News
Heathrow Power Outage: Key Takeaways from the Transport Committee’s Inquiry
On 21 March 2025, Heathrow Airport experienced a significant power outage due to a fire at the North Hyde transformer substation, leading to extensive disruptions. The House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee held an oral evidence session on 2 April 2025 to investigate the incident, assess the response, and discuss future preventive measures, hearing from senior figures at Heathrow Airport, the National Grid, SSEN, and the Heathrow Airline Operators Committee.
Government Grants Development Consent for Lower Thames Crossing
The UK Government has officially granted development consent for the Lower Thames Crossing, a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Kent, Thurrock, and Essex. This decision marks a pivotal step in addressing longstanding transportation challenges in the southeast of England.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Delivers Spring Statement
In the first Spring Statement since her appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at ushering in a ‘new era of security and national renewal’ for the United Kingdom. This plan focuses on bolstering economic growth, enhancing national security, and implementing significant reforms to public services and infrastructure.
Shaping the Future of CfDs: Key Reforms in AR7 Consultation
With the DESNZ consultation on AR7 closing on 21 March 2025, Brevia Energy examines the key proposals that could shape the future of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) regime. From relaxed eligibility requirements for offshore wind, to extended contract terms and new capacity ambitions, these changes could significantly impact the renewable energy sector. Businesses and investors must engage with the consultation to ensure their interests are represented in the evolving energy landscape.
What does the Seventh Carbon Budget mean for the future of hydrogen?
The Climate Change Committee recently published its Seventh Carbon Budget, outlining the UK’s strategic framework for achieving significant emissions reductions over the coming decades. A key takeaway is the downgrading of the CCC’s view on hydrogen for home compared with the Sixth Carbon Budget published in 2020. In this article, Brevia reviews the CCC’s positioning on heat in the Seventh Carbon Budget compared to the Sixth Carbon Budget.
Government Introduces Planning and Infrastructure Bill to Accelerate Development and Economic Growth
The UK Government has unveiled the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, a pivotal component of its strategy to rejuvenate development and bolster economic growth. This legislation aims to expedite the construction of new homes and critical infrastructure, aligning with the Government’s Plan for Change milestones, which include building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in England and fast-tracking 150 planning decisions on major economic infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament.
Future of UK Electricity Pricing: Is Zonal Pricing Inevitable?
With a decision on the Review of the Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) expected imminently, and the intensity around the debate on zonal pricing growing, Brevia’s energy team takes a look at the latest developments, assessing implications, key considerations and expected timelines for businesses to consider in navigating this potential transition.
Department for Transport launches new railways consultation
Today, the UK Government has unveiled plans for a landmark Rail Reform Bill aimed at transforming the country’s railway system. The proposed legislation will introduce Great British Railways (GBR), a new unified body designed to bring track and train together, ensuring more reliable services and improving passenger experiences.
What are the Government’s proposals for airport expansion?
The UK Government has recently reaffirmed its support for airport expansion in the southeast, particularly focusing on the addition of a third runway at Heathrow Airport. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation’s air connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
Is the Government succeeding in Decarbonising Transport?
This article explores the challenges and opportunities within Labour’s plans for decarbonising transport, emphasising the need for clarity and ambition in identifying how transport fits into the Government’s clean power plans.
House of Lords votes down Government’s proposals to weaken copyright laws
The UK Government has faced its fourteenth defeat as the House of Lords voted down proposals that would have weakened copyright laws, raising concerns about the unchecked power of artificial intelligence firms. But what does this mean for the creative industries, and why is this decision so significant?
UK Government’s vision for economic growth
On 30 January 2025, Sir Chris Bryant MP, the UK’s Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, delivered the keynote address at the TMT World Congress 2025. His speech outlined the Government’s vision for economic growth through advancements in digital infrastructure and technology.
