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Planning Inspectorate Approves Craghead Solar Farm After Initial Rejection

Planning Inspectorate Approves Craghead Solar Farm After Initial Rejection

The Planning Inspectorate has overturned a previous decision by the Durham County Council to reject a proposed 58-hectare solar farm in Craghead. The initial rejection was based on concerns that the solar farm would significantly deteriorate the recreational use of the land and harm the character and appearance of the countryside. Objectors, including local equestrian businesses, argued that the solar farm would negatively impact the welfare of horses and reduce the usability of grazing land. Despite these concerns, the Planning Inspectorate concluded that the benefits of renewable energy production outweighed the potential harms. The solar farm, developed by Ampyr Solar Europe, is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 12,800 homes.

India and Belgium Strengthen Offshore Wind Cooperation at World Economic Forum

India and Belgium Strengthen Offshore Wind Cooperation at World Economic Forum

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, India and Belgium have reaffirmed their cooperation in offshore wind energy, research and development, and green taxonomy. This collaboration signals a growing European interest in India's clean energy transition. The conference highlighted India's expanding wind energy sector, which is supported by domestic manufacturing and plays a crucial role in meeting renewable energy targets. India ranks fourth globally in installed wind power capacity, with significant growth in wind capacity and manufacturing. The country aims to achieve 100 GW wind capacity by 2030 and 156 GW by 2036, leveraging its vast wind resource potential.

China's Solar Capacity to Surpass Coal, Marking Shift in Energy Landscape

China's Solar Capacity to Surpass Coal, Marking Shift in Energy Landscape

China is on the verge of a significant energy milestone as its installed solar power capacity is set to surpass coal-fired generation capacity this quarter. As of the end of June, solar power capacity in China stood at 1,274 gigawatts (GW), nearly matching the coal-fired capacity of 1,275 GW. This development is part of China's broader strategy to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources. In the first half of 2026, the share of coal in China's electricity output fell below 50% for the first time, averaging 49.7%. Concurrently, renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, accounted for 41.2% of the total electricity generation, with wind and solar alone contributing nearly 25%. This shift is driven by China's policy to boost non-fossil power sources, as highlighted by the China Electricity Council (CEC).

BP Announces Sale of North Sea Oil and Gas Business Amid Strategic Shift

BP Announces Sale of North Sea Oil and Gas Business Amid Strategic Shift

BP Announces Sale of North Sea Oil and Gas Business Amid Strategic Shift

Government Ends Intervention in Herefordshire Children's Services After Improvements

Government Ends Intervention in Herefordshire Children's Services After Improvements

The UK government has concluded its intervention in Herefordshire Council's children's services following significant improvements. The Department of Education commended the council for implementing substantial changes after the service was previously rated inadequate due to widespread failings. Council leader Jonathan Lester expressed pride in the transformation, which involved appointing a special commissioner in 2022 to address the issues. The intervention was initially prompted by serious concerns about the protection of children. The government has now revoked the statutory direction that led to the appointment of commissioners, signaling confidence in the council's ability to maintain and develop its services independently.

California Achieves Milestone with Solar Power Dominating May Energy Mix

California Achieves Milestone with Solar Power Dominating May Energy Mix

In May, California achieved a significant milestone by generating 51% of its electricity from solar power, marking the first time the state surpassed the halfway mark for an entire month. This achievement includes contributions from both large-scale solar installations and rooftop solar arrays. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) played a crucial role by managing a robust battery storage system that shifts solar energy production to meet evening demand. This development highlights California's progress in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, which has been steadily declining in the state's energy mix.

UK Department for Education and Police Database Hit by Cyber-Attack

UK Department for Education and Police Database Hit by Cyber-Attack

Hackers have targeted the UK Department for Education (DfE) and a police database, exposing over 740,000 pieces of data. The stolen data includes contact details of government officials, school leaders, university staff, and police officers. The attack also compromised the police national legal database, which provides legal assistance to UK police forces. A hacking group named ExfilSquad claimed responsibility, demanding payment to prevent further data leaks. The incident has been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency.

UK Court Upholds Approval for China's Mega Embassy in London Amid Local Opposition

UK Court Upholds Approval for China's Mega Embassy in London Amid Local Opposition

The UK High Court has ruled that the approval for the construction of a new Chinese embassy in London is lawful, dismissing a legal challenge from local residents. The embassy, planned for the historic Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London, is set to be the largest in the UK by area. The Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association had raised concerns about potential human rights risks, security threats, and the impact of diplomatic immunity on local safety standards. Despite these concerns, the court found that the housing minister and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets acted lawfully in granting planning permission.

UK Investors Show Strong Confidence in Mauritius as a Gateway to Africa

UK Investors Show Strong Confidence in Mauritius as a Gateway to Africa

UK Investors Show Strong Confidence in Mauritius as a Gateway to Africa

Ofgem Targets Speculative Data Centres to Unlock Grid Capacity in the UK

Ofgem Targets Speculative Data Centres to Unlock Grid Capacity in the UK

Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, has proposed new measures to address the issue of speculative data centre projects that are occupying vital grid capacity. The proposal includes a refundable Data Centre Commitment Fee, which would be paid by large data centre projects upon accepting a connection offer. The fee, ranging from £237,500 to £712,500 per megawatt, aims to deter non-investment-ready projects from joining the grid connections queue. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the grid connections system supports viable projects that are ready to invest and connect, thereby reducing delays and uncertainty in the energy network.

BluPine Energy Expands Renewable Power Portfolio in Rajasthan

BluPine Energy Expands Renewable Power Portfolio in Rajasthan

BluPine Energy Expands Renewable Power Portfolio in Rajasthan

Giant Hogweed Control Efforts Progress in Northern Ireland

Giant Hogweed Control Efforts Progress in Northern Ireland

A conservation project in Northern Ireland is making strides in controlling the spread of giant hogweed, an invasive plant known for causing painful blistering and scarring upon contact with human skin. The Ballinderry Rivers Trust has identified and begun treating a significant source of the plant near Cookstown, County Tyrone. Giant hogweed, often found in damp areas like riverbanks, poses a significant threat to local ecosystems and public health. The plant can grow up to five meters high and has been labeled the UK's 'most dangerous plant' due to its harmful effects.