Celebrating 1,000 subscribers! Thank you for your continued support.
Exploring this week’s industry updates with Eco Insights as we highlight the latest trends in renewable energy. National Grid has agreed to a ￡630m sale of its Electricity System Operator to the UK government. Meanwhile, a report from BEAMA calls for a 16-fold increase in heat pump installations and faster smart metering to meet the UK’s 2030 targets. The UK also launched the Global Clean Power Alliance to accelerate the global shift to renewables and expand energy grids. Innovative technologies are reshaping the sector, with the UK’s first carbon capture project going live at an energy-from-waste plant, and EDF launching a trial for bi-directional EV charging for solar panel customers. On the project front, large-scale solar and BESS continue to progress, including new solar farms in Norfolk and Leicestershire, and the approval of Scotland’s largest standalone BESS. Let's explore the key trends shaping the future of renewable energy. ??????
Looking to stay up to date on the latest industry news and jobs?
?? Industry Updates:
Catch up on the latest news, policy changes and trends.
- National Grid Agrees ￡630m Sale of Electricity System Operator to UK Government - National Grid has reached an agreement with the UK government to sell its Electricity System Operator (ESO) for ￡630 million, marking a significant step towards the establishment of a new publicly owned entity, the National Energy System Operator (NESO). This transition is aimed at enhancing the UK’s energy infrastructure and supporting the deployment of renewable energy projects. Read the full article.
- UK Needs 16-fold Increase in Heat Pumps and Faster Smart Metering for 2030 Targets - The UK must increase heat pump installations 16-fold and accelerate smart metering to meet its 2030 targets. That’s according to BEAMA’s latest report, which emphasises the need for increased investment in the UK’s supply chain to meet net zero targets. The energy trade body’s report reveals a critical mismatch between current supply chain capacity and future demand for low carbon technologies. The analysis reveals that current heat pump deployment rates are insufficient to achieve the 2030 decarbonisation goals, while the country is 11 years away from a complete smart metering system, crucial for a flexible energy network. Read the full article.
- Foreign Secretary Announces New Global Clean Power Alliance to Boost Renewable Energy Transition - In his first major foreign policy speech, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced the launch of a new Global Clean Power Alliance, aimed at speeding up the global shift to renewable energy and helping countries move away from fossil fuels. This initiative forms part of the new labour-led UK Government's push to become a clean energy leader by 20230. The Global Clean Power Alliance will focus on boosting investment in clean energy, expanding energy grids and securing access to critical minerals. The goal is to support countries that are falling behind in the transition to renewable energy by sharing technology and financial resources. Read the full article.
- Solar for Schools Receives ￡3 million Triodos Bank Loan - Ethical investor Triodos Bank UK has provided a ￡3 million loan to the Solar for Schools Community Benefit Society (CBS). The Solar for Schools CBS will use the senior debt, combined with crowdfunding bond finance, to grow its network of solar-powered schools across the UK. It currently owns and operates over 150 rooftop installations but has over 100 schools on its waiting list. Solar Options for Schools develops and manages the projects for Solar for Schools, and works closely with the CBS to secure funding. Read the full article.
- RES Denied Planning Approval for 49.9MW BESS - Renewable energy developer RES has been denied planning approval for its proposed Stoneworthy Energy Storage project in Devon. The decision to reject the 49.9MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project was handed down at a meeting of Torridge District Council, with councillors voting six to two to deny planning permission, despite the assigned case officer recommending permission be granted. Had the scheme been approved, 32 BESS units would have been built on site, located on 3.6 hectares of land at Pyworthy, Devon. Local residents raised objections about the number of new renewable energy developments built in the area, with a Dr David Hillebrandt objecting to the “further desecration of rural Devon”. Read the full article.
- Joulen Pushes UK Government for Better Battery Strategy - A new report by energy service provider Joulen, formerly the Electric Storage Company, suggests 0.1% of UK businesses could provide the equivalent power of both Hinkley Point C and 130 grid-scale battery sites by installing battery energy storage. The report, A Better Battery Strategy, outlines four steps the UK government could take to democratise the energy transition. It was modelled on 70 proprietary data sets and scenarios, taking into account optimisation opportunities, existing and possible market mechanisms, and public data sources.?Read the full article.
?? Innovative Technologies:
Discovering the cutting-edge technologies and innovations that are driving sustainability and reshaping the industry.
- UK’s First Carbon Capture Project Goes Live at Energy From Waste Plant - The UK’s first carbon capture pilot at an energy from waste facility has started at Ferrybridge. The project, run by enfinium, will capture one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) each day and operate for at least 12 months. The technology, provided by Hitachi Zosen Inova, is designed to remove CO2 from the atmosphere by capturing emissions from waste processing. The pilot uses a scaled-down version of the carbon capture technology that enfinium plans to use across its other sites. Read the full article.
- EDF Trials Bi-directional Charging for Solar Panel Customers in UK - EDF has launched a new trial looking into how bi-directional charging technology can be optimised to allow customers with solar panels to use the spare capacity in their EV batteries to power their homes. Trialists will utilise EDF’s existing Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff and use Indra Renewables bi-directional chargers to integrate their EV battery and solar panels, enabling them to sell any surplus power from their car batteries to the grid at the best times. Read the full article.
- World’s Largest Tidal Power Scheme Moves Forward in UK - A major step has been taken towards the development of the UK’s largest tidal power scheme, with plans now moving into the public consultation phase. Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced the launch of the first public consultation for what is described as the world’s largest tidal power scheme. The project aims to create a tidal barrage across the River Mersey, capable of generating clean energy for hundreds of thousands of homes for 120 years. A scoping report has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, marking the start of the formal planning process. Read the full article.
?? Project Pipelines:
This weeks projects and initiatives that are making a positive impact.
- New Proposed Solar Farm Could Power 115,000 Homes - A solar farm and battery project capable of powering 115,000 homes annually by delivering up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity is being proposed by an energy developer. Island Green Power, said the project, known as East Pye Solar, is planned for land in Long Stratton, Norfolk, and will be able to provide energy over the next 60 years. The electricity would be connected to the existing 400kV overhead line which runs north to south between Norwich main substation and Bramford near Ipswich. Read the full article.
- Work Complete on ￡2.3m Solar Power and Battery Energy Storage Scheme Near Selkirk - Scottish Water has completed work on a ￡2.3 million solar power and battery energy storage scheme which is set to save around 169 tonnes of carbon annually.? The scheme, at Howden Water Treatment Works near Selkirk, consists of 2,112 ground-mounted solar panels and 15 racks of batteries to store the power generated – which will meet over a third of the site’s power usage and support Scottish Water’s drive to reach net zero emissions by 2040. The battery energy storage system, the first of its kind on a Scottish water treatment asset and only the second on a Scottish Water site to date – means 100 per cent of the renewable power generated by the scheme can be used on site whenever it is needed. Read the full article.
- Solar Farm Size Reduced After Public Consultation - A proposed solar farm that could power more than 57,000 homes has been reduced in size after feedback from local people. Rosefield Solar Farm said the planned site on land between Buckingham and Aylesbury would be reduced by about 40% following a consultation that took place last year. The "area set aside for nature" will be increased "fivefold", it added. Another consultation on the plans, which also include battery storage, has started and will run until 14 November. Rosefield said after receiving responses from the community, stakeholders, environmental assessments and technical work carried out, its plans have been altered. Read the full article.
- Apatura Lands Planning Approval For Scotland’s Largest Standalone BESS - Energy storage specialist Apatura has gained planning approval for a 700MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Inverclyde, Scotland. Once completed, the Aunchetiber BESS will be Scotland’s largest standalone BESS, while also marking the largest project Apatura has received approval for across its 10GW pipeline. The BESS will be situated on around 16.39 hectares of land near Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, with permission secured for the construction of 240 BESS units, 140 BESS transformers, 280 BESS inveters, three 33kV switchrooms, a 400kV control building, and a 400kV to 33kV transformer compound. Read the full article.
- Authorities Approve Renewable Connections 22.5MW Solar Project - Local authorities have granted solar and battery developer Renewable Connections full approval for an upcoming solar project in Leicestershire. The 22.5MW Old Hall Solar Farm, located near Ragdale, was granted approval for development and operation over a 40-year lifespan by Melton Borough Council and Charnwood Borough Council on 13 September. The development will utilise bifacial solar panels, which collect light on both the front and the rear sides. Bifacial solar panels can, depending on site conditions, generate up to 30% more electricity than traditional solar panel setups; rows of panels at the Old Hall Solar Farm will be tilted to the south in order to capture the maximum possible amount of sunlight. Read the full article.
- Planning Approval Granted for 50MW Lark Hill Solar Farm - Green Switch Capital has announced that it has been granted full planning permission for its 50MW Lark Hill Solar Farm in Essex. Planning permission was granted by Rochford District Council for the development, which will be situated on 66 hectares of land near Canewdon, Essex. The project is expected to have an operational lifespan of 40 years, after which time the site will be restored to its previous state. According to the planning application documents, sheep may be allowed to graze on the site, with the application specifying that “the lowest edge of the solar panels would be raised approximately 800mm above ground level to enable the area under the panels to be grazed by sheep.”. The plans also state that grazing sheep will be a key part of keeping the grass at a manageable level on site, alongside regular mowing. Read the full article.
? Talent Spotlight:
Highlighting this weeks hottest jobs in the renewable industry.
- Solar Site Supervisor | Chorley | Up to ￡50k - View Job
- Site Supervisor | Manchester | Up to ￡50k - View Job
- Wayleave Contracts Manager | Remote | Up to ￡85k - View Job
- Solar & Comms Engineer | Germany | Up to $60k - View Job
- Solar & Comms Engineer | Milton Keynes/Nationwide | Up to ￡50k - View Job
- Electrical Project Engineer | Wadebridge | Up to ￡50k - View Job
- Solar Construction Manager | Nationwide | Up to ￡75k - View Job
- Project Manager - Wind | Wadebridge | Up to ￡50k - View Job
For all the latest roles, updates and help with hiring specialist, cleantech talent check out Zero Global - Shaping the future #WithPurpose
Looking to stay up to date on the latest industry news and jobs?
Subscribe, Share and Support a Sustainable Future
