Second Update of March 2019 – An overview of last weeks Energy news

(Click a bullet point to open the relevant article)

Monday – 4th March

• Article makes the case for combination of demand-side response, gas power and European interconnectors meaning we can rely on power supply during periods of high demand and low output from renewable sources.

• In the Netherlands, an auction to provide offshore wind has been opened with no subsidy on offer.

• Another article on the continuing drop in UK CO2 emissions since 2008. This one in the Guardian quoting Carbon Brief as the move away from coal being the cause.

Wednesday – 6th March

• A legal challenge to UK treatment of forest biomass at Drax as a renewable energy source.

Thursday – 7th March

• The UK has launched the new joint government-industry Offshore Wind Sector Deal which will see offshore wind reach the connected capacity of 30GW and deliver one-third of the UK’s electricity by 2030.

• As some western nations aim to move away from natural gas in homes, International Energy Agency predicts almost doubling of global demand between 2010 and 2050.

Friday – 8th March

• On international Women’s Day, first female head of UK Coal Authority speaks and introduces a team of women working with her.

• After 12 months off-line, Hunterston B is seeking permission to restart in the near future after inspection of cracks in reactor.

• Norway partially divests Sovereign Wealth Fund oil and gas investments in order to reduce national exposure to commodity price changes.