Sales manager Brian Whitnall had a serious accident involving a lawn mower in September 2024.
Ford and other companies expecting billions in tariff impacts this year
As car companies report earnings for the first quarter of the year, many are signalling future profits will be impacted due to U.S. tariff policies.
My Help to Buy neighbour is illegally renting out his flat – how can I put a stop to it?
Homes that were bought with the help of the Government scheme can’t can’t then be rented to tenants – but no-one I have told seems to be bothered.
Winston Churchill's first bachelor pad up for sale for £3.75m
105 Mount Street became Churchill’s pied-à-terre in August 1900, when at the age of 25, leased the property from his cousin.
Affordable hydrogen fuel production: Novel surface reconstruction strategy
Scientists at Tohoku University have pioneered an affordable hydrogen fuel production method using a novel surface reconstruction strategy for catalysts. This breakthrough in non-noble metal cathodes brings cost-effective clean fuel closer to reality, targeting commercial applications
A team of scientists at the Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University, announced a significant breakthrough in the quest for affordable and efficient hydrogen fuel production. Their innovative approach focuses on a surface reconstruction strategy to create highly durable and cost-effective catalysts, potentially bridging the gap between laboratory research and large-scale commercial application of clean hydrogen fuel.
The findings, published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials on April 3, 2025, offer a promising pathway to meet the US Department of Energy’s ambitious 2026 hydrogen production cost target.
Overcoming HER inefficiencies with non-noble metals
The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) holds immense promise for generating clean hydrogen fuel, a crucial component in tackling the climate crisis. However, the inherent inefficiency and slow kinetics of HER have hindered its widespread commercialisation. Traditionally, expensive noble metals are employed as catalysts to accelerate this reaction.
Recognising the need for more affordable alternatives, the Tohoku University research team focused on transition metal phosphides (TMPs), a class of durable and cost-effective non-noble metal compounds known for their catalytic potential.
Fluorine modification unlocks enhanced catalytic activity
The research team’s novel strategy involved modifying cobalt phosphide (CoP) with fluorine. Through meticulous experimentation and advanced analytical techniques, including operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and Raman measurements, they elucidated the mechanism behind the enhanced catalytic performance.
The incorporation of fluorine into the CoP lattice facilitated the formation of phosphorus vacancy sites on the catalyst’s surface. These vacancies act as highly active sites, significantly accelerating the HER process.
Promising performance and cost projections for hydrogen fuel production
The modified catalyst, F-modified CoP, demonstrated exceptional durability, maintaining stable performance for over 300 hours under acidic conditions, a crucial requirement for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers.
Lead researcher Heng Liu (AIMR) highlighted the economic viability of their approach, stating, “This reconstructed Co is highly active, works in acidic conditions, and can maintain approximately 76 W for over 300 hours. We’re getting close to an affordable method to produce fuel. The calculated cost of using this method is $2.17 per kgH2-1 – just 17 cents over the current production target set for 2026.”
Bridging the gap to commercial application
Beyond laboratory-scale experiments using a three-electrode setup, the researchers extended their findings to commercial-scale PEM electrolysers, demonstrating the practical potential of their innovation. This advancement represents a significant step forward in HER catalyst research, providing a blueprint for the rational design of other high-performance non-noble metal-based cathodes.
Paving the way for a sustainable energy future
“We’re always thinking about the end goal, which is for research to make its way into everyday life,” emphasised Liu. “This advancement brings us one step closer to designing more realistic options for commercial PEM application.”
This research offers a compelling pathway towards affordable and sustainable hydrogen fuel production, potentially playing a pivotal role in the transition to a cleaner energy future.
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Inside the 'greenest' new builds in Britain… but the Hartdene Barns homes in Kent start at £1.25m
Damien and Michael Wynne, co-founders of Q New Homes, claim that while some developers claim to be eco-conscious, many still use materials like concrete and steel.
Can we sell our £1.2million house without the neighbours knowing?
We’re keen to avoid time wasters who just want to nose around, and don’t like the idea of having a sign plonked outside the house.
New supercapacitor technology captures CO2 and generates energy
Researchers at Politecnico di Torino have developed new energy storage technology that could help tackle two major global challenges: reducing industrial carbon emissions with supercapacitors and boosting renewable energy efficiency
The new approach changes traditional supercapacitors into multifunctional devices capable of capturing and purifying carbon dioxide (CO2) while still producing and storing energy.
This solution is because of the CO2CAP project, which started in 2021 and was funded by a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). Professor Andrea Lamberti leads the Department of Applied Science and Technology research. The team’s latest development shows a significant step toward more sustainable and integrated energy systems.
Improving supercapacitors with new capabilities
Supercapacitors are energy storage devices known for their rapid charging and discharging capabilities. They already complement batteries in renewable energy applications, particularly where energy supply fluctuations make batteries less efficient. However, the CO2CAP team has added a strong new function to these devices.
By redesigning key components, particularly the electrodes and the electrolyte, the researchers have enabled supercapacitors to selectively capture CO2 from exhaust gases, such as those produced by industrial processes. The captured CO2 is purified, and at the same time, the energy involved in the process is converted and stored for future use. This is achieved using a novel ionic liquid electrolyte, a solvent-free salt that remains in a liquid state at room temperature.
Sustainable design
One of the most promising parts of this technology is its adaptability. It can be integrated into existing supercapacitor systems without requiring entirely new production lines.
This makes it a cost-effective option for manufacturers already involved in battery and supercapacitor production.
The European Union’s European Battery Alliance plans to establish 30 gigafactories for battery and supercapacitor production by 2030. The CO2CAP technology is expected to reach the implementation phase around the same time, after completing its Proof of Concept and raising its Technology Readiness Level (TRL). This alignment positions the innovation well for rapid market adoption.
Industrial applications and environmental impact
The technology is particularly good for industries with high carbon emissions, such as concrete, glass, and heavy manufacturing.
This solution supports circular economy principles by capturing CO2 directly at the source and converting it into energy and reusable materials. Captured carbon can be transformed into high-value products, including reagents, polymers, and organic compounds, reducing environmental impact and creating economic value.
A step forward in the energy transition
This new technology could be essential in the energy transition, offering a more efficient, sustainable approach to energy storage and carbon management. As renewable energy adoption increases and industries seek cleaner technologies, solutions like CO2CAP provide a blueprint for smarter, greener systems that work across sectors.
By combining carbon capture and energy storage into a single, scalable device, the Politecnico di Torino team setting the way toward a future where energy production and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
The post New supercapacitor technology captures CO2 and generates energy appeared first on Open Access Government.
UK government reveals £300 million funding boost for offshore wind
The UK government is investing in its clean Energy by launching a £300 million investment through the publicly-owned Great British Energy to supercharge the country’s offshore wind industry
This plan hopes to improve domestic supply chains and secure thousands of skilled jobs, particularly in Britain’s industrial heartlands.
£300 million to support offshore wind
The investment is being fast-tracked ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review and will target key manufacturing components such as floating offshore platforms and cabling. The move is central to the government’s broader ambition to strengthen the UK’s energy independence while driving economic growth.
This funding is expected to act as a catalyst, unlocking billions more in private investment and helping to de-risk vital clean energy projects. The funding is designed to attract international manufacturers and developers to invest in the UK, positioning the country as a global hub for offshore wind technology and production.
It follows a series of government measures designed to stimulate the clean energy sector, including planning reforms and grid connection improvements. It supports the long-term target of achieving clean power by 2030. Since July alone, £43 billion of private investment has been pledged toward clean energy projects, highlighting the growing confidence in the UK’s renewable energy landscape.
Targeting important components of offshore infrastructure
Communities across the country stand to benefit from this investment, particularly regions with a strong industrial heritage. By building domestic capacity in critical components of offshore wind infrastructure, the government aims to spread economic benefits, create good-quality jobs and revitalise local economies.
This announcement comes as global leaders gather in London for a two-day Future of Energy Security summit. Hosted by the UK government in partnership with the International Energy Agency, the event brings together ministers, business leaders, and energy experts worldwide to discuss strategies for accelerating the clean energy transition and protecting against future energy shocks.
Great British Energy, launched as part of the government’s Plan for Change, is important to the UK’s new industrial strategy. The company is tasked with ensuring Britain builds resilient energy infrastructure, enhances energy security, and keeps the economic benefits of clean Energy at home.
Driving economic growth and energy independence
In its initial phase, the £300 million fund will open to companies demonstrating a long-term commitment to UK supply chains. These grants are designed to support the rapid development of manufacturing facilities and ensure that British expertise, from welders to engineers, plays a pivotal role in delivering the country’s energy transition.
The investment is part of the wider £8.3 billion allocation for Great British Energy across this parliamentary term. Future funding rounds are expected, with more details on eligibility and criteria to be released later this year.
Industry groups have welcomed the announcement, seeing it as a crucial move to enhance the UK’s competitiveness in a fast-growing global market. With increased international competition for clean energy investment, this government backing is set to make the UK a more attractive destination for developers and manufacturers looking to expand their operations.
The post UK government reveals £300 million funding boost for offshore wind appeared first on Open Access Government.
Wind energy powers ahead as EU’s second largest electricity source
In 2024, the European Commission reported that wind power became the European Union’s second-largest source of electricity, overtaking natural gas and coming in just behind nuclear
With other renewables, wind accounted for 47% of the EU’s electricity generation, marking a major milestone in transitioning to a cleaner, greener future.
Wind power is becoming Europe’s second-largest electricity source
In just one year, greenhouse gas emissions from electricity production dropped by a remarkable 24%.
As more households and businesses across Europe turn to wind and other renewable sources, the continent moves closer to energy independence while slashing pollution from fossil fuels.
Wind energy isn’t just clean; it’s also cost-effective. The price of building wind power infrastructure has plummeted over the past decade.
Onshore wind is now less than half the cost of coal power, and far cheaper than imported fossil fuels, which have driven up energy prices during recent global crises. Despite these challenges, wind power is helping to stabilise household energy bills and boost the competitiveness of European industry.
Wind energy is also making progress in its minimal environmental footprint. The average onshore wind turbine powers more than 1,500 EU households per year. Newer models can triple that output.
Unlike coal plants, which emit thousands of tonnes of CO2 annually, a wind turbine offsets its entire lifecycle emissions within its first year of operation. It has continued to generate clean energy for up to 25 years.
Minimal impact on nature and wildlife
Turbines are responsible for less than 0.1% of bird deaths caused by humans, significantly fewer than buildings or fossil fuel plants.
Offshore wind farms, which take advantage of stronger sea winds, are designed to minimise disruption to marine life and are quieter than many human activities at sea, such as oil drilling or shipping.
Wind energy also leaves plenty of space for people, nature, and agriculture. Each turbine only requires about 0.46 hectares, less than a football field, and most land around and beneath it remains usable. Whether on land or offshore, wind turbines are strategically placed at safe distances from homes and communities, and the noise they produce is often quieter than a household fridge.
Europe leads the way in technology and jobs
The European Union is a global leader in wind energy innovation and manufacturing, home to nearly half of the world’s key wind turbine companies. The sector supports 400,000 European jobs and new initiatives like the Clean Industrial Deal and the Net-Zero Industry.
Act are set to drive further growth and development. Wind energy has come a long way, from the first wind farm built on the Greek island of Kythnos in 1982 to today’s massive offshore installations. By embracing renewables like wind, Europe is reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels, cutting emissions, and building a sustainable, self-reliant energy future.
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