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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.
New renewable energy capacity hit record levels in 2019
Almost three-quarters of new electricity generation capacity built in 2019 uses renewable energy, representing an all-time record. New data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) shows solar, wind and other green technologies now provide more than one-third of the world's power, marking another record.
Net-zero by 2030: Decarbonisation plans presented to Exeter City Council
A plan detailing how the city of Exeter can achieve net-zero emissions through reduced energy consumption, renewables uptake and the promoting of healthy living have been presented to the city council for approval.
Severn Trent to make entire transport fleet electric by 2030
The UK's second-biggest water company has joined the Climate Group's EV100 initiative, pledging to convert 100% of its transport fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030.
Hackney Council powered by 100% renewable electricity
Hackney Council is now sourcing 100% of its electricity demand from renewables, with the council accelerating towards a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
UPS integrates AI software at Campden depot to optimise clean EV charging
Logistics delivery giant UPS will spearhead a new project exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can optimise how businesses charge electric vehicle (EV) fleets and integrate onsite renewables to reduce emissions and energy costs.
Carbon pricing, flexibility and scaling-up hydrogen: UK energy sector unveils net-zero innovation plans
The body representing the UK's electricity and gas transmission and distribution sector has set out its plans for reaching net-zero by 2050, concluding that this ambition will only be achieved if a "whole-systems" approach to transformation is adopted.
Renewable power purchase agreements surge more than 25% in Europe
Renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) made by corporates in Europe totalled 8GW in 2019, up from 5.5GW in 2018.
Ricoh sets 1.5C science-based target as part of zero-emissions ambition
Japanese electronics firm Ricoh has confirmed that it has had a new target to reduce emissions by 63% by 2030 approved by Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) as aligned to the 1.5C ambition of the Paris Agreement.
BNEF: Green hydrogen could slash energy, transport and industry emissions by one-third
Large-scale, global deployment of renewable hydrogen across the energy, transport and industrial sectors could reduce their annual emissions by up to 34% by 2050 - at a "manageable cost".
One year on: How has the solar feed-in-tariff closure impacted renewables in the UK?
The UK's Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme for small-scale renewable arrays closed on 1 April 2019, much to the disappointment of key green campaign groups and solar industry figures. But, in the 12 months that followed, how has the market responded?
REA and UK EVSE merge to deliver unified voice on electric vehicle infrastructure
The REA has announced that members of the UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association (UK EVSE) will join its 75-strong group of companies involved in the delivery and operations of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and services in the UK.
London tops green finance rankings, for now
London has again topped a ranking list of major cities for the quality of its green finance offerings and services, but looks set to slide down the table over the coming months.
Demand for renewables growing quicker than supply in Europe
The growth in demand for renewables across the European market outpaced growth in supply in 2019, according to statistics from the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) which hints that the pricing of renewables may need rebalancing if a surplus in production shrinks further.
Calls for Government to secure biomass pipeline during coronavirus outbreak
Associations from the UK's biomass fuel supply chain have called for the UK Government to ensure the sector can continue to deliver low-carbon heating to households and business facilities that are still open and under increased pressure due to the coronavirus outbreak.
World's wind power capacity up by fifth after record year
The world's wind power capacity grew by almost a fifth in 2019 after a year of record growth for offshore windfarms and a boom in onshore projects in the US and China.
UK's domestic emissions fall 3.6% as renewables take record generation share
The UK's domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions underwent a 3.6% year-on-year fall in 2019 - during which time renewable energy rose to a record 36.9% share of electricity generation.
Planning applications for UK clean energy projects hit new high
The number of new renewable energy projects applying for planning permission reached a four-year high in the UK last year as energy companies raced to meet the rising demand for clean electricity.
O2 gives suppliers offer to purchase renewables at reduced rates
Telecommunications giant O2 will extend a reduced rate that is using to purchase renewable energy to power its operations to suppliers in a bid progress against its recently announced net-zero emissions target.
Solar demand could fall for first time in 30 years due to Coronavirus
BloombergNEF (BNEF) analysis suggests that the ramifications of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) will lead to downgrades in forecasts for renewables deployment and electric vehicle (EV) development, with solar capacity set to fall 16% compared to previous estimates.
'A national first': UK generates more electricity from renewables than gas
The UK's electricity generation from renewable sources surpassed generation from gas for the first time since records began during the third quarter of 2019, the latest Government figures have shown.
'Another step towards net-zero': Anglian Water invests in onsite solar at key site
Anglian Water has unveiled plans to install an 11.6MW solar array at one of its key operational sites, as part of its plan to become a net-zero business by 2030.
Comprehensive net-zero strategy could increase UK green jobs by 85%
The UK Government can deliver an 85% increase in renewable and clean technology jobs in a decade by implementing better taxation systems and outlining a roadmap for net-zero emissions, a new report from the REA has found.
Report: Coronavirus likely to see oil demands decline throughout 2020
The IEA has altered its oil market forecast in light of the impact of coronavirus and, where it was predicting an 825,000-barrel increase in daily demand, it is now anticipating that demand will be one million barrels less per day in 2020 than in 2019.
Derwent's net-zero target and Microsoft's 'geowell': 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 water sector targets renewables and efficiency improvements for net-zero 2030 goal
UK water companies will focus on self-generated renewables, energy efficiency improvements and the roll-out of low-emission vehicles as part of a new roadmap to help the water sector reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
Virtual power plant trial in Yorkshire hailed a success
A two-year project in which combined solar and battery storage arrays across Yorkshire homes were used as a virtual power plant (VPP) has proven a success, both in terms of grid decarbonisation and lowering energy bills.
'A climate first': Ikea slashes global emissions as business growth continues
Ikea has recorded a year-on-year decrease in its total carbon footprint, despite expanding its operations, for the first time in its history.
Government announces major overhaul to UK's onshore wind subsidies
Updated: The UK Government has reversed its decision to effectively ban onshore wind, solar and energy storage from competing in the Contracts for Difference (CfD) rounds, following calls for a review to its renewables policy framework in light of the net-zero target.
Low-carbon generation edges past 50% share of UK's power demand
New statistics from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have confirmed that low-carbon generation accounted for more than 51% of the electricity supplied in the UK in 2019, a 2% growth on 2018 levels.
Firmenich powered by 100% renewables globally
Perfume company Firmenich has announced that its global operations are now powered by 100% renewable electricity, meetings its commitment to the RE100 initiative as a result.
Peterborough unveils plans for UK's largest low-carbon 'smart-city' regeneration project
Peterborough City Council has unveiled a plan to host the UK's largest smart, low-carbon city energy system including renewable electricity generation, energy storage and heat networks.
Biggest battery in Europe set to land on British shores
Oil and gas giant Shell has plans for a 100-megawatt grid storage battery in the west of England. It is slated to be the biggest battery in Europe once it is completed later this year and will be crucial to the UK's quest to remain the continent's top wind power player.
Cheltenham retirement complex to slash emissions with ground source heat pumps
A retirement development in the heart of Cheltenham looks set to reduce the carbon emissions from heating by up to 75% following the installation of ground source renewable heat pump technology.
Heineken to switch to 100% renewable electricity in Spain
Heineken's Spanish arm has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that will see it switch to 100% renewable electricity from solar later this year.
'A landmark moment': NHS to boost renewable energy sourcing
More than 11% of the NHS's estate will be switched to 100% renewable electricity this spring, under new energy deals signed by its Property Services arm.
Dissecting the challenge: How Sky is approaching its net-zero target
EXCLUSIVE: Sky is facing the daunting task of engaging with 11,000 companies and 24 million customers as part of its new commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. The group's head of responsible business Fiona Ball outlines how Sky is "dissecting" this target to manage the transformation.
Carbon trading clarity and citizens in the spotlight: What do businesses want from COP26?
With a successor to the COP26 presidency role yet to be announced, all eyes are on Westminster for news on its plans for organising the crucial summit. But - beyond a stable delivery team - what are UK business's big asks of the conference, both in terms of organisation and execution?
Global carbon emissions from energy flatlined in 2019, IEA claims
Following two consecutive years of increases and despite forecasts of a further rise, global carbon dioxide emissions from energy stopped growing in 2019, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said.
Subsidy-free community solar farm completed in Devon
In yet another boost to the UK's subsidy-free solar market, Community Owned Renewable Energy Partners (CORE) and Yealm Community Energy (YCE) have announced that a 7.3MW community solar farm has come online.
Equinor to dramatically increase wind investment under new climate strategy
Energy major Equinor has pledged to grow its renewable energy generation capacity tenfold over the next six years, in a major shake-up to its climate targets.
Scotland Budget outlines multi-million-pound pots for net-zero heat and agriculture
The Scottish Government has this week published its draft 2020-21 Budget, which sets aside millions of pounds for ocean conservation and decarbonising sectors such as heat and agriculture.
Five key takeaways from edie's net-zero energy masterclass
Last week, edie undertook a masterclass with Smartest Energy on evolving your energy strategy for net-zero, which included a case study with property giant JLL.
Carlsberg slashes emissions by 30% as its closes in on zero-emission breweries
Global brewer Carlsberg has slashed carbon emissions across its group by 13% over a 12-month period, and 30% since 2015, as it pushes towards its corporate strategy to achieve zero emissions at breweries.
Ofgem sets out nine-point plan to prioritise climate crisis
Britain's energy regulator has said it will change how it governs the industry to help meet the government's climate targets, after coming under fire for failing to prioritise the climate emergency.
TODAY AT 1PM: register for edie's next webinar on net-zero energy strategies
edie readers have only have only a few 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.
