Third Update of March 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)

Monday – 16th March

• Applications for renewable energy projects in the UK hit a new high in 2019, increasing by 75% compared with 2015.

Tuesday – 17th March

• EDF which operates all 15 nuclear power reactors in the UK has said plans are in place to ensure continued operations across the fleet. Total combined capacity is 4.2 GW. (for context, UK demand is at 32 GW at time of writing according to Gridwatch: https://www.gridwatch.templar.co.uk/ )

Thursday – 19th March

• UK Government has reached agreement with all domestic energy suppliers to ease payment difficulties for households in the current situation.

• The biggest service station in Europe to offer natural gas as an alternative fuel to diesel for heavy goods vehicles is open along a motorway in NW England.

Friday – 20th March

• A Geographical article describes the need for a ‘Just Transition’ for workers as part of targets to reduce greenhouse emissions. The article describes efforts from around the world, cases in history (including east Scotland fabrication yards) and points of view.

Saturday – 21st March

• The Guardian reports that between a quarter and half of UK greenhouse gas emissions are generated from central heating systems which heat 85% of homes. The article quotes a report from Institution of Engineering and Technology which suggests hydrogen may be the way to solve this using the existing network.