Vattenfall has launched an independent distributions business for GB. Vattenfall Networks was granted a licence on 1 November and is expected to begin operations in 2018. It will be headed by Stewart Dawson. The new unit Vattenfall IDNO, an Independent Distribution Network Operator,…
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Elexon to offer ‘sandbox’ approach to bring on electricity market innovations
by New Power •
Balancing and settlement company Elexon wants to set up a market ‘sandbox’ to allow companies to test innovative products or ideas for the electricity market. The idea follows Ofgem’s similar approach, which allows for a temporary derogation from existing rules,…
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Scotrenewables Tidal Power opens new investment round
by Annabel Andrews •
Scotrenewables Tidal Power is seeking new funding to take forward its tidal technology towards commercialisation. It has appointed financial advisors Simmons & Company International, the energy specialists of US Investment Bank Piper Jaffray, to lead the investment process out of…
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Barn Energy opens third Yorkshire hydro plant
by New Power •
A new hydroelectric power plant will be officially opened today (Friday) by Geoffrey Boycott, the ex-Yorkshire and England cricketer. The 500kW Knottingley scheme, half a mile down the Aiire river from the Ferrybridge coal-fired power station has been developed by…
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National Grid culls frequency response products
by New Power •
National Grid has announced it will stop tendering four frequency response and two short term operating reserve (STOR) products, aiming to reduce complexity and help new providers enter the market. The System Operator will bring Enhanced Frequency Response, Rapid Frequency…
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Ørsted to sell 50% of world’s largest offshore wind farm
by Annabel Andrews •
Ørsted, formerly known as Dong Energy, has signed an agreement to sell 50% of the 659MW Walney Extension offshore wind farm project. The buyers will be a consortium consisting of two Danish pension funds. Each investor will obtain a 25%…
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ENA seeks views on gas and electricity innovation
by New Power •
The Energy Networks Association has launched a consultation on its Gas Network Innovation Strategy. The strategy sets out the challenges and the opportunities facing the gas transmission and distribution networks as the UK looks to decarbonise its energy system. It…
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EDF Energy Renewables to sell majority stake in five UK wind farms
by Annabel Andrews •
EDF Energy Renewables is selling a majority stake in five of its UK onshore wind farms to Greencoat UK Wind. EDF Energy Renewables will continue to own a 20% share in the wind farms and will continue to run the…
Flash update
Call for ideas: electricity System Operator wants innovation, £70M funding available
by New Power •
Electricity System Operator (SO) National Grid is looking for innovators to put forward projects for the 2018 Network Innovation Competition (NIC) process. The competition is operated by the regulator, Ofgem, and it makes funding available to inspire large-scale and industry innovations…