To help you keep up to date with this week’s events we’ve gathered together some of the top energy related news stories. You can follow us on Twitter too.

Reform needed in the UK power industry

The Climate Change Committee has confirmed the need for the UK’s power industry to revolutionise if it is to meet with climate change laws. The free market system currently in place is said to be insufficient for future needs, prompting the proposal for a new hybrid system. It also recommends an ambitious new target for cutting emissions by 60% (from 1990 base levels) by 2030.

Green Deal progress

The new Energy Security and Green Economy Bill was this week introduced to parliament. It is set to form part of the anticipated Green Deal focussing on energy efficiency measures in homes and businesses, whilst placing a legal obligation on energy suppliers to limit greenhouse gas emissions in their customers’ properties.

Renewable energy gets the thumbs up from Britain’s youth

Government research has revealed young people openly support the renewables industry. The report by the Youth Advisory Panel confirmed that 81% of the sample said that more onshore wind energy should be encouraged, whilst 94% said that they supported solar power.

This bodes well the future of the UK’s renewable industry and Good Energy’s pathway to leading the UK to be 100% renewable by 2050.

Cancun concludes

As the Cancun Climate Talks end this week, we take a look back at the highs and the lows. The talks have been overwhelmed with negative reports throughout, highlighted by the UN Secretary General, Ban ki Moon delivering a warning that governments are failing to tackle climate change effectively. The latest onslaught of revelations by WikiLeaks, claims that EU President Herman Van Rompuy predicted the failure of the climate talks. In more positive news, China has given permission for its emission reduction pledges to be independently assessed. Whilst Japan has announced the introduction of a new environment tax on fossil fuels, despite the country being subject to criticism at the beginning of the conference. Still global targets for greenhouse emissions have not been agreed with focus shifting to smaller scale agreements such as forest protection.

 

Sail power for the future

Commercial sailing is set to make a comeback after Britain’s B9 Energy have announced the launch of a fleet of hi-tech, carbon neutral wind powered ships. With the global shipping industry reportedly accounting for 4% of global carbon emissions it’s good to see wind power being embraced in a new and innovative way.

Transparency in the energy market

Consumer focus, Britain’s consumer supporter has announced that electricity tariffs cannot be listed on broker sites classified as ‘green’ unless certified by Green Energy Supply Certification Scheme.

This is great news for us at Good Energy as it is a cause that we have been campaigning for over a long period of time. Read our blog for more details