decarbonisation
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Government launches £320m scheme to help decarbonise UK's heat networks
The Government has launched a £320m scheme to help accelerate the adoption of low-carbon heat technologies across the UK's public, private and domestic sectors, on the same week that further tweaks to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) were criticised.
Sir David King: Urgent focus needed on climate 'restoration'
The UK Government's former chief scientific advisor Sir David King has called for a $150 carbon price to be implemented globally and for the UK Government to focus on a net-zero emissions policy for 2045 to start to "repair and restore" the climate.
Report: UK leading G20 in low-carbon transition
The UK is leading the rest of the G20 nations in transitioning towards a low-carbon future by decoupling emissions from economic growth, although global decarbonisation rates aren't currently strong enough to meet the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
Dude, where’s my EV?
Coinciding with government's Zero Emission Vehicles Summit, the Aldersgate Group published a briefing which sets out the major barriers to decarbonising UK road transport. Will Tricker, Policy Officer at the Group, considers what further support is needed from government to ensure UK businesses are best placed to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).
Companies call for net-zero emissions by 2050 to help transition to low-carbon economy
Ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit on 12-14 September, Cambridge-based Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group has called for a worldwide government-mandated net zero carbon emissions target by 2050 to help speed up the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Machine makers are leading the way to low-carbon
With regulators and markets increasingly demanding the decarbonisation of high-emitting sectors, we are on the verge of a low-carbon industrial revolution. However, to get over the line the products and services supplied to these sectors need to transform.
‘Heads above the parapet’: Corporates urged to raise ambitions on renewables
The Climate Group and CDP are urging corporates to go further than setting 100% renewable electricity commitments - and to bring deadlines for such targets forward - if they wish to drive the clean energy transition for the benefit of the business community.
Innovation required to spur cargo shipping sector towards 2050 emission reduction targets
Despite recent progress towards decarbonisation by the world's leading maritime shipping companies, the sector is in need of innovation to spur it towards the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) 2050 target of halving CO2 emissions from 2008 levels.
edie at 20: Despite the idiocy that is Brexit, we can do it
For edie's 20th anniversary, prominent environmental peer Lord Deben reflects on green policy, Brexit, carbon budgets and flat-earthers.
Scotland outpaces rest of UK in carbon reduction, halving emissions since 1990
Scotland has met its statutory annual climate change target for the third consecutive year, achieving a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions against a 1990 baseline.
Government launches £102m fund for clean energy research
The UK Government has launched a £102.5m investment programme in a bid to tackle the challenges the UK faces as the renewables revolution continues, suggesting that the nation's energy sector could soon be poised to take clean power sources mainstream.
Drax launches Europe's first bioenergy carbon capture project
Energy group Drax has announced today (21 May) that it will lead the first bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project in Europe during a trial of new technology at its north Yorkshire power station.
Tesco cuts carbon emissions 13% in a year
Tesco has revealed that it reduced its carbon emissions by 13% in 2017 against a 2016 baseline, as it strives towards a science-based target of becoming a carbon-neutral business by 2050.
International Maritime Organisation 'too slow' on emissions strategy
The International Maritime Organisation has moved too slowly on drafting its greenhouse gas strategy and reducing emissions from shipping, Transparency International has warned, urging the global shipping regulator to improve its governance, transparency and efficiency.
Equinor: Statoil to change name in recognition of energy transition
Norwegian energy giant Statoil is proposing a name change to stakeholders, in recognition of the company's diverse energy strategy that aims to increase investments into renewables and new energy solutions.
Report: Political clarity key to unlocking 'enormous' UK green investment opportunities
The UK can "reap enormous opportunities" by strengthening private financial investment into green infrastructure and projects, with a new Aldersgate Group report noting the "urgent" need for political clarity to unlock more revenue streams.
In Practice: The UK's Northern hydrogen heating grid trial
In a UK first, a pioneering new green gas trial is being demonstrated at Keele University that aims to inject zero-carbon hydrogen into the natural gas network.
Report: Global emissions to plateau in 2030, but Paris goals out of reach
New insight from business advisors McKinsey Energy Insights has suggested that "major shifts" in the energy landscape driven by renewables and electric vehicles (EVs) will see global emissions plateau in 2030, but progress is nowhere near close to the 2 degrees Paris Agreement target.
Report calls for UK Government to devolve carbon budgets to regional levels
The UK Government has been urged to devolve national carbon budgets down to regional levels in order to create socioeconomic benefits that can be captured by promoting low-carbon job growth across specific areas of the UK, a new report has suggested.
The hot topic: Where does heating fit into a low-carbon electricity network?
The decarbonisation of the UK's electricity network is set to have significant implications for how low carbon heat is delivered to the buildings of the future. These changes will likely influence new policy from the Greater London Authority, as well as national guidance, regulations and calculation methodologies. The way that London responds to delivering low carbon heat needs to evolve over the coming months and years.
The key business takeaways from COP23
So, COP 23 has come and gone, with little attention in the media. Expectations were for a technically focused meeting, working through some of the detail needed to bring the Paris agreement to life. Does this mean that there was little in it of business interest? Far from it, there were some important outcomes that provide real opportunities for business leadership. Here are my key takeaways.
Microsoft shoots for Paris Agreement with 75% emissions reduction goal
Microsoft has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, in a move that will align the technology company's decarbonisation strategy with the 2C pathway target of the Paris Agreement.
G20 falls behind on national decarbonisation pledges
The UK is "strongly outperforming" the rest of G20 in decoupling emissions from economic growth, but businesses and governments have been warned that the goals of the Paris Agreement won't be achieved with current decarbonisation ambitions.
Pan-industry alliance set to champion smart energy era
As a new report names Bristol and London the leaders of the smart city transition, leading UK energy organisations such as the National Grid and the Renewable Energy Association (REA) have launched a pan-industry campaign to create a smart energy pathway for technology and services.
Report calls for bonfire of energy policy 'obsessions'
A new report co-authored by Laura Sandys has called for a bonfire of the traditional "obsessions" of energy policy makers and regulators in order to enable a radically new regulatory model for the future.
Will the UK reach its carbon budget targets with the Clean Growth Strategy?
The Government's long-awaited Clean Growth Strategy details more than 50 initiatives to decarbonise the UK economy in line with the fourth and fifth carbon budgets, but does the ambition have enough quantifiable targets in place to deliver?
Reaction round-up: What does the green economy make of the Clean Growth Strategy?
The Government has pledged numerous multi-billion-pound investments to drive down carbon emissions across the economy as part of the Clean Growth Strategy, but does it "breathe new life" into the low-carbon sector or do the details "fall short"?
Claire Perry: Clean Growth Strategy will set 'decarbonisation pathway' across UK economy
The Government's long-anticipated Clean Growth Strategy launches tomorrow (12 October), and the Minister of State for Climate Change Claire Perry has vowed to "march on a decarbonisation pathway" across the entire UK economy to meet national carbon commitments.
National Grid measures real-time system inertia for the first time
For the first time ever, the National Grid has successfully measured and monitored continuous grid stability across an entire network, in a move that could reduce end-customer costs and carbon emissions in the UK.
Productive workplaces: what we need from the Clean Growth Strategy
On 25th September, BEIS Climate Change Minister Claire Perry set out her reflections on Climate Week. She noted that we are decarbonising faster than any other G20 nation, and highlighted the opportunity for UK businesses offered by further progress in this economic transformation.
Global warming unstoppable without geo-engineering, says study
The international community has already missed its chance to limit global warming to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius, according to a new study by Switzerland-based researchers. But a solution to the problem could lie in geo-engineering technologies.
Cost of Energy Review: will it deliver lower bills?
Earlier this month, BEIS announced details of its 'independent review to ensure energy is affordable for households and businesses'. Here are my initial thoughts on whether or not it will deliver lowest cost, sustainable energy services for consumers.
How a data centre from 2010 is helping Capgemini towards its 2020 sustainability goals
Seven years on from the opening of one of the most sustainable data centres in the world, IT consulting firm Capgemini is still using the key learnings from the low-carbon project to "accelerate" beyond its carbon reduction goals.
Energy industry must embrace '3D transition' to sustainable future, say former Big Six bosses
Britain's 'Bix Six' utility companies must rapidly adapt and find a new role in an energy system which is undergoing the "3D transition" of decarbonisation, digitisation and decentralisation, a new report by industry experts has concluded.
Will climate change litigation force companies to start acting like grown-ups?
My interest in climate change and concern for the future state of our planet goes back to 2006. Over the last decade, my concern has intensified, especially now I have two young daughters to worry about. As a parent, I want to teach my children to be considerate, and to think about the impact their behaviour has on others and the environment.
Science based targets: a journey of discovery
Setting targets for action on climate change has been both best practice and a dark art for some years. Businesses, with light pressure from NGOs and investors, have acknowledged for some time that targets need to be stretching and industry needs to take a leading role, but the question has remained - how do we know if, collectively, we are trying hard enough?
Hydrogen gas grid for Leeds moves a step closer
Plans to convert the gas grid in Leeds to run entirely on hydrogen have moved a step closer to becoming reality after Northern Gas Networks opened an office in the city dedicated to the endeavor.
Christiana Figueres: Peak emissions by 2020 'crazy but achievable'
Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres remains "stubbornly optimistic" that market trends are already in place to hit ambitious three-year targets as part of her Mission 2020 campaign, but only if the "climate conversation" is extended to a wider range of stakeholders and investors.
Energy transition of 'exceptional scope' can unlock $10trn annually
Global energy-related carbon emissions can be reduced by 70% by 2050, generating $10trn a year in benefits, if countries ramp-up national commitments to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement, a new report has found.
Unilever achieves carbon-neutrality at 5 UK sites following green gas deal
Just over a year on from announcing its pioneering pledge to become a carbon-positive business by 2030, Unilever has signed a contract to use biomethane to power five of its sites across the UK and Ireland.
Nick Hurd: Brexit offers the flexibility to strengthen Britain's decarbonisation commitments
Climate Change Minister Nick Hurd has insisted that Brexit will give the UK the opportunity to look at the low-carbon transition through a "prism of national interests" that could lead to significant economic growth, but only if the Government can overcome multiple "difficult challenges".
Drax receives green light to complete biomass conversion project
UK power station operator Drax has been approved subsidies to run the third of its six coal-fired units on wood pellet fuel, but green campaigners question whether the state aid could have been better employed to help drive the UK towards a low-carbon economy.
From disruptors to Hinkley: 7 things we've learnt about Greg Clark's industrial strategy
As Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark fielded questions from the Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee, edie round-ups seven key talking points that look set to form integral roles in the highly-anticipated industrial strategy.
Science-based targets top choice for sustainability leaders, edie survey reveals
The adoption of science-based targets to drive climate action is continuing to move rapidly up the corporate agenda, with more than half of sustainability leaders either beginning to apply or fully embedding the methodology within their organisation.
Energy efficiency: 'Champions and dunces' exist in every industry
The world's largest listed companies could save 1.4 billion tonnes of CO2 - the equivalent of Japan's annual carbon emissions - by closing the gap between the worst and best-performing businesses on energy efficiency, a major new report has revealed.
'Long, loud and legal' policies crucial to supporting low-carbon transition, says Ikea chief
The growing megatrends surrounding demographical evolution, decarbonisation and digitalisation will increase the need for the private sector to inform policymakers of the types of legislation that are needed to support low-carbon growth, Ikea's chief sustainability officer Steve Howard has claimed.
Treasury failing to take long-term environmental costs into account, MPs say
The Treasury has been lambasted by MPs for failing to adequately factor in long-term sustainability risks into its decisions, with the carbon capture and storage (CCS) and zero-carbon homes policies specifically cited as detrimental to both the economy and investor confidence.
COP22: Major firms lead low-carbon energy drive
The first week of COP22 in Marrakech rounded-off on energy day, with a range of companies demonstrating their commitment to a low-carbon future with pledges to source 100% renewable energy.
The battle against climate change is becoming a social movement, says Climate-KIC
The 200 years that it took to industrialise the world and seep damaging carbon into the atmosphere can be mitigated within the next three decades, but only if funds are made available to kick-start a rapid decarbonisation process that revolves around social awareness.
UK tops G20 on carbon reduction levels
Britain remains a "world-leader" on climate action, with new figures from the professional services firm PwC ranking the country the highest of the G20 group of nations when it comes to annual average reductions in carbon intensity over the past 15 years.
'Project blackout fear': Green economy scolds think tank research into Britain's energy mix
A new report questioning the economic value of renewable energy and phase out of coal-fired power plants has faced retaliation from green organisations for undermining the role of renewable generation in the UK's future energy mix.
'Paradigm shift' to electric vehicles required to meet global climate targets
Zero-emission vehicles will need to hold a dominant automotive market share by 2035 for the Paris Agreement's global warming target of 1.5C to be truly achievable, research group Climate Action Tracker (CAT) has claimed.
National Grid brings 'exciting new chapter' for energy storage with auction launch
National Grid has awarded seven firms including Vattenfall, Low Carbon and EDF Energy Renewables four-year contracts to provide balancing services to the network in the UK's first 200MW Enhanced Frequency Response (EFR) auction.
Scotland the 'prime candidate' to implement energy storage systems
The UK should look to Scotland to implement new revenue streams that account for a "modernised" grid system, which should have energy storage at its heart, in order to unlock £2.4bn in savings.
Unlocking the potential of ICT to cut carbon emissions
When history reflects on the first half of this century, there will be a number of important stories to tell. The exponential growth of ICT is certainly one - and will be remembered as one of the great developments of our time. Climate change is another, though it remains up to us to decide whether the story will be one of the journey to carbon neutrality, or one of irreversible damage to our planet.
Andrea Leadsom: However we choose to leave the EU, we remain committed to dealing with climate change
Conservative Party leadership candidate Andrea Leadsom took to the plinth in her capacity as Energy Minister at the Utility Week Energy Summit, insisting that the UK "remains committed to dealing with climate change", no matter the outcome of Brexit.
UK will miss renewable energy target, warns National Grid
The UK is on track to miss a target to produce of 15% of all energy from renewables by 2020, National Grid has warned.
Truck emissions limits crucial to achieving EU climate goals, report finds
Introducing EU-wide CO2 standards for trucks would bring significant savings and place Europe on track to fulfil its Paris climate commitments to cap global warming, a new study has found.
Why the world's energy system WON'T achieve the 2C climate change target without serious investment
By the year 2040, renewables will finally have won the global energy race. The prices of coal and gas will have dropped significantly, but this will not derail the decarbonisation of our energy systems - with zero-emission energy sources making up 60% of installed capacity.
IEA: Cities must lead the global decarbonisation process
With two-thirds of the growth in global final energy demand expected to come from urban areas in emerging and developing economies by 2050, a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has called on cities to play a "leading role" in the global low-carbon transition.
New nuclear remains in pole position to drive Britain's decarbonisation, says DECC
Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom has today (24 May) underlined the Government's prioritisation of nuclear energy, insisting it remains in "pole position" to drive down Britain's emissions, ahead of other technologies due to its comparatively low-cost to the UK taxpayer.
Government criticised for 'lack of foresight' over low-carbon heat
EXCLUSIVE: The UK Government has "suppressed the progress" of green technologies through a chop-and-change approach to green policies such as the RHI scheme, an audience of sustainability professionals at edie Live was told today (17 May).
Energy Systems Catapult unveils five-year delivery plan for UK energy transformation
A leading technology and innovation centre has today (9 May) unveiled its five-year delivery plan to help create a new systems approach to deliver an affordable and secure energy transformation in the UK during its official London launch.
'Radical action' needed to push towards zero-carbon future
The implementation of "radical action" will be necessary to drive the transition to zero-carbon energy systems and to keep global temperature rise below 2°C, according to a newly formed coalition of global commissioners.
UK must accept advice on fifth carbon budget, MPs say
The cross-party parliamentary Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECC) has today (26 April) called upon the Government to accept the recommendations of its independent advisory body in setting the fifth carbon budget, warning that "the UK can't afford any further delays".
Energy for London: Thinktank calls for city energy company
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has called on the next London Mayor to set up a publicly-run energy company for London.
Manufacturing a sustainable future
Despite its relatively small size, the United Kingdom has the 11th largest manufacturing industry in the world, employing 2.6 million people and accounting for more than 10% of annual GDP.
MPs launch fresh enquiry into UK's renewable heat and transport targets
The Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECC) of MPs has launched a new enquiry into the UK Government's progress - or apparent lack of it - on its self-imposed targets for meeting heat and transport demands from renewable energy sources.
Natural gas capabilities in the UK 'very limited' without carbon capture, report warns
Using natural gas as a bridging fuel to a cleaner energy mix in the UK will only act as a "stop-gap", with its viability as an energy source severely limited beyond 2020 unless carbon capture and storage (CSS) technology is rolled out, the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) has warned.
RHI critical to UK decarbonisation, DECC research proves
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) has been critical to decarbonising the UK's heat sector, reports from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have found.
DECC urged to make U-turn on 'disappointing and damaging' CCS cancellation
The Department of Energy & Climate Change's (DECC) decision to cancel the £1bn funding competition for carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives could make it 'challenging' for the UK to meet climate change commitments, the Energy and Climate Change Committee has warned.
National Infrastructure Commission sees energy storage as 'key part' of UK energy future
The head of the newly-established National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has revealed he considers energy storage a key part of Britain's future energy network.
CCS decision will add billions to cost of UK decarbonisation, says ETI
The Government's controversial decision to scrap carbon capture and storage (CCS) funding in the UK could add £1bn-2bn a year to the cost of decarbonisation throughout the 2020's, new analysis from the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has warned.
REA: Energy storage already financially viable for grid and homes
Domestic and grid-scale energy storage projects in the UK are already economically viable in certain circumstance as technology costs continue to fall, a new report from KPMG has found.
Is it really possible to make a business plan for zero carbon?
The Carbon Trust's managing director (advisory) Hugh Jones outlines four practical tools that corporates are using to create a sustainable roadmap to 2050.
153 corporations unveil new low-carbon action plans
More than 150 companies have unveiled low-carbon plans which they say can collectively deliver 65% of the emissions reduction needed to limit global warming to two degrees.
COP21 Day 3 review: Water commitments begin pouring in
The third day of the Paris climate summit saw attention turn to water, an area that is often overlooked in sustainability due to its low cost but is absolutely vital to the functioning of many businesses, not to mention countries.
COP21 Day 2 review: Deforestation top of the unofficial agenda
Tuesday at COP21 was dominated by forests, as a plethora of NGO's, businesses and dignitaries unveiled reforestation pledges, underlining the importance of carbon sequestration in reducing emissions.
UK's fifth carbon budget proposals: At a glance
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has today (26 November) published its recommendations for the UK's fifth carbon budget, suggesting an emissions reduction target of 57% by 2028-2032. But is that ambitious enough?
Battle lines forming as EU holds first debate on ETS reform
France, the UK, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are backing a more targeted approach for heavy industries, at risk of closing down or relocating abroad, due to increased pressure to reduce global warming emissions.
Low-carbon energy is 'most cost-effective' way to meet UK demand in 2020s
Low-carbon energy options like wind, solar and CCS will be the cheapest way to meet the UK's need for more generation in the 2020s, according to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).
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