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SEVENTEEN new community energy schemes in the capital are set to benefit from new development funding from the Mayor Sadiq Khan’s London Community Energy Fund. This funding is from the third phase of the Fund, which aims to support community groups through the early development stages of energy projects. This can include undertaking feasibility studies, paying for technical consultancy fees or...

A WATCHDOG has criticised the Conservatives for 'neglecting industrial strategy' in a recent report. In 2017, the Government issued a White Paper on Industrial Strategy – a long-term plan to boost productivity and earnings in the UK. The independent Industrial Strategy Council’s first Annual Report provides an evaluation of the success of that strategy two years on. Andy Haldane, Chair of the Industrial Strategy...

There was a radical change when he first came to office. Of the 29 Ministers in Theresa May’s cabinet, 18 were replaced either through resignations or direct firing. The restructure was compared to Harold Macmillan’s infamous reshuffle of 1962. The speed and scope of Boris Johnson’s changes did not attract the same level of criticism as the McMillan move, sending the...

The government has announced all children in England will be taught the skills for a lifetime of cycling, as its Bikeability training programme is significantly expanded. The commitment will see an additional 400,000 training places offered on the scheme each year, providing children with the core skills to cycle safely and confidently on the road. More than 80% of children aged between...

OFGEM has launched an investigation into whether Western Power Distribution is in compliance with rules around updating and providing information to vulnerable customers on its Priority Services Register. Western Power Distribution is the electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, South Wales and the South West. Standard Licence Condition 10 sets out obligations relating to customers on the Priority Services Register,...

NEMO Link, the first ever power cable between the UK and Belgium, has reported 'outstanding' performance figures as it celebrates its first full year of operation. The subsea cable has been available to import or export power more than 96% of the time in the last 12 months, making it one of the highest performing assets of its kind in...

SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council and the Vale of White Horse District Council have agreed moving towards producing clearer standards and guidance in response to the Government’s Future Homes Standard Consultation. Restructuring the guidance so that it is clearer about what is expected of the home builders and developers in complying with the requirements is 'a positive step.' However, although supportive of...

THE UK will need to recruit hundreds of thousands of people into its energy sector if it is to meet its target to deliver net zero emissions by 2050. Research published by National Grid reveals the industry will need to fill 400,000 jobs, bringing opportunities for skilled tradespeople, engineers and other specialists across every region of the country. Nicola Shaw CBE,...

The second round of applications to the UK Seafood Innovation Fund is now open, boosting innovation for the UK seafood sector. Open until 20 April 2020, the fund is seeking a new tranche of applicants with plans to transform the future landscape for seafood supply. Robotics, AI, fishing gear innovations and biomedical advances are some of the innovations awarded funding in...

THE UK’S first subsidy-free community ground-mount solar has been connected by Community Owned Renewable Energy Partners and Yealm Community Energy in Devon. The 7.3MW Creacombe community solar farm began construction in September last year and was energised in two stages: 4.4MW, pre-accredited for the last remaining community feed-in-tariff was commissioned at the end of December, while the remaining 2.9 MW,...