First Update of May 2019 – An overview of last week’s Energy news

Below is this week’s summary. It should be a one minute read relevant to UK energy with links to documents for those who wish to read more.

(Click a bullet point to open the relevant article)

****** The week is dominated by UK Government Committee for Climate Change report on how to remove UK contribution to climate change by 2050. It’s a long report. I have prepared my own notes as a summary. Let me know if you would like to receive a copy. ******

Thursday – 2nd May

• The full (277 pages) report from UK Government Committee on Climate Change: How to make the UK contribution to global climate change net zero by 2050. Below is the best summary chart of the overall proposal. Natural Gas (highest current proportion of energy mix) is not mentioned in this table. In the text it shows that natural gas demand will change from 875 TWh in 2017 to 600 TWh in 2050. Import dependency will grow from 52% to 86%. This represents a growth from 459 TWh of imported gas to 515 TWh.

• The BBC summary of CCC report including quotes from main author Chris Stark (Chief Executive): Cost estimate is 1-2% of GDP per year for 30 years. Requires complete overhaul of energy (power, heating, transport) and agriculture.

• Scottish Power Chief Exec requests UK Government to remove barriers to onshore wind “the cheapest form of renewable energy” in support of efforts to meet targets set out by CCC recommendation.

• Groups call into question the role of biomass as a renewable energy source.

Friday – 3rd May

• In the USA, during the month of April, for the first time, renewable energy generated more electricity than coal.

• EDF CEO describes role of renewables and new nuclear power in the plan for 2050.

Saturday – 4th May

• UK Government/Welsh Assembly group of politicians call for energy projects at Wylfa plant in North Wales, since Hitachi pulled out of nuclear plant project.

• The story of China’s growth in natural gas in order to combat air pollution: Demand grew 18% in 2018 but grew 12% January to March 2019. Demand is now approximately 2.5 TCF per year.