renewables
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Power Forward: How the largest US companies are capturing business value while addressing climate change
The largest US companies are increasing their clean energy and energy efficiency efforts while improving their bottom lines.
TOMORROW: 24 hours to register for edie's next webinar on net-zero energy strategie
edie readers have only have just over 24 hours left to register for the next free webinar masterclass on decarbonising energy and evolving energy strategies to meet net-zero goals.
Corporate clean energy contracts grew by 40% in 2019
Corporate purchasing of clean energy contracts reached almost 20 gigawatts (GW) in 2019, an increase of more than 40% on the previous year's record, according to new analysis from BloombergNEF (BNEF).
Investment in infrastructure must take centre stage to drive growth in renewables
2020 will undoubtedly be the year that businesses see the true potential in renewables investment.
UK's first 'smart' commercial hub signs 50-year clean energy innovation deal with E.ON
The developers of what purports to be the UK's first "smart" commercial campus have singed a 50-year deal with E.ON, that will see the utility giant develop, test and scale-up clean energy solutions in the west country.
IEA: Oil and gas firms investing less than 1% of funds in low-carbon transition
Of the investments collectively made by the world's largest public, private and state-owned oil and gas giants in 2018, less than 1% went towards low-carbon activities such as building renewable energy infrastructure or installing carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) technologies.
Starbucks to halve environmental impacts as part of 'resource-positive' strategy
Global coffee company Starbucks has announced new preliminary targets to halve carbon emissions, water use and waste sent to landfill by 2030, as part of a new long-term mission to become resource positive by storing more carbon than emitted, eliminate waste and replenishing freshwater.
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.
Visa and PepsiCo celebrate 100% renewable electricity milestones
Visa has met its target to use 100% renewable electricity across its global operations, in the same week that PepsiCo announced that 100% of the electricity used across its US operations will be renewable by the end of 2020.
Urgent boost to offshore wind and CCS required for UK's net-zero target, report finds
The UK will need to facilitate a four-fold increase in low-carbon energy, including expanding offshore wind capacity by up to 75GW, in order to reach its net-zero emissions commitment for 2050.
AB InBev inks 100% renewables deal for European breweries
Global brewer AB InBev has signed a 10-year agreement with global energy giant BayWa r.e to purchase 100% renewable electricity to power its Western European breweries.
Royal Dutch Shell may fail to reach green energy targets
Royal Dutch Shell is at risk of falling short on plans to invest up to $6bn (£4.6bn) in green energy projects between 2016 and the end of 2020, with its slow progress likely to raise concern that oil companies are not moving fast enough to help tackle the climate crisis.
'Near zero' by 2050: Equinor outlines new long-term emissions targets
Norwegian oil and gas giant Equinor has pledged to bringing the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of its onshore plants and offshore fields to "near zero" by 2050.
'Cleanest year on record': Zero-carbon electricity surpassed fossil fuel generation in 2019
During the course of 2019, 48.5% of electricity consumed in Britain was generated through zero-carbon methods such as wind, solar and nuclear - compared to 43% for fossil fuels.
Sustainability 2.0: Welcome to a decade of deliverance
The 2010s laid bare the severe climate issues facing the world and the shrinking timeframes to fix them. Combatting climate change is a daunting task, but corporate ambitions and societal expectations have created a platform to ignite a decade of deliverance towards a decarbonised, closed-loop planet.
Pernod Ricard joins RE100
The world's second largest wine and spirits group, Pernod Ricard, has joined The Climate Group's RE100 with aims to scale up its climate action in the next five years.
Time for Tories to take a wider look at renewables, Lord Howard urges
Ex- Conservative Party leader Lord Howard has suggested that the government could review its effective ban on large new onshore wind and solar projects.
TODAY: edie’s webinar on exploring onsite energy storage and renewables solutions
edie readers have until 1pm today to register for our webinar on energy storage and onsite renewable solutions.
UK's largest subsidy-free solar farm powers up
A 40MW solar plant has come online on the Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire border this morning (16 December), making it the largest subsidy-free facility of its kind in the UK.
8 steps for overcoming the behavioural change challenge
During the SPARK 2.0 event, energy and sustainability professionals discussed the barriers to behaviour change and how businesses could harness the wider awareness of the climate strikes to engage all staff members on the need to manage energy use.
A decade in review: Vote for the defining sustainability moment of the 2010s
As the 2010s draw to a close, edie has analysed the key moments and announcements that push sustainability and climate action from a niche activity to a global necessity. Cast your vote to decide which of the seven moments was most profound.
Renewables: The policy vision for a net-zero future
The General Election is a huge opportunity for a new government to make a transformative difference to climate change through investment in renewables, Juliet Davenport, chief executive and founder of Good Energy suggests.
CDP: Corporates could save a gigaton of emissions by championing renewables in supply chains
If key suppliers to the world's largest corporations used 20% more renewable energy than they do at present, one billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would be mitigated.
IEA strengthens clean energy commitments after investor criticism
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published its first communique in a decade, covering topics including the clean energy transition, after a meeting with world leaders at COP25 in Madrid.
Lord Deben chides politicians for failing to act on decarbonisation of heat
The major Westminster parties are showing insufficient urgency about efforts to decarbonise heat, the chair of the government's climate change watchdog has warned.
EIB unveils plans to boost hydrogen investment
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has partnered with a coalition of C-suite executives from the transport, heavy industry and energy sectors in a bid to accelerate financing for hydrogen solutions.
Plans submitted for subsidy-free solar farm at Gloucester army barracks
Plans have been submitted by a subsidiary of Swindon Borough Council to build a subsidy-free solar farm at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks in Gloucestershire that would generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 350 homes for the year.
Repsol targets net-zero by 2050
Spanish oil and gas giant Repsol has committed to becoming a net-zero emission business by 2050, across its own operations and its indirect impacts.
Huge surge in number of companies targeting 100% renewables by 2030
The Climate Group has received more than double the number of corporate signatories first expected to its RE100 scheme, with the average target date for 100% renewables now standing at 2028.
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.
General election: How UK parties are addressing 9 key net-zero challenges
Ahead of Channel 4's leaders debate on climate change, representatives from the UK's four largest parties met in London to set out their plans for net-zero. Here, edie rounds up the key takeaways.
Ikea to invest £171m in nature and clean power under 'climate positive' pledge
Ikea has today (27 November) unveiled a new €200m (£171m) investment package aimed at helping the retailer deliver on its commitment to become 'climate-positive' by 2030.
Speakers announced for edie's webinar on onsite renewables and energy storage
A free webinar on 17 December at 1pm aims to assess the landscape for energy storage and onsite renewable generation for businesses.
BNP Paribas vows to end coal financing by 2040
Corporate bank BNP Paribas has pledged to stop all funding for thermal coal globally by 2040, with an interim target of 2030 for EU Member States.
European coal power output sees 'unprecedented' decline
Electricity production from coal is on track to fall by around 3% globally in 2019 - the largest drop on record - with Western European countries leading the charge, according to fresh data published today (25 November).
Ofgem's proposed reforms 'undermine' low-carbon power transition, renewables sector warns
Key figures from across the UK's renewable energy sector have criticised regulator Ofgem's proposals for reforming payment processes, slamming them as "damaging" to the business case for renewable generation and flexible assets.
Green Industrial Revolutions and Climate Emergency Bills: What's in Labour's manifesto?
The Labour party has today (21 November) launched its election manifesto, outlining how a Green New Deal, Green Industrial Revolution and a Climate Emergency Bill will put the UK on the cusp of a net-zero economy and drive economic growth through a green transition.
Target meets 2020 goal to install 500 rooftop solar arrays ahead of schedule
US-based retail giant Target has met its 2020 goal of installing rooftop solar at 500 locations ahead of schedule, as it strives to source 100% renewable electricity across its global operations by 2030.
Investment in UK renewables 'picking up pace' despite Brexit concerns
The UK has risen up the top 10 in a ranking of the world's most attractive national markets for renewable energy investment, with offshore wind progress outweighing concerns over the potential impacts of Brexit.
Dozens of investors slam IEA over fossil fuels and renewables projections
Allianz, Zurich Insurance Group and Orsted's pension fund are among 65 finance bodies to have written to the International Energy Agency (IEA), urging to body to hep global energy firms align with the Paris Agreement.
European Investment Bank to end financial support for fossil fuels by 2021
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has unveiled a new energy lending policy that will stop all financing for fossil fuel projects at the end of 2021 and unlock €1trn in sustainable development over the next decade.
Strengthen climate policies now or risk catastrophe, warns energy agency
The world's existing climate policies will not be enough to end the upward march of record energy emissions rising beyond 2040 without a "grand coalition" of governments and investors, according to the global energy watchdog.
REA: Policy gaps mean Britain is failing to finance 'crucial' shift to flexible power system
Britain is failing to attract and facilitate investment in the transition to a flexible electricity system - a transition described as "crucial" to the delivery of the UK's 2050 net-zero target.
Homes and businesses deliver flexible green energy to Cornwall's Local Energy Market
A fully automated Local Energy Market (LEM) in Cornwall has, for the first time, seen the local Distribution System Operator (DSO) and the National Grid ESO procure flexible green energy from businesses and households simultaneously.
Apple almost doubles green bond offers after £1.7bn fund launch
Apple has issued a new £1.7bn ($2.2bn) green bond offering, nearly doubling its total green bond issuance to almost £3.9bn ($5bn).
REA's Nina Skorupska: Business holds 'untapped potential' to achieve net-zero
EXCLUSIVE: REA's chief executive Nina Skorupska has claimed at an edie event that declarations of a 'climate emergency' must be backed up by robust net-zero emissions and clean energy strategies from business, to avoid the term becoming "greenwash or rhetoric".
Climate crisis: 11,000 scientists warn of 'untold suffering'
Humanity faces "untold suffering due to the climate crisis" unless there are major transformations to global society, according to a stark warning from more than 11,000 scientists.
CBI: Stronger energy, transport and heat policies needed to make 2020s 'a decade of climate action'
The CBI's director-general Carolyn Fairbairn has made a rousing call to action ahead of December's general election, urging the next Government to kick-start a "decade of climate action".
Capgemini: Meeting global climate goals 'looks unrealistic' as energy consumption grows
Global energy demand rose by 2.3% year-on-year in 2018 - a trajectory which, if sustained, will leave the world unable to meet international and national climate goals including the Paris Agreement.
Thames Water switches to 100% renewable electricity in bid to meet net-zero by 2030
Thames Water has revealed that it is now using 100% renewable electricity across its operations, in a mix which is partly self-generated and partly sourced through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
IEA: Offshore windfarms 'can provide more electricity than the world needs'
A sailing boat passes the Kentish Flats offshore windfarm. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PAErecting wind turbines on the world's best offshore sites could provide more than enough clean energy to meet global electricity demand, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Supermarket sweep: Tesco inks onsite solar deal as Lidl eyes rapid EV charging points
On the same day that Lidl has pledged to install rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers at all new stores, Tesco has unveiled plans for a UK-wide renewable energy programme.
Study: EU coal power plants incurred €6.6 billion losses in 2019
Increasing environmental regulations and fierce competition from renewable energies are increasingly making coal-fired power operate at a loss. According to a British think tank, coal-fired power plants are losing billions of euros every year, but energy companies say this is nonsense.
REA: Ofgem failing to realise crucial role of flexibility in reaching net-zero
With the UK's energy system becoming increasingly "democratised" and businesses and individuals generating and selling, as well as buying, energy, regulator Ofgem is not taking sufficient measures to bring about a flexible energy future.
Government urged to boost support for anaerobic digestion
Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid has been urged to provide stop gap funding to support the rollout of biomethane plants when the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme expires in 2021.
Amazon launches three major renewables projects
Amazon has announced three major renewable energy deals, including the largest corporate wind power purchase agreement in Europe, as it pushes towards a goal to source 100% renewable energy across its global operations by 2030.
UK to use finance meant for green energy to support fracking in Argentina
The UK is planning to invest in Argentina's controversial oil shale industry using a £1bn export finance deal intended to support green energy, according to government documents seen by the Guardian.
BHP to switch from coal to renewables at two major mines
Mining and metals giant BHP has unveiled plans to switch to 100% renewable power at two of its largest copper facilities, as it strives to develop science-based emissions targets.
Renewable energy to expand by 50% in next five years - report
Global supplies of renewable electricity are growing faster than expected and could expand by 50% in the next five years, powered by a resurgence in solar energy.
Empire invests in onsite solar for UK cinemas
Empire Cinemas has signed a deal to install onsite solar arrays at up to 14 of its UK sites.
Google unveils $150m investment to power manufacturing with renewables
Google has committed to invest $150m (£118m) in helping its key manufacturers to source renewable power, and to help the regions in which they operate decarbonise their electricity grids.
Renewable generation overtakes fossil fuels in UK electricity for first time
Renewable energy sources provided more electricity to UK homes and businesses than fossil fuels for the first time since the Industrial Revolution over the last quarter, according to new research.
'We're up for it': Sky exploring its role in net-zero future
Sky's chief executive Jeremy Darroch has claimed that the company is "figuring out" how it can help push the UK to net-zero emissions before the 2050 deadline.
Labour commits to 37 new wind farms in green industrial revolution election push
Jeremy Corbyn has unveiled plans to create another 70,000 jobs in offshore windfarms part-owned by the public, as his party gears up for an election manifesto focusing on a green industrial revolution.
How closed-loop supply chains are spurring Apple's decarbonisation efforts
EXCLUSIVE: Apple's vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives Lisa Jackson believes that companies should look at the synergies between the circular economy and decarbonisation in order to create resilient supply chains.
C40: 30 cities have reached peak emissions
Thirty of the world's largest cities, including London, New York and Copenhagen, have now reached a peak in their greenhouse gas emissions, according to new analysis which has examined the climate actions of cities aiming to curb emissions by 2020.
UK universities ink £50m renewables deal
A group of 20 UK universities has agreed a £50m deal to purchase renewable energy over a 10-year period through the Energy Consortium (TEC).
Report: Less than half of global banks have sustainable energy finance commitments
Just 23 of the world's largest 50 banks have outlined commitments to invest more in renewable energy and less in fossil fuels, a new report from the World Resources Institute (WRI) has concluded.
Total signs cleantech deal to produce hydrogen at refineries
French energy giant Total has signed a cooperation agreement with the Sunfire cleantech company to integrate capture waste heat and CO2 at a German refinery to create synthetic methanol and hydrogen to be used to reduce energy and transport emissions.
Brexit 'could help UK to reverse solar VAT hike', Conservatives claim
Leaving the EU with a Brexit deal could help the UK Government reverse its recent VAT hike on domestic solar and energy storage, a Conservative MP and former MEP has claimed.
'We can beat the sceptics': Boris Johnson bolsters net-zero commitment in Tory conference speech
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has used his platform at the Conservative Party conference to argue that the UK is primed to lead the global transition to net-zero emissions by mid-century.
Which? accused of defamation over 'misleading' renewable guarantees claims
The co-founder of Pure Planet has accused consumer group Which? of defamation after it claimed some suppliers were at risk of misleading customers over renewable energy.
RWE to become carbon-neutral by 2040
German utilities giant RWE has unveiled a new strategy to transform itself into a carbon-neutral company by 2040 by funnelling billions into renewables projects, decommissioning existing coal-fired plants and backing carbon capture and storage technology.
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.
Google, Ikea, make major new renewable energy investments
Ingka Group - the largest retailer within Ikea's franchise system - has confirmed that it is on track to exceed its renewable energy targets after a string of recent investments, in the same week that Google has made its biggest renewable energy purchase to date.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Business of the Year - Heathrow Airport
With entries for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020 closing on Friday 27 September, this feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Last but by no means least: The winner of our Business of the Year award, Heathrow Airport.
Unilever powered by 100% renewable electricity across five continents
Unilever has revealed that all its buildings across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America are now powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Subsidy-free solar 'coming of age' thanks to battery technology
Subsidy-free solar projects are "coming of age" thanks to the falling costs and flexibility of co-located battery storage technology, according to a new report which claims that more than 5GW of solar capacity could be deployed in the UK without subsidies by 2030.
Bristol Airport switches to 100% renewable electricity
Shortly after announcing plans to make its own operations carbon-neutral by 2025, Bristol Airport is switching to 100% renewable electricity.
Corporate PPA masterclass: Five key considerations for sourcing renewable energy through CPPAs
Last week, edie delivered a masterclass webinar with Danish renewable energy company Ørsted, covering how corporate Power Purchase Agreements can be utilised by end-user businesses to achieve renewable energy commitments. Here, we round up the key takeaways.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Luke Landers, University Hospitals Birmingham
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. Next up: Luke Landers, energy and sustainability manager at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust.
Bloomberg: Global renewable energy boom driven by business community
Global investment in low-carbon energy is set to hit $2.6trn by the end of this year, with large corporates driving this trend, new analysis from Bloomberg has concluded.
Energy managers cynical about Government's net-zero targets, edie's new survey reveals
The second edie Business Barometer of energy managers, supported by Centrica Business Solutions, revealed a sector that was cynical of the Government's policy objectives - but are not concerned about Brexit.
Green groups joined by 17,500 citizens in calls to overturn domestic solar VAT hike
More than 17,000 UK citizens have signed a petition calling on the UK Government to scrap proposed plans to increase the VAT on household solar and storage from 5% to 20%.
45-minute masterclass: Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs)
This live, online masterclass offers sustainability and energy professionals a unique opportunity to experience how Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) can be utilised by end-user businesses to achieve renewable energy commitments - all in under an hour.
REA: Bioenergy must double UK mix share to safeguard security
The Government must ensure that bioenergy generation doubles to 16% of the UK's energy mix by 2032, if energy security is to be safeguarded and climate targets to be met.
Available to watch on-demand: Free Corporate Power Purchase Agreements online masterclass
With businesses having doubled the record for annual power purchase agreements (PPAs) in 2018, edie hosted a 45-minute masterclass that is now available to watch on-demand to explore how Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) can push businesses towards their clean energy goals.
Scottish government unveils swathe of green initiatives
The Scottish government has pledged to ensure that, by 2024, all new homes must use renewable or low-carbon heat.
Scotland's first subsidy-free onshore windfarm to be operational by 2020
A 46MW onshore windfarm in Dumfries and Galloway, in south-west Scotland, has joined the race to become the first in the country to become operational without the support of Government subsidies.
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.
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.
Civic and business leaders publish 12-point plan for Scotland to address climate emergency
A group of civic and business leaders, including representatives from Scottish Land & Estates, Changeworks and Scottish Renewables, has called on the Scottish Government to champion healthy diets, fix land use and target low-carbon vehicles and buildings to address the climate emergency.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Carbon Reduction - Norwich City Council
With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Carbon Reduction award, Norwich City Council.
The 10 clean growth policy 'shortfalls' and how to address them, according to MPs
The Science and Technology Committee has published a new report warning that the UK isn't remotely close to reaching upcoming carbon budgets up to 2032, outlining 10 key policy areas that need to be addressed if the UK is to deliver on its net-zero ambitions.
The Barker Plan: How a former UK Energy Minister used sustainability to transform a sanctioned Russian aluminium firm
EXCLUSIVE: Over the course of a year, Russian aluminium and hydropower firm EN+ Group has gone from being banned on the US market to launching a new sweeping sustainability strategy and having those sanctions lifted. Here, edie speaks to former UK Energy Minister Greg Barker, who has been the surprise driving force behind this transformation.
Catholic churches and schools sign major British Gas renewables deal
The Catholic Church has signed one of the UK's largest green energy contracts, which has seen more than 4,500 churches and schools switch to renewable gas and electricity supplied by British Gas.
MPs join calls for onshore wind policy overhaul
A coalition of 130 MPs, including 35 from the Conservative Party, has called on Boris Johnson to alter the UK's planning and energy policies to better support the growth of onshore wind.
Mark Lewis: Businesses 'underestimating' speed of low-carbon transition
EXCLUSIVE: Businesses seeking to future-proof themselves against the physical and societal impacts of climate change must set aside resources for scenario analysis - and treat the results of this process as real, rather than "hypothetical".
Renewable energy sourcing by US-based corporates set for record high in 2019
US-based corporates have collectively signed contracts for 5.95 GW of renewable energy so far in 2019, compared to 6.2GW during the whole of 2018, new analysis has found.
