Fourth 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 – 21st October

• Guardian article describes findings of the UK Government Office for National Statistics which highlights the growth in UK greenhouse gas emissions based on products made elsewhere, including China. ONS says this mirrors the drop in domestic emissions based on growth in renewables and “steady dismantling of the nation’s manufacturing”.

Tuesday – 22nd October

• Plans are being considered to build a floating Liquid Natural Gas import vessel offshore Cumbria (NW England) to feed the UK grid at Barrow-in-Furness.

Wednesday – 23rd October

• Demand for coal in China is growing. Imports are rising by more than 10% in 2019 and funds have been allocated to open another 17 mines.

Thursday – 24th October

• UK Labour Party has announced policy to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from energy during the 2030’s if elected to government with plans to improve energy efficiency of homes as well as major investment in generating electricity by solar and wind.

• City AM article reports UK coal generation plants are expected to lose £0.6 billion during 2019 with a similar pattern across the rest of the EU.

Friday – 25th October

• International Energy Agency report predicts global power generation from offshore wind will grow 15 times in the next 20 years and predicts greater growth potential for the sector in meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets.

• FT article forecasts reduced dependence on Russian gas imports to Europe by pipeline as contracts expire, with UK taking increased levels of LNG from elsewhere and sending to mainland Europe via interconnectors.

Saturday – 26th October

• UK Government has announced £3.6 billion will be committed to improve energy efficiency of low income households. Funds will come from Energy Company Obligation which is paid for by the 6 biggest energy suppliers.

• A hydrogen refuelling station for Hydrogen Fuel-cell vehicles has opened next to London Gatwick airport.