DECC Review - December 2015

DECC Review banner - 21.10.2014

December 2015

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More news

World agrees historic global deal

Extra funding for DECC's International 2050 calculator project

UK joins new international clean energy initiative 

Amber Rudd's speech on a new direction for UK energy policy

Govt announces plans to close coal power stations by 2025

DECC sets out strategy for UK Continental Shelf 

UK-India partnership on energy and climate change 

Lord Bourne speech on govt vision for Smart Metering


Get involved

Consultations

Maximising Economic Recovery of Offshore UK Petroleum: Draft Strategy For Consultation - closes 8 Jan 2016

Consultation on non-domestic smart metering: draft legal text extending the advanced metering exception end-date - closes 14 Jan 2016

Consultation on the level of banded support for new solar PV under the Renewables Obligation - closes 27 Jan 2016

The Energy Technology List Call for Evidence - closes 29 Jan 2016

Consultation on implementing Home Area Network (HAN) solutions and changes to technical sub-committee (TSC) - closes 25 Feb 2016

Consultation on alternative home area network (HAN) solutions - closes 25 Feb 2016

New onshore oil and gas licences offered

Shale image

On Thursday 17 December, the Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) announced that 159 onshore blocks under the 14th Onshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round are being formally offered to successful applicants. These blocks will be incorporated into 93 onshore licences. The UK has a long history of onshore gas exploration, and has developed a robust regulatory system to ensure that any such operations will be carried out to the highest standards of safety and environmental protection. Watch our videos to find out more.

Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom said: “Last month we set out the vital role gas will play in the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future. The licences offered today move us a step closer - driving forwards this industry which will provide secure, home grown energy to hardworking families and businesses for decades to come..." Read more.

For an industry perspective, read the Chemical Industries Association blog post.


Changes to renewables subsidies

Solar PV on rooftop

On Thursday 17 December, we announced new measures to deal with the projected over-allocation of renewable energy subsidies, following recent consultations. Renewable energy subsidies are paid for via energy bills through a number of schemes including the Feed-in Tariff scheme and Renewable Obligation scheme. Government decided on a set amount that would be paid to renewables by 2020 and earlier this year, the Office for Budget Responsibility projected that the amount would be exceeded, meaning bill payers would have to pay more. Government has since taken action to reduce this overspend. Find out details of the specific actions taken


Securing future electricity supply

Electricity pylon

The second Capacity Market auction successfully concluded on 11 December, securing electricity generating capacity for 2019/20. The auction attracted enough bidders to secure the capacity needed at a competitive price for consumers. The amount secured - enough to provide almost all the capacity we need - cleared at a price of £18/kW, over £1 cheaper than last year. Buying capacity four years ahead of the delivery year maximises the range of participants that can compete in the auction, thereby promoting competition. Find out more.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from the DECC Communications team. DECC Review returns in January 2016.

Contact us corporate.comms@decc.gsi.gov.uk

 Department of Energy and Climate Change