Richard Howard

Really value how Energy Link Ltd takes a plain English approach to explaining the impact of dispatchable demand versus voluntary industrial demand response, and what this means for price signals in the #market in the move to greater #renewable #electricity

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The members of the newly-established Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) unveiled a joint action plan pledging to expand the renewable energy capacity within their portfolios to 749 GW by 2030, alongside initiatives aimed at grid infrastructure development. The strategy entails a 2.5-fold increase to the 2023 volumes and outlines an action plan focused on three major areas -- de-risking supply chains; facilitating policy and regulatory support, and mobilising capital, according to a press statement. The UNEZA Roadmap to 2030 was unveiled today within the 14th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). UNEZA, launched at COP28, aims to unite utilities and power companies to lead in the development of grids that are ready for renewable energy, promote clean energy solutions, and advance electrification efforts. It is under the guidance of IRENA and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions. The net zero utilities alliance is led by UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and unites more than 30 partners. Green Grids Initiative and ACWA Power are the latest additions to the community. DEWA, EDF, EDP, E.ON, Enel, Engie, Etihad Water and Electricity, Iberdrola, Jinko Power, Masdar, National Grid, Octopus Energy, RWE and others are among UNEZA's founders. https://lnkd.in/eixKAaKz

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UK Energy debt reached a new high of £3.8bn as of Q3-24, up £0.9bn in a year. Where 75% of this debt has no repayment arrangement in place. Suppliers must stay in control and focus on customer support throughout this challenging environments. 2025 is a year of opportunities for businesses that prioritise their credit management process. By proactively managing risk, optimising cash flow and offering right support to their customers to turn the economic challenges into competitive advantages.

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For over two decades, the UK has been a key market for us — and we are dedicated to the country, with ambitious plans for deepening our engagement and making transformative investments.    With the announcement of a new Industrial Strategy focused on clean energy as a key growth sector, the new government wants to play a constructive, strategic role in the economy. Working in partnership with the private sector to drive forward its mission for economic growth and the ambitious plan to achieve clean power by 2030. This week’s International Investment Summit in London provided a valuable opportunity to discuss this with government officials, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and industry executives.    As the leading power generator and a leading renewables developer in the UK, we are already generating electricity for around 12 million homes with an installed capacity of almost 10 GW.     With 2.2 GW of renewables currently under construction across offshore and onshore wind, solar, and storage, we intend to invest around €8 billion net until the end of this decade in developing clean energy projects in the UK and further strengthening our presence. Meanwhile, we are helping to unlock a green economy in the UK by generating high-quality jobs, strengthening supply chains, and fostering thriving local communities.    I would like to thank everyone involved in the organisation of this excellent summit, as well as Prime Minister Keir Starmer, State Secretary Ed Miliband from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Sarah Jones, Minister for Industry, and Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, for the valuable exchange. 📷: Jonathan Brad /PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

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A very interesting piece on #GBEnergy's shortcomings by Mathew Lawrence of Common Ground, published by New Statesman Spotlight 👇 Key recommendations: - GB Energy should be given sufficient borrowing power for large-scale investment - The company requires greater capitalisation than the current £8.3bn - There should be a customer-facing retail supply arm https://lnkd.in/ej9NHfUc 💡 CEP responded to the GB Energy announcements here: https://lnkd.in/eR34yesD 💡 ...and we've discussed what Great British Energy can't do here: https://lnkd.in/ee4v3tEm

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National Grid ESO have published their Future Energy Scenarios (FES) pathways today, which have evolved from 'scenarios' to explore narrower ranges and strategic, credible choices to propel us on the route to #decarbonisation. Amongst the pathways and proposed actions, there is one key message: "Decisive action is needed within the next two years to deliver the fundamental change required for a fair, affordable, sustainable and secure net zero energy system by 2050." Explore the report on NGESO's website: https://lnkd.in/eYytZTPA

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Top stories today 💷 Ofgem releases funds for controversial National Grid upgrade https://buff.ly/46IFURZ Ofgem has advanced 12 major connection projects under its Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework. This includes National Grid’s controversial transmission upgrade scheme between Norwich and Tilbury, which has been strongly opposed by local politicians. Other schemes to move ahead include reinforcement projects in London and Yorkshire, as well as six onshore and two offshore projects in Scotland. 🪁 ESO: No new pylons required for floating offshore wind farm projects https://buff.ly/3AzGUeU No new pylons will be required to connect a fleet of floating offshore wind farms planned in the Celtic Sea, according to National Grid ESO. The ESO has published its blueprint, commissioned by the government, recommending how up to 4.5GW of floating offshore wind proposed off the coasts of south Wales and south west England can be connected to the onshore network. 💡 Fixed tariffs no longer offer consumers good deals https://buff.ly/3M2tE50 There has been a significant decrease in savings to be made from fixed price energy tariffs over the last few months, new research has found. Analysis by Cornwall Insight found that the average saving from the top ten cheapest fixed rate tariffs on the open market now stands at only £5 per annum, compared to being on the price cap. This, it said, represents an up to 94% decrease compared to previous savings of around £60 to £80 per year only a few months ago.

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⚡ It’s no industry secret that the UK’s electricity network upgrade is one of the most complex areas of the energy transition — but we’re here to simplify it.  At Scottish Renewables, we understand that navigating policy packed with acronyms and technical jargon isn’t easy. That’s why we've broken it all down for you. We’ve written a blog and created an infographic covering the ‘who, what and when’ of the major plans and taskforces driving our future electricity network and outlined how they are all interacting to shape the future of the UK’s energy grid. 👉 Read the blog on our website: https://lnkd.in/eNvevxyd.    #EnergyTransition #ElectricityNetwork #NetZero #CleanEnergy #Renewables

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We have today launched our annual Gas Winter Outlook. Each year, this report outlines how we see the gas system’s capacity in Great Britain, as well as pressure points and overall resilience for the upcoming winter. We expect gas demand will remain similar to last year. Great Britain's diverse and flexible gas supplies position us well to manage the colder weather ahead. What remains paramount is the role gas plays in our energy system. Our report found that last year, gas accounted for over 50% of Great Britain’s electricity generation between high-demand periods like late November to early December. As we work towards incorporating renewables and other sources of green energy into our wider energy system, gas’ vital role in the energy system cannot be understated, as it continues to prove essential in providing businesses and industries with the energy they need. Working closely with our cross-industry partners, I am confident in our abilities at National Gas to deliver the energy Great Britain needs this winter – keeping the lights on, industries fuelled and homes warm. Gas remains critical in this effort as we transition towards cleaner alternatives. #SecuringBritainsEnergy Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eC6WFgXf

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In a first-of-its-kind trial, we’re partnering with a leading renewable energy company - ScottishPower - to support vulnerable households through #WarmHomePrescription. The trial focuses on low-income people with cold-sensitive health conditions who live in homes with low Energy Performance Certificate ratings. We aim to deliver measures for 1,000 households with a long-term ambition of supporting up to 2,000 households. Mark Murphy, Head of UK Government Obligations at ScottishPower said: “Our aim is to deliver ECO4 home improvements, and their benefits, sooner rather than later, the quicker we deliver the sooner recipients can live in a warmer home.” Discover more: https://orlo.uk/iwRkZ

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💰 The national grid needs £60 billion of investment but has less than 10% of the capital needed to fund it. Making grid-scale changes is a slow process too 🐌 Our Managing Director, Bruce Woodman, has shared his thoughts on the need to address this shortfall with Energy Now, along with a shopping list of other important ‘pro-renewables’ policies that would be essential to support the transition to net zero:  💨 An end to the de facto ban on new turbines in England   ⚡️ Restructuring the requirements on the Electricity System Operators (#ESO) and Distribution Network Operators (#DNO)  💧 Setting national standards for the development of renewables-to-hydrogen projects Although new policies would be helpful, businesses don’t need to wait for policy change to make a difference to their own energy and emissions. Businesses can deliver company-scale change by owning on-site or near-site renewables that provide secure, low cost, clean energy that reduces their emissions and gets them to net zero faster.  Read more in the full article below ⬇️ #UKGeneralElection #netzero #hydrogen #windturbines #renewables https://lnkd.in/eNqZ-a2p  

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We welcome the publication by the National Energy System Operator of its Clean Power 2030 report – advising Government on pathways for decarbonising the power sector over the next 6 years. And agree with the conclusions about the feasibility of the targets, and the radical actions that will be needed to achieve this while keeping bills down for consumers. This plan sets a clear direction and step up in action for the power sector. We look forward to working with investors to help Britain lead the world in moving from a fossil fuel-based power system to clean power. https://ow.ly/RLQP50U0o3B

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In collaboration with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, we adopted an explainable, data-driven approach to to create an explainable AI solution to identify factors that can lead to energy poverty in different UK regions.  This project is vital given the vast changes and innovations occurring within the energy sector. In the quest for progress, it is essential that vulnerable members of society aren’t abandoned.  As a result of this ground-breaking project, SSEN is in the process of embedding Vulnerability Future Energy Scenarios (VFES) into its Distribution Future Energy Scenarios process – ensuring that the network takes vulnerable customers into account as it makes million and billion pound infrastructure investments for the future Explore the full case study to learn more about the vital work and innovations underpinned by mathematics, data science, and AI. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gCg8Zi4Q #DataIQAwards #AIinnovation

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  🚀 Exciting Changes in National Grid's Future Energy Scenarios! 🚀   National Grid ESO Future Energy Scenarios (FES) is entering its thirteenth cycle. This annual report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the potential future of the UK's energy system, guiding strategic planning and policy decisions towards achieving net zero. While last year's scenarios explored a wide range of outcomes, this year's pathways are aligned to decarbonise at the same pace, aiming for net zero by 2050. The different pathways can be seen in the graphic below and include:   • Holistic Transition🌱: Net zero via electrification and hydrogen, strong consumer engagement with smart homes/EVs. Highest renewable capacity, unabated gas drops post-2036, moderate nuclear, lowest hydrogen power, high supply-side flexibility.   • Electric Engagement🔌: Net zero through electrified demand, smart tech reduces energy use. High peak electricity demand, high nuclear/renewables, low natural gas post-2035, high supply-side flexibility with storage/interconnectors.   • Hydrogen Evolution🏭: Net zero with hydrogen in industry/heat, low consumer engagement, hydrogen boilers, strong EV uptake. High hydrogen power plants, lower renewable/nuclear needs, low natural gas post-2035, flexible hydrogen storage.   Here's why we believe this transformation to pathways is a game-changer:   🔄 Strategic Focus: Unlike scenarios, pathways provide a targeted route to net zero, creating a clearer vision for the future, and addressing the need for robust strategic energy planning. This shift is driven by Ofgem, stakeholder feedback, and the upcoming transition to the independent National Energy System Operator (NESO) in 2024.   ⚡Enhancements in Analysis: Evolving from a complex model based on consumer behaviour and the speed of decarbonisation, the new framework highlights the key shifts towards hydrogen and electrification, showing how these energy sources will work together in the future compared to today.   👥 Consumer Engagement: Another key difference is the focus on consumer engagement in demand-side flexibility and demand reduction measures. This component differentiates the pathways and reinforces the importance of consumer behaviour in achieving net-zero targets.   This transformation is not just a change in perspective but a leap towards recognising the need for a collaborative energy mix in the future. What do you think of this move? Share your thoughts in the comments below!   #EnergyTransition #NetZero #NationalGridESO

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Thomas Grimwood at Utility Week asked last week whether economic regulators, particularly for the #water, #electricity and #gas sectors, setting the right #costofequity. As I said in the various quotes Tom included in the article, the cost of equity needs to increase if #PR24 and #RIIO3 are going to successfully attract the billions of pounds of equity (not to mention debt) into these key infrastructure sectors that is needed to deliver for customers and the environment in coming years. I know that I am echoing the views of many of the #utilities and #investors (infrastructure, pension, sovereign wealth funds etc), but it is worth saying it again because the consequences of getting it wrong are significant. https://lnkd.in/ewXq9V68 James Turnbull, Julianne Antrobus, liz parminter, Greg Bradley, Greg Beard, Justin Lowe, Palash Banerjee, Edward Hopcroft, Allan Boardman CEng #energyandutilities #networks #costofcapital #wacc PA Consulting

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NEW REPORT on GB Energy, and the role of the state by @nesta_uk and @Baringa. This work underpins some of what is being announced today. 🧵 https://lnkd.in/eD75Rw3j Report argues for 4 enhanced roles for the state: first, as a planner or 'system architect', second, as a 'pre-developer'; third, as investor; fourth as enabler. What benefits will this bring? 1) Speed: offshore wind deployed 2 to 4 years faster due to enhanced coordination and efficiencies in project development and deployment. 2) A transfer of up to £35bn from producers to consumers out to 2050 for offshore wind alone 3) Savings of up to c. £1bn in regret development expenditure for offshore wind projects that ultimately fail, with similar benefits possible for onshore projects. 4) A reduction in constraint costs which are projected to reach £3bn per year in the late 2020s. 5) Greater certainty for supply chain, leading to more investment and domestic capacity. 6) More efficient and resilient deployment of network infrastructure and system assets, reducing total cost. 7) Acceleration of innovation and commercialisation of new technologies.

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🔌Build grid infrastructure🔌    We are calling for strategic planning to be applied to grid infrastructure and renewable energy deployment, including implementing the Transmission Acceleration Action Plan to half the time to build new transmission infrastructure.    Recent polling shows 75% of people see the development of renewable energy as a significant factor for the next government to consider in decisions about driving economic growth outside London and South East England, as well as in decisions about increasing jobs in the UK (83%), tackling climate change (81%), energy bills (88%) and energy security (84%).   Find out more in our 2024 Manifesto:  https://lnkd.in/eF7UzMCt #WEW24 #windenergy #windpower #onshorewind #offshorewind #renewableenergy

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