Sunday, January 19, 2025
Rows of Victorian terraced houses in Leeds stand much as they have for well over a century. Their weathered brick façades, wrought-iron railings, and narrow sash windows exude a certain timeless charm.
Insights

The Great Retrofit: Transforming the UK’s Older Homes for a Green Future

Ministers are finalising a plan to offer grants and low-interest loans to millions of households keen to fit solar panels and batteries, as part of the government’s drive to meet its 2030 clean energy ambitions.
Heat PumpsNewsPowering Your Home

Millions of homeowners set to gain from government’s solar power pledge

National Grid outlines a record £35bn investment to nearly double UK electricity transmission capacity by 2031, supporting Labour’s pledge to decarbonise the sector and unlocking long-delayed green energy projects.
News

National Grid outlines a record £35bn investment to nearly double UK electricity transmission capacity by 2031

Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, is poised to rewrite Britain’s planning rules to clear the path for a massive expansion of wind and solar energy, effectively reducing local powers to block or alter green energy projects.
News

Miliband planning shake-up to bypass local opposition in wind farm push

NEWS

Households living near new wind and solar projects may receive money off their energy bills under proposals being considered by the government to meet its 2030 clean energy target.
News

Households near wind and solar farms could get energy bill discounts under clean power plan

UK households living close to new wind or solar farms may receive energy bill discounts, as the government explores community benefits under its 2030 clean power agenda.

Yorkshire Water’s Blackburn Meadows sewage plan
News

E.on and Yorkshire Water to harness sewage heat for 40,000 homes

Labour to mandate electric heat pumps in new homes by 2027 to cut carbon emissions under the ‘Future Homes Standard’ policy. The move aims to reduce housing emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support the UK’s journey to net zero.
News

Labour government to mandate electric heat pumps in new homes by 2027 as part of net-zero commitment

Brookfield buys £1.75bn stake in Orsted’s UK offshore wind farms, marking major investment in renewable energy
News

Brookfield buys £1.75bn stake in Orsted’s UK offshore wind farms, marking major investment in renewable energy

Good Energy, approached by Dubai’s Esyasoft for a potential takeover, has acquired UK-based Empower Energy, expanding its solar installation reach in a deal worth up to £8 million.
News

Good Energy considers takeover offer from Dubai’s Esyasoft while expanding solar capabilities

POWERING YOUR HOME

Households across the UK may enjoy free electricity on certain days of the week, thanks to Ed Miliband’s green energy revolution, according to EDF Renewables.
NewsPowering Your Home

Free electricity on Sundays could become a reality under Miliband’s green energy plans, says EDF

EDF Renewables suggests free electricity on Sundays may be possible under Ed Miliband’s green energy push, as renewable capacity grows. Smart meters and surplus energy could drive down prices.

The government is proposing a significant shift in the way renewable energy companies are compensated for the electricity they generate, aiming to address the issue of substantial payments made to generators for shutting down operations.
Solar Power

How Can We Improve Solar Energy Harvesting?

Just over 3,000 solar installations are being carried out every week, according to trade association Solar Energy UK, up from 1,000 a week in July 2020.
NewsSolar Power

Mandatory solar panels on new-build homes could power an extra 1.17 million UK households

Power is flowing from the Shetland Isles to mainland Britain for the first time, thanks to the UK's most productive onshore windfarm, Viking, which has come on stream.
NewsWind Turbines

Shetland windfarm powers nearly 500,000 homes as renewables boom sparks debate

HEATING YOUR HOME

Cornwall Council is set to complete its largest solar canopy project, installed over the visitor and council vehicle carparks at New County Hall in Truro. Comprising 543 solar panels, this renewable energy initiative will generate around 200,000 kWh of electricity annually—enough to power 74 homes. The canopy will meet a third of the council headquarters' energy demands, providing a more self-sufficient energy source while significantly reducing annual energy bills. The 230-kilowatt power system is expected to lower the council offices’ greenhouse gas emissions by 50 tonnes of carbon per year. This solar canopy marks the latest milestone in Cornwall Council’s ambitious renewable energy agenda. With a goal to increase renewable capacity across its buildings from the current 8 MW to an additional 10 MW by 2030, Cornwall aims to achieve one of the highest levels of local authority-generated renewable energy in the UK. This project follows previous installations at New County Hall, where rooftop solar panels already supply a quarter of the building’s energy. Cornwall Council’s approach to sustainable energy exemplifies a commitment to both reducing operational costs and supporting the UK’s net-zero objectives. By cutting down reliance on traditional energy sources, the council’s efforts are directly contributing to the region’s decarbonisation. The new solar canopy also supports Cornwall’s goal to expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with additional EV charging bays set to be added for council vehicles. This aligns with the council’s strategy to reduce emissions from its pool car fleet, furthering Cornwall’s climate goals. Cllr Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, highlighted the solar canopy as a "flagship scheme" in the council’s broader renewable energy programme. “This is Cornwall’s largest solar canopy and a flagship scheme in our ambitious programme to increase renewable energy and decarbonise our council buildings,” he stated. Alvey hopes this project will serve as a model for other councils considering similar initiatives. The initiative also feeds into the development of Cornwall’s Local Area Energy Plan, an interactive effort inviting residents to contribute to discussions on energy generation for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. With Cornwall’s largest solar canopy nearing activation, the council continues to pave the way for localised, renewable energy solutions that prioritise sustainability and community engagement. As the council’s renewable capacity grows, projects like this solar canopy are expected to inspire similar efforts throughout the UK, driving local energy independence and climate action.
News

Cornwall’s largest solar canopy powers council HQ with clean energy

Cornwall Council’s new solar canopy at New County Hall will generate a third of the building’s electricity needs, reducing emissions by 50 tonnes and cutting energy costs.

The UK and Scottish governments propose reforms to streamline the planning process for Scotland’s clean energy projects, enabling faster approvals and greater community engagement.
News

Scotland unveils streamlined planning reforms for clean energy projects

Atrato Onsite Energy’s £39.4m solar farm, Yorkshire’s largest, goes live to provide enough clean energy for 20,000 homes and support OVO’s zero-carbon goals by 2035.
News

Yorkshire’s largest solar farm goes live, set to power 20,000 UK homes

Iberdrola and Masdar complete turbine installation at the 476 MW Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm, which will provide clean energy to 475,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by 800,000 tonnes annually.
News

Iberdrola and Masdar complete turbine installation at Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm

INSIGHTS & OPINION

interest rate cuts could spark renewed interest in green energy investment trusts
Insights

Interest rate cuts could spark renewed interest in green energy investment trusts

As interest rates drop for the first time in years, green energy investment trusts could see a revival. Learn how falling rates may narrow discounts and impact renewable energy funding in the UK.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is gearing up for a big change as the new Labour Government brings back the plan to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
Insights

The EV industry and Labour’s plan to bring back the 2030 ICE deadline

What will the driveways of the future look like?
Insights

What will the driveways of the future look like?

In a historic victory, the Labour Party has won the 2024 UK General Election, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. This outcome reflects the electorate's demand for change, particularly in addressing the cost of living crisis and energy security.
Insights

Labour Wins 2024 UK General Election: A Call for Immediate Action on Energy and Cost of Living

How can businesses best walk the green walk?
Insights

How can businesses best walk the green walk?