Sewage monitoring could provide an early warning of COVID-19 outbreaks, says research
WASTEWATER in sewage systems could provide a quicker and earlier indication of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, according research led by Newcastle University.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus, does not readily spread through sewage and wastewater systems.
However, non-infectious genetic residues of the virus, not unlike other microbes, can remain in wastewater systems...
Committee on Climate Change urges government to take action towards ‘resilient recovery’ from COVID-19
IN LETTERS to the Prime Minister and First Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Committee on Climate Change sets out six key principles to rebuild the nation following the COVID-19 pandemic whilst delivering 'a stronger, cleaner and more resilient economy.'
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change is integral to the UK’s recovery package, the Committee says.
Committee on...
E.ON to combine Industrial & Commercial unit with npower Business Solutions
E.ON has announced its latest steps following its acquisition of npower and outlined proposals to combine the two companies’ Industrial & Commercial supply activities in the UK.
Following E.ON’s acquisition of npower in late 2019, npower Business Solutions was ‘carved out’ and has continued to operate successfully and independently.
Michael Lewis, E.ON UK and npower Chief Executive, commented on the announcement:...
Councils and celebrities voice concerns over Sizewell C
COUNCIL leaders and celebrities alike have voiced their concerns regarding plans for Sizewell C power station on the Suffolk coast.
Leaders of East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council wrote to EDF Energy in April, urging them to fully consider how and when they will consult with local communities as part of the planning process.
The councillors stated concern that any...
Heat and power invention receives Solar Impulse Foundation’s ‘Efficient Solutions Label’
NAKED Energy, a collaborative enterprise of scientists, engineers, designers and entrepreneurs, has announced their invention has achieved Solar Impulse Foundation's 'Efficient Solutions Label'.
Following a rigorous independent selection process, Virtu, the company's solar solution that combines solar thermal and photovoltaic to provide heat and power, has been acknowledged as 'an innovative technology that could help save the world.'
After the first...
New self-forming membrane developed by Newcastle researchers
A NEW class of self-forming membrane to separate carbon dioxide from a mixture of gases has been developed by Newcastle University researchers.
Operating like a coffee filter, it lets harmless gases, such as nitrogen, exit into the atmosphere and then the carbon dioxide can be processed.
The team believe that the system may be applicable for use in carbon dioxide separation...
Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change calls on ‘sustainable economic response’ to COVID-19
INSTITUTIONAL Investors Group on Climate Change has issued a statement setting out ways to ensure the economic response to the corona pandemic is 'sustainable, helps address climate change and supports action to achieve net zero emissions.'
The letter has been sent to a range of governments, including all members of the G20, by CEOs of the seven Founding Partner global...
National Grid ESO suggests urgent Grid Code modification amidst demand drop due to lockdown
NATIONAL Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has raised an urgent Grid Code modification that would allow it to disconnect embedded generation due to lower demand.
The modification – raised on 30 April – will clarify the ESO’s legal powers to instruct DNOs to disconnect embedded generation.
This is classified as generation that is connected to the distribution network, for example domestic...
West Berkshire offers residents opportunity to invest into a greener future for the district
WEST Berkshire Council has voted to approve the UK's first Community Municipal Investment, which will offer residents and community groups an opportunity to invest directly with them to help build a greener future for the district.
Individuals both in and outside of West Berkshire will be able to invest from as little as £5 to support specific projects that align...
Heat Networks Industry Council members sign new consumer protection agreement
A NEW consumer protection agreement has been agreed today between members of the Heat Networks Industry Council.
Measures agreed include ensuring all customers remain supplied with energy, heating and hot water through challenging times and supporting customers in financial distress.
Commitments in the agreement include identifying and prioritising customers at risk, supporting customers who are impacted financially, supporting prepayment meter customers...
