First International AI and Energy meeting
On the 4th and 5th of December, leaders from the energy sector, governments, tech industry and civil service from 25 countries gathered in Paris for the first major international meeting addressing links between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and energy.
COP29 outcomes: New UK NDC as well as frustration over proposed finance deals
COP29, the annual UN climate meeting, took place in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2025. This COP saw greater levels of outward frustration than that of other COPs, with a staged walkout from the alliance of small island states (AOSIS) over the proposed finance deal for small island states. The UK also came forward with their updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of an 81% emissions reduction by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels).
Extended lifespan of 4 UK Nuclear power plants
It was announced that the lifespan of 4 nuclear power stations in the UK was to be extended. 1 of these is in Scotland (their last remaining nuclear power station) and 3 in England. These power stations can generate up to 4.6 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, enough to power roughly 4.5 million homes. 2 plants in East Lothian and Heysham 1 Lancashire will extend to 2030, whilst Heysham 2 and Hartlepool sites will be extended by 1 year to 2027.
New Subsea and underground electricity cables proposed to boost energy security
A £2 billion funding package has been awarded to build new subsea and underground electricity cables to help boost energy security and reach government targets. This is part of the mission to rapidly upgrade the UK energy system.
Sweden’s opportunity to lead the energy transition
The International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report on Sweden, stating they are well-placed to accelerate electrification and transform their energy-intensive industries. This is due to their natural resources, geology and already advancing electricity system.