NEWS UPDATE ENERGY SUPPLIERS


Ofgem confirms greater protection for businesses


Port of Liverpool deal for largest UK solar power project


Peel Ports Group and energy provider E.ON have announced plans for what they say will be the UK’s largest solar power project to date. The solar farm will be constructed


at the Port of Liverpool and, once completed, could generate up to 31MW of renewable electricity from solar alone, enough energy to power over 10,000 homes annually. The Group says the array will


cover the new 240,000 square foot Alexandra Dock warehouse. More than 6,000 solar panels have already been delivered and installation is now underway, with completion slated for mid-2026. E.ON will finance and oversee the


installation process, working with local contractors where possible. The company says the 25-year solar project could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the port by over 6,500 tonnes every year. In addition, Peel Ports Group and


E.ON have agreed to a second stage replacing the port’s existing five wind turbines with four new, larger turbines, boosting on-site renewable power generation by around 20MW. The port aims to eventually


produce all of its own electricity needs through renewable sources located at the port, day and night. However, planning approval and community consultation will first be required for the wind turbine element of the project. This will bring Peel Ports Group within reach of its ambition of powering the Port of Liverpool entirely by renewable energy generated on site, including at night and over winter, when solar is less productive. This phase could begin as early as 2027/28 following planning consent and consultation with the local community. Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel


Ports Group, says: “Ports of the future need to become more sustainable environments and we must play our part in a greener supply chain. There is still work to do, but this project is a huge step for us in cutting emissions and driving our ambition to become a net-zero port operator by 2040.”


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For all the latest news stories visit www.eibi.co.uk Suppliers will also have to signpost


micro and small businesses to organisations like Citizens Advice if they have an issue. The new rules will further address


broker fees. From this autumn, any contract with a third party intermediary involved must disclose upfront what fees the business may have to pay. And from late 2024, if suppliers want to use brokers, those brokers must be part of an official redress scheme. Tim Jarvis, Ofgem’s director


general for markets, says: “Too many businesses have experienced issues with some energy suppliers, from difficulty getting the right contracts, unexplained price hikes, and poor customer service. “We’ve worked hard to understand


Ofgem has announced new rules aiming to give businesses fairer treatment and more support when dealing with energy suppliers. The changes, which will be phased in from 1st July 2024, will apply to the non- domestic energy sector, covering all types of organisations from small shops and charities to larger businesses.


The regulator says the new rules are designed to improve customer service standards and make the complaint process clearer. Key aspects include expanding Ofgem’s remit to properly oversee how all business customers are treated, regardless of size. Currently, this support is only available to businesses of up to 10 employees, and households.


the breadth of issues and where the powers we have to tackle them can be improved. These new rules will help ensure businesses get the service they deserve. “We’ll be speaking to businesses of


all sizes as these rules come into force throughout this year to make sure they are being followed by suppliers. We’ll also continue to work with government, industry, and consumer groups to see what else can be done to support non-domestic consumers.”


Survey reveals scepticism of net zero targets


The inaugural ‘Global Net Zero Jeopardy Report’ by the Energy Industry Council (EIC) has found that only 11% of energy industry leaders believe global interim targets for achieving net zero will be met. This highlights a significant gap between the current reality of the industry and the ambitious net zero goals set by policymakers for the period of 2030-35. Despite the scepticism surrounding interim targets,


there is a more optimistic outlook for achieving net zero targets by 2050. 45% of the respondents still see a pathway to success for global net zero targets by 2050. When asked about their views on meeting net zero


targets in their respective countries, study participants expressed a slightly more optimistic outlook compared to their views on global targets. Only 16% felt optimistic about achieving their country’s interim net zero targets, while 66% believed that the national 2050 goals were still achievable. The report highlights several challenges and factors contributing to scepticism. These include unclear


policies, significant disparities in capabilities and priorities among different nations, skill shortages, enforcement failures, and funding gaps. Some participants believe that only a major catastrophe would spur action, while others call for more proactive and mandated government directives for achieving net zero.


The report also sheds light on the perspectives of


energy industry leaders regarding the necessary steps to achieve net zero. 61% of the interviewed executives stress the need for more investment and incentives to launch net zero projects, citing the high costs of green transitions and the importance of ensuring profitability for sustainability. Additionally, 45% of participants identify unclear


and inconsistent government policies as obstacles, advocating for stronger, more supportive regulations and international cooperation to foster a unified approach to sustainability. Capacity-related challenges, such as supply chain and infrastructural limitations, are highlighted by 22% of respondents who point out the gap between current capabilities and the requirements for a full transition to net zero. EIC’s chief executive officer Stuart Broadley


comments: “This disparity in optimism underscores a crucial point. While the immediate future appears daunting, with most leaders now holding the view that interim targets are unachievable, there is a stronger belief – both within our home nations and collectively as one global community – in our ability to correct our course by the ultimate 2050 target date. This optimism is due to the potential for technological advancements and the conversion of policy into implementation.”


EIBI | APRIL 2024


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