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A new report has set out how the UK can support the 'rapid and safe' introduction of fusion energy as the technology develops. Fusion is the process that powers the sun. A fusion power plant would combine hydrogen atoms to generate energy without giving off the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. The UK hopes to deliver the world’s first prototype...

Ofgem has launched a statutory consultation confirming their proposals to address a number of key harms faced by microbusinesses in the retail energy market as identified by their Microbusiness Strategic Review. Energy brokers help busy microbusinesses to compare the market and find a better deal on their energy. However, according to Ofgem, a minority of brokers engage in poor practices with...

Water regulator Ofwat has launched a consultation on the draft findings of their 2020 review of the bioresources market. Bioresources (or sewage sludge) are the semi-solid by-products of wastewater treatment. According to Ofwat, with the right conditions, a market for bioresources will help the sector to meet its potential to create economic and environmental value by enabling and incentivising: technological changes...

Almost one in four (24%) consumers plan to buy an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid in the next five years, according to new research. Ipsos MORI carried out the research on behalf of Ofgem, interviewing 4,608 respondents between June and September 2020 across England, Scotland and Wales. Three in four (74%) consumers to take part in the research identified electricity generation...

Ofwat has set out its early ambitions for the 2024 price review – sharing ideas on how the sector can meet the challenges it faces to deliver into the future. The water regulator is seeking to move the conversation forward around four goals for PR24: Increasing focus on the long term: The price review needs to deliver the right long-term...

Farmers and land managers across England are encouraged to apply for the Woodland Carbon Guarantee scheme by 9th of July, ahead of the next auction which will take place online between 26th of July and 1st of August. £10m will be available from the scheme’s £50m pot for farmers and land managers to create new woodlands to help tackle the...

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW), has led an independent review into the affordability of water on behalf of the UK and Welsh governments, unveiling their proposals to end water poverty in a new report. In line with common approaches, the review defined those in water poverty as spending more than 5 per cent of their income on water bills...

Publishing its contribution to the Government's consultation on Deposit Return Schemes for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Environmental Audit Committee has called for Defra to introduce an interoperable scheme throughout the UK. The Committee argues that it would be easier for consumers to understand and simpler for the drinks industry if the rules for deposit return schemes were consistent...

The Environment Bill has returned to Parliament today for Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons. Report stage gives MPs an opportunity, on the floor of the House, to consider further amendments to a Bill which has been examined in committee. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow commented: "As we build back greener from the pandemic, it is vital that...

New research from Quilter Investors has found that investors identify greenwashing as their biggest concern when it comes to responsible investing. Investments not being what they claim to be was identified by 44% of investors as being their biggest worry when it came to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing. This was closely followed by investors having concerns around these investments...