ECIU
@eciu.net
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) is a non-profit initiative that supports informed debate on energy and climate issues.
X: @ECIU_UK
X: @ECIU_UK
The average price of electricity traded on day-ahead markets last year was around £83 per MWh, but could have been £121 per MWh, were it not for British windfarms limiting role of gas power plants in setting prices, according to @eciu.net analysis.
eciu.net/media/press...
eciu.net/media/press...
January 13, 2026 at 12:40 PM
The average price of electricity traded on day-ahead markets last year was around £83 per MWh, but could have been £121 per MWh, were it not for British windfarms limiting role of gas power plants in setting prices, according to @eciu.net analysis.
eciu.net/media/press...
eciu.net/media/press...
CfDs have driven major cost reductions.
Offshore wind strike prices ↓ 68% between 2014 and 2022
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels.
Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
Offshore wind strike prices ↓ 68% between 2014 and 2022
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels.
Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
January 13, 2026 at 11:19 AM
CfDs have driven major cost reductions.
Offshore wind strike prices ↓ 68% between 2014 and 2022
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels.
Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
Offshore wind strike prices ↓ 68% between 2014 and 2022
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels.
Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
CfD budgets are *not* a forecast of consumer costs
They're a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can actually overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
They're a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can actually overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
January 13, 2026 at 11:19 AM
CfD budgets are *not* a forecast of consumer costs
They're a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can actually overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
They're a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can actually overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
AR7 happening tomorrow.
So, what are Contracts for Difference (CfDs)?
Theygive low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price' =
⬇️ exposure to volatile wholesale markets
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back.
During the gas crisis, CfDs cut av bill by £18
So, what are Contracts for Difference (CfDs)?
Theygive low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price' =
⬇️ exposure to volatile wholesale markets
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back.
During the gas crisis, CfDs cut av bill by £18
January 13, 2026 at 11:19 AM
AR7 happening tomorrow.
So, what are Contracts for Difference (CfDs)?
Theygive low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price' =
⬇️ exposure to volatile wholesale markets
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back.
During the gas crisis, CfDs cut av bill by £18
So, what are Contracts for Difference (CfDs)?
Theygive low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price' =
⬇️ exposure to volatile wholesale markets
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back.
During the gas crisis, CfDs cut av bill by £18
Commenting on the release of a report by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) warning that the Government risks missing key nature targets, Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said:
"Nature has a vital role to play in going for growth."
eciu.net/media/press...
"Nature has a vital role to play in going for growth."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Commenting on the release of a report by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) warning that the Government risks missing key nature targets, Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said:
"Nature has a vital role to play in going for growth."
eciu.net/media/press...
"Nature has a vital role to play in going for growth."
eciu.net/media/press...
Commenting on analysis by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on the cost of net zero, @jessralston.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
“Accelerating the roll out of British renewables and net zero technologies like heat pumps means greater energy security."
eciu.net/media/press...
“Accelerating the roll out of British renewables and net zero technologies like heat pumps means greater energy security."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 13, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Commenting on analysis by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on the cost of net zero, @jessralston.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
“Accelerating the roll out of British renewables and net zero technologies like heat pumps means greater energy security."
eciu.net/media/press...
“Accelerating the roll out of British renewables and net zero technologies like heat pumps means greater energy security."
eciu.net/media/press...
Over 70% of carbon removal from new trees up to 2050 will come from trees planted within the next five years, new analysis shows.
Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said: “The public are all for restoring British nature and more trees."
eciu.net/media/press...
Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said: “The public are all for restoring British nature and more trees."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Over 70% of carbon removal from new trees up to 2050 will come from trees planted within the next five years, new analysis shows.
Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said: “The public are all for restoring British nature and more trees."
eciu.net/media/press...
Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said: “The public are all for restoring British nature and more trees."
eciu.net/media/press...
UK risks missing climate targets without rapid tree planting
Analysis has found that more than 70% of carbon removal from new trees up to 2050 will come from those planted within the next 5 years, but the UK is currently behind on its tree planting targets within this time frame.
buff.ly/LZ7q4cM
Analysis has found that more than 70% of carbon removal from new trees up to 2050 will come from those planted within the next 5 years, but the UK is currently behind on its tree planting targets within this time frame.
buff.ly/LZ7q4cM
January 12, 2026 at 4:30 PM
UK risks missing climate targets without rapid tree planting
Analysis has found that more than 70% of carbon removal from new trees up to 2050 will come from those planted within the next 5 years, but the UK is currently behind on its tree planting targets within this time frame.
buff.ly/LZ7q4cM
Analysis has found that more than 70% of carbon removal from new trees up to 2050 will come from those planted within the next 5 years, but the UK is currently behind on its tree planting targets within this time frame.
buff.ly/LZ7q4cM
‘Trees are a national security issue. We’re not planting enough’
The heads of Natural England and the Forestry Commission have come together to call for more conifers to be planted to meet future demand.
@Ben_Spencer
buff.ly/Y2BG10C
The heads of Natural England and the Forestry Commission have come together to call for more conifers to be planted to meet future demand.
@Ben_Spencer
buff.ly/Y2BG10C
January 12, 2026 at 3:30 PM
‘Trees are a national security issue. We’re not planting enough’
The heads of Natural England and the Forestry Commission have come together to call for more conifers to be planted to meet future demand.
@Ben_Spencer
buff.ly/Y2BG10C
The heads of Natural England and the Forestry Commission have come together to call for more conifers to be planted to meet future demand.
@Ben_Spencer
buff.ly/Y2BG10C
Freedom from China? The mine at the centre of Europe’s push for rare earth metals
Swedish producer is trying to to accelerate the process of extracting the elements vital for hi-tech products.
@lisaocarroll.bsky.social
buff.ly/WGimaPN
Swedish producer is trying to to accelerate the process of extracting the elements vital for hi-tech products.
@lisaocarroll.bsky.social
buff.ly/WGimaPN
January 12, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Freedom from China? The mine at the centre of Europe’s push for rare earth metals
Swedish producer is trying to to accelerate the process of extracting the elements vital for hi-tech products.
@lisaocarroll.bsky.social
buff.ly/WGimaPN
Swedish producer is trying to to accelerate the process of extracting the elements vital for hi-tech products.
@lisaocarroll.bsky.social
buff.ly/WGimaPN
The cold logic of Trump’s quest to carve up the globe
This race for rare earth minerals will define the 21st century.
buff.ly/aXQniXf
This race for rare earth minerals will define the 21st century.
buff.ly/aXQniXf
January 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM
The cold logic of Trump’s quest to carve up the globe
This race for rare earth minerals will define the 21st century.
buff.ly/aXQniXf
This race for rare earth minerals will define the 21st century.
buff.ly/aXQniXf
Over 70% of carbon removal from new trees up to 2050 will come from trees planted within the next five years, new analysis shows.
Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said: “The public are all for restoring British nature and more trees."
eciu.net/media/press...
Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said: “The public are all for restoring British nature and more trees."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 12, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Over 70% of carbon removal from new trees up to 2050 will come from trees planted within the next five years, new analysis shows.
Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said: “The public are all for restoring British nature and more trees."
eciu.net/media/press...
Tom Cantillon, @eciu.net said: “The public are all for restoring British nature and more trees."
eciu.net/media/press...
How big is the UK's tree planting gap?
An area 3️⃣❎ the size of London 🤯
Our new analysis shows why ⬆️ 🌳 planting in the next 5 years is vital
eciu.net/media/press...
An area 3️⃣❎ the size of London 🤯
Our new analysis shows why ⬆️ 🌳 planting in the next 5 years is vital
eciu.net/media/press...
January 12, 2026 at 11:44 AM
How big is the UK's tree planting gap?
An area 3️⃣❎ the size of London 🤯
Our new analysis shows why ⬆️ 🌳 planting in the next 5 years is vital
eciu.net/media/press...
An area 3️⃣❎ the size of London 🤯
Our new analysis shows why ⬆️ 🌳 planting in the next 5 years is vital
eciu.net/media/press...
Trump's main motivation was taking control of Venezuelan oil reserves on behalf of fossil fuel companies that helped bankroll his re-election but by unleashing anarchy abroad and trashing the rule of law at home, he is more likely to undermine US economic power than enhance it.
buff.ly/9Q1DWF5
buff.ly/9Q1DWF5
January 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Trump's main motivation was taking control of Venezuelan oil reserves on behalf of fossil fuel companies that helped bankroll his re-election but by unleashing anarchy abroad and trashing the rule of law at home, he is more likely to undermine US economic power than enhance it.
buff.ly/9Q1DWF5
buff.ly/9Q1DWF5
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
Why is it a bad idea for 🇬🇧 to follow 🇪🇺’s recent decision to weaken EV sales targets by weakening our own?
1️⃣ 1 in 5 cars sold in UK now an EV
2️⃣ UK industry as a whole ALREADY hit actual ZEV target
3️⃣ Industry likely to meet even headline target
eciu.net/media/press...
1️⃣ 1 in 5 cars sold in UK now an EV
2️⃣ UK industry as a whole ALREADY hit actual ZEV target
3️⃣ Industry likely to meet even headline target
eciu.net/media/press...
January 7, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Why is it a bad idea for 🇬🇧 to follow 🇪🇺’s recent decision to weaken EV sales targets by weakening our own?
1️⃣ 1 in 5 cars sold in UK now an EV
2️⃣ UK industry as a whole ALREADY hit actual ZEV target
3️⃣ Industry likely to meet even headline target
eciu.net/media/press...
1️⃣ 1 in 5 cars sold in UK now an EV
2️⃣ UK industry as a whole ALREADY hit actual ZEV target
3️⃣ Industry likely to meet even headline target
eciu.net/media/press...
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 7, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
3/3 📉 CfDs have driven major cost reductions.
Offshore wind strike prices fell 68% between 2014 and 2022.
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels. Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
Offshore wind strike prices fell 68% between 2014 and 2022.
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels. Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
January 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM
3/3 📉 CfDs have driven major cost reductions.
Offshore wind strike prices fell 68% between 2014 and 2022.
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels. Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
Offshore wind strike prices fell 68% between 2014 and 2022.
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels. Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
2/3 The CfD budget is *not* a forecast of consumer costs.
It is a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
It is a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
January 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM
2/3 The CfD budget is *not* a forecast of consumer costs.
It is a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
It is a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
1/3 ⚡ What are CfDs?
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
January 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM
1/3 ⚡ What are CfDs?
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
3/3 📉 CfDs have driven major cost reductions.
Offshore wind strike prices fell 68% between 2014 and 2022.
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels. Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
Offshore wind strike prices fell 68% between 2014 and 2022.
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels. Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
January 6, 2026 at 12:05 PM
3/3 📉 CfDs have driven major cost reductions.
Offshore wind strike prices fell 68% between 2014 and 2022.
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels. Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
Offshore wind strike prices fell 68% between 2014 and 2022.
Despite recent inflation, prices remain far below early levels. Renewables now supply 50% of UK electricity and cut wholesale prices by 25% in 2024.
2/3 The CfD budget is *not* a forecast of consumer costs.
It is a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
It is a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
January 6, 2026 at 12:05 PM
2/3 The CfD budget is *not* a forecast of consumer costs.
It is a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
It is a "worst case" estimate based on very low wholesale price assumptions. This can overstate likely costs and unnecessarily limit the amount of renewable capacity secured.
1/3 ⚡ What are CfDs?
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
January 6, 2026 at 12:05 PM
1/3 ⚡ What are CfDs?
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
‘A silent majority’: MPs underestimate support for green policies, study reveals
From solar subsidies to meat taxes, minority rightwing voices appear to drown out the consensus
www.theguardian.com/environment...
From solar subsidies to meat taxes, minority rightwing voices appear to drown out the consensus
www.theguardian.com/environment...
January 6, 2026 at 11:56 AM
‘A silent majority’: MPs underestimate support for green policies, study reveals
From solar subsidies to meat taxes, minority rightwing voices appear to drown out the consensus
www.theguardian.com/environment...
From solar subsidies to meat taxes, minority rightwing voices appear to drown out the consensus
www.theguardian.com/environment...