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Space-based solar power represents one of the most promising frontiers in renewable energy technology, with the potential to revolutionize how we generate and consume electricity on Earth. Research indicates that solar panels deployed in space can generate 2,000 gigawatts of power continuously, which is approximately 40 times more energy than equivalent panels would produce on Earth's surface.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising solar panel placement by analysing vast datasets, including geographical information, weather patterns, and shading factors. Through machine learning algorithms, AI determines the most efficient locations and orientations for panels to maximise sunlight exposure. This optimisation not only increases energy yields but also enhances return on investment for solar installations. For example, AI-driven systems can boost energy production efficiency by up to 25% while reducing operational costs by 30%.
Great British Energy, the UK's publicly owned energy company, has unveiled its first major project: a £200 million investment to install rooftop solar panels on approximately 400 schools and hospitals across the country. This ambitious initiative aims to cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and reinvest savings into vital public services.
Researchers from the University of Sussex and international collaborators have revealed that rooftop solar panels could generate 19,500 TWh of clean electricity yearly – enough to supply 65% of global power needs. This staggering figure comes from analysing 286,000 km² of suitable roof space worldwide, an area comparable to Italy’s total landmass.
Postcode electricity pricing, also called zonal pricing, proposes splitting Great Britain into regional zones with variable power costs based on local grid constraints and renewable energy supply. This radical shift from the current national pricing model would see households and businesses pay rates reflecting their area’s infrastructure capacity and generation mix. For instance, regions with abundant wind farms like Scotland might enjoy cheaper tariffs, while densely populated areas like London could face higher costs due to grid congestion. The system mirrors approaches used in Norway, Sweden, and parts of the US, where location-based pricing has reduced transmission waste by up to 18%.
The UK government’s decision to introduce road tax for electric vehicles (EVs) starting in April 2025 marks a significant policy shift. While this change may slightly increase the cost of owning an EV, it also underscores the importance of investing in efficient home charging solutions. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes and why now is the perfect time to consider purchasing an EV charger.
The United Kingdom has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a world leader in Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. With a groundbreaking commitment of up to £21.7 billion over 25 years, the government has set the stage for a transformative era in the fight against climate change. This monumental investment not only positions the UK at the forefront of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions but also promises to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth across the nation.
In a major leap forward for solar panel recycling, Dutch company Maltha Glass Recycling has successfully transformed 75 tons of solar panel glass into flat glass. This breakthrough, achieved in collaboration with Saint-Gobain, marks a significant step towards creating a circular economy in the solar industry. The pilot project, part of the broader Photorama initiative, demonstrates the feasibility of repurposing end-of-life solar panels into valuable materials for new manufacturing processes.
The world's largest iceberg, A23a, has recently run aground near the remote island of South Georgia, marking a significant event in its decades-long journey. This massive ice formation, weighing nearly a trillion metric tons and covering an area of 3,672 square kilometers (1,418 square miles), has finally come to a halt after drifting through the Southern Ocean since 2020.
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Atlantic Renewables are a solar PV design and installation company, providing affordable solutions in Manchester, Cheshire and throughout the North West.