NEWS UPDATE EU ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Think tank downplays US fears


The EU’s forthcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is likely to have only a ‘negligible’ impact on trade with the US, new analysis claims. The EU’s forthcoming border tax


In Brief


over EU carbon border levy The study from think tank Sandbag claims that the CBAM will “barely touch American exporters” when it comes into effect from January next year. US firms would collectively face just €351m in annual fees to export their goods to the EU, which would equate to just 0.14% of the value of US goods flowing into the bloc. When incorporating the expected


on carbon intensive imports will only impact a tiny fraction of goods flowing from the US to Europe, according to a new analysis on the green trade policy. Attacks from the Trump administration labelling it as “unfair trade practice” and claiming it could negatively impact $4.7bn of US trade, are largely unfounded.


extra revenue to exporters from selling products at higher prices, the cost of CBAM to US industry is even lower, falling to €160m a year, or 0.07% of the value of transatlantic trade of goods.


The policy is designed to combat


‘carbon leakage’ by forcing importers of carbon intensive goods produced in overseas jurisdictions that do not face comparable carbon prices to those imposed in the EU pay a levy based on the CO2 emitted during their manufacture. The levy is initially set to target imports of iron, steel, cement, fertilisers, aluminium, electricity, and hydrogen. Full implementation rules will be published this December.


Energy networks launch shared template to help councils deliver net zero goals


Three of Britain’s biggest energy network operators have introduced a new system designed to speed up the way councils plan and deliver local climate projects. UK Power Networks, Cadent


and SGN, which together serve more than 25 million people, have launched a ‘Common Ask Template’ allowing local authorities to provide key information once in a single format, instead of sending it separately to different utilities. This will reduce paperwork, avoid repeated requests and help councils dedicate more resources to decarbonisation work. The template is already being used by Hounslow Council, while


it means all networks and councils can share information just once, creating a more joined-up approach across gas and electricity planning. It also allows for quicker investment decisions by cutting delays, and supports more targeted investment, so utilities can focus resources where they are most needed. The blueprint was developed by


five further authorities in outer East London have adopted it through the Greater London Authority’s Local Area Energy Planning programme. The system is intended to speed


up delivery of infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging points and low-carbon heating. For communities,


UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator and is designed to work for councils at different stages of their climate planning, from those just beginning to those with advanced modelling in place. It is expected to support projects through to 2050 and could be replicated across other regions.


Biomethane ‘not viable’ for heating UK homes


Biomethane will not be able to replace fossil fuels for heating homes at scale in the UK, according to a new report commissioned by The MCS Foundation. The study, carried out by energy consultancy Regen, found


that even under the most optimistic conditions biomethane could only supply up to 18% of the UK’s current gas demand by 2050. This contrasts with claims from parts of the gas industry that the fuel could heat millions of homes within a few years. Researchers said the limits stem from the availability of


so-called feedstocks such as food waste, sewage and farm manure, which have competing uses and must also meet strict sustainability requirements. Some feedstocks can result in higher emissions than fossil gas, while growing crops for energy use raises concerns about land use. The report recommends targeting biomethane towards


harder-to-decarbonise sectors such as high-temperature industrial processes and non-road transport, supported by a government framework for prioritising its use. Garry Felgate, chief executive of The MCS Foundation, says: “Consumers and industry need certainty – biomethane


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will not replace fossil fuel gas in homes; electric heating such as heat pumps is the only viable way to decarbonise homes, and the gas grid will need to be decommissioned.” Tamsyn Lonsdale-Smith, an energy analyst at Regen who


authored the report, says that biomethane would likely play an important role in our future energy system, but not for consumer use: “Even under the most optimistic scenario, the UK would


have to cut its demand by over 80% for biomethane to replace fossil gas.”


● Octopus Energy has partnered with LG Electronics to integrate LG’s heat pumps and air conditioners with Octopus’s Kraken smart platform, which enables users to automatically run devices when energy is cheapest and greenest. The partnership will initially launch in the UK and Germany, with plans to expand across Europe.


● A strategic partnership between Eden Energy Partners and UtilityWorks has been struck to help businesses cut energy costs and carbon emissions. The collaboration combines UtilityWorks’ procurement expertise with Eden’s OH4 technology, which improves water heating efficiency, enabling organisations to reduce both consumption and bills while supporting sustainability goals.


● To provide transparent environmental data to support sustainable decision-making, Stelrad Radiators has published an Environmental Product Declaration covering its entire UK steel panel portfolio, encompassing 44 product ranges, including K3s, verticals, flat front and coloured products, and builds on the Green Compact EPD previously published.


● Good Energy has been ranked the UK’s top energy company for customer service on Trustpilot, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating from nearly 14,000 reviews. The renewable electricity supplier, based in Chippenham, received 80% five-star reviews, with customers highlighting quick responses, efficient handling and knowledgeable in-house service teams.


● For the fourth consecutive year, Wilo has achieved an EcoVadis Platinum sustainability rating, scoring 88 points, up from 86 in 2024. Only one percent of the 150,000 companies assessed reach platinum status, with Wilo recognised for its risk management, supplier oversight, and commitment to sustainable practices.


● Hive has welcomed new government data showing a 9.8% year-on-year rise in UK solar PV installations in August. More than 20,000 systems were added, totalling 81 MW, with Hive’s director of EV and solar Susan Wells highlighting strong consumer confidence boosted by favourable summer weather conditions.


EIBI | OCTOBER 2025


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