Community groups, not-for-profit organizations, and small to medium-sized enterprises in St Albans are invited to apply for grants of up to £20,000 to support sustainability projects. The St Albans Greener Together’s Net Zero Fund aims to fund innovative projects that have a positive impact on the community and long-lasting potential. Priority will be given to projects that reduce energy use in homes, schools, community buildings, and businesses. Examples of eligible projects include working with landlords to improve building energy efficiency, raising awareness among homeowners about retrofit options and low-carbon energy sources, and implementing transport improvements to reduce emissions and encourage electric vehicle use and active travel. The Net Zero Fund is open for applications until Wednesday, October 30. Decisions on grant recipients will be announced within six weeks of the closing date. Suzanne Jones, the council’s strategic director for customer, business and corporate support, said: “The Greener Together network is one of the many actions we have taken to achieve this goal with its Net Zero Fund being created to help finance projects that can make a difference.” “I urge residents, community groups and businesses who have a project in mind to make an application if they are in need…
The EU has made significant progress in ensuring secure, affordable, and sustainable energy for its citizens. The EU has successfully weathered critical risks to its energy supply, regained control over the energy market and prices, and accelerated its transition towards climate neutrality. These achievements are outlined in the State of the Energy Union 2024 report, which assesses the EU’s progress in 2023-2024 towards the objectives of the Energy Union, the REPowerEU plan, and the clean energy transition. The EU has established a robust regulatory and financing framework to achieve its 2030 climate and energy goals, laying the foundation for renewed economic growth and competitiveness. For consumers, measures implemented at the EU level have resulted in a drastic decline in electricity and gas prices compared to their peak levels in 2022. Vulnerable consumers are also better protected from disconnection due to new energy market legislation. In terms of renewable energy, the EU has made significant strides. Renewable sources now account for half of the EU’s electricity generation, with wind power surpassing gas as the second largest source. Additionally, the EU has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 32.5% since 1990, while its economy grew by 67% during the same period. The EU…
The United Nations Secretary-General is convening a multi-stakeholder High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address the growing need for global governance in this rapidly evolving field. Recognizing the immense potential and risks associated with AI, the UN aims to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to harnessing AI for the common good while mitigating its uncertainties. The Body will bring together experts from government, private sector, and civil society to analyze and develop recommendations for international AI governance. Comprised of up to 32 experts from around the world, the Advisory Body will offer diverse perspectives and explore how AI can be governed in alignment with human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Body will engage with existing initiatives and international organizations to bridge perspectives across stakeholder groups and networks. The UN is calling for support from various stakeholders to enable the Body’s operations and the secretariat based in the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology (OSET). By contributing to the Body’s efforts, stakeholders can strengthen cooperation on AI governance and contribute to a better-governed AI landscape globally.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England has decided to maintain the Bank Rate at 5%, a decision that reflects ongoing concerns about inflation pressures. In its September meeting, the MPC voted by a majority of 8-1 to keep the Bank Rate unchanged. One member advocated for a rate reduction of 0.25 percentage points to 4.75%. Additionally, the Committee voted unanimously to reduce the stock of UK government bond purchases by £100 billion over the next 12 months. The MPC’s decision was guided by the need to address persistent inflationary pressures and ensure that inflation expectations remain well anchored. The Committee considered various scenarios, including the potential for a period of economic slack and the possibility of structural shifts in wage and price-setting. While global economic activity has continued at a steady pace, there are signs of increasing uncertainty in the near-term outlook. Oil prices have declined, and market-implied paths for policy rates in major advanced economies have decreased. In the UK, headline GDP growth is expected to return to its underlying pace of around 0.3% per quarter in the second half of the year. Twelve-month CPI inflation is projected to increase to approximately 2.5% by the…
The UK Government has announced a £1.9 million investment to support economic growth and strengthen technology and innovation across West Africa. Through the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), the government will partner with countries in the region to drive innovation and development. Sankore, a new initiative launched under WARIH, aims to facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy, and enhance government digital service delivery. The initiative will provide funding and support to non-profit organizations working in these areas. Launching a call for proposals at a press conference in Accra, Lord Collins, UK Minister for Africa, said “This initiative is all about how we can work together to strengthen the global technology sector, creating opportunities for rapidly growing economies with lots of potential to compete on the world stage. The Sankore grant fosters partnerships at its heart, with a strong message that we go far when we go together.” Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji said “Sankore project is a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its innovation landscape, by strengthening industry-science linkages and developing an enabling policy environment. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to developing practical solutions that lead to sustainable and…
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) of Grenada is inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) for a renewable energy project at the island nation’s main international airport. The project aims to increase Grenada’s reliance on renewable energy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. PURC is seeking an independent power producer (IPP) to develop and operate either a 15.1MW standalone solar PV plant or a solar-plus-storage plant combining 15.1MW of solar PV and a 10.6MW/21.2MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The project will be located at Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) and will integrate into the existing grid operated by Grenada Electricity Services Limited (Grenlec). The project offers the opportunity for investors to contribute to Grenada’s sustainable energy goals and benefit from the potential for long-term revenue through a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Grenlec. The selected IPP will be responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the plant for a period of 25 years. The solar PV plant will be distributed across three sites near MBIA, and the BESS will be located at a new substation to be constructed by Grenlec. Both options will include the provision of a power management system to ensure seamless integration and control…
Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has awarded a K36.1 million contract to Fly Engineering & Asset Management Limited (FEAML) for the construction of a 28.74-kilometer road connecting the villages of Atemkit and Kavorabip in North Fly District, Western Province. The project, funded through the National Government’s Tax Credit Scheme (TCS), will provide critical infrastructure for the two communities, whose residents are principle landowners of the Ok Tedi Mine operation. Currently, the only access to Atemkit and Kavorabip is by helicopter. “The people of Atemkit and Kavorabip are principle landowners just like the people of Finalbin and Bultem. Unfortunately it took Ok Tedi and the Government too long to recognise them through such infrastructure projects,” said OTML Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit. “Today we are witnessing the signing of a road construction project that will link these very people to the rest of Western Province,” added Mr Ilimbit. The road construction project is expected to be completed within 30 months. “Though this has taken a long time, we are thankful and grateful for this project to finally begin,” said Mr Donald. Western Governor Taboi Awi Yoto thanked the landowners and community for their continued support of the mine.
The Cayman Islands Government has announced the selection of Route B3 as the preferred alignment for the East-West Arterial (EWA) project. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of four potential routes, with Route B3 demonstrating the optimal balance between infrastructure development and environmental protection. A rigorous analysis, including a detailed Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), informed the government’s decision. Key factors influencing the selection of Route B3 included: Johany “Jay” Ebanks, Minister for Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and Development, emphasized the significance of this decision: “The selection of Route B3 for the East-West Arterial project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to developing sustainable and efficient infrastructure. This choice reflects a careful balance between development, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility. Route B3 not only aligns with our strategic goals but also ensures the preservation of vital natural resources for future generations.” The East-West Arterial project is a significant infrastructure investment aimed at improving transportation and quality of life in the Cayman Islands. The government remains committed to transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout the project’s development. About the East-West Arterial Project The East-West Arterial project is a major infrastructure initiative designed to improve connectivity and reduce traffic…
Pakistan Customs has initiated a comprehensive transformation project aimed at modernizing its operations and enhancing trade facilitation. The project, supported by the World Bank, will see the implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions to replace the existing WeBOC system and streamline customs processes. A recent three-day workshop, attended by senior customs officials and international experts from Maersk and KGH, focused on designing the future strategy for Pakistan Customs. The workshop built upon the success of the previous business process mapping exercise conducted in June 2024. Recognizing the evolving global trade landscape and the need to adapt to technological advancements, Pakistan Customs is committed to transforming its role from a traditional border control agency to a strategic partner in facilitating trade and economic growth. The project aims to align customs operations with international best practices, as outlined in the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Key components of the transformation project include: The project is overseen by a Steering Committee headed by the Finance Minister to ensure its successful implementation.
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has introduced a new quality improvement project aimed at enhancing pain management for patients within Rotherham Hospital. The initiative, which includes the creation of a dedicated team of Pain Champions, is designed to ensure patients receive timely and effective pain relief. Pain Champions, equipped with specialised training, will play a pivotal role in proactively addressing pain management needs across the hospital. By fostering a culture of excellence in pain care, the Trust aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and enhance overall patient experience. “We are equipping selected healthcare colleagues with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Pain Champions and address pain management proactively,” said Helen Dobson, Chief Nurse at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust. “By becoming a champion, colleagues will lead efforts creating a culture of excellence in pain management.” The Trust is committed to building trust and confidence within the local community by prioritizing pain management and improving patient wellbeing. “Effective pain management leads to improved patient health outcomes, reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays and readmissions,” added Helen Dobson. “By prioritising pain management, we are contributing to the overall wellbeing of our community, ensuring patients return to their daily…
