A big thank you to Aurora Energy Researh for their excellent Summer Renewables Summit. A privelege to hear the formidable Doyne Farmer (mathematics professor at Oxford) explain how mere mortal forecasters such as the IEA just don’t understand the concept of exponential growth. Under his model solar energy fits the 35% annual growth model, which … Read More
The renewables equivalent of Groundhog Day: technologies that keep coming round without getting any closer to generation. This week we have two: Tidal bays and CCS. No doubt next week nuclear fusion will be back. Company news Drax, Equinor and National Grid to create UK’s first zero carbon cluster They have signed a memorandum of … Read More
Whilst not wanting to wade into issues between the USA and China, I observe how regularly I find myself posting about lithium ion batteries. It is therefore of interest that I read the FT article this week about China’s play to control the global battery business (HERE if you have a subscription) Company news Engie Acquires … Read More
Another week another report from a global agency on energy. This week the IEA’s World Energy Investment Report. Although I am not always totally convinced as to which side the IEA are batting for, I like Faith Birol, the Chairman’s concise summary: The world “cannot afford to press ‘pause’ on the expansion of renewables” Company … Read More
VW received 10,000 reservations for the ID.3 in the first 24 hours (see story below). Not quite up to the 113,000 Tesla managed with the Model 3, but better that expected. The VW Golf has never needed Elon Musk fairy dust, so hopefully nor will the ID.3 Company news Siemens sells off power division Siemens … Read More
With Climate Change front and centre in the news, it is with great timing that the Committee for Climate Change launch their latest report, entitled “Net Zero The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming” with the encouraging message that the more ambitious goals that it outlines are deliverable using existing technology and that the benefits will greatly … Read More
Welcome to Ultra Low Emision Zone (ULEZ) London! It will be interesting to see quite how much it might change behaviours, and how quickly other cities adopt similar measures Company news Vortex Energy completes the sale of stake in 998MW wind portfolio Vortex Energy has completed the sale of its 49% stake in a 998MW … Read More
I definitely don’t want to start (another) political debate, but would draw attention to a post on the Green Alliance Blog questioning how effective has been the transfer of environmental legislation from the EU to UK statute book. HERE Company news Hyundai Motor Group invests $300M in India’s Ola Hyundai Motor Group and India-based Ola—one of … Read More
An interesting week where people have found new and innovative ways to promote awareness of climate change: by gluing themselves to the stock exchange and 16 year old daughters of a Swedish popstar lecturing Parliament. Company news Rivian Announces $500 Million Investment from Ford Michigan-based EV startup, Rivian, has received an equity investment of $500 … Read More
No Titbits next week, and a quick one this week as travelling. UK news ScottishPower pledges £2bn for UK renewable energy in 2019 It is said to be the Big Six supplier’s biggest ever investment in the country in a single year and follows its commitment to transition to 100% renewable energy.The company is to … Read More
