On 10 May it was announced that Ireland had gone 25 days without coal-fired generation on the system, with EirGrid publicising that the no-coal period occurred throughout 11 April to 7 May. This run had in fact extended to 30 days according to data supplied by ENTSO-E. In this edition of the blog, we observe the composition of thermal plant in the generation mix throughout the original no-coal run, and how the presence of peat on the system may have undermined the recent no-coal success.
Related thinking
Announcement
Energy market and net zero transition learning and development: Role-relevant career development training
We’re well over halfway through the calendar year and are now beginning to see more of the government’s thinking and policy-shaping around what needs to change to meet the 2050 net zero target. For example, the flurry of documents issued towards the end of 2020, including the Energy White Paper...
Low carbon generation
How nuclear energy can help the UK reach its net zero goals
This article was originally written in Energy Spectrum on 21 March 2021. To find out more about a subscription to Energy Spectrum, please contact Nick on n.palmer@cornwall-insight.com. There are several challenges to reaching net zero, where its proponents believe nuclear could add value. Some of tomorrow’s main issues concern: How to provide low...
Commercial and market outlook
In the midst of the Australian Energy Transformation Process
Australia is in the midst of an energy supply and distribution transformation. This transition is twofold and includes not just bridging the gap from conventional fossil fuels to renewable technologies (due to their reduced carbon footprint, lower levelized cost of energy and improved reliability levels by comparation), but also requires...
Net zero corporates and ESG
Major energy policy and regulatory changes discussed in our December Net Zero Business forum
On 10 December 2020, Cornwall Insight hosted its Net Zero Business Forum. Held four days before the release of the UK government’s Energy White Paper, the focus was on the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan, the Spending Review and the National Infrastructure Strategy. Head of Relationship Development Robert Buckley and Head...
Regulation and policy
A look back at 2020 part 4
As we take our first steps into 2021, we take our final look back at the biggest developments in the UK energy markets in 2020, setting us up for the significant year ahead. Ofgem issued its decarbonisation Action Plan on 3 February as Jonathan Brearley became Ofgem CEO, setting out...
Heat networks
Why standards matter for heat network customers | Energy Spectrum Nutwood
Written by David Watson, Heat Trust For the 500,000 customers living and working on heat networks today, there is no Ofgem protection. Most lack the sort of basic consumer protection the rest of the market take for granted. Whilst the Heat Trust’s voluntary scheme makes a tangible difference to those...
Regulation and policy
Ofgem faces RIIO-2 balancing act for net zero
The regulator recently issued the draft determinations for the RIIO-2 price control for the transmission and gas distribution networks and the electricity system operator (ESO). These price controls will run for five years from April 2021. Shortly after, it also set out the next stage of detail – the “sector...
Low carbon generation
EU COVID-19 stimulus plan – EU ETS impacts and environmental policy developments
This article was originally published on 28 July 2020 in our ‘Irish energy market bulletin’ publication. Two weeks ago saw the European Commission’s proposed €750bn stimulus plan and revised €1.1tn proposal for the EUs next long-term budget (2021-2027) agreed upon by EU member states at the European Council. The plan...
