£100m machine installed for UK nuclear clean-up

A 350-tonne machine has been installed at Sellafield to tackle what is said to be one of the most challenging nuclear clean-up jobs. The £100 million Silo Emptying Plant will scoop radioactive waste from the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo. It will be packed into nuclear skips and sent to modern waste stores at Sellafield, pending […]

BMW ‘considers making electric Mini outside UK due to Brexit’

BMW is reportedly considering manufacturing its electric Mini outside the UK due to the uncertainty caused by Brexit. According to reports, the carmaker, which manufactures most Minis at its plant in Oxford, could be moving production of the electric version to its sites in Germany. The company announced the launch of the battery-powered Mini last […]

Government inquiry into hydrogen power to go ahead

An inquiry into the role of hydrogen gas and fuel cells in the energy system has been secured. The UK Government’s Science and Technology Committee heard more than 70 ideas for new areas to thoroughly investigate as part of its ‘My Science Inquiry’ open call – it selected nine for further consideration following a pitching process. The […]

Britain’s air quality ‘among the worst in Europe’

Britain’s air quality is among the worst in Europe. That’s according to a new report from MoneySuperMarket, which studies how individual citizens from 102 different countries negatively affect their environment. Although Britain managed to rank 53rd overall for the least damaging per capita impact, placing it above France, Germany and the US, it compares poorly with regards to energy usage and air pollution. […]

Scotland awards £10m to fight climate change

The Scottish Government is providing almost £10 million of funding to support local action to tackle climate change. A total of 113 community-led projects have been granted a share of the Climate Challenge Fund. They include working with households to improve energy efficiency and choose lower carbon travel alternatives in Aberdeen, installing LED lighting and […]

Kazakhstan loaned £21.7m for heat meters in homes

Kazakhstan has received a $27 million (£21.7m) loan to install heat meters in residential buildings. The finance from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is intended to continue supporting the nation’s goal to improve its energy efficiency and sustainability credentials, known as the ‘green economy’ strategy. Kazakhstan is a country of extreme temperatures – freezing winters can drop to […]

EU confirms hefty new anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese steel plates

The European Commission has imposed hefty definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of heavy steel plates from China. Its investigation revealed dumping margins of between 120% and 127%, “causing material injury to EU producers”. Chinese exports of heavy steel plates will therefore be taxed with anti-dumping duties ranging from 65% to 73%, confirming provisional tariffs set […]

New tech to turn houses into waste-fired power plants

A new technology could convert household waste into a clean, sustainable fuel to heat water. Brunel University London and waste management firm Mission Resources have teamed up to develop an innovative, low-temperature pyrolysis treatment which would take place in self-contained Home Energy Recovery Units (HERU). Pyrolysis is a low carbon heating process and can be […]

EU clears purchase of ABB’s power cable business

The European Commission has cleared the proposed purchase of ABB’s €836 million (£713m) high voltage power cable business by NKT Cables. It concluded the merged firm would continue to face effective competition in Europe. In 2014, the Commission found the main producers of high voltage power cables, including NKT and ABB, were involved in a […]

Volvo’s new hybrid truck could slash emissions by 30%

Volvo’s first hybrid vehicle designed for long haul journeys could slash fuel consumption and emissions by 30%. The Volvo Concept Truck uses a hybrid powertrain to store energy when driving downhill or braking, which is then used to power the vehicle in electric mode on flat roads and shallow gradients. This highly efficient engine system is further aided by the truck’s aerodynamic […]