The Centrica Interview: Chris O’Shea, chief executive officer
In our exclusive interview, Centrica boss Chris O’Shea discusses his green ambitions for Britain's multinational energy company.
Renewables
2024 in Review: A landmark year for the UK’s renewable energy transition
This year will undoubtedly be remembered as a watershed for renewable electricity generation in the UK. By the end of 2024, it is likely to be the first full year in which low-carbon renewables – wind, solar, and hydropower – generated more electricity than fossil fuels.
Engie plans green gas plant in Yorkshire to reduce ‘reliance’ on imports
French energy supplier Engie plans to develop a 'green' gas plant in North Yorkshire that will play a role in “reducing reliance on imported natural gas”.
Heat pumps are three times more efficient than gas boilers, research shows
Heat pumps are at least three times more efficient than gas-fired boilers, according to the latest research from two separate UK government-backed reports.
‘Future looks worse’ for wind curtailment
The UK’s largest renewable electricity supplier Octopus Energy is using AI to address a hold-up in grid connections as the cost of turning off turbines snowballs to £1 billion.
UK’s £14bn energy supply chain is “at risk”, trade body warns
Beama, a trade body representing UK electrical and energy infrastructure manufacturers, has called for urgent reform in a letter addressed to senior ministers Sarah Jones, Ed Miliband and Jonathan Reynolds.
Star Capital backs Aberdeen-based STR in multi-million pound deal
Private equity firm Star Capital has taken a majority stake in Aberdeen-based Subsea Technology and Rentals (STR) in a multi-million pound deal.
Centrica decommissions platform at UK’s largest gas storage facility Rough
Decommissioning of a disused platform at the UK's largest gas storage facility, run by Centrica at the depleted Rough gas field off the Yorkshire coast, suggests there's no turning back from plans to redevelop the field to store hydrogen.
BP carves out offshore wind assets
BP plans to carve out its offshore wind assets as part of a joint venture with Japan’s largest power generation company, as oil supermajors move to insulate themselves from share price shocks associated with their low-carbon investments.
Highland clean power takes prize at Scottish Green Energy Awards
A Highland clean power scheme for rural homes has taken the top prize at the annual Scottish Green Energy Awards.
The Xlinks Interview: James Humfrey, CEO of the Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project
In our exclusive interview, Energy Voice spoke to Xlinks chief executive James Humfrey to discuss the scope and hurdles facing the nascent renewables megaproject.
Arup to study new technologies for Sinclair and Scaraben wind farms
BlueFloat Energy and Nadara have brought in Arup to assess emerging technologies necessary to deliver their Sinclair and Scaraben floating offshore wind farms.
Energy sector’s faith in net zero is just 4%, says Energy Institute
The Energy Institute said that the industry is “clear” that the government’s goal of meeting targets to use entirely clean power by the end of the decade “faces considerable hurdles”.
Bank giant ING optimistic about investment ‘greeniums’ next year
Sustainable finance could deliver a premium as banks retrench from fossil fuels: ING expects greater clarity on energy transition finance next year.
Scottish budget to treble offshore wind investments to £150m
The Scottish government has announced plans to treble its investment in offshore wind to £150 million in 2025, finance secretary Shona Robison announced in Wednesday's budget.
MarramWind finishes second consultation round
ScottishPower and Shell have completed a consultation on their proposed 3GW MarramWind floating offshore wind farm.
Xlinks supply could improve UK grid resiliency from 2030s
The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project could help balance the UK grid and improve resiliency when it launches in the early 2030s, according to Xlinks chief executive James Humfrey.
Renewables body calls for more heat networks to decarbonise Scottish cities
Scotland needs to urgently change the way it heats its cities and towns to meet its decarbonisation targets, according to industry body Scottish Renewables.
Clean power mission 2030 will take a ‘Herculean’ effort from supply chain
The UK government’s 2030 clean power targets will take a “Herculean” effort from the supply chain, according to Yselkla Farmer, chief executive of energy infrastructure trade association Beama.
Venterra secures £30m bond facility for international growth
Offshore wind services business Venterra Group has secured a £30 million bond facility from HSBC, backed by the UK government’s export credit agency UK Export Finance (UKEF).
Scottish ports prepare for delayed wave of billions of inward investment
Scottish ports are preparing to be hit by waves of investment worth billions of pounds as the UK continues to chase targets to reach net zero energy production.
Hydrogen market will be £7bn a year opportunity for the UK
With UK government backing, the market for low-carbon hydrogen may be poised for take-off.
Nuclear fusion: neither imminent nor relevant to climate change
Billions of dollars have been raised on promises of limitless power from nuclear fusion. However, the technology will not deliver affordable power within our lifetimes.
Vital Energi plans 400 green jobs boost
Blackburn-headquartered Vital Energi has announced that it is expanding its operations by opening new offices in Newcastle and Swansea while also increasing its existing presence in Glasgow. This comes on top of what Vital described as a “major” refurbishment of its Blackburn headquarters, increasing seating capacity by a third.
Energy projects in developing countries to receive £79m in UK climate finance
Projects that aim to speed up the energy transition in developing countries will receive a share of £79 million in UK climate finance, the Government has announced.