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Kimberly-Clark and Mars make fresh moves to champion renewables

Personal care firm Kimberly-Clark has secured its first deals to source renewable energy, in a move that will help the company surpass a carbon goal for years early, while food company Mars has used an iconic brand to promote renewables to consumers.

Stora Enso expects two-thirds of energy consumption at its mills to come from biomass derived from burning wood bark

In practice: Stora Enso's cost-effective move to champion cross laminated timber

A new multi-million-euro investment looks set to transform packaging firm Stora Enso into a renewable materials company and the largest global producer of a low environmental impact timber solution to replace steel and concrete in construction projects.

The Burbo Bank offshore windfarm has been fully operational since 2007, and has recently started using the planet's biggest and most powerful wind turbines to generate electricity

ABB to deliver battery storage system for Burbo Bank windfarm

Industrial automation specialist ABB will provide a 2MW battery storage system to support the use of renewable energy at the 90MW Burbo Bank offshore windfarm near Liverpool, in the first deal of its kind in the UK.

Consumers will be able to visit the Windmill Bar during Carlsberg’s anniversary week in Copenhagen

Carlsberg celebrates its anniversary week with innovative zero-carbon windmill bar

Just two months on from its decision to pursue zero-carbon breweries, Carlsberg has built a zero-carbon "Windmill Bar", which harnesses wind and an exercise bicycle to reduce emissions.

The 588MW development is expected to generate enough renewable wind energy to power roughly 450,000 households

Beatrice offshore project to provide social value windfall for UK communities

Money placed into a community fund to support the development of the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm off the coast of Scotland could create nearly £20m in social value for the communities involved in project, according to new analysis.

Brewing for the future: How MillerCoors slashed its water footprint through supplier engagement

A supply chain management philosophy built on engagement over enforcement enabled brewer MillerCoors to reduce its water footprint by 17% last year. Here, Matt Mace investigates how the firm has been galvanising the farmer community to create resilient, future-proofed beer supply chains.

BNEF found that solar will account for 48% of the world’s installed capacity and 34% of electricity generation by 2040

'Unstoppable' renewables to reach new heights as costs tumble, report finds

Renewable energy sources will account for around three quarters of the expected $10trn global investment into power generating technologies between now and 2040, a new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has claimed.

The Burbo Bank offshore windfarm has been fully operational since 2007

DONG Energy turns to battery storage for Burbo Bank windfarm

Wind energy provider DONG Energy has announced plans to integrate a 2MW battery storage system into the Burbo Bank offshore windfarm to deliver frequency response to aid the National Grid in managing grid stability.

edie Live exhibitor focus: EWT

With the doors at edie Live opening in just a few days, we get up close and personal with some of our exhibitors to find out what visitors can expect to see from them at the show, what's new and how they can help in the drive towards sustainability targets.

A guide to effective sustainability communications

Whether it's driving engaging with employees to maximise results, with stakeholders to translate progress, or with consumers to drive awareness and brand value, getting sustainability communications right is crucial, and getting it wrong can be disastrous.

edie has analysed this latest batch of data to bring you 10 statistics that you probably didn’t know about global renewable energy capacity

The renewables revolution rolls on: 2016 in charts

New figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have revealed that 2016 was the strongest year yet for renewable energy. Here, edie digs deep into the data to bring you 10 key statistics that chart a record-breaking year for the world's clean energy transformation.

Scotland’s commitment to the future of tidal and wave energy has not been equalled by the rest of the UK

UK tidal energy plagued by cost discrepancies, says ETI

Tidal energy is at risk of being priced-out of an increasingly cost-competitive low-carbon market in the UK, unless a successful Contract for Difference (CfD) agreement can be implemented, the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has warned.

Three major coal power stations were closed in 2016, leading to a substantial fall in generation

UK wind energy surpasses coal generation for first time

The UK made history 2016, with new analysis revealing that energy from wind turbines dwarfed energy sourced from coal power stations for the first time ever.

Engineers said that their methodology could be applied to create more accurate estimates of future emissions savings and readings for energy developers, planner and policymakers

Report: British wind farms cut carbon emissions by 36 million tonnes

Renewable energy generated from wind farms in Britain has prevented the creation of around 36m tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over the last six years, a new study from the University of Edinburgh has found.

IRENA suggests that offshore wind could grow more than 650% by 2030, cementing its place as a key power generation technology in years to come

Offshore wind deployment could grow by 650% in 15 years, says IRENA

Technological innovations for offshore wind energy generation hold the potential to grow the sector from 13GW of capacity in 2015 to more than 100GW in 2030, according to new analysis from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Wind Europe stress that the EU’s “modest” 2030 target of 27% renewables in total energy consumption must rise to 30% if the continent wishes to remain a wind industry leader

Research predicts European wind rush by 2025

New research has anticipated that more than 140GW of new wind power capacity will be deployed in Europe by 2025 despite deep regulatory reform, in the same week that Wind Europe called on the European Union (EU) to ramp up political commitments to make the continent the best choice for renewables investment.

The solar energy revolution has reached a point where PV panels and wind turbines are entering uncharted territory

From Chernobyl to Antarctica: 7 wonders of the world's renewable energy revolution

As well as seamlessly integrating into national energy mixes to the point where it is beginning to outshine fossil fuels, renewable energy is in the midst of a revolution that is now providing Antarctica, Chernobyl, The Outback and the Amazon basin with clean, reliable sources of energy.

Small Wind Coop investments bonds have a return rate of 4.5% over six years, in addition to shares which offer a projected average annual return of 6.5 % over 20 years

'Fat cat free': Community wind projects seek investment in Wales and Scotland

Not-for-profit energy developer Sharenergy has launched a new initiative offering local communities the opportunity to support wind projects in Wales and Scotland through stable investment bonds and shares; without the intervention from energy companies that people "don't trust".

IRENA estimates that electricity costs could fall 35% for offshore wind, and 26% for onshore wind compared to 2015

Global Wind Day: 10 wind energy statistics that will blow you away

On a day dedicated to discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world, edie takes a look at 10 interesting wind energy statistics on Global Wind Day (15 June).

The signing of the MoU comes on the same day as 11 leading energy companies sign a declaration saying offshore wind can reduce costs to 80 euros/MWh by 2025

Offshore wind agreement signed by 9 EU countries

A total of 9 northern European countries have signed an agreement on enhanced cooperation within the offshore wind sector, in a deal which aims to reduce the costs and accelerate the deployment of wind power at sea through joint development and purchasing.

To the victors come the spoils: edie's 2016 Environment & Energy Award-winners were announced at a glittering ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham

edie Environment & Energy Awards 2016: Meet the winners

Take a full read through each of the projects and initiatives that fended off tough competition to be crowned winners of edie's 2016 Environment & Energy (E&E) Awards.

The green supplier plans to improve the biodiversity across each project, by creating species-rich grassland and planting native hedgerows in the local area

Ecotricity gains planning permission for 'future of energy' hybrid parks

Green energy provider Ecotricity has gained planning permission to create some of the first hybrid energy parks in Britain, by combining current wind farms with two new "sun parks" in Devon and Leicestershire respectively.

RenewableUK expects 10GW of offshore wind to power the equivalent of more than a quarter of UK households a year

UK offshore wind capacity hits 10GW as £2.6bn Beatrice project receives green light

The construction of the £2.6bn Beatrice offshore wind farm in Scotland has been given the green light by developers SSE, as the UK looks to secure 10% of its electricity needs by 2020 from the offshore wind sector.

Scheduled for commercial operation by late-2017, the project will deliver 1.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity each year through its 67 wind turbines

Confidence in UK offshore industry illustrated by new £1.3bn project

One of the world's largest offshore windfarms, set to be located off the coast of East England, has secured a £1.3bn long-term financing fund, just six months after it began a fundraising process.

UK National Grid data revealed that 2015 was a record-breaking year for wind energy generation

Low costs will see global wind capacity nearly double in next five years

Global wind power installations will nearly double in the next five years as prices continue to fall and countries develop renewable energy to comply with emissions reduction targets, according to research published in Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) flagship publication.

An artist's impression of the Batwind system in operation with an offshore wind farm

Batwind: Battery storage for offshore wind launched by Statoil

Norwegian fossil fuel giant Statoil is piloting an innovative battery storage system for offshore wind energy on the world's first floating wind farm - the Hywind park off the coast of Aberdeenshire in Scotland.

September saw the UK drop out of the top 10 of EY’s respected international league table on renewable energy for the first time since its inception 12 years ago

Britain in 'make or break' year for renewables, says EY

The UK "must try harder" to attract investment into renewable generation capacity, as the global power market enters "a year of reckoning", analyst EY has warned.

The new solar project will feature 18,860 panels

Vattenfall brings ground-breaking hybrid renewables project to UK

Swedish energy firm Vattenfall will start construction on its first UK solar project later this month, the company has announced.

Wind turbines created enough power to supply more than 100% of Scottish household needs during 6 months of the year

Scotland urged to 'Raise Ambitions' and commit to 50% renewables target

Industry body Scottish Renewables has called on the country to commit to an ambitious new target of generating at least half of its total energy demands from renewables by 2030.

In total renewables such as wind, solar and hydro accounted for more than 18% of all UK electricity in 2015

Record-breaking 2015 for UK wind energy

New data from the National Grid reveals that 2015 was a record-breaking year for wind energy generation, with onshore and offshore wind farms setting new weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual records.

This week the Republican frontrunner's appeal was dismissed by judges in London

Donald Trump loses legal case to block Scottish windfarm

US presidential hopeful Donald Trump has had plans to stop the construction of a wind farm near his golf resort in Aberdeen rejected by Britain's Supreme Court judges, an outcome that the Trump Organisation has branded as "small-minded and parochial".

The report expects the four technologies to become mainstay power supplies across a variety of utility sectors

Goldman Sachs urges investors to target solar and wind power for optimal climate impact

Investors have been encouraged to target four key low-carbon technologies - solar photovoltaics, LED lighting, wind power and electric vehicles - as the most effective ways to tackle climate change.

The Aiming High report suggests that wind power has the potential to exceed gas and other forms of energy within the next decade

Wind energy set to be Europe's largest power source by 2030

Wind energy could be the largest power supply source in the EU by 2030 as long as governments drive ambition in climate and energy policies, according to a new European Wind Energy Association report.

The H15 is a 25m windmill with a power rating of 15kW and forms part of the company's radical new approach to creating a green partnership

Ecotricity to transform small wind sector with 'cutting-edge' windmill

Green energy supplier Ecotricity will unveil a 'ground-breaking' new horizontal-axis windmill that can operate at half the cost of the current best-selling windmills at a conference in Paris this week.

Walney Extension will eclipse the 630MW London Array Offshore Wind Farm also commissioned by DONG Energy in 2014

World's biggest offshore wind farm confirmed for Cumbria

Permission has been granted today (29 October) to put steel in water for what will be the world's biggest offshore wind farm off the coast of Cumbria.

Millennium Wind Farm in the Scottish Highlands. Wind power generated the equivalent of 28% of Scotland's entire electricity needs last month

Sunny and windy September prompts surge in Scottish renewables

Last month's unseasonably warm weather proved a boon for clean energy output in Scotland, with enough sunshine to provide more than 70% of the electricity and hot water needs of homes fitted with solar panels.

The total capacity of Britain's wind energy systems now stands at just north of 13GW

Wind energy generates £1.25bn for UK economy, provides 30,000 jobs

Wind energy drove £1.25bn of investment into Britain's economy last year, with the industry now employing 30,500 people, according to a new report from RenewableUK.

The International Energy Agency has been slammed for an underselling of renewable energy potential and an overselling of the coal industry

IEA under fire for 'irresponsible' and 'misleading' energy outlook

An energy watchdog has blasted the International Energy Agency (IEA) for "holding back the global energy transition", concluding that its annual World Energy Outlook (WEO) reports were published with misleading projections.

The letter labelled the threat of closing the FiT to new entrants in January 2016 as 'unfair'

UK renewables 'tripped at the last hurdle' by subsidy cuts

Moves to slash renewable energy incentives will have a "drastic impact" on the UK's low-carbon future and increase the 'boom or bust' potential of key funding mechanisms, warns a joint trade association letter sent to the Government.

Imagination, courage and hard work will be required from future business leaders for all of us to lead an Earth-intelligent life

Looking towards the next sustainability agenda...

In the eighth and final part of edie's sustainability series with Ashridge Business School, Chris Nichols gazes into the crystal ball and examines the role of business in the transition to a more sustainable future.

The 970MW Navitus Bay project was due to be built in the English Channel

Government rejects Navitus Bay offshore wind farm

The renewable energy industry was dealt yet another blow today (9 September) as the Conservatives have rejected proposals for a £3.5bn windfarm off the south coast of England.

The car will perform to between 93-95% of its maximum capacity across a power range of 400 watts to 3.6 kilowatts, even if there is a 20cm gap between the coils

Electric cars could feed power back into grid through wireless 'antennas'

German researchers have unveiled a prototype wireless system that allows a car to receive and discharge power to the grid from coils under a road or parking space.

One of the major policies listed in the report was to nationalise Grangemouth refinery

Scottish green energy transition could create 44,000 new jobs

Rebuilding Scotland's energy sector around green technology could generate 44,000 additional jobs compared to the current oil-and-gas status quo.

The Hornsea Zone projects have the potential to provide enough electricity to meet approximately 4% of all electricity demand in the UK and power three million homes.

DONG Energy acquires 3GW Hornsea Zone

DONG Energy has acquired the Hornsea Zone, an offshore wind development with the potential to develop around 3GW of capacity, and its remaining projects.

The UK’s installed capacity of solar energy reached 7.7GW, as well as reaching 13.4GW of wind energy

EU's five biggest energy markets add 8GW to wind and solar capacity

Europe's five biggest energy markets have added 8GW of wind and solar capacity in the first half of 2015, a new report has found.

The D78 blade was designed by UK firm Blade Dynamics

NASA-built turbine blade to slice cost of wind energy

The world's first modular offshore wind turbine blade is being shipped to the UK from a NASA facility in New Orleans.

The plans for a 50MW project fell through after changes to planning regulation

Lincolnshire wind farm falls through after Government's planning changes

Renewable energy giant Vattenfall has cancelled plans for a Lincolnshire wind farm development amid opposition from local residents.

EU nations installed more than 2,300MW in the first six months of 2015

EU sets new record for offshore wind installations in first half of 2015

European offshore wind has set a record for annual capacity installation just six months into 2015.

The wind farm will provide 30MW energy capacity to the state of Rhode Island

US begins construction of landmark offshore wind farm on Atlantic coast

The US has put steel in the water for what will be the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island.

The renewable energy companies say local planning changes are lacking clarity

Small-scale wind turbine developers protest changes to local planning laws

Small and medium-scale wind turbine manufacturers have written to Communities Secretary Greg Clark to protest changes to planning guidance for onshore wind turbines.

Amazon's planned North Carolina wind farm is its largest renewable energy project

Amazon commits to 208MW wind farm in largest renewables venture yet

Amazon is to construct a 208MW wind farm which will become the first utility-scale wind farm in the US state of North Carolina.

The Conservative UK government has announced a withdrawal of support for onshore windfarms. Denmark's windfarms have strong government backing

Wind power generates 140% of Denmark's electricity demand

This week saw big numbers from the UK Budget as well as big businesses such as Facebook and Lamborghini

Sustainability stats: This week in numbers

It's been a hectic week for sustainability professionals, with the Summer Budget leaving many edie readers with some big numbers to mull over...

MEPs voted in favour of reforming the Emissions Trading Scheme early to remove carbon allowances

European Parliament votes for early carbon market reform

The European Parliament has endorsed plans to reform the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), it was announced yesterday (8 July).

Circular economy: WEEE guide for businesses

In the UK, we produce more than 300 million tonnes of general waste each year. Only 2% of e-waste is reused, even though 23% is suitable for reuse. So what should be done about it?

Scotland's onshore wind industry now invests nearly £9 million in community projects every year - the highest amount ever

Scottish wind industry gives back with record £8.8m for community projects

Community projects funded by Scotland's onshore wind industry have hit a record high of £8.8m a year.

10 facts that will blow you away

To celebrate Global Wind Day, edie pulled together 10 fascinating facts about wind; its power and the possibilities it holds to reshape our energy systems, decarbonise our economies and boost jobs and growth.

EY's latest RECAI warned that the Conservative's election victory could prove a ‘double edged sword’ for renewables

EY blasts 'absurd' renewables policy

The UK Government's plan to tackle climate change whilst also reducing subsidy support for solar and onshore wind, is 'somewhat absurd', according to global consultancy EY (formerly Ernst & Young).

Collaboration helped Lafarge Tarmac to challenge the status quo and devise new initiatives and practices

Driving sustainability through collaboration

Dr Martyn Kenny, director of sustainability at Lafarge Tarmac, explains how closer collaboration across the whole construction supply chain has become key to embedding sustainability and driving innovative ways to meet UK infrastructure and carbon reduction targets.

More than seven in ten adults polled in February 2015 by YouGov said they supported the continued development of wind power, rising from 64% in February 2013

Scottish support for wind power rises as industry grows

A new poll has revealed that increased wind power capacity development in Scotland is not swaying support among Scottish adults, with it instead rising.

Alstom will install and maintain five 6MW turbines, about three miles off the coast of Rhode Island.

Green light for America's first offshore wind farm

US developer Deepwater Wind has given its installer the official go-ahead to proceed with what will be the first commercial offshore wind farm in the US.

Maximise the energy production capability of Anaerobic Digestion Plants

Given the relatively high costs associated with setting up an AD plant it is essential that once operational the plant is optimised for maximum performance – which in this instance is measured by the volumes of biogas which can then be used in the generation of heat and power.

Over 90% of people underestimated the amount of public support for wind power, believing it to receive approval ratings of just 40% rather than the actual 70% level

Poll reveals distorted view of wind power subsidies

New research has revealed the vast misconceptions held by the UK public surrounding wind power, such as the level of financial and popular support it receives.

Gwynt y Môr will consist of 160 turbines and is being built by RWE Innogy UK off the North Wales coast

Triple business bonanza for UK offshore wind

The extent of the UK's booming business environment for the offshore wind industry and its supply chain have been demonstrated with three major announcements in the space of 24 hours.

Oil currently accounts for just 5% of global electricity generated

Global Energy Outlook: Oil price volatility is good news for renewables

Renewable investment will continue to grow and oil is unlikely to make a major comeback in power generation, according to Frost & Sullivan's latest Annual Global Power and Energy Outlook.

The UK was the second most prolific installer, with 1,738 MW added in 2014

EU wind installations breeze past coal and gas

The European wind energy industry installed more than twice as much new capacity as coal and gas combined in 2014, according to new figures released on Tuesday.

Wind turbines provided 146% of the electricity needed by Scottish homes in January

'Flying start' to 2015 for wind power in Scotland

Wind power output in Scotland got off to a "flying start" last month, generating enough energy to supply the electrical needs of 146% of Scottish households.

The UK's grid-connected wind farms provided enough power for 8.7 million homes last month

UK wind power breaks all records in January

Wind energy broke new records for monthly, weekly and half-hourly electricity generation in January, providing enough energy to power almost nine million UK homes.

Germany's construction boom this year is likely to give it a major boost in the offshore wind race

Offshore wind: Political certainty needed to ensure market growth

Europe's offshore wind industry has united in a call for policymakers to provide long-term funding certainty, as new figures reveal the market slowed in 2014, will be even quieter this year and 'slump' in 2016.

Obama and Modi have agreed to co-operate closely on climate change ahead of the Paris 2015 summit

Obama backs India's clean energy goals

US President Barack Obama has pledged financial support for India's revamped solar energy targets and "made a personal commitment" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pursue a strong global climate agreement in Paris.

The rise in global wind power installed capacity will increase the demand for wind turbine components across the value chain

Wind power: Global investment to hit £66bn by 2020

Global investment in wind power projects will reach $101bn (£66.6bn) by the end of 2020 as capacity is expected to rise from 364.9GW in 2014 to 650.8GW by 2020 in response to increased demand.

Wind power saved more than £579m in import costs in 2013

Wind power 'more resilient than fossil fuels'

Increasing wind power generation would make the UK's future energy supply more resilient to the fluctuating price of fossil fuels and cut costly importation, making energy prices more predictable.

The study confirmed the expectations of scientists - that wave energy has fewer problems with variability than other energy sources

Wave energy 'could be cheaper than solar and wind'

Large-scale wave energy is comparatively more reliable, consistent and potentially cheaper than other forms of energy generation, including wind power.

The turbines will generate revenue from Feed-in Tariffs and the sale of electricity to the National Grid.

Opening bell for UK's largest crowd-funded wind project

UK wind specialist Earthmill has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise a record £2.5m to finance 10 new wind turbines across Britain.

39% of all electricity used in Denmark in 2014 was generated by wind power

Denmark and Germany join Europe's wind energy revolution

The UK's wind sector success is being echoed across Europe as recent figures show Denmark and Germany also broke wind power output records last year.

Electricity generated from onshore wind increased by 7.7% while generation from offshore wind was up by 14.1%

Record renewable generation disproves Cameron's attack on onshore wind

Figures from the latest Energy Trends report by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) show that 18% of electricity was produced from renewable sources in the third quarter of 2014 - a 4% increase on last year.

Scotland's renewable revolution sets shining example for Lima

National governments present at the Lima climate talks are being urged to "follow Scotland's lead" on wind power as new figures reveal a surge in generation last month.

Circular Economy Snapshot: Large Organisation

Unlock the potential of the circular economy for your business. The edie Circular Economy Snapshots offer businesses of all sizes an outline of the specific opportunities, challenges and tools needed in order to deliver the benefits of a more circular business model.

Circular Economy Snapshot: Super Large Organisation

2013 has been a record year for investment in renewable energy electricity generation

Davey to continue renewable energy drive

Energy Secretary Ed Davey has reiterated that annual investment in renewable electricity has more than doubled this Parliament and 'is set to rise much further still'.

Importance of renewable energy emphasised as projects worth £81bn underway

More than £81bn worth of renewable energy projects representing nearly half (47%) of all infrastructure spending in the UK are proposed by 2025 with wind farms accounting for nine out of the 10 key projects, according to figures released today (30 October) by Barbour ADI.

Energy prices fell by almost 7% between the first and second quarters of this year

Hurricane helps wind energy sector overtake nuclear

Wind power energy production in the UK overtook nuclear power-plants last week following Hurricane Gonzalo, prompting a major energy production milestone this quarter.

The analysis explores how the global wind industry might deliver in terms of global electricity supply, CO2 emission savings and employment

Global wind power to hit 2000GW by 2030

The UK's recent surge in wind power output appears to be reflective of a global trend, with new analysis estimating that global wind-generated energy could supply up to 20% of the world's electricity by 2030.

Sixteen firms authored an open letter to EU leaders

Energy firms demand clear EU objectives for 2030

DuPont and Kingspan have joined a chorus of big businesses, energy firms and trade associations calling on EU heads of state to deliver a binding renewable energy target of at least 30% by 2030.

The report underlines the potential that both onshore and offshore wind technologies have for cost decrease

Onshore wind power cheaper than fossil fuels

Generating electricity from onshore wind is cheaper than using gas, coal and nuclear according to an Ecofys study approved by the European Commission.

The project will create a 'highly reliable model for offshore wind farms'

New offshore wind farms designed for deeper water

Work has begun on a research and development project to support the installation of offshore wind farms in areas of the UK where the water depth has previously made it infeasible.

The wind farm could generate £1.9m a year for the local community

Britain's largest community wind-farm secures £11m funding

The Beinn Ghrideag Community Wind Farm on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland has been deemed a 'breakthrough project for community energy' after receiving £11m of funding from Santander.