spending cap of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme in order to prevent the FiT scheme exceeding its budget.

Jan 10th 2012

Civitas argues wind technology is �inordinately expensive�

A report published by think-tank Civitas argued that focusing on wind farms was hindering efforts to reduce the UK's carbon emissions in a report published on Monday 9 January.

Jan 10th 2012

Businesses call for greater green policy certainty

Newswire Greenwise published the results of a recent business poll in the green business sector on Monday 9 January.

Jan 9th 2012

System operator praised for handling record wind output

On Friday 6 January Scottish Renewables announced that, according to its analysis, recent storms across the UK had helped wind farms generate more than twice their average output.

Jan 9th 2012

Ex-UN climate chief urges businesses to prepare for low-carbon world

Former UN climate chief Yvo de Boer has told businesses that 2012 is the year to prepare for a low-carbon economy reported newswire Environmental Leader on Friday 6 January.

Jan 6th 2012

Barker warns FiT scheme already in the red

Climate change minister Greg Barker defended the government's decision to appeal a high court decision on solar incentive cuts, speaking to newswire Businessgreen on Thursday 5 January.

Jan 6th 2012

Government reveals first successful applicants of the RHI

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) revealed the first two successful applicants for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) on Friday 6 January.

Jan 5th 2012

PwC discusses future of UK energy prices

Consultant PwC issued a webinar on Thursday 5 January discussing the future of UK energy prices.

Jan 5th 2012

Renewable energy offers best value for money, says scientific advisor

Chief scientific advisor to the Department of Energy and Climate Change David MacKay recently warned that relying on fossil fuel imports would result in higher costs compared to renewables.

Jan 5th 2012

UK nuclear power stations given the all clear, as report slams delay in new nuclear

The Office of Nuclear Regulation published a report on Wednesday 4 January confirming that UK nuclear sites have identified and made improvements to enhance safety by learning from last year's events in Japan.

Jan 4th 2012

UK making good progress towards renewable energy targets

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a summary report on renewable energy use on Thursday 29 December.

Jan 4th 2012

Mandatory emissions reporting set for further delays

A delay in a planned government consultation will push back mandatory and voluntary greenhouse gas emission reporting requirements for businesses, reported newswire Businessgreen on Wednesday 4 January

Dec 22nd 2011

High Court rules solar cuts legally flawed, as Committee slams handling of FiT reduction

The High Court ruled on Thursday 22 December the government's proposed changes to feed-in tariff (FiT) rates for small-scale solar projects are "legally flawed".

Dec 22nd 2011

Total energy production at record low in quarterly energy statistics

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its latest quarterly energy statistics on Thursday 22 December.

Dec 21st 2011

DECC holds industry day on CCS programme

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) held a carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry day on Friday 16 December.

Dec 21st 2011

Carbon price surges after MEPs vote to withhold EU ETS allowances

Environment Committee MEPs narrowly voted for measures to support the falling price of carbon on Tuesday 20 December.

Dec 21st 2011

Government secures future for Wave Hub project

On Tuesday 20 December the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) announced the Wave Hub in Cornwall will be taken over by the government to secure its future.

Dec 20th 2011

RO sustainability requirements set for biomass

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published three documents relating to sustainability within the Renewables Obligation (RO) on Monday 19 December.

Dec 20th 2011

Record breaking year for Scottish renewables

Scotland's energy minister Fergus Ewing said on Sunday 18 December that 2011 has been a "momentous" and "ground breaking" year for renewable energy in the country.

Dec 20th 2011

Important new gas storage facility begins commercial operations

An important new gas storage facility started full commercial operations on Monday 19 December.

Dec 19th 2011

Government needs clear answers on CCS

On Friday 16 December the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced that non-executive director of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Patrick Dixon has been appointed as the expert chair of the Office of Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) for a two-year period.

Dec 19th 2011

Sustainable business confidence up, but doubts grow over policy uncertainty

Consultants Ernst & Young published its latest quarterly clean technology business confidence survey on Monday 19 December.

Dec 16th 2011

DECC issues EMR technical update

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a technical update for its Electricity Market Reform (EMR) on Thursday 15 December.

Dec 16th 2011

Committee says gas, not renewables, pushing up energy bills

The independent Committee on Climate Change published on Thursday 15 December a report assessing the impact of meeting carbon targets on household energy bills.

Dec 16th 2011

EU decarbonisation plan unveiled

The European Commission launched the Energy Road-map to 2050 on Thursday 15 December. The road-map detailed how the bloc plans to decarbonise its energy infrastructure by the middle of the century.

Dec 15th 2011

IEA and Opec oil reports suggest uncertain future

The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the oil cartel Opec released reports assessing oil prices over the last month on Tuesday 13 December.

Dec 14th 2011

DECC submits EU ETS implementation measures to Europe

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a report on the national implementation measures for the third phase of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) on Tuesday 13 December.

Dec 14th 2011

Coal demand set to grow over the next five years, says IEA

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report on Tuesday 13 December saying that global coal demand will continue to expand aggressively over the next five years.

Dec 13th 2011

Green Investment Bank�s priorities set until 2016

On Monday 12 December the department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) published the "next steps" for the Green Investment Bank.

Dec 13th 2011

CBI provides three steps to achieving greater resource efficiency

Business lobbyist Confederation of British Industry (CBI) called for the government and industry to work together to tackle barriers to resource efficiency on Monday 12 December.

Dec 12th 2011

Renewables will not replace fossil fuels, says report

On Monday 12 December free market think-tank the Adam Smith Institute published a report claiming the government's focus on renewable energy sources is "misguided".

Dec 12th 2011

European Commission sets out vision for energy security in winter 2011-12

The European Commission published its Security of Energy Supply: Winter Outlook 2011-12 on Thursday 8 December.

Dec 12th 2011

Durban was a significant step forward, says Huhne

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) confirmed that attendees delivered a "breakthrough on the future of the international community's response to climate change" following the UN climate conference that was held in Durban between 28 November and 9 December.

Dec 9th 2011

National Grid forecasts changing gas market over the next ten years

National Grid published it Gas Ten Year Statement on Thursday 8 November. The statement is the system operator's forecast of gas demand, transportation system usage and likely developments over the next decade.

Dec 9th 2011

Ofgem and DECC consult on transmission constraints

The Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) opened a consultation on Thursday 8 December on proposals to modify generation licences.

Dec 9th 2011

Huhne addresses Durban climate conference as rumours mount that a deal will be struck

On Thursday 8 December energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne addressed delegates attending the UN climate conference taking place in Durban, South Africa.

Dec 8th 2011

Yeo addresses Huhne over CCS �cash raid�

Energy and Climate Change Committee chair Tim Yeo has questioned the impacts of moving the £1bn earmarked for the first commercial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project to other infrastructure projects, Businessgreen reported on Wednesday 7 December.

Dec 8th 2011

Talks over controversial tidal barrage resume

The BBC reported on Wednesday 7 December that ministers are in talks with a private consortium about building a tidal barrage across the Severn Estuary.

Dec 8th 2011

Delay in climate decisions to cost more as governments are urged to be more ambitious at Durban

On Tuesday 6 November the Climate Action Tracker, a joint project of Climate Analytics, Ecofys and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, revealed that delaying climate decisions now could lead to further costs in the future.

Dec 7th 2011

Committee recommends urgent work on bioenergy and CCS

The Committee on Climate Change published a report into the sustainable use of bioenergy in the UK on Wednesday 7 December.

Dec 7th 2011

Regulator welcomes self-regulatory approach to address non-domestic back-billing

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published an open letter responding to industry attempts to self-regulate non-domestic back-billing on Tuesday 6 December.

Dec 7th 2011

Energy policy needs to refocus on demand reduction, says think-tank

Environmental think-tank Green Alliance published a report arguing for energy policy to refocus on demand reductions on Tuesday 6 December.

Dec 6th 2011

UK presses on with climate action

Climate change secretary Chris Huhne addressed his international counterparts on Monday 5 December at the start of the second week of the UN climate conference in Durban.

Dec 6th 2011

Government considers benefits of a European supergrid

The government published its response to the Energy and Climate Change Committee's report into adopting a "supergrid" for electricity transmission across Europe on Monday 5 December.

Dec 6th 2011

Carbon Trust says businesses could save £700mn annually through better lighting

The Carbon Trust published a new guide on Monday 5 December that revealed businesses could save £700mn annually by using more efficient lighting.

Dec 5th 2011

Government outperforms its sustainability targets

On Thursday 1 December the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published the results of its achievements towards boosting sustainable operations on the government estate and sustainable development in government targets for 2010-11.

Dec 5th 2011

Analyst downgrades its EU carbon forecasts

Analyst Point Carbon has forecast a "gloomy future" for the price of carbon allowances during phase three of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

Dec 2nd 2011

Government says 2020 carbon targets will be met

On Thursday 1 December the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its latest Carbon Plan setting out the long-term programme designed to help meet carbon targets

Dec 2nd 2011

Biomass database launched to help RHI projects source fuel

On Thursday 1 November the Biomass Energy Centre and the Carbon Trust jointly launched a new National Biomass Suppliers Database

Dec 1st 2011

Huhne opens UK�s first CCS plant

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne formally opened the UK's first pilot carbon capture and storage (CCS) plant at the Ferrybridge power station in West Yorkshire on Wednesday 30 November.

Dec 1st 2011

CBI calls on businesses to improve green credentials

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Scotland director Iain McMillan called on the country's businesses to improve their environmental performance at the Annual Awards of the Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland on Tuesday 29 November

Dec 1st 2011

Siemens launches 6MW direct drive offshore wind turbine

Siemens launched a new wind turbine designed for the most challenging offshore sites on Tuesday 29 November.

Nov 30th 2011

Osbourne delivers Autumn Statement to Parliament; publishes National Infrastructure Plan for 2011

On Tuesday 29 November Chancellor George Osborne delivered the Autumn Statement to Parliament, confirming that £30bn of investment will be allocated to new infrastructure projects

Nov 30th 2011

Wind agency forecasts offshore wind could provide 13% of European electricity production

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) published a report on Tuesday 29 November analysing the existing offshore wind energy projects in the 17 EU member states

Nov 29th 2011

PM launches drive to increase offshore wind investment

Prime Minister David Cameron will attend a meeting on Tuesday 29 November with ministers and potential offshore wind investors which aims to incentivise investment in the UK.

Nov 29th 2011

Treasury raids £1bn CCS fund

Treasury chief secretary Danny Alexander revealed that £1bn of government funding allocated for the first carbon capture and storage (CCS) project may be diverted to support other projects while speaking on the BBC's Today programme on Monday 28 November.

Nov 28th 2011

National Grid publishes Gone Green factsheet

Last week the system operator published a Gone Green factsheet for 2011 covering the developments made towards the ambitious scenario under its "vision" for the 2020 energy landscape.

Nov 28th 2011

Largest offshore wind farm to receive European funding

The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced last week it will provide £150mn of long-term funding to Vattenfall for its Thanet offshore wind farm.

Nov 28th 2011

Durban must build on Kyoto, says Huhne

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne said the upcoming Durban climate change conference "must build on what Kyoto began" in an article published in the Telegraph on Saturday 26 November.

Nov 25th 2011

Energy production and consumption falls quarter-on-quarter, says DECC

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published the latest edition of its Energy Trends report on Thursday 24 November.

Nov 25th 2011

EU carbon falls to all-time low

The price of carbon allowances under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) hit an all-time low for the front-year contract reported Reuters on Friday 25 November.

Nov 24th 2011

Relationship with energy will fundamentally change by 2030, says Huhne

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne delivered the Annual Energy Statement to Parliament on Wednesday 23 November.

Nov 24th 2011

IEA maps out challenges to renewable energy growth

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published a paper on Wednesday 23 November offering guidance for policy-makers to overcome the challenges of deploying renewable energy.

Nov 24th 2011

Ofgem focuses on giving non-domestic consumers better protection

On Wednesday 23 November the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published a consultation building on the issues set out in its Retail Market Review and focusing on giving non-domestic consumers better protection.

Nov 23rd 2011

Shale gas will undermine UK�s carbon targets

A report issued by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research on Wednesday 23 November said that exploiting shale gas in the UK will "blow the carbon budget".

Nov 23rd 2011

Carbon Trust calls for Government to set 25% emission reduction goal by 2015

On Tuesday 22 November the Carbon Trust published research which showed the public sector has doubled its "determination" to tackle climate change over the past five years despite a difficult economic background.

Nov 22nd 2011

Prime Minister announces new growth strategy

Prime Minister David Cameron unveiled a new strategy to stimulate economic growth at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) annual conference on Monday 21 November.

Nov 22nd 2011

Minsters meet to discuss future of offshore grid infrastructure

On Sunday 20 November the Scottish Government announced it will be meeting with Irish and Northern Irish ministers on 23 November to discuss issues raised in a major study on a future offshore grid infrastructure linking the countries.

Nov 21st 2011

Better electric motors could save UK businesses £630mn a year

On Friday 18 November guidance published by the Carbon Trust revealed that UK industry could make significant savings by installing more efficient electric motors.

Nov 21st 2011

Two new emissions standards launched for businesses

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol launched two new standards in China to enable businesses to better measure, manage and report their greenhouse gas emissions on Friday 18 November.

Nov 21st 2011

Ofgem announces reforms to better protect business customers

On Monday 21 November the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) set out a series of market reforms to protect non-domestic customers following the findings of its retail market review in March of this year.

Nov 18th 2011

Eurozone crisis may leave $45bn hole in required climate change funding

Analysts Ernst and Young published a report on Thursday 17 November detailing how the Eurozone crisis could lead to a $45bn climate change funding gap by 2015.

Nov 18th 2011

Hurricane Irene disturbs National Grid�s H111 results

UK system operator National Grid posted is operating results for the first half of the year (H111) on Thursday 17 November.

Nov 17th 2011

Renewable energy investment will double over the decade, says analyst

Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) published a report on Wednesday 16 November which predicted a doubling in renewable energy investment over the next ten years.

Nov 17th 2011

UK sustainability rating downgraded

The World Energy Council published its third edition of the Assessment of Country Energy and Climate Policies on Wednesday 16 November.

Nov 16th 2011

Carbon price floor could demolish UK coal industry by 2020s

Businessgreen managed to get an early look at a report on Tuesday 15 November by the Centre for Policy Studies claiming the Government's carbon price floor will destroy the UK's remaining coal industry.

Nov 16th 2011

Inflation settles but energy prices are still rising

The Office of National Statistics published its latest inflation figures on Tuesday 15 November.

Nov 16th 2011

Ofgem chief defends regulator�s practices

Influential MPs in the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee held an oral evidence session to consider the energy regulator Ofgem's annual report and accounts on Tuesday 15 November.

Nov 15th 2011

No plan B for climate change

The Foreign Office's special representative for climate change John Ashton called for a new legally-binding approach on climate change on Monday 14 November.

Nov 15th 2011

Drax forecasts profitable 2011

Operator of the UK's largest and most efficient coal-fired power station, Drax, published its interim management statement for the period from 1 July to 7 November on Tuesday 15 November.

Nov 15th 2011

Onshore wind costs forecast to fall 12% over the next five years

Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) published a report on Thursday 10 November that claimed onshore wind energy will reach cost-parity with fossil fuels by 2016.

Nov 14th 2011

Treasury announces extra £100mn for Scotland�s renewables

On Friday 11 November Chancellor George Osborne announced a further £100mn would be made available to Scottish renewable energy projects.

Nov 14th 2011

Stable UK electricity prices lower than EU-average

On Friday 11 November the European Commission published its latest quarterly reports on the European gas and electricity markets for the period April to June 2011 (Q211).

Nov 14th 2011

EU Gas prices to increase 40% by 2014

Gas prices are set to increase by 40% over the next three years according to a report by management consultancy AT Kearney, reported Edie on Monday 14 November.

Nov 11th 2011

Prime Minister announces business growth package

Prime Minister David Cameron launched a new business growth package to help small- to medium-sized businesses on Thursday 10 November.

Nov 11th 2011

FiTs decision is the latest Government own goal, says CBI

Business lobbying organisation, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) described the decision to cut solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) as the "latest in a string of Government own goals" on Thursday 10 November.

Nov 10th 2011

The world is locking itself into irreversible climate change, warns IEA

On Wednesday 9 November the International Energy Agency (IEA) published the 2011 edition of the World Energy Outlook.

Nov 10th 2011

NuGen receives planning permission for nuclear power station

On Tuesday 8 November the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) reported that NuGen has received planning approval to build a 3.6GW nuclear power station in West Cumbria.

Nov 9th 2011

Government publishes security of supply report

Energy minister Charles Hendry presented the Annual Statutory Security of Supply Report to Parliament on Tuesday 8 November.

Nov 9th 2011

Gas and wind row erupts

Analysts KPMG asserted the UK could meet its 2020 carbon reduction targets more cost-effectively by building nuclear and gas-fired power stations instead of the planned expansion of wind energy, reported Businessgreen on Monday 7 November.

Nov 9th 2011

Peterhead project puts UK CCS back on track

On Wednesday 9 November SSE and Royal Dutch Shell announced they had agreed to work together to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology for the Peterhead gas-fired power station in Aberdeenshire.

Nov 8th 2011

Government outlines risks faced by the UK gas system

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its Risk Assessment for the Purpose of EU Regulation 994/2010 on Security of Gas Supply on Monday 7 November.

Nov 8th 2011

Environment Agency Publishes CRC league table

The Environment Agency published a performance league table for the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme between April 2010 and March 2011 on Tuesday 8 November.

Nov 8th 2011

Friends of the Earth threatens legal action over FiT cuts

On Monday 7 November environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth (FoE) said it would launch legal action against the Government if it does not amend its proposals to cut feed-in tariffs (FiTs) for small-scale solar installations.

Nov 7th 2011

Hendry predicts oil and gas prices will de-link during the decade

Energy minister Charles Hendry described the Government vision for shale gas in the UK during a Westminster Hall debate on Thursday 3 November.

Nov 7th 2011

Solar industry calls for Cameron to abort solar cuts

Chairman of solar installers Solarcentury Jeremy Leggett called for David Cameron to abort the solar subsidy cuts in an open letter to the Prime Minister published on Friday 4 November.

Nov 4th 2011

Row continues over cuts to Solar FiTs

Newswire Businessgreen reported on Friday 4 November that the solar industry has accused ministers of misleading parliament about some of the figures quoted in the debate on proposed cuts to solar Feed-in-Tariffs (FiT).

Nov 4th 2011

Energy developers slam Welsh renewables planning process

Renewables development in Wales is being hampered by uncertainty utility companies said on Thursday 3 November.

Nov 3rd 2011

Shale gas company admits activities caused earthquakes but vows to keep drilling

On Wednesday 2 November shale gas exploration company Cuadrilla published its report looking into seismic activity in its exploration in North Lancashire.

Nov 3rd 2011

Analyst issues warning over Scottish renewables investment

The BBC reported on Wednesday 2 November that analysts Citigroup have urged investors to be cautious about the Scottish renewables sector.

Nov 2nd 2011

Government confirms release date for energy-intensive user�s relief package

Speaking at the Energy-intensive Industries All-party Parliamentary Group on 31 October climate change minister Greg Barker said details on the support package for energy-intensive users would be released on 29 November, Businessgreen reported on Tuesday 1 November.

Nov 2nd 2011

Industry performs well on carbon targets

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published the results of the fifth target period for the Climate Change Agreements (2010) on 31 October.

Nov 2nd 2011

Cornish geothermal project receives Government funding

British geothermal energy developer Geothermal Engineering announced on Tuesday 1 October it had been awarded £6mn towards its United Downs geothermal plant in Cornwall.

Nov 1st 2011

Solar subsidies have been too high, says climate change minister

Writing for the Guardian newspaper on Monday 31 October climate change minister Greg Barker said the "overgenerous subsidies" paid to solar photovoltaic installations in the UK are failing to keep pace with the "plummeting costs" of the technology.

Nov 1st 2011

Government sets out details of the UK International Climate Fund

On Monday 31 October the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published details of the UK International Climate Fund (ICF), which has been set up to help developing countries tackle climate change and reduce fuel poverty

Oct 31st 2011

Climate policies are damaging UK manufactures� competitiveness

On Friday 28 October the manufacturers' organisation EEF published a report which claimed that UK businesses are paying over-the-odds for their electricity compared to European counterparts.

Oct 31st 2011

Scottish offshore renewables receive a boost

On Friday 28 October the Crown Estate announced it had awarded leases for five offshore renewable energy sites in Scottish waters that together could deliver 5GW of electricity capacity.

Oct 28th 2011

Small-scale solar PV FiT may fall, hints Barker

Speaking at the Solar UK Conference in Birmingham on Thursday 27 October energy minister Greg Barker said the Government is set to open a consultation to review feed-in tariff (FiT) rates for solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation.

Oct 28th 2011

New business launched to help companies go green

The Carbon Trust announced on Thursday 27 October the launch of a new business arm to help UK companies reduce energy costs and install greener, more efficient technology.

Oct 27th 2011

Government publishes map of renewables investment

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published on Wednesday 26 October a map of renewables investment and jobs created across the UK since April this year.

Oct 27th 2011

Wind capacity increases as approval levels hit new lows, says RenewableUK

The wind and marine energy association RenewableUK published its State of the Industry report on the first day of its annual conference on Tuesday 25 October.

Oct 26th 2011

Huhne attacks �green economy deniers� at renewables conference

In his speech to the RenewableUK annual conference on Wednesday 26 October energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne highlighted the benefits of investing in green energy to the UK economy.

Oct 26th 2011

Co-operative Bank plans to double lending to renewable energy projects

The Co-operative Bank revealed on Monday 24 October that it has lent £500mn to renewable energy projects since 2007.

Oct 25th 2011

WWF calls for ambitious renewable energy development

Green campaign group the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) published a report on Tuesday 25 October detailing how the UK can decarbonise its electricity supply by 2030.

Oct 24th 2011

Contract to auction 300mn surplus EU carbon allowances awarded

The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced it had awarded contracts to auction 300mn extra EU carbon allowances (EUAs), reported Platts on Monday 24 October.

Oct 24th 2011

Green Deal could create £800mn market by 2020, says report

Consultants Ernst and Young published a report highlighting key policy issues facing the non-domestic Green Deal sector on Sunday 23 October.

Oct 24th 2011

Carbon Trust recommends turning down the heat to save money this winter

The Carbon Trust published new guidance for businesses on Friday 21 October, aimed at reducing winter energy costs.

Oct 21st 2011

Everyone has their say on the revised renewables support levels

On 20 October the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) opened a consultation on the Renewables Obligation banding review, which proposes new support levels for large-scale renewable electricity generation from 2013-17.

Oct 21st 2011

Nuclear delay and plant closure could see power prices rise 13%

Newswire Reuters reported on Tuesday 18 October that there could be a two-year delay in the commissioning of the UK's newest nuclear plant.

Oct 20th 2011

Major CCS project scrapped

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday 19 October energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne said the Government will not be providing funds to the proposed Longannet carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.

Oct 20th 2011

Details of Roc banding revealed by government

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published on Thursday 20 October its consultation on proposed levels of banded support available to renewables projects under the Renewables Obligation (RO) for the period 2013-17.

Oct 19th 2011

Carbon tax breaks on the table for energy-intensive users

Some energy-intensive businesses may be offered rebates to reduce the impact of the Government's carbon floor price, reported Businessgreen on Wednesday 19 October.

Oct 19th 2011

Inflation driven to 20-year high by rising energy prices

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) published its inflation indices on Tuesday 18 October.

Oct 19th 2011

ETI set to investigate UK�s tidal energy potential

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) announced the beginning of a new project to model the UK's tidal resources on Tuesday 18 October.

Oct 18th 2011

Energy Summit agrees measure to save consumers money and increase competition

Prime Minister David Cameron and energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne held an Energy Summit with consumer groups, energy suppliers and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) on Monday 17 October.

Oct 18th 2011

Future of UK coal hangs in the balance, says trade union

The Clean Coal Task Group, a body set up by the Trades Union Congress and the energy industry to promote clean coal technologies, called for the Government to speed up investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) on Monday 17 October.

Oct 17th 2011

Huhne says the regulator and consumers need more power

On Friday 14 October energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne welcomed the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets' (Ofgem) announcement that it is going to introduce a reform package to allow consumers to easily compare energy prices.

Oct 17th 2011

IPC delivers first planning decision�

The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) announced it had issued its first planning decision on Thursday 13 October.

Oct 17th 2011

Energy storage project details published

On Friday 14 October the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published the registration document from SSE Power Distribution requesting funds for its Orkney Storage Park project.

Oct 14th 2011

Radical reform of the retail market released by Ofgem

On Friday 14 October the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) announced a series of measures to reform the retail energy market in order to simplify the market and enable greater competition.

Oct 14th 2011

2011 FTSE 350 report shows progress and highlights need for more reductions

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) published a report by analysts PricewaterhouseCoopers on Thursday 13 October outlining how UK businesses can help meet carbon targets.

Oct 13th 2011

New Carbon Trust service provides corporate emissions verification

The Carbon Trust launched a new service to independently verify corporate carbon footprints on Wednesday 12 October.

Oct 13th 2011

Crown Estate agrees leases for wave and tidal power projects

Oct 12th 2011

Final report on lessons learnt from Japanese nuclear incident presented

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne presented the final report on the lessons learned from the nuclear event in Fukushima in March this year to Parliament on Tuesday 11 October.

Oct 12th 2011

CBI says government is hampering green investment

Confederation of British Industry (CBI) deputy director-general Neil Bentley said that British companies are committed to tackling climate change but are hindered by the Government's inability to provide a stable investment environment.

Oct 12th 2011

National Grid looks forward to colder winter

The System Operator National Grid published its winter outlook report for 2011-12 on Tuesday 11 October.

Oct 11th 2011

Committee welcomes Government�s fourth carbon budget

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) published a report on its assessment of the Government's decision to set the fourth carbon budget at a 50% reduction in emissions by 2025, against the base level of 1990, on Tuesday 11 October.

Oct 11th 2011

EU Council adopts framework for monitoring energy markets

The European Council adopted a regulation on wholesale energy market integrity and transparency following the first reading agreement reached with the European Parliament on Monday 10 October.

Oct 11th 2011

Green energy should get tax benefits, says Branson

Entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson called on world leaders to reform tax systems to incentivise investment in renewable technologies at the third annual Six Senses Slow Life Symposium in the Maldives, reported Businessgreen on Monday 10 October.

Oct 10th 2011

EU on track for Kyoto targets

The European Union is on track to meet its 2008-2012 Kyoto Protocol targets according to a report published by the European Commission on Friday 7 October.

Oct 10th 2011

MEPs plan to re-open energy efficiency target debate

The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy has been told that the debate on the EU's 2020 energy efficiency targets need to be re-opened, reported Platts on Friday 7 October.

Oct 10th 2011

Phase three EU ETS allowances delayed by EU states �not meeting deadlines�

Allocations of free emissions allowances to participants of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are being delayed because said national governments have not provided information on their plans to the European Commission on time, reported Platts on Monday 10 October.

Oct 7th 2011

EU traded power volumes down but prices up in 2011

The London Energy Brokers Association (LEBA), an industry association representing wholesale energy market brokers, published its monthly report on volumes traded on the EU over-the-counter power and gas markets on Wednesday 5 October.

Oct 7th 2011

Future of flagship CCS project teeters on the brink

Concerns have arisen that the plan to use carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology at the 2,400MW Longannet power station in Scotland are close to collapse, reported the BBC on Thursday 6 October.

Oct 7th 2011

EIB plans sale of EU ETS Phase 3 allowances

Newswire Platts reported on Thursday 6 October the European Investment Bank (EIB) plans to start selling of the first tranche EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Phase 3 allowances for 2013 shortly.

Oct 6th 2011

European offshore electricity grid infrastructure will increase security of supply, says EWEA

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) published its technical and economic assessment of building an offshore grid in the North Sea on Wednesday 5 October.

Oct 6th 2011

Cleantech investment hits all-time high

Renewable energy analysts Clean Energy Pipeline have published a report claiming that worldwide investment in clean technologies hit an all-time high in the third quarter of 2011, according to Businessgreen on 5 October.

Oct 5th 2011

Commission updates on coal supply and demand

The European Commission published its annual report on the supply and demand of coal in the EU on Tuesday 4 October

Oct 5th 2011

Climate chief urges government to prepare before conference in Durban

On the second day of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) negotiations in Panama on Sunday 2 October climate chief Christiana Figueres said countries could leave the meeting with a clearer idea of what they would be able to agree at the next meeting in Durban.

Oct 4th 2011

UK will only cut emissions in-line with European neighbours, insists Osborne

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester on Monday 3 October Chancellor George Osborne said the UK will not lead its European neighbours in efforts to cut carbon emissions

Oct 4th 2011

UK's love of electrical gadgets could "threaten 2020 targets"

Research published by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) on Monday 3 October has found the UK could miss targets to cut domestic electricity use by 34% by 2020

Oct 3rd 2011

Brent crude falls 1% as Euro debt worries persist

Brent crude oil for November settlement slipped 1% to below $102/bl on Monday 3 October as investors were concerned about the debt crisis in the Eurozone weighing down demand globally, reported moneycontrol.

Oct 3rd 2011

Hendry pledges to �rebuild the power sector�

The Conservative Party Autumn Conference began on Sunday 2 October, in Manchester. Speaking on the first day energy minister Charles Hendry declared the Government's commitment to "rebuild the power sector".

Sep 30th 2011

ETI begins search for low-cost wave energy design

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) announced plans to help advance wave energy on Wednesday 28 September.

Sep 30th 2011

ICE launches consultation into new oil product

The London based Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), an operator of regulated global futures exchanges and over-the-counter markets, announced that it had opened a consultation on proposals to introduce a new ICE Brent New Expiry Crude Futures and Options contract.

Sep 29th 2011

Renewable energy production up 50% in Q211, says DECC

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published energy trends for the second quarter of 2011 (Q211) on Thursday 29 September.

Sep 29th 2011

Energy-intensive user costs could be reduced with new metering methods

Strategy consultant Climatechangematters published a report on Tuesday 27 September detailing a new approach to help energy-intensive users save money on their bills.

Sep 28th 2011

Offshore technologies gain Scottish backing

First Minister Alex Salmond announced on Tuesday 27 September a £35mn fund to support the production of new offshore wind technology in Scotland during his opening address at the Scottish low-carbon investment conference.

Sep 28th 2011

25% emission reduction by 2020 needed to hit 2050 target, says EU committee

On Friday 23 September the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) said the EU should reconsider a 25% emission reduction target by 2020 in order to achieve the agreed goal of an 80%-95% drop in emissions by 2050.

Sep 28th 2011

Labour leader says energy market is �rigged�

On Tuesday 27 September Labour Party leader Ed Miliband called for the dominance of the Big Six energy companies to be broken at the party conference in Liverpool.

Sep 27th 2011

Oil rises on hopes that Europe will curb debt crisis

Brent crude oil for the November settlement rose $1.80/bl (1.7%) to $105.74/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, newsier Bloomberg reported on Tuesday 27 September.

Sep 27th 2011

�One-in, one-out� rules reduce red tape burden for business

On Monday 26 September the Department for Energy and Climate Change published the report One-in, One-out: Statement of New Regulation, which is the first in a series of publications that are to be issued twice a year.

Sep 26th 2011

Labour leader calls for pooling of electricity and gas

Labour leader Ed Miliband said the party will "take on" energy companies that overcharge consumers, reported the BBC on Saturday 24 September

Sep 26th 2011

Investment in energy efficiency hampered by uncertainty

Consultants Ernst & Young published research on Friday 23 September showing that companies are refraining from investing in energy efficiency measures because of uncertainty.

Sep 23rd 2011

New energy management guide launched

On Thursday 22 September the Carbon Trust published a guide detailing how organisations can cut their energy bills by rolling-out an effective energy management strategy.

Sep 23rd 2011

Energy regulator proposes simpler tariffs

On Thursday 22 September the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published a factsheet detailing tariff reform proposals designed to make it easier for consumers to compare prices and choose a better deal.

Sep 22nd 2011

Supergrid necessary to fully exploit offshore energy despite high cost

The Energy and Climate Change Committee published its findings on the European supergrid on Thursday 22 September.

Sep 22nd 2011

Caudrilla estimates Lancashire shale gas resources

Platts reported on Thursday 21 September that Caudrilla resources, a UK shale gas explorer has estimated that there is 200tn cu ft (trillion cubic feet) of shale gas in the Bowland basin in Lancashire.

Sep 21st 2011

EU lays out sustainability roadmap

The European Commission set out its roadmap to sustainably transform the European economy by 2050 on 20 September.

Sep 21st 2011

National Grid launches consultation into intermittent generation in the balancing mechanism

National Grid published a consultation exploring the issues of balancing the electricity system with increasing quantities of intermittent and inflexible generation on Tuesday 20 September.

Sep 21st 2011

Industrial CCS has great potential, says IEA

On Tuesday 20 September the International Energy Agency (IEA) and UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) published a joint report on the potential of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

Sep 20th 2011

Huhne describes Big Six as �predatory�

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne is to set out his plans to "get tough" with the Big Six over energy prices at the Liberal Democrat conference in Birmingham, reported the BBC on Tuesday 20 September.

Sep 20th 2011

Unfair Scottish charges are stalling marine energy development

Scottish Renewables, Scotland's green energy trade association, issued a report on Friday 16 September which said transmission charging is acting as a barrier to investment in the Scottish marine energy sector.

Sep 19th 2011

Environmental policies are not increasing bills, says Huhne

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne denied that government policies are driving increases in domestic energy bills in an interview on Sunday 18 September on the BBC's Politics Show.

Sep 19th 2011

Report declares 2010 emissions targets �decisively missed�

Cambridge Econometrics issued a report on Friday 16 September which said the Government's goal of a 20% reduction in carbon emissions by 2010 has been "decisively missed".

Sep 19th 2011

Bioenergy policies could be based on �flawed science� says report

Newswire Reuters reported on Wednesday 14 September that a draft report by 19 top European scientists said that existing targets for biofuels and other forms of bioenergy could be based on "flawed" carbon accounting.

Sep 16th 2011

ETI launches £3mn project to help develop CCS

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) launched a £3mn project on Thursday 15 September to support the future design, operation and roll out of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in the UK.

Sep 16th 2011

UK companies �nowhere near� emissions targets

British businesses are failing to meet government emissions targets according to a report by ENDS and Forum for the Future published on Thursday 15 September.

Sep 15th 2011

Deputy PM pledges support for low-carbon infrastructure

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg pledged to boost the UK economy by pushing through major infrastructure projects in a speech at the London School of Economics on Wednesday 14 September.

Sep 15th 2011

Reducing emissions improves share prices, says CDP

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) released its annual report into the carbon reduction activities of the 500 biggest businesses in the world on Wednesday 14 September.

Sep 15th 2011

EU members approve phase 3 ETS procedures

EU member states endorsed two draft agreements for phase 3 of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) on Wednesday 14 September

Sep 14th 2011

Price mechanisms alone will not bring about green growth, says OECD

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a report on Monday 12 September on green innovation.

Sep 14th 2011

IEA and Opec forecast drop in oil demand

The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the oil cartel Opec published their latest Oil Market Reports On Tuesday 13 September.

Sep 13th 2011

Scottish Government plans low-carbon transition

The Scottish Government published its new Economic Strategy on Monday 12 September. The strategy said a key part of its plan to drive sustainable economic growth was a transition to a low-carbon economy.

Sep 13th 2011

Swapping coal for gas �may worsen climate change�, says researcher

The National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) published a study on Thursday 8 September which claimed switching from coal to gas may not have the desired effect.

Sep 12th 2011

Abolish carbon floor price, says EEF

The chief executive of the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) Terry Scuoler, a UK manufacturer's organisation, said UK companies are concerned about the Government's proposals for a carbon price floor, while speaking to a national newspaper of Sunday 11 September.

Sep 12th 2011

Investors are key to sustainable economy, says Forum for the Future

Forum for the Future, a non-profit organisation that works on sustainability issues, released a report on Sunday 11 September looking at how capital markets can aid the transition to a sustainable economy.

Sep 9th 2011

Infrastructure in the UK is inferior to EU neighbours' according to survey

On Friday 9 September business lobbyist the CBI published results to a survey which claimed that planning issues and unclear policies are holding back improvements in energy, transport and waste networks

Sep 9th 2011

Report highlights returns for on-site renewables installations

On Thursday 8 September the Carbon Trust published a report analysing the business case for businesses to produce their own electricity through renewable energy

Sep 8th 2011

UK will rely on imported biomass by 2020 according to RSPB

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) published a report on Friday 2 September suggesting the UK will become a net importer of bioenergy by 2020.

Sep 8th 2011

North East plans to become global CCS hub

In an interview with newswire Businessgreen on Wednesday 7 September, Professor Dermot Roddy from the Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability announced the institute is working on plans to establish the North East of England as a global hub for gasification and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

Sep 8th 2011

Aldersgate Group supports CRC simplification

Green think-tank Aldersgate Group published its response to the Government's recent consultation to simplify the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme on Tuesday 6 September.

Sep 7th 2011

Big Six must do more to improve insulation, says Huhne

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) released figures for home insulation rates over the last three months on Wednesday 7 September.

Sep 7th 2011

Wales joins EU partnership to accelerate algal bioenergy technology

On Tuesday 6 September the Welsh Assembly Government announced it was joining an EU partnership to explore the potential of algal bioenergy.

Sep 7th 2011

Deutsche Bank downgrades carbon price forecast

Global financial services company Deutsche Bank lowered its carbon price forecast on Tuesday 6 September.

Sep 6th 2011

Think-tank forecasts EU shale gas revolution

Polish think-tank the Kosciuszko Institute published a report on Friday 5 September analysing the effects of shale gas on the EU gas market over the next decade.

Sep 6th 2011

Sustainable resources group calls for more support for energy-from-waste

The Associate Parliamentary Sustainable Resources Group (APSRG) published a report on Tuesday 6 September calling for the UK Government to step up its efforts to support energy-from-waste developments.

Sep 6th 2011

MPs told UK must invest more in energy-from-waste

Upon the return of Parliament from its Summer recess, an adjournment debate was held on Monday 5 September, where it was claimed by MPs that in order to prevent EU fines and increases in landfill tax, £8bn must be invested in recycling plants, waste processing and energy recovery by 2020.

Sep 5th 2011

Government consults on simplifying Climate Change Agreements

On Friday 2 September the Government's Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) opened a consultation on its proposals to simplify the Climate Change Agreement (CCA) scheme.

Sep 5th 2011

Gas will still be important in 2025, says academic

The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies published a report looking at gas imports and wind intermittency in the UK, newswire Platts reported on Monday 5 September.

Sep 5th 2011

Major bank makes significant investment in UK marine power

Renewables developer Aquamarine Power announced on Monday 5 September that it has agreed a £3.4mn loan with Barclays Bank.

Sep 2nd 2011

Environmental regulations come under government scrutiny

The Cabinet Office's Red Tape Challenge began taking views on Thursday 1 September regarding the removal of environmental regulations that could be hindering businesses.

Sep 2nd 2011

Openhydro announce progress towards world�s largest tidal array

Irish marine energy company Openhydro announced on 1 September that its project to complete the world's largest tidal array is one step closer.

Sep 1st 2011

Cable announces appointments to Green Investment Bank advisory group

Business secretary Vince Cable announced the appointments to the advisory council for the Green Investment Bank on Wednesday 31 August.

Sep 1st 2011

Biomass demand outstrips supply by 600% in some areas

The International Institute for Environment and Development published a briefing paper on Tuesday 30 August about the impacts of rising demand for biomass.

Sep 1st 2011

UK renewables attractiveness decreases

Analysts Ernst and Young released its Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices on 30 August. The report provides scores for national renewable energy industries based on the investment landscape.

Aug 31st 2011

Launch of UK Carbon Reporting Framework announced

The UK Carbon Reporting Framework was launched on Tuesday 30 August; it aims to help companies cut carbon emissions by channelling funds to local schemes.

Aug 31st 2011

Solar will be the dominant power source by 2060 says IEA.

Senior analyst in the renewable energy division of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Cedric Philibert said that solar generators could produce the majority of the world's power by 2060, in an interview with Bloomberg on Friday 26 August.

Aug 30th 2011

Drax�s new turbines will save 1mn tonnes of carbon every year

Drax, the owner and operator of the UK's largest coal-fired power station, released a statement on 31 August about the progress of its turbine modernisation programme.

Aug 30th 2011

Construction underway at world�s first industrial scale CCS project

Businessgreen reported on the construction of the world's first industrial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project has begun in Decatur, Illinois on Friday 26 August.

Aug 26th 2011

Government updates on progress made towards carbon plan

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published an update on the progress it is making towards the department's Carbon Plan on Thursday 25 August.

Aug 26th 2011

High altitude wind a potentially important UK energy resource

Renewables consultant GL Garrad Hassan published it first market report on high altitude wind energy on Thursday 25 august.

Aug 26th 2011

A clean energy revolution is needed, says UN secretary general

Secretary general of the UN Ban Ki-Moon called for a clean energy revolution to transform the global economy and deliver a cleaner, safer and more equitable future on Wednesday 24 August.

Aug 25th 2011

Government statistics shows significant rise in renewables output

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published it energy statistics for the second quarter of 2011 on Thursday 25 August.

Aug 25th 2011

Renewables developer expresses anger at lack of clarity on renewables subsidies

Air products director Ian Williamson vented his anger at the Government's inability to provide clarity on renewable subsidies, environmental newswire Edie reported on Wednesday 24 August.

Aug 23rd 2011

Shale gas market development mapped for the next decade

Business information provider Visiongain published a report on Thursday 18 August mapping out the developments of the shale gas industry over the next decade.

Aug 23rd 2011

Wales first tidal device gets Carbon Trust backing

The Carbon Trust announced on Friday 19 August that it plans to support Welsh company Tidal Energy with a £390,000 grant to monitor the environmental impact of its first tidal stream device.

Aug 22nd 2011

Green taxes will significantly raise power prices by 2020

The media cited a report on Sunday 21 August, claiming that power prices will rise by 58% by 2020 because of green taxes.

Aug 22nd 2011

Brent crude declines on positive news from Libya

Bloomberg reported on Monday 22 August that Brent crude oil for September settlement fell $3.25/bl (3%) to $105.37/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange.

Aug 22nd 2011

Ofgem calls in forensic accountants to investigate energy company accounts

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) has called in forensic accountants BDO to investigate the company accounts of the Big Six energy suppliers, reported the BBC on Sunday 21 August.

Aug 19th 2011

OECD calls for strengthening of emissions reduction targets

On Thursday 18 August the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a report calling for the UK Government to apply a higher and more consistent carbon price across the economy.

Aug 19th 2011

Chinese report says solar power could be as cheap as coal by 2015

A study by a think-tank linked to the Chinese Government has suggested solar power could achieve grid parity by 2015, Businessgreen reported on Thursday 18 August.

Aug 18th 2011

Government announces new Enterprise Zones

The Department of Communities announced the location of 11 new Enterprise Zones on Wednesday 17 August.

Aug 18th 2011

Opposition accuses government of inaction on energy price rises

In response to more announcements from the Big Six energy companies about increasing residential energy prices, shadow energy secretary Meg Hillier accused the Prime Minister of standing back and watching "unfair" price rises occur on Tuesday 16 August.

Aug 18th 2011

Oil and gas industry confidence remains fragile

Trade association Oil and Gas UK published the results of its business confidence index for the second quarter of 2011 (Q211) on Wednesday 17 August.

Aug 17th 2011

DECC publishes industry responses to electricity market reform consultation

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published the responses it received to the Government's Electricity Market Reform (EMR) consultation on Monday 15 August.

Aug 17th 2011

Scottish Government begins monitoring Shell�s oil spill, but Oil and Gas UK says speculation is not productive

The Scottish Government announced it is taking action to establish the extent of the environmental impact of the North Sea oil leak on Tuesday 16 August.

Aug 16th 2011

95% of businesses meet first CRC deadline, as government looks for feedback on the scheme

Businessgreen reported on Tuesday 16 August that 95% of the participants in the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme have met the first reporting deadline.

Aug 16th 2011

Offshore wind is unaffordable, says professor

University of Oxford professor Dieter Helm said that offshore wind is "staggeringly expensive" in an interview with the BBC on Monday 15 August.

Aug 15th 2011

Project Transmit consultations continue

On Friday 12 August the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) launched a consultation as part of its independent review of gas and electricity transmission charging arrangements: Project Transmit.

Aug 15th 2011

Greens prepare �anti-fracking� campaign

Businessgreen reported on Friday 12 August the Green Party is ready to launch a campaign against hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" in the UK.

Aug 15th 2011

Attacks on environmental regulation are of serious concern, says charity

Conservation charity Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said, in the journal ePolitix on Friday 12 August, that the Government's ambition to be the "greenest ever" is threatened by its attack on environmental regulations.

Aug 12th 2011

Bank of England says rising energy bills are driving up inflation

On Wednesday 10 August Bank of England governor Mervyn King said rising energy prices could push consumer price index inflation past 5% by the end of the year.

Aug 12th 2011

Scotland�s first tidal turbine begins generating power

The BBC reported on Thursday 11 August that Scotland's first commercial-scale tidal turbine has been installed off the coast of Orkney.

Aug 12th 2011

EMR could be delayed by EU rules

According to co-founder of environmental lobbyist E3G Tom Burke, EU antitrust rules could delay the roll-out of the Government's Electricity Market Reform (EMR) package, which could hamper investment in nuclear and wind power, reported Bloomberg on Thursday 11 August.

Aug 11th 2011

Drax biomass plans approved by Government

Energy minister Charles Hendry gave formal consent on Wednesday 10 August to Drax's plans to build two new biomass-fired power stations.

Aug 11th 2011

Taxes and red tapes are barriers to business environmentalism, says Forum of Private Business

The Forum of Private Business, a not-for-profit business, published research on Tuesday 9 August describing how small businesses think going green can benefit them, but said they are facing barriers from taxes and red tape.

Aug 10th 2011

Energy efficient companies are being penalised by CRC changes, says Energy Consortium

On Monday 8 August the Energy Consortium, which provides procurement services for public organisations, said that early adopters of energy efficiency schemes were being penalised by the changes to the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Aug 10th 2011

Opec and IEA decrease forecast for demand growth

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) published its latest Monthly Oil Market Report on Tuesday 9 August.

Aug 10th 2011

Ofgem issues eighth consumer bulletin

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published its latest consumer bulletin on Tuesday 9 August.

Aug 9th 2011

Small businesses face challenges when switching suppliers

uSwitch, an online comparison service, published research on Monday 8 August showing that changing business energy supplier is one of the most difficult challenges facing small businesses today.

Aug 9th 2011

Nuclear supporters outnumber opposition, despite dip in nuclear confidence

The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) published the results of its public opinion poll on nuclear power on Thursday 4 August.

Aug 8th 2011

Government lays out plans for transition to low-carbon economy

The Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) published a report setting out its plans to move to a green economy on Friday 5 August.

Aug 8th 2011

Reduced US credit rating causes oil to tumble by 3%

On Monday 8 August Bloomberg reported that the decision by credit rating agency Standard and Poors to downgrade the US' credit rating from AAA to AA+ had caused oil prices to tumble on international energy markets.

Aug 5th 2011

CBI calls for carbon price floor exemption on industry

On Friday 5 August the CBI published a report highlighting the importance of energy-intensive industries in tackling climate change.

Aug 5th 2011

Debt crisis pushes carbon to 29-month low

Carbon prices on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) fell to a 29-month low on 5August, as the 2011 EU ETS contract opened the morning at €11.10/t.

Aug 4th 2011

Report highlights potential for carbon reduction through biomass CCS

A report published by Ecofys on Wednesday 3 August has concluded that combining biomass with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10gt by 2050.

Aug 4th 2011

SPAB warns government over Green Deal and its risks to buildings and health

On Monday 1 August the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) warned the energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne that the Government's flagship energy efficiency scheme, the Green Deal, could present future problems to the fabric of pre-1919 buildings and human health.

Aug 3rd 2011

Wind power nothing short of a revolution, says Huhne

The climate change secretary Chris Huhne said "these were very exciting times" on his visit to a wind turbine test facility on Tuesday 2 August.

Aug 3rd 2011

Businesses wasting £30mn/day through poor energy behaviour

A survey conducted by a major energy supplier shows that the UK's small businesses are wasting up to £30mn/day by leaving computers switched on overnight, reported businessgreen on Tuesday 2 August.

Aug 2nd 2011

Drax publishes healthy growth figures

The company published its results for the first half of 2011 (H111) on Tuesday 2 August.

Aug 2nd 2011

Manufacturers call for compensation for impact of energy policies

On Monday 1 August the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF), the UK manufacturers association, called for the Government to introduce compensation for energy-intensive users on Monday 1 August.

Aug 2nd 2011

IEA finds that carbon pricing alone cannot achieve energy efficiency

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published its report on the impact of carbon pricing on the effectiveness of energy efficiency policies, on Monday 1 August.

Aug 1st 2011

Government estimates costs of energy policies on large users

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a report looking at the impacts of energy policies on energy-intensive users on Friday 29 July.

Aug 1st 2011

UK makes progress towards carbon targets

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published it provisional estimate of the UK's progress towards its greenhouse gas emissions targets for 2010.

Jul 29th 2011

Government makes progress towards energy efficiency action plan

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published an update on the progress made towards the requirements of the Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive (ESD) 2006 on Thursday 28 July

Jul 29th 2011

Funds made available for community solar PV projects

Sustainable energy charity Community Energy Plus launched a new fund on Thursday 28 July at the Cornwall Renewable Energy Show

Jul 28th 2011

Offshore wind grows across the EU

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) published statistics on the development of offshore wind energy in the first half of 2011 on Wednesday 27 July.

Jul 28th 2011

Government wants to close solar FiTs loophole as soon as possible

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) opened a consultation on removing a loophole from the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme on Wednesday 27 July.

Jul 28th 2011

Mandatory carbon reporting better than the CRC, says think-tank

Think-tank Policy Exchange published its report on the effectiveness of UK energy policies on Thursday 28 July.

Jul 27th 2011

Government to ease policy burden on energy intensive industries

On Tuesday 26 July the Government published its response to the Energy and Climate Change Committee's fourth report on the Electricity Market Reform.

Jul 27th 2011

Defra overestimates costs of carbon reporting, says Aldersgate Group

The Aldersgate Group, a coalition of businesses, non-governmental organisations and environmental agencies published its analysis of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra) impact assessment on mandatory carbon reporting on Monday 25 July.

Jul 27th 2011

Nuclear will continue to grow, says IAEA boss

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano said on Tuesday 26 July that the world's reliance on nuclear energy would continue to grow, reported the BBC.

Jul 26th 2011

UK company profit outlook remains weak due to high energy bills

The BBC reported the release of Lloyds TSB's Business on Britain study on Monday 25 July.

Jul 26th 2011

Sustainable growth top of Government�s planning agenda

Planning minister Greg Clark announced the publication of a draft National Planning Policy Framework on Monday 25 July.

Jul 25th 2011

Committee calls for compensation for those who were mis-sold energy

The Energy and Climate Change Committee published the findings from its inquiry into the Office of Gas and Electricity Market's Retail Market Review on Monday 25 July.

Jul 25th 2011

Labour leader calls for the break-up of the Big Six

Labour leader Ed Miliband called for the break-up of the Big Six energy suppliers, according to various media sources on Saturday 23 July.

Jul 25th 2011

Interest in UN emissions reductions credits for 2011-12 wanes

Interest in UN Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits for 2011 and 2012 has fallen following a two-year low in prices due to an oversupply caused by the recession, reported Bloomberg on Friday 22 July.

Jul 22nd 2011

Inquiry into Ofgem�s Retail Market Review set to be published

On Friday 22 July the Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECCC) announced that it was set to publish the findings of its inquiry into Ofgem's Retail Market Review on Monday 25 July.

Jul 22nd 2011

Energy policies need to be rethought, says KPMG

Consultants KPMG and the Economic Policy Centre published their report on the financial effects of UK energy policies on Wednesday 20 July.

Jul 22nd 2011

Price hike will tip thousands into fuel poverty, says Consumer Focus

Following more gas and electricity price rises from the Big Six, the chief executive of Consumer Focus, Mike O'Conner, warned on Thursday 21 July that prices rises will tip thousands of households into fuel poverty.

Jul 21st 2011

UK unlikely to become nuclear world leader, says Huhne

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne gave evidence on Tuesday 19 July as part of the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee inquiry into Nuclear Research and Development Capabilities.

Jul 19th 2011

Policy statements on energy debated in the commons

MPs in the House of Commons debated the National Policy Statements (NPS) on energy on Monday 18 July.

Jul 19th 2011

Carbon registries to be suspended for two weeks to make way for switchover

On Monday 18 July the European Commission announced it would close the registries for the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for two weeks later in the year.

Jul 19th 2011

Government lays out response to Green Investment Bank Inquiry

The Government published its response to the Environmental Audit Committee's second report of session 2010-12 on the Green Investment Bank on Monday 18 July.

Jul 18th 2011

Post demonstration CCS can compete with other low carbon alternatives

The EU industry initiative Zero Emissions Platform (ZEP) published its report into the costs of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology on Friday 15 July.

Jul 18th 2011

EU ETS here to stay, says commissioner

Speaking at the launch of Sandbag's report Buckle Up! on Thursday 14 July European commissioner for climate action Connie Hedegaard said the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is "here to stay".

Jul 15th 2011

Fuel poverty increases as energy bills rise

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its Annual Report of Fuel Poverty Statistics for 2011 on Thursday 14 July.

Jul 15th 2011

Carbon Trust sees renewed commitments on carbon

The Carbon Trust announced on Tuesday 14 July that over 30 companies have been recertified to the Carbon Trust Standard, representing £13mn of annual savings to the companies.

Jul 15th 2011

Renewable energy meets 16% of global energy consumption

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published its report on the status of renewable energy on Tuesday 12 July.

Jul 14th 2011

DECC reports on prospects for renewables growth

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published on Wednesday 13 July a report by consultant AEA on the prospects for renewable energy growth in the UK to 2020.

Jul 14th 2011

New wave power device unveiled in Scotland

Marine technology developer Aquamarine Power unveiled its next-generation hydroelectric wave convertor on Wednesday 13 July.

Jul 13th 2011

Electricity market overhaul set out by the Government

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its Electricity Market Reform White Paper on Tuesday 12 July.

Jul 13th 2011

Lack of new nuclear build could increase electricity prices by up to 60%

Consultant KPMG published the results of research on Monday 11 July into the consequences of having only a low contribution of nuclear power into the overall energy mix.

Jul 13th 2011

Opec and IEA publish conflicting visions of economic growth

Opec published its latest Monthly Oil Market Report on Tuesday 12 July.

Jul 12th 2011

Fundamental overhaul of electricity market to be confirmed today

The Government is set to publish its White Paper detailing major reforms to the electricity market today, Tuesday 12 July.

Jul 12th 2011

DECC talks to small suppliers about driving competition

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) hosted a meeting on Thursday 7 July with energy regulator Ofgem and six small domestic energy suppliers about increasing competition in the energy market.

Jul 12th 2011

Marine costs comparable to nuclear and onshore wind by 2025

A report published by the Carbon Trust on Monday 11 July showed that the UK's most suitable marine energy sites could generate electricity at comparable costs to nuclear and onshore wind.

Jul 11th 2011

Downward carbon trend �now law�, says Huhne

On Monday 11 July the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published an article written by energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne for a German newspaper.

Jul 11th 2011

Renewable investment soars in 2010

The United National Environment Programme (UNEP) published its report on global investment in renewable energy on Thursday 7 July.

Jul 11th 2011

Oil driven lower by slump in Chinese imports

Brent crude for the August settlement decreased 1.2% to $116.9/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, Bloomberg reported on Monday 11 July.

Jul 8th 2011

Geopolitics of climate change will affect UK energy security, says Huhne

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne said that climate change could threaten UK energy security in a speech at the United Services Institute on Thursday 7 July.

Jul 8th 2011

Ofgem launches review of electricity transmission charging arrangements

On Thursday 7 July the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) announced it would start a Significant Code Review of electricity transmission charging issues under Project Transmit.

Jul 7th 2011

Committee sets out to investigate UK marine renewables

The Energy and Climate Change Select Committee announced on Wednesday 6 July the launch of an inquiry into the future ability of marine renewables to contribute to the UK's renewables and emissions targets.

Jul 7th 2011

Huhne calls on smaller energy suppliers to break the dominance of the Big Six

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne is hosting a meeting with small energy suppliers on Thursday 7 July to discuss what help they require in order to break the dominance of the Big Six.

Jul 7th 2011

Carbon trading could push up energy prices

On Wednesday 6 July credit rating company Standard and Poor's published a report which predicted that European energy prices will rise because of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

Jul 6th 2011

Treasury bows to calls for increased support to North Sea oil and gas producers

The Government announced on Tuesday 5 July the annual rate of Ring Fence Expenditure Supplement (RFES) for the North Sea fiscal regime will be increased from 6% to 10%.

Jul 6th 2011

Carbon reporting for all businesses, says CBI

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) announced on Tuesday 5 July that the Government should introduce mandatory carbon reporting for businesses.

Jul 6th 2011

EU parliament votes no on 30% emissions cut by 2020

MEPs voted against the adoption of a draft resolution on EU climate policy on Tuesday 5 July.

Jul 4th 2011

New energy efficiency fund launched by European Commission

The European Commission, the European Investment Bank, Italy's Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and Germany's Deutsche Bank announced the launch of the European Energy Efficiency Fund in Brussels on Friday 1 July.

Jul 4th 2011

Landlords bracing for energy price rises, finds study

On Friday 1 July consultant Power Efficiency released the results of its research into the perceptions of energy prices amongst UK landlords.

Jul 1st 2011

Businesses to benefit from CRC simplification

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced proposals on Thursday 30 June to rationalise the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency (CRC) Scheme.

Jul 1st 2011

Scotland pushes ahead with renewables revolution

On Thursday 30 June energy minister for Scotland Fergus Ewing announced the Scottish Government's action plan to drive forward the country's renewable revolution and meet ambitious energy targets.

Jul 1st 2011

Ofgem improves business protection during smart meter roll-out

Energy regulator Ofgem opened a consultation on Thursday 30 June setting out proposed modifications to gas and electricity supply licences to strengthen existing protections for all consumers in light of early moves by some suppliers to install smart meters in advance of the 2014 mandatory start.

Jun 30th 2011

Committee on Climate Change reports emissions increase in 2010

The committee on Climate Change published its third annual report to parliament on Thursday 30 June.

Jun 30th 2011

Offshore wind prices set to fall by 15% over the next decade

Trade association Renewable UK published a report on Wednesday 29 June predicting that costs of offshore wind will decrease by 15% over the next decade with a drop of 33% possible over the long-term.

Jun 30th 2011

DECC yet to achieve value for money on smart grid scheme

The National Audit Office published a report on Thursday 30 June which found that the Department of Energy And Climate Change (DECC) must tackle the risk of overspending on its £11.3bn project to roll out smart meters to domestic and non-domestic properties over the next decade.

Jun 29th 2011

Government must show more green action, says leading businesses

Some of the UK's largest companies have reiterated their call for the Government to take firm action to reduce carbon emissions and speed-up the roll-out of low-carbon technologies.

Jun 29th 2011

Price is primary driver for businesses picking a supplier

Energy regulator Ofgem published on Tuesday 28 June a study commissioned, as part of its Consumer First programme, from consultant Harris on Small and Medium Business Consumers' Experience of the Energy Market and their Use of Energy.

Jun 28th 2011

Marine power boosted with £20mn fund

On Tuesday 28 June the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) confirmed it has released £20mn of funds from its £200mn renewables and low-carbon budget to take marine energy to the "next level".

Jun 28th 2011

IPPR attacks carbon floor price proposal

Think-tank the IPPR published on Tuesday 28 June a report criticising the Government's proposals for a carbon floor price.

Jun 27th 2011

Government challenges �over-zealous rules and regulations�

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) launched a new drive on Friday 24 June, calling on businesses employers, the public and government inspectors to challenge inconsistent and over-zealous rules and regulations

Jun 27th 2011

International energy prices fall on increased oil supplies and economic concerns

Brent crude for the August delivery fell 2.7% to close at $102.28/bl on the ICE Futures Europe Exchange, Bloomberg reported on Monday 27 June.

Jun 27th 2011

CBI wants government to approve energy plans before Summer recess

Business lobbyist CBI responded to the publication of the Government's National Policy Statements on Energy on Thursday 23 June.

Jun 24th 2011

Government lays out future energy plan

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its finalised National Policy Statement (NPS) for Energy on Thursday 23 June.

Jun 24th 2011

UK agrees to release oil reserves as part of IEA plan to relieve oil price pressure

Executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Nobuo Tanaka announced on Thursday 23 June that the 28 IEA member countries have agreed to release 60mn bl of oil over the next month.

Jun 23rd 2011

Government, consumers and industry come out in favour of retail market reform

On Wednesday 22 June energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne welcomed the announcement by Ofgem that it will overhaul the retail energy market.

Jun 23rd 2011

Concerns surface about effectiveness of new energy efficiency measures

The European Commission announced its proposals for a new Energy Efficiency Directive on Wednesday 22 June. The directive would support member states' efforts to encourage the use of energy efficiently.

Jun 23rd 2011

Government must not allow a second dash for gas

Think tank Green Alliance published a report on Wednesday 22 June about a new "dash for gas" in the UK.

Jun 22nd 2011

Government responds to nuclear safety recommendations

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) formally responded on Tuesday 21 June to three recommendations proposed in the interim report on the events at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan.

Jun 22nd 2011

EU Environmental Council fails to agree on new carbon targets

The EU Environmental Council refused to agree to plans to increase the EU emissions reduction commitment at its meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday 21 June.

Jun 20th 2011

EU emissions trading security beefed up, as companies reap carbon rewards

On Friday 17 June EU member states backed proposals to enhance the integrity and the security of the registries system underpinning the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Jun 20th 2011

Temporary black-outs could protect the electricity grid from solar flares

Climate change secretary Chris Huhne warned over the weekend of the possibility of severe solar storms damaging the national electricity grid according to several national newspapers.

Jun 20th 2011

Climate negotiations make �clear advances�, says UNFCCC

During the last day of the Bonn climate change talks on Friday 17 June, UN Framework on Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) executive secretary Christiana Figueres said that negotiators had made "clear advances" on key issues leading up to the annual conference in Durban later this year.

Jun 17th 2011

WRI to launch report on climate change risks and opportunities for businesses

The World Resources Institute (WRI) announced on Wednesday 15 June it will launch a new report examining the risks and opportunities for businesses related to climate change.

Jun 17th 2011

Renewable energy campaign launched by Renewable UK

Renewable UK, the lobby group for marine and wind energy in the UK, launched its Action for Renewables campaign on Wednesday 15 June.

Jun 17th 2011

IEA forecasts higher oil and gas demand

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published its Medium-Term Oil and Gas Markets 2011 on Thursday 16 June.

Jun 16th 2011

Prime Minister defends Government�s actions on rising energy prices

Shadow energy minister Huw Irranca-Davies asked the Prime Minister when he would "take a grip" on rising energy prices at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday 15 June.

Jun 16th 2011

EU companies call for tougher emissions target

On Wednesday 15 June over 70 European companies signed a declaration, organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), calling on the EU to increase its carbon emission reduction target to 30% by 2020 from 1990 levels.

Jun 14th 2011

Government examines CCS projects as industry pledges support

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced on Friday 10 June it will conduct a market engagement exercise on carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Jun 14th 2011

Future balancing challenges can be overcome, says National Grid

National Grid released a report on Monday 13 June showing how the company can meet the challenges of balancing electricity supply and demand in the future.

Jun 14th 2011

Labour calls for temporary shale gas ban

Shadow energy minister Huw Irranca-Davies has called for a temporary ban on shale gas extraction, according to a report on Businessgreen on Monday 13 June.

Jun 13th 2011

Opec issues warning of potential supply gap

Opec published its latest Monthly Oil Market Report on Friday 10 June.

Jun 13th 2011

DECC publishes report on deployment potential and costs of renewables

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a study on deployment potential and projected costs of renewables, by consultants Arup, on Friday 10 June.

Jun 10th 2011

DECC defends outcome of FiT review against critics

The Government confirmed on Thursday 9 June the outcome of its fast-track review on feed-in tariffs (FiT) levels of support for large-scale solar (above 50kW) and farm-scale anaerobic digestion (up to 500kW) installations.

Jun 10th 2011

Growth review underpinned by SMEs and sustainable development

The Government announced on Thursday 9 June that SMEs will be at the heart of the next phase of the growth Review.

Jun 10th 2011

MEPs debate nuclear stress tests

A European Parliament debate on the EU-wide "stress tests" for nuclear reactors was held on Thursday 9 June. MEPs showed widely-divergent views, many felt the tests would improve safety but others questioned the real outcome.

Jun 9th 2011

Government offers investors choice of subsidies

Platts reported on Wednesday 8 June that energy minster Charles Hendry told a seminar the Government will introduce a choice of renewable energy subsidies to ensure certainty for investors.

Jun 9th 2011

Opec holds oil production as IEA calls for increase

The Opec oil cartel failed to agree on an increase in oil production at its meeting in Vienna on Wednesday 8 June.

Jun 9th 2011

Consumer Focus finds energy bills do not spur behaviour change

Consumer watchdog, Consumer Focus published a report focusing on energy consumer behaviour change on Tuesday 7 May.

Jun 8th 2011

UK faces brain drain in engineering sector

General Electric (GE) released a report on Tuesday 7 June declaring that the UK is facing a "brain drain" thanks to failures to invest in a new generation of engineers.

Jun 8th 2011

White Paper sets out biodiversity offsetting trials for businesses

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published its White Paper on the natural environment on Tuesday 7 May.

Jun 7th 2011

IEA heralds the coming �golden age of gas�

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report on Monday 6 May which highlighted the prominent role of natural gas in the fuel mix of the future.

Jun 7th 2011

EU to discuss implications of German nuclear shutdown

French energy minister Eric Besson called for a European consultation on nuclear energy policy, Platts reported on Tuesday 7 May.

Jun 7th 2011

UK needs EfW technologies to meet renewables targets, says Covanta

Energy-from-waste (EfW) company Covanta Energy announced on Friday 3 June that EfW technologies will be critical in helping to meet the UK's renewable energy targets.

Jun 6th 2011

MPs set out protective measures for consumers as watchdog calls for better consumer protection

MPs submitted amendments to the Energy Bill on Thursday 2 June. The Bill paves the way for the Government's flagship Green Deal scheme, which will enable householders and businesses to install energy efficiency measures to their properties at no upfront charge.

Jun 6th 2011

Environment Agency lays out rules for late CRC reports

The Environment Agency set out guidance on penalties for failing to submit annual emissions reports under the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency (CRC) scheme on Thursday 2 June.

Jun 6th 2011

Government needs to double investment in solar power, says trade body

The Solar Trade Association published a report on Friday 3 June criticising the Government for failing to support solar energy in the UK.

Jun 3rd 2011

Analyst ranks UK short-term energy security as �high risk�

Research undertaken by risk analysis firm Maplecroft evaluated worldwide energy security and ranked UK short-term energy security as being "high-risk", the company revealed on Thursday 2 June.

Jun 3rd 2011

PwC survey reveals carbon traders scepticism over EU emission reductions

Results of a survey published on Wednesday 1 June by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) revealed carbon traders are sceptical that future carbon credit prices alone are not high enough to meet the EU's emissions reduction target.

Jun 3rd 2011

Working paper examines intermittent generation on energy prices

According to a working paper published earlier this week changes to the pattern of energy prices are expected to be relatively small once large capacity changes have taken place.

Jun 2nd 2011

Government sets out customer protection plans for the Green Deal

Climate change minister Greg Barker set out the Government's plans to ensure consumer protection in the Green Deal on Thursday 2 June.

Jun 2nd 2011

World Bank concerned over drop in the value of carbon

The World Bank released a report on Wednesday1 June analysing the value of carbon on global markets.

Jun 2nd 2011

European Investment Bank could raise �5bn for low carbon technologies by the end of the year

Reuters reported on Wednesday 1 June that the European Investment Bank may be able to start selling carbon permits by the end of the year.

Jun 1st 2011

Consumer Focus wants more protection for small businesses

On Friday 27 May Consumer Focus, the consumer advocate for energy users in the UK, published a report into the problems of energy debts and disconnection faced by micro-businesses.

Jun 1st 2011

No evidence of prices rising faster than they fall, say Energy UK

Energy UK announced on Tuesday 31 May that consultancy NERA had discovered no evidence to suggest that energy suppliers were raising prices faster than they fall.

Jun 1st 2011

European renewables expansion hampered by planning procedures

Consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) published a report on Tuesday 31 May showing the greatest threat to large-scale expansion of renewables is the lack of progress reforming infrastructure planning.

May 31st 2011

UK green policies damage investor confidence, says E&Y

Consultancy company Ernst and Young (E&Y) published its Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices for the first quarter of 2011 on Thursday 26 May.

May 31st 2011

To achieve climate goals power plants may have to be forced to close, says IEA

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report on the role of electricity in meeting climate change goal on Friday 27 May.

May 31st 2011

German nuclear shutdown scheduled for 2020

The German Government has announced it will close down its nuclear reactors by 2020, reported the BBC on Monday 30 May.

May 27th 2011

Eurotunnel interconnection plans announced

Groupe Eurotunnel and STAR Capital Partners announced a joint venture to develop an electricity interconnector using the channel tunnel on Thursday 26 May

May 27th 2011

Renewable energy bonds launched for �hungry investors�

Renewable energy company Wind Prospect Group announced the launch of a new corporate retail bond onto the UK market on Wednesday 25 May.

May 27th 2011

Business secretary announces £200m fund for renewable energy centres

On Thursday 26 May business secretary Vince Cable launched a competition to develop an offshore renewable energy technology and innovation centre.

May 26th 2011

Significant investment in power sector required to meet targets, says DECC

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a report modelling the effects of the fourth carbon budget on Tuesday 24 May.

May 26th 2011

Commission reveals criteria for stress testing EU nuclear fleet

The European Commission revealed criteria for the nuclear "stress tests" on Wednesday 25 May.

May 26th 2011

Renewable generation sees dip in March

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its monthly energy statistics for March 2011 on Thursday 26 May.

May 25th 2011

Government sets out Green Investment Bank vision but investors remain wary

Business secretary Vince Cable set out his vision for the Green Investment Bank on Tuesday 24 May.

May 25th 2011

Environment Committee votes for 30% GHG cut by 2020

The EU Environment Committee voted on a resolution to formalise a pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 30% by the end of 2011 on Tuesday 24 May.

May 25th 2011

IEA releases guide to harnessing variable renewables

On Tuesday 24 May the International Energy Agency (IEA) said that the challenges of using "variable" renewables in power systems can be overcome

May 24th 2011

Committee finds no need to halt shale gas development

The Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECCC) released a report on Monday 23 May giving its support for shale gas drilling in the UK

May 24th 2011

Deputy PM confirms launch date for Green Investment Bank

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg confirmed the opening of the Green Investment Bank at an event hosted by Climate Change Capital reported the BBC on Monday 23 May

May 24th 2011

EU Council wants commodity regulation

Platts reported on 24 May that the EU Council has adopted a European Commission communication on challenges in commodity and raw materials markets that calls for ideas to improve commodity market transparency and regulation.

May 23rd 2011

Brent crude slips on economic woes

Bloomberg reported on Monday 23 May that Brent crude oil for July settlement fell 2.3% to $109.81/bl on the London ICE Futures Europe exchange

May 23rd 2011

Government launches competition to design next generation pylon

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) launched a competition to design the next generation of electricity pylon on Monday 23 May.

May 23rd 2011

Carbon offsetting assurance scheme closed

On Friday 20 May the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced that the Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) for carbon offsetting will close on 30 June.

May 20th 2011

Crown Estate gives new wave and tidal projects go-ahead

The Crown Estate announced on Thursday 19 May several new wave and tidal projects to be located off the Scottish coast and Shetland Island

May 20th 2011

ETI launches projects to evaluate the future of UK biomass

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) launched three new projects on Thursday May 19 looking at the future of the UK biomass sector.

May 20th 2011

DECC reviews the future of energy regulation

On Thursday 19 May energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne announced the publication of two new reviews which hope to help strengthen the delivery of climate change goals and market regulation

May 19th 2011

Scotland to set 100% renewable electricity target

Following re-election, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond announced on Wednesday 18 May that by 2020 the country plans to produce 100% of its electricity needs from renewable energy sources

May 19th 2011

Businesses should capitalise on benefits of wave and tidal energy, says Crown Estate

On Tuesday 17 May the Crown Estate published a report pointing to the opportunities for businesses to capitalise on the development of energy projects in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters

May 19th 2011

Questions put to Huhne on nuclear power safety

On Wednesday 18 May during Prime Minister's Questions, energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne answered an urgent question from Labour's Paul Flynn regarding the safety of nuclear power

May 18th 2011

UK pledges to cut emissions 50% by 2025

On Tuesday 17 May energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne announced the Government's carbon plan for the for the fourth budget period (2023-27).

May 18th 2011

Review finds no need to curtail nuclear operations

The chief nuclear inspector Mike Weightman released his interim safety assessment of the UK's nuclear industry on Wednesday 18 May.

May 18th 2011

Commissioner concerned about climate change targets

EU energy commissioner Günther Oettinger said at the Towards a New European Energy Infrastructure Instrument conference in Budapest on Monday 16 May that Europe will be unable to meet its climate change targets "without secure, intelligent and sustainable energy networks"

May 17th 2011

Coalition set to reveal fourth carbon budget

The BBC reported on Tuesday 17 May that the Government is ready to reveal the fourth carbon budget after receiving recommendations from the official advisory body the Committee on Climate Change.

May 17th 2011

Buildings sector could achieve huge energy savings as calls grow for energy efficiency directive to not be weakened

The International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report on Monday 16 May describing the reductions in energy consumption available through the installation of energy efficient heating and cooling technologies.

May 17th 2011

Europe�s biggest ethanol plant shuts down for four months

Platts reported on Monday 16 May that biofuel refiner Ensus will close its cereal grain refinery in Wilton, northeast England, after experiencing poor profit margins.

May 16th 2011

Inquiry into carbon budget launched

The Environmental Audit Committee announced on Thursday 12 May that it will launch an inquiry into the Government's plans for delivering the carbon budgets required under the Climate Change Act 2008.

May 16th 2011

Government questioned about market reform and nuclear subsidy

The Energy and Climate Change Committee released a report on the proposed electricity market reform (EMR) on Monday 16 May.

May 16th 2011

Landlords worried about Green Deal

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) called for changes to be made to the Green Deal scheme on Thursday 12May.

May 13th 2011

Ministers call for Cameron to approve carbon budget

On Thursday 12 May Labour leader Ed Milliband called on Prime Minister David Cameron to accept the Committee on Climate Change's recommended carbon budget for the fourth period (2023-27

May 13th 2011

Jury still out on offshore wind

A report released by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on Thursday 12 May revealed that the offshore wind industry "still has some way to go" to prove its place as part of a sustainable energy mix.

May 13th 2011

EU gauges attitudes towards CCS

The European Commission revealed the results of a recent study into public knowledge about carbon capture and storage (CCS) on Thursday 12 May

May 12th 2011

IEA demonstrates importance of co-generation for low carbon future

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published its report on the future of co-generation, the generation of both heat and power, on Wednesday 11 May

May 12th 2011

Bank of England blames inflation rise on high energy bills

The Bank of England published its Inflation Report on Wednesday 11 May. It predicted inflation to hit 5% later this year as a result of higher utility bills

May 12th 2011

Big Six questioned about mis-selling as SSE found guilty

On Wednesday 11 May the Energy and Climate Change Committee questioned representatives of the Big Six energy companies abut Ofgem's Retail Market Review, which showed that energy companies are slow to pass through wholesale price reductions.

May 11th 2011

Minsters debate Green Deal

The Energy Bill received its second reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday 10 May.

May 11th 2011

Carbon Trust provides free carbon reduction advice to small businesses

The Carbon Trust released a free guide on Tuesday 10 May to helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to measure, manage and reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs.

May 11th 2011

Drax calls for increased regulatory support to move ahead with ambitious biomass strategy

Drax published its interim management statement on Wednesday 11 May.

May 10th 2011

Cabinet clashes over carbon targets

Businessgreen reported on Tuesday 10 May that energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne and business secretary Vince Cable have clashed over the UK's climate change targets.

May 10th 2011

IPPC predict 80% of world�s energy from renewables by 2050

On Monday 9 May the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a report which assessed the global potential of renewable energy

May 10th 2011

Policy change needed to hit goals

Analysts Cambridge Econometrics published research on Tuesday 10 May which reveals the UK has missed a long-standing 2010 target to cut carbon emissions by 20% despite a reduction in emission levels because of the recession

May 9th 2011

UK could generate 30% of energy demand from renewables by 2030, says report

The Committee on Climate Change released a report reviewing the future for renewables in the UK on Monday 9 May

May 9th 2011

Environment Agency highlights the need for better environmental reporting

Carbon consultancy Trucost published the results of its study into the quality of environmental performance information on Monday 9 May.

May 9th 2011

Greenest government ever pledge comes under question

A report released by environmental activist group Friends of the Earth on Saturday 7 May said Prime Minister David Cameron will break his promise to make the Coalition Government the "greenest ever"

May 6th 2011

Environmental managers object to government policies

On Wednesday 4 May the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) published a statement criticising the Government's current environmental policy choices

May 6th 2011

Brent crude experiences biggest decline since 2008

Brent crude oil for June settlement fell $5.56/bl to $105.15 today following yesterday's drop of $10.39/bl to $107/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange in London, Bloomberg reported on Friday 6 May.

May 6th 2011

Renewables group warns that scrapping renewable targets is �misguided�

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) responded on Thursday 5 May to a recent report published by Policy Exchange, which called for the UK to scrap its renewable energy targets because they were not cost effective.

May 5th 2011

Renewable energy targets �unnecessarily expensive�, says think-tank

On Thursday 5 May researchers at think-tank Policy Exchange said the UK should abolish its renewable energy targets and cut carbon emissions in a more cost effective way.

May 5th 2011

Boards need to know more about environmental issues, claims consultant

Consultancy Ernst and Young published a report on Wednesday 4 May urging board members to improve understanding and management of their company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

May 5th 2011

Huhne backs North Sea tax rise

At the Energy and Climate Change Committee meeting between ministers, oil and gas bosses and MPs on Wednesday 4 May, energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne defended the recent tax increase on North Sea oil and gas producers, from 50% to 62%.

May 4th 2011

Big Six to get quizzed by MPs

The Energy and Climate Change Committee stated on Tuesday 3 May it will hold two public evidence sessions on the Office of Gas and Electricity Market's (Ofgem's) retail market review

May 4th 2011

Businesses use record numbers of offset credits

Analysis company Thomas Reuters Point Carbon has found there was record use of UN carbon credits last year, reported Businessgreen on Wednesday 4 May.

May 4th 2011

IEA director urges move to decarbonised energy supply

On Tuesday 3 May International Energy Agency (IEA) director Nobuo Tanaka explained that a broad mix of energy sources is required if the EU is to achieve a carbon-free electricity sector.

May 3rd 2011

Electricity demand surges during royal wedding

National Grid reported the royal wedding on Friday 29 April caused the fourth highest ever surge in electricity demand across the country

May 3rd 2011

New 2030 targets needed to protect renewable energy growth

The EU climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard said extending renewable energy targets to 2030 will help to promote the future growth of renewable energy, Businessgreen reported on Tuesday 3 May

May 3rd 2011

EU posts stress test information as IEA warns about nuclear shutdown

The European Commission has posted the specifications for the EU-wide "stress test" of nuclear power stations on Thursday 28 April.

Apr 28th 2011

Commission sets out rules for free carbon allowances after 2013

The European Commission adopted a decision on Wednesday 27 April regarding the allocation of free emission allowances under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

Apr 28th 2011

UK power generation falls in first quarter of 2011

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) released two reports on Wednesday 28 April detailing the energy trends and prices for the first quarter of 2011

Apr 28th 2011

Rocs top £50

On Wednesday 27 April the Non-fossil Purchasing Agency (NFPA) reported the completion of the latest online auction for Renewables Obligation Certificates (Rocs).

Apr 27th 2011

Inaccurate CRC reports could cost companies

Consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) warned on Tuesday 26 April that companies who fail to submit an accurate Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) report could add 5%-11% to their electricity bills

Apr 27th 2011

German businesses warn against nuclear shutdown

The BDI, the German industrial lobbyist, has estimated the cost of shutting down the German nuclear industry to be €33bn by 2018, Bloomberg reported on Sunday 24 April

Apr 27th 2011

Canada approves world�s first integrated CCS plant

The world's first fully integrated carbon capture and storage (CCS) project was approved by the Saskatchewan Government on Tuesday 26 April

Apr 26th 2011

Renewables needed to battle rising fossil fuel prices

International Energy Agency (IEA) director Nobuo Tanaka warned on Thursday 21 April that the world was coming to "the end of the age of cheap energy".

Apr 26th 2011

Top 300 EU companies ranked on carbon emissions

The Environmental Investment Organisation (EIO), a UK-based non-profit company, recently published a list of the 300 biggest EU companies and ranked them according the carbon intensity of their operations and the level of disclosure.

Apr 26th 2011

Policy uncertainty threatens low-carbon growth

Business lobbyist the CBI published a report on Tuesday 26 April describing the failure of the UK to attract investment in low-carbon infrastructure.

Apr 21st 2011

EU budget pledges funds for sustainable growth

The European Commission published its draft budget for 2012 on Wednesday 20 April

Apr 21st 2011

UK to lead European marine energy research

The European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) and the UK Energy Research Centre (ERC) announced a joint research project to accelerate development of marine renewables on Tuesday 19 April.

Apr 21st 2011

HSE assesses UK nuclear incidents

The Health and safety Executive (HSE) published its assessment of incidents at UK nuclear installations during the first quarter of 2011 on Thursday 21 April

Apr 20th 2011

Solar developers sue government over FiTs

Newswire Businessgreen reported on Tuesday 19 April that a group of solar developers have launched legal action against the Government over the review of Feed-in Tariff (FiT) rates obtainable by solar installations.

Apr 20th 2011

Treasury reject oil and gas tax reduction bid

Oil and Gas UK, the trade association for UK oil and gas producers, met with Chancellor George Osborne on Tuesday 19 April to discuss the tax increase on north sea oil and gas in the recent Budget.

Apr 20th 2011

100 hectares of biofuels planted for Drax

The Waste Recycling Group (WRG), a waste management company, announced it intends to sell energy crops grown on its landfill sites to Drax power station

Apr 19th 2011

CBI warns that UK investment is at risk

A report released by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the British business lobbying organisation, on Tuesday 19 April warned that the UK Government is failing to attract investors.

Apr 19th 2011

EU Energy markets show signs of recovery

The European Commission released its annual report on development in the energy markets on Friday 15 April.

Apr 19th 2011

One-fifth of FTSE 100 companies voluntary offset emissions

Carbon Retirement, the carbon offsetting company, have released a report on Monday 18 April which documents the state of offsetting in the FTSE 100

Apr 18th 2011

Cleantech sector "bullish" about growth

Research released by the Carbon Trust, the not-for-profit carbon management company, on Friday 15 April shows cleantech companies are confident about the future.

Apr 18th 2011

Sustainability plans deliver benefits to businesses

Businessgreen reported the release of a report by KPMG, the business consultancy, detailing the benefits of corporate sustainability on Monday 18 April.

Apr 18th 2011

Larger turbines could increase offshore efficiency

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has published research on Monday 18 April about cutting the costs of offshore wind technology to bring it in-line with costs of onshore wind turbines.

Apr 15th 2011

Report calls for greater investment in infrastructure

On Thursday 14 April the Business Infrastructure Commission published research detailing the need to replace the UK's ailing infrastructure.

Apr 15th 2011

Carbon floor price saves carbon but burdens businesses

Businessgreen reported on Thursday 14 April that analyst Point Carbon released research on the impact of the UK carbon floor price support mechanism announced in the Budget.

Apr 14th 2011

Consumer empowerment strategy launched

The Government launched two new strategies to empower consumers on Wednesday 13 April.

Apr 14th 2011

UK misses 2010 renewables targets by a third

The Renewable Energy Foundation published its assessment of the performance of the renewables sector in the UK during 2010 on Wednesday 13 April

Apr 14th 2011

Drax respond to challenging future with biomass

Drax announced profitable results for 2010 at its annual general meeting according to a report by Stock Market Wire on Wednesday 13 April.

Apr 13th 2011

Calls to protect businesses from unexpected energy bills

Consumer Focus, the advocate for consumer issues, warned on Wednesday 13 April that thousands of small businesses could be affected by "potentially crippling energy bills" after being undercharged during previous years

Apr 13th 2011

EU set out smart grid strategy

The European Commission adopted a new communication on smart grids on Tuesday 12 April

Apr 13th 2011

Carbon Trust given cash injection to fuel energy efficiency

The Carbon Trust announced that it had received £1.9mn from the Government's Regional Growth Fund on Tuesday 12 April.

Apr 12th 2011

Defra shines a light on energy labelling

The Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched its campaign to provide consumers with more information about energy labelling systems on Monday 11 April.

Apr 12th 2011

CRC report released

Business sustainability consultancy Cambium published its research into participation in the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme on Friday 8 April

Apr 12th 2011

EU doubles renewable energy production in a decade

The EU released data revealing the level of renewable energy supply over the last decade as part of sustainability week on Monday 11 April.

Apr 11th 2011

EU sustainability week kicks-off

The European Commission announced the beginning of the EU's sustainable energy week, which will run from Monday 11 to Friday 15 April in Brussels.

Apr 11th 2011

North Sea tax threatens oil and gas businesses

The Treasury Committee published its assessment of the Budget on Saturday 9 April and questioned the Government's decision to increase taxes on offshore oil and gas production.

Apr 11th 2011

UK can go on without nuclear, says Hendry

Energy minister Charles Hendry said there was a risk of delays to the UK's plans for new nuclear power stations during an interview on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 10 April

Apr 8th 2011

Government calls for new renewables infrastructure

Energy minister Charles Hendry outlined the need for new energy infrastructure in a letter to the Times newspaper on Thursday 7 April

Apr 8th 2011

Energy taxes could end up scoring own goal

A report by consultancy Harper Energy has concluded increasing taxes on North Sea oil and gas production and the introduction of a carbon price support could "ironically" increase fossil fuel emissions, Bloomberg reported on Friday 8 April

Apr 8th 2011

Energy ministers meet to back CCS

Energy ministers from around the world met on Thursday 7 April and agreed to proposals to speed up development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

Apr 7th 2011

Solar PV challenging coal

On Wednesday 6 April research company Bloomberg New Energy Finance forecast a surge in the number of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations over the next two years, which could challenge the dominance of fossil fuel power plants.

Apr 7th 2011

Call goes out for CCS demonstration

The Energy technologies Institute (ETI), a cooperative venture between industry and government, announced its intentions to offer funds for the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies on Wednesday 6 April.

Apr 7th 2011

Report questions efficiency of wind turbines

Research by the John Muir trust, a UK charity, released on Wednesday 6 April questioned the claims of industry and government about the efficiency of wind turbines.

Apr 6th 2011

Barker says green economy will cost consumers

Climate change minister Greg Barker admitted that an increase in nuclear and renewable energy will "come at a cost" to consumers at the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Summit on Monday 4 April.

Apr 6th 2011

UK nuclear put on hold

The Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency delayed the Generic Design Assessments for new nuclear reactors in the UK on Tuesday 5 April.

Apr 6th 2011

Drax receive £180mn cash injection

Electricity generator Drax released a statement on Tuesday 5 April outlining an agreement made with HM Revenue and Customs about the Group's Eurobond financing structure which will release £180mn in funds to the company.

Apr 5th 2011

Carbon trust helps business seize green growth opportunities

New research published by the Carbon Trust on Monday 4 April found 52% of small- and medium-sized businesses regard the green economy as a threat.

Apr 5th 2011

Launch of new carbon initiative

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a not for profit organisation, launched a new programme on Monday 4 April to increase the adoption rate of green initiatives by multi-national companies.

Apr 5th 2011

Smart grid investment is critical

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published its Smart Grids Technology Roadmap on Monday 4 April.

Apr 4th 2011

Interconnecter switch on praised; but super grids may cause price volatility

On Friday 1 April Energy and climate secretary Chris Huhne praised the opening of the UK to Netherlands interconnector and described the occasion as a "win for renewables and consumers" which will increase security of supply, competition and integration of sustainable energy sources.

Apr 4th 2011

Oil prices continue to rise to 30-month high

On Monday 4 April Bloomberg reported Brent crude oil prices for May settlement had risen to a 30-month high of $119.52/bl and had risen $3.11 or 2.7% over the last week.

Apr 1st 2011

UK offshore wind sector set to grow 10% a year, says Carbon Trust

Economic analysis of the growth potential for UK offshore wind was released by the Carbon Trust on Thursday 31 March.

Apr 1st 2011

UK-Netherlands interconnector launches today

The 1,000MW UK to Netherlands interconnector launched on Friday 1 April and operators BritNed said it would begin operating at full capacity for 5 hours.

Mar 31st 2011

Latest energy trends and prices published by government

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its quarterly reports into energy prices and trends in the UK on Thursday 31 March.

Mar 31st 2011

Edinburgh makes play for Green Investment Bank

Business leaders from Edinburgh lobbied the business secretary, Vince Cable, on Wednesday 30 March to base the new Green Investment Bank in the city

Mar 30th 2011

The CRC "doesn't work for business", says CBI

On Tuesday 29 March the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) published its report on the effects of changes to the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme

Mar 30th 2011

Nuclear health and safety review gets underway

Mike Weightman, the Government's chief health inspector of nuclear installations, announced Tuesday 29 March the scope of the safety review of the UK nuclear industry

Mar 29th 2011

Government analyses future biomass supply

On Friday 25 March the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its analysis of the potential for biomass supply in the UK between 2010 and 2030

Mar 29th 2011

Renewables M&A activity on the rise, says PwC

On Monday 28 March PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) published its annual report into mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the worldwide renewable sector

Mar 28th 2011

Barker set for US green trade mission

On Monday 28 March the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced that climate change minister Greg Barker will travel to the US for the department's first green trade mission to the country

Mar 28th 2011

Business group warns of green policy bureaucracy

The Confederation of British Industry's director for business environment Rhian Kelly told Businessgreen on Friday 25 March that the complexity of UK low-carbon policies such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment were putting off businesses and hindering their attempts to lower emissions and waste

Mar 25th 2011

Carbon floor mechanism set in 2009 prices

On Thursday 24 March the Treasury published more details of the floor price for carbon traded under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in the UK, unveiled in the Budget

Mar 25th 2011

Anglo-Dutch interconnector auctions monthly contracts

BritNed announced on Thursday 24 March the results of the first monthly auctions of power across its UK-Netherlands interconnector

Mar 24th 2011

Chancellor announces carbon floor price and funds for Green Investment Bank

On Wednesday 23 March chancellor George Osborne set out the Budget for 2011-12

Mar 24th 2011

Interconnector set to undergo overload testing

BritNed announced on Wednesday 23 March that its UK-Netherlands interconnector will undergo further testing ahead of its planned April launch date

Mar 23rd 2011

Cleantech sector sees fall in confidence, says E&Y

On Tuesday 22 March Ernst and Young (E&Y) said confidence that the Government will encourage growth in the UK's cleantech sector in the next 12 months has "fallen sharply" since the launch of its Comprehensive Spending Review and Electricity Market Reform proposals.

Mar 23rd 2011

Committee advises against use of offsets to meet carbon budgets

On Tuesday 22 March the Climate Change Committee (CCC) wrote to energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne calling for the Government to aim to meet its second carbon budget (2013-17) through "domestic action alone", and not through the use of offset credits.

Mar 22nd 2011

Energy secretary welcomes rough and tough competition

On Monday 21 March energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne said he supported the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets' proposals to improve competition in energy supply markets

Mar 22nd 2011

Strategy for nuclear clean-up approved by the Government

On Monday 21 March the Government approved plans set out by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to decommission the UK's oldest nuclear power stations

Mar 21st 2011

Government reveals cuts to solar feed-in tariffs

On Friday 18 March the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) launched a consultation on the proposed band changes for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations over 50KW and farm-scale anaerobic digestion (AD).

Mar 21st 2011

Regulator proposes overhaul of UK energy markets

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published on Monday 21 March the results of its Retail Market Review. It suggested competition in energy markets is being “stifled” by a combination of tariff complexity, poor supplier behaviour and a lack of transparency.

Mar 18th 2011

Anglo-Dutch interconnector hits set-back

On Thursday 17 March BritNed announced that a bipole test carried on the 1,000MW UK-Netherlands interconnector failed after three hours due to a component failure in the converter

Mar 18th 2011

Government delays policy statements for nuclear

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) set out on Thursday 17 March further detail on chief nuclear inspector Mike Weightman's report into the implications of the events at nuclear power stations in Japan on UK nuclear power

Mar 17th 2011

BIS suggests single competition body

On Wednesday 16 March the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) launched a consultation setting out proposals for reforming the UK's competition regime

Mar 17th 2011

Political unrest leaves oil above $110/bl

The price Brent crude oil for May delivery gained a further 1% to reach $111.69/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange

Mar 16th 2011

EU ETS carbon rises after German nuclear closures

The price of EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) carbon for 2011 delivery rose to a two-year high of €17.25/t on news that Germany had closed seven of its nuclear power plants

Mar 16th 2011

Wind capacity set to grow by 40GW in 2011

On Tuesday 15 March the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) published its Global Wind Report: Annual Market Update 2010

Mar 15th 2011

Government calls for nuclear safety report following Japanese incident

On Monday 14 March energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne released a statement on the impacts of the Japanese earthquake and subsequent nuclear safety concerns

Mar 15th 2011

Anglo-Dutch interconnector takes a step closer to full commissioning

BritNed, the joint venture between National Grid and Tennet, announced on Sunday 13 March that the UK-Netherlands interconnector has had another successful week of load flow commissioning

Mar 14th 2011

Europe should adopt 30% carbon emissions cut, says Huhne

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne wrote a letter to the Guardian newspaper on Monday 14 March calling on the European Commission to increase the 2020 carbon emissions reduction target to 30%

Mar 14th 2011

Research highlights green opportunities for businesses

UK businesses could save £23bn a year by improving energy efficiency, reducing waste and cutting water consumption, according to research published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on Friday 11 March.

Mar 11th 2011

Huhne launches £860mn renewable heat scheme

On Thursday 10 March energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne launched the much-anticipated details of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Mar 11th 2011

Government publishes CRC simplification agenda

On Thursday 10 March the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published the presentation slides from its 3 March event on simplifying the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Mar 9th 2011

Government announces 1,000 Green Deal jobs

On Tuesday 8 March Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne and business secretary Vince Cable announced at least 1,000 Green Deal apprentices could receive government funding

Mar 9th 2011

Climate Change Committee welcomes EMR

On Tuesday 8 March the Climate Change Committee (CCC) wrote a letter to energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne announcing its support for the Government's Electricity Market Reform (EMR) proposals

Mar 8th 2011

Cameron and Clegg publish draft action plan for carbon

On Tuesday 8 March Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg published the Government's draft Carbon Plan, outlining its "vision of a changed Britain".

Mar 8th 2011

CBI urges chancellor to consider changes to CRC

On Monday 7 March the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) called on chancellor George Osborne to ensure the upcoming Budget demonstrates a "relentless focus" on growth

Mar 7th 2011

Cable launches business growth and innovation fund

On Monday 7 March business secretary Vince Cable and skills minister John Hayes launched a £50mn a year fund to boost investment in training and help drive growth

Mar 7th 2011

Oil prices continue to rise on Middle East unrest

Brent crude for the April settlement increased $2.47/bl, or 2.1%, to $118.74/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange

Mar 4th 2011

Government launches interactive carbon reduction tool

On Thursday 3 March energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne launched an online simulation tool to help the public choose how they would get the UK to meet its 2050 carbon emission reduction target

Mar 4th 2011

Green economy set to offer economic opportunities, says Huhne

Speaking to the Centre Forum conference in London on Thursday 3 March, energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne outlined his vision for the UK's energy future

Mar 3rd 2011

Market reform will help energy security, says Hendry

Speaking at the NOF Energy conference in Newcastle on Wednesday 2 March, energy and climate change minister Charles Hendry said the Government's Electricity Market Reform (EMR) proposals would be "fundamental" to the UK's energy security

Mar 3rd 2011

UK needs comprehensive green growth strategy, says lobbyist

On Tuesday 1 March green lobbyist Aldersgate Group published its Greening the Economy: A Strategy for Growth, Jobs and Success report

Mar 2nd 2011

Businesses could save £6bn a year by being energy efficient

Carbon Connect published a report on Tuesday 1 March which concluded boosting energy efficiency in the private sector would help cut carbon emissions and save businesses more than £6bn a year

Mar 2nd 2011

Government looks at carbon emissions outside of current energy efficiency policies

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a report on Tuesday 1 March DECC examining the scope and scale of carbon emissions not covered by existing energy efficiency policies

Mar 1st 2011

Defra publishes sustainability plans

On Monday 28 February the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published the Government's vision for sustainable development

Mar 1st 2011

Rising oil prices set to "eat into consumers' pockets", says CBI

On Friday 25 February Confederation of British Industry (CBI) director-general John Cridland said that high oil prices are, and will continue to be, a "real concern for consumers and businesses".

Feb 28th 2011

UK is fifth most attractive country for renewables, says E&Y

On Monday 28 February consultant Ernst and Young (E&Y) published the latest edition of its Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index

Feb 28th 2011

ICE plans to bid for EU carbon platforms

The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Futures Europe plans to bid for UK and EU tenders to operate auctioning platforms for Phase 3 of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

Feb 25th 2011

Carbon price set to double by 2030, says EU regulator

EU regulators have predicted that prices for carbon emission permits will more than double in the next two decades as countries attempt to limit pollution

Feb 25th 2011

UK and Denmark agree on green economy benefits

On Thursday 24 February energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne and Denmark's minister for climate change Lykke Friis issued a joint statement on the future of their respective green economies

Feb 24th 2011

Commission suggests actions to improve carbon trading security

On Wednesday 23 February the European Commission outlined actions to improve the integrity of the European carbon market following cyber-thefts from EU Emissions Trading Scheme registries in January

Feb 24th 2011

Crude oil prices could reach $220/bl according to analyst

According to finance analyst Nomura Holdings the price of crude oil could surge to $220/bl if political unrest in North Africa halts exports from Libya and Algeria

Feb 23rd 2011

Oil producing nations should respond to market imbalance, says Hendry

Speaking at the International Energy Forum in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday 22 February, energy minister Charles Hendry said the current high price of oil demonstrated the need for international collaboration to improve oil price stability

Feb 23rd 2011

30% emissions target in EU could help economic growth, says PIK

On Monday 21 February Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) published a report which said increasing the EU's 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target from 20% to 30% could help trigger more economic growth

Feb 22nd 2011

Drax generated 7% of UK renewable electricity in 2010; reports rise in profits

On Tuesday 22 February Drax Power announced its preliminary results for the year ending 31 December 2010.

Feb 22nd 2011

Crude oil prices up again on continued Libyan unrest

The price of Brent crude oil for April delivery gained 1.8% to $104.3/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange

Feb 21st 2011

UK-Netherlands link in testing phase

BritNed Developments announced on Saturday 19 February that the UK to Netherlands interconnector has completed the final phase of construction and has started load flow commissioning

Feb 21st 2011

More funds for renewables from Co-op

On Friday 18 February the Co-operative announced that it will ramp-up its commercial lending for energy efficiency and renewables projects in the UK

Feb 18th 2011

UK set to develop diversified energy portfolio, says Huhne

Speaking at the Royal Geographical Society Environment and Society Forum on Thursday 17 February, energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne said the UK will not put "all its eggs in one basket" when it comes to affordable low-carbon energy supply

Feb 18th 2011

Government publishes guidance on CRC appeals

On Thursday 17 February the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published guidance on the process for appeals under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme

Feb 17th 2011

Local communities set to receive financial benefit from wind farms

On Wednesday 16 February Renewable UK published the industry's voluntary protocol for making payments from wind farms directly to local community benefit funds

Feb 17th 2011

Brent crude could pass $140/bl, says broker

Brent crude oil for April delivery gained 1.1%, or $1.16/bl, to $102.8/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange

Feb 16th 2011

Surging oil prices push inflation above 5%

On Tuesday 15 February the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said inflation was up on both the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) and Retail Prices Index (RPI) in January

Feb 16th 2011

Government must provide greater clarity on Green Deal financing, says CBI

Business lobby the CBI said on Tuesday 15 February that the Government must provide greater clarity over how the Green Deal will be financed and promoted

Feb 15th 2011

N2EX power market to include intraday contracts

DASDAQ OMX Commodities and Nord Pool Spot announced on Monday 14 February plans to launch a spot market on the N2EX exchange from 5 April

Feb 15th 2011

Government agrees to CRC simplification

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published on Monday 14 February the Government's response to the November consultation on making amendments to the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) Order 2011

Feb 14th 2011

Energy committee to examine security of supply

The Energy and Climate Change Committee announced on Friday 11 February that it will hold an inquiry into Security of Energy Supply

Feb 14th 2011

Brent crude holds above $100/bl, as other exchanges fall to 10-week lows

The price of Brent crude oil for April delivery climbed 0.4% to $101.30/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, while other international oil exchanges dropped to 10-week lows

Feb 11th 2011

Drax consortium bids for CCS funding

Drax, National Grid and France's Alstom have applied for finance from the European NER300 fund to build a 426MW carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration project at Drax's Selby site

Feb 11th 2011

Rise in oil demand beats IEA forecast

On Thursday 10 February the International Energy Agency (IEA) published its latest edition of the Oil Market Report

Feb 10th 2011

Investment in energy set to drive economic growth, says BIS

On Wednesday 9 February the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) published a White Paper on how trade and investment will be the driving force behind the UK's economic recovery

Feb 10th 2011

Arguments for and against shale gas put forward to committee

On Wednesday 9 February scientists and academics gave evidence to the Energy and Climate Change Committee on the exploitation of unconventional gas reserves

Feb 9th 2011

Britain could create low-carbon army, says Barker

On Tuesday 8 February the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published an article by energy and climate change minister Greg Barker on the opportunities of a "green economy"

Feb 9th 2011

Marine industries now a major contributor to economy, says BIS

The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) said on Tuesday 8 February that marine industries are becoming a "major contributor" to the UK economy with combined turnover of £10bn a year

Feb 8th 2011

Huhne launches first review of micro-generation incentives

On Monday 7 February energy secretary Chris Huhne launched a comprehensive review of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) micro-generation incentive scheme following claims that large-scale solar farms could "soak-up money" intended to help homes, communities and small businesses

Feb 8th 2011

Energy department surpasses 10:10 pledge

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has surpassed its pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 10% in 2010 under the 10:10 initiative

Feb 7th 2011

Government sets 2011-12 Roc buy-out price

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) announced on Friday 4 February the buy-out price and mutualisation ceiling for the 2011-12 Renewables Obligation compliance period

Feb 7th 2011

Government updates on Structural Reform plans

The Government published on Friday 4 February progress updates for each department's Structural Reform Plans

Feb 4th 2011

UK wind power load factors fall in 2010

On Wednesday 2 February the Renewable Energy Foundation (REF) published statistics that showed UK wind farms operated at just 24% of capacity last year, down from 28% in 2009

Feb 4th 2011

EEX issues January trading results

On Thursday 3 February the European Energy Exchange (EEX) published its spot and derivative market trading volumes for natural gas and power

Feb 3rd 2011

New guidance to build confidence in green claims

On Wednesday 2 February Defra published guidance to help businesses describe the environmental credentials of their products in order to help consumers make more informed judgements

Feb 3rd 2011

Green Investment Bank will be a bank rather than fund, says Cable

On Wednesday 2 February business secretary Vince Cable gave evidence to the Environment Audit Committee on its Green Investment Bank inquiry

Feb 2nd 2011

UK greenhouse gas emissions down 9% in 2009

On Tuesday 1 February the Department of Energy and Climate Change published final greenhouse gas emission statistics for 2009

Feb 2nd 2011

Study finds wind industry jobs nearly double in two years

The study, Working for a Green Britain: Employment and Skills in the UK Wind and Marine Industries, was published on Tuesday 1 February by Renewable UK and revealed a 91% increase in full-time employment in the UK wind energy sector between 2007-08 and 2009-10

Feb 1st 2011

Europe's 2020 energy targets dependent on carbon price, says Eurelectric

European electricity trade association Eurelectric published a report on Monday 31 January ahead of the EU Energy Council meeting later this week, which outlined the body's position on the European Commission's Energy 2020 Strategy that was published in November last year.

Feb 1st 2011

BP reports heavy loss, as oil prices continue to rise

On Tuesday 1 February oil giant BP posted its first recorded annual loss in almost 20 years.

Jan 31st 2011

Industry fearful of rising oil prices

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, oil giant BP raised concerns that increasing oil prices could damage the economic recovery.

Jan 31st 2011

National Grid "well prepared" for climate change

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published reports on Friday 28 January from seven major infrastructure organisations, including National Grid.

Jan 28th 2011

Gas to exceed coal in energy generation by 2030

On Thursday 27 January ExxonMobil published the latest edition of its Outlook for Energy to 2030.

Jan 28th 2011

Forests for sale

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched a consultation on Thursday 27 January considering the future of the UK's public forest estate.

Jan 27th 2011

Still no sign of carbon markets re-opening following theft claims

Since the European Commission's decision last week to suspend transactions in the EU carbon market registries system following a series of thefts, registries in several countries have been testing their security systems in order to show the Commission that they have the minimum levels of protection needed to re-start trading.

Jan 27th 2011

End of 2010 sees UK FiT capacity rise 50%

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published on Thursday 27 January updated data on the total installed feed-in tariffs (FiT) capacity in the UK.

Jan 26th 2011

Government publishes updates on carbon reduction scheme

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a number of documents on Tuesday 25 January discussing plans that will potentially "simplify" the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC).

Jan 26th 2011

Oil plummets to eight-week low

Brent crude for the March settlement dropped 1.5% to $95.17bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday 25 January.

Jan 25th 2011

Consultant calls for tighter security on carbon markets

On Monday 24 January consultant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) called for the European Commission to mandate tighter security measures.

Jan 25th 2011

Trade advisor urges EU to make the single market work

The UK's trade advisor Lord Brittan has called for "a ruthless focus on making the single market work and tackling restrictive practices in particular sectors" across Europe.

Jan 24th 2011

EU bans industrial gas carbon credits

The European Commission announced on Friday 21 January that offsets raised by destroying HFC 23 and nitrous oxide (N2O) gases will be excluded from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme from 2013

Jan 24th 2011

OFT to study market for energy-from-waste

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) announced on Friday 21 January that it will conduct a study into the market for the treatment of organic waste

Jan 21st 2011

Government provides guidance on penalties under CRC

On Thursday 20 January the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published guidance to authorities on the application of civil penalties under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010

Jan 21st 2011

New wholesale power futures market 10 days from launch

NASDAQ OMX Commodities officially announced on Thursday 20 January the launch date for its new N2EX futures power market will be 31 January

Jan 20th 2011

EU carbon market suspended

The European Commission announced on Wednesday 19 January that the EU emissions trading market has been effectively closed until 26 January

Jan 20th 2011

BP predicts renewables to out-grow oil

The company published the latest edition of its Energy Outlook 2030 report on Wednesday 19 January.

Jan 19th 2011

Survey find businesses are reluctant to invest in green growth

A Carbon Trust survey published on Wednesday 19 January has revealed only one in eight business leaders believe the UK is best placed to take advantage of green growth.

Jan 19th 2011

Power traders ponder calendar change

On Tuesday 18 January the UK Futures and Options Association (FOA) launched a survey asking power traders whether they would like to change the existing calendar to a new one shared with Continental power traders.

Jan 18th 2011

Opec and IEA raise oil demand forecasts

On Monday 17 January the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) announced it had raised its estimates for the amount of crude oil it will supply in 2011 because of rising Asian demand

Jan 18th 2011

Localism Bill could cause renewable energy delays, warns wind industry

The Government's proposed Localism Bill has been criticised by the wind industry as it is believed the legislation could result in delays to renewable energy projects

Jan 17th 2011

Oil prices volatile on demand speculations

Brent crude for the March settlement gained 1.1% , or $1.09/bl, to $98.38/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange on Friday

Jan 17th 2011

Energy costs "damaging economy"

The Major Energy Users Council and the Federation of Small Businesses have claimed that high energy costs are damaging the UK's economic recovery

Jan 14th 2011

UK sells 4.4mn EUAs at auction

On Thursday 13 January the Debt Management Office (DMO) announced that the UK sold 4.4mn EU allowances (EUAs) under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme

Jan 14th 2011

Study finds EU carbon market

In a report published on Friday 14 January analysts Prospex Research claimed the EU carbon market proved to be "resilient" in 2010

Jan 13th 2011

Energy is set to be one of the biggest global risks in the next decade

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently highlighted the interlinked "water-food-energy nexus" as one of the five most pressing risks facing the world over the next ten years

Jan 13th 2011

N2EX set to expand to include electricity futures market

NASDAQ OMX Commodities and Nord Pool AS are set to launch their latest market and clearing services for the UK power market

Jan 12th 2011

DNOs update use of system charges

The electricity Distributed Network Operator (DNO) companies have recently been releasing indicative use of system charges to take effect from 1 April 2011.

Jan 12th 2011

Oil prices rise to 28-month high

Brent crude for the February settlement gained 2%, or $1.91/bl, to $97.61/bl on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday 12 January

Jan 12th 2011

E.ON announces price rise for residential customers

E.ON UK has become the latest energy supplier to put up energy prices for the majority of its domestic gas and electricity customers

Jan 11th 2011

UK and China join forces to push low-carbon growth

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said on Monday 10 January that low-carbon growth was put firmly at the heart of UK-China relations during an inward visit by Chinese vice premier Li Keqiang

Jan 11th 2011

Regulator sets out corporate strategy for 2011-16

The Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published on Monday 10 January its Proposed Corporate Strategy and Plan 2011-16

Jan 10th 2011

Government examines proposals for climate agreements

On Friday 7 January the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published its report on a recent stakeholder workshop on the future of Climate Change Agreements (CCAs)

Jan 10th 2011

Regulator flags ENA's EDCM consultation

The Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) published a letter on Friday 7 January highlighting the Energy Networks Association's (ENA) recently issued consultation on behalf of electricity Distribution Network Operators (DNO)

Jan 7th 2011

PM unveils strategy for economic growth

On Thursday 6 January Prime Minister David Cameron unveiled the Government's plans to help drive economic growth and create jobs across the country

Jan 7th 2011

Proposals published for £200mn technology and innovation network

On Thursday 6 January Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg invited organisations to register interest in forming "elite" technology and innovation centres

Jan 6th 2011

Industrial energy efficiency falls as businesses feel financial pressure

A Survey undertaken by Siemens Financial Services has found that nearly two-thirds of companies are delaying making investments in the energy efficiency of their operations because of financial worries

Jan 6th 2011

High oil prices could hamper economic recovery, says IEA

Speaking on the BBC's World Business News programme on Wednesday 5 January International Energy Agency chief economist Fatih Birol warned high oil prices could threaten the global economic recovery

Jan 5th 2011

UK will speed up switch to renewable energy, says Huhne

Speaking to the media on Tuesday 4 January energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne accused the previous Labour Government of leaving a "pretty damn poor" legacy on renewables

Jan 5th 2011

Draft TNUoS tariffs for 2011-12 set by National Grid

National Grid published on Thursday 23 December draft Transmission Network Use of Systems (TNUoS) tariffs that will apply from 1 April 2011

Jan 4th 2011

Oil prices approaching 27-month highs

International oil prices have continued their recent "bull-run" and reached near 27-month highs on Monday after growth in US and European manufacturing data increased speculation the economic recovery will strengthen fuel demand

Jan 4th 2011

Government issues latest energy statistics

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published on Thursday 23 December the latest edition of its Energy Trends publication, covering the third quarter of 2010

Dec 22nd 2010

Business wants on and off-site measures to count for new zero carbon buildings standard

On Monday 20 December the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) published the summary of responses to its recent Zero-carbon for New Non-domestic Buildings consultation.

Dec 22nd 2010

Government consults on micro-generation

On Wednesday 22 December energy minister Greg Barker launched a formal consultation document on the Government's Micro-generation Strategy.

Dec 21st 2010

National Grid issues a further GBA

On Monday 20 December National Grid issued its second Gas Balancing Alert (GBA) in as many days.

Dec 20th 2010

Green power plants caught in planning delays, says CBI

The Confederation of British Industries (CBI) and unions have called on the Government to clear the backlog of delayed planning applications for energy projects

Dec 20th 2010

UK in energy supply-demand balance despite cold weather

On Monday 20 December National Grid said there are currently "healthy levels" of electricity generation and gas available from a "diverse range of sources", which has left supply and demand in balance despite the current cold snap.

Dec 17th 2010

Government reveals details of electricity market reforms

On Thursday 16 December the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) launched its much-anticipated consultation on electricity market reform.

Dec 17th 2010

Government outlines changes to RO

The Government responded on Thursday 16 December to the recent consultation on changes to the Renewables Obligation (RO).

Dec 16th 2010

Market reform will bring "more for less" in energy, claims Huhne

Ahead of announcing the Electricity Market Reform, energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne promised to make the UK "greener for less", the Energy Saving Trust (EST) reported on Thursday 16 December.

Dec 16th 2010

Large businesses could face £20mn bill under CRC, says consultant

Consultants Carbon Masters have launched an online tool to calculate the cost of participating in the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Dec 14th 2010

Cancun climate talks were a success, says Huhne

On Monday 13 December energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne made a statement to Parliament on the outcomes of the recent UN climate conference in Cancún.

Dec 14th 2010

EU should adopt 30% emissions reduction target, says Hendry

Speaking at an interview in Doha, Qatar on Monday 13 December energy minister Charles Hendry said the EU should tighten climate change targets to reduce emissions by 30% from 1990 levels by 2020, up from the current 20% target, Bloomberg reported.

Dec 13th 2010

Government provides updates on EU ETS progress

On Friday 10 December the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a document detailing the plan for continued implementation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Dec 13th 2010

UK businesses seriously undervalue energy efficiency, says Carbon Trust

The Carbon Trust published a study on Monday 13 December that concluded businesses are wasting "at least" £1.6bn a year by failing to embrace energy efficiency measures.

Dec 10th 2010

Green Deal on track as energy bill makes it to Commons

DECC has highlighted Wednesday's first reading in the House of Lords of the Energy Bill with a summary of the Green Deal, its key component.

Dec 10th 2010

Consumer group increases 2011 oil demand forecast

For the third month in a row the International Energy Agency, the OECD-sponsored group on energy issues, has raised its forecast of global oil demand for 2011.

Dec 9th 2010

Huhne reiterates commitment to new global climate deal

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne urged delegates at the UN climate change summit at Cancun to make progress on a deal to succeed the Kyoto Protocol on global emissions reduction.

Dec 9th 2010

Developer bullish on first UK shale gas well

Developer Caudrilla Resources believes its exploratory drilling for shale gas resources at Preese Hall in Lancashire has been "very successful so far".

Dec 8th 2010

Government outlines its new nuclear clean-up proposals

On Tuesday 7 December the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published two consultations concerning the clean-up of nuclear waste from new power generation.

Dec 8th 2010

Consumers should expect energy bills to rise, says Big Six

On Tuesday 7 December heads of the Big Six energy companies appeared before the Commons Energy and Climate Committee, after being called to give evidence on the recent standard tariff rises.

Dec 7th 2010

UK should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, says CCC

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) published its latest advice to government on climate change targets on Tuesday 7 December.

Dec 7th 2010

Businesses have "important role" in adapting to climate change, says PwC

On Monday 6 December consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) published a report on the views of businesses on adaptation to climate change to mark the Global Business Day at the UN Climate Summit in Cancún.

Dec 6th 2010

Green Deal is ready for launch, says Government

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) confirmed on Friday 3 December it had completed the design for the domestic element of the Green Deal finance mechanism.

Dec 6th 2010

Regulator still concerned over liquidity in wholesale power market

On Friday 3 December Ofgem published an open letter detailing the outcomes and the next steps for its 18-month investigation into liquidity in the wholesale power market.

Dec 3rd 2010

IPPR calls for innovation in energy sector

The Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) published its New Era Economics programme pamphlet on Thursday 2 December.

Dec 3rd 2010

UK could be "powered by renewables by 2030", says study

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) has claimed the UK could be powered entirely by renewables by 2030 if renewable energy targets are made "more ambitious".

Dec 2nd 2010

Construction industry must change to meet low-carbon plans, says study

A report by the Innovation and Growth Team published in late November has concluded the construction industry faces the "largest change management programme since Victorian times" if it is to succeed in meeting the low-carbon agenda.

Dec 2nd 2010