WOBO thanks edie for the links to a selection of energy related articles.
IEA forecasts huge acceleration of renewable capacity deployment through 2027
Globally, as much new renewable energy generation capacity will be installed over the next five years as has been installed in the past 20 years, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is forecasting.
The Agency has today (6 December) published its annual report on renewables for 2022 and this is the headline takeaway. The report looks at rates of deployment of renewable energy technologies in the electricity, transport and heat sectors since 2001 and makes projections through to 2027.
In the context of the energy price crisis, driven largely by skyrocketing natural gas prices due to major exporter Russia’s war in Ukraine and the global response, the IEA has tracked a steep uptick in renewable energy investment this year in many markets – from both public and private finance.
The report forecasts that renewables will account for 90% of global capacity additions in the electricity sector from now to 2027, with solar being the biggest growth area. It concludes that, by 2025, renewables will overtake coal as the largest source of electricity production worldwide. It concludes that utility-scale solar and onshore wind are the cheapest options for new electricity generation in the vast majority of national markets.
Report: Meat and dairy majors still failing to tackle deforestation, pollution and water risks
An analysis of 47 large meat, seafood. egg and dairy suppliers has revealed that 87% are failing to measure water stress and 60% are still sourcing soy for animal feed from areas classed as having a high deforestation rate.
The analysis has been published today (6 December) by the FAIRR Initiative, which convenes investors managing $70trn of assets in a collective drive for engagement with the protein sector on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
To coincide with the UN’s 15th convention of the parties on biodiversity in Montreal, which begins this week, FAIRR is using this edition of its annual analysis to highlight how many of the companies listed are extremely poorly prepared to align with the new treaty on biodiversity conservation and restoration which will result from the meeting.
“Investors are focused on material financial risks for companies, and a global agreement on nature at COP15 would see the intensive animal agriculture industry face increased regulatory, legal, tax and reputational risks,” FAIRR Initiative chair Jeremy Coller explained.
He added: “With the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations making a significant announcement at COP27, committing to develop an agricultural roadmap to 1.5C by COP28, we can be confident this trend will continue to gain momentum as companies adapt to the inevitable transition to a more sustainable food system.”
Onshore wind set to be permitted in UK regions where residents support development
In a major green policy U-turn, the UK Government will consult on whether national planning policy frameworks should be changed to make onshore wind farm development easier in regions where local communities would support new arrays.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced the decision late on Tuesday (6 December), confirming that the consultation will be open before Christmas and will conclude before the end of April 2023.
The consultation is being launched after dozens of Conservative MPs supported an amendment tabled for the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill by Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesborough South and East Cleveland. The amendment would result in an alteration of planning rules so that onshore wind development would become easier in areas with local support – similar to the approach that Liz Truss implemented for fracking. Development will still be restricted in National Parks, the Green Belt and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Outrage as UK’s first deep coal mine in more than 30 years approved by Government
The UK Government has approved planning permission for a new coal mine in Cumbria, near Whitehaven, after a string of delays to the decision.
Cumbria County Council initially approved West Cumbria Mining’s proposals for the project in October 2020. However, the decision was called in by the UK Government in early 2021 on the grounds of the potential climate impact of the use of the extracted coal. Ministers asked for a full assessment of the mine’s compatibility with national and international climate targets.
A decision was due from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in July 2022, but a delay was confirmed in light of Boris Johnson’s resignation. A new date was set for early November but, again, this date was missed. The Government then told media representatives to expect a decision on or before 8 December.
The Department has this evening (7 December) published its decision to approve the mine. Green groups across the UK have been expecting this decision in recent days. The decision document states that Gove is “satisfied that there is currently a UK and European market for coal and that, although there is no consensus on what future demand may be [in these markets], it is likely that a global demand would remain”.