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"The future's electric" says Huhne as Pylon Design Competition launches - 23 May 2011

 

Architects, designers, engineers and students are being challenged to rethink one of the most crucial but controversial features of modern Britain: the electricity pylon.

 

The competition has been launched today, run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for DECC and National Grid and calls for a new generation of pylon.

 

As well as exploring the design of the pylon itself, the competition aims to explore the relationship between energy infrastructure and the environment within which it needs to be located. The challenge is to design a pylon that has the potential to deliver for future generations, whilst balancing the needs of local communities and preserving the beauty of the countryside.

 

Chris Huhne said:

 

"It’s crucial that we seek the most acceptable ways of accommodating infrastructure in our natural and urban landscapes. I hope the pylon design competition will ignite creative excitement, but also help the wider public understand the scale of the energy challenge ahead of us."

 

David Cameron and Chris Huhne at DECC last May

Strong, independent regulator crucial for secure, low-carbon, affordable energy - 19 May 2011

 

DECC has today published the conclusions of two reviews that aim to support the delivery of energy and climate change goals by strengthening the way regulation is carried out in the gas and electricity markets, and improving delivery of DECC programmes.

 

The Ofgem Review proposes new legislation for Government to set high-level strategic goals that the energy regulator will play a part in meeting. DECC’s Delivery Review will result in increased accountability and help maximise value for money for the delivery of DECC programmes. 

 

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said:

 

“A strong, independent regulator will be crucial to building the secure, affordable, low carbon energy we need. Long-term certainty is vital too. We are proposing to set clear goals which Ofgem must play its part in meeting, so that industry and consumers know the rules of the game.

 

“Today we are also reshaping how our delivery bodies work for us, to ensure more accountability and maximum value for money.”

 

Fukushima

Chris Huhne welcomes interim report from chief nuclear inspector - 18 May 2011

 

The Secretary of State today presented to Parliament the findings of the Chief Nuclear Inspector’s interim report into the events at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan in March this year.

 

Chris Huhne asked for an interim report to consider any immediate lessons that could be applied to the UK nuclear industry. Dr Weightman will provide a final report in September this year.

 

In his interim report, Dr Weightman has found that the UK has displayed a strong safety culture in its response to Fukushima and current safety measures are adequate. Dr Weightman also said that is not necessary to make immediate safety improvements to operating nuclear reactors in the UK.

 

Chris Huhne said:

 

"Safety is and will continue to be the number one priority. I am pleased that today’s report confirms that the UK’s current safety arrangements are working. I want regulators and the industry to work together, so that we continue to improve our safety regime."

 

David Cameron and Chris Huhne at DECC last May

4th Carbon Budget: Emissions to be cut by 50% by 2025 - 17 May 2011

 

A limit on the total amount of greenhouse gases to be emitted by the UK between 2023 to 2027 has been proposed, to cut Britain’s emissions by 50% from 1990 levels and highlighting the Government’s commitment to being the greenest government ever.

 

Today's proposal, set out by Chris Huhne, is in line with advice from the independent Committee on Climate Change. It sets a fourth carbon budget of 1950 MtCO2e for the period that will span from 2023 to 2027, putting the UK on course to cut emissions by at least 80% by 2050.

 

The carbon budget will place the British economy at the leading edge of a new global industrial transformation, and ensure low carbon energy security and decarbonisation is achieved at least cost to the consumer.

 

The Prime Minister said:

 

"When the coalition came together last year, we said we wanted this to be the greenest government ever. This is the right approach for Britain if we are to combat climate change, secure our energy supplies for the long-term and seize the economic opportunities that green industries hold."

 

Chris Huhne said:

 

"Today’s announcement will give investors the certainty they need to invest in clean energy. It puts Britain at the leading edge of a new global industrial transformation."

 

Charles Hendry at the official opening of Staythorpe Power Station

Charles Hendry visits Smart Metering Centre and Staythorpe Power Station - 10 May 2011

 

Energy Minister Charles Hendry officially opened E.ON’s new Smart Metering Centre of Excellence in Nottingham yesterday, which provides a dedicated contact point for customers with smart meters.

 

Smart meters will provide consumers with near real-time information, enabling them to monitor and manage their energy use and will also play an important role in the UK's transition to a low-carbon economy. DECC published it's plans for smart meters back in March.

 

Energy Minister Charles Hendry said:

 

“Smart meters will play a key part in our move to a low carbon economy. The Government is determined to drive the smart meters programme forward, and I am very encouraged by the commitment of companies like E.ON to ensuring its success. The rollout will be the largest changeover programme in the energy industry since the introduction of North Sea gas over 40 years ago, involving visits to all households across Great Britain.”

 

Earlier that day Charles Hendry also attended a ceremony at Staythorpe Power Station in Nottinghamshire to mark the official inauguration of RWE nPower’s state of the art 1,650MW gas-fired power station.

 

Greg Barker outside the Telscombe Civic Centre

Greg Barker visits energy efficient projects in Brighton - 10 May 2011

 

Greg Barker was in Brighton and Hove yesterday as DECC prepares for the 2nd reading of the Energy Bill later today.

 

The minister, visited an eco "super home" in Hove that has achieved a 60% reduction in carbon emissions, and took part in a round-table discussion on the Green Deal at Brighton University, where he met representatives of the Chamber of Commerce as well as members of the sustainable energy community.

 

Greg Barker went on to visit Telscombe Civic Centre, which has been retrofitted to make it more energy efficient. The work has included installing a new energy efficient boiler and 54 photovoltaic solar roof panels. Telscombe's solar PV system is registered for the Feed-in-Tariffs scheme.

 


 
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