New nuclear build will lock consumers into higher energy bills

The Government’s plans for new nuclear power stations in the UK will lead to consumers facing higher energy bills for many more years to come. That’s the view of environmental groups following the approval yesterday for EDF Energy to construct a new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset. They are urging the Government to […]

Nuclear isn’t the only way to hit climate targets

The Government should not underestimate the “huge potential” of energy efficiency and renewable energy to meet climate targets especially in light of the uncertainty of new nuclear power. That’s what WWF believes in response to today’s Energy and Climate Change Committee’s report, which suggested new nuclear power stations are essential if the UK is to […]

UK could be ‘major power’ for green innovation

Britain could be a “major power” for innovation in the green industry but those with new creations still struggle to get accepted. That was the message from the ‘Cleantech Innovate’ event yesterday held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London, which saw 40 different British companies showcasing their inventions to industry experts, potential investors […]

Gas sector not so gushing over Osborne’s strategy

The sector’s response to the Government’s Gas Strategy was less gushing and more of a trickle as engineers said they were “disappointed” there was no sign of new investment in gas-fired power plants. In his Autumn Statement the Chancellor George Osborne stated yesterday the Coalition would “ensure we make the best use of lower cost […]

Coalition “infighting” harming UK’s CCS chances?

The UK is at risk of losing ground in the race to develop Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), the technology which sucks carbon out of power stations’ emissions and stores it underground. That’s the warning from Dr Tim Fox, Head of Energy & Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Imeche) at the first day […]

Shale gas exploitation could ‘rebalance UK economy’

The exploitation of shale gas resources in the UK could help boost the nation’s economy. That’s according to UK engineers who claims around 4,200 jobs could be created every year over a ten-year drill programme. Dr Tim Fox, Head of Energy and Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said: “Shale gas has the potential […]

Are you an inspiring green innovator?

Are you an innovator ready to showcase your green technology to the nation? If so, a new programme is calling you to do just that. Launched by ecoConnect, a green industry business network, in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the ‘CleanTech Innovate’ event aims to present 40 of Britain’s “hottest technologies” which […]

Engineers fear electricity storage is losing out

Engineers are concerned Government support for electricity storage is “scant and ill-designed”. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers says new technology could be a solution to the unpredictability of renewable energy sources like wind power which are to play a key role in the new Energy Bill. It says the UK has the potential to be at the […]

Is liquid air storage the answer to unreliable wind?

Engineers believe they have found an answer to the unreliability of wind power: liquid air storage. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Imeche) is unveiling the unique new British technology in London tomorrow. The Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) takes electricity from the grid at peak times, such as on windy days, and uses it to […]

Engineers unsatisfied with Chancellor’s ‘piecemeal’ investment plans

The Chancellor’s plans to plunge £30billion into improving UK infrastructure have been criticised as part of a “piecemeal” Government strategy by engineers. It emerged over the weekend that George Osborne will present a spending package to improve schools, roads and power stations in his Autumn Statement, due later today. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers said […]