Commentary on DCs and the grid in the EU. A bit on some newer hyperscale AI DCs which often don't have to run at full capacity all the time if the AI models are learning for example. A bit on DC issues generally related to the grid including UPS. 

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/09/entso-e-data-center-growth-europe-demand-side-flexibility-market-participation-policy-recommendations-grid-operators/

Interesting prompt about whether some of the solutions being recommended and deployed now are going to be fit for purpose in the UK by 2050? How many existing homes will need aircon when we reach such high temperatures to prevent deaths? 

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/20/uk-built-for-climate-that-no-longer-exists-and-needs-urgent-changes-to-survive-global-heating-report-warns

Something worth flagging... we've just published a news story on a development that's had zero public communication from anyone in the sector, which is itself part of the problem.

UKAS imposed a formal suspension on APHC Certification Ltd last week. APHC runs two schemes many of you will have encountered: the Competent Persons Scheme, which is how your installer self-certified the installation against building regulations and issued your compliance certificate, and the MCS installer scheme, which is what sits behind your BUS grant eligibility. The suspension took effect 28 May and there's been no announcement, no letter to installers, nothing.

Full story here: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/ukas-suspends-aphc-certification-ltd-what-it-means-if-you-have-a-heat-pump

If your installation was handled by an APHC-registered company and you're waiting on a BUS grant, or you're thinking about selling your home and need that compliance certificate to stack up, this is worth reading. 

Renewable heating hub really in the news see The Financial Times of today 5/6/26.

For those that do not wish to buy a copy BBC news web page shows the front page along with most other newspapers.

OK its not a huge spread but making the point.

Well done to the editor and all others that make it work.

Not great quality as it is a screenshot but hope it is readable.

@wanttobegreen thank you. We actually put a lot of time and effort into the recent piece with FT, and it’s been very well received, with a positive outcome for the Wards, who were the centre piece in the article. More on that in a few days.

@wanttobegreen really good spot.

The FT carried this online story in print today: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums/government-schemes/the-reality-behind-a-failed-heat-pump-installation/paged/3/#post-63690

Where the grid is heading? Input from Kraken. 

Three announcements from DESNZ today 18th June '26.

These may or may not be provoked by the recent collapse of a major ECO4 installer, and the suspension of APHC Certification Ltd.

1: Greater Protections to restore families trust in home upgrades
This announces use of central government funding to correct errors made by installers.
The example given is the very high failure rate of cavity wall insulation.

2: A new public consultation on Reforming Consumer Protection for Home Upgrade Schemes

3: Publication on the outcome of last year's consultation on Fairer, faster redress in the energy market

Are we getting the supply and demand balance in sync? A view from EDF who own both onshore and offshore wind farms. 

https://www.yahoo.com/news/science/articles/stop-building-wind-farms-edf-143106795.html

Posted by: @transparent

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Three announcements from DESNZ today 18th June '26.

These may or may not be provoked by the recent collapse of a major ECO4 installer, and the suspension of APHC Certification Ltd.

 

1: Greater Protections to restore families trust in home upgrades
This announces use of central government funding to correct errors made by installers.
The example given is the very high failure rate of cavity wall insulation.

2: A new public consultation on Reforming Consumer Protection for Home Upgrade Schemes

3: Publication on the outcome of last year's consultation on Fairer, faster redress in the energy market

 

For me, without a thorough independent hands on check at the time of installation I suspect we won't see enough of material change in the number of issues. Even if this added a couple of hundred pounds. 

If feels like the process is too focused on remediation and redress. 

A missed opportunity IMHO. 

Posted by: @jeff

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A view from EDF who own both onshore and offshore wind farms. 

Interesting.  But no mention of long term energy storage - surely we need lots more of this to soak up the excess generation and bridge the gaps when the wind isn't blowing.  The policy seems to be to build more wind power to try to make sure "it's always windy somewhere".