Fourth Update of July 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 – 20th July

• This article points out that the Committee on Climate Change proposal for net zero emissions by 2050 relies on a major contribution from nuclear power. The author suggests that with existing plans only Hinkley C will be on-line in 2050.

Wednesday – 22nd July

• A report from the Confederation of British Industry states hydrogen will play a significant role in decarbonised heating in future and suggests a mechanism like Contracts for Difference might be used to stimulate growth in developing the sector and driving down cost.

Thursday – 23rd July

• ‘.. and here in Orkney they are streets ahead on hydrogen technology ..’ : UK Prime Minister quoted during a visit to the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland.

• According to the insurance company Direct Line, the lifetime cost of a new electric car is cheaper than for a new petrol car. UK Department for Transport figures show almost 100,000 zero-emissions vehicles were registered during 2019.

Friday – 24th July

• This article says that a poll carried out in the UK shows only 1 in 4 people support generating power by burning wood from forests being classed as renewables and half are against this being subsidised by public funds. The piece claims UK Government pays £2 million each day in subsidies for generation of electricity from biomass.

• Norwegian company Equinor (67% state owned) has announced that, for the medium term, blue hydrogen is more likely to play a role in decarbonisation of energy compared with green hydrogen. Blue hydrogen is generated from natural gas with associated carbon dioxide emissions captured centrally compared with green hydrogen which is generated from water using excess renewable electricity.