Energy, renewables and cleantech headlines

The UK renewables sector is set to grow significantly. New research from the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) projects that by 2035 the sector will grow to ￡41 billion in value, up from roughly ￡23 billion today. Currently, 47% of the UK’s electricity needs are met by renewable sources.

This contrasts with Azerbaijan, host of COP29, whose energy mix skews 98% toward oil and gas – resources the nation has labelled ‘a gift from God.' While attendees struggle to close in on a new round of climate finance, estimated to be $1.3 trillion, many commentators have complained that the event is an effort to greenwash Azerbaijan’s reputation.

Greenwashing comes from the gap between what you’re doing and what you say you’re doing. It is a balance between your actions and your communications, which is why organisations need to think carefully about both. To learn more about the best practices according to the UN and Advertising Standards Agency (ASA), read our greenwashing blog below. ??

Policy

The Energyst | Race for clean power surges ahead as new electricity superhighway greenlit

The Conversation | Farm inheritance tax: farmers cannot go green if they are in the red

Freeths | UK confirms introduction of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

Guardian | UK energy suppliers to spend ￡500m to cushion pain of rising bills

Guardian | Shell’s successful appeal will not end climate lawsuits against firms, say experts

BBC | Oil and gas are a 'gift of God', says COP29 host

Edie | Ofgem proposes ‘tough but fair’ new rules to ease grid connection delays

Current+ | NESO to launch Quick Reserve for frequency balancing

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Environment

Sky | COP29: UN climate summits 'no longer fit for purpose', warn leading figures

Guardian | The climate crisis in charts: how 2024 has set unwanted new records

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?Renewables and Investment

Surrey Live | University of Surrey's controversial solar farm could face fresh battle as campaigners urge Angela Rayner to act

Edie | UK renewable energy sector set to surge to ￡41bn by 2030

Reuters | European oil giants step back from renewables path

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Innovation

Fuel Cells Works | Hydrogen-powered eVTOL 'Vertiia' completes first untethered flight, marking milestone for AMSL aero

BBC | Cheap fix floated for plane vapour's climate damage

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Transport

Guardian | Ford cuts 4,000 jobs in Europe, including 800 in UK, after slowdown in EV sales

Current+ | Zero emission bus registrations up almost 50%

Transport and Energy | Used EV sales soar

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