RWE to close its last U.K. coal plant in 2020
RWE to close its last U.K. coal plant in 2020 FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint分享The Guardian:The German utility giant RWE will close its last U.K. coal plant after the coming winter, leaving only four remaining coal plants powering British homes. RWE will close the Aberthaw B power station in south Wales at the end of March 2020 after half a century generating electricity from coal.The energy company, which runs one of the largest portfolios of gas power plants, said it had been clear for some time that the UK was a challenging market for coal generators. The UK used coal for less than 5% of its electricity last year, and went without coal-generated power altogether for over a week earlier this year, which was the longest coal-free period since the Industrial Revolution.Coal has been driven out of the electricity system due to rising taxes on carbon emissions, and will be banned by the government from 2025 to help the UK meet its climate targets.The shutdown of Aberthaw B comes after SSE said in June it would close the Fiddler’s Ferry coal plant near Warrington in Cheshire by the end of March 2020 because it cannot compete with the economics of gas and renewable energy.EDF Energy said in February that it would shutter the Cottam coal plant in September.The string of shutdowns means that by next spring just four coal plants will remain in the UK: the West Burton A and Ratcliffe-on-Soar plants in Nottinghamshire, Kilroot in Northern Ireland and two generation units at the Drax site in North Yorkshire, which are earmarked for conversion to burn gas.More: German utilities firm RWE to close its last UK coal plant in 2020
AES: Global solar investment could total $613 billion from 2021-2025 FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint分享S&P Global Market Intelligence ($):As much as $613 billion could be invested globally in new solar generation between 2021 and 2025, AES Corporation estimated July 30.The Arlington, Virginia-based company, which provides power in 14 countries, gave its estimate while announcing a “strategic investment” in an Australian solar technology firm, 5B. AES said that 5B, and the Sydney-based company’s Maverick technology, will enable customers to “add solar resources at a pace that is three times faster while providing up to two times more energy within the same footprint of traditional solar facilities.”“A [solar] project using 5B’s technology can be built in a third of the time when compared with conventional solar,” said Andres Gluski, President and CEO of AES in a statement released July 30.In 2017, AES acquired sPower, a US-based utility-scale solar developer. The $853 million acquisition gave AES an additional 1,274 MW of utility-scale solar capacity, and a portfolio of 10 GW of projects in various stages of development.AES followed that acquisition with a joint venture partnership with Siemens in 2018. The resulting new company called Fluence has subsequently reported building or contracting for 2.1 GW of battery storage capacity.AES is among the most active developers in the fast growing solar plus storage market. In June, AES was selected by Hawaiian Electric Companies to develop and operate two new utility-scale solar-plus-storage facilities on Oahu. One project is a 19.5-MW solar PV facility with 35 MWh of storage attached, the other a 60-MW facility with a 240 MWh battery energy storage system.[Jeffrey Ryser]More ($): AES estimates $613 billion in global investments in solar generation between 2021-25
The Credit Union National Association recently released the 2015-2016 Environmental Scan. The E-Scan offers insights in 10 primary areas affecting credit unions, including lending, economics, technology and of course marketing. The E-Scan is a must-read for any credit union executive and is also an outstanding planning tool to use.The marketing section is entitled “Meet Millennials’ Expectations.” It also links branding with reaching the Millennial generation by saying “Establishing a trusted relationship with young adults might mean taking a hard look at credit union branding decisions.”According to the E-Scan, there are three factors that come into play when it comes to credit unions’ visibility with the younger generation:(1) Dilution of relevanceAs the E-Scan notes, in five years millennials collectively will exert $1.4 trillion in buying power annually. That’s a lot of money when it comes to financial services. The challenge is that millennials are not finding credit unions relevant. The report suggests, “rekindle your relevance by finding and filling the dire needs of millennials, the needs that banks aren’t naturally willing to be able to support.” continue reading » ShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr
New Zealand is set to contribute NZ$5 million (US$3 million) to Indonesia’s COVID-19 preparedness, response and recovery efforts through UNICEF Indonesia, a long-time partner of New Zealand’s aid program in the country.In a joint statement on Monday, the government of New Zealand said the funds would enable UNICEF to increase its risk communication and community engagement.The funds will also be used for the procurement and distribution of critical personal protective equipment (PPE), hygiene and infection-prevention supplies, as well as to ensure the maintenance of essential health services in the archipelago. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented public health and humanitarian crisis. As a close bilateral partner, New Zealand stands ready to support Indonesia in this crisis, responding to the Indonesian government’s request to support the COVID-19 response to help those in need,” said New Zealand’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Jonathan Austin.Austin said that the government of New Zealand had chosen to partner with UNICEF as the organization involved in the Indonesian government’s multi-sectoral COVID-19 response plan, particularly on the risk-communication and community-engagement pillars.“UNICEF is working closely with the [Indonesian] government’s COVID-19 task force, as well as with a range of key line ministries to support a comprehensive response and recovery effort,” he added.Meanwhile, with the help of over 160 staff in Jakarta and seven field locations across the archipelago, UNICEF Indonesia believes that its engagement is able to reach a wide range of people including those living in remote communities.“Through this contribution from New Zealand, UNICEF will be able to provide wide-ranging support to the Indonesian government on risk-communication strategies and dissemination of content on digital platforms as well as addressing prevention measures to tackle severe disruptions to essential life-saving services such as immunization,” said UNICEF representative to Indonesia Debora Comini.In addition, UNICEF aims to increase the availability of handwashing stations and COVID-19 hygiene kits, including home-disinfection products in vulnerable areas and support the government’s community-based total sanitation program.As of last week, Indonesia had received aid packages worth US$80.1 million from at least 101 international partners — 82 from international NGOs, 10 from international organizations and nine from foreign states.Topics :
The London Pensions Fund Authority (LPFA) has swiftly replaced outgoing chairman Edi Truell with deputy chair Merrick Cockell.The local government pension scheme (LGPS) spun out of the former Greater London Council saw its chairman Truell announce his resignation last week after less than years on the board. Truell is to set up an advisory board to LPFA’s new joint venture with the Lancashire LGPS, the London Lancashire Pensions Partnership (LLPP).Cockell, who will be acting chairman, has been deputy chair since January 2013 and joined the board almost five years ago. He is also chairman of the UK’s Municipal Bonds Agency, set up to allow local councils to find a way to raise capital from private markets.Cockell’s predecessor will stand down in September and will also advise the mayor of London on how collaboration between LGPS could increase pension fund infrastructure investment.LGPS collaboration has been a shared ambition of Truell, the LPFA and London mayor Boris Johnson, as demonstrated by the scheme’s decision to launch the LLPP and a second, infrastructure-focused joint venture with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.Truell, who also co-founded bulk annuity provider Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), will not be paid for his position advising Johnson.The idea is to push forward Johnson’s ambition to create a London infrastructure investment fund using assets from the capital’s LGPS, an idea championed by Truell when he first joined the LPFA. Johnson firmly backs the merging of LGPS schemes in order to save on costs and create a combined fund that could invest in large scale infrastructure projects.The LPFA/Lancashire partnership, which has combined assets of £10.5bn (€14.3bn), is aiming to commence operation in April 2016.Cockell said it was an exciting time to be leading the LPFA, as the pooled fund becomes a reality.“As joint shareholders with Lancashire in the LLPP we have been working closely together on every facet of its development and we expect this to continue going forward,” he added.
Marques added: “Directionally, Q1 2017 was very similar to Q4 2016, although in 2016 we saw bonds performing even more poorly as a result of markets adjusting expectations for inflation upwards, following the US election results.”According to estimates from the Portuguese Association of Investment Funds, Pension Funds and Asset Management (APFIPP), covering 88% of the Portuguese pension fund market at end-March, investors had allocated 51.7% to bonds, 22.8% to equities, 13.1% to real estate and 2.5% to alternatives. Figures included both direct and indirect holdings.Marques said the strongest equity returns came from Asia Pacific and emerging markets, which gained around 10%.Euro-zone came in just below zero, Marques said, but “there were a few exceptions, notably Portuguese government bonds, where we saw low positive single digit returns, as we start to see improvements in the confidence of Portuguese economic recovery”.Property returns in the euro-zone were also positive, with low single-digit returns over the quarter. Alternatives, such as hedge funds and commodities, performed well too, according to Marques. But crude oil had another very poor quarter, losing around 6%.Marques said that many Portuguese funds were employing diversification not only as a risk management tool, but also as a way of obtaining a higher return.He added: “In addition, pension funds tend to employ active management as a way of improving return rather than just tracking an index. This of course has the downside of exposing them to active risk as well.”Marques concluded: “Some pension funds are looking to immunise their liabilities against movements in interest rates by buying assets that have a similar maturity profile as their liabilities. In general, we have seen a greater demand for asset-liability modelling studies which are fundamental for setting a robust investment strategy and risk management plan.” Asian and emerging market equity returns helped Portuguese occupational pension funds post a median return of 1.2% in the first quarter of 2017, according to Willis Towers Watson.The gain lifted 12-month returns to 3.3% as at 31 March 2017, compared with an 1.8% return for the 2016 calendar year. Annualised returns for the three years to 31 March rose to 3.5%, and reached 5.1% for the five-year period.Performance figures were submitted by so-called ‘closed’ funds, which are generally pension plans for a single employer or group of companies, and make up the vast bulk of occupational plans. The analysis used data covering around €13bn in assets, equal to 80% of the closed pension fund market in Portugal. It incorporated more than 100 pension funds, including the five biggest pension fund managers in the country.José Marques, senior investment consultant at Willis Towers Watson, said: “Portuguese pension funds are materially reliant on the performance of global equities and euro-zone bonds, corporate and government. Although bonds had a relatively poor performance, equities performed well across most markets and continue to benefit from central bank liquidity.”
Singapore-based Swire Shipping and Lodestar, the logistics and shipping division of Oji Fibre Solutions, have teamed up on a joint breakbulk shipping service between New Zealand and North Asia. The new service would offer a monthly frequency carrying pulp, timber and forest product related cargo from New Zealand’s ports of Napier and Tauranga to Asia ports of Incheon, Qingdao, Lianyungang, Onsan, Tomakomai and Kaohsiung.A total of three Saiki class 38,000 dwt bulk vessels would be deployed in the service, namely MV Glorious Saiki, MV Furness Portland, and MV Furness Southern Cross.The service remains subject to regulatory approval, according to Swire Shipping, the liner shipping division of The China Navigation Company.“Our partnership with Lodestar reinforces our focus on delivering quality and sustainable shipping services for our customers. The service will be the foundation for future innovative solutions, to service New Zealand import and export cargoes,” Chris Blake, General Manager, Projects, Swire Shipping said.“It also underpins our commitment to growing the shipping industry in New Zealand through strategic tie-ups with like-minded partners, offering bigger ships, as well as providing a comprehensive range of shipping solutions that our customers want and need.”
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said Wednesday police forces must remain vigilant in ensuring that the peace and order. MANILA – With the community quarantine expected to be relaxed in several areas in the country, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has warned of possible surge of crimes. Those working in permitted industries and those who will access essential services are allowed to leave their homes, he added.Quarantine measures will still be imposed for persons below 21 years old; persons 60 years old and above; persons who are immunocompromised; pregnant women; and people who reside with the aforementioned individuals.However, seniors who are working or will go out to access essential services will be exempted from the home quarantine.The Philippine National Police’s constant implementation of peace and order protocols during the enhanced community quarantine from March 17 to May 9 led to only 3,166 crimes committed nationwide.He said the figure is a far cry from the 8,135 cases reported from January 23 to March 16, the days leading to the implementation of the ECQ in Luzon.“The 61 percent decrease in crime volume within March 17 to May 9, 2020, with a total of 3,166, must be maintained by the PNP even under GCQ,” Año said.During the ECQ, 865 incidents of theft were recorded. The figure is much lower than the 2,752 incidents reported in the months before the ECQ. The same pattern was observed in other crimes, such as murder, homicide, physical injury, and rape, among others./PN The movement is still limited in areas under GCQ, according to Año and that quarantine control points will remain. He urged policemen to thwart criminal threats that are expected to surge under new normal or less-stringent general community quarantine (GCQ).“Mas matindi ang inaasahang pagpapairal ng batas sa panahon ng GCQ dahil nariyan pa rin ang banta ng coronavirus at samahan pa ng mga masasamang-loob na wala rin namang pinipiling panahon at krisis,” Año said.
According to Bautista, the economy in Boracay is gradually recovering after the island’s halt of operations starting mid-March due to COVID-19 pandemic. Tourists enjoy their time in the world famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan in this undated photo. Acting Malay mayor Floribar Bautista said they will reduce the curfew hours in the world-class island resort. BOY RYAN ZABAL/AKEAN FORUM BORACAY – Acting Malay town mayor Floribar Bautista said they will shorten the curfew hours in this world-famous island resort. The curfew hours in the island resort was implemented as part of the preventive measures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19.) This move came after the Department of Tourism announced that those Western Visayan tourists below 21 years old and those above 60 years old are now allowed to visit the island.The proposed 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew in Boracay will replace the original 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. schedule.“Bars and restaurants will now have longer time to operate,” said Bautista. 
As of July 23, Malay town and Boracay Island reported no active case of COVID-19. (With a report from Akean Forum/PN) The adjusted curfew hours also gives tourists more time to spend in the evenings. Strict hygiene measures such as wearing of facemasks, application of proper physical distancing remain implemented in Boracay to keep residents and tourist safe from the virus.
For all the Latest Sports News News, Football News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: England’s 23-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2018 was announced on Wednesday.Coach Gareth Southgate have pulled off some major surprises in the squad with the likes of Jack Wilshere, Adam Lallana and Joe Hart missing from the squad list to the mega event set to be held in Russia.Liverpool teenager Trent Alexander-Arnold was named in the 23-man squad, summing up his dream season after helping Liverpool reach the Champions League final.Manchester City’s Fabian Delph also got a call-up after a fantastic season in the Premier League, he will provide the much-needed versatility in the Gareth Southgate-managed squad.Jack Butland, Nick Pope and Jordan Pickford are the goalkeepers named in the 23-man squad with big name Joe Hart being dropped after a lacklustre season.ENGLAND’S 23-MAN WORLD CUP SQUADGoalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope.Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gary Cahill, Fabian Delph, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ashley Young.Midfielders: Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek.Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jamie Vardy, Danny Welbeck. 