Second Update of October 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)

Monday – 7th October

• 20 UK universities have joined together to directly purchase power from energy generators certified as being supplied by wind. (yes, I know I will get a lot of comments on this one!)

• A hydrogen-powered boat has arrived in UK capital London. Boat generates hydrogen from sea-water and aims to highlight the challenge of decarbonising shipping.

Tuesday – 8th October

• Article covers a point in recent UK Government Business Energy and Industrial Strategy department report showing electricity generation from biomass is increasing.

Wednesday – 9th October

• Drax electricity generation station in Yorkshire has been granted approval by UK Government Energy Secretary to proceed to planning for a 1.8 GW gas-fired power generation plant.

• London Metrpolitan (“The Met”) Police Force has 21 hydrogen fuel vehicles targeting net-zero 2050.

• UK Labour Party has pledged to build 37 publicly owned wind farms within ten years of being elected to government.

Thursday – 10th October

• Nuclear Industry trade body is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the need for nuclear power in UK energy mix. Former Shadow Energy Minister and current head of body, Tom Greatrex, says nuclear power is an important part of the UK energy mix providing the ‘most reliable, low carbon source of power’ and points out that 7 of the 8 existing nuclear power stations will be off-line by 2030.

Friday – 11th October

• Article suggests heat pumps for new homes will be the future of domestic heating.

• 220m (700 feet) wind turbines have been proposed for Scottish Border area. BBC article says bigger turbines are needed as subsidies cease.