Data from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero shows a 7.5% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in Bristol in 2022, attributed to warmer weather and higher energy costs. However, transport emissions in the city continue to pose a challenge. Nationally, the UK saw a 5.1% reduction in emissions, while US utility FirstEnergy delays coal phase-out plans and concerns arise over the use of green hydrogen for decarbonisation.
In 2022, greenhouse gas emissions in Bristol decreased by 7.5% compared to the previous year, according to data from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. This reduction was primarily attributed to warmer weather and increased energy costs, leading to lower usage of gas boilers. Despite this decline, emissions from transport in Bristol remained high, with only a slight reduction of less than one percent.
Transport emissions nationally saw a 0.6% increase in 2022 due to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Overall, the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 5.1% in 2022.
In other energy news, the US utility FirstEnergy has delayed its plans to phase out coal by 2030, now extending operations at two West Virginia plants until 2035 and 2040. This decision is driven by rising power demand, particularly due to data centers and artificial intelligence requirements.
Meanwhile, a new report from the Clean Air Task Force questions the efficiency of using green hydrogen to decarbonize the power sector, citing high costs and inefficiencies.
Additionally, the global liquefied natural gas market is projected to face an oversupply by 2030, as per BloombergNEF. This is due to new LNG terminals expected to come online, primarily in the US and Qatar, and despite potential delays and sanctions.
