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Koala conservation and electric buses for COP26: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
EIB spent €890m on fossil gas since phase out pledge, activists say
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has invested €890m in gas projects since it pledged to phase out investments into fossil fuels by 2022, contradicting the bank's "gas is over" narrative, activists say.
Report: Strong net-zero policy could help UK attract £350bn of investment by 2050
The low-carbon energy transition in the UK could lead to the development of £350bn of investible assets by 2050 - but only if businesses and policymakers do more to support key sectors.
Fossil fuel emissions set to rebound after Covid-19 reductions, IEA warns
Globally, energy-related CO2 emissions fell 5.8% year-on-year in 2020 - but there are only a few months left for nations and businesses to prevent figures from surpassing pre-pandemic figures this year.
EDP's renewables target and eBay supports social enterprises: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
UK can create 200,000 jobs through clean technology drive
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has claimed that the UK can reach 100% renewable electricity in the next 11 years, with clean technology uptake set to create 200,000 new jobs provided the Government can deliver enabling policies.
Hydrogen: Is UK policy and industry at a tipping point?
Recent weeks have seen influential bodies urging the Government to publish the Hydrogen Strategy sooner rather than later. In tandem, announcements have been made about hydrogen-powered homes and vehicles. So, is the UK's hydrogen revolution about to begin?
Shell reaches peak oil and emissions as it plots net-zero pathway
Shell has published an updated business strategy in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its pledge to reach net-zero emissions, which confirms that 2019 will be its peak in terms of oil production.
Amazon teams up with Shell and Eneco for major offshore wind project
Amazon has announced plans to co-invest, alongside a wind energy venture including Shell and Eneco, in an offshore wind project in the Netherlands.
Carlsberg closes in on carbon reduction goals
Brewing giant Carlsberg's latest sustainability report has revealed that the company has reduced carbon emissions by 39% since 2015, as it closes in on a goal to halve brewery emissions by 50% by 2022.
Seaweed animal feed and solar panels made from waste fruit: The best green innovations of January 2021
Every month, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn their green ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best from January 2021.
Report: Renewables overtook fossil fuels as UK's main electricity source in 2020
Renewables generated a record 42% of the UK's electricity in 2020, while fossil fuels accounted for 41% of electricity generation, according to a major new analysis.
Biden signs flurry of executive orders on nature conservation and fossil fuels
After re-committing the US to the Paris Agreement last week, President Biden has this week signed a string of executive orders around nature conservation and minimising emissions from the energy sector.
COP26 President launches challenge to deliver net-zero 'tipping points' in every sector
The UN High-Level Climate Champions and COP26 President Alok Sharma have today (28 January) unveiled a radical new roadmap to push the global economy towards net-zero emissions, targeting a range of near-term, sectoral tipping points to deliver decarbonisation.
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.
EN+ Group commits to net-zero by 2050
Aluminium and hydropower giant EN+ Group has announced its intention to become a net-zero business by 2050, with a target also in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030.
Total and Engie partner on France's largest green hydrogen production site
Energy majors Total and Engie have signed a cooperation agreement to bring France's largest renewable hydrogen production site online on the southern coast.
McKinsey: Global fossil fuel demand will peak in 2027
One of the world's largest consultancies has published analysis outlining how global fossil fuel demand could peak by 2027. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating trends in electrification and energy efficiency.
In numbers: How Covid-19 has impacted renewable energy workers
A survey of 16,000 energy professionals across 166 countries has provided a global snapshot of the ways in which the pandemic has affected salaries, industry growth and career plans. Here, edie rounds up the key takeaways.
UK's coal power spikes amid cold snap, despite 'greenest year on record' for electricity in 2020
Coal and gas have routinely accounted for 60% of electricity generation in Britain over the past week, sparking concerns around the nation's ability to maintain energy security in a low-carbon manner during winter weather conditions.
Sky confirmed as COP26 principal media partner
Sky has been named as the principal media partner for the COP26 climate summit and has published new sustainability criteria for its TV productions.
Funding allocated to six projects aiming to develop world's first net-zero industrial cluster
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has selected six projects across the UK that will receive a share of £8m in funding to drive progress towards creating the world's first net-zero emissions industrial zone by 2040.
Report: 10 million high-carbon jobs to be retrained or replaced as part of net-zero transition
Research from a new cross-party programme exploring the net-zero transition in the UK has warned that 10 million jobs will either need to be retrained or replaced if the nation is to meet its climate commitments.
ECIU founder Richard Black steps down as director
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has confirmed that its founder Richard Black is stepping down as director, after setting up the environmental non-profit in 2014.
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.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Oliver Knowles, M&S Property
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: M&S Property's R&D manager, Oliver Knowles.
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.
An 'undisputed urgency to act': Green economy reacts to the Energy White Paper
The Government has unveiled the long-awaited Energy White Paper today (14 December), with green groups welcoming the focus it provides to both job growth and rapid decarbonisation in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
UK Government to end support for overseas fossil fuel projects
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that the UK Government will end financing and support for overseas fossil fuel projects in the build-up to COP26 in 2021.
Jacobs reaches 100% renewables and net-zero emissions for business operations
Engineering firm Jacobs has revealed it is now powered by 100% renewable energy and has reached net-zero emissions for its operations and business travel, pledging to become carbon negative by 2030.
Bloomberg NEF: Pandemic's effect on renewable energy investment has hit developing nations hardest
Covid-19 has slowed renewable energy investment globally in 2020 - but developed nations are likely to see similar levels of investment to 2019, which was a record year, while developing nations will take a bigger hit.
Amazon reveals plans for 26 new large-scale renewable energy projects
Amazon has confirmed a major renewable energy investment project that will see it finance the construction of 26 new wind and solar projects totalling 3.4GW of generation capacity.
Starbucks outlines next steps on renewable energy and regenerative agriculture
Starbucks has outlined the first steps it will take to meet the 2030 sustainability targets it launched earlier this year, headlined by commitments to halve emissions, water use and waste sent to landfill.
McDonald's to finance three major new renewable energy projects in the US
McDonald's has completed new virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for two major wind farms and a large portfolio of solar projects across three US states.
Energy giants team up to halve green hydrogen costs by 2026
Companies including Orsted and Iberdrola have teamed up in a bid to increase the world's green hydrogen production fifty-fold by 2026 - in a move they claim will halve costs.
Uniper targets carbon neutrality by 2050, outlines coal-free vision
German multinational energy giant Uniper has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality across its global business by 2050, outlining new goals around coal phase-outs and green hydrogen.
A 'vital step': Green economy reacts to the UK's new climate commitment
Green groups and business leaders have welcomed Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement that the UK has created an updated domestic emissions target for 2030 as its contribution to the Paris Agreement, but with progress lacking against upcoming carbon budgets, many want to see more detailed action plans.
North Sea energy sector requires 'urgent investment' to reach net-zero
Investment into net-zero technologies such as floating offshore wind and clean hydrogen could capture up to £125bn in annual benefits from the North Sea energy sector, but a new report has warned that jobs in the area could fall by at least 20% without incentivising policies.
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.
World's largest offshore windfarm reaches £6bn financial close
Financial close has been confirmed on two phases of the world's largest offshore windfarm, Dogger Bank, with capital expenditure reaching around £6bn, which is the largest offshore wind project financing globally.
Renewable or 'low-carbon'? EU countries face off over hydrogen
EU member states are fighting over which type of hydrogen to support, with two opposing camps facing off: those backing green hydrogen produced exclusively from renewable electricity, and those in favour of a broader "low-carbon" definition, which also includes nuclear power and decarbonised gases.
National Infrastructure Strategy: Government to deliver 'revolution' tied to net-zero
The Government has launched its long-awaited National Infrastructure Strategy, detailing how transport, industry, energy and the built environment will be transformed to reach net-zero, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak using his spending review to confirm a £12bn commitment to the net-zero transition in 2021-2022.
Japan Tobacco International commits to net-zero by 2030
Japan Tobacco International (JTI UK) has committed to reaching net-zero emissions in the next decade by procuring 100% renewable energy, transitioning its UK fleet to electric vehicles (EV) and diverting waste from landfill.
Government targets 12GW of renewables in latest CfD auction
The Government is aiming to double the amount of renewable energy procured through its Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, with 12GW of wind and solar energy being targeted.
What makes a sustainability leader? Meet water management champions The Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF UK
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Water Management Project of the Year award, The Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF UK.
Renewable Hydrogen Coalition: trade bodies team up to grow Europe's green hydrogen sector
Trade bodies including WindEurope and SolarPowerEurope have received backing from Bill-Gates-backed Breakthrough Energy to form a new coalition aimed at growing renewable hydrogen production and use across the continent.
UK climbs to fifth for global renewables market outlook
The UK has leapfrogged Germany to rise to fifth in the rankings for national attractiveness of renewable energy investment and deployment opportunities.
Report: Renewables and flexible energy could cut £660m off UK's net-zero transition
If the UK government were to back renewable generation and flexible energy technologies like battery storage instead of a new nuclear plant, some £660m could be saved through to 2030, a new analysis has concluded.
SDG Spotlight: How Businesses Can Achieve Goal 7; Clean and Affordable Energy
edie's latest SDG Spotlight report, produced in association with Bryt Energy, looks at how businesses and national policies can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help deliver Goal 7: Clean and Affordable Energy.
'An ambitious plan for a green industrial revolution': Reaction to Boris Johnson's Ten Point net-zero plan
Green groups have welcomed a new Ten Point Llan from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to deliver a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and build towards the net-zero emissions target, but the lack of a clear roadmap is dampening an otherwise monumental green policy moment.
Majority of local authorities have declared climate emergencies
Almost two years on from when the first council in the UK declared a climate emergency and responded with ambitious decarbonisation plans, a new mapping tool has unveiled that nearly three-quarters of local councils have made similar declarations, with more than half of those committing to reach net-zero.
Tesco to co-create three UK solar farms
Tesco has confirmed a new partnership with a renewable energy investor that will facilitate the creation of three solar farms in the UK that will generate clean power equivalent to powering 44,800 homes.
Rolls-Royce unveils plans to build 16 mini nuclear plants in the UK
Rolls-Royce is pushing for the UK government to provide a multi-billion-pound pot for its plans to build 16 small nuclear reactors across the country.
Renewables and restoration: Water sector outlines net-zero routemap for 2030
The UK's major water companies will unveil a Routemap detailing how solar installations, electric vehicles and biomethane production will enable the sector to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
Bim Afolami MP's speech and energy efficiency post-Covid-19: What happened on Day Two of Net-Zero Live 2020?
Day Two of edie's virtual Net-Zero Live on Wednesday (11 November) saw hundreds of sustainability and energy experts gathering with the shared aim of accelerating ambition and action. Here, we round up the key takeaways.
Gas denied 'transition' fuel status in draft EU green finance rules
Power plants fuelled by natural gas will not be classed as "sustainable" or "transition" investments in Europe unless they meet emission limits which are so low that none are currently able to comply, according to draft EU rules seen by EURACTIV.
Renewables will overtake gas and coal globally in 2024, IEA predicts
The International Energy (IEA) has published a major analysis on the state of the global renewable energy sector, predicting that wind and solar capacity will double by 2025.
KPMG sets 2030 net-zero target
Professional services giant KPMG has committed to becoming a net-zero company and sourcing 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030.
US Election 2020: What does Joe Biden's win mean for the global climate emergency?
US President-elect Joe Biden is outlining that first steps of his transition plan after beating Donald Trump in the US election. While the latter is yet to concede the results, leadership under the Democrats will deliver a very different outlook on global efforts to combat the climate crisis.
Taste the Sun: Sol beer brewed using 100% renewable electricity
Heineken's Sol brand is being brewed using 100% renewable energy, following the installation of more than 9,000 solar panels at a facility in the Netherlands.
Absolut Company to go fossil-fuel-free by 2025
The Absolut Company has announced that all production of its Vodka products will be fossil-fuel-free by 2025, as part of a wider ambition to become carbon-neutral by 2030 without relying on offset use.
BT powered by 100% renewable electricity globally
BT has confirmed that all of its offices and shops globally are powered by 100% renewable electricity, as the technology giant builds towards its net-zero target.
Emissions from energy sector likely to rebound from Covid-19, Capgemini warns
Emissions from the global energy sector will be 7-8% lower in 2020 than in 2019, but most nations are still failing to align their energy generation and consumption patterns with long-term climate targets, Capgemini is warning.
UK's largest battery comes online in South Yorkshire
Gresham House has announced that its 50MW, 75MWh battery storage array in Thurcroft, South Yorkshire, is now live.
The Estée Lauder Companies reaches net-zero operational emissions, 100% renewable electricity
The Estée Lauder Companies has announced that it is now operating as a net-zero carbon business and using renewable electricity to meet 100% of its demand globally.
UK's Covid-19 recovery package for energy 'not net-zero aligned', report finds
The UK Government has earmarked £3.8bn of stimulus funding for legacy fossil fuel and nuclear generation, compared to just £121m for renewables, a damning new report has claimed.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Hannah Biggs, UCL
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: Hannah Biggs, sustainability projects lead at UCL.
Huge wind-powered boats and a boon for solar in the US: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
edie explains: Science-based targets
What makes emissions targets "science-based"? How can businesses go beyond 2C alignment and strive for 1.5C? And what role do these targets play in the net-zero movement? This free edie explains guide answers all of these questions and more.
UK Export Finance could support 42,000 green jobs by reallocating funds from oil and gas
The UK Government's direct lending facility could support more than 40,000 jobs in the renewables sector annually by 2035, if it were to assume liabilities for renewable exports like it currently does for oil and gas, new research has found.
What makes a sustainability leader? A look at award-winning consultancy, Given London
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winners of our Consultancy of the Year, Given London.
World Energy Outlook: IEA forecasts boom for solar in wake of Covid-19
Even if nations do not bolster their climate targets, renewables will meet 80% of the global growth in electricity demand by 2030, with solar leading the way, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) new World Energy Outlook.
Low-carbon transition: Even best-prepared fossil fuel majors 'to see half of portfolios become uncompetitive'
While European oil and gas majors are diversifying their portfolios to include more renewables, setting stricter climate targets and adjusting their oil price predictions, at least half of their operations won't be competitive in a 1.6C world, a new report claims.
Vodafone saves £10m in energy costs over three-year period
Vodafone has worked with facilities management firm Mitie to reduce its UK carbon footprint by 25,000 tonnes over a three-year period, with improvements to building-based energy use saving the technology firm around £10m.
Report: One-third of energy majors have paused low-carbon investments amid Covid-19
A survey of 300 large energy and utilities companies has revealed that more than one-third (37%) are planning to slow or postpone investments in low-carbon infrastructure or offers because of Covid-19 - despite seeing clean power as a key driver of revenue.
'Build Back Greener': Boris Johnson vows that UK will host 40GW of offshore wind by 2030
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has plans for every home in the UK to be powered with electricity from offshore wind farms within the decade and has unveiled a £160m pot to support the sector.
Global energy storage capacity to grow by one-third every year to 2030, report
Following a 17% drop in deployments in 2020, the global energy storage sector is set to boom with capacity growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31% through to 2030.
Total to increase annual renewables investments to $3bn by 2030
French oil & gas major Total has pledged to increase its annual investments in renewables by 50% by 2030, against the $2bn allocated in 2019, as it strives to meet a 2050 net-zero target.
Cambridge University to divest £3.5bn fund from fossil fuels as part of net-zero ambition
The University of Cambridge will divest its £3.5bn endowment fund from fossil fuels by 2030, as part of a wider plan to reduce the University's emissions to net-zero by 2038.
Half a million renewable energy jobs were created in 2019, IRENA reveals
Some 498,000 full-time equivalent roles were created in the global renewable energy sector during 2019, new analysis from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has revealed - with particular growth recorded in the biofuels industry.
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.
PepsiCo targets 100% renewable electricity globally
PepsiCo has confirmed it has joined the Climate Group's RE100 initiative, pledging to source 100% renewable electricity across its operations by 2030, a move that could reduce the manufacturing giant's carbon footprint by 2.5 million tonnes.
'We can do it!': EU chief announces 55% emissions reduction target for 2030
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed plans to target a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as part of a broader European Green Deal programme aimed at reaching "climate neutrality" by mid-century.
Just 0.5% of global GDP needed to reach net-zero by 2050, report finds
By scaling up energy efficiency efforts and deploying renewable energy generation capacity far more rapidly, the world could "technically and economically" transition to net-zero by 2050 for the cost of less than 1% of global GDP annually through to mid-century.
ITV commits to net-zero emissions by 2030
ITV has built on a recent science-based targets announcement by committing to reaching net-zero emissions across the business by 2030.
BP: The world may have already passed peak oil
BP has become the first oil major to predict that global oil demand may not rebound to pre-Covid-19 levels if national governments collectively align their recovery strategies with net-zero.
Google offsets lifetime carbon emissions
Google has "eliminated" its entire carbon legacy, offsetting all operational emissions generated before it achieved carbon neutrality in 2007.
Retailers sign up to co-locate on UK's first electric forecourt
A host of retailers including WHSmith, Costa Coffee, Booths and Gourmade have enrolled into a new partnership with the UK's first electric forecourt, which is due to open near Braintree, Essex, this November.
Renewable and technology associations team up to drive corporate demand for clean energy
UK trade associations, techUK, the Solar Trade Association (STA) and RenewableUK are forming a new partnership to encourage companies to purchase more renewable energy in a bid to spur the net-zero transition.
UK slipping behind on build rate required for net-zero target
The UK is achieving less than half of the required build rate to deliver energy systems that will reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to a new whitepaper from engineering consultancy Atkins.
Football broadcast on Sky Sports to be certified to highest sustainability standards
Sky Sports has confirmed that all Premier League and English Football League matches broadcast across its sports channels will be certified to sustainable production levels.
Mercedes-Benz targets zero-carbon emissions by 2040, provides 1,800 EVs to Amazon
Mercedes-Benz has joined Amazon's Climate Pledge, setting an aim to become a zero-carbon business by 2040, on the same day the company confirmed it would provide more than 1,800 electric vehicles (EVs) to the e-commerce giant's Delivery Service Partners.
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.
Amazon finances 115MW wind farm to power Irish data centres
Amazon has committed to source 100% of the power generated by a new 115MW onshore wind farm in County Galway, Ireland, as it strives to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
Warrington Borough Council launches resident-funded green bond in bid to reach net-zero
Warrington Borough Council has launched a green bond that will see residents invest in the region's renewable energy and energy storage sectors, as it works to deliver a carbon-neutral town by 2030.
Energy retailer IGS commits to net-zero by 2040
One of the US's largest energy retailers, IGS, has announced a new commitment to reach net-zero emissions for its operations and the services it provides to its domestic and business customers by 2040, pledging to provide 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas.
Report: Europe recorded record solar output amid Covid-19 lockdowns
Solar output in Europe hit a record high of 47.6TWh in the second quarter of 2020, new analysis from EnAppSys has shown.
Energy recovery facility to heat homes in Cardiff via district heating network
A district-heating network connected to an energy recovery facility in Cardiff had secured £15m in Government funding to start its first phase of works, with the project potentially saving more than 5,000 tonnes of carbon annually.
BNEF: Covid-19 causing drop in US corporate clean energy purchases
The amount of generation backed by US-based corporates signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) was almost one-third lower in the first half of 2020 than in the first half of 2019, new analysis from Bloomberg NEF has revealed.
