U.K. #Renewable Energy Push May Prevent #Electricity Crisis

Britain’s policies encouraging renewable-energy use will prevent the country from suffering an electricity crisis leading to blackouts toward the end of the decade, Bloomberg New Energy Finance said.

The U.K. will build more than 30 gigawatts of power generation capacity by the end of 2016, two-thirds of it in solar, wind and biomass and the rest largely fired by natural gas, according to forecasts from the research company. That will help the nation cope with closing 19 gigawatts of fossil- fuel and nuclear power stations over this decade.

The findings suggest Prime Minister David Cameron’s government may avoid power shortages that blighted the U.K. during World War II and the 1970s, requiring industry to scale back operations and leaving millions of homes in the dark.

“The U.K. is embarking on an historic shift in its electricity supply, and commentators and critics have continually raised the specter of the lights going out once again,” said Michael Liebreich, chief executive officer of New Energy Finance. “Our analysis shows that, barring unforeseen circumstances, it is not going to happen.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-29/u-k-push-for-renewable-energy-to-prevent-electric-power-crisis.html

U.K. gas prices down as mild weather dampens demand

via montrealgazette.com

Renewable Energy Concepts Part 2

Continuing from where we left last week, this week we bring you the final part of our series about innovative ways to generate clean energy. In case you missed the first part you can read it here: 

Read More: http://bit.ly/z8Wgui

New Fabric Generates #Electricity Via Your Body Heat

This isn’t your father’s beakers and test tube science.

Scientists and a graduate student, Core Hewitt, at Wake Forest’s Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials say they’ve made a material that can turn heat from your body into an electrical current.

The new material is called Power Felt. Ok, so that’s the name for us regular folks, but it’s really a multi-layered carbon nanotube/polymer composite-based thermoelectric fabric. Power Felt is such a better name.

Power Felt is a promising new thermoelectric fabric. It’s made up of tiny carbon nanotubes locked up in flexible plastic fibers and made to feel like fabric that uses temperature differences to create a charge.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2012/02/27/new-fabric-generates-electricity-via-your-body-heat/

Grassroots green projects 'are way to low-carbon UK'

Community-owned green energy projects present the best chance of converting the UK to a low-carbon economy and should receive more government support, civil society groups representing 12 million people said on Wednesday.

Giving local people a stake in energy generation often overcomes planning objections to structures such as wind and solar farms, and dozens of communities across the UK have seized the opportunity to create their own power. But the move has not been fast enough, according to the coalition of community groups, which adds that many places are missing out on the chance to produce their own low-carbon and low-cost energy, supported by government subsidies.

The civil society groups include some of the leading non-governmental organisations in the UK, including the Co-operative, the National Trust, the Church of England and the National Federation of Women's Institutes.

Representatives of all the groups were set to meet Chris Huhne, the energy and climate change secretary, to press their case.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/feb/01/community-green-projects-low-carbon-uk?newsfeed=true

UK Business Secretary unveils location for Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult

The location of a new £50 million centre that will accelerate the commercialisation of green technologies has been announced by the UK's Business Secretary Vince Cable.

The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult will be headquartered at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow with an operational centre at the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in the North East of England.

The national centre will focus on technologies for offshore wind, wave and tidal power and is designed to bridge the gap between university research and full commercialisation.

It will have a UK wide remit, and build strong links with centres of excellence such as Wave Hub and the marine energy park in the South West of England.

Speaking at the launch of the Catapult in Glasgow, Vince Cable said: “Our offshore renewable sector can compete on a global scale and has huge potential for growth. If we can harness that we will generate billions of pounds for the economy whilst creating thousands of job opportunities at the same time.

http://www.oilpubs.com/oso/article.asp?v1=11704

#Lego Invests $500 Million in German Offshore #Wind Farm

via inhabitat.com

Sainsbury’s backs new business to fuel green power (zero food waste policy)

via nowastenetwork.nl

#Sainsbury's invests £2m in start-up green energy company

via marketingmagazine.co.uk

Community energy project has to hand back £60k after Feed-in Tariff cuts

A rural Herefordshire solar cooperative is one of just a handful across the UK that managed to successfully install a 49kwp solar PV system before the Government's snap Feed In Tariff review came into force.

Not only did the Leominster Community Solar Co-Operative (LCSC) reach its target of £150,000 and install its solar system on deadline, it managed to raise 40% more than their target amount, indicating the scale and support for community owned solar initiatives across the UK.

However, the Government's unlawful slashing of the feed in tariff subsidies available for domestic sized solar power projects has meant that the additional 40% of funding had to be returned to investors, rather than being invested in a second local scheme.

Says Eithne George of LCSC: "The success of the Leominster Community Solar project serves to illustrate how popular community solar initiatives like this are. It addresses issues around planning as well as providing the local community with a source of its own power.

“We hope the Government take note of the fact that other communities are being deprived of such schemes because of the unpredictability of the system, not because of lack of interest."

http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/123137-community-energy-project-has-to-hand-back-60k-after-feed-in-tariff-cuts.html

Toy firm #LEGO goes #green by buying an offshore wind farm

Building block company LEGO has agreed to spend £340 million to buy a half share in an offshore wind farm.

DONG Energy has today signed an agreement to sell 50 per cent of the German offshore wind Borkum Riffgrund 1 to the LEGO Group’s parent company, KIRKBI A/S, and the Oticon Foundation, via its investment company, William Demant Inves in a deal woth £500 million.

The deal will support LEGO's target of powering its entire operation through renewable energy by 2020.

When completed Borkum Riffgrund 1 will consist of 77 3.6 MW wind turbines from Siemens Wind Power. The wind farm will be able to supply CO2-free power equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of more than 285,000 households.

http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/international-news/123217-toy-firm-lego-goes-green-by-buying-an-offshore-wind-farm.html

Updated - #Tilbury power station blazes as wood pellets catch fire

via bbc.co.uk

#Wind #energy companies fear UK government's commitment is cooling

Billions of pounds' worth of investment in Britain's energy infrastructure is on hold or uncertain because of concerns over the government's commitment to wind energy.

In an exclusive survey, the heads of some of the world's biggest wind companies, which have been considering setting up factories, research facilities and other developments in the UK, have told the Guardian they are reviewing their investments or seeking clarification and reassurances from ministers on future energy policy in the wake of growing political opposition to wind energy that culminated in this month's unprecedented attack on the government's policies in a letter signed by more than 100 Tory MPs.

General Electric (GE) Energy's managing director, Magued Eldaief, told the Guardian his company's proposed wind manufacturing investment – amounting to at least £100 million directly but worth much more in its knock-on effect to the economy – was "on hold" pending ministers' decisions on future reforms to the energy market.

"Our investment is on hold until we have certainty and clarity regarding the policy environment that we are in," Eldaief said. "One of the most important things for us is political certainty, so we can justify the business and investment case for a facility in the UK. But we think there are some [political] headwinds which do not help, especially in terms of the subsidies discussion."

He added that the recent anti-wind activity was "certainly a concern". He said: "It's something we're watching very closely. We would like clarity and we would like it as quickly as possible."

Vestas, the world's biggest wind turbine maker, said it was waiting to see whether its customers were able to sign orders before committing itself to build a proposed turbine factory in Kent that would create about 2,000 jobs. Mitsubishi, Gamesa and Siemens – all potential investors in offshore wind to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds – also expressed concerns that an anti-wind power backlash was building up in UK politics, after the MPs' letter to the prime minister called for subsidies to be slashed and cast doubt on the value of wind energy.

Ditlev Engel, chief executive of Vestas, warned that if the political mood shifted against wind, the company would be forced to rethink its UK proposals. He said: "If things should change, my customers will not be able to sign orders – and that is a prerequisite. We will only go ahead if we have firm, unconditional orders – we will only get orders from our customers if they are sure that the development [of windfarms] can go ahead.

"The most important issue that our customers have is a long-term policy framework – that is required to put in these investments, which are huge … [But] we have not had reassurance from the government."

Matthew Chinn, managing director of Siemens Energy for the UK and north-west Europe, whose company is planning a £210 million factory that would employ 700 people in Hull, on top of its £500 million in existing investments, said the firm saw a perceived lack of enthusiasm for wind power as "very significant", although it wanted to push ahead with its plans.

http://www.euractiv.com/climate-environment/wind-energy-companies-fear-uk-governments-commitment-cooling-news-511125#

Energy Production in the UK Takes a Nose Dive

via electric.co.uk

Dairy farms could save energy: study

New Zealand dairy farms could achieve cost-effective annual energy savings of at least 68.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in the dairy shed, the results of a pilot programme show.

That was a 10% reduction and equivalent to the annual electricity use of about 7100 households. Individual farms could cut milking-shed electricity consumption by 16%, and a post-pilot survey showed 46% of farmers would adopt savings technologies if their costs could be recouped within three years.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and Fonterra, the pilot was run across 150 dairy farms in the Waikato, Lower North Island, Canterbury and Otago-Southland in the 2010-11 season.

Jim Miller, of Fonterra's energy efficiency team, said: "Dairy farms account for 2.3% of New Zealand's total electricity consumption and the average farm spends over $14,000 on electricity a year.

"Reducing consumption can have a considerable impact on farm costs as well as the greenhouse-gas emissions associated with energy generation."

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/farming/199100/dairy-farms-could-save-energy-study

Ofgem under pressure to act on energy disputes that are pushing small firms to the wall

Energy watchdog Ofgem is coming under increasing pressure to help businesses being pushed to the brink by lengthy and financially damaging disputes with brokers and suppliers.

Firms that submitted views on the energy market for an Ofgem investigation are waiting to see what action, if any, the watchdog will take to deal with problems such as misselling, the widespread use of costly rollover contracts and the failure of suppliers to deal with complaints.

But in the meantime, small businesses are continuing to suffer at the hands of some brokers and suppliers with controversial energy company Business Energy Solutions in the spotlight again after claims that a five-year dispute pushed a small business to the brink of closure.

Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-2106664/Ofgem-pressure-act-energy-disputes-pushing-small-firms-wall.html#ixzz1nVlRa8YM

ST4 6DJ

Cartlidge Street, off Shelton New Road
Hartshill,
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST4 6DJ

Government's energy plans could cost UK billions if gas price falls, warns Policy Exchange - Telegraph

via telegraph.co.uk

Business - Gas: UK 2011 gas demand at lowest level since 1995-DECC

Warm weather and reduced utility consumption meant that UK gas demand in 2011 was at its lowest level since 1995, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said on Thursday.

"UK gas demand was at its lowest level since 1995, due to a combination of milder weather and reduced use by generators," DECC said in its provisional 2011 UK Energy Statistics data report.

DECC also said that gas imports exceeded domestic production for the first time in 2011 due to a large increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.

http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/uk-2011-gas-demand-lowest-102705196.html

UK energy business bags £65m start-up funding!

UK-based renewable business Tamar Energy has launched, raising £65m (€77m) from a group of investors including the Duchy of Cornwall.

Other investors in the waste-to-energy company include RIT Capital Partners, Fajr Capital (an investment firm backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, the Government of Brunei Darussalam, Khazanah Nasional of Malaysia and the Al Subeaei Group), as well as Lord Rothschild’s Family Interests, Sustainable Technology Investments and Low Carbon.

The company has also formed a commercial partnership with UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's. Tamar Energy intends to develop a network of 40 anaerobic digestion plants across the country to generate 100MW of green electricity over the next five years. 

http://realbusiness.co.uk/news/uk-energy-business-bags-65m-start-up-funding

Energy Standards 'Will Impact UK Commercial Property'

Investors with UK commercial property assets as part of their portfolio may want to check the buildings they own will meet the new standards for energy efficiency that are due to come into force in April 2018. A survey conducted by DTZ revealed up to 40 per cent of commercial real estate in the UK could fall foul of the new legislation, which requires all premises that are rented or sold to have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E - with the scale running from A to G. According to the findings, many of these assets are considered to be a borderline E and are therefore likely to be impacted by the change in the law.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/302231/20120220/energy-standards-will-impact-uk-commercial-property.htm

Why Shale Gas is the Best Hope for Our Energy Future

Citizens of the world, consumers of energy and environmental stewards, our mission is to build a sustainable, environmentally friendly and economically viable energy source.  By design, few of us are in love with fossil fuels. But what we must be; are realists. As the search for the best energy solution(s) today continues, time-and-time again the compass points north to Natural Gas.

Why, because, key industrial centres are sitting on vast shale gas energy opportunities. This is no longer a fantasy but a vision that can benefit the world today, not tomorrow. Natural gas production, from hydrocarbon rich shale formations, known as “shale gas,” is one of the most rapidly expanding trends in onshore domestic oil and gas exploration and production today.

http://oilprice.com/Energy/Natural-Gas/Why-Shale-Gas-is-the-Best-Hope-for-Our-Energy-Future.html

New #Renewable Energy Ideas

Solar, geothermal and wind are well known renewable energy resources but finding sources of renewable energy is a none stop challenge and it will continue to be till we find the “perfect” way to generate renewable energy.  As we strive for energy efficiency and sustainable resources there are more novel sources on the horizon that can provide power for many things effectively.

In this two article series you will find 4 innovative renewable energy technologies that could change the way we look at energy generation. You may find that some are too futuristic and should be reserved for sci-fi books and space movies, like generate energy from body heat or from nanotechnology while others are fairly simple like pedal power.

==>> Read More ==>> http://bit.ly/xtKPEY

Energy Supplier #SSE cuts number of tariffs from 68 to four

Scottish and Southern Energy is simplifying tariffs ahead of Ofgem market reform proposal.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE (Frankfurt: A0RFBG - news) ) has announced plans to cut the number of tariffs it provides from 68 to only four. In an attempt to simplify bills for their customers, the energy provider will be offering just two variable and two fixed rate deals.

The changes will take effect immediately for new customers, though customers on old tariffs will be allowed to remain on them until they have run their course. Existing customers can choose to switch onto the new tariffs if they wish to.

Although there will only be four standard tariffs, SSE did say that customers would be given the option of personalising the tariffs by acquiring Argos loyalty points or making charity donations to the likes of the British Heart Foundation.

The simplification process is the latest step in SSE's 'Building Trust' agenda which they launched in October. I n December the company pledged to put aside £5m for the purpose of compensating customers who may have been the victim of mis-selling.

http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/sse-cuts-number-tariffs-68-101729641.html

British Gas offers free cash to stop pensioners dying of cold

via blogs.telegraph.co.uk

#Apple to build nation’s largest end-user owned on-site solar plant

via slashgear.com

10 Nifty #Green Energy Facts that You May Not Know About

via theenvironmentalblog.org

UK gas price prompt down, Iran export halt buoys curve

British gas prices for delivery this week fell on Monday as forecasts of warm weather weighed on demand, while curve gas rose with oil after Iran halted exports to British and French companies months ahead of a European Union embargo.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/20/markets-britain-gas-power-idUSL5E8DK6VZ20120220

Energy giant EDF announces big jump in profits to £1.6bn despite a drop in gas and electricity use

via dailymail.co.uk

New Research Reveals the True Cost of a Burger

The UK could considerably reduce its carbon footprint if more of us switched to a vegetarian diet, according to new research by Lancaster University.

The report 'Relative greenhouse gas impacts of realistic dietary choices' published in the journal Energy Policy says that if everyone in the UK swapped their current eating habits for a vegetarian or vegan diet, our greenhouse gas emissions savings would be the equivalent of a 50 per cent reduction in exhaust pipe emissions from the entire UK passenger car fleet or 40m tonnes.

From biscuits and bananas to beer and wine, everything in our shopping basket comes at a cost to the environment and each stage of food production -- from farming and transport to storage and packaging -results in greenhouse gas emissions.

http://www.enn.com/agriculture/article/44008

#SSE plans new £800m hydro electric storage scheme in Great Glen

Scottish and Southern Energy Renewables has applied to build Scotland's biggest ever hydro electric scheme at the west end of the Great Glen.

SSE plans a 600MW pumped storage scheme, which extracts, stores and releases electricity, near Loch Lochy.

The company is asking the Scottish government for the go-ahead but says it will only reach a final decision on whether to press ahead in 2014.

The scheme, which would cost about £800m, could create 150 jobs.

The Loch a' choire ghlais development would be the first pumped storage scheme since work began on a similar development in Wales almost 40 years ago.

It would also be one of the largest construction projects in Scotland and require one of the largest dams ever built in the UK.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-17061075

The #Npower #Energy Market Report – 13th February 2012 | Energy Live News

via energylivenews.com

UK and France to sign #nuclear deal

via thisislondon.co.uk

Fair Billing? EDF Profits Up As Sales Fall

Consumer groups are asking questions of one of the UK's so-called 'big six' energy providers after it announced a leap in profits despite falling sales.

EDF, which supplies electricity and gas to around 5.5 million residential and business customers, reported underlying earnings of £1.6bn for the UK in 2011.

That is up from £1.4bn the previous year.

However, revenues were down to £7.1bn from £7.7bn as households used less gas over the milder winter.

EDF said underlying earnings were boosted by increased nuclear output and falling wholesale gas prices but consumer groups believed this would confuse customers.

Audrey Gallacher, director of energy at Consumer Focus, said: "This will leave many customers wondering whether energy prices can, and should, be cut further.

"Consumers need to know big profit margins are not being made needlessly at their expense."

EDF cut its gas bills by 5% from February 7 citing a 9% reduction in wholesale costs - having increased bills by 15.4% the previous November.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/fair-billing-edf-profits-sales-fall-142528201.html

Energy sellers routinely misleading customers

Energy sellers routinely misleading customers

Consumers who switch energy suppliers via pushy salespeople in supermarkets and shopping centres could actually end up paying more for their gas and electricity, according to a study by Which?. Instead of saving money, researchers from the consumer ... See all stories on this topic »

TotallyMoney News

#EnergyBroker Billscutter sold to Save Britain Money Group

Around 100 call centre staff have been hired by a Swansea firm in the last three weeks.

The Save Britain Money group, based at Matrix Park in the Enterprise Park, now employs more than 500 staff at its Swansea site with the majority working on its Nationwide Energy Services arm.

Save Britain Money has also acquired energy switching brokerage and consultancy Billscutter and relocated its Welsh administration office from Porth to its Swansea headquarters.

CEO Neville Wilshire said: "The continued growth at Save Britain Money is testament not only to our business strategy but to the quality of the staff we have been able to recruit from the Swansea area."

Billscutter employs around 40 staff.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/centre-takes-100-new-staff/story-15223341-detail/story.html

Energy watchdog loves risk-a-verse suppliers

The UK’s big six energy firms were given the cold shoulder this Valentine’s Day.

On Monday, the Energy Services Ombudsman penned a poem called “It’s not me, it’s you” and it went something like this:

“I admit it appalled me / that day you first cold-called me / but you charmed me / won me over / told me I would be in clover.”

On it goes for 18 stanzas, accusing the likes of npower and E.on of neglect, high tariffs and game-playing.

E.on responded yesterday, also in verse.

Here are a few choice snippets:

“You’re right, it’s me, I’ve done some wrong / I’ve been bad at explaining for far too long / Please don’t forget all the things I've done right / I’ve kept your house warm and kept on the lights / And all of that, it comes at a price / It would be free if it could, wouldn’t that be nice?”

Three can play at this game:

“In reply to E.on, I’ll rhyme a bit / Don’t give up the day job, just get better at it.”

= Steak to the heart =

Ad nauseam. Yesterday corporates jumped aboard the love bandwagon.

Adam Bates, KPMG’s head of risk (you’d think he’d know better) tweeted: “Happy Valentines Day Everybody - live with passion at #KPMG Risk Consulting.”

Vinculum fund managers sent out cards. According to the memo received by the Daily Telegraph “love is... performance related.”

But one small businessman in Tewksbury had heart.

Anthony Bowness, a butcher recommended by the EBLEX (organisation for beef and lamb levy payers in England) crafted a bouquet from sirloin steak.

At £15 a bunch it’s not as cheesy as 12 red roses and much cheaper than the florists.

= Petals test the mettle =

Not everyone embraced the spirit of St Valentine.

A secret agent tells me the Old War Office, home to the Ministry of Defence, would not accept flowers yesterday in the “interests of national security.”

The MoD aren’t lovers, they’re fighters.

= Brian's bottom line =

Is that a wad of cash in your pocket, Brian Magnus, or are you just pleased to see me?

The former head of UK investment banking at Morgan Stanley (EUREX: DWDF.EX - news) , and now boss of European equities at the bank, has sunk a decade of earnings into an underwear start-up called Got Wood.

Let’s try to keep this clean.

The men’s briefs, made of bamboo material and Spandex, have anti-bacterial properties. The pants are available for £15.99 a pair.

With bonuses now capped at Morgan Stanley, let’s hope that Got Wood isn’t a bum investment for Brian.

= FA chief's own goal =

The Football Association is still deliberating over the appointment of the next England manager.

Last week Italian gaffer Fabio Capello announced his immediate resignation.

In response a few members of the national squad tweeted their desire for an English England manager.

The FA echoed this.

Chairman, David Bernstein, stated: “There is a preference for an English or British person.”

Perhaps Mr Bernstein needs to re-equate himself with the corporate waffle on his website.

“The FA Group is an equal opportunity employer.”

= News Corp, honestly =

In the wake of the News of the Screws media scandal, News Corporation (NasdaqGS: NWS - news) set up a Management and Standards Committee.

The web page sets out the company’s “standards of business conduct”.

It reads “we are at all times truthful and accurate.”

And “we don’t offer, give, solicit or accept bribes or kickbacks.”

Somewhat undermined by the recent arrests of journalists from News Corp-owned tabloid, The Sun , who allegedly paid contacts.

= Scots can't bank on RBS (LSE: RBS.L - news) trophy display =

It could be a sign - just not necessarily a good one.

According to my man in the braces, the Six Nations trophy is on display in the Royal Bank of Scotland’s City branch.

“As close as the Scots are likely to get to the cup,” goads the banker.

via uk.finance.yahoo.com

Business Energy Waste

Business Energy Waste

UK businesses are wasting nearly 50% of their electricity powering equipment when their staff have left for the day. That is to say businesses are spending up to £1 in every £2 of their electricity bills outside working hours.  These major business energy waste issues are highlighted below.

This data comes from the latest figures of a research conducted by British Gas. The energy supplier collected data from over 6,000 smart meters which showed that 46 per cent of business electricity use happens outside of the traditional business hours of 8am-6pm.

http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/business-energy-waste/

Britain tries bulk buying for #energy

British Energy Secretary Edward Davey says bulk buying energy would be a "game changer," producing lower energy bills for consumers.

"I have long believed that collective purchasing will be a game-changer in terms of handing power back to consumers," Davey said. "As energy secretary I am determined to take this agenda forward. I want to make it easier for consumers to club together and use collective purchasing power to reduce their gas and electricity bills."

The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday that 40,000 people in Britain signed up for a pilot program in which the collective purchasing power of, potentially, hundreds of thousands of consumers could be put to the test.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2012/02/08/Britain-tries-bulk-buying-for-energy/UPI-18681328737964/#ixzz1mM1KHkEl

UK gas prices return to levels typical for season

UK spot gas prices on Monday morning returned to levels common during the winter heating season as milder weather pulled demand back closer to seasonal norms.        At 346.9 million cubic metres (mcm), Monday's gas demand was expected to be around 4.53 percent above the daily seasonal norm, according to data from National Grid.        Last week, cold weather pushed daily gas prices and demand to multi-year highs, but spot gas prices in Britain have come off more than 40 percent from their highs around 100 pence per therm last week.

#Energy Video: Collapsing Cooling Towers - This is brilliant

Collapsing Cooling Towers -

An Open Letter to Ed Davey

An Open Letter to Ed Davey
http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/campaigns_news/?5675%2FAn-Open-Letter-to-Ed-Davey

Article: 'Energy literacy' to be examined

'Energy literacy' to be examined
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16979484

FITs reductions get mixed reaction from renewables industry

The solar industry has responded with mixed feelings to DECC's new proposed changes to the Feed-In Tariff system for small scale renewable energy, announced yesterday.

In its response to the consultation on FITs for solar PV, the government admits that 81% of respondents disagreed with their proposed reduced tariffs for solar PV installations and with the proposed reference date of 12 December 2011, compared to 12% who agreed.

Nevertheless, it is proceeding with the tariff reductions, and with the appeal to the Supreme Court over the legality of the cut-off date for the higher tariff rate.

The new tariff rate includes a drop to 21p/kWh for systems under 4kW, until June 30. It estimates the cost to taxpayers of all the new tariffs to be £1.2 billion over 25 years.

The reductions are based on research showing that the average cost of a 2.6kW system has dropped from £15,000 in 2010 to £12,000 in 2012. They aim to provide an approximate 5% rate of return to their owners for well located installations.

http://www.eaem.co.uk/news/fits-reductions-get-mixed-reaction-renewables-industry

Britain Just Opened The World's Biggest Offshore Wind Farm

The UK opened the world’s biggest offshore wind farm on Thursday, with Energy Secretary Ed Davey inaugurating the 367-megawatt project located in the Irish Sea off Britain’s Cumbrian coast.

The companies behind the $1.58 billion Walney wind farm say it will supply up to 320,000 households with renewable power every year, Reuters reported.

Read more: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-02-09/europe/31040580_1_offshore-wind-wind-farm-renewable-energy-target#ixzz1ly8Op9RP

What is the UK's Energy Future?

There is a great temptation to think that there is an ideal blueprint for a secure and sustainable energy future, the role of each technology mapped out. But there are two problems. First, there is no agreement on an ideal blueprint. Exxon Mobil's long-term energy vision is very different from that of Greenpeace.

Second, there is much that we simply do not know. Can we build nuclear plants to time and cost? Will the costs of renewable energy fall fast enough so they can be weaned off subsidies?

Are members of the public up for changing their patterns of energy use? Will novel technologies work? Some uncertainties will be resolved through time and experience. Others we may have to live with for a long time.

Green energy innovators invited to win share of £29million fund

The initiative is being led by Cheshire's Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), with help from Electricity North West, Northern Power Grid, ScottishPower Energy Networks, Scottish and Southern Energy and UK Power Networks.

"This is an opportunity for the UK to further develop the way energy is distributed, whether this is a new or early stage idea or an existing technology from another industry," said Denise Massey, director of the EIC. "We are looking for products that will help manage demand and encourage more efficient use of energy in the home and workplace."

It is estimated that the UK power industries operate networks with a replacement value of £150billion. The low carbon agenda is expected to change the way energy is bought and procured in the future, which is why the EIC is looking to invest in SMEs, start ups and inventors with new solutions and ideas.

http://www.eurekamagazine.co.uk/article/40128/Green-energy-innovators-invited-to-win-share-of-29million-fund.aspx

Big Switch: 40,000 consumers join forces to get lower utility bills

via telegraph.co.uk

#KPMG refuses to release controversial #green #energy report

Consultancy will not publish full findings of report, after leaked press release criticising green energy costs sparked media storm

KPMG is refusing to publish the full findings of a controversial study examining the cost of the government's green energy policies, which was originally used as a basis for a series of media reports attacking the cost of renewable energy.

The preliminary findings of the report, dubbed Thinking about the Affordable, were made public last November. They claimed Britain could meet its 2020 carbon reduction targets more cost effectively by building nuclear and gas-fired power stations instead of wind farms.

The report was seized on by critics of the government's green agenda and also formed the basis of a number of media reports, including a BBC Panorama special that attacked the cost of renewable energy subsidies.

http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2144519/exclusive-kpmg-scraps-controversial-green-energy-report

New Climate Change Secretary

Chris Huhne, Britain’s Energy Secretary, has resigned from Cabinet to fight criminal accusations. On Friday morning (February 3) the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that there was sufficient evidence to charge Britain’s Energy Secretary Chris Huhne for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice which forced him to resign.

The alleged offence dates back to March 2003 when apparently Mr Huhne asked his wife at the time Ms Vicky Price to take speeding points on his behalf. The episode was unlikely to have ever come to the attention of the police had Ms Pryce not brought it up during an interview to a Sunday newspaper last year.

http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/new-climate-change-secretary/

Businesses in the dark on electricity usage – Up to £1 in every £2 spent on electricity could be wasted

via britishgasnewsroom.co.uk

Why Wind Power Doesn't Work - Forbes

via forbes.com

UK gas may turn volatile if Qatar curbs supply

British gas prices are likely to become more volatile and prone to spikes over the next few years after the UK has moved from self sufficiency to increasing dependence on imports of liquefied natural gas from Qatar.

The latest UK government data show Qatari LNG imports were equivalent to 52% of the gas consumed over the first 9 months of 2011 up from 11% for 2009 as a whole.

Qatar also accounted for 85% of UK LNG supplies between January and November last year with Nigeria a weak second at just 5%. Britain’s gas market is exposed to diversions of Qatari ships to countries that pay more to shipping restrictions or unplanned outages on production facilities.

One UK gas trader at a utility said that if Qatari LNG supply to Britain was cut off, UK gas prices would spike to oil indexed levels to attract imports and possibly even higher to attract LNG from elsewhere. An event considered routine in other markets the news leak last summer of Qatar’s LNG autumn maintenance schedule for its LNG trains had the power to push UK winter gas prices up 3% in a day.

British gas prices also soared in March last year when Japan, also a big LNG importer was hit with the Fukushima nuclear crisis and started replacing nuclear capacity with additional gas imports.

http://www.steelguru.com/middle_east_news/UK_gas_may_turn_volatile_if_Qatar_curbs_supply/248913.html

UK #gasprices shoot to 6-year high due to cold weather

UK spot gas prices rose to their highest levels since early 2006 on Monday morning as extreme cold continued to sweep across Britain and most parts of Europe.         Bitterly cold weather throughout Europe has left large parts of the continent struggling to cover gas and power demand, while forecasters warn that low temperatures would continue into next week.          Gas prices for within-day delivery were trading at 79 pence per therm 0815 GMT, and prices for delivery on Tuesday were at 78.50, up around 4 pence since Friday afternoon.http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL5E8D61DF20120206

Energy Market Report February 2012

Our monthly analysis of the UK gas and power markets is now available on line for the month of February 2012. The service is intended to keep you up to date with all the major news in Europe’s gas and power markets. It is also designed to keep power executives focused on market activity in an easy to digest format.

Read More: http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/energy-market-report-feb12/

20,000 #BritishGas customers charged twice for bills after online system collapses

via mirror.co.uk

Europe hit by Russia gas shortage

Freezing weather sweeping across Europe is causing a shortage of vital Russian gas supplies to several countries, officials say.

New - Business Energy Market Brief February 2012 - Latest business #Gas and Commercial #Electricity Prices

Short -Term Risk Drivers

The downward pressure on gas and energy prices has come to an abrupt end this month, as the market rebounded on colder weather and supply concerns.  With a large proportion of Europe now experiencing severe winter conditions the supply outlook has certainly tightened. 

Lower than normal LNG supplies has added further upward pressure on prices and outlook uncertainty seems to have added a short term risk premium to the market, as traders struggle to find a price direction.

Read More: http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/news/energy_market_brief_feb2012/?p=

Chris Huhne: most greens 'think he has done well'

via guardian.co.uk

Chris Huhne resigns as Energy Minister as he is charged with making ex-wife take his speeding points

via dailymail.co.uk

Breaking News - Chris #Huhne resigns and to face charge over speeding points case

via bbc.co.uk

Compare Business Gas Prices - Wholesale Gas Prices

via catalyst-commercial.co.uk

1st February 2012 – The Market Report

via energylivenews.com

Tesco drops carbon-label pledge

Tesco has dropped its plan to label all its products with their carbon footprint, blaming the amount of work involved and other supermarkets for failing to follow its lead.

In January 2007, Tesco's chief executive, Sir Terry Leahy, promised "a revolution in green consumption" as the company pledged to put carbon labels on all 70,000 products. Orange juice, toilet roll and milk were among the products to have the emissions from their production catalogued.

But on the eve of a major report on high street retailers' green programmes, the supermarket has said it is ditching the scheme. "We expected that other retailers would move quickly to do it as well, giving it critical mass, but that hasn't happened," Tesco's climate change director, Helen Fleming, told trade magazine The Grocer.

Tesco also blamed "a minimum of several months' work" to calculate the footprint of each product. The Guardian has previously reported that it would take Tesco centuries to fulfil its pledge, as the supermarket was only adding labels at the rate of 125 products a year.

A Tesco spokeswoman said the supermarket was phasing out the labels, but it still wanted to provide carbon information on products, though she did not specify how. "We are fully committed to carbon footprinting and helping our customers make greener choices. No final decision has yet been made, and we are always on the lookout to find even better ways to communicate the carbon impact of products in a way that informs and empowers customers."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/30/tesco-drops-carbon-labelling

Top Business Tips to Reduce Business Gas Usage

via catalyst-commercial.co.uk

Energy Managers: Efficiency Not Taken Seriously by Top Brass

Some 31 percent of British energy managers say energy efficiency is not being taken seriously by their bosses, according to a report by Siemens.

But the feeling is not replicated at boardroom level – 83 percent of directors believe that energy management matters are being paid enough attention, according to the Siemens Green League report, Edie Energy reports.

Despite energy being a significant factor of most businesses’ bottom line, 27 percent of board directors didn’t know how much the company’s energy bill was and 18 percent said that they did not know how much they would invest in energy over the next three years, the web site reports.

Some 30 percent of board directors blame a lack of perceived return on investment for their company’s lackluster investment in energy-efficiency measures, according to Edie Energy.

Earlier this year, Siemens acquired Pace Global Energy, a company that combines strategic enterprise consulting with energy and carbon management. Pace Global, a 36-year-old company, manages more than $5 billion in energy spend for 200 clients around the world.

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/01/31/energy-managers-efficiency-not-taken-seriously-by-top-brass/#

DECC 'misled' Parliament on need for new #nuclear

via edie.net

Energy managers feel ignored over efficiency fears

via edie.net

#Energy Broker firm M&C Energy expands US footprint

M&C Energy has expanded its American footprint by acquiring Arizona-based energy consultants Coleman Hines.

The move comes only a few months after the Dunfermline-based energy management consultancy firm opened its first US office in Atlanta, Georgia.

Coleman Hines provides services at nearly 35,000 sites in the US and Canada, particularly in the retail, restaurant and commercial sectors.

M&C Energy already has 18 offices in 13 countries and clients in 40 countries.

The group said the latest acquisition would help it grow its business in North America.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-16823462

The UK Climate Change Risk Assessment

via catalyst-commercial.co.uk

UK #gas prices ease on healthy supply, despite cold weather

British spot gas and power prices dropped slightly despite the cold on Wednesday morning as healthy supplies countered higher heating demand.

A Siberian cold front which has much of western Europe in its grip meant that gas demand in the UK was expected to rise to 381.5 million cubic metres (mcm) on

Wednesday, about 15 percent (or 49.5 mcm) above the seasonal norm, National Grid data showed.

But expected gas flows were even higher at 407.4 mcm, driving prices slightly down from Tuesday and implying that some gas could be injected into storage.

UK gas storage levels were filled to 74.24 percent on Tuesday, compared with a European average of 66.01 percent, data from Gas Infrastructure Europe showed.

Analysts at Point Carbon said they expected spot gas prices to move sideways as high withdrawals from storage were expected to balance higher forecasted consumption on Wednesday.

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL5E8D11Z120120201

UK #Climate Change Risk Assessment - And the #green #energy agenda

Government publishes report with quantified risks and opportunities for Businesses

Last week (25 January 2012) the Government published a unique report listing the risks and opportunities businesses and the country as a whole will face from climate change. Entitled Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) the report also calls for public responses.

The main objective of this report is to point out the risks and opportunities that global warming will cause in the UK and enable the government, local authorities, industry and civil society organisations to prepare in advance for the inevitable consequences.

http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/climate-change-risk-assessment/

#Solar panels subsidy was 'one of the most ridiculous schemes ever dreamed up', Lord Marland says

Lord Marland, an Energy minister, hit out at the cost of so-called feed-in tariffs, which the Government has axed as part of the cuts programme.

Last week Court of Appeal ruled that the sudden axing of the tariffs, which were brought in by the Labour Government on April 1 2010 under the Energy Act 2008, were unlawful.

Ministers are appealing that decision in the Supreme Court. If the Government loses its appeal, it will cost the taxpayer an extra £170million in subsidies.

In the House of Lords, Labour energy spokesman Baroness Smith of Basildon asked if it was a “good use of Government money to keep chasing this merry-go-round of court decisions the Government keeps losing”.

She added: “Wouldn't it be better to sit down with the industry and negotiate a way forward?” She said that everyone accepted there needed to be cuts to the tariff - which are worth £25,000 per household - but it had to be done in a way that protected jobs.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9050088/Solar-panels-subsidy-was-one-of-the-most-ridiculous-schemes-ever-dreamed-up-Lord-Marland-says.html

Top Ten Ways your Business Can Save #Energy

via theenvironmentalblog.org