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UK Government funnels £31m into floating offshore wind
A week after Scottish seabed plots were auctioned to the developers of 16GW of floating wind projects, the UK Government has confirmed £31m of new funding for the sector, which will be matched by funding from the private sector.
Bradford city centre to pilot 'green street' initiative for SMEs
Bradford city centre has been chosen to pilot a new Government-backed Green Street initiative that aims to help small and independent businesses improve sustainability practices.
UK community energy leaders say Government has 'abandoned' them, despite net-zero commitment
Those leading community energy projects across the UK are urging the Government to provide more support in 2022, after last year's Budgets and Net-Zero Strategy provided little in the way of new funding or regulation.
Vattenfall exploring high-temperature heat pumps for UK market, BEIS allocates more funding for heat networks
Vattenfall has confirmed plans to launch an innovative heat pump solution in the Netherlands, with a view to a UK launch, while the UK Government has allocated £19m of fresh funding to heat networks.
From rewilding to renewable energy: Seven UK green policy stories to follow in 2022
2021 saw the UK Government publishing swathes of paperwork with more detail on delivering net-zero, improving adaptation and restoring nature. But several policy gaps remain as we enter a new year. Here, edie rounds up seven policy stories to be aware of in 2022.
BEIS proposes climate 'stress tests' for oil and gas projects, stops short of setting end date
The UK Government has outlined plans to introduce climate stress tests, which future oil and gas extraction projects domestically would need to meet in order to pass future licensing rounds.
UK Government opens 'biggest round' of CfD energy auctions to date
The fourth round of the UK Government's Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction scheme, designed to increase investment in low-carbon energy, has opened, aiming to support 12GW of new generation capacity.
Cambo oil field project 'put on pause' after Shell pulls out
Energy firm Siccar Point has said it will put plans for the controversial Cambo oil field development, which has faced mounting calls from green groups and ministers to be scrapped, "on pause".
UK Government urged to create net-zero delivery authority over concerns about 'piecemeal' approach
Think-tank Policy Connect, supported by a cross-party group of MPs, is calling on the UK Government to apply net-zero 'stress tests' to all major policy decisions and to create a net-zero delivery authority to help turn long-term climate goals into joined-up action.
UK Government opens £64m funding competition for carbon capture innovations
The UK Government has opened a new funding pot for innovators developing direct air capture (DAC) technologies and other greenhouse gas removal systems.
Mayor of London unveils £51m housing programme to tackle fuel poverty
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has unveiled a new £51m programme to tackle fuel poverty for households in the capital in early 2022.
After a bumper year for UK green policy updates, what gaps remain on the road to net-zero?
Although the UK Government has published a swathe of environmental policy updates around COP26 this year, there are still "mixed signals" as the argument that sustainability and profitability are at odds rages on.
UK Government set to extend deadlines for non-domestic renewable heat scheme
UK businesses seeking the Government's support to decarbonise will likely have an extra year to apply to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), as a proposed extension to the scheme has been announced.
Ed Miliband named Shadow Secretary for climate change and net-zero in Labour reshuffle
Labour has named former party leader Ed Miliband as its new Shadow Secretary of State of Climate Change and Net Zero, as part of a Shadow Cabinet reshuffle that will see him champion a New Green Deal in the UK.
Scottish distilleries receive £11.3m Government funding pot for hydrogen and biogas
A string of Scottish distilleries have received funding from the UK Government's Net-Zero Innovation Portfolio, to help them switch to low-carbon heating systems that use hydrogen and biogas.
Cranfield University to install energy storage units using second-life EV batteries
Cranfield University will introduce three battery storage units at its Bedfordshire campus early next year, in a move that will enable the university to store and use renewable energy from a co-located solar farm.
UK to enforce mandatory TCFD reporting from April 2022
The UK Government has today (29 October) confirmed it will make it mandatory for large companies to disclose information in alignment with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), becoming the first G20 nation to enshrine it into law.
Four top tips for helping your business to comply with ESOS Phase 3
Earlier this month, edie hosted a 45-minute masterclass to help businesses stay ahead of the curve with the third phase of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), featuring expert speakers from BEIS and Inspired Energy. Here, we round up the key takeaways.
Recapping a bumper week for UK green policy: Here's what you need to know
To say it has been a busy week for green policy announcements in the UK would be an understatement. Here, edie recaps the key changes from the Net-Zero Strategy, Heat and Buildings Strategy, Environment Bill and HM Treasury.
At a glance: All the key announcements in the Net-Zero Strategy
The UK Government has finally published its Net-Zero Strategy, a comprehensive run-through of how the nation will decarbonise in a way that "transforms every sector of the global economy", although some green groups don't believe the steps outlined in the Strategy can mobilise action to deliver net-zero by 2050.
Net-Zero Review: Carbon pricing won't offset tax revenue losses from fossil fuels
On the day that the UK's Net-Zero Strategy was published, the Treasury has warned that policies must be put in place to address a £37bn deficit that could arise from a loss of tax revenue as the shift away from fossil fuel continues.
A substantial step forward, or huge letdown? The green economy reacts to the Net-Zero Strategy
The UK's Net-Zero Strategy is finally here, but the reaction to the nation's blueprint to decarbonisation ranges from those believing it provides much-needed clarity for business to others claiming it does nowhere near enough to drive all parts of the economy to net-zero by 2050.
Four key inclusions in the Heat and Buildings Strategy
The UK Government has unveiled its long-awaited plans for transitioning heat and buildings to net-zero. Here, edie pulls out the key facts and stats from the Heat and Buildings Strategy.
Heat and Buildings Strategy: £450m grant scheme launched to help homes switch gas boilers for heat pumps
The long-awaited Heat and Buildings Strategy has been published this evening (18 October), including a £450m boiler upgrade scheme for homes as part of a broader £3.9bn funding package.
UK Government firms up 100% clean electricity target for 2035
The UK Government has confirmed that plans to end unabated fossil fuelled electricity generation by 2035, floated by Boris Johnson at the Conservative Party Conference, will be enshrined in law.
Six green policy updates you need to know about this week
Several big stories about the UK's climate, energy and environmental policies have been in the headlines this week. Here, edie rounds up the flurry of announcements.
£12bn for offshore wind and £1bn for hydrogen: Flurry of low-carbon tech investments for UK
Ørsted has revealed plans to spend £12bn with Scottish firms on offshore wind, in the same week that Ineos confirmed a £1bn hydrogen investment and the UK Government opened a new fund to help high-carbon businesses to decarbonise.
Kwarteng and Sharma keep key climate roles as part of cabinet reshuffle
COP26 President Alok Sharma and BEIS Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng have both remained in their respective positions, as part of the Prime Minister's cabinet reshuffle that saw former Environment Secretary Michael Gove step into the head of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Green Homes Grant was 'set up to fail', damning report concludes
The National Audit Office (NAO) has released a report charting a litany of failures in the Government's plans for delivering the now-closed Green Homes Grant, revealing that £1000 is likely to be spent on administration costs for every home which received funding.
UK's hopes of boosting hydrogen trade hobbled by Brexit
The UK Hydrogen Strategy, unveiled last week , has many similarities with the EU's own blueprint presented one year before, analysts say. But trade and regulatory cooperation between the two sides is complicated by Brexit, with the UK likely to become a rule-taker at the end of the day.
Net-Zero Strategy must not repeat past mistakes on low-carbon homes, major groups warn Prime Minister
A coalition of industry and consumer groups are urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ensure that the upcoming Heat and Buildings Strategy and Net-Zero Strategy do not repeat historic mistakes on decarbonising homes.
£160m Government funding boost for improving energy efficiency of social housing
The UK Government has launched a new £160m fund to support social housing providers in making properties more energy efficient.
New online hub to help UK's independent retailers become more sustainable
After much recent research concluding that UK-based small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are struggling to improve their environmental credentials, the Retail Sector Council (RSC) has launched a new digital hub offering practical advice.
5 ways the Hydrogen Strategy can help the UK's net-zero ambition
The UK Government has unveiled its long-awaited Hydrogen Strategy, outlining how a multi-billion-pound investment into the technology can reduce emissions and create jobs on the road to net-zero. Here, edie looks at five roles that hydrogen could play in delivering rapid decarbonisation.
'Key to triggering investment and buy-in': Green economy reacts to UK's Hydrogen Strategy
The much-anticipated Hydrogen Strategy has been published today (17 August) by the UK Government. Here, edie rounds up all the key reactions from across the green economy.
UK Hydrogen Strategy published, with Government targeting £4bn of private investment by 2030
The UK Government has today (17 August) published its much-awaited Hydrogen Strategy, outlining plans to unlock £4bn of investment in blue and green generation, storage and usage this decade.
Government plans crackdown on greenwashing claims from energy providers
The UK Government has outlined plans to review how energy firms use the environmental credentials of their tariffs to market them, amid concerns that some providers are overstating the green benefits.
Humber region to benefit from £260m offshore wind investment
More than £260m has been granted in Government funding to develop next generation wind turbines in the Humber region, in a move that will support the UK's net-zero vision while creating and safeguarding more than 1,000 green jobs.
EDF and Nissan launch V2G charging solution for business fleets
EDF and Nissan have launched a new service for UK businesses that enables electric vehicle (EV) fleets to access vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging technology.
UK's fossil fuel generation reached a record low in 2020, as renewables reached new heights
The UK Government has released new data on energy generation and consumption during 2020, revealing that fossil fuel generation plummeted to new lows as demand dipped due to Covid-19 restrictions affecting the transport sector.
New environmental roadmap developed for homebuilders
UK homebuilders have backed a new Government-led plan to ensure that new builds are zero-carbon ready by 2025 as well as improving biodiversity and reducing waste.
Innovation Strategy: UK Government bets on nature-based climate solutions and CCUS
Energy and environment technologies have been named as one of seven priority focus areas of the UK's new Innovation Strategy, designed to increase annual public R&D to a record £22bn.
UK urged to level-up regions through CCUS supply chains
The trade body for the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) industry in the UK has noted that a successful rollout of the technology could create a thriving supply chain in the UK which would deliver job growth, provided enabling policies are introduced.
Construction Leadership Council plots path to net-zero
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC), which is co-chaired by Minister for Business and Industry, Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Anne-Marie Trevelyan, has outlined plans to help the sector reach net-zero emissions as part of the wider national target.
National Grid could lose electricity system operator role under new BEIS and Ofgem plans
The UK Government and energy regulator Ofgem have outlined their initial views on replacing National Grid with a new independent system operator for electricity and gas, as part of a string of policy updates designed to accelerate the low-carbon transition.
British Glass outlines net-zero roadmap for 2050
The businesses representing the UK's glass sector have outlined a new roadmap that will enable the industry to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Theresa May named as new Aldersgate Group chair
Green business coalition the Aldersgate Group has named former Prime Minister Theresa May as its new chair, effective from Tuesday (20 July).
UK Government 'not taking the public's views on net-zero transition into account'
The Government's plans for engaging the general public with the net-zero transition and ensuring that impacts are socially fair have been "insufficient to date", MPs are warning.
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.
