Category: CANADA

And with wedding season in full swing, couples tying the knot this summer might need to brace for a steeper bill, thanks to tariffs.

Mobile coverage has been officially improved in areas across England, Scotland, and Wales thanks to a major upgrade of over 50 mobile masts

This upgrade demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing reliable mobile connectivity to the most remote rural areas.

Upgrading mobile masts for better connectivity

The newly upgraded masts, previously only accessible to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, have now been enhanced to support all four major UK network providers.

This expansion delivers 4G coverage across an area the size of more than 66,000 football pitches, providing fast and reliable signals in regions that have always struggled with patchy reception.

The upgrades are already benefiting key national parks, such as Snowdonia, the Lake District, and the North York Moors. The improvements are expected to significantly enhance the safety and experience of hikers, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on mobile signals for route planning, live weather updates, and emergency contact.

Preserving landscapes while improving networks

Wales has seen the most significant gains in connectivity, with remote regions such as the Berwyn Mountains, Brecon Beacons, the Clwydian Range, and Dee Valley now able to receive strong mobile signals across all networks. These upgrades are designed to minimise environmental impact by enhancing existing infrastructure rather than constructing entirely new masts, thereby helping to preserve the scenic landscape of the countryside.

The project is part of the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network programme, a collaborative initiative with mobile network operators aimed at improving rural connectivity nationwide.

So far, the programme has already helped increase coverage from all four network providers from 66% to 81% of the UK, an area larger than Wales and Northern Ireland together.

Residents, businesses, and tourists are expected to benefit from the improved service, which is anticipated to stimulate tourism and drive economic development in rural communities.

UK Government’s Plan for Change

The new masts help to support the Government’s Plan for Change, which focuses on breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring all regions of the UK can thrive in the digital age.

Many of the upgraded masts are situated in areas crucial to the tourism economy, including the Southern Upland Way in Scotland and the Shropshire Hills in England.

Better mobile coverage in these regions is expected to make outdoor activities more accessible and safer, particularly in areas where communication has previously been a challenge.

Plans to update masts further

There are already plans in place to upgrade an additional 50 publicly funded sites by March 2026. These further upgrades will continue to extend mobile coverage deeper into the countryside, building on the programme’s early success.

The improvements in connectivity show a significant step forward for the UK’s rural infrastructure.

With more reliable mobile service now reaching thousands of households, businesses, and visitors, the countryside is becoming not only more connected but also more accessible.

As the rollout continues, rural communities can look forward to a more connected future, with digital inclusion at the centre of the UK’s evolving landscape.

The post Mobile signal boost transforms connectivity across UK countryside appeared first on Open Access Government.

Canada does not know what it would cost to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed missile defence program, Defence Minister David McGuinty said Wednesday.

For nearly a third of soon-to-be-retired Canadians, living a mortgage-free retirement may not be on the cards for at least a few years, a new report says.

Britain’s coastal and rural communities are expected to receive financial support as part of the government’s new Plan for Change to make the UK a clean energy superpower

Areas that host renewable energy infrastructure, like offshore wind farms, solar panels, and energy storage facilities, will benefit directly from new funding to boost local services, facilities, and economic growth.

This initiative ensures that communities playing a vital role in delivering clean, homegrown energy also enjoy tangible improvements to their local areas. Funding will come from energy developers, who will be required by law to contribute to community benefit funds.

Supporting local priorities through clean energy projects

The money raised through these community benefit funds will be spent directly on local priorities. This could include building new community centres, upgrading sports facilities, improving transport links, supporting schools, and launching employment programmes. Each community will be given the power to decide how to use the funds, ensuring investment meets their unique needs.

For example, seaside towns in Wales could see investment in grassroots football pitches, while coastal areas in Yorkshire might use the funds to support apprenticeships and engineering training for young people. In the Scottish Highlands, funds may go towards improving rural transport and educational infrastructure.

Payments tied to project size

The amount communities receive will depend on the size and scale of the energy infrastructure being developed. Smaller projects may bring in tens of thousands of pounds annually, while larger developments could generate millions yearly for local areas.

The government wants to ensure a fair and proportionate approach by tying funding levels to project size and rewarding communities for contributing to national energy goals.

The proposals also outline plans for shared ownership of renewable energy infrastructure. This would allow residents to own a stake in nearby projects, reinvesting profits into the community. The goal is to give citizens a more direct role in the clean energy transition and a share in the long-term benefits.

Reducing bills and boosting energy security

These measures are part of a bigger effort to cut household energy bills, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and increase Britain’s energy security. With clean energy produced at home, the UK can protect billpayers from future global price shocks and support economic growth in areas that have often been left behind.

In addition to community benefits from renewable projects, new policies in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will offer electricity bill discounts of up to £2,500 over 10 years for homes near new or upgraded power transmission infrastructure.

The announcement builds on previous commitments, including a £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund announced earlier this week. This fund will help modernise the UK’s fishing fleet, support training for new fishers, and promote British seafood exports. It also follows a new agreement with the EU, providing long-term stability for the UK’s fishing industry.

Together, these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to revitalising Britain’s coastal and rural regions by aligning economic growth with the country’s clean energy ambitions.

The post Cash boost for coastal communities hosting clean energy projects appeared first on Open Access Government.

Roberto Mallozzi from Klima-Therm shares practical insights on delivering leading large-scale heat pump systems in public sector buildings to maximise energy efficiency, enhance service outcomes, and minimise carbon emissions plus operational costs

Maintenance backlogs across public sector buildings prevent essential services from being effectively delivered while acting as a barrier to meeting environmental targets. Heat pumps are part of the solution, but with technology evolving rapidly, decision-makers need guidance on maximising their investment.

Drawing on decades of experience delivering leading large-scale heat pump systems, I will share practical insights on how public sector buildings can upgrade heating systems to maximise energy efficiency and service outcomes while minimising carbon emissions and operational costs.

A recent National Audit Office (NAO) report estimated maintenance backlogs across public sector buildings to be at least £49 billion. Ministry of Defence buildings, schools and NHS facilities account for 88% of this burden, each with backlogs exceeding £10 billion. ⁽¹⁾ Over 1.5 million children attend schools requiring major upgrades, with 729,000 in buildings deemed unsafe or dilapidated by government or local authorities.

Decision-makers face pressure on multiple fronts. Urgent remediation is required to improve service outcomes in critical areas, such as education and healthcare. If upgrades are deferred, the Cabinet Office has estimated that costs could rise by 50% in two to four years. And finally, those operating in the public sector must meet carbon reduction targets. Funding is available under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which aims to reduce building emissions by 75% by 2037, compared to 2017 levels. ⁽²⁾

Heat pumps for government buildings

In 2024, renewable technologies, including wind, solar and biomass, generated 45% of UK power, with nuclear taking low carbon energy generation to a record-breaking 58%. The increasingly ‘green’ profile of the National Grid makes for a compelling argument for heat pumps as an environmentally responsible electric heating choice for public sector buildings.

Heat pumps deliver impressive energy efficiency, lower running costs than alternatives, reduced carbon emissions and decreased maintenance requirements compared to combustion-based systems. However, realising these benefits depends entirely on proper specification, installation and maintenance.

At Klima-Therm, we have extensive experience delivering large-scale heat pump systems across diverse applications, including universities and college campuses, medical research facilities and listed buildings. What lessons have we learned from supplying what we believe to be the largest range of heat pumps available in the UK?

Choose the right heat pump for your application

Public buildings have diverse requirements, from healthcare facilities needing consistent hot water to educational buildings with varying occupancy patterns. At Klima-Therm, we supply an extensive range of heat pump solutions specifically designed to meet these varied needs:

• The POKER290 from Rhoss is a ground-breaking new range of high-temperature air-cooled reversible propane (R290) heat pumps that delivers exceptionally high-water temperatures and outstanding efficiency (A Class CoP, SCoP of 3.2 at medium temperature and 3.81 at low temperature). Its modular design expands capacity from 48kW to 190kW by connecting up to four units, making it ideal for phased retrofits in schools, universities, healthcare facilities and leisure centres.
• The UniPACK-P and UniPACK-P EXP series offer flexible heating solutions with cooling capacities from 50kW to 160kW. These propane-based systems produce hot water up to 72°C even with external air temperatures down to -12°C and contacts for smart grid and solar photovoltaic integration, offering exceptional operation all year round.
• For buildings requiring very high-temperature domestic hot water, our Enerblue HP90 CO₂ heat pump range delivers water temperatures up to 90°C with external temperatures as low as -20°C. With heating capacities from 14.5kW to 133.2kW and a CoP of 3.2, it offers significant energy savings for applications requiring a consistent hot water supply.
• The innovative 3DxHP heat pump AHU eliminates defrost cycles entirely, preventing interruptions in thermal output and ensuring consistent comfort in applications such as schools, healthcare facilities and leisure centres.

For sites with concurrent heating and cooling demands, it can be tempting to size for the maximum peak, but this is a bad practice that results in an inefficient and costly operation that shortens the life of the plant. We recommend sizing for the lowest of the two peaks, supplementing with dedicated machines where necessary, and using an approach that optimises energy efficiency, reliability, and capital expenditure.

Natural refrigerants offer future-proofed sustainability

At Klima-Therm, we’ve long advocated for natural refrigerants, particularly propane (R290). Our experience of over 300 propane heat pump installations over the last 15 years has demonstrated that these systems are safe and highly efficient with proper handling.

Natural refrigerants like propane and carbon dioxide (CO2/R744) offer significant environmental advantages with zero ozone depletion potential and minimal global warming impact. For public sector organisations that want to future-proof their heating, these refrigerants provide a sustainable solution that feeds into long-term decarbonisation goals.

For example, the POKER290 range of high-temperature propane heat pumps is ideal for a wide range of public buildings, including schools, universities, hospitals and care homes. Its modular arrangement allows capacity to be increased according to demand, perfect for phased retrofits in the public sector where funding may be released incrementally.

Intelligent controls enhance system performance

Smart controls can transform heat pumps into grid assets while maximising efficiency. For larger public sector estates, implementing advanced control systems like the MTM Multi Technology Manager can optimise the operation of multiple units, ensuring the most efficient units take priority and managing combined heating and cooling loads effectively.

The ability to sequence different types of units – including chillers, heat pumps and polyvalent (4-pipe) systems – provides exceptional flexibility for complex public buildings with diverse heating and cooling requirements.

Choose a total service provider

Public sector decision-makers should seek partners who offer comprehensive services from consultation to ongoing maintenance, protecting the significant financial investment required to refurbish and, in some cases, rebuild public sector buildings.

At Klima-Therm, we offer a total solution approach – from initial consultation, design and specification to installation and preventative maintenance – ensuring public sector buildings achieve optimal performance, energy efficiency and environmental benefits from their heat pump investments.

With the benefit of our extensive experience with large-scale heat pump systems, decision-makers work with us to confidently choose low-carbon heating and cooling solutions that deliver long-term value for buildings and the communities they serve.

References

1. https://www.nao.org.uk/press-releases/government-building-maintenance-backlog-is-at-least-49-billion-spending-watchdog-says/
2. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65d89ceb87005a001a80f8e4/psds-phase-3a-summary-report.pdf

The post Lessons on heat pump systems for the public sector appeared first on Open Access Government.

Workers for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), for both Urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) bargaining units issued the notice on Monday.

The Danish Energy Agency hopes to reduce its carbon footprint by selecting 10 companies to compete for DKK 28.7 billion in funding for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects

The funding initiative will cut Denmark’s CO₂ emissions by 2.3 million tonnes annually from 2030.

Strong interest in CCS funding

The funding competition comes after the call for applications was issued in March 2025, where 16 companies applied to be prequalified.

As the tender framework stated, only 10 companies could move forward. These selected organisations now have the opportunity to submit project proposals for CCS initiatives that aim to capture and permanently store carbon emissions.

This funding round is part of Denmark’s bigger plan to reach its national climate targets. The CCS fund is structured to support projects that deliver tangible environmental benefits. Payments from the fund will be made based on the volume of CO₂ captured and stored, ensuring that the funding directly contributes to emission reductions.

Prequalified companies

The Danish Energy Agency has chosen companies with experience in carbon capture, storage, or large-scale infrastructure development. The prequalified companies, listed alphabetically, are:

• AffaldPlus Affaldsenergi A/S (Næstved Affaldsenergi A/S)
• ARGO CCS A/S
• E.ON Carbon Capture Solutions Copenhagen ApS
• Energnist CaptureCo A/S
• Fjernvarme Fyn Fangst A/S
• Gaia ProjectCo P/S
• HOFOR DSS SPV A/S
• Kredsløb Holding A/S
• Ørsted Bioenergy & Thermal Power A/S
• Aalborg Portland A/S

These companies will now enter the next stage of the competition, where they will prepare detailed project descriptions and submit initial offers for funding consideration.

Next steps in the tender process

The competition will progress through several phases. Prequalified companies must submit their Initial Offers (INDO) by August 26, 2025. A negotiation phase between each company and the Danish Energy Agency will follow this. Final and Binding Offers (BAFO) are expected to be due by December 17, 2025, with contract awards planned for April 2026.

The CCS fund is designed to stimulate investment in green technologies and establish a long-term market for carbon capture and storage within Denmark. It is part of the Danish government’s commitment to developing innovative climate solutions.

Storing CO₂ domestically or abroad

Under the fund’s guidelines, only CO₂ captured within Denmark will count toward the country’s climate targets. However, the carbon can be geologically stored domestically or internationally, provided it meets the required safety and environmental standards. This flexibility encourages rapid deployment of CCS projects while ensuring measurable climate benefits.

Awaiting EU approval

Before the funding can be fully implemented, the CCS initiative must receive state aid approval from the European Commission. This regulatory step ensures that the financing complies with EU competition rules and state aid regulations.

Once approved, the initiative is expected to play a critical role in helping Denmark meet its climate obligations while supporting technological innovation and job creation in the green energy sector.

The post 10 companies selected to compete for Denmark’s DKK 28.7 billion CCS fund appeared first on Open Access Government.