https://www.theguardian.com/environment/energy Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voice en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 01:53:05 GMT 2017-12-11T01:53:05Z en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017 https://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.png https://www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/dec/11/energy-firms-say-price-cap-on-bills-could-hit-uk-roll-out-of-smart-meters <p>Big six also warn investment in energy sector is in jeopardy if firms are not allowed to challenge level at which bills are capped</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/oct/12/may-energy-price-cap-ofgem-electricity-gas-tariffs">Theresa May’s price cap on energy bills</a> risks damaging her government’s hopes of installing millions more smart meters in homes, two of the UK’s biggest energy companies have warned.</p><p>Giving evidence before the business, energy and industrial strategy committee , British Gas owner Centrica said: “We believe the price cap will damage the rollout of smart meters and may reduce the total number of meters installed.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/dec/11/energy-firms-say-price-cap-on-bills-could-hit-uk-roll-out-of-smart-meters">Continue reading...</a> Energy bills Smart meters Centrica E.ON Business Energy Energy industry Utilities Money Household bills Consumer affairs Energy efficiency Environment Mon, 11 Dec 2017 00:01:06 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/dec/11/energy-firms-say-price-cap-on-bills-could-hit-uk-roll-out-of-smart-meters Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo Adam Vaughan 2017-12-11T00:01:06Z https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/11/delays-causing-needless-exposure-to-dangerous-toxins-in-australia-advoates-say <p>A process to review air pollution standards for two toxins began two years ago but consultations are only just starting</p><p>Australians are being placed at risk by stalled government action on two dangerous pollutants mainly emitted by coal-fired power stations, environmental experts have warned. </p><p>Air pollution places a significant burden on the health of Australians, causing 3,000 deaths each year and a mortality cost of between $11bn and $24bn, according to the <a href="https://soe.environment.gov.au/theme/ambient-air-quality/topic/2016/health-impacts-air-pollution">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare</a>. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/05/traffic-fumes-in-city-streets-largely-wipe-out-exercise-benefits-for-over-60s">Traffic fumes in city streets 'largely wipe out exercise benefits for over-60s'</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/05/air-pollution-harm-to-unborn-babies-may-be-global-health-catastrophe-warn-doctors">Air pollution harm to unborn babies may be global health catastrophe, warn doctors</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/11/delays-causing-needless-exposure-to-dangerous-toxins-in-australia-advoates-say">Continue reading...</a> Air pollution Australia news Environment Coal Fossil fuels Energy Greenhouse gas emissions Sun, 10 Dec 2017 17:01:05 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/11/delays-causing-needless-exposure-to-dangerous-toxins-in-australia-advoates-say Photograph: John Millar/Getty Images Photograph: John Millar/Getty Images Christopher Knaus 2017-12-10T17:01:05Z https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/11/australias-transport-emissions-in-past-year-the-highest-on-record <p><strong>Exclusive:</strong> Renewable energy and proper climate policy are key to dropping emissions, carbon consultancy chief says</p><p>Australia’s emissions over the past year were the highest on record, when relatively unreliable emissions from land use are excluded, according to <a draggable="true" href="http://ndevr.com.au/environmental/tracking-2-degrees-fy18-q1">estimates</a> by the carbon consultancy NDEVR Environmental.</p><p>Greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise in recent quarters, with the most recent the second highest for any quarter since 2011, despite electricity emissions being driven down by wind generation.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2017/jul/11/no-wonder-the-government-tries-to-hide-its-emissions-reports-they-stink">No wonder the government tries to hide its emissions reports. They stink | Greg Jericho</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/11/australias-transport-emissions-in-past-year-the-highest-on-record">Continue reading...</a> Greenhouse gas emissions Climate change Environment Emissions trading Energy Energy Australia news Australian politics Sun, 10 Dec 2017 17:00:06 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/11/australias-transport-emissions-in-past-year-the-highest-on-record Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Michael Slezak 2017-12-10T17:00:06Z https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/09/agl-snubs-coalition-with-decision-to-shut-down-liddell-plant <p>Company outlines plan to replace lost capacity with a mix of renewables, battery storage and high-efficiency gas peakers</p><p>AGL has rebuffed pressure from the Turnbull government and confirmed it will close its Liddell coal-fired power plant, replacing it with a mix of renewable sources.</p><p>The decision, announced on Saturday morning, was widely expected, and the company had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/19/agl-says-keeping-liddell-power-station-open-beyond-2022-could-cost-900m">intimated a similar plan earlier this year</a>. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/19/agl-says-keeping-liddell-power-station-open-beyond-2022-could-cost-900m">AGL says keeping Liddell power station open beyond 2022 could cost $900m</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/08/liddell-power-station-five-extra-years-could-give-government-1bn-rehab-bill">Liddell power station: five extra years could give government $1bn rehab bill</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/09/agl-snubs-coalition-with-decision-to-shut-down-liddell-plant">Continue reading...</a> Energy Australia news Australian politics Energy AGL New South Wales Business (Australia) Environment Sat, 09 Dec 2017 02:26:36 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/09/agl-snubs-coalition-with-decision-to-shut-down-liddell-plant Photograph: Jonny Weeks for the Guardian Photograph: Jonny Weeks for the Guardian Christopher Knaus 2017-12-09T02:26:36Z https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/08/death-spiral-half-of-europes-coal-plants-are-losing-money <p>Air pollution and climate change policies are pushing coal-fired electricity stations to the brink, says a new report. Closing them would avoid €22bn in losses by 2030</p><p>More than half of the European Union’s 619 coal-fired power stations are losing money, according to a new report. As a result, the industry’s slow plans for shutdowns will lead to €22bn in losses by 2030 if the EU fulfils its pledge to tackle climate change, the report warns.<br></p><p>Stricter air pollution rules and higher carbon prices are set to push even more plants into unprofitability, according to the analysts <a href="https://www.carbontracker.org/">Carbon Tracker</a>, with 97% of the plants losing money by 2030. Furthermore, rapidly falling renewables costs are on track to make building new wind and solar farms cheaper than continuing to run existing coal plants by the mid 2020s.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/25/coal-power-stations-may-not-go-quietly-lobbying-louder">As the lobbying gets louder, coal power stations may not go quietly</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/18/french-reactor-repairs-generate-profits-old-uk-coal-power-plants">Polluting UK coal plants export power to France as cold weather bites</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/08/death-spiral-half-of-europes-coal-plants-are-losing-money">Continue reading...</a> Coal Fossil fuels Utilities Europe Business Energy Environment World news UK news Fri, 08 Dec 2017 07:01:35 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/08/death-spiral-half-of-europes-coal-plants-are-losing-money Photograph: Sascha Steinbach/EPA Photograph: Sascha Steinbach/EPA Damian Carrington 2017-12-08T07:01:35Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/08/malawi-blackouts-drought-hydro-power <p>Shire river, which generates almost all of the country’s power, has fallen to critical levels, leaving major cities struggling</p><p>Large parts of Malawi have been plunged into darkness as water levels at the country’s main hydro power plant fell to critical levels due to a severe drought, according to its electricity company.</p><p>The impoverished southern African country which relies on hydroelectricity has been hit by intermitted blackouts since last year, but the outages have recently worsened, lasting up to 25 hours.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/26/climate-change-creating-generation-of-child-brides-in-africa">Why climate change is creating a new generation of child brides</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/08/malawi-blackouts-drought-hydro-power">Continue reading...</a> Malawi Africa Energy industry Energy Renewable energy Environment Fri, 08 Dec 2017 02:47:35 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/08/malawi-blackouts-drought-hydro-power Photograph: Guido Dingemans/Alamy Stock Photo Photograph: Guido Dingemans/Alamy Stock Photo Agence France-Presse 2017-12-08T02:47:35Z https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/07/power-mini-nuclear-plants-cost-more-hinkley-point-c <p>UK government study finds electricity would be nearly one-third pricier than it would from plants such as Hinkley Point C</p><p>Electricity from the first mini nuclear power stations in Britain would be likely to be more expensive than from large atomic plants such as Hinkley Point C, according to a government study.</p><p>Power from small modular reactors (SMRs) would cost nearly one-third more than conventional large ones in 2031, <a draggable="true" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/small-modular-reactors-techno-economic-assessment">the report found</a>, because of reduced economies of scale and the costs of deploying first-of-a-kind technology.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/07/power-mini-nuclear-plants-cost-more-hinkley-point-c">Continue reading...</a> Nuclear power Energy Environment UK news Nuclear waste Energy industry Business Thu, 07 Dec 2017 15:30:54 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/07/power-mini-nuclear-plants-cost-more-hinkley-point-c Photograph: EDF Energy/PA Photograph: EDF Energy/PA Adam Vaughan 2017-12-07T15:30:54Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/07/alaska-republican-tax-bill-oil-gas-drilling <p>The Senate tax bill could prise open the vast Arctic national wildlife refuge to oil and gas drilling, and the Gwich’in fear they could be erased from their home </p><p>For tribal people in northern Alaska, a Republican tax overhaul that was hastily cobbled together in congressional backrooms 3,000 miles away has raised fears that their entire way of life could be erased from this frigid corner of the US.</p><p>The Senate’s tax bill may land a decisive blow in a 30-year environmental battle over the Arctic national wildlife refuge, a vast untrammeled area hailed as America’s Serengeti by conservationists, by finally prising open the wilderness to oil and gas drilling. The region’s Gwich’in people fret that their primary food source, caribou, may be lost, and with it the future of the tribe itself.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/05/selling-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-cherished-landscape-grievous-mistake">Selling this cherished Arctic landscape to the highest bidder is a grievous mistake | Trip Van Noppen</a> </p><p>We used to go trick-or-treating in the snow in Fort Yukon and this year there was no snow in October</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/04/president-trump-decimate-bears-ears-national-monument">President Trump, don't decimate the Bears Ears National Monument | Sally Jewell</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/07/alaska-republican-tax-bill-oil-gas-drilling">Continue reading...</a> Alaska US news World news Conservation Environment Oil and gas companies Business Oil Fossil fuels Energy Thu, 07 Dec 2017 07:00:04 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/07/alaska-republican-tax-bill-oil-gas-drilling Photograph: The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Imag Photograph: The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Imag Oliver Milman 2017-12-07T07:00:04Z https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/06/switch-to-electric-transport-will-not-lead-to-surge-in-power-demand <strong>Andrew Warren</strong> of the British Energy Efficiency Federation says that Rolls-Royce’s calls for public subsidies are unwarranted<p>You report that the defence firm Rolls-Royce has been lobbying for government funds to assist it to diversify into building nuclear reactors (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/03/mini-nuclear-power-stations-uk-government-funding" title="">Millions on offer to develop small nuclear plants</a>, 4 December). It is arguing that the switch to electric transport will “drive up future demand”.</p><p>The National Grid concludes that, provided that vehicle recharging is concentrated into non-peak demand hours, even large-scale electrification of surface transport requires an increase in electricity system capacity by around 15%.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/06/switch-to-electric-transport-will-not-lead-to-surge-in-power-demand">Continue reading...</a> Electric, hybrid and low-emission cars Rolls-Royce Business Renewable energy Energy Environment Travel and transport Self-driving cars Motoring Technology Ethical and green living Greenhouse gas emissions National Grid Energy industry Utilities Politics UK news Wed, 06 Dec 2017 18:53:30 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/06/switch-to-electric-transport-will-not-lead-to-surge-in-power-demand Photograph: Miles Willis/Getty Images for Go Ultra Low Photograph: Miles Willis/Getty Images for Go Ultra Low Letters 2017-12-06T18:53:30Z https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/06/iter-nuclear-fusion-project-reaches-key-halfway-milestone <p>After a series of set backs the international project is back on track, say scientists, giving tentative hope for a major new source of clean power by 2025</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/dec/02/after-60-years-is-nuclear-fusion-finally-poised-to-deliver">An international project to generate energy from nuclear fusion</a> has reached a key milestone, with half of the infrastructure required now built.</p><p>Bernard Bigot, the director-general of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (Iter), the main facility of which is based in southern France, said the completion of half of the project meant the effort was back on track, after a series of difficulties. This would mean that power could be produced from the experimental site from 2025.</p><p></p><p>The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (Iter) aims to replicate the workings of our solar system’s chief source of energy: the sun.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/06/iter-nuclear-fusion-project-reaches-key-halfway-milestone">Continue reading...</a> Nuclear power Energy Environment World news Energy research Physics Science Wed, 06 Dec 2017 17:00:22 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/06/iter-nuclear-fusion-project-reaches-key-halfway-milestone Photograph: Courtesy of ITER Photograph: Courtesy of ITER Fiona Harvey 2017-12-06T17:00:22Z https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/07/is-this-the-end-of-the-road-for-adanis-australian-megamine <p>Australian and Chinese banks have turned it down, and analysts say Adani’s failure to secure funding for the Carmichael mine leaves it high and dry</p><p>Adani’s operations in Australia appear to be hanging on by a thread, as activists prove effective at undermining the company’s chances of getting the finance it needs.</p><p>China seems to have ruled out funding for the mine, which means it’s not just Adani’s proposed Carmichael coalmine that is under threat, but also its existing Abbot Point coal terminal, which sits near Bowen, behind the Great Barrier Reef.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/27/queensland-election-how-adani-helped-undo-the-lnps-push-to-regain-power">Queensland election: how Adani helped undo the LNP's push to regain power</a> </p><p>One by one, each of the big four Australian banks ruled out financing the mine</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/15/profits-of-adanis-carmichael-mine-company-tumble-leaving-it-in-financial-peril">Profits of Adani's Carmichael mine company tumble, leaving it in financial peril</a> </p><p>Carmichael is now looking even more like the definition of a stranded asset</p><p>Nobody has built anything there because it is too remote</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/07/is-this-the-end-of-the-road-for-adanis-australian-megamine">Continue reading...</a> Carmichael coalmine Queensland India Environment Business Australia news Coal Mining Mining Energy Fossil fuels Australian politics Activism Environmental activism Wed, 06 Dec 2017 17:00:22 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/07/is-this-the-end-of-the-road-for-adanis-australian-megamine Photograph: Daniel McCulloch/AAP Photograph: Daniel McCulloch/AAP Michael Slezak 2017-12-06T17:00:22Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/06/korean-energy-firm-kepco-rescue-moorside-nuclear-power-project <p>State-owned Kepco confirmed as preferred bidder to build reactors in Cumbria<br></p><p>A state-owned South Korean energy firm is to take over construction of a troubled nuclear power station planned in north-west England, in a significant boost for the UK government’s nuclear ambitions.</p><p>Kepco has been declared the preferred bidder for the NuGeneration consortium, which looked doomed earlier this year after the Japanese owner <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/feb/14/toshiba-fuels-crisis-fears-delays-earnings-writedown-nuclear-westinghouse">Toshiba was hit by writedowns</a> and the eventual <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/29/toshiba-nuclear-westinghouse-bankruptcy-us-uk">bankruptcy of its US nuclear subsidiary</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/25/foreign-firms-flock-to-build-nuclear-plants-in-uk">Foreign companies flock to build nuclear plants in the UK</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/01/chinese-firm-behind-essex-nuclear-plant-refuses-to-reveal-security-information">Chinese firm behind Essex nuclear plant refuses to reveal security information</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/06/korean-energy-firm-kepco-rescue-moorside-nuclear-power-project">Continue reading...</a> Energy industry Business Nuclear power UK news Energy Environment South Korea Wed, 06 Dec 2017 14:45:32 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/06/korean-energy-firm-kepco-rescue-moorside-nuclear-power-project Photograph: NuGeneration Limited/PA Photograph: NuGeneration Limited/PA Adam Vaughan 2017-12-06T14:45:32Z https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/05/selling-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-cherished-landscape-grievous-mistake <p>Part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the largest US wilderness, risks being transferred to the hands of the fossil fuel industry. Join the fight against this</p><p>• Trip Van Noppen is president of Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law organization</p><p>The <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/arctic/">Arctic National Wildlife Refuge</a> is one of the last intact wild landscapes on Earth – and the largest wilderness left in the US. The 19.6m-acre swath of mountains and tundra is publicly owned and ecologically unique. Now, thanks to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/01/republican-tax-bill-immoral-violence">Republican tax bill</a> making its way through Congress, a part of the refuge we’ve long fought to protect risks being transferred to the hands of the fossil fuel industry. </p><p>History will judge the decision as an egregious error.</p><p>This is all for the short-sighted purpose of funding irresponsible tax breaks and subsidizing the oil and gas industry</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2015/aug/27/alaska-wildlife-sanctuary-obama-arctic-oil-drilling">The battle to protect Alaska’s great wildlife sanctuary | Rebecca Solnit</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/05/selling-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-cherished-landscape-grievous-mistake">Continue reading...</a> Environment Arctic Alaska US news World news Conservation Conservation and indigenous people Indigenous peoples Oil Republicans Trump administration Donald Trump Gas National parks Climate change Fossil fuels Energy Tue, 05 Dec 2017 14:55:23 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/05/selling-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-cherished-landscape-grievous-mistake Photograph: Getty Images Photograph: Getty Images Trip Van Noppen 2017-12-05T14:55:23Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/04/trump-bears-ears-grand-staircase-escalante-monuments-shrink <p>President signs two proclamations slashing protections for Utah monuments, representing a triumph for fossil fuel industries, ranchers and Republicans</p><p>Donald Trump was widely condemned on Monday for drastically shrinking two national monuments, representing the biggest elimination of public lands protection in US history. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/04/native-american-alliance-bears-ears-trump">'We'll see the battle lines': Trump faced by Native American alliance over Bears Ears</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/04/trump-bears-ears-grand-staircase-escalante-monuments-shrink">Continue reading...</a> Utah Public lands Donald Trump US news Fossil fuels Environment Energy Tue, 05 Dec 2017 01:34:44 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/04/trump-bears-ears-grand-staircase-escalante-monuments-shrink Photograph: Andrew Cullen/Reuters Photograph: Andrew Cullen/Reuters David Smith in Washington and Oliver Milman in New York 2017-12-05T01:34:44Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/04/poor-bear-brunt-beijing-coal-cleanup-with-no-heating-at--6c <p>Switch from coal to gas has left residents of towns around Beijing without heating after gas supply falters, reports <a href="http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/12/04/no-heating-6c-poor-bear-brunt-beijings-air-cleanup/">Climate Home News</a> </p><p>While middle class Beijingers breathe the cleanest air in recent winters, in Zhuozhou, a small city 20 minutes by train from Beijing’s downtown, residents are shivering through cold nights without heating. The reason: a five-year anti-pollution drive has forced rural areas in northern China to switch from dirty coal to the cleaner alternative. The massive retrofitting campaign has sent gas prices soaring while many are left without heating systems at all.</p><p>In two villages close to Zhuozhou’s high-speed railway station, on the city’s eastern edge, villagers estimate only about one third of homes have been connected with natural gas supply, while others say they are still anxiously waiting for the gas company to install furnaces. Their old-fashioned coal stoves were all demolished as the government intensified efforts to phase out coal use in rural homes.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/22/coal-power-plants-green-energy-china-india">Coal in 'freefall' as new power plants dive by two-thirds</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/04/poor-bear-brunt-beijing-coal-cleanup-with-no-heating-at--6c">Continue reading...</a> China Air pollution Energy Gas Coal Fossil fuels Asia Pacific Environment UK news World news Mon, 04 Dec 2017 16:48:46 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/04/poor-bear-brunt-beijing-coal-cleanup-with-no-heating-at--6c Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters Climate Home News staff 2017-12-04T16:48:46Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/03/mini-nuclear-power-stations-uk-government-funding <p>Up to £100m expected to be announced in effort to make UK leader in technology and provide fresh source of clean power</p><p>Ministers are expected to back the first generation of small nuclear power stations in Britain with tens of millions of pounds this week, in an attempt to give the UK a competitive edge on the technology and provide a new source of clean power.</p><p>Rolls-Royce and a host of US and Chinese companies have been lobbying and waiting for the support since George Osborne <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/nov/24/mini-nuclear-reactors-answer-to-climate-change-crisis">first promised them a share of £250m two years ago</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/03/mini-nuclear-power-stations-uk-government-funding">Continue reading...</a> Energy industry Nuclear power Energy Business Utilities Environment UK news Sun, 03 Dec 2017 15:43:07 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/03/mini-nuclear-power-stations-uk-government-funding Photograph: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images Photograph: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images Adam Vaughan Energy correspondent 2017-12-03T15:43:07Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/01/sicilians-take-aim-at-oil-monster-they-blame-for-childrens-birth-defects <p>Italy’s biggest oil firm is accused of polluting an area where experts found more toxic substance than water in the sea </p><p>Everyone in the Sicilian town of Gela knows someone who has been hit by the health crisis that has gripped the town for decades.</p><p>Mortality rates are higher than elsewhere on the island, and the town has an unusually high rate of birth defects, including the highest rate in the world of a rare urethra disorder.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/01/sicilians-take-aim-at-oil-monster-they-blame-for-childrens-birth-defects">Continue reading...</a> Italy Europe World news Oil Energy Environment Fossil fuels Pollution Fri, 01 Dec 2017 05:00:33 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/01/sicilians-take-aim-at-oil-monster-they-blame-for-childrens-birth-defects Photograph: Francesco Bellina for the Guardian Photograph: Francesco Bellina for the Guardian Lorenzo Tondo in Gela 2017-12-01T05:00:33Z https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/01/south-australia-turns-on-teslas-100mw-battery-history-in-the-making <p>Jay Weatherill marks the official launch as Elon Musk delivers on his promise to complete project within 100 days</p><p>The world’s largest lithium-ion battery has officially been turned on in South Australia promising to usher in a revolution in how electricity is produced and stored.</p><p>Tesla boss Elon Musk has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/07/tesla-to-build-worlds-biggest-lithium-ion-battery-in-south-australia">made good on his promise</a> to build the 100-megawatt facility on deadline or provide it free <a href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=3&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiriJS---fXAhVCE7wKHYb5CJ4QFgg2MAI&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Faustralia-news%2F2016%2Fsep%2F28%2Fsouth-australia-braces-for-storm-that-could-be-most-severe-in-50-years&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LJ7uV6zSwesiVvYg_2E4C">after blackouts last year </a>that critics of the state’s Labor government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/sep/29/south-australia-blackout-explained-renewables-not-to-blame">blamed on pro-renewable policies</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/07/tesla-to-build-worlds-biggest-lithium-ion-battery-in-south-australia">Tesla to build world's biggest lithium ion battery in South Australia</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/01/south-australia-turns-on-teslas-100mw-battery-history-in-the-making">Continue reading...</a> South Australia Energy Elon Musk Tesla Jay Weatherill Australia news Energy World news Fri, 01 Dec 2017 04:24:06 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/01/south-australia-turns-on-teslas-100mw-battery-history-in-the-making Photograph: HANDOUT/Reuters Photograph: HANDOUT/Reuters Australian Associated Press 2017-12-01T04:24:06Z https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/29/how-to-catch-wind-turbine-syndrome-by-hearing-about-it-and-then-worrying <p>Social anxiety over new technology have a long history. This panic has caused major delays in driving renewables in Australia</p><p>Renewable energy is front and centre of global hopes of avoiding existential threats from climate change. Yet Australia has no commissioner for climate change, but we do have a windfarm commissioner.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/12/dr-onthemoons-self-diagnosis-windfarm-syndrome-check-list">Dr Onthemoon's self diagnosis windfarm syndrome check list! | First Dog on the Moon</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/10/people-who-blame-sickness-on-windfarms-may-be-bypassing-doctor">People who blame sickness on windfarms 'may be bypassing doctor'</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/29/how-to-catch-wind-turbine-syndrome-by-hearing-about-it-and-then-worrying">Continue reading...</a> Renewable energy Energy Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:13:59 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/29/how-to-catch-wind-turbine-syndrome-by-hearing-about-it-and-then-worrying Photograph: Angela Harper/AAP Photograph: Angela Harper/AAP Simon Chapman 2017-11-29T00:13:59Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/28/shell-doubles-green-spending-vows-halve-carbon-footprint <p>Anglo-Dutch giant to spend $2bn on wind power, biofuels and electric cars as it bows to shareholder pressure by setting new company climate change target</p><p>Shell has doubled its spending on clean power and bowed to shareholder pressure by promising to halve the carbon footprint of the energy it sells by 2050, as the oil giant said it was stepping up its ambitions on green energy.</p><p>The Anglo Dutch firm is increasing capital expenditure for its new energies division, to $1bn-$2bn (£750m to £1.5bn) a year for 2018-2020, up from a previous plan of up to $1bn a year by 2020.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/oct/18/shell-to-open-electric-vehicle-charging-points-at-uk-petrol-stations">Shell to open electric vehicle charging points at UK petrol stations</a> </p><p></p><p>The 2015 Paris climate agreement is the first truly global deal to tackle climate change. It commits governments to limit temperature rises to no more than 2C – which scientists say is the threshold of safety, beyond which the effects of global warming are likely to become catastrophic and irreversible – &nbsp;and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C. It has been signed by 197 countries. The US is on course to become the only country outside the agreement if it follows through on President Donald Trump’s vow to leave.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/28/shell-doubles-green-spending-vows-halve-carbon-footprint">Continue reading...</a> Royal Dutch Shell Renewable energy Business Energy Environment Oil Oil and gas companies Commodities Energy industry Wind power Biofuels Carbon footprints Greenhouse gas emissions Climate change Ethical and green living Tue, 28 Nov 2017 11:18:35 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/28/shell-doubles-green-spending-vows-halve-carbon-footprint Photograph: Alamy Photograph: Alamy Adam Vaughan 2017-11-28T11:18:35Z