But what are nature-based solutions? How do they fit in with the road to net zero and the Paris Agreement? And what opportunities are there for the wider economy in embracing them? Osborne Clarke explored these questions at a recent webinar – the second in a series of Countdown to...

After more than a year of delay, the government released its " Energy white paper: Powering our net zero future" in December 2020. The milestone paper, the first of its kind since 2007, sets out how the government plans to decarbonise the energy system, deliver Boris Johnson's green industrial revolution...

Green heat subsidy scheme to close Ofgem has announced the closure of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (NDRHI) scheme to new applicants from 31 March 2021, subject to some limited exceptions with respect to replacement plant, tariff guarantees and extension applications. The scheme was launched in 2011 and provided subsidies...

Fund managers are looking increasingly to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into their strategy and operations. This entails a shift for many managers who need to consider the ESG risks and opportunities for their businesses and the outcomes they want to achieve. ESG integration is difficult because ESG...

ScottishPower's green hydrogen project to include the UK's largest electrolyser ScottishPower has submitted a planning application for a new hydrogen facility, which includes plans to build the largest electrolyser in the UK. According to the proposals, the 20MW electrolyser will be capable of generating eight tonnes of green hydrogen per...

The concept of a "smart" city encompasses not just its tech-enabled digital smartness but also sustainability and being green. As noted in our previous article in this series, it is essential that buildings are adaptable over time to accommodate new technology: the need to be environmentally responsible only emphasises that...

UK sees lowest recorded power grid carbon intensity on Easter Monday On 5 April 2021, the UK recorded its lowest ever level of carbon intensity for electricity use, with carbon intensity dropping to 39gCO2/kWh. Sunny and windy weather conditions paired with low demand for electricity was behind the record low...

Discussions on climate change policy are accelerating this year as countries prepare for COP26 which will be taking place in the United Kingdom in November 2021. The next few months will see a whole series of concerted actions around the globe in the run up to the conference at which...

At the end of 2020, the European Commission launched the New Consumer Agenda for the next five years. The aim of this agenda is to empower European consumers to make informed choices and play an active role in the ecological and digital transition wherever they are in the European Union...

Ofgem releases review of network charging reforms Ofgem has published a consultation on its minded-to position on network charging reforms, which looks at 'forward-looking charges' that will send signals to users about the effect of their behaviour on the network. The proposed reforms form part of a comprehensive review of...