Department of Energy and Climate Change

Work to stem Elgin gas release begins

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:45:00 GMT

15 May 2012

TOTAL has informed the Department of Energy and Climate Change that their dynamic kill operation to try to stop the gas release from the Elgin well began this morning.

DECC have been working closely with TOTAL and gave environmental consent to the company earlier in May to pump heavy mud into the well via a temporary pipeline connected to the G4 wellhead from the main support vessel, the West Phoenix semi-submersible drilling rig.

It is expected the pumping operation followed by a period of monitoring could take several days depending on conditions.

The dynamic kill is the quickest option to control the release. Work on another option to drill a relief well is already underway.

A Department of Energy and Climate Change spokesman said: “We continue to monitor the situation closely and hope this operation successfully stops the gas release.”

Written Ministerial Statement on Fuel Poverty Advisory Group Triennial Review

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:12:00 GMT

Greg Barker MP

15 May 2012

The Coalition Government, as part of its reform of the public bodies sector, has committed to undertake Triennial Reviews of all Executive and Advisory Non-Departmental Public Bodies.

As part of this process I am announcing today the Triennial Review of the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group (FPAG).

FPAG is a non-departmental advisory body of the Department of Energy and Climate Change, which consists of a chairman and senior representatives from the energy industry, charities and consumer bodies. The role of the Group is to:

Consider and report on the effectiveness of current policies aiming to reduce fuel poverty;
Consider and report on the case for greater co-ordination;
Identify barriers to reducing fuel poverty and to developing effective partnerships and to propose solutions;
Consider and report on any additional policies needed to achieve the Government’s targets;
Encourage key organisations to tackle fuel poverty, and to consider and report on the results of work to monitor fuel poverty.

The aims of the review are:

to provide a robust challenge of the continuing need for an NDPB to carry out these roles – both their functions and their form; and
if it is agreed it should remain as an Advisory NDPB, to review the control and governance arrangements in place to ensure that the public body is complying with recognised principles of good corporate governance.

There will be a short consultation process and we welcome views from interested stakeholders regarding the role of FPAG. We will publish the findings of the Review on the DECC website in the summer.

Update 11 May 2012: Tanker fuel strike

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT

See DECC spokesperson statement of 13 April regarding progress in talks between employers and the Unite union to reach a negotiated settlement.

Tanker fuel drivers who deliver fuel to the UK’s forecourts have just announced their intention to strike over a dispute with their employers over working conditions.

The Unite union, who are representing the 2,000 members involved in the action announced today that 69% voted in favour of a strike.

The Government has robust resilience and contingency plans to deal with the event of a strike and has already started to put these in place in order to minimise any disruption to the general public.

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey said:

“The Unite ballot result is disappointing. The Government is strongly of the view that strike action is wrong and unnecessary. The union should be getting round the negotiating table, not planning to disrupt the lives of millions of people across Britain.

“This is an industrial dispute and we strongly urge Unite to resolve it by getting back to the negotiating table, not by threatening the nation with economic and social disruption.

“Our economy is just getting back on its feet and any action that makes that harder is totally unjustified.

“With the London 2012 Olympics approaching, it is unacceptable and selfish to behave in this manner and jeopardise our international reputation.

“Unite has committed to ensuring that essential services are not disrupted. We trust it will live up to this commitment and not put anyone in harm’s way.

“The Government stands ready to take whatever action we can to minimise the impact of any strike. If we have to, we will use emergency powers to make sure supplies for emergency services are prioritised and we will work to ensure trained military personnel are available to drive oil tankers. The Police will be on hand to ensure that strike action does not intimidate or prevent drivers that wish to work from doing so.

“While their main concerns are pay and conditions, which are matters for their employers, they have also raised health and safety. We take health and safety very seriously and will be looking carefully at what Unite is saying. Ensuring people are safe at work is a priority for us and we are committed to resolving any issues around this.

“But we are clear - first and foremost - the parties must get back around the table. There is no justification for this. It’s the wrong action at the wrong time.”

Notes for Editors

Around 2,000 members of Unite at seven companies have been voting on whether to launch the first national campaign of action for over a decade.
Unite drivers supply fuel to 90% of the UK's forecourts.
Workers in seven major distribution companies were balloted for industrial action - Wincanton, DHL, Hoyer, BP, J.W Suckling, Norbert Dentressangle and Turners.
There are 8,706 forecourts across the UK
Tanker drivers are paid on average £45,000 a year – double that of a regular haulage driver.
Tanker drivers work 12 hour shifts, driving a 44 tonne vehicle, holding between 36,000 and 40,000 litres of petroleum product.

Charles Hendry speech to the Nuclear Institute North West Branch Annual Dinner

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:53:00 GMT

Check against delivery
10 May 2012

Introduction

Thank you for your invitation to deliver this keynote address. I am very pleased to be here today as we celebrate the North West’s nuclear successes to date and look towards the future.

I would like to start by acknowledging the important contribution that this region has made to the UK nuclear industry since the 1950s and the importance of the nuclear industry to the economic prosperity of the area. There is a great wealth of nuclear expertise and knowledge here that we want to maintain and use for the future.

Because despite recent speculation the future for new nuclear in the UK is bright. I want to take this opportunity to reassure you all of the Government’s ongoing commitment to nuclear power, despite recent events. Nuclear power continues to have a vital role to play in our energy mix alongside other low carbon forms of generation. There is continued commitment from energy companies to making real progress in bringing forward their plans to develop new nuclear power stations in the UK and from government to make the UK the number one destination to invest in new nuclear.

Horizon

You will all be aware of RWE and E.ON’s decision to withdraw from Horizon. Clearly this is very disappointing but, as both companies have made clear, their decision was a commercial one, based on pressures elsewhere in their businesses and not any doubts about the role of nuclear in UK’s energy future. We should not see this as a sign that the UK’s nuclear renaissance is under threat, as some have suggested. Irrespective of RWE and E.ON’s announcement we are proceeding apace with our plans to make the UK the number one place to invest in new nuclear.

The Horizon sites at Wylfa and Oldbury represent an extremely attractive investment opportunity and there is strong interest. We as Government are talking to interested partners and investors about the UK’s policy and commitment to new nuclear. However the sale is a commercial process which is being led by the current owners and their sales advisors Nomura.

We all know that the UK’s new nuclear programme is far more than one consortia. As you will be well aware NuGen has set out plans to build at Moorside and EDF/Centrica’s plans to build four new reactors at Hinkley Point and Sizewell are on track. Nuclear is vital for our energy security now, and we want it to be part of the energy mix in the future, alongside renewables and clean coal and gas.

Getting the conditions right for investment

It is important that we provide these consortia, and other investors, with the certainty they need to invest in new nuclear. This Government remains committed to ensuring that the conditions are right for investment. We have completed all of our facilitative actions and set out a package of reforms to transform the power sector so that we can achieve secure, low carbon and affordable energy. We expect to legislate in the next session to provide the long-term certainty needed by investors in all forms of low carbon. We also intend to publish an overarching overview of electricity market reform and a draft operational framework for Contracts for Difference soon, with the aim of giving investors increasing confidence about the structure of the policy framework.

Skills and Supply Chain

With such investment come fantastic opportunities for the UK workforce and supply chain. We must ensure that UK companies of all sizes are in a position to seize maximum benefit from the opportunities presented by new nuclear and to use this experience to springboard into other markets given our position at the vanguard of new nuclear programmes.

The UK’s civil nuclear expertise is recognised and much sought after. The UK civil nuclear supply chain has both excellence and experience. Its key strengths of Innovation, Quality, Adaptability, Sustainability and Knowledge can make a critical difference to any project anywhere in the world.

For example, last month the Prime Minister signed a Framework on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with Japan. This is a key enabling agreement that establishes a high level commitment to a UK-Japan partnership in support of nuclear decommissioning. It recognises UK skills and engineering strengths and will help open up opportunities for UK firms to work with Japanese industry and to continue to share the UK's world-class expertise, just as we did in the aftermath of Fukushima.

And as a further example, in February the UK Prime Minister Cameron and French President Sarkozy put the green economy and energy security at the heart of their relationship. This came as companies from both nations agreed a raft of commercial nuclear deals including:

A ground breaking £400m deal on nuclear reactors between Rolls Royce, Areva and EDF. This will underpin a new Rolls Royce factory in Rotherham and support 1,200 new jobs across the nuclear supply chain in Britain;
A new engineering contract between EDF and Kier/BAM for the UK’s first proposed new nuclear project at Hinkley Point, Somerset, meaning another £100m for companies operating in the South West and 350 jobs.

The Government is committed to ensuring that UK companies are in a position to compete for the significant opportunities present within the nuclear sector and are working with industry, nuclear reactor vendors and operators to help create and support a globally competitive UK nuclear supply chain. The Government will act as a gateway to market information, contact networks, activities and organisations, to help the supply chain fulfil the opportunities presented by nuclear projects, along with specific initiatives, such as:

In December 2009, we announced the new £25m Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC), led by the University of Sheffield with Rolls-Royce as the lead industrial partner.The Government, via the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), is providing support to build specific supply chain capabilities via the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative, a competitive fund of up to £125 million to support transformative projects in advanced manufacturing supply chains. Additionally, the TSB is providing £15m of funding for small projects in 2012 delivering nuclear R&D.

I also recognise that meeting the demand for skilled workers during the new build programme will be a challenge, particularly with ongoing operations and decommissioning work at existing nuclear power stations. But I am confident that we - the nuclear industry, skills bodies and Government - can meet this challenge together. The new build programme is a fantastic opportunity to create jobs and drive economic growth across the UK, including here in the North West.

We know that we need to work in a co-ordinated manner and have developed the Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance (NESA) to help this way of working between the different expert skills bodies. NESA brings together all relevant nuclear skills bodies and Government in order to set the strategic direction for the nuclear skills landscape. The Alliance promotes collaborative working between skills bodies to identify potential skills gaps and take co-ordinated action to resolve these. We are already starting to see the benefit of this joined-up approach, with the development of a common labour market intelligence model which will allow the group to plan targeted, evidence based interventions and industry must engage with them to ensure that we use the most up-to-date data to provide this information.

Concluding Remarks

To conclude, I’d like to assure you all that Government remains firmly committed to its efforts to ensure that the conditions are right for investment in new nuclear power in the UK. The opportunities are truly massive and I hope that we can continue to build upon the real progress we have made so far. The UK has done a lot in the last year but delivering our new build agenda in the coming years will be an ongoing process. I know the UK nuclear industry is ready to deliver.

Queen’s Speech: 'Reform of the electricity market'

Wed, 9 May 2012 12:53:00 GMT

Her Majesty The Queen today delivered her annual speech at the state opening of Parliament.

As part of her speech the Queen announced that the Government will propose reforms to the electricity market.

“My Government will propose reform of the electricity market to deliver secure, clean and affordable electricity and ensure prices are fair”, the Queen said.

The Energy Bill aims to reform the electricity market to enable large-scale investment in low-carbon generation capacity in the UK and deliver security of supply, in a cost-effective way.

Commentating on the forthcoming Energy Bill, a DECC spokeswoman said:

““This is crucial legislation. The Energy Bill would reform the electricity market to keep the lights on and emissions down in a more cost-effective way, while reaping the economic benefits.

“It is designed to provide investors with long-term certainty and incentives to invest in low-carbon.

“We will shortly publish a draft Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny, to enable swift passage of well considered legislation.

“We are publishing the Bill in draft in order to speed up its passage through Parliament and to enable pre-legislative scrutiny which will help make the legislation more robust.
This will not delay the date at which the reforms are introduced, and making it available for pre-legislative scrutiny has been welcomed by industry and the opposition.

“We anticipate legislation reaching the statute book in 2013 so that the first low-carbon projects can be supported (as we originally envisaged) in 2014."

Electricity Market Reform: further information

For further information on the Energy Bill, follow the links below.

New Welsh wind farm to provide secure, home-grown energy

Tue, 8 May 2012 10:15:00 GMT

Press ref: 12/058
08 May 2012

Energy Minister Charles Hendry today granted consent to Vattenfall for the Pen Y Cymoedd project, a 299MW wind farm between Neath and Aberdare in South Wales.

Made up of 76 turbines, it would have the highest generating capacity of any onshore wind farm in England and Wales. The developer predicts that it will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of up to 206,000 homes a year.

The developer has also pledged to a community benefits package potentially worth more than £55m over the lifetime of the development, including £3m for habitat management and £6,000 a year per megawatt to a Community Trust Fund.

Charles Hendry said:

“Onshore wind plays an important role in enhancing our energy security. It is the cheapest form of renewable energy and reduces our reliance on foreign fuel.

“This project in South Wales will generate vast amounts of home-grown renewable electricity and provide a significant benefits package for the local community.”

Neither of the relevant local authorities objected to the wind farm subject to conditions, covering such issues as construction, noise, archaeology, habitat management and hydrology, being included in any planning permission granted. In response to concerns about possible effects on mining, conditions have been included to safeguard the future extraction of coal from under the site of the wind farm. The requested conditions are attached to the deemed planning permission.

The onshore wind farm would be within an area identified as being suitable for large scale wind farm development by the Welsh Government, under Technical Advice Note 8 (TAN 8).

Notes for editors:

The decision letter and associated documents are available on the DECC website.
For more information about TAN 8, see the Welsh Government website.
To contact the developer, please contact Jason Ormiston at Vattenfall on 07794 524 801 or jason.ormiston@vattenfall.com

Single EU ETS regulatory instrument to cut out 'red tape'

Tue, 8 May 2012 09:36:00 GMT

Press ref: 12/057
08 May 2012

EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) regulation will be made easier for UK industry to comply with, as a result of proposals published today on cutting out ‘red tape’.

Government has today launched a consultation on a single regulatory instrument for Phase III of the EU ETS, replacing 13 sets of regulation with one.

For the UK the EU ETS remains the primary means by which we will meet our ambitious carbon emission reduction targets in the EU, and will help deliver two-thirds of required emissions reductions after 2012.

The aim is to simplify the legal requirements for UK EU ETS participants, from 2013. This is the first major change proposed to legislation by DECC as a result of the ‘red tape challenge’ environment theme.

The UK also plans to offer small emitters and hospitals the opportunity to ‘opt out’ from 2013 into a lighter touch alternative scheme. This will address the disproportionately higher administrative burden faced by these installations per tonne of CO2 emitted*.

The UK will also move to an enforcement system comprising solely of civil, rather than criminal sanctions.

Greg Barker, Minister of State for Climate Change, said:

“We have worked closely with industry to develop sensible proposals that will genuinely save companies money and time, while still allowing them to meet environmental goals.

"Under the proposals smaller businesses, who experience higher costs from complying with the current regulations, will also be able to opt out of the system from 2013”.

Dr Anne-Marie Warris, chair of the UK’s Emissions Trading Group said:

‘The ETG welcomes the UK Government’s efforts to achieve regulatory simplification in relation to the UK transposition of Phase III of the EU Emissions Trading System. We shall be encouraging our members to respond to this consultation and will be continuing our discussions with Government on the development of their simplification proposals.’

Government is now seeking views on the proposed revisions to existing UK regulations and have published a consultation to run from 8 May until 31 July 2012.

The revised regulations will take effect from January 2013, the start of Phase III of the EU ETS.

Notes for Editors

Phase III of the EU ETS starts in January 2013. In preparation, Government has been revising existing UK regulations that implement the EU ETS in the UK to ensure that the legislative framework is in place to give force to new EU ETS provisions that take effect from 2013. At the same Government has sought to reduce the complexity and regulatory burden of EU ETS regulation on operators.
The ‘red tape challenge’ is a Government wide campaign to work in partnership with the public to cut out unnecessary red tape in order to save businesses money and time.
*Administrative costs for small emitters are estimated at over £1/tCO2, while large emitter costs are estimated to be £0.04/tCO2.
Current criminal sanctions will be replaced with civil equivalents; penalties will be dissuasive but proportionate. Moving to a penalties system with civil sanctions provides the scope to introduce discretion to allow the regulator (rather than the courts) to moderate the action it might take.
The consultation seeks views on the proposed revisions to existing UK regulations which provide the legislative powers for implementation in the UK of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)
The revised regulations will take effect from January 2013, the start of Phase III of the EU ETS.

South Korea passes landmark emissions trading legislation

Fri, 4 May 2012 17:20:00 GMT

UK Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said:

“I want to congratulate the South Korean Government and the National Assembly on passing this landmark legislation on emissions trading. The UK strongly supports the use of carbon markets to drive forward low-cost carbon abatement and to promote ambitious emission reduction targets.

This is an important step in South Korea’s green growth development and sets an example for countries to follow in implementing their own national policies to tackle global climate change. I look forward to continuing the UK’s close cooperation with Korea on the ETS and green growth as they work to build a sustainable low carbon global economy.”

Barker leads Green Trade Mission to USA

Fri, 4 May 2012 10:23:00 GMT

04 May 2011

UK Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker will lead a UK business trade mission to the southern United States (6-10 May) aimed at strengthening the UK-US trade relationship and building the economic and business case for the move to a low-carbon economy.

Visiting Houston, San Antonio, and Atlanta, the delegation intends to use leading examples of UK sustainable business to show firsthand the compatibility of green and growth, as well as offering opportunities for companies to connect with new or existing business partners.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said:

“The growing global market in green goods and services represents a huge range of opportunities for UK businesses. What is good for the planet can be fantastic for business too and I want to help British entrepreneurs and companies seize those opportunities with both hands.

“Britain is leading the way in demonstrating that the shift to a green economy is beneficial for businesses and growth.

“As well as helping our companies get a greater understanding of the opportunities in the US market, I also want to use this visit to show US firms why they should be investing in the UK.”

On each leg of the trip, events will include small, board-room style meetings with a select group of US business leaders, as well as larger, higher-profile events with elected officials, academics, regional economic development agencies and businesses. There will also be opportunities for the delegation to arrange private calls with important business contacts.

The delegation’s itinerary includes:

Houston, Texas (6-7 May): Houston has a long tradition as the capital of the traditional energy sector and it also has a fast growing economic base for renewable energy. Houston is a large economy, its annual gross product of $400bn puts it on a par with a mid-sized country such as Austria or Norway and is second only to New York in numbers of Fortune 500 company headquarters.
San Antonio, Texas (8 May): Texas’ second city (and the 7th largest in the US) San Antonio, is a major military hub with tourism and healthcare/biomedical research forming other major sectors. Energy policy in San Antonio is unique for the size and scope in Texas with major drives on energy efficiency and greening public transport amongst many others. The itinerary includes a meeting with San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro.
Atlanta, Georgia (9-10 May): Atlanta is the state capital and considered the commercial hub of the South East as well as a centre of innovation and higher education. It has experienced the fastest growth of any US metro area in the last 10 years (population is above 5 million). The business community includes HQs of major property development and management companies, as well as professional services companies advising Fortune 500 clients on their sustainability strategies. The itinerary includes a meeting with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said: “Georgia is fast becoming a leader in the ‘clean-tech’ and sustainable energy sectors, and it is our great honor to welcome Minister Barker and this delegation to our state. We have long enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the United Kingdom founded on business and cultural exchange. I am encouraged by this visit, specifically as it relates to strengthening our ties in the areas of spurring innovation and competitiveness for green energy solutions here and abroad.”

The companies taking part in trade delegation include: Jupiter Asset Management, Kiwi Power; Parhelion Underwriting; PB Energy Solutions; and Rolls Royce.

Emma Howard Boyd, Sustainable Investment and Governance Director, Jupiter Asset Management, said: “The UK is widely recognised as a global leader in green financial services and Jupiter has a long-standing commitment to the field of sustainable and green investment. I am delighted to be part of this important delegation and look forward to learning more about the US market and to be part of a showcase of UK companies investing in the green economy."

Yoav Zingher, CEO of KiWi Power, said: “Sharing of technology and knowledge is key to continued innovation, and I firmly believe that new products and services in the green space will spur economic growth, create jobs and increase the UK’s exports: reducing carbon and reducing costs are both issues that all countries face and we have the chance to be at the cutting edge of that development. Trade with the United States is a huge part of this and I’m delighted and excited to be a part of the Minister’s continuing efforts in this regard.”

Julian Richardson, CEO of Parhelion Underwriting, said: “I am delighted that the UK government is supporting British businesses in the climate finance sector in this way. Parhelion has been working in this sector for six years, managing climate change risks and carbon trading exposures. Public-private partnerships will play an important role is seeing this sector develop.”

Phyllis Boardman, MD of PB Energy Solutions, said: “I am delighted to join the visit to the US where I aim to foster discussions about the barriers and challenges associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our best practice examples will show that energy efficiency, sustainability and climate protection go hand in hand with economic growth and creation of new skills and jobs. There are mutual opportunities for the UK and US to empower an economic transformation to meet our ambitious carbon emission reduction targets, trigger increased turnover and job growth, whilst increasing the competitiveness of economies.”

Rolls Royce will be represented on the delegation by Andrew Baker, Vice President Government & Environmental Affairs.

Operation to stop gas release from Elgin well given environmental go-ahead

Thu, 3 May 2012 17:25:00 GMT

The Department of Energy and Climate Change has granted TOTAL environmental permits to a undertake a dynamic kill operation to try to stop the gas release from the Elgin well.

The operation will use heavy drilling mud pumped into the G4 well from the wellhead to stop the gas release. DECC has carried out full environmental assessment of the operation and the Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it has no objections to this intended activity.

The well intervention operation will use the West Phoenix drilling rig as the pumping vessel, which will be located alongside the Elgin complex.

A DECC spokesman said: “The Government and TOTAL have been working hard to ensure the Elgin gas release is dealt with as quickly and as safely as possible with minimal impact on the environment.

“The dynamic kill operation is a major step for TOTAL and offers the quickest way to stop the release from the well. In parallel, work is underway to drill a relief well as an alternative solution. We continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Evidence wanted for new gas generation strategy

Wed, 2 May 2012 09:12:00 GMT

The Government has launched a call for evidence to inform a gas generation strategy to deliver a secure and affordable route to a low carbon economy.

The strategy, announced on 17 March and confirmed in the Budget, aims to:

set out the role of gas in the electricity market
attract investment in gas generation
ensure energy security
meet the UK’s carbon reduction targets
make the best use of the nation’s natural resources.

The call for evidence provides a set of questions to help contributors frame responses.

These questions will also be used in discussions with industry and other stakeholders in advance of the publication of the strategy in the autumn. The call for evidence is open until the 28th June.

Call for Evidence questions:

What are the main strengths and weaknesses of gas generation in helping deliver a secure, affordable route to decarbonisation through to 2020 and then by 2050?
What role can gas fired generation play in the future and what level of gas generation capacity is desirable?
What are the key factors driving the economics of investing in new gas-fired power generation and how are these factors likely to change?
What barriers do investors face in building new gas generation plants in the UK? What are the key regulatory uncertainties that may prevent debt and equity investors making a final investment decision in gas generation and supply infrastructure?
Are there any other policy issues that need to be addressed beyond the Government’s proposals for the capacity mechanism and the EPS?
Given a continuing role for gas and the potential for increased volatility in gas demand, to what extent is gas supply and related infrastructure a barrier to investment in gas fired generation? What impact will unconventional gas have on the case for investing in gas generation and the supporting infrastructure?

Notes for editors

For more information and to submit evidence, visit the DECC website
Written responses should be sent by email to gasgeneration@decc.gsi.gov.uk or by post to Gas Generation Call for Evidence, Area 4E, 3 Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2AW

Carbon Capture and Storage Cost Reduction Task Force appoints supremo

Tue, 1 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

01 May 2012

Press Ref: 2012/055

Energy Minister Charles Hendry today announced that Dr Jeff Chapman has accepted the position of Chair of the new Carbon Capture and Storage Cost Reduction Task Force.

As announced in the CCS Roadmap last month, the Task Force is being set up to help tackle the challenge of ensuring that CCS is cost competitive with other low carbon technologies by the early 2020s.

Dr Chapman is Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, the body which represents the UK’s CCS industry. He said:

“I am delighted and honoured to accept the position of Chair for the CCS Cost Reduction Task Force. CCS will be an essential and cost-effective technology solution in the mitigation of climate change. Similar to other low-carbon technologies, CCS will incur additional costs in the early years of deployment, but with good planning and optimisation it will be possible to drive down costs in a short timeframe. The sooner we set about this task the sooner we will get on track for cost-efficient decarbonisation of power and industry.”

The objective of the Task Force is to advise Government and industry on the steps needed to reduce the cost of CCS for the next wave of projects after the Government’s CCS Commercialisation Programme. The Task Force will play an invaluable role setting out a vision for the next phase of development for CCS and securing industry agreement to the shared actions that Government and industry must take. The Task Force will produce a final report in early 2013.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry said:

“It is essential that the Task Force has strong leadership and the confidence of the CCS industry and so I am delighted that Dr Chapman has accepted the role of Chair. The Task Force will play a vital role in enabling Government and industry to deliver cost competitive CCS.

“The Task Force is a key opportunity for industry to put forward their views on what we need to do next to ensure that the costs of CCS comes down, enabling the technology to compete with other low carbon options by the early 2020s. I look forward to receiving the Task Force’s report early next year.”

Notes for editors

Last month the Government launched a new competition for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and published the first UK CCS Roadmap. For more information read the press notice.
Jeff Chapman, is one of the world’s leading spokespersons on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Jeff established the Carbon Capture and Storage Association in 2006 , which has grown from 11 founder members to include a broad spectrum of 80 organisations today. Under Jeff’s leadership the CCSA has earned recognition from the UK Government and European Union.

Jeff currently sits on various Committees, Steering Groups and Advisory Boards in the UK, Europe and internationally to advise on necessary CCS research and policy to build a sustainable future. In recognition of his services to the CCS sector, Jeff has recently been awarded an honorary professorship at Nottingham University.

Written Ministerial Statement; Post informal environment and energy councils, Denmark, 19-20 April

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:21:00 GMT

Charles Hendry

30 April 2012

I represented the United Kingdom at the climate change aspects of the EU Informal Environment Council and at the Informal Energy Council in Denmark on 19 April 2012.

I attended the lunchtime discussion at the Informal Environment Council on the future of the EU ETS. There was broad agreement that whilst the ETS is delivering the required level of carbon emissions to meet the EU’s 2020 target, it is failing to deliver the necessary investment signals in low carbon. The low ETS price means that there is now a much reduced incentive to invest in low carbon technology and infrastructure, meaning a risk of future lock in to high carbon. There was almost universal support for Commission action to resolve these issues.

At the Informal Energy Council, discussion on the first day focused on the Energy Efficiency Directive. The Presidency outlined the state of play of negotiations. Most Ministers expressed support for the latest Presidency text and for the Presidency in their efforts to secure agreement by the end of June. I and a number of other Member States argued that the Directive must be ambitious to ensure that it delivers real and additional energy savings.

The second day of the Council (when the UK was represented by a DECC official) focused on the 2050 Energy Roadmap. The Presidency outlined the “no regrets” option of greater energy efficiency, more renewable energy and new flexible infrastructure. Commissioner Oettinger outlined the main features of the EU’s transition to a low carbon economy: the need for regulatory predictability to encourage investment; a decarbonised energy sector; and flexibility for Member States within a wider framework. He outlined his plan for a 12-18 month debate on the post-2020 regulatory structure for energy. In a wide-ranging discussion, most Member States supported the “no regrets” option. The Presidency plans to ask for agreement on conclusions on the Energy Roadmap at the June Energy Council.

Funded Decommissioning Programmes guidance - consultation on regulations

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:52:00 GMT

The Government today launched a six-week consultation on plans to amend the technical regulations that support the provisions in the Energy Act 2008 on decommissioning and clean-up of nuclear sites.

The Government legislated in the Energy Act 2008 to ensure that operators of new nuclear power stations will have secure financing arrangements in place to meet the full costs of decommissioning and their full share of waste management and disposal costs. Before nuclear-related construction can begin on site, an operator of a new nuclear power station must have a Funded Decommissioning Programme (FDP) in place approved by the Secretary of State. The regulations were subject to public consultation in spring 2010 and came into effect in April 2011.

Since the consultation, the Government conducted a further consultation on draft FDP Guidance and published its updated Guidance in December 2011. As a result of views expressed in the consultation and the Government's further work on the Guidance, the Government has concluded that the Current Regulations should be amended. The changes proposed relate to three specific areas of the current regulations: reporting requirements, independent verification and the modification of an approved FDP. The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on whether or not the proposals strike the right balance in setting a framework which is achievable at reasonable cost to the operator while enabling the Secretary of State to have confidence that the FDP continues to make prudent provision for the operator's liabilities.

Read the consultation in full

Prime Minister's address at the Clean Energy Ministerial

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:02:00 GMT

There are huge challenges facing governments across the world today, and one of the most important of all is how we meet our growing energy demands in a way that protects our planet for our children and grandchildren.

This needs urgent attention and real global leadership.

So I’m delighted that London is hosting this Summit.

And that all of you have been able to join us.

We should be clear that growing demand for energy across the world is a good thing.
It’s a sign of people getting wealthier. It’s the result of millions in China and India owning cars and millions of families in Africa having access to power for the first time.

But with global demand forecast to increase by more than 40 per cent in the next two decades…
…we urgently need a more diverse, cleaner mix of energy sources that will give us energy security without causing irreparable damage to the planet.

Of course, nuclear energy, cleaner coal, oil and gas…
…including shale gas and carbon capture and storage…
…will all have an important role to play.

But I passionately believe that the rapid growth of renewable energy is also vital to our future. What unites us here today is that we not only share a principled commitment to renewables…
…but that we have also been prepared to make the up-front investments in infrastructure needed to make wind, solar and bio-energy a viable option for the first time.

Whether hydroelectric power in Scandinavia, bio-energy in South America, electric vehicles in North America or onshore wind in China…
…so much has been achieved and there is so much for us to learn from each other.

As a result, renewables are now the fastest growing energy source on the planet.
And I am proud that Britain has played a leading role at the forefront of this green energy revolution.

When I became Prime Minister, I said that Britain would have the greenest government ever.

And that is exactly what we have.

Today, we are one of the best places for green energy, for green electricity, for green investment and crucially for green jobs anywhere in the world.

We have the world’s first payments to business for generating renewable heat.

The world’s first dedicated green investment bank.

A pioneering Carbon Capture and Storage Programme.

The largest offshore wind market in the world. And in the City of London, the world’s No1 financial centre for low carbon industries.

We are putting energy efficiency where it should be, at the heart of our energy policy - including by introducing our flagship Green Deal programme.

And we are getting to grips with our electricity market, making the long term reforms necessary to attract investment into a balanced portfolio of new nuclear, gas, clean coal and renewable generation.

As a result Britain has gone from virtually no capacity for renewables, to seeing them provide almost 10 per cent of our total electricity needs last year.

And we’ve added more capacity for renewables in the last two years than at any time in the last decade.

This deliberate investment in renewable energy isn’t just good for our environment.
It’s good for our business too.

In the last year alone we’ve seen announcements of £4.7 billion of investment in UK renewables supporting 15,000 new jobs…
…including plans for several major new factories around our coast to help build the equipment and infrastructure needed for the next generation of offshore wind and marine energy.

And just today six companies are announcing major progress on biomass and wind projects in the UK…

…representing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment, more than a thousand megawatts of new capacity and as many as 800 jobs during the peak of construction in the next few years.

Our commitment and investment in renewable energy has helped to make renewable energy possible.

Now we have a different challenge. We need to make it financially sustainable.

For that to happen, we need to do three things.

First, we need to get costs down.

At a time when higher gas prices are leaving families and businesses struggling with their energy bills…
…and when we are fighting to get to grips with our debts…
…we don’t just need greener energy – we need cheaper energy too.

Today renewable energy is still relatively expensive.

But government and industry are together proving that we can get costs down quickly.
Already, solar costs have halved in two years. Onshore wind costs are falling too. And we are this week stepping up our efforts with industry to bring down the cost of offshore wind.

As those costs fall so it is right that consumers should pay less in subsidies for new projects.

Let me be absolutely clear.

When we have a made a commitment to a project we will always honour it in full. And we will be every bit as focused on giving companies in the supply chain the clarity and certainty they need to continue to invest with confidence.

But we can get these costs down further.

I really believe that more mature renewable technologies can be among our cheapest energy sources within years, not decades.

That’s good for consumers. Good for our economy and good for our environment.

And our job is to help bring that about.

Second, we need to make renewable energy a viable proposition globally.

That means developing a proper global carbon price so that different energy sources can compete on a level playing field.

And ensuring the EU leads the development of carbon pricing in a way that maintains the competitiveness of industry is a real priority for me.

But it also means developing the framework for international trade in renewables so it becomes a truly global business.

Trade is vital because renewable energy resources are unevenly distributed around the world.

For example, Britain has the biggest generating potential for offshore renewables in Europe.

We need a way of getting this power to where the demand is.
So trading is something Britain is determined to lead.
We are driving a European-wide initiative to link our energy grids.
Just this week we are signing new collaboration agreements with Korea and the US to exchange research and work together on investments.

And we are announcing today a call for evidence on how the UK could increase its trade in renewables.

Third and finally, we each need to focus our investment in renewables in the areas where we are best placed do so.

For Britain, one of the biggest opportunities is in the North Sea.
Since the 1960s, North Sea oil and gas has given Britain – and many of our neighbours - a real competitive advantage.

This came about because of the ingenuity of the private sector together with strong pro-active support from government.

Today, that same partnership between government and business has the potential to make North Sea once again a source of investment and comparative advantage.

This remarkable European energy asset has the potential to lead the world in offshore wind and carbon capture and storage…
…with whole new supply chains to deliver the enormous amounts of capital required.

And I am delighted that more than 20 companies are today announcing their commitment to the long term vision of a second renewable energy revolution in the North Sea.

If we can do these three things – get the costs down, make renewable energy a global business and continue to invest up front in the crucial infrastructure needed…
…then we really can secure the future of renewables, alongside other energy sources, as a vital part of our energy supply.

And with it we can help to create jobs, growth and – in the words of the United Nations Secretary General – sustainable energy for all.

Coalition of World Energy Ministers Commit to Improvements in Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Energy Access

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:26:00 GMT

Joint Press Release

26 April 2012

Leaders from the 23-government Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and the UN Secretary-General’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative (SE4All) today outlined specific commitments by participating countries and private sector leaders which will promote improved energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, and increased energy access around the world.

The commitments build on two years of work by the Clean Energy Ministerial and support the goal of sustainable energy for all by 2030, the primary objective of the Secretary-General’s initiative. Both the CEM and the Sustainable Energy for All initiative seek to improve energy efficiency, increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and ensure access to energy.

Specific commitments by participating CEM governments in each category are detailed below.

Improving Energy Efficiency

Sixteen governments participating in the Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) initiative recommitted to working together and with the private sector to accelerate global progress on improving the energy efficiency of equipment and appliances. The Efficient Product Promotion Collaborative is a new public-private partnership that will help better utilize the billions of dollars spent globally on appliance efficiency programs each year, including a new program targeting super-efficient fans in India. A SEAD-facilitated technical exchange also led to India becoming the first country in the world to adopt comprehensive standards for performance, safety, and quality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in February 2012. These standards will help keep poorly performing products from spoiling this critical global market for highly efficient lighting.

Earlier this year, SEAD launched the first Global Efficiency Medal competition to recognize and promote the most efficient products, starting with a voluntary flat-panel televisions competition. Televisions account for 6 to 8 percent of global residential electricity consumption. Manufacturers representing a significant portion of the global market have expressed interest in competing, with winners announced this fall. Today, SEAD participating governments also announced the expansion of the competition with the next two award categories, which include motors and computer monitors.

SEAD partners, led by India, in collaboration with the $20-million UN Environment Program’s en.lighten initiative, launched a new effort providing technical cooperation to accelerate adoption of efficient lighting. Shifting to more efficient lighting technologies, such as compact fluorescent lamps and solid state lighting, has the potential to reduce global electricity consumption by approximately 2.5 percent.

Increasing the Share of Renewable Energy in the Global Energy Mix

Denmark, Germany, and Spain released a global renewable resource atlas that maps the potential for solar and wind energy across the world. This includes plans to assess the cost-effectiveness of those resources in different countries, based on energy prices, project finance costs, and available incentives.

The U.S. also launched a beta version of the Global Rooftop PV opportunity map in cooperation with the Clean Energy Solutions Center. The map highlights the potential commercial market for rooftop solar.

Ensuring Universal Energy Access

Italy and the U.S. announced the launch of Lighting India, which will bring modern lighting services to 2 million people by the end of 2015. This builds on the success of the Lighting Africa program, which has already accelerated market-driven delivery of quality off-grid lighting devices to 2.5 million people in Africa. Both of these programs are affiliated with the Global Lighting and Energy Access Partnership (Global LEAP) announced today to promote market-based delivery of low-cost, quality-assured solutions to consumers who currently lack modern energy options. Other Global LEAP partners include the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the UN Foundation, the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the African Development Bank, the Global Environment Facility, the UN Development Program, and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry. More than 100 private sector and civil society organizations have expressed support for its principles.

Additional Cross-cutting Initiatives

Several CEM participants are also involved in cross-cutting initiatives, including 11 countries that agreed to bolster the Clean Energy Solutions Center. Launched a year ago at the second CEM, the Solutions Center is a $15 million Internet-based technical assistance project jointly led by Australia and the United States in partnership with UN-Energy. The Solutions Center’s 10,000 users from 150 countries have access to a 1,300 clean energy policy resources, including policy and deployment data, online trainings and webinars, and policy assistance consultations. Senior government officials from more than 20 countries have already requested specific policy consultations.

The ClimateWorks Foundation and its network commit to in-kind support for no-cost technical advice for up to $1M over three years through the Clean Energy Solutions Center.

The Solutions Center, in partnership with Bloomberg New Energy Finance, is also launching a quarterly policy and market briefing as part of its web portal, www.cleanenergysolutions.org. The Government of India also announced its intention to create a detailed database of national and sub-national clean energy policies and incentives, with support from the United States during the design phase.

The U.S. also announced a national Women in Clean Energy program in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as part of its commitment to the Clean Energy Education & Empowerment Initiative (C3E). The program’s three components include more than 20 senior professional women in clean energy serving as “C3E Ambassadors”, an awards program to recognize individuals who have advanced women’s leadership and their accomplishments in clean energy, and a Symposium at MIT this September.

In addition to the CEM announcements, the Sustainable Energy for All initiative released its Action Agenda. The agenda provides a practical roadmap for how the multi-stakeholder initiative can encourage collaborative action by governments, the private sector, and civil society to achieve sustainable energy for all by 2030. The agenda was developed by Sustainable Energy for All’s High Level Group which includes distinguished leaders from government, the private sector and civil society, as well as three CEM ministers including Steven Chu, U.S. Secretary of Energy, Edison Lobão, Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy and Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy of India.

Attachments

For additional information, please see the following attachments:

Information on the Clean Energy Ministerial is also available on the Clean Energy Ministerial website.

Information about SE4All is available on the Sustainable Energy for All website.

Prime minister heralds rapid progress of the uk's green economy and outlines his vision for the future

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:18:00 GMT

The Prime Minister David Cameron made the case for clean energy in the UK and globally today as he addressed delegates at the Clean Energy Ministerial being held in Central London.

Speaking to energy ministers from 23 leading economies, and alongside a series of government and commercial announcements, the Prime Minister said:

"There are huge challenges facing governments across the world today, and one of the most important of all is how we meet our growing energy demands in a way that protects our planet for our children and grandchildren.

"With global demand forecast to increase by more than 40 per cent in the next two decades, we urgently need a more diverse, cleaner mix of energy sources that will give us energy security without causing irreparable damage to the planet.

"Renewables are now the fastest growing energy source on the planet. And I am proud that Britain has played a leading role at the forefront of this green energy revolution.

"Britain has gone from virtually no capacity for renewables, to seeing them provide almost 10 per cent of our total electricity needs last year. And we’ve added more capacity for renewables in the last two years than at any time in the last decade.

"Our commitment and investment in renewable energy has helped to make renewable energy possible. Now we have a different challenge. We need to make it financially sustainable."

Dedicating much of his remarks to how renewable energy can move from its strong position today to become a truly global industry, the Prime Minister spoke about collaboration between government and business to drive down costs, the need to develop a global carbon price and the importance of enhanced international trading.

Announced alongside the Prime Minister’s speech:

Commercial investment

The Prime Minister highlighted the scale of renewable investment in the UK over the past year. Between April 2011 and February 2012, announcements to the value of £4.7 billion and supporting 15,000 jobs have been made in UK renewable projects across a wide range of sectors, including onshore and offshore wind, bioenergy and marine, and throughout their supply chains.

He welcomed further industry announcements today, including a major new contract let by E.ON for its Humber Gateway offshore wind farm, creation of a new joint venture to develop a large offshore wind project off the Isle of Wight, investment by JDR Cables in a significant expansion of its facility in Hartlepool, and the progression of three biomass and onshore wind projects in the UK representing over £350m of investment and as many as 800 jobs at the peak of construction (see Notes for Editors for details).

New industry partnership shaping a second energy revolution for the North Sea

The Prime Minister announced a new industry partnership bringing together key players with an interest in making the most of the North Sea’s renewable energy resource. More than twenty firms based in several different countries have signed up to a shared vision to create a major new renewable energy power centre in the North Sea and to maximise the significant opportunities that come with it. Early signatories include major offshore wind developers, manufacturers, as well as a wide range of supply chain companies (see Notes for Editors for full list of signatories).

Under the provisional name of “Norstec” – which takes inspiration from the “Desertec” solar initiative - this brings together key players who recognise the enormous opportunity offered by the North Sea. This network will come together around the time of the June RenewableUK conference on global offshore wind to discuss in more detail how the new partnership will operate.

Offshore wind cost reduction

The Prime Minister also welcomed continuing efforts to reduce technology costs. In the offshore wind sector, the Crown Estate and the industry through the Cost Reduction Task Force, is taking a detailed look at how we can reduce the cost of offshore wind to £100/MWh by 2020, for example, considering the impact of technology, finance and supply chain developments.

Two announcements aimed at reducing the costs of offshore wind were made today. A second round of offshore innovation funding – of up to £5m - targeted straight at technologies that can cut costs, is set to open for bids in May. Existing projects are already leading to jobs and investment – for example David Brown is using a £1.2m government grant to support the development of a lower weight, lower cost gear system for the next generation of offshore wind.

And the Government is working to make the absolute most of the resource - the Crown Estate today announced it will soon be exploring whether test sites can be set up in even deeper water, opening up the energy potential of a new swathe of the North Sea.

Renewables trading

DECC today published a Call for Evidence to identify the potential for and better understand the potential benefits and risks to the UK of renewables trading and inform how we may choose to move forward.

Recent analysis demonstrates that the UK has the capacity to deliver its ambition of 15% of energy from renewable sources by 2020 through domestic action, and the Government remains fully committed to that approach. At the same time, as recognised in the UK Renewable Energy Roadmap published last summer, there is the potential for the UK to work with our European partners on renewable energy deployment. This would allow the UK a commercial opportunity to export energy if there is a surplus of domestic generation, or to import renewable energy if required.

Call for evidence: Renewable Energy Trading

Bioenergy strategy

The Bioenergy strategy, published today, sets out an important framework for ensuring that biomass powering our homes, businesses and transport delivers benefits to businesses and consumers while also maximising the environmental benefits. It shows that by the middle of the century, sustainable bioenergy could contribute around 12% to the UK’s total primary energy demand across heat, transport and electricity. This deployment will offer economic opportunities, which we cannot afford to miss.

Today a new report by the UK’s National Centre for Biorenewable Energy, Fuels and Materials was also published. This set out that an increase in energy sourced from biomass resources for electricity and heat could support around 35,000 to 50,000 jobs by 2020.

Today also saw the announcement from Aberystwyth University Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences that it has secured funding from the UK Government to work in collaboration with industry to develop an integrated Miscanthus breeding platform. This industry-led research project will generate new plant varieties which enable the production of new feedstocks for commercialization.

The Bioenergy Strategy

Other UK announcements made during the Clean Energy Ministerial this week include:

Landmark green investment decision

Announcement yesterday by Vince Cable of the first landmark green infrastructure investment decision. A total of £80 million has been committed to two specialist fund managers - who will make and manage investments in the small scale waste infrastructure sector - by a specialist team within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. All BIS investments made by the fund managers will be match-funded, leveraging in at least £80 million more to the projects. The Government is investing directly, on fully commercial terms, ahead of obtaining state aid approval for the UK Green Investment Bank. The fund managers will be responsible for generating and managing investments in areas such as waste recycling and reprocessing facilities, pre-treatment projects and energy-from-waste projects.

BIS press release: Government makes landmark green investment

Bilateral international agreements to collaborate on energy issues

Signing this week of two new collaborative agreements:

UK/US Memorandum of Understanding: There has been a series of MOUs between the UK and US energy departments dating back to the mid 1980s, the most recent of which expired last year. A renewed MOU has been signed by Ed Davey and Steven Chu encompassing potential collaboration across the energy spectrum and extends to government agencies, universities, science and research centres and the private sector. Initial collaboration will focus on the development of floating wind technology.

Press release: Memorandum of Understanding, Floating Wind Turbines

In addition the UK and the Republic of Korea are signing an enhanced Memorandum of Understanding extending existing collaboration in science, technology and innovation into the field of energy.

Support for eco innovators

Announcement yesterday of an Energy Entrepreneurs Fund with a budget of up to £35 million over the next 3 years. This will provide financial support for SMEs to develop and demonstrate their ideas. DECC will also shortly launch a £3 million competition to assess the performance of advanced heat storage technologies suitable for integration with domestic heating systems. A new low carbon funding landscape navigator has also gone live today at www.lowcarbonfunding.org.uk.

Press release: Support for eco innovators

Support for CCS in developing markets

Allocation yesterday of UK funding to support the development of new partnerships and capacity building activities around carbon capture and storage in emerging markets. The £60 million contribution is drawn from funding already announced in the Spending Review, and is a contribution to a wider fund of $200 million international fund.

Press release: UK allocates up to £60m to support development of CCS in emerging markets

Results-Based Financing Facility

DfID announcement that the UK will help support innovative private companies to bring sustainable energy to some of the poorest countries in Africa and Asia. Under a new fund, a company could receive a top-up for every clean cookstove sold or new customer connected to a local energy grid powered by renewables. It will help accelerate market growth and increase the local provision of clean energy, which can then be offered at a discount to consumers. DFID is expected to help 2.5 million poor people have access to clean energy.

Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme

The Deputy Prime Minister and DFID announced increased investment for the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme, which will encourage financial support from the private sector, banks and other governments for low carbon energy projects in poor countries. The UK is already helping 2 million people in some of the world’s poorest countries access clean and reliable energy. Partnering public finance with private investment can help boost economic growth and tackle the global threat of climate change.

Notes for Editors

More than twenty firms have confirmed so far that they will participate in Norstec: Alstom, Areva, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, David Brown Gear Systems Ltd., Dong Energy, E.On, EDPR, Fluor Ltd., Gamesa, Harland and Wolff, JDR Cables, Mainstream, Modus Seabed Intervention Ltd., National Grid, Parsons Brinckerhoff, PMT Industries Ltd., Prysmian Group, Renewable UK, REpower, Repsol, Scottish Power, Scottish & Southern Electric, Siemens, Statkraft, Statoil, TAG Energy Solutions, Vattenfall, Vestas.
E.ON will announce a major new cable installation contract for its £736m Humber Gateway offshore wind farm awarded to British company Balfour Beatty. Over 30km of wholly UK-manufactured cable will be installed to connect the windfarm.
Eneco and EDF energy are expected to announce formation of a joint venture to develop the Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Project, west of the Isle of Wight. The proposed development has the potential to supply power to over 600,000 homes, and will prevent more than a million tonnes of CO2 from being produced each year. The companies will now work together to carry out a programme of onshore and offshore consultation with the local community.
JDR Cables, a leading provider of specialist high performance subsea cables and umbilical systems for the offshore oil, gas and renewables market, is announcing that it has completed investment of £30 million in its Hartlepool plant, bringing the company into a new phase of growth.
Helius Energy expected to announce that it is working with a club of banks to project finance its 100MW Avonmouth dedicated biomass project at the Port of Bristol. The project will cost around £300m to construct and will create approximately 450 full time jobs during the construction phase and 40 new full-time long-term operations jobs. Further jobs will be created in relation to the maintenance and supply of the plant.
ECO2 (Lincs) are expected to announce that construction will begin on the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant within the next fortnight. Up to 250 people will be working on the site during construction of the 38MW straw fuelled biomass combined heat and power plant which is expected to employ up to 80 people when operational in 2014.
Banks Renewables is expected to announce a £21.9m funding agreement with The Co-operative Bank to fund the construction of the 20.4 MW Penny Hill wind farm near Rotherham. The scheme will create 30 jobs during construction and a number of contracts will be awarded to local firms to supply material and conduct sub-contract works. Towers for the turbines will be manufactured by British engineering firm, Mabey Bridge, at their purpose-built factory near Chepstow.
The call for evidence on renewables trading is launched today and will be accepting responses from Monday 30 April. It will run for six weeks, to Monday 11th June. The document is available on the DECC website.
The Bioenergy Strategy and report on jobs by the National Centre for Biorenewable Energy, Fuels and Materials are available on the Bioenergy Strategy page of the DECC website.
The Spending Review of November 2010 announced funding of over £200m for low carbon technologies over four financial years, from April 2011. This includes up to £60m for the development of offshore wind manufacturing at port sites. The remaining capital funding will support innovation in low carbon technologies and systems. This includes:
*DECC announced up to £30million for offshore wind innovation projects in July 2011, with £15million for the Offshore Wind Components Technologies Demonstration and Development Scheme. The first Call for proposals under this scheme was launched on 21 November 2011. This is the second call under this scheme.
*up to £35m for the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund
*up to £3m for heat storage innovation
Further details available on the Funding and Support section of the DECC website.
The UK is hosting the thirdClean Energy Ministerial (CEM3) at Lancaster House in London on 25-26 April 2012. CEM3 is an international conference aimed at accelerating the transition to clean energy technologies.
The talks are being co-chaired by UK Energy Secretary Edward Davey and US Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
The 11 main themes covered at the CEM3 will include: energy efficiency, appliances, buildings/industry, electric vehicles, bioenergy, carbon capture and storage, hydropower, solar, wind, energy access and smart grids. There is a special emphasis on clean energy entrepreneurs and encouraging women to enter the sector.
Energy Ministers from 23 countries will attend: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.
View and embed new UK clean energy video on the UKTI Youtube Channel

A vision for bioenergy

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:26:00 GMT

By Charles Hendry

26 April 2012

Today's new biomass strategy targets a sector supporting 50,000 jobs and producing 11 per cent of UK energy by 2020

Energy Ministers from 23 of the world's leading economies this week convene in London to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technology. Participating governments account for 80 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 90 per cent of global clean energy investment, so the key players are all attending.

Clean energy is good for our economy - it's about investing in new industrial sectors, insulating ourselves from the shocks of global gas prices and reducing our carbon emissions to tackle climate change.

In the UK, we have a legal requirement to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, on 1990 levels. With that comes both a need to reduce the carbon intensity of our power system and secure our energy supplies.

That's where renewable energy comes in. We need investment across technologies. Issues around wind power and other technologies gain numerous headlines, but bioenergy could prove just as important in meeting our renewables goals.

Bioenergy, or biomass as it is most commonly referred, is one of the most versatile forms of low carbon and renewable generation.

It can be used to produce heat, electricity or transport fuel. It can provide a continuous and constant flow of energy. It can create opportunities for growth along the supply chain both in the UK and abroad.

A report by the UK's National Centre for renewable materials and technologies, being published today, suggests it could support as many as 50,000 jobs by 2020. Bioenergy can also help us make use of wastes that are currently being sent to landfill.

Between April 2011 and February 2012, industry has announced investments totalling over £1.75bn for UK biomass technologies. These have the potential to support almost 4,800 new jobs.

We believe that with the right mechanisms in place by 2020 as much as 11 per cent to the UK's total primary energy demand could come from domestic and international biomass resources without jeopardising sustainability - across heat, transport and electricity.

No-one can say at this point how much sustainable biomass will be available to the UK in 2050 and what technical advances we may be benefiting from at that point. But our analysis shows around 12 per cent can be achieved (within a wide range of eight per cent to 21 per cent).

We recognise that bioenergy is not automatically low carbon, renewable or sustainable. So that's where our role as Government is important as this sector develops, and why we've been working with DEFRA, the Department for Transport (DFT) and a number of experts on the development of a Bioenergy Strategy.
Alongside this we have published a rigorous analysis of the carbon impacts of the use (and non-use) of wood for energy, and a study of the opportunities and trade-offs of different bioenergy deployment pathways.

The Strategy contains four key principles to guide UK bioenergy policy. First, bioenergy must offer genuine carbon savings to 2050 and beyond. Second, it must be cost-effective in meeting energy and climate change objectives. Third, it must take into account the needs of the wider bioeconomy. And finally, it must be ready to respond to any risks to key priorities such as food security and biodiversity.

We are clear that sustainable biomass could be a vital transitional fuel to reduce carbon emissions from current coal power generation. It has a role in providing low carbon heat for buildings and industry through boilers or use of biomethane. It can be an important tool in diverting waste away from landfill, and advanced biofuels could reduce carbon emissions across transport, particularly aviation and shipping where the alternatives are limited.

The Strategy we will publish today does not seek to provide the answers to all of the numerous questions about bioenergy. But we are clear - we want bioenergy to deliver a significant amount of low carbon energy and it can support jobs and economic growth. But we are equally clear that affordability and sustainability are of the utmost importance.

UK allocates up to £60m to support development of CCS in emerging markets

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:01:00 GMT

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker today announced the allocation of up to £60m ($96m) to support the development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology in emerging markets.

The Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) Action Group recommended that $200m is allocated internationally to accelerate the deployment of CCS in the near term, (the £60m is the UK’s contribution towards this).

Greg Barker said:

“We recognise that it is important to ensure CCS is deployed in developing as well as developed countries. The funding that the UK has committed today will support the development of new partnerships and capacity building activities in emerging markets.”

Welcoming today’s announcement, Jeff Chapman, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association said:

"I am very pleased to see the UK is joining other developed nations in making a significant contribution to support the deployment of CCS in the developing world. To tackle climate change, it is essential that CCS is deployed on a global scale both in power and industrial sectors. This funding, together with the CCS commercialisation programme will enable us to share investment experience, thereby placing the UK in a leading position in the development of this vital technology."

Joan MacNaughton, Global Adviser on Sustainable Policies for Alstom said:

"We welcome this UK leadership in funding CCS capacity building in developing countries. Creating the right policy framework to drive investment is key to reducing emissions for fossil power generation. If developing countries don't soon embrace CCS, the world will continue on a path to destructive and probably unmanageable climate change impacts.”

Barry Jones, General Manager at Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute said:

"The provision of new finance to support the efforts of developing countries to deploy CCS was a key recommendation from the 2011 Clean Energy Ministerial. The Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute welcomes the UK government's commitment to address this need and calls on the governments of other developed nations to consider how best to support this important initiative."

Notes for editors

The Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) Action Group brings together governments, businesses, and organizations to make recommendations to energy ministers at Clean Energy Ministerial meetings to create greater political momentum for advancing the deployment of CCS.
The UK Government is committed to supporting the deployment of CCS both domestically and internationally.
The Government recently launched its first CCS Roadmap and a £1 billion CCS commercialisation programme.
The £60m funds have been drawn from overall International Climate Finance money already announced, but allocated today.
New UKTI video on clean energy in the UK.

Support for eco innovators

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:59:00 GMT

£35m for Energy Entrepreneurs Fund
£3m for heat storage innovation
Online funding navigator launched

Detail of support to help SMEs come up with the low carbon ideas of the future was announced today by Edward Davey.

Just prior to hosting the first of two days of international talks on clean energy in London, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary said:

“Part of the way that we're going to tackle climate change and get clean energy is through innovation, particularly with SMEs.

“We’re allocating a fund of thirty-five million pounds which will help innovators and entrepreneurs develop and demonstrate low carbon technologies.

“The first wave is going to be in energy efficiency in buildings, things like advanced lighting, heat pumps, ventilation technologies and so on. This is a practical way that we can make sure we get to the low carbon economy.”

Announced today:

The Energy Entrepreneurs Fund will have a budget of up to £35 million over the next 3 years and will provide financial support for SMEs to develop and demonstrate their ideas. They will be able to apply for up to £1m funding from government, and can then use that funding to leverage additional funds from private sector investors. They will also be able to get support from experts on how to bring their products to market. A panel of investors will provide advice to DECC on picking the companies to support. Of the £35 million, £20 million, from DECC’s Buildings Innovation Programme, will initially support energy efficiency technologies, for example advanced lighting, heat pumps, ventilation technologies. Details of the application process will be available by the summer. £15 million will expand the call into power generation at a later stage.
DECC will also shortly launch a £3 million competition, in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board to assess the performance of advanced heat storage technologies suitable for integration with domestic heating systems. The aim of this scheme, which is part of DECC’s Buildings Innovation Programme, is to assess the viability and benefits of novel compact heat storage materials which can be installed in homes to even out peak electricity demand from low carbon heat technologies such as heat pumps.
A new low carbon funding landscape navigator goes live tomorrow, helping providers of and applicants for low carbon funding link up much more easily. Available on the Low Carbon Funding Landscape Navigator website, the navigator has been developed by the Energy Generation & Supply Knowledge Transfer Network with support from DECC. Users can search for the latest funding opportunities in the low carbon area and get help in finding the right partners to build collaborations for specific calls. Both public or private funders can add and manage their own funding opportunities. The navigator is a resource for the entire low carbon energy RD&D community, increasing transparency and knowledge sharing throughout the sector. It will be particularly valuable to smaller technology companies who struggle to keep up to speed with the myriad of support mechanisms in the UK. By placing this information at the users’ fingertips the navigator will reduce time wasted and opportunities missed.

Notes for Editors

The funds allocated today are part of the overall £200 million announced for DECC’s innovation support in the Spending Review 2010. Previous related announcements include the allocation of £35m to a Buildings Innovation Programme. A detailed breakdown of all allocations to date is available on the DECC website.
The UK is hosting the third Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM3) at Lancaster House in London on 25-26 April 2012. CEM3 is an international conference aimed at accelerating the transition to clean energy technologies.
The talks are being co-chaired by UK Energy Secretary Edward Davey and US Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
The 11 main themes covered at the CEM3 will include: energy efficiency, appliances, buildings/industry, electric vehicles, bioenergy, carbon capture and storage, hydropower, solar, wind, energy access and smart grids. There is a special emphasis on clean energy entrepreneurs and encouraging women to enter the sector.
Energy Ministers from 23 countries will attend: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.

Edward Davey opening remarks to the Clean Energy Ministerial

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:25:00 GMT

Introduction

Excellencies, Ministers, ladies and gentlemen…

On behalf of Her Majesty’s Government, let me welcome you all to London for the third Clean Energy Ministerial.

In its short history, some of the biggest names in clean energy have hosted the Ministerial.

The United States, leading the G20 with nearly $50 billion of clean energy investment last year. Abu Dhabi, home of the world’s first zero-carbon city.

And now, in this Olympic year – the Diamond Jubilee year of our Queen – it is our very great honour to welcome you to the United Kingdom.

History

Our energy history is a story of great heights – and gloomy depths.

The UK was home to the industrial revolutions that drove prosperity – and pollution. The steam engine may been invented here, but so was the term ‘acid rain’.

By the 1950s, air pollution became so bad here that London’s infamous smog reduced daytime visibility to less than a metre.

Concerts were cancelled because no-one could see the stage.

So we passed the Clean Air Act – one of the world’s first pieces of environmental legislation.

Sixty years later, we are proud to be at the leading edge of the clean energy revolution.

We have carbon budgets all the way out to 2027.

Through what we call the Green Deal, we are creating a new nationwide market in energy efficiency, to make our homes and businesses less wasteful. We’re putting clean energy at the heart of our electricity system, reforming our market to let low-carbon sources compete on cost.

And we are running a competition to launch the world’s first commercial scale Carbon Capture and Storage plant.

So my message today is a simple one: the UK stands for ambitious action on climate change.

We will work with our partners to deliver a cleaner, safer energy future for our citizens – and a vibrant green economy for our businesses.

These are aims that I know you all share. And I look forward to working with you as the sessions unfold.

But before I hand over to my esteemed colleague Dr Chu, I wanted to talk about two things that I think sit at the heart of this summit: investment, and ambition.

Investment

Let me start with investment.

Over the past few years, the global low-carbon sector has outshone the rest of the economy. In 2011, the trillionth dollar was invested in clean energy; investment in renewables now outstrips investment in fossil fuels.

But as major economies face tougher fiscal conditions, indications suggest growth has slowed.

As I’m sure we will hear from Michael Liebreich shortly, new financial investment in the first quarter of 2012 is significantly down on the previous quarter. As stimulus funding falls and fiscal tightening takes hold, new industries could suffer – unless private finance makes up the difference.

The risk is that recession delays low-carbon investment, leaving us a high-carbon legacy even when the global economy recovers – and making meaningful action on climate change more expensive.

And we don’t start from a good place. 80% of our emissions from energy are already ‘locked-in’, and the emissions gap is growing. So our challenge is to make sure investment in clean energy soars, even if the wider economy is sluggish.

Government cannot do this alone: we do not have the reach, or the balance sheet.

So we must create the right frameworks for investment, sending clear signals to the businesses who will lead the low-carbon transition. We must encourage innovation, and do what we can to bring clean technologies to market.

That, of course, is what the Clean Energy Ministerial is all about. And the threat of an investment squeeze makes our task more urgent, not less.

Ambition

That brings me to my second point: we need to be more ambitious in the way we communicate.

We need to make the medium and long-term case, even when people are preoccupied by short-term impacts.

We need to commit to our vision of a cleaner future – and show people what that future will hold.

The benefits that clean energy will bring, for those who need it – and those who develop it.

We should state more strongly the business case for going green. Efficiency policies are unashamedly good for growth: using less resources lowers operating costs and frees up capital.

But the low-carbon shift promises other rewards, too: insulation from volatile global fossil fuel prices, and protection from the worst economic impacts of climate change.

In some quarters, the green agenda is painted as an unbearable burden. But global growth leaders are supporting clean technologies and ambitious climate policies: Take Brazil’s ambitious emissions targets. Germany’s record investment in renewables. Korea’s significant green growth commitments. Mexico’s historic climate bill. Denmark’s new clean energy targets.

Each of the nations represented here today – and many more – are finding their own path to a cleaner future. Emerging economies and energy-rich nations alike are embracing the low-carbon shift.

The Clean Energy Ministerial is about learning from those who are leading.

By collaborating on clean energy projects, and sharing our knowledge, we can bring sustainable light to people in developing countries. We can make our cities less wasteful, and our appliances more efficient.

We can bring the brightest minds to bear on the most intractable problems.

This week we will celebrate projects that achieve these aims – and more. And they are already making a difference.

In a time of scepticism and doubt, the achievements of the past three years – like the Solar lighting initiative, enabling half a million off-grid lighting systems, or the Clean Energy Solutions Centre, already being used by 150 countries – those achievements ring out above the noise.

Conclusion

On which note, I fear I have spoken for long enough already, so let me offer a final thought by way of conclusion.

Bringing clean energy solutions to market is vital for the low-carbon shift. Without cleaner energy supplies, more efficient buildings and smarter grid connections we will not succeed.

But this week’s meetings will not happen in isolation.

They are an invaluable counterpart to all our other efforts to accelerate clean energy and slow climate change.

The Clean Energy Ministerial – not just this week, but throughout the year – can help us achieve just that. Your presence here speaks to the commitment your nations have shown to securing a better future for all the world’s citizens.

The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM3)

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:29:00 GMT

Background

The UK is hosting the third Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM3) at Lancaster House in London on 25-26 April 2012. CEM3 is an international conference aimed at accelerating the transition to clean energy technologies.

Ministers from 23 leading economies will gather to discuss and guide progress made by the 11 clean energy initiatives and explore ways to enhance collaboration.

The CEM is being co-chaired by UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey and US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu.

Prior to the CEM, the High-level Group on Sustainable Energy For All (SE4ALL), an initiative of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, will conclude its meeting in London on Tuesday 24th April. The SE4ALL Action Agenda will be launched during Day 2 of CEM3 as part of a joint SE4ALL/CEM press conference.

Much of the CEM is held in private, but throughout the week 23-27 April, there will be a series of ministerial speeches, side events and press conferences hosted by DECC and partner organisations about clean energy to which media are invited (please see full list attached).

The 11 main themes covered at the CEM3 will include: energy efficiency, appliances, buildings/industry, electric vehicles, bioenergy, carbon capture and storage, hydropower, solar, wind, energy access and smart grids. There is a special emphasis on clean energy entrepreneurs and encouraging women to enter the sector.

Foreign Secretary on Climate Change

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:01:00 GMT

Under this Coalition government, the Foreign Office has a renewed sense of mission. It is a mission to promote Britain’s national interest, while tirelessly working for a world which is more secure, more stable, more free and more prosperous.

In no area is this more relevant than the fight against climate change. Today ministers from more than 20 countries will meet in London with the goal of speeding up global progress on clean energy. I am in no doubt that we must meet this challenge, not only to safeguard the sustainability of our planet and the security of our energy, but also to ensure we are at the front of the queue when it comes to the jobs and industries of the future.

We are at the start of a global shift from a high- to a low-carbon economy. The shift will be driven by those countries that transform their own economies so as to better compete in rapidly expanding global markets.

The scale of ambition from some of our competitors is awe-inspiring. Denmark aims to generate half its electricity from wind by 2020. China is investing $1.7 trillion in the low carbon economy over five years. Germany is pursuing an unprecedented transition in energy through innovation in renewable electricity, energy efficiency and green infrastructure.

These policies are driving rapid structural change in the economies of our major partners. They are reshaping markets that are crucial, both as destinations for our exports and sources of inward investment, for the UK commercial diplomacy that has been revitalised under this government.

But the risks are growing too. We have left behind an era in which energy, food, water, and other resources have been relatively cheap and plentiful. Rising demand is carrying us into an age of higher and more volatile prices for energy, food and raw materials. Political tensions in the regions traditionally supplying the world’s oil have added to the uncertainties. Climate change is amplifying these stresses, and will do so increasingly.

These risks post a serious threat to growth, through price shocks and inflation. Their political consequences could be more serious still, with some tempted to see a zero sum competition for resources between consumers and between nations. That would be an historic mistake, triggering a spiral away from the cooperation based on agreed rules that is vital for a globally exposed economy like our own, towards a much more dangerous world of fragmentation, competition and greatly enhanced risks of conflict.

A core goal of British foreign policy must be to defend the open global economy against this threat. That will require a rapid global shift towards enhanced resource productivity and energy efficiency, and lower carbon intensity. Encouraging this transition, not least working through the strengthened bilateral partnerships that we have been building especially with the emerging economies, is a top priority for our diplomatic network.

Britain can and must play a leading part in the transition through its domestic policies too. Our need for an export-led recovery and for inward investment in modern infrastructure is well known. One of the biggest drivers of that export-led recovery will be the green economy. There is unprecedented global demand for green innovation, which could provide an enormous boost to UK industry in the years to come. Thankfully, actions taken across government will mean Britain is well placed in the decades to come.

At BIS, the Green Investment Bank - first proposed by George Osborne in 2009 - is now becoming a reality, with £3 billion of public investment set to unleash £15 billion of private money.

At DECC, the Green Deal promises to be the biggest home improvement programme this country has ever seen, transforming energy efficiency - and lowering bills.

At Defra, measures to preserve and enhance biodiversity, alongside determined efforts to stimulate green growth, are putting the natural environment back at the top of government priorities.

As Foreign Secretary, when trying to persuade other countries, both advanced and developing economies, to go green, it is a huge advantage to be able to point to the example we are setting at home.

Without this green record, it is doubtful we could have achieved so much at the Durban conference last year. It is to the UK’s great credit that our leadership helped persuade the major emerging economies to acknowledge that they too will have to adopt legally-binding targets for carbon emissions. We must stay the course at home if we are to maintain our influence and reach a new global agreement in 2015.

Energy security is another essential part of this mix. Our reliance on expensive and volatile fossil fuel imports is damaging to our economy, and will only get worse without concerted action. The transition will not be easy, but for the sake of our long-term security and prosperity, we must wean ourselves steadily off this resource, and turn instead to low carbon alternatives.

David Cameron’s great ambition to lead the ‘greenest government ever’ relies heavily on a Britain that is leading the way on the world stage, pressing for determined and united global action, setting an example to other nations, cajoling those who do worse and aspiring to match those who do better. I can proudly say that the Foreign Office is leading this charge with vigour.

Charles Hendry speech at Smart Grids GB event

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:15:00 GMT

Introduction

Thank you for the introduction.

And thank you, Bill, for such a thought-provoking presentation and for Ernst & Young’s valuable contribution to this crucial policy area on behalf of SmartGrid GB.

In the ten months since I spoke at this group’s launch, it has grown to a membership of 23 companies from across the value chain, and developed a programme of work dedicated to informing the debate around the future of Britain’s energy networks.

SmartGrid GB is the only independent cross-industry group dedicated to informing the smart grid debate in Britain, and it is this quality that explains why DECC and Ofgem have been so keen to work with it.

Today I want to address some of Bill’s points in more detail and also spend some time updating you on current activities in my Department.

The report’s analysis of the broader economic impact of smart grid development will be useful to my Department, to Ofgem, and to others in the industry.

I am not aware of another report that has looked at the benefits of smart grid in Britain in this way before, and I welcome this report’s contribution to the overall debate.

The low carbon energy challenge

We all recognise the development of smarter electricity networks will be essential in helping to facilitate the country’s transition to a low carbon economy.

The future energy system will look very different from how it is today. The Carbon Plan, which my Department published last year, sets the direction for how we plan to meet our energy objectives over the coming decades. It shows that future electricity generation is likely to be more intermittent and less flexible, and that there will be an increasing amount of local level generation.

We also expect to see a considerable increase in electricity demand, mostly due to increased electrification of transport and heat.

These changes pose significant challenges for the electricity system, including electricity networks, which will need to connect up this new generation and demand in a way that maintains reliability but also keeps electricity affordable.

A key challenge facing network companies is to manage an uncertain future of when and where low carbon technologies will be connected, without over investing in new infrastructure which would increase costs to the consumers.

The benefits of smarter approaches

A smarter grid can help network companies better manage future demand fluctuations and peaks. With more information about how the network is being used, and more capability to control this use, network companies can divert power to where it is needed and away from constrained areas. It could also facilitate a more efficient use of intermittent sources of low carbon electricity.

This will involve deploying new and existing technologies. It would also seek to exploit opportunities offered by the expected take-up of electric vehicles and heat pumps, which could make demand profiles more flexible.

This should make for more efficient use of existing and new energy assets, and give greater value for money for consumers.

As well as these direct benefits, today’s report highlights the wider prize from the development of smart grids, and it articulates a compelling economic case.

Its central findings – that developing and deploying smart grid technologies could create 9,000 new jobs and up to £5 billion in exports – powerfully restates the need for this country to be a leader in this sector.

I welcome the claim that the UK is well placed to capture these benefits if we act in a timely manner.

What we are doing to promote the smart agenda

I am pleased that the report notes an overall positive outlook for smart grid development and a general confidence in Britain’s direction of travel. I would like to take this opportunity to set out the UK’s range of policies to deliver a smarter grid, and to ensure the UK is a first mover in this key sector.

Smart Meters

To provide a platform for a smart grid, we will roll-out Smart Meters. This is a key priority for the Coalition Government, to cut greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonise the economy and support the creation of new green jobs and technologies.

The Government's vision is for every home in Great Britain to have smart electricity and gas meters with In-Home Displays.

In March 2011, the Government set out the overall strategy and timetable for the rollout of smart meters as well as the arrangements for establishing the data and communications services and the programme’s approach to consumer engagement and protection.

The response set out that we will bring forward the planned completion of the rollout to 2019; at least one year ahead of previously published plans.

The roll-out of smart meters is one of the largest and most complex engineering infrastructure projects within the EU. Smart meters in homes and small businesses will sit at the interface between energy supply and demand, acting as an enabler to a smarter Great Britain including facilitating smarter grids, smart appliances, electric vehicles, microgeneration and new markets in energy services, including Demand Side Response.

It will consist of the installation of about 53 million meters in Britain, involving visits to 27 million homes as well as a number of smaller and medium-sized businesses. But we are certain that the prize is not just in these benefits, but how smart meters react with a smart grid.

Smart investment through the price control review

To ensure the right smart investments are made by network companies, Ofgem is carefully considering the design of its next price control review for Electricity Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). Running from 2015 to 2023, this will clearly be a crucial opportunity to make sure the right investments are made to deliver and facilitate our low carbon goals.

I wrote to Ofgem to welcome their launch of this review, which places emphasis on requiring the network companies to develop, through stakeholder engagement and detailed analysis, well justified investment plans that allow them to deliver the outputs their customers most value.

It will be very important that the network companies place their customers at the heart of their operations, and ensure new demand and distributed generation is connected in a timely manner.

It will also be important that network companies innovate, and encourage the deployment of new technologies, approaches and business models to ensure the network companies are “smart” and reduce or defer the need for network reinforcement. If we can use these resources better, we can use those to remove some of the need entirely to build new plant.

I would also like to see wider synergies captured, and for the network companies to explore and maximise wider electricity system and environmental benefits to support wider government objectives and policies such as broadband rollout.

Technology funding

To help coordinate thinking and action across the sector, DECC has set up and co-chairs with Ofgem the Smart Grid Forum. This has bought together key opinion formers, experts and stakeholders in the development of GB smart grids to provide strategic input to help shape policy making and leadership in this area.

During the first year of the Smart Grid Forum real progress has been made.

A particular achievement has been the construction of a Smart Grid Evaluation Framework, which can help assess the value of smart grid technologies. This uses analysis of likely penetration of low carbon technologies consistent with meeting the 4th Carbon Budget, and will inform network investment decisions.

To create the electricity networks we need for the future it is important that the DNOs have the opportunity to demonstrate innovation on their networks. This innovation has been stimulated by Ofgem’s Low Carbon Networks Fund which has made available up to £500 million in the price control review period of 2010-2015.

What has characterised the value of the LCNF projects is the wide array of stakeholders participating and the wide span of technologies and commercial approaches they encompass.

You have already heard from UK Power Networks and Scottish Power about their LCNF projects. Another major project taking place is the Customer Led Networks Revolution being led by Northern Power Grids. This is exploring how networks can respond more flexibly to customers’ needs by using more advanced voltage control devices and energy storage. Partners in this project include Durham University, electricity retailers and the general public who after all will be the vital cog because without smart consumers, the grid will not be as smart as we want it.

International knowledge sharing

But this is a global challenge and other countries are also working hard to find solutions. My Department is therefore collaborating with our international partners to ensure best practice and knowledge is shared.
This week London is hosting the Clean Energy Ministerial and I am looking forward to participating. The UK was one of the founding members of the International Smart Grids Action Network – ISGAN – launched at the first Clean Energy Ministerial in July 2010, which promotes international cooperation in the development and deployment of smarter electric grid technologies and practices.

Since then, my Department, Ofgem and the ENA have been sharing UK best practice and knowledge with our partners. At its meeting last month in Mexico, ISGAN agreed to establish an international network of smart grid test laboratories and I am pleased that the Universities of Strathclyde and Manchester and the Durham Energy Institute have stepped forward to take part in this enterprise.

We are also working closely with the European Union through their European Electricity Grids Initiative which is developing future projects for the Framework 7 funding programme.

Closing remarks

I would like to thank Smart Grid GB for arranging this seminar and once again thank Ernst & Young for their report on the Economic Benefits of Smart Grids. My Department will continue to work closely with Smart Grid GB, whose work is a valuable contribution to the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy.

DECC Welsh Language Scheme approved

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:40:00 GMT

Press Ref: 2012/051

24 April 2012

DECC’s Welsh Language Scheme has been approved by the Welsh Language Board.

The Scheme sets out how DECC will put into practice the Welsh Language Act 2003 which requires public bodies to treat the Welsh and English languages on the basis of equality in the services they provide.

The Scheme has been prepared in accordance with the Welsh Language Board's guidelines under the Welsh Language Act.

Read the scheme

Cymeradwyo Cynllun Iaith Gymraeg y DECC

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:32:00 GMT

Hysbysiad i’r Wasg: 2012/050

24 Ebrill 2012

Mae Cynllun Iaith Gymraeg y DECC wedi’i gymeradwyo gan Fwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg.

Mae’r Cynllun Iaith yn nodi sut y bydd y DECC yn rhoi Deddf yr Iaith Gymraeg 2003 ar waith, sef deddf sy’n ei gwneud yn ofynnol i gyrff cyhoeddus drin y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg ar y sail eu bod yn gyfartal yn y gwasanaethau y maen nhw’n eu darparu.

Mae’r Cynllun wedi’i baratoi yn unol â chanllawiau Bwrdd yr Iaith o dan Ddeddf yr Iaith.

Darllenwch y cynllun iaith

Greg Barker speech at the launch of REA “Made in Britain” report

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:33:00 GMT

24 April 2012

Thank you for inviting me to attend this event and thanks to RES for hosting – it’s great to see so many renewable energy technologies working in conjunction with each other on site.

I welcome the work that the REA and Innovas have undertaken. It’s the first time that turnover and employment figures for the entire UK renewables sector have been brought together in one place making this a very informative report.

The title says it all - “Made in Britain”. Renewable energy not only provides us with clean and secure energy that cuts out reliance on imported fossil fuels - it generates billions of pounds of investment and potentially hundreds and thousands of jobs and is a key growth sector for the UK economy.

As David Cameron mentioned in his speech last month, one of the big challenges that we have when talking about new energy infrastructure is making sure we maximise the economic benefits to the UK in terms of skills, jobs and manufacturing.

I am pleased that we are already seeing the creation of growth and jobs. From April last year to the end of February we captured announcements of planned and confirmed investments totalling £4.7bn, with the potential to support over 15,000 jobs.

We’re working to ensure that we have the appropriate financial incentives in place - including the new support scheme under Electricity Market Reform and our proposals for the Renewables Obligation and Feed-In Tariff scheme – to support and encourage further growth over the coming years.

Bio energy

Bioenergy will play a key role. It is one of the most versatile forms of renewable generation and can offer low carbon, dispatchable generation with benefits across the wider electricity system. Bioenergy can also offer new commercial opportunities across the whole of the supply chain, from the growth and collection of biomass feedstocks to their transportation, storage and conversion to energy. These are economic opportunities that we cannot afford to miss.

Onshore wind

Onshore wind brings substantial new economic benefits and job opportunities to the country. At a time when many industries are struggling, we’ve seen over £600m of investment in the industry in the UK over the last financial year, creating often highly skilled supply chain and manufacturing jobs across the country.

This growth will come from our established manufacturers branching out to find new markets in the wind sector, and also from inward investments.

Offshore wind supply chain

Developers have a lot of confidence in the UK supply chain which is reflected in the commitments from the likes of Gamesa, Siemens and Vestas, who are developing factories in Leith, Hull and Sheerness.

The Offshore Wind Developers Forum has a vision that that UK ‘will be the centre for offshore wind technology and deployment, with a competitive supply chain in the UK, providing over 50% of the content of offshore wind farm projects’ again reiterates our aims to maximise the economic benefits to the UK.

Wave and tidal

I’m committed to ensuring this Coalition Government plays its role in helping to maintain our lead in the marine energy sector. We’ve put together the world’s most comprehensive package of support for marine energy.

Conclusion

This Government is fully committed to meeting the renewable energy target for 2020 and there is a lot happening in the renewable sector showing that we have made significant progress so far. For example, very positive figures released recently show that renewable electricity generation increased 35% on 2010 levels.

I am confident that this can continue and be an exciting year for the growing renewables sector, with more and more projects coming forward. This is still a relatively young sector with plenty of potential so we need to be on the front foot, seize the opportunities and momentum while we secure maximum benefit for the UK.

Charles Hendry’s Clean Energy visit to Belfast

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:59:00 GMT

Minister of State Charles Hendry was in Belfast on Monday to mark the beginning of Clean Energy Week.

The Minister began his visit at the Harland and Wolff facility – famous as the birthplace of the Titanic. While Harland and Wolff is best known for shipbuilding, the company has in recent years diversified to use its ship-building skills and resources in other sectors such as the manufacture of renewable energy and offshore facilities.

Mr Hendry noted that 100 years after the launch of the Titanic Harland and Wolff is still going strong. He praised the company for seizing the opportunities in offshore renewables sector, predicting that with its extensive facilities and skilled workforce Harland and Wolff is well placed to make the most of it.

The Minister next visited Belfast Harbour, where a major redevelopment programme is currently underway.

The visit began with a roundtable discussion involving leading figures from Northern Ireland’s renewable energy sector. Issues discussed included barriers to investment, green skills, and the future of the Harbour.

After lunch the Minister was given a tour of the harbour to see DONG & Scottish Renewables’ £50 million redevelopment in progress. The site will initially be used for the construction of the West of Duddon Sands wind farm and is scheduled for completion in October 2012.

Mr Hendry called the site a significant development which reinforces the confidence in the UK offshore wind sector and recognises Belfast’s strategic importance for those wind farms to the west of Britain.

The Minister then had a meeting with Arlene Forster, Minister of the Environment in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The meeting focused primarily on the Electricity Market Reform (EMR) programme, with Ms Forster stressing the commitment of the Northern Ireland government to collaborating with DECC to make EMR work.

See pictures of Minister Charles Hendry's visit to Belfast on Flickr

Davey to host international clean energy talks

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:01:00 GMT

Floating wind turbines are to be the initial focus of a new agreement between Britain and the United States this week as international talks convene in London to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies.

Energy Ministers from 23 of the world’s leading economies will gather in London on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss accelerating the transition to clean energy technologies.

The Clean Energy Ministerial will be co-chaired by UK Energy Secretary Edward Davey and US Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

Alongside the talks, Ed Davey will sign a number of bilateral agreements with counterparts from other governments to work in collaboration over the coming years.

The UK and US will agree to collaborate in the development of floating wind technology designed to generate power in deep waters currently off limits to conventional turbines but where the wind is much stronger.

Energy Secretary Edward Davey said:

“Britain has more wind turbines installed around its shores than any other country in the world and our market is rated year after year as the most attractive market among investors.

“Offshore wind is critical for the UK’s energy future and there is big interest around the world in what we’re doing.

“Floating wind turbines will allow us to exploit more of the our wind resource, potentially more cheaply.

“Turbines will be able to locate in ever deeper waters where the wind is stronger but without the expense of foundations down to the seabed or having to undertake major repairs out at sea.

“The UK and US are both making funding available for this technology and we’re determined to work together to capitalise on this shared intent.”

BACKGROUND

Floating wind technology

The UK benefits from a third of Europe’s offshore wind potential, has more installed offshore wind than any other country, the biggest pipeline of projects and is rated year after year by Ernst & Young as the most attractive market among investors.

Exploiting this economically, particularly in deeper waters off the west of the country, will require significant technology developments to build large offshore wind arrays. Much of the deeper waters between 60 and 100 metres are too deep for fixed structures but benefit from consistently higher wind speeds.

Floating wind technologies could therefore open up new areas off the coast of the UK. This will ultimately increase the potential of this sector, particularly post 2020 as the available shallow water sites are developed, and will help to meet our decarbonisation and energy security targets.

Major repairs on floating wind platforms can also take place when the devices are towed back to dock which will also help to reduce costs.

In the UK, the Energy Technologies Institute is currently in the process of commissioning a £25m offshore wind floating system demonstrator. Participants chosen to take part in the project will be tasked with the objective of producing by 2016 an offshore wind turbine that can produce 5-7MW. Selection of the organisation to deliver the project is ongoing and an announcement on who will be carrying out the project on behalf of the ETI is expected early next year. The ETI is also currently investigating various sites that could host the demonstrator and has announced that it is working with WaveHub, 16 kilometres north east of St Ives off the Cornish coast to carry out a site feasibility study.

In the US, the Department of Energy have recently announced a $180m funding opportunity for up to four Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects in US waters – which potentially could include a floating wind demonstration.

A new Memorandum of Understanding on ‘Collaboration in Energy Related Fields’ being agreed this week between the UK and US covers collaboration in areas such as power generation (including low carbon technologies to combat climate change), energy transmission and distribution and energy efficiency. As one of the first examples of work supporting that MOU the UK-US collaboration on floating wind will ensure that both countries align our resources to maximise the impact for both countries. It will also enable the sharing of best practice and expertise. Ultimately it is hoped that this approach will result in more cost effective, higher yield floating wind technologies being developed.

Clean Energy Ministerial

Energy Ministers from 23 countries will attend: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.

DECC selects company to run Phase III EU ETS auctions

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:42:00 GMT

DECC has announced that it has selected London-based ICE Futures Europe as its preferred supplier to conduct auctions of Phase III and aviation EU ETS allowances on behalf of the UK Government.

Subject to successful completion of the European Commission notification and listing process the auctioning of the UK’s phase III and aviation auctions allowances will start in November.

Greg Barker, Minister of State, said

“This announcement is an important step towards ensuring that we can start auctioning phase III and aviation allowances on time. The bid put forward by ICE Futures Europe will help to ensure value for money and the continued success of UK carbon auctioning into phase III; I look forward to working with ICE Futures Europe over the coming months."

The contract will be to run the UK’s definitive EU ETS auction platform. It will be awarded for three years, extendable by a further two. It is expected that the contract will be formally awarded shortly.

Notes to Editors

The European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) is at the heart of United Kingdom Government policy to tackle climate change
The rules governing the system are set out in the EU ETS Directive ; it covers sectors responsible for around half of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions
In Phase II (2008-2012) Member States (MS) can auction up to 10% of EU emissions allowances. The UK opted to auction at least 7% of its allowances compared to the EU average of 3%
In 2008, the EU ETS Directive was revised to make auctioning the main method for allocating emissions allowances in Phase III of the EU ETS (2013-2020). In Phase III, at least 50% of general emissions allowances will be auctioned across the EU. In addition, MS will auction 15% of aviation allowances
The EU Auctioning Regulation governs the auctioning of carbon allowances for aviation and phase III. It foresees the establishment of a common EU auctioning platform, but Member States have the right to opt out and set up their own national platforms. The UK, Germany and Poland have exercised this right
There is also flexibility for MS to set up either a temporary “transitional” auction platform or a “definitive” platform for three years, renewable for no more than a further two years. The UK has opted to procure a definitive platform
The UK ran an EU-wide open procurement process in line with EU procurement rules. The procurement launched on 22 December with a 17 February deadline for submission of tenders
In accordance with Article 30 of the Auctioning Regulation the commencement of the contract is subject to the European Commission notification and listing process set out in that Regulation. This process is expected to take several months; the UK expects auctioning to start in November 2012 at the latest
ICE Futures Europe is an FSA regulated Regulated Investment Exchange and Recognised Auction Platform, therefore meeting the requirements of the Auctioning Regulation

Directive 2003/87/EC as revised and amended by Directive 2008/101/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 which amended Directive 2003/87/EC so as to include aviation activities in the scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowances and Directive 2009/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 which amended Directive 2003/87/EC so as to improve and extend the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme;
Commission Regulation (EU) 1031/2010 of 12 November 2010 on the timing, administration and other aspects of auctioning of greenhouse gas emissions allowances pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emissions allowances trading within the Community, as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1210/2011 of 23 November 2011 which sets out the regulatory framework for the auctioning of allowances covered by Chapter II (aviation) and Chapter III (stationary installations) of that Directive;

Nick Clegg and Edward Davey: We need this key commitment to climate action

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:12:00 GMT

This week ministers from across Europe are meeting to tackle a threat to our shared prosperity: the crashing price of carbon. The EU has the world's largest international emissions trading scheme (ETS). The amount of carbon that companies can emit is capped, and each firm has its own allocation of carbon permits, which they trade freely. Ultimately, cutting carbon can yield financial rewards.

But the price of carbon has plummeted. In 2006 a tonne would fetch around £28. Now – thanks to the downturn, and a glut of permits – it's barely £6. That's bad for the environment: when it's cheap to pump out carbon there's less incentive for firms to go green. But it's also bad for the economy, because it makes Europe less attractive to low-carbon investment.

The global low-carbon market is worth more than £3tn, and supports over 900,000 jobs in Britain. And those numbers can grow. The world's savviest states are embracing low-carbon markets. We can't afford to lose out.

That's why the coalition has introduced a carbon price floor – a minimum cost to give investors the certainty they crave. We want Europe to take a similarly tough line. In the forthcoming talks, we'll be calling for a more ambitious EU emissions target, and a set-aside of permits to strengthen the ETS. A Europe-wide agreement to a 30% reduction in emissions by 2020 will drive up investment – and the ETS carbon price. Moving to 30% is a key commitment in the coalition's programme. There are five compelling reasons why we must act.

First, this approach is the most cost-effective way of cutting carbon. The EU has already agreed to cut emissions by 20% by 2020, and 80% by 2050. By going a little faster now, we will make it easier as we near our final goal. The longer we leave it, the more it will cost

Second, it will help us secure the investment in clean energy we need to stay competitive. Global growth leaders are investing in clean tech and committing to ambitious emissions targets. Globally, investment in renewables now outstrips investment in fossil fuels, but if we don't up our ambition we will attract little of it.

As many business leaders recognise, the real risk is moving too slowly, not too fast. The private sector will drive the low-carbon transition, but investors need confidence that we mean business. No wonder 72 major companies – including M&S, Nike, Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Google – support an agreement to cut emissions by 30%.

Third, more ambitious targets will help grow our low-carbon industries, ensuring Europe's competitiveness in a fast-growing sector. The global low-carbon market is projected to grow at 4% a year for the next five years. UK companies could seize a larger share of that market if we take a strong step toward a cleaner energy future.

This growth should not come at the expense of other industries. We commissioned a study looking at the impact of a higher target. For most industries, it was minimal. For those that were affected, free allocation of emissions allowances would help firms manage cost increases.

We are committed to helping UK industries find their place in the low-carbon future. So Vince Cable is working with businesses to support the most energy-intensive industries.

The fourth reason to aim high is to avoid saddling future generations with outdated power plants – and bigger bills. Exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices hurts consumers and businesses alike. Moving to 30% could save the EU €9.1bn in oil and gas imports by 2020.

Finally, a more ambitious target is good for the climate: not just because our emissions will be lower – with health, productivity and resource efficiency gains – but because it strengthens our hand at the UN negotiations. Sticking with 20% won't prevent dangerous climate change. By committing to 30%, we can show developing countries the EU means business – and push all major economies to do the same.

Our ambition is to follow different paths toward a common aim: a globally competitive Europe, powered by clean energy, driving international climate action. Last year Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Portugal, Spain and Greece joined the UK in calling for a 30% target. The turmoil in the eurozone has focused minds: despite difficult times, Europe recognises that it must take the right decisions for the long term. The financial crisis happened because we let systemic risk build up unchecked. A clearer assessment of, and protection from, such risk is part of our response in Europe: it must be part of our environmental policy too.

We want to build a more sustainable economy for Britain, and for all Europe's citizens. That means sending a clear signal to business: that the EU is committed to a low-carbon future. In so doing, we can also send a clear signal to the rest of the world – that Europe stands not just for ambition on climate change, but for action too. The choice is not between environment and economy, but between leading the pack – or being left behind.

Originally published in The Guardian

DECC Elgin statement: Elgin relief well given go-ahead

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:37:00 GMT

The Department of Energy and Climate change has granted TOTAL consent to drill a relief well to tackle the Elgin gas leak after a full environmental assessment.

The high temperature, high pressure well will be used to safely block and permanently seal the Elgin G4 well, the source of the current leak, should a dynamic kill operation also being planned prove unsuccessful. The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it has no objections to this intended activity.

The relief well will be drilled from the SEDCO714 drilling rig which will be located approximately 1.2km East of the Elgin G4 well in water around 90m deep. The anticipated vertical depth of the completed well is approximately 4,400m and will take around 180 days of drilling to complete.

TOTAL is also continuing to work with Government on their preferred option of a dynamic kill, that will use heavy mud to block the well.

A DECC spokesman said: “We are happy with the progress TOTAL is making to resolve this incident as quickly as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely and the latest reports from Marine Scotland show that the impact to the environment remains minimal.”

Comments sought on recommendations from independent experts on shale gas and fracking

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:01:00 GMT

Press Ref: 2012/047

17 April 2012

DECC will today publish an independent expert report recommending measures to mitigate the risks of seismic tremors from hydraulic fracturing - and is inviting public comment on its recommendations.

An effective monitoring system and a traffic light control regime are among measures recommended by the report, which has reviewed a series of studies commissioned by Cuadrilla, and confirms that minor earthquakes detected in the area of the company’s Preese Hall operations near Blackpool in April and May last year were caused by fracking.

DECC’s Chief Scientific Advisor David MacKay said:

“If shale gas is to be part of the UK’s energy mix we need to have a good understanding of its potential environmental impacts and what can be done to mitigate those impacts.

“This comprehensive independent expert review of Cuadrilla’s evidence suggests a set of robust measures to make sure future seismic risks are minimised - not just at this location but at any other potential sites across the UK.”

The invitation for comment runs for six weeks from today. All comments received will be considered and taken into account before any decision is taken on further fracking for shale gas.

The report recommends the following measures to mitigate the risk of any damaging seismic activity from future shale gas operations in the Bowland Basin:

That the hydraulic fracturing procedure should include a smaller pre-injection and monitoring stage.
That an effective monitoring system to provide near real-time locations and magnitudes of any seismic events should be part of any future hydraulic fracturing operations.
That future fracking operations for shale gas should be subject to a “traffic light” control regime, similar to that recommended by Cuadrilla’s consultants. A red light at activity levels of magnitude of 0.5 or above means fracking should be stopped and remedial action taken (this is lower than the magnitude 1.7 proposed by Cuadrilla’s report). Unusual seismic activity, even at lower levels, should be carefully assessed before operations proceed.

For any future operations elsewhere in the UK the review recommends suitable actions to assess the seismic risk before any operations take place.

Notes for editors

For background information, to download the reports and to comment, visit the DECC Oil and Gas website.
Visit the shale gas Q&A on the DECC website for more information.
An earthquake of magnitude 1 can be perceptible if the epicentre is near to the surface, but would not cause any damage to property. Earthquakes with lower magnitudes cannot normally be felt, but can be detected by suitable instruments. See the British Geological Survey website.

Department of Energy and Climate Change

Work to stem Elgin gas release begins

15 May 2012

Written Ministerial Statement on Fuel Poverty Advisory Group Triennial Review

Greg Barker MP

15 May 2012

Update 11 May 2012: Tanker fuel strike

Notes for Editors

Charles Hendry speech to the Nuclear Institute North West Branch Annual Dinner

Check against delivery 10 May 2012

Introduction

Horizon

Getting the conditions right for investment

Skills and Supply Chain

Concluding Remarks

Queen’s Speech: 'Reform of the electricity market'

Electricity Market Reform: further information

New Welsh wind farm to provide secure, home-grown energy

Press ref: 12/058 08 May 2012

Notes for editors:

Single EU ETS regulatory instrument to cut out 'red tape'

Press ref: 12/057 08 May 2012

Notes for Editors

South Korea passes landmark emissions trading legislation

Barker leads Green Trade Mission to USA

04 May 2011

Operation to stop gas release from Elgin well given environmental go-ahead

Evidence wanted for new gas generation strategy

Call for Evidence questions:

Notes for editors

Carbon Capture and Storage Cost Reduction Task Force appoints supremo

01 May 2012

Press Ref: 2012/055

Notes for editors

Written Ministerial Statement; Post informal environment and energy councils, Denmark, 19-20 April

Charles Hendry

30 April 2012

Funded Decommissioning Programmes guidance - consultation on regulations

Prime Minister's address at the Clean Energy Ministerial

Coalition of World Energy Ministers Commit to Improvements in Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Energy Access

Joint Press Release

26 April 2012

Improving Energy Efficiency

Increasing the Share of Renewable Energy in the Global Energy Mix

Ensuring Universal Energy Access

Additional Cross-cutting Initiatives

Attachments

Prime minister heralds rapid progress of the uk's green economy and outlines his vision for the future

Commercial investment

New industry partnership shaping a second energy revolution for the North Sea

Offshore wind cost reduction

Renewables trading

Bioenergy strategy

Landmark green investment decision

Bilateral international agreements to collaborate on energy issues

Support for eco innovators

Support for CCS in developing markets

Results-Based Financing Facility

Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme

Notes for Editors

A vision for bioenergy

By Charles Hendry

26 April 2012

UK allocates up to £60m to support development of CCS in emerging markets

Notes for editors

Support for eco innovators

Notes for Editors

Edward Davey opening remarks to the Clean Energy Ministerial

Introduction

History

Investment

Ambition

Conclusion

The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM3)

Background

Foreign Secretary on Climate Change

Charles Hendry speech at Smart Grids GB event

Introduction

The low carbon energy challenge

The benefits of smarter approaches

Check against delivery
10 May 2012

Press ref: 12/058
08 May 2012

Press ref: 12/057
08 May 2012