Energy and Housing in Birmingham

Annum Rafique looks at how much energy we are using in the city region, where it comes from and what kind of houses we live in. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It … Continue reading “Energy and Housing in Birmingham”

Marginal Abatement Cost Curves (MACC): Their Use as Tools for Evaluating Low-Carbon/Net-Zero Interventions and Policies.

Dr Annum Rafique examines the application of marginal abatement cost curves (MACC) to assess low-carbon/net-zero policies and interventions. Introduction Household energy consumption accounts for a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As countries aim to meet emission reduction targets, decarbonising the residential heating sector is key. Marginal Abatement Cost Curves (MACC) have emerged … Continue reading “Marginal Abatement Cost Curves (MACC): Their Use as Tools for Evaluating Low-Carbon/Net-Zero Interventions and Policies.”

The Green Economy in Birmingham and the West Midlands

Professor Martin Freer discusses what the region needs to do to meet net zero targets. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2022.  The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by the University of Birmingham’s City-REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of … Continue reading “The Green Economy in Birmingham and the West Midlands”

The Energy Price Cap and Price Guarantee: What Does it Mean for Your Energy Bill?

Dr Annum Rafique looks at how you can save on your energy bills, what support is available and what to look for looking ahead into the future. The energy price cap sets a maximum price that energy suppliers can charge consumers for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy they use. The price cap is for … Continue reading “The Energy Price Cap and Price Guarantee: What Does it Mean for Your Energy Bill?”

Smart Energy – An Energy System for the 21st Century

What is smart energy? Annum Rafique discusses what it is, how it works and its potential to help us achieve net-zero. This blog was first published on the College of Social Science blog. Smart Energy has been identified as an energy system for the 21st Century which utilises digital technologies to monitor energy needs, make … Continue reading “Smart Energy – An Energy System for the 21st Century”

Balancing the Grid: Understanding the National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service

Annum Rafique looks at how the National Grid’s new initiative can help with our current energy crisis. This blog was originally published on the Birmingham Business School blog, you can view the original article here. What is the “demand flexibility service”?  In October 2022, the National Grid warned Britain that the country might face blackouts … Continue reading “Balancing the Grid: Understanding the National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 11 November 2022

This fortnight, with a new PM in place, leading business representative organisations, including the CBI, FSB and the Chambers of Commerce have called for certainty and stability from the new Prime Minister to restore business confidence in the UK. They are calling for Rishi Sunak to restore fiscal credibility, stabilise the economy and deliver much … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 11 November 2022”

Energy Price Cap Reduction

Alice Pugh looks at the potential impact of the removal of the energy price cap for households in the West Midlands. The removal of the energy price cap from April 2023 will have a massive impact on energy bills for households within the WMCA area. The West Midlands region has the largest number of fuel-poor … Continue reading “Energy Price Cap Reduction”

West Midlands Impact Monitor – 28th October 2022

Rishi Sunak is now UK Prime Minister. Concerns about inflation remain paramount for businesses, households and individuals. Russia has continued its targeted attack on Ukrainian energy supplies since last Monday, with an estimated 1.5m households now without electricity. Almost a third of Ukraine’s power stations and other energy-generating facilities having been destroyed in the attacks … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 28th October 2022”

Exploring Factors Influencing the Adoption of Low-Carbon and Renewable Technologies in Domestic Buildings in Birmingham

The Energy Crisis is on everyone’s minds, to raise awareness of National Energy Saving Week, Annum Rafique discusses the factors influencing the adoption of low-carbon and renewable technologies in domestic buildings in Birmingham. Climate change has been recognised as a global challenge. To combat climate change, the UK government has made ambitious targets for the … Continue reading “Exploring Factors Influencing the Adoption of Low-Carbon and Renewable Technologies in Domestic Buildings in Birmingham”