renewables

The scheduled rise in business rates on companies owning solar installations on their properties has been raised in the House of Commons, with shadow energy minister Barry Gardiner accusing the government of “sleeping on the job”.

German energy storage firm sonnen has set its sights on C&I customers with the launch of a new battery storage product geared entirely at commercial and industrial installations.

Fresh rumours of the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) being folded into the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) have emerged, with energy minister Andrea Leadsom doing nothing to dispel them during this morning’s House of Commons session.

Andrea Leadsom has reiterated the government’s stance on climate change policy following the outcome of the EU referendum, claiming the country remains committed to dealing with the issue.

The economic viability of commercial rooftop solar installations could be severely damaged next year under plans to increase business rates taxes by up to eight times the current levels following a re-evaluation of how these assets are valued.

The UK will miss its legally binding targets for renewable energy according to the National Grid, which has claimed the progress required to meet the EU-set goals is beyond what can be achieved.

Last week’s Business & Energy Summit in London presented a rare opportunity to gather global business leaders and national government representatives in one place to discuss climate change post-COP21. Solar Power Portal attended both days of the event and brings you the main talking points from across the summit.

Quercus Assets Selection has announced the successful debt financing of three UK solar farms after securing £13.6 million of portfolio level debt from Santander UK over a ten-year tenor.

Renewable energy companies and associations have unanimously welcomed this morning’s confirmation that the government has set the fifth carbon budget at the recommended level.

Following months of in fighting, confrontation and bitter debate, the UK is set to leave the European Union after Brexit drew 52% of the vote. It remains unclear at this early stage what immediate or indeed long term effect the decision will have on the UK and its energy market. However, there are looming question marks over a whole range of issues related to the UK and European energy markets as Alex Harrison, counsel at international law firm Hogan Lovells, explains.