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CBI: UK's green recovery could generate £700bn economic boost by 2030
The Confederation for British Industry (CBI) has launched a major new campaign uniting business in the push for a green recovery from Covid-19, claiming that this could bring £700bn of economic benefits for the UK this decade.
Taking place today: Last chance to register for edie's flagship Countdown to COP26 event
The UK Cabinet Office's director of partnerships and engagement Matt Toombs has joined the likes of WBCSD director Claire O'Neill and O2's head of corporate responsibility and sustainability Tracey Herald among the headline speakers at edie's Countdown to COP26 virtual event Thursday (20 May).
After Green Homes Grant failure, Government 'dodges' recommendations on energy-efficient homes
The Government has admitted that it did not consult stakeholders before launching the now-defunct Green Homes Grant scheme, in a document that MPs have said is evidence that it is shirking responsibility on domestic energy efficiency.
50,000 jobs by 2050: UK Government outlines plans to scale up carbon capture sector
According to a new paper from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the UK's carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) sector could scale rapidly to support 50,000 jobs by mid-century.
edie launches Countdown to COP26 Festival of content and events ahead of crucial climate summit
edie has today (7 May) unveiled a six-month programme of digital content and events which will unite thousands of business leaders, sustainability and energy professionals, policymakers, academics and green groups in the run-up to the COP26 climate talks.
UK Government 'unable to prove it will meet green R&D targets'
The UK Government has not outlined how it will deliver on plans to ramp up green R&D funding in fields like construction, manufacturing, transport and plastics, MPs have claimed, as they call for an "overhaul" of the funding process.
BEIS mulling fashion adjudicator to tackle human rights abuses
MPs have proposed the creation of a clothing sector adjudicator, in a bid to hold fashion firms accountable for labour abuses and environmental issues in their supply chains.
Green Homes Grant: Less than 10% of promised vouchers issued
Less than £200m of the £2bn of vouchers initially promised under the UK's Green Homes Grant Scheme has been issued, new official Government figures show.
Fracking ban should continue for UK to meet net-zero, CCC warns
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has told the UK Government that restrictions on onshore fracking for shale gas must be continued until scientists have a better understanding of its full environmental impact.
Green Homes Grant scheme to officially close this week, UK Government confirms
The UK Government has confirmed that it will axe its Green Homes Grant Scheme, which had £1.5bn of its £2bn funding pot withdrawn, on Wednesday (31 March).
Covid-19 sees carbon emissions fall 10% in 2020 as UK nears half-way mark to net-zero
The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic delivered an estimated 10.7% reduction in carbon emissions in 2020, with total greenhouse gas emissions almost 50% lower than they were in 1990, the baseline year for the UK's net-zero target.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Sam Lux, Department for BEIS
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Sam Lux, policy advisor at BEIS.
Six top tips for super-charging energy efficiency on the road to net-zero
Last week, edie hosted a 45-minute masterclass on energy efficiency, featuring expert speakers from BEIS, BAM Nuttall and the Carbon Trust. Here, we round up their key takeaways.
Six changes to UK green policy that you need to know about this week
The UK Government has announced several important changes to green policy packages this week. Here, edie rounds up the flurry announcements from BEIS, Defra and the Treasury.
Now available on demand: edie's 45-minute masterclass on energy efficiency
edie's online masterclass on energy efficiency, featuring expert speakers from BEIS, Bam Nuttall and the Carbon Trust, is now available to watch on-demand.
Ed Miliband criticises Government decision to 'axe' Industrial Strategy
Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband has criticised a decision from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to archive the flagship Industrial Strategy, joining concerns from green groups that the decision could dent business and policymaker relations.
Molson Coors unveils bottles with 90% lower carbon footprint
The Molson Coors Beverage Company is rolling out new glass beer bottles that have reduced the carbon emissions associated with production by up to 90%.
UK Government has 'no plan' for reaching net-zero, MPs warn
Almost two years after enshrining the 2050 net-zero target in UK law, cross-party MPs have heard evidence that the Government still lacks a credible plan for delivery.
Budget 2021: Businesses and charities make last-minute calls for green funding to Rishi Sunak
With the 2021 Budget being announced on Wednesday (3 March), Chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing mounting pressure over the Green Homes Grant, National Nature Service and other green policy decisions.
Drax scraps gas plant plans in Yorkshire, following climate concerns
Drax is scrapping plans to build the largest gas plant in Europe, which has faced legal challenges on climate grounds in recent months.
Boris Johnson faces pressure from his own Tory MPs to close net-zero 'policy gaps'
More than two dozen Conservative MPs have committed to championing green policies and solutions that will help the UK meet its net-zero target in Parliament, amid concerns that major policy gaps remain.
Billions to be slashed from Green Homes Grant budget
The Government is facing criticism for a decision to pull the majority of funding for the £2bn Green Homes Grant, less than a year after it was unveiled to improve household energy efficiency and play a key role in an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Kwasi Kwarteng: Recent policy decisions send mixed messages on UK climate action
BEIS Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has admitted that the UK needs a stronger and more joined-up policy framework to deliver its net-zero target and claimed that decisions such as not blocking a new coal mine in Cumbria "send mixed messages".
UK's energy storage pipeline passes 16GW
The UK has more than 16GW of battery storage capacity planned across more than 700 projects, with the technology emerging as a key enabler of the net-zero target, new research has revealed.
Green Homes Grant: Government admits that meeting 600,000 homes target could take a decade
When the Government launched its Green Homes Grant last year, it aimed to improve energy efficiency for 600,000 homes. But a BEIS minister has admitted that just 20,000 vouchers have been issued to date.
Landmark review calls for nature to be included in economic decision making
A new landmark review has been launched today (2 February), outlining how businesses and policymakers can include and account for nature as part of economic decisions, with many claiming the findings could be as influential as the Stern review on climate change.
Government unveils £85m package to support low-carbon aviation innovations
Projects developing hydrogen and fully electrified aircraft have secured multi-million-pound funding pots from the UK Government, in the hopes of the nation hosting zero-emission flights by 2023.
edie's next online masterclass to focus on industrial energy efficiency
edie's next online masterclass has been confirmed for Wednesday 10 March and will explore the role that energy efficiency will play on the road to net-zero for industrial business.
Spotlight on renewables: How did the UK's energy mix change in 2020?
EU data released this week revealed that renewable generation overtook coal and gas in 2020. But what happened in the UK's renewable energy markets in 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic? Here, we round up the key facts and stats on capacity and output.
Major gas grid companies team up to outline hydrogen deployment plans
Britain's five major gas grid companies have launched a major collaborative plan to create the UK's first hydrogen town by 2030 as well as creating a network of hydrogen refuelling stations for transport and helping to decarbonise industrial clusters.
Kwasi Kwarteng admits 'tension' between UK's new coal mine and climate ambitions
BEIS Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has admitted that the Government's decision not to intervene with the planning process for a new coal mine in Cumbria is at odds with its domestic climate targets and the messages it wants to send as COP26 host.
Bruichladdich distillery explores hydrogen heating
Bruichladdich Distillery is exploring how hydrogen combustion technology can reduce reliance on fuel oil to meet the island-based facility's heating demand.
Kwasi Kwarteng steps up to BEIS Secretary post as Alok Sharma takes on full-time COP Presidency
The Government has confirmed that Alok Sharma will step down from his position as Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to enable more focus on his role as COP26 President, with Kwasi Kwarteng named as his replacement.
UK's oil and gas sector outlines net-zero vision, but remains reluctant to downsize
The watchdog for the UK's oil and gas industry has published a strategy designed to align businesses with the 2050 net-zero target, but green groups want more done to cap production and increase investment in renewables.
Net-zero impact on UK economy to be 'relatively small', Treasury finds
The HM Treasury has published a final report in the build-up to a Net-Zero Spending Review, claiming that the transition to meeting the UK's long-term climate goals could deliver "slightly positive or slightly negative" economic growth for the UK, depending on how decisive policy action is.
Government ponders 120GW of solar to help reach net-zero
On the same day that the Energy White Paper was unveiled, the Government also launched a new consultation on how financing and deployment of renewable technologies can accelerate action towards net-zero, with up to 120GW of solar capacity mooted as a means to quadruple green energy nationally.
Five things you need to know about the Energy White Paper
After months of delays, the UK Government finally unveiled its Energy White Paper on Monday (14 December) detailing how an overhaul to transport, energy and infrastructure will deliver an "overwhelmingly decarbonised power in the 2030s" on the road to net-zero by 2050.
UK's largest battery storage project receives planning consent in Essex
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has granted planning consent for one of the world's largest battery storage projects to be delivered on the banks of the Thames in Essex.
BEIS, Lego Group and Anglian Water confirmed among latest wave of speakers for Sustainability Leaders Forum
The chief executive of Anglian Water, Peter Simpson, and Minister for Business Energy and Clean Growth Kwasi Kwarteng are among the latest headline speakers that will feature at edie's biggest event of the year - the Sustainability Leaders Forum - which takes place as a global, virtual event on 2-4 February 2021.
BEIS gives businesses extra 12 months to apply for RHI
The UK Government has confirmed that it will extend the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme by 12 months, in light of the impact of Covid-19 on the private sector.
£130m battery development centre gears up in Coventry
A new multi-million-pound industrialisation centre to test recyclable and innovative battery systems is ready to become operational in Coventry.
BEIS announces £183m funding round for electric vehicles and cleantech start-ups
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has allocated new multi-million-pound funding pots to cleantech innovators, including companies developing AI for wind turbines and high-power batteries for electric cars.
Government to publish 'comprehensive' net-zero strategy in build up to COP26
The UK Government has responded to the latest Committee on Climate Change (CCC) progress report, pledging to publish a "comprehensive" strategy that will detail how all parts of the economy will decarbonise in line with the national net-zero emissions target for 2050.
Businesses and green groups call for Government to set out 'negative emissions' policy framework
The National Farmers Union (NFU), Heathrow Airport and the Renewable Energy Association (REA) are amongst the organisations that have formed the Coalition for Negative Emissions, which is this week calling on the UK Government to set an "unambiguous commitment" to carbon capture and negative emissions.
£2bn Green Homes Grant and £1bn Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme open for applications
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has officially launched £3bn of initiatives aimed at improving the energy efficiency of housing and public sector buildings.
World's first commercial-grade hydrogen plane takes flight in UK, as government urged to grow 'green' hydrogen sector
The first flight of a hydrogen-powered, commercial-grade aircraft has been successfully completed in Bedford, while UK ministers face fresh calls to help scale up the domestic market for hydrogen produced using renewables.
Climate Week NYC: What happened on day one?
With COP26 postponed and many other large climate events postponed, rescheduled or moved online, all eyes are on Climate Week NYC. Here, edie rounds up the key announcements from the first day.
BEIS to review whether UK's oil and gas licencing regime is net-zero compatible
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will review whether its plans for the future oil and gas licencing regime are "aligned with tackling climate change" and compatible with the UK's 2050 net-zero target.
UK Government halves offshore wind cost forecasts
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has slashed its forecasts for offshore wind energy costs through to 2030 by more than half, in the first update to predictions since 2016.
UK's CCS deployment lacking 'comprehensive' planning on non-cluster sites
The UK's net-zero transition is lacking a "comprehensive regulatory framework" to overcome challenges to "dispersed" sites that would be suitable for carbon capture technology (CCS) but that aren't located in industrial clusters.
BEIS eyes CfD model to help scale-up UK's green hydrogen economy
Large-scale hydrogen projects with renewables could soon be included in the UK's Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions, after a new government report identified the mechanism as a favoured option for scaling up 'green' hydrogen technologies.
'Crack on': Alok Sharma implores businesses to join £2bn Green Homes Grant
Business Secretary Alok Sharma has called on tradespeople across the UK to access the Government's new £2bn Green Homes Grants scheme to mobilise efforts to improve the energy efficiency of the UK's housing stock.
UK Government extends Climate Change Agreement tax breaks
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is extending its Climate Change Agreement (CCA) scheme for businesses by two years, following a consultation which highlighted its popularity.
UK broke renewable energy generation record in 2019, latest BEIS figures show
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published its latest annual energy statistics, revealing that a record 37.1% of the electricity generated in the UK in 2019 was renewable.
MPs question whether the UK's Industrial Strategy is fit-for-purpose
MPs on the BEIS Committee are launching an inquiry into the UK's Industrial Strategy, questioning whether major updates to the policy package are needed in light of the 2050 net-zero target and the Covid-19 crisis.
Government urged to spend £5bn to unlock £100bn green recovery
A group of businesses, mayors and political leaders have called on the Conservative government to spend £5bn to deliver on its promised manifesto pledges in order to unlock £100bn in capital investment on energy efficiency and create more than 300,000 green jobs.
CCC: UK's net-zero transition could be easier than first thought
The Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) chair, co-chair and chief analyst believe that the UK's transition to net-zero could be accelerated, rather than hampered, by the Covid-19 crisis.
Renewables accounted for record 47% of UK generation in first quarter of 2020
Renewable energy accounted for almost half of the UK's electricity generation between January and March 2020, it has been revealed.
UK proposes national Emissions Trading System to replace EU carbon market
The UK Government has published new proposals on its individual UK-wide Emissions Trading System (ETS) that would replace the EU's carbon trading variant.
BEIS approves UK's largest solar farm
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has this week approved what is set to be the UK's largest solar farm, located in Kent.
UK's largest solar farm expected to be approved
Development consent for what would be the UK's largest solar farm is expected to be confirmed by the Government this week, which could also see the world's largest energy storage system co-located at the site in the Kent countryside.
Government to introduce 'carbon threshold' for Capacity Market
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has outlined reforms to the Capacity Market auction system which will enable demand-side response technologies to bid for 15-year contracts while adding a carbon emissions limit to spur an increase of low-carbon assets offered contracts.
Government-funded Vehicle-to-Grid project completes grid balancing trials
A Government-funded Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) project has successfully participated in a trial aimed at providing real-time control of when and how electric vehicles (EVs) are charged and discharged to help balance the grid.
Petersberg Climate Dialogue: Alok Sharma rallies for global net-zero transition policies
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and COP26 President, Alok Sharma, spoke at the 11th Petersberg Climate Dialogue to call on nations to "set clear targets and policies" that are aligned to a rapid net-zero transition and will stimulate green economic growth.
Alok Sharma: 'Focus has not stopped' on global climate action
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Alok Sharma had stated that the UK remains focused on preparations for the delayed COP26 climate summit, claiming that nations can't treat the coronavirus pandemic and climate action as an "either-or" scenario.
Businesses called upon to consult on £300m energy-saving Climate Change Agreement
The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a two-month consultation on an extension to the Climate Change Agreement (CCA), a legislative mechanism that enables businesses to save up to £300m annually on energy costs.
Ed Miliband named as BEIS Shadow Secretary
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband has made a return to front-bench politics after being named by the party's new leader Keir Starmer as the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), giving him a key role in lobbying for green policy.
UK's domestic emissions fall 3.6% as renewables take record generation share
The UK's domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions underwent a 3.6% year-on-year fall in 2019 - during which time renewable energy rose to a record 36.9% share of electricity generation.
Calls for Government to secure biomass pipeline during coronavirus outbreak
Associations from the UK's biomass fuel supply chain have called for the UK Government to ensure the sector can continue to deliver low-carbon heating to households and business facilities that are still open and under increased pressure due to the coronavirus outbreak.
SMEs and households to benefit from energy efficiency clean technology trials
The UK Government has backed a new digital energy efficiency platform for SMEs to receive automated advice to save energy, in the same week that a smart homes project that uses AI technology on hot water systems to generate storage capacity and manage grid demand commenced.
Committee meetings with Claire O'Neill and Alok Sharma postponed
Due to the ongoing disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak, the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee session with former COP26 President Claire O'Neill and the Lords Committee meeting with her replacement Alok Sharma have both been postponed.
BEIS: Energy efficiency installations increased in 2019
New figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) show nearly 220,000 energy efficiency measures were installed through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Green Deal framework in 2019 - a 5% year-on-year increase.
TODAY AT 1PM: Join edie's webinar on achieving net-zero
Readers have only a few hours left to register for edie's net-zero webinar, which will outline some of the key elements in the field of setting goals for net-zero carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.
New digital tool launched by Government to simplify SECR reporting
The Government agency and reporting council overseeing compliance for the upcoming Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) standards have launched a new taxonomy to submit relevant data in better aligned digital formats.
'A national first': UK generates more electricity from renewables than gas
The UK's electricity generation from renewable sources surpassed generation from gas for the first time since records began during the third quarter of 2019, the latest Government figures have shown.
Waste heat from London Underground to warm homes in Islington
More than 1,350 homes, a school and two leisure centres in Islington are to benefit from a new energy centre that is harnessing waste heat from the London Underground tube network.
Government announces major overhaul to UK's onshore wind subsidies
Updated: The UK Government has reversed its decision to effectively ban onshore wind, solar and energy storage from competing in the Contracts for Difference (CfD) rounds, following calls for a review to its renewables policy framework in light of the net-zero target.
Low-carbon generation edges past 50% share of UK's power demand
New statistics from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have confirmed that low-carbon generation accounted for more than 51% of the electricity supplied in the UK in 2019, a 2% growth on 2018 levels.
Energy companies trial 'heat-as-a-service' to drive demand for low-carbon solutions
UK energy companies Bristol Energy and Baxi Heating have completed year-long trials funded by the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to explore whether offering heat as a service could drive demand for low-carbon heating solutions in the UK's domestic building stock.
Government focuses on hydrogen in £90m industrial decarbonisation funding
The UK Government has announced £90m in funding to help cut emissions from industrial processes and the built environment, including the backing of two low-carbon hydrogen production plants.
Cabinet reshuffle: All the key personnel changes that will impact the green economy
BREAKING: Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers has been sacked and replaced by George Eustice, while Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom has been replaced by International Development Secretary Alok Sharma, who has also been named as COP26 President.
Alok Sharma: What we know about the COP26 President's views on climate change
In an unexpected announcement, Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom has been replaced by International Development Secretary Alok Sharma, who has also been named as COP26 President. Here, edie examines Sharma's track record on climate legislation to date.
UK's low-carbon heat networks receive £40m Government boost
The Government has outlined how it will allocate £40m to bring seven new low-carbon heat networks online across London, Leeds, Liverpool and Bristol.
Government's plans for low-carbon homes are 'a step backwards' on climate, London Mayor warns
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged Ministers to improve plans for decarbonising the UK's built environment sector, claiming that the capital and other cities are already going further and faster in the face of the climate emergency.
Former defence and health Minister Philip Dunne elected as EAC chair
Philip Dunne MP has become the new chair of the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), after previous chair Mary Creagh lost her seat as MP for Wakefield in December's general election.
Latest Government figures spark fears that UK's green economy is 'stagnating'
The latest Government figures reveal that turnover in the UK's low-carbon economy was £46.7bn in 2018, up from £40.5bn in 2015. But the 2018 figure is still equivalent to just 1% of national non-financial turnover, experts have warned.
New Years Honours 2020: The sustainability champions on the Queen's list
The 2020 New Year Honours list has recognised the outstanding achievements of more than 90 figures across the UK's environmental sphere, including green business figures, policy experts and scientists working to combat climate change and marine pollution.
Reports: Boris Johnson planning to scrap BEIS and re-instate DECC after Brexit
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning a sweeping array of reforms to key Government departments after his victory in last week's general election, including the reinstatement of a Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), according to several reports.
Net-zero cities: Nottingham's mission to be carbon-neutral by 2028
edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Nottingham plans to become the UK's first carbon-neutral city by 2028.
'Promises are not enough': Green economy reacts to Boris Johnson's historic election win
After the Conservative Party secured a landslide victory in the UK's general election, members of the nation's green economy are calling on Boris Johnson to turn the green ideations in his party's manifesto into action.
Onshore wind poised for first foray into Capacity Market
Renewables are poised to make their first foray into the Capacity Market after a number of onshore wind projects prequalified for the upcoming auctions.
Government to send 30,000 invites for citizen climate assembly
The UK Government will send out 30,000 letters to invite members of the public to join a citizens' assembly aimed at outlining how the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can meet net-zero emissions targets.
Energy minister to consider departmental carbon budgets
The energy and clean growth minister has told MPs he will look into the idea that government departments should be setting their own carbon budgets.
Billions wanted: Report sets net-zero price as Siemens aims for £100bn green project pipeline
Technology firm Siemens has signed an agreement with a coalition of 94 local authority political leaders across the UK to help unlock green investment towards clean energy projects, as a new report warns that up to £20bn may be required annually to deliver the UK's net-zero commitment.
Coal drops to record low generation share in UK
Coal power generated a record low of 0.6% of the UK's grid mix between April and June, the latest official Government statistics have revealed.
Jo Johnson quits Ministerial role at BEIS
Jo Johnson has stepped down from his role as under-secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), just six weeks after his appointment.
Coal generation becoming a 'distant memory' as share of energy mix falls to 0.7%
The amount of energy generated from coal sources in the UK has fallen to a record-low output of 0.7% - a 63% decline on the same period the year prior - with low-carbon making up more than half of the UK's energy mix.
Government sets aside funds to explore low-carbon hydrogen
The government has awarded 20 projects a share of £7 million to explore innovative ways of making and using low-carbon hydrogen.
Number of flights taken by BEIS officials soars
The Whitehall officials responsible for tackling the climate crisis dramatically increased their domestic flights last year despite the huge carbon footprint associated with aviation.
