Energy Secretary has the answers

ChristopherHuhne

INTERVIEW Tony McAuley asks Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne, who has been facing a tough fight for resources in austere economic times, if the UK is on track for a green future? In this economic environment,... Read more

Show me the money

showmethemoney

INVESTMENT UK renewables rebounded in the third quarter, driven by big North Sea projects, but Tony McAuley discovers that uncertainty remains a concern among investors Last year was a stark illustration of the effect that uncertainty can have on investment in... Read more

Sparking electricity reform

electricityreform

ELECTRICITY While there is still much that needs to be worked out in the government’s proposals for electricity market reform, developers would like Whitehall to get a move on, writes Tony McAuley The goals are ambitious and the government has... Read more

Good times, bad times…

fukushima

OVERVIEW The renewable energy industry is doing well globally despite tough economic times, but investment has been skewing towards developing economies. European investment has suffered, although UK renewables remain optimistic, writes Tony McAuley The renewable energy sector is somewhat schizophrenic.... Read more

Snakes, oysters and dragons

waveandtidal

WAVE AND TIDAL For the UK marine industry, it is all about backing the right technologies that will be commercially competitive from 2020. The sector’s proponents don’t want to make the same mistake as onshore wind and lose its early... Read more

Onshore wind: a little local difficulty

windonshore

ONSHORE The onshore wind industry’s potential has been held back by a sclerotic planning approval system. While local concerns can be legitimate, the debates are often characterised by ill-informed presentations and local government is prone to overreact. The Localism Bill... Read more