COP31 president-designate Murat Kurum has launched a target for 35% of the world's final energy to come from electricity by 2035, aiming to keep the 1.5C Paris Agreement target within reach. The urgency for renewables and electrification is highlighted due to the ongoing Hormuz crisis, with countries like the EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, and Ethiopia welcoming the target. This initiative focuses on electrification as a key action agenda to drive progress in reducing global emissions, particularly in critical sectors like buildings, transport, and industry. Financial support for developing countries and investment in grids and infrastructure are crucial, with the target aiming to triple renewable energy capacity and take advantage of falling costs. Turkey is also taking ambitious steps, planning to reach 120GW of renewable capacity by 2035, with the target expected to be central to discussions at COP31 to align global efforts and send a clear market signal.
Tag: UK
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Octopus Energy launches plug-in home battery
Octopus Energy has introduced the Nook range of residential battery storage systems, such as the Nook Cube and Nook Colossus, designed for apartment dwellers and renters. These systems are expandable in capacity and compatible with rooftop solar installations, with plans to launch in the UK in 2027 and expand to other European countries. In addition, Octopus has partnered with CATL to develop a battery-swapping network for electric trucks, with hubs set to open in the UK in 2027 and expand across Europe by 2035. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the advancement of renewable technologies in the transportation sector.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/07/octopus-energy-launches-plug-in-home-battery/
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UK to support new hybrid offshore wind that can slash deepwater costs in next auction
The UK government has introduced a new category of offshore wind for its upcoming auction, featuring projects with hybrid deepwater foundations that have the potential to reduce costs compared to traditional floating wind projects. This development could lead to more efficient and cost-effective offshore wind energy production in the UK, offering promising solutions for climate experts looking to expand renewable energy sources.
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UK study finds floating solar can generate hydrogen and save water on reservoirs
Researchers from the University of Exeter evaluated the potential for integrating floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems with green hydrogen production on UK reservoirs, specifically at Killington and Drift Reservoirs. The study found that hydrogen utilization for heat production offers the greatest potential due to fewer energy conversion losses. Maximum FPV deployment could generate significant amounts of electricity and hydrogen, while also conserving water through reduced evaporation beneath the floating PV arrays. This research highlights the potential for FPV systems to contribute to both renewable energy generation and water conservation, emphasizing their role in decarbonizing energy-consuming sectors in the UK.
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Countries rally behind electrification push as “powerful weapon” against fossil fuels
Governments led by the EU and the UK, along with COP31 co-hosts Türkiye and Australia, are prioritizing rapid electrification of the world's economy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet the 1.5C warming limit. UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the urgency of transitioning to clean electricity at a high-level summit in London, highlighting the need for clean electrification powered by renewables. The International Energy Agency and leaders stress the importance of upgrading infrastructure and financial reforms to achieve the electrification target of 35% of final energy demand by 2035. Whipps Jr., president of Palau, calls for faster progress in electrification through fast, predictable, and accessible investments to ensure the energy transition does not stall.
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Carbon Clean’s growth in India boosts UK manufacturing
Carbon Clean's expansion into India is creating jobs in the UK, with around 250 UK jobs expected to be supported. The company's technology captures carbon emissions in industries like cement, steel, and power generation, with its Global Innovation Centre in Navi Mumbai used for testing and refining its technology. Carbon Clean's international growth is expected to generate £83 million in economic value for the UK over the next five years, supported by the UK Government. The company works with various organizations to make carbon capture scalable, cost-effective, and accessible, aiming to advance industrial decarbonisation. For more information, visit www.carbonclean.com.
https://www.carbonclean.com/en/press-releases/uk-manufacturing
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Carbon Clean ranked among the world’s top GreenTech companies by TIME and Statista
Carbon Clean, a UK-based carbon capture company, has been recognized as the highest-ranked UK company in the World's Top GreenTech Companies list for the second consecutive year. The company focuses on developing carbon capture solutions for hard-to-abate industries and has advanced its modular CycloneCCTM technology through industrial demonstrations, capturing over 3 million tonnes of CO2 globally. Carbon Clean aims to make carbon capture scalable, cost-effective, and accessible to support the transition to a lower-carbon industry, showcasing its commitment to innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions in various industrial applications.
https://www.carbonclean.com/en/press-releases/carbon-clean-time-greentech
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Solar Energy Saves Europeans $135 Million A Day
Europe has seen significant savings in electricity costs due to the installation of solar power, avoiding billions in fossil fuel import costs. By deploying more solar, scaling storage, and accelerating electrification, Europe can reduce the role of gas in setting electricity prices and build a more secure and affordable energy system. Spain has doubled its wind and solar capacity, reducing the influence of expensive fossil generators on electricity prices. The focus on green technology in Europe has shown the benefits of renewable energy in reducing costs and increasing energy independence. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are setting new records for energy production in countries like Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, proving to be cheaper and faster to install compared to fossil fuels. Global energy investment is shifting towards clean energy, with more money going into renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, efficiency, and electrification, further accelerated by political decisions and global events, making them the dominant energy sources of the future.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/08/solar-energy-saves-europeans-135-million-a-day/
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Solar streetlights with AI could solve data center energy demand
ConFlow's iLamps are innovative streetlamp units equipped with solar panels, batteries, and a processing chip to create a virtual power plant network. The company plans to deploy half a million units in countries like Nigeria, the UK, and the US, offering AI power, communication, and data processing services. Local authorities pay for the compute-per-hour and power provided by the iLamps, generating revenue for ConFlow and offering benefits like carbon credits. Additionally, the lamps offer various intelligence services based on user requirements, such as weather data and sports performance analysis. Fitzpatrick's project involving iLamps with cameras and panic buttons adds a surveillance aspect to the service, which he defends as governments show interest in purchasing.
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DATA DIVE: Germany, UK lead European wind resurgence as capacity growth boosts clean energy prospects
In early 2026, Germany and the UK have experienced a resurgence in wind electricity generation, defying predictions of a coal rebound. Despite surging gas prices, there has not been an increase in coal usage, signaling a positive shift towards wind energy in Europe. This development is a promising advancement for climate solutions experts, highlighting the potential for renewable energy to play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.