Ofwat encourages efficient decisions on water usage

Regulator Ofwat is encouraging companies to make more efficient decisions on water usage. In its new report published yesterday, it proposes to incentivise companies to choose sustainable and low-carbon solutions and encourage water trading. The regulator will also incentivise well-performing companies that outperform the controls they set out. Ofwat sets out price limits for water […]

London least car-dependent English city

London is the least car-dependent city in England according to a new report. The capital topped a ‘Car Dependency Scorecard’ study of 26 cities by the Campaign for Better Transport which examined how many options residents in each city have to get around by public transport, walking or cycling. Brighton and Hove was ranked second, […]

Arctic sea ice shrinks to lowest recorded level

The amount of ice covering the Arctic shrank to its lowest level on record this month, according to scientists at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). The US-based scientists say new satellite images show the expanse of sea ice fell to 4.10 million square kilometres on 26 August, around 70,000 square kilometres below […]

Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon found anti-fracking group

Yoko Ono and her son Sean Lennon have founded a campaign group for artists and musicians opposed to fracking for shale gas. Artists Against Fracking has attracted more than 180 members including Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, pop performer Lady Gaga and the film stars Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman and Gwyneth Paltrow. […]

UK scientists to cut energy waste in buildings

British scientists are joining efforts to cut energy usage in buildings using wireless technology as part of an EU initiative. The research project will enable buildings to use wireless sensors, which will record data such as temperature and humidity. Computer scientists at the University of Salford are developing a self-learning software, which will help make […]

China’s coal mine explosion kills 19 people

A gas explosion in a coal mine in China has killed 19 miners, Chinese media reported. The incident, which occurred in the southwest province of Sichuan yesterday, trapped around 50 miners underground at the Xiaojiawan coal mine where 120 miners were working. Reports claim around 70 people had been lifted out of the mine last […]

Coin-operated electric car charger hits Japanese streets

Normally you’d need spare change for a can of drink or a chocolate bar – but now in Japan, drivers could soon be scrabbling in their pockets to charge their electric cars. Vending firm Fuji Electric says it has created the industry’s first coin-operated fast charger for electric vehicles. Many existing electric car chargers around […]

Could marine energy power your firm?

ELN’s Sumit Bose asks if marine power could be the future supply for homes and businesses. Find out the answer at EnergyLive2012 this November.

£10m energy challenge will see “renaissance” of skills

A £10 million prize launched yesterday to harness marine power in Scotland could make the country a world leader in renewable energy. The Saltire Prize competition, funded by the Scottish tax payer, will pit four private companies against each other to see who can generate the most power from the sea. The devices installed in […]

Hurricane Isaac cuts power supply for thousands

Thousands of homes on the east of the United States were left without power this morning after Hurricane Isaac hit southeastern Louisiana late yesterday. US supplier Entergy said 409,000 customers were without electricity this morning after high winds sparked “extensive” outages across its power grid. Repair efforts were being impaired by the storm’s lingering high […]