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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.

The report warns that failure to support the already struggling sector could result in the UK becoming a buyer, rather than supplier, of green energy and technology

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.

Skanska's EV policy and the UK's largest community solar park: 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.

The latest draft text, obtained by EURACTIV, “significantly weakens the priority given to renewable hydrogen,”

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.

When fully operational, the windfarm will provide enough clean electricity to power more than 4.5 million UK homes and it is expected to trigger capital investments of around £9bn in total

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.

Eshcon director Anya Ledwith (left) and compere Julia Bradbury (right) present the award

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.

The UK has bounced around the top seven of the rankings for the last few years

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.

Pictured: An artist's impression of the facility. Image: Desolenator

Carlsberg turns to thermal solar tech to meet water stewardship ambitions

Multinational brewer Carlsberg Group has revealed that it is investing in the world's first solar thermal water purification facility, in India, as part of its work with WaterAid.

The Government believes that the 12GW target will provide equivalent energy outputs to power 20 million electric vehicles annually

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.

The deal with Tesco will take Low Carbon’s advanced renewable energy pipeline to more than 4GW

Tesco to co-create three UK solar farms

Tesco has confirmed a new partnership with a renewable energy investor that will facilitate the creation of three solar farms in the UK that will generate clean power equivalent to powering 44,800 homes.

Between 2011 and 2019, gross operational emissions in the sector have fallen by almost 45%

Renewables and restoration: Water sector outlines net-zero routemap for 2030

The UK's major water companies will unveil a Routemap detailing how solar installations, electric vehicles and biomethane production will enable the sector to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.

China (pictured) and the US led the way for installations in 2020, with European markets likely to rebound in 2021

Renewables will overtake gas and coal globally in 2024, IEA predicts

The International Energy (IEA) has published a major analysis on the state of the global renewable energy sector, predicting that wind and solar capacity will double by 2025.

Annually, the brewery generates excess solar energy equivalent to powering around 300 homes for more than a month

Taste the Sun: Sol beer brewed using 100% renewable electricity

Heineken's Sol brand is being brewed using 100% renewable energy, following the installation of more than 9,000 solar panels at a facility in the Netherlands.

The Plan provides a discount for Tesla owners but it open to all EV drivers. Image: Octopus Energy

Tesla launches UK-based virtual power plant project

Tesla has opened its Energy Plan to UK residents with electric vehicles (EVs), encouraging them to install domestic solar generation and batteries to provide flexible energy services to the grid.

edie explains: Science-based targets

What makes emissions targets "science-based"? How can businesses go beyond 2C alignment and strive for 1.5C? And what role do these targets play in the net-zero movement? This free edie explains guide answers all of these questions and more.

In the locations with the best infrastructure and policy, solar can generate electricity at costs below $20 per MWh, the report states

World Energy Outlook: IEA forecasts boom for solar in wake of Covid-19

Even if nations do not bolster their climate targets, renewables will meet 80% of the global growth in electricity demand by 2030, with solar leading the way, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) new World Energy Outlook.

PepsiCo currently powers facilities using a mix of renewable electricity of 18 countries, of which 9 are accounted for by 100% renewable electricity

PepsiCo targets 100% renewable electricity globally

PepsiCo has confirmed it has joined the Climate Group's RE100 initiative, pledging to source 100% renewable electricity across its operations by 2030, a move that could reduce the manufacturing giant's carbon footprint by 2.5 million tonnes.

This weekly round-up explores how businesses across the world are ramping up efforts across all areas of sustainable development

Manchester's B-Corp hub and California's bee-friendly solar farm: 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.

Charging infrastructure and technical advice and assistance will also be provided by ABB, Tesla and the AA

Retailers sign up to co-locate on UK's first electric forecourt

A host of retailers including WHSmith, Costa Coffee, Booths and Gourmade have enrolled into a new partnership with the UK's first electric forecourt, which is due to open near Braintree, Essex, this November.

There is more than 10GW of large-scale solar being planned in the next few years

Renewable and technology associations team up to drive corporate demand for clean energy

UK trade associations, techUK, the Solar Trade Association (STA) and RenewableUK are forming a new partnership to encourage companies to purchase more renewable energy in a bid to spur the net-zero transition.

The solar and storage facilities are due to come online by the end of 2020

Warrington Borough Council launches resident-funded green bond in bid to reach net-zero

Warrington Borough Council has launched a green bond that will see residents invest in the region's renewable energy and energy storage sectors, as it works to deliver a carbon-neutral town by 2030.

Over the next decade, IGS will aim to shift to clean energy solutions, including building on its existing solar division

Energy retailer IGS commits to net-zero by 2040

One of the US's largest energy retailers, IGS, has announced a new commitment to reach net-zero emissions for its operations and the services it provides to its domestic and business customers by 2040, pledging to provide 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas.

Output over the three-month period was 19% higher than the previous peak

Report: Europe recorded record solar output amid Covid-19 lockdowns

Solar output in Europe hit a record high of 47.6TWh in the second quarter of 2020, new analysis from EnAppSys has shown.

The report also noted that the group achieved a 6.5% reduction in carbon emissions per tonne of production during the reporting year from a 2015 baseline

Ibstock to pilot net-zero factory

Brick manufacturer Ibstock has announced plans to pilot at least one net-zero factory, with the company outlining its intention to set a net-zero carbon goal for its operations in the near future.

Clayhill solar farm generates enough energy annually to power 2,500 homes. Image: Anesco

Gridserve buys UK's first subsidy-free solar farm to power EV forecourts

Gridserve has purchased the UK's first subsidy-free solar farm from developer Anesco as it works to bring more than 100 "electric forecourts" online across the nation.

Europe's largest floating solar farm and Canary Wharf's green office: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

edie Explains: Scope 3 carbon emissions

What are Scope 3 emissions? How are they calculated? How can they be mitigated and reduced? And, what are the business benefits of doing so? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.

The bond will finance the installation of five new solar arrays.

West Berkshire Council launches 'UK's first' resident-funded green bond

West Berkshire Council has launched a green bond that will see residents invest in the region's renewable energy sector, in what it claims is a UK first.

Pictured: The Scout Moor Wind Farm is England's second-largest onshore wind array

Onshore wind and solar 'could boost UK economy by £29bn'

BEIS and the Treasury are being urged to remove barriers to onshore renewable energy projects as part of their Covid-19 recovery planning, in a new report claiming that 'shovel-ready' renewables could provide a £28.9bn boost to the UK economy.

Solar-powered carpark lighting poles will offset more than 9,000kWh of energy use annually

First zero-emission McDonald's restaurant unveiled at Disney, Florida

McDonald's has unveiled its first zero-emissions restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, with solar arrays, green walls and kinetic bikes all featuring to create enough renewable energy that the building will need each year.

innocent's sustainability cheerleader Katie Leggett talks edie through the report

'Good all round': Exploring Innocent Drinks' first sustainability report

EXCLUSIVE: Innocent drinks has launched its first "good all round" report, the company's innovative take on the traditional sustainability report outlining progress against its carbon-neutral, circular economy and staff engagement ambitions.

GIG is aiming to improve the biodiversity at each site, with a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment to be carried out on each project

Macquarie issues joint venture on 1GW solar and battery project pipeline

Macquarie's Green Investment Group (GIG) has announced a new UK joint venture with Enso Energy to create one of the largest solar and battery portfolios that will enhance the biodiversity on each project site.

Solar panel installation, Tetra Pak site. Image: Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak targets net-zero value chain by 2050

Packaging firm Tetra Pak has today (11 June) committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2030, with a longer-term target to achieve a net-zero emissions value chain by 2050.

'Records are falling like dominos': Europe delivering record renewables generation

New statistics have confirmed that Europe broke a renewables generation record during the month, with the continent sourcing more than 50% of its energy needs from green energy on May 24.

Zalando has committed to placing solar panels and low-carbon technology on all its new and existing fulfilment centres by 2023

Zalando unveils science-based targets, commits suppliers to set carbon goals

Online fashion retail platform Zalando has built on its commitment to carbon neutrality across its own operations by having targets to reduce operational carbon emissions by 80% and emissions from the production of private label products by 40% approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The average rated capacity for new turbines installed in 2019 surpassed 2,750kW, up 72% from 2009 levels

Wind sector is getting bigger, in more ways than one

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has confirmed that the wind sector installed a record 63GW of new capacity in 2019, while the average size and performance of new turbines have also increased.

Concerns had been raised as to placing the storage system onto farmland. Stock image

BEIS approves UK's largest solar farm

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has this week approved what is set to be the UK's largest solar farm, located in Kent.

Hosted across the Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea areas, the VPP system will incorporate solar panels, batteries and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure

West Sussex's £31m 'smart' local energy system to progress during lockdown

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) project in West Sussex which is aiming to streamline how low-carbon energy is generated, stored, traded and consumed is still running "at full speed" despite the economic disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The developers claim that the farm would generate enough renewable electricity to power 91,000 homes and would reduce UK carbon emissions by 68,000 tonnes annually. Stock image

UK's largest solar farm expected to be approved

Development consent for what would be the UK's largest solar farm is expected to be confirmed by the Government this week, which could also see the world's largest energy storage system co-located at the site in the Kent countryside.

The document outlines sweeping green policy changes across energy, buildings and transport

Europe's draft 'green recovery' plan leaked

The European Commission's promised green recovery plan will focus on building renovation, renewables and hydrogen as well as clean mobility and the circular economy, according to a leaked working document obtained by EURACTIV.

The UK could become a world leader for green hydrogen, as it could become cost competitive much faster, due to enabling policies and low-cost and highly abundant renewable

Report: Renewables to account for three-quarters of UK's power demand by 2050

The UK could source 76% of its power demand from renewables by 2050, according to a new report from RenewableUK which claims that the nation's net-zero target will spur rapid demand for green hydrogen while attracting more than £50bn to an already world-leading offshore wind sector.

Community-owned energy projects generated 168MW of electricity in 2018, of which 21 organisations operate within Northern Powergrid’s region

Northern Powergrid unveils community engagement decarbonisation plans

The distribution network operator (DNO) for the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire has unveiled a new community energy engagement strategy outlining steps to use community-based consumption and power to respond to the climate emergency.

Coronavirus lockdowns have seen national energy demand fall by 15% for the month of April.

Coronavirus lockdown: UK hits coal-free month

The UK has gone more than 30 days without relying on coal for power, with gas, nuclear and renewables providing enough demand during a period of lower energy demand because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Unilever’s chief executive Alan Jope reflected that amidst a global pandemic it was the duty of business to repair a broken capitalism mode

Unilever's Alan Jope on repairing capitalism, Covid-19 and Sustainable Living Plans

Providing an update to Unilever's flagship Sustainable Living Plan as it enters its 10th and final year, chief executive Alan Jope reflects on the need to double down to protect the planet and society during the pandemic by "driving a new model of capitalism".

To date, 8.2MW of solar PV has been installed across 43 Scottish Water sites, capable of generating 6.5GWh of renewable electricity annually

Scottish Water switches on latest solar array at Dunfermline wastewater facility

A wastewater treatment facility in Dunfermline is the latest Scottish Water facility to be fitted with onsite solar technology, as the water company progresses towards its net-zero carbon target for 2040.

The project will now focus on bringing more parties into the LEM

Local energy trading market launched on Orkney islands

A trial focused on delivering real-time trading between renewable generation and local grid flexibility on the Orkney islands has been successful, with project lead Electron noting that more than 1,300 trades have been completed as part of a demonstration projected.

Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development

World GBC's 'Paris proof' buildings and Abu Dhabi's low-cost solar: 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.

The project has secured planning permission for more than 80 sites across the nation to date. Image: Gridserve

Hitachi pours millions into Gridserve's electric forecourts project

Hitachi Capital UK has announced a multi-million-pound investment to support Gridserve's ambitious project to develop more than one hundred electric forecourts across the UK to spur the low-carbon transition.

The four weeks of April has seen coal account for less than 1% of electricity generation

UK sets new record for coal-free generation

The UK has this morning broken its existing record for coal-free power generation, surpassing 18 consecutive days and counting.

The LCOE of battery storage has fallen to $150 per MWh for systems with a four-hour duration, almost half of its LCOE cost recorded in 2018

Onshore wind and solar 'cheapest' form of energy for two-thirds of global population

Utility-scale solar PV and onshore wind are now the cheapest forms of new-build energy generation across two-thirds of the global population, according to new analysis from BloombergNEF (BNEF) that shows that costs for renewables and battery storage have plummeted in recent years.

The peak record in solar generation also contributed to the UK’s longest coal-free period in 2020 so far

UK smashes solar generation record

Solar use in the UK broke an all-time peak generation record on Monday (20 April), accounting for almost 30% of UK electricity demand, with the UK also operating for more than 11 consecutive days without coal.

LG Solar is currently giving away cherry trees to customers to help them capture carbon at home

LG's solar arm targets carbon neutrality by 2030

LG Electronics' solar division has unveiled a new strategy of measures that will enable the business to become carbon neutral by 2030.

EnAppSys does state that the trend is likely to be a “temporary high”

Renewables eclipse other power sources in Great Britain for first quarter of 2020

New data has revealed that renewables accounted for more electricity than any other power source in Great Britain for the first quarter of 2020, as blustery winds spurred renewables generation to 45% of the entire electricity mix.

Pictured: Cumbria's Walney Extension wind farm, the largest offshore wind array in the world

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.

The Council has committed to installing an additional 182 electric vehicle charging points by the end of the year

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.

The platform will enable EVs to charge when costs are at their lowest and manage renewable assets cost effectively

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.

The researchers do note that smaller-scale technologies won’t reach net-zero emissions by mid-Century in isolation and may have to be combined with larger-scale solutions

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.

The vast majority (85%) of the growth was accounted for by wind deals, mainly offshore

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.

In total, 6.2GW of installed capacity was supported by FiTs between the scheme's launch in 2010 and closure in 2019

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?

Some EVSE UK members will join the REA’s EV Steering Group and many will gain access to other REA industry groups, including the Solar Forum and the Energy Storage Forum

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.

Last October, the Government rejected a string of recommendations from MPs aimed at decarbonising UKEF’s portfolio

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 by as much as 16% due to a reliance on production in China

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.

An artist's impression of the facility, showing its rooftop solar array and battery storage modules. Image: Gridserve

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.

Anglian Water says it has completed nature surveys to ensure the array does not negatively impact biodiversity at the Grafham Water site

'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.

Forestry growth and rapid deployment of renewables could put the UK on course for its net-zero target

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.

The model enabled at least 25% more renewable energy to be utilised at peak times. Image: Greenhouse PR

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.

Primary energy production fell for the first time in four years

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.

This round-up highlights innovative technical solutions to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges

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.

The group is present in more than 100 markets, with 39 plants worldwide

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.

The solar plant which will supply Heineken Spain will be co-located with Iberdrola’s El Andevalo wind farm (pictured)

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.

Johnson’s preference to fill the Treasury with his own advisors suggests that he seeks more control over the spending decisions.

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.

The panel included representatives from the finance, environmental services, engineering, cement, food manufacturing and retail sectors. Image: Aldersgate Group

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?

The 7.3MW Creacombe community solar farm. Image: CORE

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.

Power generation capacity may have to grow by 75% to account for additional demand

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 used 100% renewable energy to power its 29 breweries in Western Europe for the first time in 2018

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 is one of six firms to have signed all three of the commitments

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.

The procurement in 2019 was almost triple the levels recorded two years prior

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.

Pictured: A rooftop solar array at PepsiCo's HQ in Harrison, NY.

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.

In December 2018, AB InBev secured a deal to purchase 100% renewable electricity for its UK operations

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.

The array covers 353 acres. Image: NextEnergy Solar Fund

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 avoided 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2018

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

It is the first of a pilot programme that will aim to add up to 6MWp of solar technology across four army sites in the UK over the next year

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.

The ice sculptures where used to highlight the climate emergency

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.

The reforms have faced strong opposition from distributed generators and trade bodies

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.

Pictured: Target's store in Napa Valley, California. Image: Target

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.

The auctions can run from months ahead all the way to intraday transactions

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.

A PV array at Landsec's Ludgate building

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.

Lidl is already operating rapid EV chargers at 20 of its Irish stores (pictured). Image: Lidl Ireland

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.