News
News
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EC to investigate unfair solar panel exports from China
The European Commission is to investigate claims that Chinese manufacturers unfairly exporting solar panels into the region at a loss. Earlier this year, US authorities carried out a similar investigation culminating in the slapping of large import tariffs onto Chinese-made solar panels. China is now the largest manufacturer of solar panels, accounting for some two-thirds […]
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Shell starts quest for first carbon capture oil sands project
Shell has been given the go ahead to use carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology for the first time with the Athabasca Oil Sands project in Canada. The Athabasca Oil Sands project, which is venture between Shell, Chevron and Marathon Oil, will produce bitumen from Alberta’s oil sands and pipe it to Shell’s Scotford Upgrader […]
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UK government kick starts £13 million electric vehicle battery R&D centre
The UK government yesterday announced the creation of a £13 million Energy Storage RD Centre to focus on the development of batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles. The centre at the University of Warwick, with £9 million in backing from the government and £4 million from industry, will aim to capitalise on the growing battery […]
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UK small businesses failing to get to grips with energy efficiency
Small and medium-sized businesses in the UK are failing to take responsibility for energy efficiency in the workplace, according to research from energy company E.ON. According to the survey of 2000 professionals, only one in ten employees see energy efficiency in the workplace as part of their role and tend to ‘pass the buck’ to […]
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New UK Energy Minister promises to bring Energy Bill into law
In his first statement as the UK’s new Energy Minister, John Hayes has pledged to bring the Coalition’s controversial Energy Bill into law. But industry groups cautioned that Hayes, as a surprise replacement for Charles Hendry who has been closely involved in the bill, will have to get up to speed quickly with its details […]
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EU and Australia set out plans to link carbon trading schemes
The EU and Australia have outlined plans to link their respective emissions trading schemes by 2018. The Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet and the European Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard issued a joint statement saying that the link between the two schemes would allow businesses to use carbon units […]
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Obama approves “historic” fuel efficiency standards
US President Barack Obama last week officially signed off on “groundbreaking” standards that will take fuel efficiency to 54.5 mpg for cars and light trucks by 2025. The move will nearly double the fuel efficiency of vehicles currently on the road, saving consumers more than $1.7 trillion in fuel costs and reducing US oil consumption […]
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UK cabinet reshuffle casts doubt on “greenest government” pledge
UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s cabinet reshuffle announced yesterday removes high-profile ministers from the energy and environment departments. Energy Minister Charles Hendry has been ousted from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and replaced by wind power sceptic John Hayes. While the renewable energy industry may have concerns about the appointment of Hayes, […]
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UK building society pioneers efficiency tool for employees
UK building society Nationwide is working with the Carbon Trust to develop a online tool to help its 15,000 employees become more energy efficient. The Carbon Trust will develop a bespoke version of its ‘Empower’ behavior-change tool, which will feature virtual versions of familiar locations like retail branches and administration centres with energy saving tips […]
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Vestas in talks with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries over ‘cooperation’
Troubled Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has confirmed that it is “in dialogue” with Japanese engineering giant Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The two are, according to a statement from Vestas, discussing a potential strategic cooperation but no agreement has been finalised as yet. Earlier this year, the company was linked with Chinese turbine manufacturers Goldwind Science […]
Quotes
The cheapest kWh of energy is the one you don't use Delvin Lane, Head of Energy 360, British Gas