10% FIT capacity wasted
New Ofgem figures – analysed by ADBA – have revealed that the Feed-in Tariff available for new AD plants could be even more heavily restricted than first thought. The new FIT scheme has quarterly ‘caps’ on maximum deployment for each technology, which are set at 5MW for anaerobic digestion. An application for a plant […]
Robotic arm technology to help reduce the environmental impact of farming
A system developed originally to explore Mars has been transformed into an agricultural monitoring device for testing the quality of soil. It has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of farming. The device consists of a mobile rover platform with a robotic arm which carries a soil sensing instrument. It is based on technology […]
Push to keep solar thermal set to continue as consultation closes
The solar industry has pledged to continue to push to keep solar thermal as the Government’s consultation on plans to cut off all support for the technology closes today (Wednesday 27 April). If the plans go ahead the long established and strategically important heat technology would be removed from the Renewable Heat Incentive entirely as […]
LEAF calls on industry to play its part in sustainable farming
Our food future relies on sustainable farming, and the whole supply chain must play its part to ensure success. That was the message delivered at the inaugural LEAF Marque Summit, held earlier this month. More than 70 attendees from across the food and farming industry, including LEAF Marque producers, and representatives from retailers, foodservice, packers, […]
New Vision for England’s urban forest
England’s National Forestry Forum will be challenged to play their part in growing the importance, protection and size of England’s urban forest today following the publication of ‘Our Vision for a resilient urban forest’. Hosted by Defra and the Forestry Commission the forum is the chance for more than 60 forestry organisations and individuals to hear […]
Parliamentary ructions over Government treatment of solar power
Parliamentarians of all parties, in both the Lords and the Commons, are objecting to the government’s treatment of solar power. Labour has tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill which would prevent a damaging potential VAT rise on domestic solar systems in future, which will be voted on next Tuesday. The Solar Trade Association was […]
Arla signs up to cutting-edge agreement to tackle food and drink waste
Arla Foods UK, the farmer-owned dairy company has announced its commitment to transform food and drink production. As a founder signatory to the Courtauld Commitment 2025, Arla has joined leading organisations from across the industry to work together to tackle food and drink waste, greenhouse gas emissions and water intensity. The announcement signifies Arla’s continued […]
Researchers find dissimilar forests are vital for delivery of ecosystem services
A team of ecologists from Royal Holloway, University of London has taken part in a large collaborative EU project to find out what the effects of forest tree species diversity are on ecosystem services. These services, which include timber production, carbon storage, and forest resistance to pests and diseases, are crucial to human well-being. One […]
MP committee criticises Government for damaging investor confidence in energy sector
An influential House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Select Committee has today (Thursday 3 March) published a report into “Investor confidence in the UK energy sector”. The report focuses in particular on the low-carbon energy budget, called the Levy Control Framework (LCF). It describes how a lack of understanding surrounding the LCF is hampering […]
