British firms face £800m EU carbon tax bill

UK businesses could face an £800 million EU carbon tax bill by 2030 unless the government secures an exemption as part of a wider emissions trading agreement, a new report has warned.

The UK Trade and Business Commission is calling on Britain and the EU to grant businesses reciprocal exemptions from their respective Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms while negotiations continue.

The cross-party body says the temporary arrangement should begin as soon as a UK-EU Emissions Trading Systems agreement is signed and remain in place until it takes effect. This would reduce trade friction and prevent businesses being charged during the implementation period.

Energy secretary considers plans for solar farm

A recommendation report by the Planning Inspectorate for a proposal of what could become England’s largest solar farm is now being considered by Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The proposed Green Hill Solar Farm would cover about 2,965 acres (1,200 hectares) of land south and west of Wellingborough and north of Northampton.

It would also extend to include land to the north east of Warrington a hamlet in Buckinghamshire.

Ed Miliband will review the report and must make the final decision within three months.

Prime Minister secures major jobs and energy investment at G7 to deliver growth and security at home

The Prime Minister will unveil a major package of international investment into the UK economy at the G7 Summit, delivering more than a thousand jobs, strengthening energy security and helping to bring down costs for working people.

The deal includes major investments from French and Indian firms into Britain’s clean energy infrastructure and AI sector – backing high-skilled jobs in cities including Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham while helping deliver more stable and affordable energy.

At a time of rising global instability, including conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Prime Minister is using the summit to work with partners to reduce pressures on household bills, strengthen supply chains and unlock new opportunities for British workers.

Solar panel grants and government funding: what’s available and how to apply

Free solar panels are rare, but eligible low-income households can often access full funding through the ECO4 (until the end of 2026), Warm Homes: Local Grant, and other schemes. 

All homeowners can pay 0% VAT on solar panels right now. New low-interest loans are coming soon that anyone can apply for, with interest-free options available for lower-income households. 

It’s a great time to consider whether solar panels are right for you. Find out everything you need to know below.

Energy bills to rise for millions as impact of Iran war hits

Household energy prices will rise by 13% a year in July, as soaring wholesale costs caused by the US-Israel war with Iran hit bills for the first time.

Regulator Ofgem says the war means a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will pay £221 more a year, with an annual bill of £1,862.

The cap affects millions of homes on variable tariffs in England, Scotland and Wales, and suppliers are warning it could go even higher in the colder winter months without an end to the conflict.

Energy costs have rocketed since Iran responded to US and Israeli attacks by effectively blocking the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

A fifth of the world’s oil and gas usually flows through the waterway.