Black cab drivers in London are teaming up with InstaVolt, a leading rapid charging network, to advocate for a reduction in VAT on public charging points. The initiative aims to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and address challenges faced by drivers in adopting cleaner transportation options. Currently, nearly 60% of London‘s approximately 15,000 black cabs are zero emission capable electric taxis. The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), representing the majority of black cab drivers in the city, asserts that lowering VAT on public charging to 5% and enhancing acces ..read more

The latest data released on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) indicates a notable surge in applications, especially for grants toward Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) installations. By the end of March 2024, a total of 37,879 voucher applications were received, predominantly for ASHP installations, which accounted for 96% of the total applications. While there was a slight decrease in the total number of applications in March 2024 compared to the previous month, it marked a significant increase of 46% compared to March 2023. Additionally, the number of vouchers issued saw a modest rise in March 2024 ..read more

Tata Steel UK has announced its decision to proceed with a major transformation of its Port Talbot plant in south Wales, transitioning to electric arc furnace production. This decision follows extensive discussions with trade unions and formal consultations spanning seven months. The transition involves a £1.25 billion investment. As part of this transformation, Tata Steel will close its existing heavy end assets, including blast furnaces No.5 and No.4, by the end of June and September, respectively. The company plans to wind down remaining heavy end assets and close the Continuous Annealing P ..read more

A new report from the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) has put forward a strategy to address energy inefficiency in British homes. With over ten million households lacking adequate roof insulation, the ADE underscores the pressing need for action to ease the financial strain on families and reduce energy consumption. The report highlights a significant financial gap between energy-efficient homes and their inefficient counterparts, with the latter potentially being up to £900 worse off annually. The proposed approach outlined by the ADE aims to surmount traditional barriers to energy ..read more

New government statistics reveal Stoke-on-Trent now leads England in fuel poverty, with almost a quarter of its households struggling to afford heating, surpassing Birmingham. According to analysis by the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), Stoke-on-Trent now has the highest proportion of households living in fuel poverty at 24.7%, while Birmingham retains the highest total number of households affected, with over 105,000 living in fuel poverty. The data highlights ongoing challenges in vulnerable communities, particularly in the West Midlands. Adam Scorer from National Energy A ..read more

The global energy storage market is witnessing a significant surge, with deployments in 2023 tripling compared to the previous year and forecasts anticipate continued growth in 2024. That’s according to the latest report by BloombergNEF, which suggests China leads in installations driven by co-location mandates, while activity intensifies in regions like the US, Australia and Europe, supported by targeted government initiatives. Projections indicate substantial growth with a compound annual rate of 21% until 2030, primarily fueled by mandates, subsidies and declining costs. According to the re ..read more

Octopus Energy customers now have access to discounted meals at various restaurants such as Harvester and Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery, thanks to a partnership with Mitchells & Butlers. Through the ‘Octoplus‘ rewards scheme, diners can enjoy 25% off meals from Monday to Thursday at participating venues. Additionally, ‘Octoplus’ members can exchange points for cinema tickets, National Trust day passes and Octopus Energy merchandise. Moreover, customers have the opportunity to win free tickets to festivals like Camp Bestival and Wychwood Festival through a prize draw, with 12 pairs of tick ..read more

The UK Government has announced plans to mandate 10% of jet fuel used in UK flights from sustainable sources by 2030 and 22% by 2040. The UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate, subject to parliamentary approval and set to be implemented in January 2025, will establish one of the world’s first legally binding regulations. This initiative follows the world’s inaugural commercial 100% SAF transatlantic flight departing from Heathrow in November, supported by government investment of up to £1 million. This policy aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and foster economic growth, with proje ..read more

Arco, a UK safety company, installed over 2,300 solar panels on its National Distribution Centre in Hull, supporting its aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2045. The installation, carried out by renewable energy specialist Heatsource Direct, is expected to meet around 50% of the NDC’s power demand starting in May. With an estimated annual energy generation of 780,922kWh, the initiative is projected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 182,276kg per year. The post Arco goes green: Installs over 2,300 solar panels appeared first on Energy Live News ..read more

Leaders from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Moray Councils officially opened the NESS Energy from Waste facility, emphasising its role in sustainable waste management. Located in East Tullos, the plant processes around 150,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually from the three councils, with electricity sent to the national grid and heat supplied to a local district heating network. Operated by EFW Ness Ltd, a subsidiary of Acciona Industrial UK Ltd, day-to-day operations are managed by Indaver UK. Aberdeen City Council Co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “I am pleased the energy from ..read more