Zero carbon electricity overtakes fossil fuels for first time in the U.K.
Britain is set to achieve a historic milestone this year, with more electricity generated from zero carbon sources than fossil fuels.
Europe
This archive covers progress stories and milestones from across Europe, spanning health, climate policy, social equity, and scientific research. From small-nation experiments to E.U.-wide initiatives, these reports highlight what is working and why.
U.K. government commits to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050
The U.K. is to enshrine a 2050 net zero emissions target in law, with an amendment to the Climate Change Act.
The world’s largest offshore wind farm just came online off the shores of Britain
The massive wind farm now has 50 of 174 turbines spinning. When completed, the project will have more than double the capacity of the current largest offshore installation.
Finland commits to be carbon neutral by 2035
Finland will go carbon neutral by 2035, under a coalition deal published on Monday, setting one of the world’s earliest timelines for reaching that mark.
U.K. creates “Blue Belt” marine protected area twice the size of England
An area nearly twice the size of England will become a “blue belt” of protected waters after the government created 41 new marine conservation zones.
E.U. and Bill Gates launch €100m clean energy innovation fund
The European Commission, European Investment Bank and Breakthrough Energy Ventures have launched ‘Breakthrough Energy Ventures Europe’: a €100m fund to support investments in clean energy.
U.K. government announces ban on all plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers
The ban will come into place in April 2020 and will be applied throughout towns and cities in England.
Germany tests its first ‘electric highway’ for trucks
Germany is testing a eHighway system with a hybrid truck receiving power from cables to keep it from using its combustion engine.
RWE abandons all present & future coal plans
RWE, one of Germany’s “big four” utilities, has cancelled plans for the BoA plus lignite coal-fired power station and promised to cease investing in new coal generation capacity.
World’s first’ Ultra Low Emission Zone comes into force in London
The introduction of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone will result in motorists who drive into the zone in a vehicle that does not meet the new emission standard having to pay a daily charge.