Third Update of December 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 – 14th December

• The UK Government has published its White Paper for future energy policy aimed at a net-zero emissions transition which creates jobs and keeps bills affordable for consumers. The document has a lot of associated coverage in the media.

• This article describes UK Government target of 5 GW of hydrogen supply by 2030.

Wednesday – 16th December

• This article points out the lack of reference to solar PV in the UK Government Energy White Paper.

Thursday – 17th December

• The Oil and Gas Authority has laid out the industry’s commitment to net zero emissions by cutting emissions of production while developing hydrogen production and Carbon Capture and Storage capability.

Friday – 18th December

• Newcastle Council in ne England has rejected a plan to develop an opencast coal mine in the area. Campaigners are delighted. Developers say that there continues to be a demand for coal in the UK for manufacture of steel, cement and bricks.

• An International Energy Agency report predicts ‘no immediate decline’ of coal demand for power generation. Coal for generating electricity currently accounts for approximately 30% of global CO2 emissions.