Second Update of February 2020 – 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)

Tuesday – 11th February

• According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global Carbon Dioxide emissions from energy were unchanged in 2019 compared with 2018; the first time there has not been growth in a decade. Report suggests this results from declining emissions in ‘advanced economies’ due to growth in renewables, switch from coal to gas and higher nuclear power generation.

Wednesday – 12th February

• UK Government Scottish Secretary says overseas construction of UK offshore wind turbines is down to ‘market forces’. GMB union in Scotland says UK construction yards are ‘abandoned .. to compete with heavily subsidised yards abroad’.

Thursday – 13th February

• Article compares battery-powered electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles for range, performance, recharging/re-fuelling and current purchase price.

• BP has announced plans to address all emissions in-line with UK ‘net-zero’ time-frame including dealing with so-called ‘Scope 3’ emissions; those generated by customers using products. Scope 3 emissions are estimated to be 80% of the company’s emissions.

Sunday – 16th February

• Protests have been held against importing coal from Australia, Brazil and Russia as fuel for the Port Talbot steel works in south Wales.

• Protests have been held against a new coal mine which has been granted planning permission by the local council in northwest England.