National Template Drives Unified Approach to Local Energy Planning
UK energy networks are converging on a unified framework called the Local Authority Common Ask Template, which standardises data exchange for local energy planning. SP Electricity North West has joined the initiative, following UK Power Networks’ lead, to streamline coordination across electricity and gas operators. The template’s “share once” approach reduces duplication, accelerates infrastructure investment, and aligns local decarbonisation plans with network upgrades. Industry leaders say the model cuts costs, improves reliability, and supports the nation’s net‑zero ambitions.
Energy Demand Falls Globally as Solar Boom Continues
Global energy demand in 2025 slowed to a 1.3% increase, well under the decade’s average, while electricity consumption surged about 3%, driven by electrification trends. Solar photovoltaic power emerged as the top contributor to energy supply growth, accounting for more...
Taking the P…. Our Urine Can Make Low-Carbon Fertilisers
Researchers at the University of Surrey have shown that human urine, which makes up just 1% of wastewater, contains the bulk of nutrients needed for fertilisers—nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. By applying forward osmosis, a low‑energy membrane process, these nutrients can...
Record Wind Generation Boosts Renewables but Highlights Grid Constraints
Great Britain recorded a historic 29.2 TWh of wind generation this year, pushing total renewable output to 40.3 TWh—up 20% year‑on‑year and covering 52% of electricity demand. Strong winter storms drove the surge, lowering wholesale prices and displacing fossil‑fuel generation, while gas...
Markets React as Labour Looks at Decoupling Gas and Electricity Prices
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to break the link between gas and electricity wholesale prices, ending the marginal pricing model that ties electricity costs to gas‑fired generators. The proposal aims to reflect the growing share of low‑carbon generation and...
Heat Pump Sector Urges Policy Clarity to Unlock Non-Domestic Adoption
The Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK) is urging the government to provide a clear, national strategy for electrifying non‑domestic heating. While 125,000 heat pumps were sold in 2025, the majority are installed in homes, leaving commercial and industrial uptake minimal....
Decentralised Grid Needs a New Kind of Energy Market or Costs Will Rise
Elexon warns that the UK electricity market must evolve to match a rapidly decentralising grid, where distributed generation has risen from 15% in 2011 to roughly 36% today. It argues that current pricing, focused on transmission, is driving higher redispatch...
AI ‘Time Machine’ Predicts Missing 1.5C Target
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have built an AI‑driven “time machine” that back‑tests historic renewable growth to forecast future deployment. The model predicts onshore wind could supply roughly 25% of global electricity and solar about 20% by 2050, falling...
Government and Ofgem Admit Grid Queue Blunders
UK government and regulator Ofgem acknowledged delays in grid‑connection reforms as a surge in battery storage projects strains the system. The overhaul cleared 221 GW of stalled projects, creating a pipeline poised to attract roughly £200 bn (about $250 bn) of investment by...
Temporary Power Solutions Could Ease Europe’s Grid Strain
Aggreko’s new white paper, “Breaking the Gridlock,” argues that temporary on‑site power solutions can relieve Europe’s strained electricity networks as renewable capacity expands. The report notes that roughly 1,700 GW of renewable projects are stalled in grid queues across 16 countries,...
First ‘Community-Owned’ Battery Investment Scheme Opens
Low Carbon Hub has launched the United Kingdom’s first community‑owned battery at Ray Valley solar park near Bicester. The scheme invites public investors to co‑own a storage system that will capture surplus solar power and release it during peak demand....
Heavy Industry Could Cut Energy Use by 45% by 2050
A new report from the Energy Transitions Commission and Mission Possible Partnership finds that heavy‑industry sectors could cut energy use by 25‑45% by 2050 through improved energy productivity. Energy accounts for 30‑50% of costs in these sectors, so efficiency gains...
Centrica Tackles Difficult Terrain to Deliver Sustainable Solar Solution for Derbyshire Manufacturer
Centrica Business Solutions has completed a custom‑engineered solar farm for Derbyshire‑based Carpenter Ltd, installing 1,666 panels on a 14.6% sloped bank that was previously deemed unsuitable. The ground‑mount array will produce about 1,025 MWh of renewable electricity each year, cutting the...
Tokamak Energy Joins UK’s Fusion Partnership
Tokamak Energy has been selected as the Magnet Systems Partner for the UK’s STEP fusion programme, securing a £70 million (≈$90 million) contract from UK Fusion Energy. The company will design, build and test high‑temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets through its TE Magnetics...
North-East Tech-Focused Switching Service Expansion Set to Create 20 Newcastle City Centre Jobs
North-East startup Procure Smart is opening a new office in Newcastle city centre in May 2026, creating about 20 sales jobs. The firm, founded in 2022, has grown to over 50 staff with locations in Sunderland, Manchester and a remote...