Featured Posts
Negative electricity prices hit the GB market
One of the consequences of the energy transition and the increase in renewable generation on the electricity system has [...]
Ofgem provides further clarity on its proposed network charging reforms
Ofgem is in the process of reforming the way in which users pay for access to and use of [...]
9 August blackout technical report highlights issues with Grid Code compliance
Ofgem has now published National Grid’s technical analysis of the 9 August blackout. Much of the meat is contained [...]
Recent Posts
Through the looking glass: transparent solar PV
The speed with which solar PV has taken off has surprised most analysts, with the cost curve coming down far faster than expected as materials technology develops. When people think of solar PV, they tend to think about roof-top [...]
Breaking the ice with thermal energy storage
In the second article in my series on energy storage, I explore the area of thermal energy storage (TES), which involves the collection of excess thermal energy for later use. This and can be achieved through a range of [...]
CCS: is it all just hot air?
Last week I attended an Energy Institute debate on the subject “Meeting the Carbon Budgets – how “disruptive” technologies could be game changers towards a low carbon future.” The eminent speakers gave an overview of the challenges arising from [...]
Brexit: an opportunity for energy policy
It’s now been a week since the momentous decision by the British electorate to turn its back on EU membership, and the markets have responded with predictable volatility. The questions we are all asking, alongside the obvious ones about [...]
CAES…an alternative to pumped hydro?
Energy storage is seen by some as the Holy Grail of the energy markets, providing a low-carbon alternative to conventional generation for balancing systems with increasing levels of intermittent renewable generation. Over a series of posts, I will explore some [...]
New dash for gas….or not?
Over the past few years there have been frequent predictions of a new “dash for gas” in Europe, with many in the industry believing that gas is the natural solution to the challenges posed by the desire to decarbonise [...]
Escalating costs of black start grid support
National Grid has applied to Ofgem for the recovery of £113m it has committed under two “Black Start” contracts signed with SSE Fiddlers Ferry and Drax power stations in late March this year. Black Start provisions are incentivised under the [...]
Winter 15/16 in 3 charts
Last week, to little fanfare, National Grid published its review of the UK’s electricity and gas markets for the 2015/16 winter period. Despite literally dozens of reports in the press at the start of the winter warning of the [...]
Nuclear power: is small also beautiful?
In a recent post I outlined some of the challenges facing Hinckley Point C – the flagship next generation nuclear project in the UK. Various commentators have suggested that new nuclear in the UK has missed the boat since [...]
Stalin, eco warriors, and the truth about smart meters
When I decided to write about smart meters, I thought it would be fairly straightforward…explain what they are, why they are being introduced, what are the costs and benefits etc. What I have discovered is that the world is [...]
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