Case Studies Category
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Diesel generator subsidies threaten decarbonisation
A new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) claims that the proliferation of diesel generators within the UK energy system and the returns that investors have been able to secure are having a negative impact on decarbonisation and energy security. Last year the Government introduced a new energy policy which has awarded £109 million in subsidies, paid out of consumers’ energy bills, to new diesel generators, which are the dirtiest form of energy ...
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New tools and advice for bovine TB
New tools and advice to help farmers stamp out bovine TB have been unveiled. Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the National Farmers’ Union, the British Cattle Veterinary Association and Landex have come together to promote action and help famers and vets protect herds. All advice on bovine TB from government, farming experts, leading vets and agricultural colleges is now available from one single ...
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Technology key to unlocking farming potential
Technological innovation is the key to unlocking the potential of farming by improving productivity and tackling problems such as pests and disease, Farming Minister, George Eustice, said today. Illustrating the point, the minister drew attention to a group of 40 farmers in Sheffield who are trialling a self-driving “agribot” to help manage hilly moorland grazing for sheep and cattle. The device is based on a bomb disposal robot and uses on-board ...
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Great British Food unit unveiled
Britain’s food and drink pioneers are coming together to launch Great Food Nation, Environment Secretary, Elizabeth Truss, announced today. Top chefs Raymond Blanc and Ken Hom will join entrepreneurs including Leon’s Henry Dimbleby, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr to support a five-year Great British Food campaign. They will be championing UK produce by leading trade missions, food festivals and sharing their knowledge and ideas. In addition, the Government intends to promote British ...
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Processed meat “carcinogenic to humans”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans” having concluded that its consumption causes colorectal cancer. WHO experts claim that each 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. “For an individual, the risk of developing colorectal cancer because of their consumption of processed meat remains small, but this risk increases with the amount of meat consumed,” says Dr Kurt Straif, head of WHO’s ...
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Maize stubble alert
The Environment Agency is urging farmers to cultivate maize stubble as soon as possible before any wet weather sets in. Apparently, stubble left in after harvest can lead to excessive runoff, causing localised flooding and where large amounts of soil enter a watercourse this can cause a pollution incident. The Agency comments: ...
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Renewables bring down wholesale cost of energy
A new report claims that renewables are cutting the wholesale price of energy and lessening the impact of subsidies on bill payers. The study, published by Good Energy and backed by the University of Sheffield, claims that wind and solar brought down the wholesale cost of electricity by £1.55 billion in 2014 – meaning that an overall net cost for supporting the two renewable sources last year was £1.1 billion, 58% less ...
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Simpler price comparisons for supermarket groceries
The Government is to look into ways supermarket price comparisons can be made simpler for shoppers, Consumer Minister, Nick Boles, announced today (15 October 2015). The plans are set out in the Government's response to the Competition and Markets Authority's investigation into a super-complaint made by Which? alleging misleading pricing practices in ...
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Onshore wind “fully cost competitive”
This year has seen a significant shift in the generating cost comparison between renewable energy and fossil fuels, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. The research company’s Levelised Cost of Electricity Update for the second half of 2015 shows that onshore wind and crystalline silicon photovoltaics – the two most widespread renewable technologies – have both reduced costs in 2015, while costs have gone up for gas-fired and coal-fired generation. Among the country-level findings of the study ...
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Euro exchange rate set for 2015 Basic Payment Scheme
The rate for the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) has now been set. BPS payments for England are set in euros and then converted into sterling and the rate, an average of the European Central Bank exchange rates, will be €1 = £0.73129. The Rural Payments Agency says it will make full payments on BPS claims from December, as early as possible in the payment window.
