Latest from the big energy debate
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Is it time for councils to buy back control of the energy grid?
Brits oppose energy developments, while Germans welcome new plants because they know they bring local benefits. It's time to learn from our neighbours, says Kate Henderson
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Ed Davey, secretary of state for energy and climate change – live chat
Join Ed Davey MP live online from 10.30-11.30am BST on Wednesday 22 October -
Energy saving for extremists: put a sponge in your letterbox
To mark Big Energy Saving Week, we share eight unusual ways to slash your energy bill and cut carbon -
How close is the UK to a power blackout?
Interactive: James Ball looks at the UK's energy safety gap and finds we could face a supply crunch as soon as the winter of 2015 -
About the Guardian big energy debate
Join our year-long project in which experts, consumers and politicians discuss the UK energy crisis and how to solve it
From our partners
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Transforming Britain's electricity system
Advertisement feature: It's time for a systems architect to manage the complex, changing pressures that progress is placing on the grid
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The UK manufacturing industry and the future of energy
Advertisement feature: Siemens shares the results of research assessing the attitudes of British manufacturers over energy costs
#bigenergydebate
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We pick the best questions and expert answers from our live debate on cutting energy bills and carbon emissions
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Energy secretary hits out at Ed Miliband’s efforts to reform the energy market, warning of damaging effects. Hamish Macdonell reports
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Frederika Whitehead finds out why – despite perfect conditions – British marine energy has so far failed to make waves
Renewable energy
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Energy secretary says ‘the party that takes wind off the table is reckless’ in an attack quickly dismissed by Tory minister
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Leader of European Trade Union Confederation joins major brands, including Philips and Shell, calling for ambitious climate and energy package to create jobs and support businesses
Fracking
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Lord Chris Smith will lead a new ‘independent’ task force, funded by shale gas companies, to look into the risks and benefits of fracking in the UK
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Terry Macalister: Motorists, airlines and industry are enjoying low energy costs, the US is relishing its reduced reliance on the Middle East – and Opec is wondering how to reassert its authority
Nuclear power
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Jon Butterworth: Quantum tunnelling sounds like science fiction, and does indeed feature there quite often. But it is real, and plays a role in nuclear fusion, chemical reactions and the fate of the universe. Here’s how it works
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Lockheed’s announcement has generated a lot of publicity, but experts point to the lack of details or results, suggesting fusion power is still a long way off. Karl Mathiesen investigates
Climate change
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Drop of 1-2% in amount of coal burned offers ‘a window of opportunity’ to bring climate change under control, say Greenpeace energy analysts
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Opposition and industry groups immediately reject ‘phoney’ opening offer as negotiations start on renewable energy target
Energy news
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Janaki Lenin: The 3000MW Dibang dam, rejected twice as it would submerge vast tracts of biologically rich forests, is to get environmental clearance – but huge local opposition could stall the project
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Guardian Professional
Talkpoint: poor ventilation and lack of natural light undermine productivity in the workplace - we ask how businesses can improve comfort and sustainability for employees
Energy events
Energy efficiency
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‘No red lines’ on goal of improving energy efficiency 30% by 2030, says UK’s energy and climate secretary
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Dutch consortia Energiesprong could give zero carbon retrofits to social homes across England, using innovative wrap-around insulated panels, if EU funding is approved
Energy bills
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The Big Deal writes a letter of complaint to many of the big comparison sites – but are its claims justified?
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After launch to laundries and hotels, technology using tiny nylon beads and 80% less water planned for US domestic market
Fuel poverty
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Whether you’re trying to cut domestic bills or struggling to manage the cost of energy to your business, join our panel of experts online on Tuesday 30 September, 2-3pm BST
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Letters: The UN is missing a trick by not putting coal and oil company representatives in the hot seat – in fact, not even inviting them to the negotiations on carbon emissions
Carbon emissions
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Federal agency finds that emissions increased during 2014 polar vortex, raising questions about US’s targeted 2020 cuts
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Green party MP calls on parliament to pull money out of gas, coal and oil investments
Using resources efficiently
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Guardian Professional
Without engaged consumers, incentivised retailers and appropriate collections systems, fashion will remain a wasteful industry
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Guardian Professional
From charging for the use of aircraft engines to waste-free supermarkets, experts share ideas for breaking the cycle of unsustainable design
About this project
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The UK is facing an energy crisis. With rising prices, tough carbon reduction targets, efforts to secure energy supply and mounting political uncertainty ahead of the next election, energy has become a critical issue for government, businesses and civil society.
The Guardian has teamed up with partners in the energy sector to lead 'The Big Energy Debate'. We'll be engaging with industry, policy makers and academics – and you. Over the coming months this page will serve as a hub for news, views and debate on the future of energy in the UK. Use the hashtag #bigenergydebate to join the discussion.
The big energy debate is funded by Siemens, National Grid, The Crown Estate, Institution of Engineering and Technology, ENA, NIA and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. All content is editorially independent except pieces labelled "advertisement feature". Find out more
