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IEA: World must stop petrol and diesel car sales by 2035 for net-zero transition
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published a landmark report outlining the sweeping changes needed in the power, energy and heat sectors if the world is to have the best chance of limiting temperature increases to 1.5C.
edie kicks off new COP26 Primer report series with Clean Energy focus
As part of the brand-new Countdown to COP26 Festival of digital content and events, edie has this week launched a series of "Primer Reports" which provide need-to-know insights into the key themes of this year's crucial climate talks. First up: Clean Energy.
Nuclear industry warns that planned closures could derail global net-zero transition
Key groups representing the global nuclear industry have penned an open letter to world leaders warning that the proposed retirement of existing nuclear plants could derail the net-zero transition, calling for the technology to have the same access to climate finance as renewables.
COP26 Primer: Clean Energy
edie’s COP26 Primer Reports are about seizing the green opportunity. Produced in the run-up to the official talks, this mini-series of reports are based on the five key themes of COP26: Clean Energy, Clean Transport, Climate Resilience, Nature-Based Solutions, and Climate Finance.
IEA: Renewable energy to account for 90% of new power expansion post-Covid-19
After capacity additions continued to grow during 2020, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is forecasting that "exceptionally high" growth is likely to continue during this year and next.
edie launches new business guide on flexible energy for net-zero
edie has today (10 May) launched a free guide outlining the key considerations, challenges and opportunities for businesses looking to trial and deploy flexible energy solutions.
Report: UK must more than double onshore wind capacity by 2030 to meet climate targets
RenewableUK is urging Ministers to set specific, legally binding 2030 targets for renewable energy generation to help deliver its net-zero target, including growing the nation's onshore wind capacity to 30GW.
Cutting through cynicism: Why are community-level environmental campaigns so effective?
The debate around individual choices versus action from nations and big businesses has been ongoing in the environmental space for decades. But, increasingly, campaigns that are somewhere in the middle, at community level, are leading the way when it comes to getting results.
LEAK: EU's draft renewables law confirms 38-40% target for 2030
An early draft of the EU's upcoming renewable energy directive confirms the bloc's objective of sourcing 38-40% of its energy from renewables by 2030, roughly doubling the share of solar, wind and other renewables in Europe's energy mix by the end of the decade.
Arla unveils new measures to help farmers self-generate renewable energy
After pledging to become a net-zero business, dairy major Arla Foods has outlined new measures to help farmers across the supply chain generate their own renewable energy and sell any excess.
Johnson & Johnson Vision to power global HQ with 100% solar electricity
Johnson & Johnson Vision, the manufacturer of ACUVUE contact lenses, has signed a ten-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with a solar farm to cover 100% of the electricity consumption of its headquarters.
Electrified heat and hydrogen: Renewable energy deployment 'must grow fivefold by 2030'
To ensure that the global energy mix transitions in line with net-zero, wind and solar will need to be deployed at least five times faster than current rates by 2030 and hydrogen investment must scale dramatically.
Global energy emissions set to rebound as Covid-19 lockdowns lift, IEA warns
Global energy demand is rebounding rapidly from the Covid-19-related slump, with fossil fuels set to play a major role in meeting this demand, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is warning.
Report: Solar and wind can meet global energy demand 100 times over
The tumbling costs of wind and solar can unlock demand that could power the world 100 times over, with a new report from think tank Carbon Tracker finding that renewables are set to push fossil fuels out of the electricity mix by the mid-2030s.
Ikea Foundation to spend €1bn on climate programs within five years
Retail giant Ikea's charitable arm has outlined plans to spend an additional €1bn on initiatives supporting the low-carbon transition within five years.
Salesforce launches new cloud hub for supply chain emissions
Salesforce has unveiled a new cloud-based hub that enables companies of all sizes to track and measure value chain emissions.
Amazon announces nine new renewables deals to take clean energy capacity to 8.5GW
Amazon has announced nine major new renewable projects across the globe that sees the online retailer's total clean energy capacity surpass 8.5GW globally.
Net-Zero Business podcast: Inside the UK's low-carbon heat transition
In response to the accelerated pace at which corporates are examining and setting net-zero targets to help alleviate the climate crisis, edie's monthly Net-Zero Business podcast was created. Up next, we talk low-carbon heat with Centrica Business Solutions and the Heat Pump Federation.
Amazon installs more than 800 EV chargers at UK sites
Amazon has confirmed that more than 800 electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed across its UK sites with "hundreds more" scheduled, as part of an ongoing partnership with Suffolk-based EO Charging.
UK's solar sector 'rebounding from pandemic and subsidy closures'
175MW of solar generation capacity was installed across the UK between January and March, according to new figures, compared to just 60MW in the same quarter of 2020.
Patagonia launches campaign urging Brits to support community renewable energy
After successful campaigns on renewable, community-owned energy projects in the US and EU, Patagonia has begun supporting UK residents to follow suit.
Gas grid operators outline plans for expanded EU 'hydrogen highway'
Gas network operators from 11 countries have joined the European hydrogen backbone initiative, presenting an updated vision for a pure hydrogen network of nearly 40,000km by 2040.
ScottishPower planning 'UK's largest' green hydrogen electrolyser near Glasgow
With the publication of the UK's Hydrogen Strategy imminent, ScottishPower has unveiled plans to build a 20MW electrolyser, co-located with its Whitelee onshore wind farm.
Europe risks €87bn in stranded fossil gas assets, report reveals
Europe is already building or planning to build €87bn worth of fossil gas infrastructure in a continued expansion of pipelines and LNG terminals, despite the need to halve emissions by 2030, according to a new report published on Thursday (8 April).
Bank of America commits $1trn to global sustainability initiatives
The Bank of America has increased an existing $300bn sustainable business initiatives fund to attempt to mobilise $1trn by 2030 for initiatives that will support the net-zero transition.
Crypto Climate Accord aims for 100% renewables and net-zero digital currency by 2040
A new global accord has been set up to align the swelling cryptocurrency market with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement by ensuring that blockchain and energy-intensive currency mining systems are powered by renewables and reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
RouteZero: Climate Group launches new initiative to decarbonise road transport
International non-profit the Climate Group had partnered with the UN High-Level Climate Champions to launch a new initiative aimed at getting businesses, cities and regions to completely decarbonise all forms of road transport.
British Army to switch on first solar farm as part of net-zero aspiration
The British Army is progressing with the first of four solar photovoltaic farms, which will save more than £1m in energy costs and help the Army reach net-zero emissions by 2045.
More than 100 Apple suppliers to switch to 100% renewables
Apple has revealed that more than 100 of its manufacturing partners across the supply chain have agreed to source 100% renewable electricity for the production of Apple products, a move that looks set to avoid more than 15 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Emissions covered by EU pricing markets fell 12% in 2020
Emissions regulated under the European Union's (EU) carbon market decreased by more than 12% last year, with the coronavirus severely limiting energy demand and industrial output.
Danone-owned dairy giant unveils lifetime carbon emissions for its products
Horizon Organic, the largest USDA certified organic dairy brand in the world, has publicly disclosed the summary of life cycle assessments (LCA) for its whole milk half gallons, in a bid to outline areas of improvement as it strives to become "carbon positive" by 2025.
Molson Coors set for 100% renewable electricity switch in the UK
Molson Coors Beverage Company, which produces drinks for brands including Carling and Doom Bar in the UK, has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) that will enable it to transition to 100% renewable electricity in the UK.
UK must dramatically scale battery energy storage to meet net-zero, report reveals
If the UK is to align its energy sector with its net-zero target, domestic capacity for energy storage and other assets that enable flexibility will need to grow to 49.5GW this decade.
Report: Investors ditching fossil fuel stocks as value drops by billions of dollars
The value of share offerings in fossil fuel firms has plummeted by $123bn since 2012, a new report has revealed.
#SustyTalk: ING's Ben Colegrave on financing the hydrogen revolution
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive discussion with ING's director for corporate finance on energy, Benjamin Colegrave.
UK hosting 30,000 fewer green jobs than in 2014, official figures show
New data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that the UK hosted 202,100 low-carbon and renewable energy jobs in 2019 - 30,000 fewer than in 2014.
Wilko's face mask recycling and Sydney's net-zero buildings: 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.
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.
Businesses pledge to invest £4.4bn in Sizewell C, if the Government gives the green light
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed on EDF's Sizewell C nuclear power plant by more than 200 organisations, which have collectively pledged £4.4bn of investment around the project.
Is biodiversity being forgotten in sustainable corporate finance?
EXCLUSIVE: The issuance of sustainability bonds and sustainability-linked loans in the private sector is gathering pace, but are businesses using them to help avert the nature crisis?
UK cities leading the way on net-zero and renewable energy, report finds
Almost three-quarters (73%) of the UK's urban population live in towns and cities with net-zero targets and/or strong local policies on renewable energy, compared to a global average of just 25%.
Cutting through complexity: Can biodiversity be embedded into corporate strategies?
In recent months, the importance of biodiversity in combatting the climate crisis has reached a new level understanding, with policymakers and academics peering into this complex topic to try and outline how the private sector can champion it. Here, edie hears from the businesses that have already enshrined regenerative practices into their business model.
Recycled materials and CCS: Aluminium industry plots pathways to net-zero
The association representing more than 60% of the world's aluminium production has published new climate pathways for the sector, outlining how recycled materials, electrification and emerging technologies could cut emissions at scale.
IRENA: Existing solutions can spur progress to net-zero
Global power sourced from renewables is set to treble by 2050, with wind, solar and hydrogen all required to account for 90% of all decarbonisation solutions to push the global economy towards the 1.5C pathway, a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has found.
Brunel Pensions Partnership targets net-zero as Nest accelerates renewable energy investment
The UK's largest Government-backed pension scheme, Nest, has pledged £250m to renewable energy projects this year, while Brunel Pension Partnership has outlined a new net-zero target.
Nissan to install on-site solar farm at Sunderland plant
Nissan has unveiled plans to build a new solar farm at its Sunderland Plant - the facility at the heart of its Leaf electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing process.
Report: Cumbria can create 9,000 green jobs by 2035, without a coal mine
Proponents of Cumbria's proposed coal mine often point to its potential to create 500 new roles. But the county could create thousands of jobs and attract billions of pounds of investment if it opts, instead, to expand low-carbon sectors.
Pearson targets net-zero carbon by 2030
Learning and education company Pearson has built on science-based targets set last year to commit to net-zero emissions in the next decade, as part of a new sustainable business plan published alongside an updated company strategy.
Plans unveiled for green hydrogen hub in the Scottish Highlands
The Port of Cromarty Firth and ScottishPower are among a consortium of businesses pushing for the development of green hydrogen hub in the Highlands, powered by offshore wind.
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.
