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edie Explains: Onsite generation
Is onsite energy generation right for your business? What are the technology options and how do you choose the right one? This edie explains business guide, produced in association with Centrica Business Solutions, has the answers.
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.
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 Camden 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.
Prioritise Small-scale technology to deliver affordable net-zero transition, researchers claim
A new study has warned of focusing on "politically seductive" large-scale solutions such as nuclear and carbon capture and storage (CCS), noting that more granular solutions like energy storage, solar and heat pumps can be mass deployed at an affordable cost to enable a quicker net-zero transition.
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.
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.
UK Export Finance accused of climate 'hypocrisy' over funding
Updated: In the same week that the UK Export Finance’s (UKEF) direct lending facility has allocated more than £2bn for clean growth projects a global NGO has accused the government body of “rank hypocrisy” for breaching OECD guidelines by supporting overseas fossil fuel projects.
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.
Ground broken at UK's first rapid-charging EV forecourt
Work has begun today (10 March) on the installation of an "electric forecourt" featuring rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers, battery storage and onsite renewables in Essex, meaning the facility will open for public use this summer.
'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.
UK's net-zero target possible with 'unprecedented' low-carbon innovation
Reaching net-zero emissions in the UK by 2050 is possible but would require "unprecedented innovation across the economy" that could see electricity generation triple, hydrogen generation grow exponentially and land use to be radically overhauled across the country.
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.
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.
Solar planes and IBM's seawater batteries: The best green innovations of February 2020
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 February 2020.
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.
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.
RBS's climate goals and Aldi's plastic bag crackdown: 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.
Cabinet reshuffle: Is the promised 'green budget' in doubt?
Earlier this week Chancellor Sajid Javid was said to be reviewing a string of new subsidies to assist with the UK's net-zero transition. With Javid today (13 February) resigning from the position, doubts have been caused as to whether the UK Government can prioritise the green economy in the March Budget.
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?
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.
Sector coupling: Electrification of transport and buildings could slash emissions by 60%
Mass-Scale electrification of the transport, buildings and industrial sectors could enable Europe to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% over the next 30 years, according to a new report published today by research company BloombergNEF (BNEF).
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.
Lloyds Banking Group commits to net-zero fleets and 100% renewable electricity
Lloyds Banking Group has today (6 February) joined all three of The Climate Group's business sustainability initiatives, committing to source 100% renewable electricity, reach net-zero fleets and improve energy productivity.
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.
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.
BlackRock's climate u-turn and futuristic cities: 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.
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.
Vegan steak bakes and green football stadiums: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Zalando commits to onsite solar and green building certification across fulfilment centres
Online fashion platform Zalando has committed to placing solar panels and low-carbon technology on all its new and existing fulfilment centres by 2023, as the company pushes ahead with its net-zero commitment.
VW's supermarket EV chargers and Levi's upcycled bags: 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
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.
Johnson frozen out of climate leaders debate as green groups call for net-zero pact between parties
With Prime Minister Boris Johnson quite literally frozen out of the leader's climate debate last night, more than 40 academics, policy specialists, trade bodies and businesses have called for a bipartisan net-zero pact between the UK political parties in order to ensure the nation meets its commitments.
Hydrogen: a critical piece of the net-zero jigsaw?
Earlier this year the UK Government committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through the amended 2008 Climate Change Act (CCA). Professor Joe Howe, chair of the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) and executive director of the Thornton Energy Institute, looks at how hydrogen is a vital part of the solution.
Time to walk the talk on net-zero
As part of edie's net-zero business guide, Centrica Business Solutions' director Ian Hopkins discusses how businesses can do things differently to deliver on net-zero strategies.
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.
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.
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.
Landsec aiming to become net-zero business by 2030, sets 1.5C science-based target
Commercial real estate firm Landsec has launched an updated sustainability strategy for its carbon emissions, aiming to become a net-zero business by 2030 and reduce its absolute carbon emissions by 70% as part of a 1.5C science-based target.
It’s time for the next big step towards net-zero
A definitive line has been drawn in the sand this year; we have, as a nation, committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, E.ON UK's chief executive Michael Lewis explains.
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.
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.
Irish homes to form 'virtual power plant' with solar and battery storage
Irish utility Energia and technology firm Moixa have partnered to in a bid to create a 120 kWh 'virtual power plant' (VPP), consisting of home smart batteries, rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs).
Food giants team up to fund Edinburgh's first on-street recycling infrastructure
On-street recycling infrastructure for food and drinks packaging has been installed in Edinburgh for the first time, as part of a campaign run by charity Hubbub and backed by businesses including McDonald's, Costa Coffee and Nestle.
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.
'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.
Climate art awards and low-carbon council housing: 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.
Northern Powergrid trials EV energy storage technology
Northern Powergrid has announced it will run an energy storage trial involving electric vans in order to restore power to customers during a power cut.
Planning for the next power outage
Lee Stokes, head of sustainability solutions & innovation for Mitie Energy, looks back at August's UK-wide power outage and reveals how businesses can build resilience should the worst happen.
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.
FT's climate campaign and urban rooftop farming: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Will Smith's anti-deforestation shoes and floating solar islands: 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.
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%.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Low-carbon Product Innovation, Mitsubishi Electric
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 Low-carbon Product Innovation award, Mitsubishi Electric.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Landsec, The Built Environment
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 Mission Possible: The Built Environment award, Landsec.
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.
Diageo to invest £180m in renewable energy and water stewardship
Diageo has unveiled plans to invest £180m in clean energy generation and water recovery across 11 of its brewing facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.
More than TV: Can ITV place climate change at the core of its business purpose?
EXCLUSIVE: Following 18 months of radical internal transformation, edie asks how media company ITV is ready to revitalise years of strong CSR work to make environmental stewardship, health and wellbeing and societal change the core purpose of its business model.
Amazon continues investment in renewable energy projects
Amazon has confirmed plans to expand its portfolio of energy assets with investment in two renewable energy projects in the US and Europe.
Better Beer: Inside Molson Coors' $20m mission to climate-proof its supply chain
Over the past decade, Molson Coors has spent more than $20m on initiatives to bolster supply chain stability, with the ultimate aim of 'future-proofing' its key resource - barley. Here, edie explores how that funding has redefined best practice for the US-based brewing giant.
Report: Energy storage to smash 1,000GW milestone by 2040
Energy storage installations are poised for a 122-fold increase between now and 2040, as the uptake of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) and falling costs of technology provide an ideal platform to drive demand for storage solutions.
edie Explains: Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs)
What are Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) in the context of renewable energy? Which organisations are most suited to adopting CPPAs, and what are the business benefits of doing so?
Coors' plastic-free packaging and solar-powered trains: 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.
E.ON now supplying all customers with 100% renewable electricity
Big six supplier E.ON has announced that all of its domestic customers now have an electricity supply matched by renewable sources.
Onsite generation: UK businesses primed to become 'power plants of the future'
More than 80% of UK businesses generating renewable energy onsite plan to increase capacity over the next five years, according to a new survey.
Planning application sent for first electric forecourt in Braintree
Planning applications have been submitted to build an "electric forecourt" featuring rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers, battery storage and onsite renewables In Braintree, the first of more than 100 planned sites by green technology firm Gridserve.
Lightyear One: Prototype of solar car with 450-mile range launched
The prototype of a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) able to travel 450 miles on a single charge was officially unveiled in Katwijk, the Netherlands today (25 June).
SDG 7: How business is acting as a market shift for renewable energy
Despite the devastating evidence of the IPCC report last year on the impact of 1.5°C of global warming, the findings have not sparked a downward trend in global carbon emissions. The news just hasn't been met with appropriate levels of urgency and immediate action from national governments.
Record 11 million people now employed in renewable energy sector
Renewable energy now accounts for more than 11 million jobs worldwide, according to the latest set of official figures on the sector.
UK Government's Smart Export Guarantee to stabilise small-scale renewables market
The Government's replacement initiative for the Feed-in Tariff (FiTs) scheme for residential and business-owned solar has been introduced today (10 June), ensuring that users will be paid for electricity they send to the grid.
Facebook invests in large-scale solar project
Social media giant Facebook has made its first direct investment in a renewable energy project, as it strives to source 100% clean power by 2020.
Public EV charge points outnumber petrol stations in the UK
The number of public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK has surpassed the number of petrol stations for the first time.
Onsite solutions and behaviour nudges: How to take an energy strategy to the next level
There are no shortcuts to success and you need to be opportunistic in your sustainability opportunities, according to a panel of energy leaders at edie Live.
Bringing Energy Home: Labour unveils plans for solar homes and grid renationalisation
The Labour Party has unveiled fresh plans concerning how it will decarbonise and democratise energy in the UK, with headline ambitions of renationalising the National Grid and installing solar panels on 1.75 million homes.
Solar car with range of 'up to 800km' to launch next month
Dutch electric vehicle (EV) startup Lightyear has confirmed that it will unveil a prototype of the world's first long-range solar-powered passenger car next month, claiming that the vehicle will have a range of up to 800km (497 miles).
In action: Anesco's subsidy-free solar farm supported by a storage floor price
Renewable energy firm Anesco is working with EDF Energy and it's tech partner, Upside Energy, to introduce an industry-first guaranteed floor price for revenue from the battery storage units operating at the first subsidy-free solar development in the UK.
In numbers: Charting the rapid growth of renewable energy in the UK
A new report tracking investments into independent clean energy and energy storage technologies in the UK has illustrated the speed at which to low-carbon transition is gripping the power sector. Here, edie rounds up the key findings.
Moat Homes launches 'Energiesprong' retrofit pilot to create zero carbon houses
A five-home pilot project has launched in Essex to create zero-carbon retrofit homes in the UK, fitting the buildings with solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage systems.
Britain notches up another coal-free record over Easter
Great Britain's power grid notched up another coal-free record over the Easter weekend, operating for nearly 92 consecutive hours without any domestic coal generation.
An EV revolution: Four key takeaways from Tesla's first sustainability report
On Wednesday (16 April), the world's most talked-about electric vehicle (EV) company published its inaugural sustainability report, revealing in-depth information on its environmental credentials for the first time. Here, edie rounds up the key takeaways.
Algae-boosted solar panels and floating cities: The best green innovations of the week
Every week, 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.
Walmart launches reusable bag range and spurs progress on supply chain emissions
The world's largest retailer, Walmart, used its annual sustainability summit to reveal that checkouts at its US stores will offer reusable bags made from post-consumer recycled content for the first time, alongside an update to its Project Gigaton supply chain emissions programme.
National Grid 'ready to handle' zero-carbon network by 2025
The operating firm for National Grid has claimed that Great Britain's electricity system can operate as a zero-carbon grid by 2025.
Danone's ultra-sustainable factory and Hilton's soap recycling: 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.
Battery storage and solar farms to power 100 UK 'Electric Forecourts'
Green technology firm Gridserve has unveiled a £1bn programme to construct more than 100 "Electric Forecourts" across the UK, which combine renewable energy, battery storage and rapid chargers to meet the needs of electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
Green Alliance: Feed-In Tariff closure a 'major blow' for community solar
The Government's decision to axe the Feed-In Tariff (FiT) scheme will leave dozens of UK community groups "struggling to make the business case" for new small-scale solar projects, think tank Green Alliance has warned.
First Utility rebrands as Shell Energy and switches 700,000 customers to renewable energy
A year after Shell acquired First Utility it has rebranded the supplier as Shell Energy Retail and has today (25 March) confirmed it has switched more than 700,000 homes in Britain to 100% renewable electricity.
Doubts raised over viability of 'subsidy-free' renewables
Senior figures from the energy and finance industries have declared doubts over the feasibility of building "subsidy-free" renewables at scale without some form of revenue stabilisation.
