Archive
Nuclear in the UK – what is the endgame?
With experts in agreement that low-carbon sources must play a role in the energy transition, nuclear power has re-entered the conversation. A cost-effective, efficient, and reliable option, nuclear has many potential benefits, but is it a case of too little too late for the UK? The sector has been in steady decline since the 1970s, with successive governments failing to follow through on commitments to invest in and build new plants. However, innovations like Small Modular Reactors could offer a new way forward.
The net zero problem with big tech: reporting reform needed to address real world emissions
The actions of Silicon Valley’s tech giants have an international impact, especially when it comes to sustainability. The big five – Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple – have all made pledges to curb emissions, reduce waste, and implement fair working practices, but are outdated reporting methods skewing the data? With accusations of greenwashing to contend with, it could be time for Big Tech to prove it is working to be a force for good, not simply part of the problem.
Onshore wind is back in the UK
In its first six weeks, the new Labour government has already demonstrated its commitment to championing the energy transition by reversing the de-facto ban on onshore wind that has been in place since 2015. The announcement has been met with positive feedback from environmental groups and renewables developers are already making moves to start building new sites across the UK. However, with an ambitious target to double the UK’s onshore wind capacity by 2030, is the government at risk of trying to move too quickly and setting unfeasible goals?
Exploring the new frontier of renewables beyond solar and wind
Solar and wind power have emerged as frontrunners in the energy transition for good reason, but relying on just two fossil fuel alternatives comes with risks. If the goal of achieving net-zero by 2050 is to be met, diversification will be essential. Not only will looking beyond solar and wind help to improve energy security, mitigate the environmental impact of renewables and offset any fluctuations in capacity, but it could also inspire investment and realise the myriad economic benefits that the energy transition has to offer.
The rise of the smart city
With 70% of the world’s population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, cities are feeling the heat. Faced with higher energy consumption, increased pollution, limited resources, and insufficient infrastructure, urban planners are being forced to find new ways to harness the power of renewable energy and smart technology to mitigate these negative effects. Smart cities around the world are modelling a different future, adopting sensors, electric vehicles, hydroponic farming, and more to protect their inhabitants and take a proactive role in the fight against climate change.
US election: Is Biden’s massive clean energy programme under threat from Trump?
With just four months to go until the US election, the Republicans and Democrats could not be further apart when it comes to their views on clean energy and climate change. Depending on whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris enters the White House, Joe Biden’s programme of policies could be continued or scrapped and reversed entirely. The next four years are crucial for the fight against climate change, and the result of the upcoming election may materially impact not only the US, but the world.
Labour’s GB Energy: what is it and can it work?
With the new Labour government installed in Westminster, it can now get to work implementing the ambitious climate and energy pledges outlined in its manifesto. Keir Starmer’s government plans to make Britain a clean energy superpower, driven in large part by the launch of a new publicly owned energy company, GB Energy. However, with a series of initiatives aiming to benefit both the economy and the environment simultaneously, the question remains: are Labour’s plans a pipe dream or a genuine solution to climate change?
Fund focus: Al Gore's Generation Investment Management
Former US Vice President Al Gore has been one of the leading voices in the fight against climate change for over 40 years. Since leaving frontline politics, he has turned his attention to sustainable investment with his company, Generation Investment Management. This climate-focused investment fund has built up a diverse portfolio over the last two decades, setting out to prove that system positive investment can benefit both the environment and the economy.
Cement and the road to net zero
Cement underpins much of the world’s infrastructure, but it is also the largest industrial emitter of CO2. In fact, cement emissions have increased by 10% since 2015. While academics and start-ups are identifying innovative ways to produce net-zero and near-zero alternatives, they are expensive, and rates of adoption are low. Intervention is urgently needed with governments, industry and investors joining forces to clean up the cement industry for good.
Decarbonising the grid by 2035 – two years on from the announcement, is it realistic?
Decarbonising the grid is a key component of the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050. In June 2021, the government set an ambitious target of 2035, but with no clear strategy, a lack of investment, and slow growth in both the production and storage of renewable energy sources, many experts are concerned that this is an increasingly unrealistic goal. Two years on from the announcement, is this target already beyond reach?
The state of play with hydrogen
In the search for alternative fuel sources that can decarbonise every sector of society, hydrogen offers a potential solution that could revolutionise manufacturing and domestic settings alike. It all comes down to the way it’s processed; some methods emit a substantial amount of carbon, while others offer net-zero – at a price.
Spotlight on John Doerr
A long-term investor and prominent voice in the fight against climate change, John Doerr is one of the most outspoken advocates of looking at environmental issues through a strategic lens. His book, ‘Speed and Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now,’ published in 2021, outlines 10 areas of focus, each with actionable and measurable goals, and provides an invaluable roadmap for policy makers and philanthropists alike.