uk

The UK government should make clear its views on a subsidy-free market stabilisation model for technologies left out of the Contracts for Difference scheme, according to the latest select committee report to criticise the government’s handling of the renewables industry.

As the days pass from the scrapping of DECC from Whitehall in favour of the new business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS) department, few details have trickled through about how the new branch of government will operate. David Pratt examines what we do know and what remains to be seen as parliament heads off for the summer.

Following the closure of the Department of Energy and Climate Change, an energy and climate change select committee member has all but confirmed the disbanding of the group.

Solar Power Portal runs through this week’s people news from within UK solar including changes at the top of Anesco and Absolute Solar and Wind, as well as the likely new ministerial appointments to the energy brief at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The newly formed Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) could see energy policy relegated to a ‘steady as she goes’ approach while other policy areas take precedence, according to a government MP in the energy and climate change (ECC) select committee.

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) firm Romag has been bought by glazing company Clayton Glass from social housing provider Gentoo, which is seeking to focus more heavily on its core housing activity.

Moixa Technology is hoping to raise up to £20 million by the end of the year to fund its expansion into Europe, and has recently gained investment from three big beasts from the UK energy sector.

Solarwatt’s Pol Spronck explains to Solar Power Portal why the company has come to the UK and what installers can expect from the solar storage manufacturer as it prepares to roll out into the residential market.

Scottish energy minister Paul Wheelhouse is said to be seeking urgent talks with the UK government following its decision to scrap the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in favour of a new business-led department.

The government is facing calls for clarity after a coalition of 30 trade bodies, NGOs, pressure groups and think tanks signed an open letter to the new secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, urging him to confirm the UK’s 2020 climate change commitments.