Opinions

Editor's blog
Understanding the multi-GW potential for solar in the Republic of Ireland

Understanding the multi-GW potential for solar in the Republic of Ireland

27 Jul 2016, 12:53
• By Lauren Cook

Often, with potential new solar markets, there can be a lot of hype and uncertainty regarding precisely how much deployment to expect and the timelines for this new capacity to come online. Lauren Cook, analyst for Solar Intelligence, discusses the potential for solar in Ireland in the years to 2020 and beyond.

CBI calls for ‘continuity and stability’ in new energy policy

CBI calls for ‘continuity and stability’ in new energy policy

26 Jul 2016, 11:16

The UK government needs to provide “continuity and stability” in its energy and climate change policy according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which has called on Greg Clark to pick up the baton left by former energy secretary Amber Rudd.

The new normal for Whitehall

The new normal for Whitehall

22 Jul 2016, 12:22
• By David Pratt

As the days pass from the scrapping of DECC from Whitehall in favour of the new business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS) department, few details have trickled through about how the new branch of government will operate. David Pratt examines what we do know and what remains to be seen as parliament heads off for the summer.

Pressure begins to build on new government department

Pressure begins to build on new government department

18 Jul 2016, 09:00

The government is facing calls for clarity after a coalition of 30 trade bodies, NGOs, pressure groups and think tanks signed an open letter to the new secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, urging him to confirm the UK’s 2020 climate change commitments.

Guest blog
Can the cost of solar ever match January’s FiT cuts?

Can the cost of solar ever match January’s FiT cuts?

11 Jul 2016, 10:55
• By Will Cottrell

Will Cottrell, chairman of Brighton Energy Coop, refutes Department of Energy and Climate Change evidence that the cost of installed solar in the UK has risen and insists installers are innovating to make the new model work.

Solar PPAs and the public sector

Solar PPAs and the public sector

7 Jul 2016, 13:17
• By Stephen Cirell

In his latest blog for Solar Power Portal, independent consultant and local authority expert Stephen Cirell discusses the recent announcement by Portsmouth City Council to roll out solar over the next four years using a series of PPA funded deals, and calls on other local authorities to follow suit.

Editor's blog
Overheard at Business and Climate Summit: Top talking points

Overheard at Business and Climate Summit: Top talking points

4 Jul 2016, 17:13
• By David Pratt

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.

Q&A: Hogan Lovells’ Alex Harrison on the post-Brexit energy market

Q&A: Hogan Lovells’ Alex Harrison on the post-Brexit energy market

27 Jun 2016, 08:37

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.

Editor's blog
Brexit: The reactions

Brexit: The reactions

24 Jun 2016, 15:17
• By David Pratt

The decision taken by just over half of the voting electorate to leave the European Union has sent shockwaves throughout the UK, among both the Leave and Remain camps. The dust will take a while to settle but reactions are likely to be flying in for some time on a day that has rocked the UK political and economic landscape.