Techniques developed by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London could help provide raw materials needed for sustainable alternatives to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

A handful of critical chemical elements, including lithium, cobalt and graphite, power rechargeable batteries at the heart of everything from mobile phones to large-scale electricity grid storage.

Demand for these essential materials is set to grow as more countries move away from fossil fuels, and so will the environmental and geopolitical impacts of their mining and disposal.

Dr Maria Crespo, lecturer in Green Energy at Queen Mary, will be exhibiting her team’s work on future batteries research at this year’s Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, a free public festival of science held at the Society’s central London home from 2 – 7 July.​

“Moving away from fossils fuels is an essential part of any plan to transition to net zero,” Dr Crespo said.​

“However, if we continue to rely on lithium-ion batteries as the only option for fuelling our future, we are swapping one unsustainable, environmentally damaging resource for another.​

“We need to diversify our batteries, so we are not relying on one group of scarce elements for every energy storage task, and we need to think much more carefully about how we reuse our materials when their lifespan is up.”​

A 2023 review^[1] forecast that, by 2040, demand for lithium, cobalt and nickel in electric vehicle batteries would outstrip production, but that improved recycling could meet up to half the raw material demands.

Dr Crespo estimates that for the UK to meet the 2050 energy storage requirements projected by the National Grid with lithium-ion batteries alone, would require lithium equivalent to 14 times the weight of The Shard, London^[2].

But the critical elements used in lithium-ion batteries are relatively scarce. Lithium accounts for just 0.002% of the Earth’s crust and often elements like nickel and cobalt are found in geopolitically insecure regions or vulnerable ecosystems.

Last year, in collaboration with The Tyre Collective, Dr Crespo secured funds to transform particulates captured from vehicle tyres into components of sodium-ion batteries^[3], an alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

To be cost effective, alternative technologies like sodium-ion batteries, which have lower gram-for-gram energy storage potential, would have to be cheaper than lithium-ion to be cost effective.

Another recently patented technique^[4] is looking at how rarely recycled nylon packaging, and other plastics, could be converted into hard carbon battery electrodes at relatively low temperatures, reducing the demand for virgin graphite.

Diversifying our battery chemistry, and the sources of raw materials, can also improve the sustainability and efficiency of lithium batteries, which will remain important for high-energy uses.

Dr Heather Au, Royal Society University Research Fellow at Imperial College London and a member of the exhibit team is researching lithium-sulfur batteries made with waste from the paper industry.

“When we need to use lithium for the large amount of energy it can store, we can replace the critical cathode materials, like cobalt and nickel, with sulfur, a cheap, abundant and non-toxic element,” Dr Au said.

“We can produce these electrodes using lignin, which is a waste product of paper manufacturing that is, currently, mostly burned for heating.

“The advantage of using our technology for lithium-sulfur systems is that they are much lighter than conventional electrodes, which could increase the gram-for-gram energy storage potential.”

Visitors to the Summer Science Exhibition will have a chance to talk to the researchers behind the work and try their hand at making batteries of their own.

1. Maisel et al. 2023 A forecast on future raw material demand and recycling potential of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Resources, Conservation and Recycling –https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344923000575#
2. For reaching a target of 63 GWh of battery electrical storage in 2046. National Grid Electric System Operator, 2023, FES in Five, p. 10.
3. Material Matters exhibition shows new batteries and pressure sensors developed from tyre wear particles – https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/news/6520/material-matters-exhibition-shows-new-batteries-and-pressure-sensors-developed-from-tyre-wear-particles/
4. Upcycling plastic waste into high-capacity sodium-battery anodes – https://imperial.tech/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11601_upcycling_plastic_waste_anodes_pub_MAY24.pdf

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Phase one of the Energy Hubs project examined the infrastructure, long-term investment, and technological innovations that will enable commercially viable and efficient energy hubs located in several key locations in Scotland, with the potential to reach 35 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2045.

To realise this potential and capitalise on future export opportunities, the report recommends action including:

• Rapid investment targeted at next generation technologies and manufacturing processes to accelerate floating offshore wind
• Innovations in electrolyser technologies to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production while reducing system costs
• Development of highly efficient energy storage facilities with GWh capacities
• Optimising the integration of energy vectors within Energy Hubs, along with exploring further opportunities in alternative fuels and byproducts

Phase two of the project will continue to focus on the challenges of hydrogen and alternative fuels production while exploring the concept of a ‘Super Hub’. This will involve integrating several large-scale Energy Hubs to optimise their combined performance and achieve economies of scale, enhancing competitive export potential.

The Energy Hubs Project, which received funding from the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund (ETF) and matched funding from industry, complements NZTC’s ‘Hydrogen Backbone Link’ project, which demonstrates the feasibility of exporting 0.9 million tonnes of hydrogen per year from Scotland to Europe via a new dedicated hydrogen pipeline. Several large-scale Energy Hubs, housing the necessary facilities for hydrogen production and its derivatives, will be crucial to the success of the Hydrogen Backbone Link.

Darren Gee, Programme Manager NZTTP at NZTC, said, “As the European hydrogen market expands, Scotland has the opportunity to establish itself as a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen, positioning it as a major player in the future energy mix.

“The Energy Hubs project marks the formulation of an actionable plan for large-scale hydrogen production, underscoring the critical need for investment, infrastructure, and technological innovation. To address identified challenges, accelerating the development of smaller-scale projects is crucial. This approach will allow us to gain experience and establish a robust supply chain capable of supporting the pivotal large-scale projects necessary to seize this opportunity.”

The first phase of project has received support from partners including Altera, Crown Estate Scotland, EnQuest, Kellas Midstream, Port of Aberdeen, Shell, Shetland Island Council, SLB, Subsea 7, Verlume, Wood, Wood Mackenzie and Worley.

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Several factors, including a substantial uptick in the take-up of electric vehicles over the coming years are expected to put significant pressures on connections, both for at-home charging and out-of-home charging stations. At the same time, an increasing number of facilities with substantial power demands, such as data centres and battery storage facilities, are set to come online in the coming years.

As a result, many new connections are needed across the country, along with many hundreds of miles of power lines and associated infrastructure. This infrastructure must pass over and under numerous plots of land, owned by a similarly large number of businesses and individuals and with various usage restrictions, putting significant pressure on Designated Network Operators (DNOs) to ensure they have detailed and up-to-date information about land ownerships and rights

Tony Pratt, Head of Technical Services at TerraQuest, said, “Both long-distance high voltage power lines and short-distance infrastructure for new grid connections require the acquisition of, and new rights to be established, over land and, frequently, the use of Compulsory Acquisition powers. Obtaining these rights means having a comprehensive and up-to-date record of land ownership and any associated restrictions.”

He said that while HM Land Registry in principle holds a full record of land ownership in the UK, a single check at the start of a project is unlikely to be sufficient in the context of complex multi-year projects, where land ownership can change frequently and even be ambiguous or disputed.

“Land referencing needs to be an active and ongoing process, involving detailed research into the ownership and restrictions on the use of all land involved in a project,” added Tony.

“Without comprehensive and up-to-date intelligence about the status of land potentially affected by a project, there is a real risk of unnecessary delays in acquiring or gaining rights over land. When multiplied by potentially many hundreds of plots of land, the prospects of encountering costly issues rises substantially. This is a significant area of risk, given the urgent need to increase the speed of delivery of new grid connections.

“A comprehensive and detailed approach to land referencing, undertaken by specialist researchers is vital in ensuring upgraded grid infrastructure and connections are delivered as soon as possible.”

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Nuada, a UK-based carbon capture technology provider, has announced the launch of its pilot plant operation at Buzzi Unicem’s cement facility in Monselice, Italy. Buzzi, an Italian cement company with global operations, is trialling Nuada’s advanced carbon capture technology as a solution to produce low-carbon cement, leading the way in cement industry decarbonisation.

This pilot project marks a milestone in carbon capture innovation demonstrating the performance of Nuada’s next-generation technology within a cement manufacturing setting Nuada has developed an energy-efficient carbon capture solution by combining advanced solid sorbents named Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with a mature vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) process. This innovative, electrically powered system separates CO₂ from industrial flue gases using pressure instead of heat and offers a promising approach to overcoming the energy, cost, and integration challenges associated with deploying traditional carbon capture solutions in industry.

“We are deploying the most energy-efficient carbon capture technology developed to date, a solution that redefines the decarbonisation landscape for hard-to-abate sectors like cement,” said Dr. Conor Hamill, Co-CEO of Nuada. Dr. Jose Casaban, Co-CEO of Nuada added “This plant demonstrates the robustness, scalability and game-changing benefits of our innovative capture system. Together with Buzzi, we are demonstrating the future of carbon capture in cement.”

This MOF-based VPSA carbon capture plant is fully operational now, capturing 1 tonne of CO₂ per day from cement flue gas. The project is backed by the Global Concrete and Cement Association (GCCA) and was initiated through GCCA’s Innovandi Open Challenge programme, an initiative that fosters collaborations between major cement producers and innovative technology providers to decarbonise cement production. The cement sector currently accounts for 7% of global carbon emissions, and according to the GCCA’s Net Zero Roadmap, carbon capture is the main decarbonisation lever.

“Our company has always been at the forefront of technology and search for innovative solutions” said Luigi Buzzi, CTO at Buzzi. “We are excited to host Nuada’s advanced carbon capture technology and start the pilot test campaign in Monselice: we look forward to confirm the high expectations that Nuada technology can play a leading role in the cement industry’s decarbonization journey”

Buzzi confirms his willingness to delve deeper into this and other technical issues, to raise awareness among the community of the efforts made towards the ambitious goal of Net Zero, i.e. carbon neutrality, set for 2050.

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Over three days last week, a fleet of 48 EVs headed by Danfoss’ 17 metre E-lorry, lightly customised, rounded off an 800 mile e-excursion from southern Denmark to Le Mans, just in time to witness France’s eponymous 24-hour endurance race.

Composed entirely of electric vehicles, and starting from the engineering group’s HQ in Nordborg, the e-exodus was organised on a non-profit basis by GodEnergi, suppliers of electric infrastructure to operators of heavy transport.

Dispelling range anxiety, and shattering EV myths slowing the electrification of Europe’s heaviest shifters of road freight, were motivators for the e-expedition.

Truckers urged to Lego of their prejudices

“48% of trucks in Denmark drive less than 300 kilometers (190 miles) per day.  And 62% of all HGV journeys across the EU are under 400km/250 miles”, Torben Christensen, Danfoss’ head of sustainability explained.

“We see neither technological nor practical barriers to converting (road freight) to fully electric trucks”, he continued, citing the International Energy Agency’s figure that trucks & heavy transport emitted 1.776 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2020. Yet 45% of all goods transported by road in Europe travel less than 300km.

From Nordborg, the amp-happy motorists crossed into Germany, reaching the Netherlands for an overnight stop.

“For a large number of journeys, there’s no reason for range anxiety”, said Christensen. “And electrification of heavy transport will make a significant contribution to the green transition.”

All aspects of the e-effusion functioned on amps and coulombs. Truckers relied on power from the EVs for their overnight stays, including barbecuing meat on electric grills.

Lurking amid the Lurpak, one or two drivers breakfasted the next morning on Danissssshhh fried “bacon og æg”. Translation available here.

The E-expedition pushed south into Belgium and then to Le Mans, south-west of Paris.

“We are 115 participants who love motorsport and cars”, said Jan Darville, GodEnergi’s CEO, speaking with e-ebullience.

“At the same time we want to prove it is possible to cover long distances in electric vehicles. The technology and the opportunities are there. We are pleased to be joined by Danfoss and their electric truck since their company is famous for their electrification solutions”.

Normally Danfoss’ E-truck serves internal ferrying only, carrying loads between the engineering firm’s factories and warehouses.

Chief among enhancements from Danfoss’ portfolio added to the 20-tonne truck included the firm’s ED3 onboard charger and power supply, as fitted to Volvo’s electric trucks.  The device speeds overnight charging from standard AC mains, a key enabler in electrifying heavy road transport. The ED3’s 43 kW rating allows recharging within 9 hours from conventional C sockets. Capital costs to truck stop operators can thus be minimised.

The ED3 also acts drives power-consuming auxiliary functions such as refrigeration in trailers and compactors on refuse trucks.

“For best productivity, charging infrastructure should be established at locations such as freight terminals, so that loading time is equal to charging time”, Christensen went on.

Aarhus, in the middle of our street

As Jerry Garcia og Bob Weir sang – though not in Danish – in “de Taknemmelig Død’’’s anthemic song ‘Trucking’;

“Sikke en lang, mærkelig tur det har været!” / “What a long, strange trip it’s been”.

In other news in the European Championships 2024, Denmark kick off against England in their top-of-Group-C clash in Frankfurt on Thursday 20 June. Kick-off is 17:00 hrs UK time.

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The new partnership will allow Stagecoach to participate in the Capacity Market from October 2024, while looking at several other opportunities to support the grid and its energy transition goals.

The Capacity Market aims to ensure there is reliable electricity supply to meet peaks in demand, safeguarding against the possibility of blackouts if renewables sources such as those dependent on weather, are not generating enough. By participating in the Capacity Market, Stagecoach will support the grid when there is a high risk that a system stress event could occur whilst reducing the total cost of ownership from its fleet transition to EV through revenues earned by participation.

EV fleets are expanding at a fast pace in several of the world’s largest markets. This is being driven by governments and operators who are promoting electric vehicles as a key technology to curb oil use, fight climate change and air pollution.

As bus companies increase their EV operational fleets there are new opportunities to use this load not only as consumers but also as contributors to the power grid and its decarbonisation through the integration of renewables.

GridBeyond Head of EV Solutions Michael Kent said, “There are many opportunities for EV fleet operators to support the grid and become a key player in supporting the energy transition. We look forward to working together with Stagecoach and to start the Capacity Market programme. The long term contract it is a recognition of GridBeyond expertise and capabilities.”

Stagecoach Asset Management & Infrastructure Director Tony Cockcroft said, “We are pleased to be partnering with GridBeyond as we press ahead with our ambitious fleet decarbonisation plan. Using GridBeyond’s expertise in energy markets will enable us to get the most value out of our significant investment into our electric fleet.”

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“The upcoming election is a pivotal moment for the UK” said Rollo Maschietto, public affairs manager of the REA (in full, the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology):

Citing the REA’s 2024 manifesto, Maschietto explained that “tthe next administration will make decisions that will determine whether we meet our Net Zero targets or fall short”.

“The only way to ensure enduring energy security and an affordable energy system is by ending our reliance on volatile imported fossil fuels and moving to renewables and clean technologies, the REA spokesperson insisted.

The trade group  would work to have renewables and the transition to a zero-carbon economy as central topics in the forthcoming election campaign.

The REA is calling on all political parties to present robust, actionable plans that will drive the UK towards a sustainable energy future. It stood to work with all political parties and the future government to implement these plans.

Another trade body, BEAMA, which represents UK makers of power equipment & infrastructure, saw the election as presenting a stark choice for the sector.

“The next government has a simple decision to make”, its head Yselkla Farmer declared.   “Either create an environment for prosperity based on a successful green economy, or drive away billions of pounds of private investment and risk jobs with policy uncertainty and delay”.

Representing over 200 electrical manufacturers and innovators, the lobbyist called on Sunak or his replacement to prioritise:

1. Investing in grid capacity – The UK will need a larger electrical grid to connect the renewable generators, heat pumps, EV charge points, and other low carbon technologies needed to reach Net Zero.
2. Securing the UK energy market, by disconnecting power prices from unstable international gas markets The result would be electricity tariffs suppressed, providing certainty & security for businesses & householders.
3. Levelling the playing field in heating technology– Removing the extra VAT paid by households opting for low carbon heating technologies, would make Net Zero the most affordable choice.
4. Getting Smart Metering right – A more dynamic electricity system, low in carbon, would follow if consumers get access to real time consumption data. Completing Britain’s roll-out of smart meters would the nation doesn’t fall behind our continental neighbours

“Whoever wins the election”, BEAMA’s Farmer added, “they will need to prioritise a stable policy environment. Clarity from the government allows the innovative, high-impact solutions from industry, tackle the structural challenges in building a low cost, low carbon and secure energy system.”

For business energy supplier nPower, chief operating officer Anthony Ainsworth also called for certainty. “This needs to be a pro-business, energy-focussed election”, he said.

Ainsworth cited nPower’s two most recent Business Energy Tracker reports. These  showed how businesses wanted significantly more government support to invest in energy reduction measures, in order to better manage demand, reduce emissions and reinvest in operations.

“These are requirements we have long campaigned for”, said the nPower boss. “They need to be a key priority for the next government.

“Commercial energy users also want a modern, sustainable and secure system that supports their long-term Net Zero ambitions”,  Ainsworth went on.

“Without business investment, many of our energy and net zero goals won’t be possible, so supporting business is supporting economic growth, employment and national prosperity”.

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Numerous, interlocking dimensions of improvement are flagged as necessary in the ENA’s Energy Innovation Atlas, a report developed by consultants LCP Delta.

LCP Delta interviewed 300 industry representatives for their views on innovation needed to achieve Net Zero. The study sought input on five key pillars of innovation;

• developing assets and infrastructure,
• facilitating digitalisation,
• managing assets and optimising systems,
• meeting customers’ needs, and
• attracting talent and investment

Over eight workshops and associated online consultations, LCP Delta and the ENA explored these key pillars to identify 24 innovation ‘way points’, characterised by knotty challenges, all requiring a vision on managers’ change of mindset and skills.

Key findings from the report include:

• Developing by 2028 a supply chain that is fit-for-purpose, able to underpin an expansion I Britain’s transmission & distribution network, enabling radical transformation in their functions
• Better communication within and external to the power industry, supporting a ‘whole systems’ approach.
• Opening up access to markets access, welcoming in smaller innovators to fair and easy participation, as well as easing funding access to smaller players.
• Clarifying a workable definition of energy storage, and freeing its providers to operate assets more proactively it across the network, against a proposed deadline of 2032.
• Communicating better with customers and the wider public, ensure roles and their consequences in who and how Britain’s energy system must be decarbonised. New skills functions and data sets are required.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Tom Veli, energy networks head at LCP Delta, the ENA’s advisors, said:

“Energy networks are at a critical point with demand beginning to increase rapidly as the low-carbon economy picks up further.

“This means that operators are facing the challenge of rapidly developing their networks as they look to accommodate the surging demand.

“This monumental shift imposes extra responsibilities on the networks, particularly in respect of interactions with customers, with the industry, alongside regulators and policymakers. The industry must drive a concerted effort into delivering the innovations that are needed.

To access the full report, click here.

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Veolia has partnered with UK biotechnology startup, FabricNano, to apply enzymes to rocks to trial faster, permanent carbon dioxide removal directly from the atmosphere.

This decarbonisation innovation is part of a wider strategy from Veolia Group to “GreenUp” across the globe. Already a leading player in the research and development of environmental solutions, with 14 research centres worldwide, the Group announced that it would significantly accelerate its investments in innovation with an additional €200 million to design the technologies of the future.

Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a process that helps to address climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and permanently storing it in rocks. Veolia’s new ERW service utilises large particle basalt rock fines sourced from local mining operations. Once spread on land, these rocks react with the carbon dioxide from rainwater to permanently store carbon dioxide. One tonne of basalt rock fines can remove up to 300 kg of carbon dioxide, however this process can take more than 30 years.

FabricNano’s patented technology immobilizes the Carbonic Anhydrase enzyme directly onto large particle basalt, accelerating carbon sequestration timelines from decades to just a couple of years. With net zero targets fast approaching, this innovation could make a huge difference to global decarbonisation efforts in the next decade.

This year, Veolia will be spreading 30,000 tonnes of basalt rock across farmland throughout the UK as it begins its ERW decarbonisation operations. This landmark trial with FabricNano will see protein powder, containing the Carbonic Anhydrase enzyme, combined with silicate rock being spread on a stretch of farmland near Bicester, UK and run by Oxford Agricultural Trials (OATs). The trial uses locally sourced, larger rock particles that are a plentiful resource of nearby mining operations. Applying enzymes to speed up the natural rock weathering processes, this trial will incur less than 100 miles of rock transport to the farmland and consume no energy to grind up rocks. The aim is to prove the methodology for an efficient, scalable method to capture huge volumes of atmospheric carbon dioxide

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The Energyst is now published monthly, if you download the app you will be notified when new issues are available and also have access to our other titles, reports and latest news from theenergyst.com.

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A pilot programme launched today by partners The Crown Estate, the Department of Work & Pensions and the Offshore Wind Learning platform is designed to spin the wheel for offshore recruiters, by upskilling and empowering the DWP’s work coaches. The advisors can then direct jobseekers to burgeoning new career opportunities in the local offshore wind industry.

Eastern England looks out on around a half of Britain’s existing offshore wind farms. More are due.

The partners’ geographically focused pilot may be followed by national roll-out, ensuring local communities feel the benefits of Britain’s contested transition to more wealth-creating renewables and a greener economy for jobs.

Enduring skills shortages in green trades are a fly in ointment already polluted by decades of hydrocarbon-financed misinformation, science-denying newspapers relying on oilcos’ advertising and poor skills planning.

The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) last year estimated its members would need to fill 70,000 new jobs this decade. Currently employing 32,000 people, marine turbine chiefs thus seek an average of 10,000 new workers every year to welcome into employment, just to support their pipelines of projects already identified.

Very flat, Norfolk

Coaching employment advisors in ten coastal or near-coastal Jobcentres from Skegness to Beccles and inland, is the partners’ method.

DWP focus groups in November highlighted the challenges wind power employers face, regarding perceptions of how to enter the industry, and career progression in it.

The research showed DWP staff knew about direct roles, such as turbine technicians and constructors. They knew less, said the research , about support roles offered by operators in administration & commercial management, including among suppliers who sell to turbine operators.

The research’s findings highlighted a need to “train the trainers”, working to improve the advisors’ confidence in advocating offshore wind jobs to dole claimants.

For The Crown Estate, sustainability director Judith Everett enthused: “We’re thrilled to launch this pilot raising awareness of the many exciting offshore wind career opportunities in East Anglia and Lincolnshire.

 “Though the UK is a global leader in offshore wind”, Everett went on, “the industry faces challenges in our workforce which must be addressed urgently to ensure the sector remains competitive in the face of international competition. Through the important work carried out by coaches in the Department for Work and Pensions, this initiative will shine a spotlight on the local employment opportunities within the industry.”

Lauren Little at offshore operator Ørsted said: “It’s fantastic to see big players in the industry highlight the need for talent to enter the offshore wind industry.

“This programme is perfectly suited to highlight the variety of roles within our industry– from technicians working on turbines to behind-the-scenes employees in administrative and support roles.”

For the DWP, partnership lead Roger Matthews added: “We are immensely proud to be partnering with The Crown Estate. This programme will equip DWP work coaches with insights and targeted training to drive growth in offshore wind employment, a sector vital to the UK’s efforts to transition to Net Zero.

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Britain’s 29,000 schools need up to £5.4 billion invested in lighting upgrades and on-roof solar power generation, if they are to achieve the government’s Net Zero targets by mid-century, new research claims.

The figure – equivalent to 5% of all government spending on education last year – comes in a report from eEnergy, a commercial provider of energy efficiency services.  Its study accuses ministers of doing too little to help the nation’s primary & secondary maintained sectors meet the Net Zero goals overseen by energy ministry D-ESNZ.

“A catastrophic combination of increased impact caused by our current energy consumption, and rising operational costs for schools, has resulted in Net Zero energy infrastructure in schools being pushed down the agenda”, it charges.

The government budgeted to spend £107 billion last year on all public education, including universities, schools and colleges.  The Energyst thus calculates that eEnergy’s £ 5.4 Billion estimate equates to 5% of all public spending on education.

Around 70% of UK schools are still using outdated lighting, eEnergy’s study finds.   Easily switching out of fluorescent tubes & old-style thermal bulbs, then switching in LED devices, can axe bills for lighting alone by over 90%.

LEDs alone, eEnergy calculates, can save Britain’s schools as much as £2.3 Billion over ten years.

Ministers lag, still emitting more heat than light

Increasing numbers of schools now make their own energy on-site, whether via PV panels making clean electricity on roofs, or devices such as heat pumps. But eEnergy calculates asmuch as 30% of all energy generated on site is wasted, since that share is made during school holidays or at weekends.

The solution is on-site storage of clean power, the study implies, in forms such as batteries, now dropping in price.   

eEnergy says its own projects in practical energy efficiency look set to yield £102.3 million net savings for clients over a ten-year period.

It has worked with 840 schools to date, installing LEDs and solar panels, advising on efficiency measures and behaviour change by users.

In one year alone, the service provider says it has helped UK schools save £13 million, the cost of 5.4 million free school meals.

Replacing hot-running, wasteful bulbs with cooler, cheaper-to-run LEDs is also a revenue earner for many of England’s 300-or so volunteer-led clean energy co-operatives.   Local groups of volunteers affiliated to lobbyists Community Energy England or its Welsh & Scots equivalents, raise money in small sums from private individuals. The co-ops strike binding deals with schools & other public bodies, earning agreed revenue from savings or sales of excess generation atop classrooms.

Grant sources such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme offer cash for capital upgrades to boost efficiency.   But bidders greatly outnumber donors, and schools must compete with NHS- or council-managed presmises, such as leisure centres, swimming pools and hospitals

eEnerygy’s report quotes evidence that only 21% of the £1.27 billion handed out over the last two phases of the PSDS scheme went to schools, a 20% drop in value since the first funding wave in 2020.

“Cuts in school funding since 2014 have made funding projects aiding schools’ Net Zero transition unrealistic”, it claims

“Following the latest budget announcement, 2024-2025 funding is due to be 3% lower in real terms than it was in 2010. And the lack of available capital has been compounded by soaring running costs driven by external shocks to energy markets. These have  further depleted schools’ already tight budgets”.

Read eEnergy’s report here.

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Energy Systems Catapult was launched in 2015 by Innovate UK, the arms-length governmental body steering marketable scientific research.

The Catapult has since built a team of nearly 300 experts across energy technologies, including engineering, consumption, financial & commercial management and energy policy. It draws on sector-leading test facilities & modelling tools, as well as data amassed in more than 500 research projects.

Dr Cocker’s 28 years of industrial experience includes spells with innovators and some of the UK’s biggest energy companies.  In the past decade he chaired both the Energy Innovation Centre and the Energy & Utilities Industrial Partnership.

He said: “The Catapult has created an impressive track record helping promising clean technology businesses to bring innovative energy products and services to market.

“With just 26 years left to hit our Net Zero target, this is an incredibly important and exciting time. We are seeing companies aiming to transform the energy system, making the transition to a zero-carbon economy easier, cheaper, more accessible, and simpler for consumers.

“There are a host of economic opportunities that innovators – large and small – can seize as we make the move to Net Zero. I look forward to helping the Catapult team to support these talented innovators to reshape the sector.”

The Catapult’s chief executive Guy Newey said: “Tony will be a fantastic addition. He brings a wealth of sector experience and expertise that will help bolster our mission to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation.

Dr Cocker will step into the role previously held since 2015 by Nick Winser CBE. The departing boss said: “Energy Systems Catapult has come so far since it was founded. We have helped deliver economic growth, supporting hundreds of companies to create new products and services that will be key to getting us to Net Zero.

“In our work in Local Area Energy Planning or Warm Home Prescription, we have ignited a spark in the innovation space to create a better approach that benefits both consumers and innovators

Based in Birmingham, Energy Systems Catapult is part of a network of nine world-leading technology and innovation centres. It fosters collaboration between industry, government, research organisations and academia.

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Incorporating sustainability into your business practices means you can help to make a difference. Plus, doing this holds many benefits you might not have considered. Here are some actionable strategies you could consider if you’re a business owner wanting to invest in and embrace sustainability initiatives.

Assessing Sustainability Goals and Priorities

Setting goals is an important first step. Establish what you want to achieve both in the short term and long term. You could take inspiration from the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which cover everything from air quality to water pollution. It’s important to take a genuine interest in the sustainability movement and keep up to date with the issue. Understanding why it’s so important to take these actions is key.

Take a look at your existing business practices and assess whether certain areas require more focus to be more environmentally friendly. After extensive research, you might want to look into small business loans to fund initiatives that require upfront investment.

Implementing Sustainable Practices Across Operations

Look across the entire supply chain to establish where improvements can be made. Do you feel comfortable offering full supply chain transparency to the public? If not, why is that? And what changes can you make?

Often, supply chains are so vast that it’s tricky to track whether there is exploitation in an environmental or social sense. The more visibility you have over your supply chain, the more this risk is reduced. Consider whether you should switch suppliers or switch up your operations for the better. Consider aspects like energy efficiency or waste reduction, as well as internal company schemes and processes you can implement. You might introduce a cycle-to-work scheme, for instance.

Engaging Stakeholders and Building Partnerships

Who you engage with is an extension of your image. Make sure you only liaise with businesses that align with your values, otherwise, customers will lose respect for you and may struggle to trust your true intentions.

Where possible, collaborate with other stakeholders that will help you in your mission to embrace more sustainable practices. You could work with small businesses, charities and local organisations that reflect your values, for instance.

Measuring Impact and Reporting Progress

The way you report on your progress will be a big part of holding yourself accountable. After forming goals, you can use more specific performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess your performance. You can then share your results with stakeholders and the public to instil trust and authenticity.

The post Investing in sustainability: strategies for UK businesses appeared first on theenergyst.com.

From investor demands to customer expectations, there’s growing pressure to demonstrate a commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. But how can you effectively translate those intentions into action?

This is where digitalisation comes in. By embracing digital tools and technologies, your ESG-focused business can unlock a range of benefits that not only enhance their environmental and social impact but also strengthen its overall operations.

What is ESG?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance.

It’s a framework that assesses a company’s commitment to operating in a way that protects its people and the planet. This includes factors like reducing their environmental impact, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and maintaining strong ethical practices. While ESG offers societal and environmental benefits, it can also help you attract investors, retain talent, and build a strong reputation.

Here are the top five advantages of digitalisation for businesses prioritising ESG:

Enhanced data management and reporting

Accurate and transparent data is the cornerstone of effective ESG reporting. Digitalisation allows businesses to gather, analyse and store ESG data efficiently.

Cloud-based platforms can centralise information on everything from your energy consumption and waste generation to employee diversity and community engagement. This not only simplifies reporting but also improves data quality and consistency.

Operational efficiency and cost reduction

Digitalisation can significantly improve operational efficiency, leading to a reduced environmental footprint. Smart building technologies can optimise energy usage in offices and factories. Additionally, the UK government’s recent push for tax e-invoicing is another example.

By implementing tax e-invoicing systems, businesses can streamline processes, eliminate paper waste, and potentially benefit from tax deductions. This not only reduces costs but also contributes to environmental benefits.

Improved stakeholder engagement

Digital tools like social media and online reporting platforms can foster greater transparency and communication with stakeholders, whether they’re investors, employees or clients and customers.

You can share ESG initiatives as well as progress on sustainability goals, allowing stakeholders to stay informed and potentially participate in ESG efforts.

Risk management and resilience

Digitalisation empowers you to proactively identify and manage ESG-related risks.

Supply chain management software can help track ethical sourcing practices and identify potential environmental violations within supplier networks. Additionally, data analytics tools can be used to assess climate-change risks and implement preventative measures, building business resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

5. Compliance with evolving regulations

The regulatory landscape surrounding ESG is constantly evolving. Digitalisation helps you to stay up to date with the latest regulations and reporting requirements. Subscription-based services can provide real-time updates on regulatory changes, ensuring companies remain compliant and avoid potential penalties.

Ultimately, the digital revolution offers a transformative opportunity for ESG-focused businesses to achieve real progress, build trust with stakeholders, and ensure long-term success in a sustainable future.

In today’s business environment, prioritising ESG isn’t just a feel-good initiative; it’s a strategic imperative.

The post The Top 5 Benefits of digitalisation for ESG-focused businesses appeared first on theenergyst.com.