US issues $59m for solar energy innovation

The US Department of Energy has announced more than $59 million (£39.2m) in funding to support solar energy in the country. Around $45 million (£30m) – part of the Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative – will go towards bringing innovative solar technologies to market. More than $14 million (£9.3m) of the funding will support installations in […]

£140 off energy bills for more low income homes

An extra 70,000 low income and vulnerable households are to benefit from cheaper energy bills, DECC said. That means two million struggling families, pensioners and other vulnerable people will get a £140 discount next winter as part of the Warm Home Discount scheme. The initiative, which is being extended for another year, provides one-off rebates […]

Auction for £10m energy-saving pot kicks in

The UK Government’s scheme aimed at providing financial support for projects that reduce electricity demand kicked in yesterday. DECC held an auction for a £10 million pot, giving businesses the chance to bid for a share as part of its Electricity Demand Reduction (EDR) initiative. The scheme, which supports energy-saving projects such as replacing light […]

Smart meter rollout – “just get on with it”

Energy suppliers should just get on with installing smart meters in UK homes and businesses. The comment was made by Daron Walker, Director of Fuel Poverty & Smart Meters at DECC yesterday. Speaking at the Smart Energy UK & Europe conference, Mr Walker said changing any plans now could have an impact on costs and […]

The Daily Market Report – 30th January 2015

Find out what’s influencing gas supply, power prices and what you should watch out for in the new daily market report on the energy market from Sarah Astley, Client Portfolio Manager on the optimisation desk at npower.

Total wins stake in Abu Dhabi’s largest oil fields

Total has won a new deal to operate some of the largest onshore oil fields in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The French oil giant has been given a 10% share and signed a new 40-year onshore concession agreement with the Supreme Petroleum Council of Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). […]

Cold weather could trigger more fuel payments

The fall in temperatures could lead to a rise in fuel payments to help people with the cost of heating their homes this week, the Department for Work & Pensions said. The Cold Weather Payments are made when the temperature is either recorded as, or forecast to be, an average of 0°C or below over […]

Landlords could be held responsible for water bills

Landlords must hand over personal information about tenants if rental properties in England and Wales get their water and sewage services from Welsh Water. If they don’t, they could be held responsible for tenants’ outstanding water debts. A new regulation introduced by the Welsh Government requires all landlords to provide information such as tenancy start […]

Global renewables, power deals hit $243bn in 2014

The number of power and renewable energy deals across the globe has reached the highest level this decade, according to a new report. The total value rose from $143.3 billion (£95bn) in 2013 to $243.1 billion (£161bn) last year, a 70% increase year-on-year. A more “globally-balanced spread of deals” are expected this year, with fewer […]

€300m boost for greener buildings

A lump sum of €300 million (£226m) is on loan to a Swedish industrial firm to boost the development of environmentally-friendly construction products. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending the money to Atlas Copco, a company that develops products and services like air treatment systems and construction and mining equipment. European universities and institutes […]