Laith Whitwham
@laithw.bsky.social
UK climate and industrial policy at E3G, Co-Founder af the BAME Climate Professionals Forum, and part-time (very) amateur ceramicist.
The UK's housing is among the least energy-efficient in Europe. This means it costs more to heat our homes that it needs to and we're wasting money on extra gas and electricity instead of spending it on the things that truly matter.
www.ft.com/content/fce6...
www.ft.com/content/fce6...
May 20, 2025 at 10:07 AM
The UK's housing is among the least energy-efficient in Europe. This means it costs more to heat our homes that it needs to and we're wasting money on extra gas and electricity instead of spending it on the things that truly matter.
www.ft.com/content/fce6...
www.ft.com/content/fce6...
“If the UK wants to compete for clean industry and investment, electricity prices must come down,” said Laith Whitwham of E3G. “Moving legacy policy costs into general taxation is a fast, fiscally sound fix.”
Coverage of our letter to the Chancellor:
www.energylivenews.com/2025/05/14/c...
Coverage of our letter to the Chancellor:
www.energylivenews.com/2025/05/14/c...
Cut electricity prices or lose clean industry boom - Energy Live News
Coalition urges Chancellor to shift green levies off bills to unlock growth and drive industrial electrification
www.energylivenews.com
May 15, 2025 at 9:13 AM
“If the UK wants to compete for clean industry and investment, electricity prices must come down,” said Laith Whitwham of E3G. “Moving legacy policy costs into general taxation is a fast, fiscally sound fix.”
Coverage of our letter to the Chancellor:
www.energylivenews.com/2025/05/14/c...
Coverage of our letter to the Chancellor:
www.energylivenews.com/2025/05/14/c...
Today a coalition of 17 businesses, investors, trade bodies & climate orgs wrote to the Chancellor urging the UK gov to remove policy costs from #electricity bills.
The public letter 👇 is a bold show of support across the board from 'green' groups to the private sector.
www.e3g.org/news/cut-ele...
The public letter 👇 is a bold show of support across the board from 'green' groups to the private sector.
www.e3g.org/news/cut-ele...
Cut electricity prices now or miss the Clean Industry Boom, say leading businesses and climate groups
A coalition of manufacturers, investors, and climate groups have called on the Chancellor to slash electricity prices to unlock growth, drive electrification, and secure Britain’s place in the global ...
www.e3g.org
May 14, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Today a coalition of 17 businesses, investors, trade bodies & climate orgs wrote to the Chancellor urging the UK gov to remove policy costs from #electricity bills.
The public letter 👇 is a bold show of support across the board from 'green' groups to the private sector.
www.e3g.org/news/cut-ele...
The public letter 👇 is a bold show of support across the board from 'green' groups to the private sector.
www.e3g.org/news/cut-ele...
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
As Labour moves to rescue British #Steel, debate over the UK’s industrial future heats up.
E3G’s @laithw.bsky.social says it’s not decarbonisation to blame, but the lack of a coherent industrial strategy.
Read the full piece in @politico.eu here👇
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
E3G’s @laithw.bsky.social says it’s not decarbonisation to blame, but the lack of a coherent industrial strategy.
Read the full piece in @politico.eu here👇
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
The big unanswered questions from Keir Starmer’s British Steel takeover
How far is Labour willing to go to prop up Britain’s struggling industries? And will it be enough to see off the Farage threat?
www.politico.eu
April 16, 2025 at 3:56 PM
As Labour moves to rescue British #Steel, debate over the UK’s industrial future heats up.
E3G’s @laithw.bsky.social says it’s not decarbonisation to blame, but the lack of a coherent industrial strategy.
Read the full piece in @politico.eu here👇
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
E3G’s @laithw.bsky.social says it’s not decarbonisation to blame, but the lack of a coherent industrial strategy.
Read the full piece in @politico.eu here👇
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
A Starling murmuration, thousands of birds moving as one.
A moment of wonder, a feeling of connection.
What does it make you feel?
#ThoughtfulThursday 💌
A moment of wonder, a feeling of connection.
What does it make you feel?
#ThoughtfulThursday 💌
February 13, 2025 at 9:22 AM
A Starling murmuration, thousands of birds moving as one.
A moment of wonder, a feeling of connection.
What does it make you feel?
#ThoughtfulThursday 💌
A moment of wonder, a feeling of connection.
What does it make you feel?
#ThoughtfulThursday 💌
E3G's has just published new research on the cost of hydrogen for home heating and, unsurprisingly, it is not an attractive proposition - unless you own a gas network...
Fantastic research into the cold, hard numbers from @chrisgalpin.bsky.social, with a thread well worth checking out.
Fantastic research into the cold, hard numbers from @chrisgalpin.bsky.social, with a thread well worth checking out.
In the UK, we found hydrogen boilers would completely wipe out the benefits of the Clean Power mission.
Our analysis found hydrogen boilers would:
- More than double heating bills
- Cost government up to £40 bn per year in subsidies to make viable
- Keep the UK dependent on foreign gas imports
Our analysis found hydrogen boilers would:
- More than double heating bills
- Cost government up to £40 bn per year in subsidies to make viable
- Keep the UK dependent on foreign gas imports
February 11, 2025 at 5:13 PM
E3G's has just published new research on the cost of hydrogen for home heating and, unsurprisingly, it is not an attractive proposition - unless you own a gas network...
Fantastic research into the cold, hard numbers from @chrisgalpin.bsky.social, with a thread well worth checking out.
Fantastic research into the cold, hard numbers from @chrisgalpin.bsky.social, with a thread well worth checking out.
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
Is 2025 the end of the road for hydrogen boilers?
I certainly hope so. My new briefing today looks at hydrogen heating - and why Labour needs to rule it out ASAP if they want to keep energy bills down.
🧵
www.e3g.org/publications... 🔌💡
I certainly hope so. My new briefing today looks at hydrogen heating - and why Labour needs to rule it out ASAP if they want to keep energy bills down.
🧵
www.e3g.org/publications... 🔌💡
Decisions on UK hydrogen heat
Hydrogen will play a crucial role in decarbonising power and some heavy industry. However, hydrogen is a poor option for domestic heating and would substantially increase consumer bills relative to ot...
www.e3g.org
February 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Is 2025 the end of the road for hydrogen boilers?
I certainly hope so. My new briefing today looks at hydrogen heating - and why Labour needs to rule it out ASAP if they want to keep energy bills down.
🧵
www.e3g.org/publications... 🔌💡
I certainly hope so. My new briefing today looks at hydrogen heating - and why Labour needs to rule it out ASAP if they want to keep energy bills down.
🧵
www.e3g.org/publications... 🔌💡
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
A reminder that the only way for Europe to reduce exposure to volatile fossil gas prices is to significantly reduce gas consumption.
February 10, 2025 at 3:20 PM
A reminder that the only way for Europe to reduce exposure to volatile fossil gas prices is to significantly reduce gas consumption.
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
Countless renters have similar stories. Appalling landlords think it is Okay to let homes in these conditions.
In one story, Brighton City Council was contacted but did nothing; resource is the problem. We should levy ~£125 / property to fund local enforcement. 1/5
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
In one story, Brighton City Council was contacted but did nothing; resource is the problem. We should levy ~£125 / property to fund local enforcement. 1/5
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'Black mould is making my son ill' - the private renters struggling to be heard
Families tell BBC their mould-infested homes are making them ill - Panorama investigates.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 10, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Countless renters have similar stories. Appalling landlords think it is Okay to let homes in these conditions.
In one story, Brighton City Council was contacted but did nothing; resource is the problem. We should levy ~£125 / property to fund local enforcement. 1/5
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
In one story, Brighton City Council was contacted but did nothing; resource is the problem. We should levy ~£125 / property to fund local enforcement. 1/5
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
Given the media circus around nuclear & CCS, this is a timely analysis from BNEF that new wind & solar are already undercutting new fossil plants in almost every market globally.
Cost of clean technologies are expected to fall further by 2-11% this year💰
about.bnef.com/blog/global-...
Cost of clean technologies are expected to fall further by 2-11% this year💰
about.bnef.com/blog/global-...
February 7, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Given the media circus around nuclear & CCS, this is a timely analysis from BNEF that new wind & solar are already undercutting new fossil plants in almost every market globally.
Cost of clean technologies are expected to fall further by 2-11% this year💰
about.bnef.com/blog/global-...
Cost of clean technologies are expected to fall further by 2-11% this year💰
about.bnef.com/blog/global-...
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
UK heat pump sales increased 63% last year and 15% more people completed a recognised heat pump training qualification! This is great news in a sector which has taken a while to get going. 1/4
www.heatpumps.org.uk/record-year-...
www.heatpumps.org.uk/record-year-...
Record year for UK heat pump sales and training
New data from the Heat Pump Association (HPA) reveals that 2024 saw a significant 63% increase in hydronic heat pump sales, and a 15% increase in individuals completing a recognised heat pump training...
www.heatpumps.org.uk
January 29, 2025 at 12:45 PM
UK heat pump sales increased 63% last year and 15% more people completed a recognised heat pump training qualification! This is great news in a sector which has taken a while to get going. 1/4
www.heatpumps.org.uk/record-year-...
www.heatpumps.org.uk/record-year-...
In this article the 'offshore energy' association @oeuk.bsky.social say CCS 'is the only way to protect heavy industrial activity and the jobs they support in our industrial heartlands.'
This is simply not true and plays off fears around job losses.
Short thread...
This is simply not true and plays off fears around job losses.
Short thread...
Punchy stuff from @octopus.energy on the UK's £22bn investment in CCUS - saying it would be better spent on renewables. “Some of the stuff we’re doing is the equivalent of trying to defend the abacus industry once calculators had been invented." www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
Miliband’s £22bn carbon capture spree is a waste of money, warns Octopus boss
Greg Jackson questions rationale of Energy Secretary’s policies amid concerns over consumer benefits
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 27, 2025 at 11:30 AM
In this article the 'offshore energy' association @oeuk.bsky.social say CCS 'is the only way to protect heavy industrial activity and the jobs they support in our industrial heartlands.'
This is simply not true and plays off fears around job losses.
Short thread...
This is simply not true and plays off fears around job losses.
Short thread...
NEW: Our research shows that biomass will not be needed to achieve clean power by 2030.
Short thread on why this is significant.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Short thread on why this is significant.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Burning wood for power not necessary for UK’s energy goals, analysis finds
Experts say UK should stop biomass burning as electricity sector decarbonisation by 2030 can be achieved without it
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2025 at 11:21 AM
NEW: Our research shows that biomass will not be needed to achieve clean power by 2030.
Short thread on why this is significant.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Short thread on why this is significant.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
This would be exceptional stupidity by UK Labour government:
* airport expansion ineffective for growth
* damages climate, environment & health
* highly divisive - could use political capital more productively
* would require huge state subsidy when money's tight
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
* airport expansion ineffective for growth
* damages climate, environment & health
* highly divisive - could use political capital more productively
* would require huge state subsidy when money's tight
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Keir Starmer’s government is preparing to approve controversial expansions to three London airports as part of a push to spur growth that’s become more urgent this month after international markets ca...
www.bloomberg.com
January 21, 2025 at 7:26 AM
This would be exceptional stupidity by UK Labour government:
* airport expansion ineffective for growth
* damages climate, environment & health
* highly divisive - could use political capital more productively
* would require huge state subsidy when money's tight
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
* airport expansion ineffective for growth
* damages climate, environment & health
* highly divisive - could use political capital more productively
* would require huge state subsidy when money's tight
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
This is an absolute magnus opus on the Labour Government's Clean Power Mission from @e3g.bsky.social
Here's a run down of the key findings and recommendations, which have massive implications for where we take clean energy in the UK.
1/9
www.e3g.org/publications...
Here's a run down of the key findings and recommendations, which have massive implications for where we take clean energy in the UK.
1/9
www.e3g.org/publications...
The UK's clean power mission: Delivering the prize
UK government can both achieve its Clean Power 2030 mission and bring down electricity bills for households.
www.e3g.org
January 15, 2025 at 2:47 PM
This is an absolute magnus opus on the Labour Government's Clean Power Mission from @e3g.bsky.social
Here's a run down of the key findings and recommendations, which have massive implications for where we take clean energy in the UK.
1/9
www.e3g.org/publications...
Here's a run down of the key findings and recommendations, which have massive implications for where we take clean energy in the UK.
1/9
www.e3g.org/publications...
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
Tune in to hear E3G's Richard Smith set out how lessons from EU-North Africa energy cooperation can inform future cooperation on clean industry.
📅Wednesday 15 Jan, 09:30 CET, Online
Register here👉 stichtingeuropeescentrum-435.webex.com/webappng/sit...
📅Wednesday 15 Jan, 09:30 CET, Online
Register here👉 stichtingeuropeescentrum-435.webex.com/webappng/sit...
January 15, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Tune in to hear E3G's Richard Smith set out how lessons from EU-North Africa energy cooperation can inform future cooperation on clean industry.
📅Wednesday 15 Jan, 09:30 CET, Online
Register here👉 stichtingeuropeescentrum-435.webex.com/webappng/sit...
📅Wednesday 15 Jan, 09:30 CET, Online
Register here👉 stichtingeuropeescentrum-435.webex.com/webappng/sit...
The next time someone tells you 'electric vehicles don't work in the cold', send them this.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Norway on track to be first to go all-electric
Nine in 10 new cars in the country are now battery-powered, and it aims to hit 100% later this year.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 14, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The next time someone tells you 'electric vehicles don't work in the cold', send them this.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
After Starmer announcement on AI, sharing an illuminating read from @mliebreich.bsky.social
Generative AI: The Power and the Glory 💻 🚀
Mostly talks power demand, but an early point on hype vs reality: Gen AI biz need $600B/yr to match chip orders from Nvidia etc...
about.bnef.com/blog/liebrei...
Generative AI: The Power and the Glory 💻 🚀
Mostly talks power demand, but an early point on hype vs reality: Gen AI biz need $600B/yr to match chip orders from Nvidia etc...
about.bnef.com/blog/liebrei...
Liebreich: Generative AI – The Power and the Glory | BloombergNEF
This year will go down in history as the year the energy sector woke up to AI. This is also the year AI woke up to energy. Is the data center power frenzy just the latest of a long line of energy sect...
https://about.bnef.com/blog/liebreich-generative-ai-the-power-and-the-glory/"
January 13, 2025 at 3:50 PM
After Starmer announcement on AI, sharing an illuminating read from @mliebreich.bsky.social
Generative AI: The Power and the Glory 💻 🚀
Mostly talks power demand, but an early point on hype vs reality: Gen AI biz need $600B/yr to match chip orders from Nvidia etc...
about.bnef.com/blog/liebrei...
Generative AI: The Power and the Glory 💻 🚀
Mostly talks power demand, but an early point on hype vs reality: Gen AI biz need $600B/yr to match chip orders from Nvidia etc...
about.bnef.com/blog/liebrei...
It's really exciting to share FOUR new roles in my team at @e3g.bsky.social as we expand our work on industrial transition throughout 2025!
They're in our Clean Economy team, which influences countries' industrial and trade policies to shift economic production to a 1.5 °C pathway.
The roles:
They're in our Clean Economy team, which influences countries' industrial and trade policies to shift economic production to a 1.5 °C pathway.
The roles:
January 13, 2025 at 11:15 AM
It's really exciting to share FOUR new roles in my team at @e3g.bsky.social as we expand our work on industrial transition throughout 2025!
They're in our Clean Economy team, which influences countries' industrial and trade policies to shift economic production to a 1.5 °C pathway.
The roles:
They're in our Clean Economy team, which influences countries' industrial and trade policies to shift economic production to a 1.5 °C pathway.
The roles:
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
NEW ANALYSIS - Right-leaning UK newspapers have tried very hard to discredit Ed Miliband this year.
Since the election, there have been roughly two editorials a week in the Sun, the Daily Mail and others attacking him due to his support for net-zero policies.
➡️ buff.ly/4h3rpN3
Since the election, there have been roughly two editorials a week in the Sun, the Daily Mail and others attacking him due to his support for net-zero policies.
➡️ buff.ly/4h3rpN3
January 10, 2025 at 1:25 PM
NEW ANALYSIS - Right-leaning UK newspapers have tried very hard to discredit Ed Miliband this year.
Since the election, there have been roughly two editorials a week in the Sun, the Daily Mail and others attacking him due to his support for net-zero policies.
➡️ buff.ly/4h3rpN3
Since the election, there have been roughly two editorials a week in the Sun, the Daily Mail and others attacking him due to his support for net-zero policies.
➡️ buff.ly/4h3rpN3
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
Amazing to see how suddenly Republicans and conservatives are keen on hiring more government employees (firefighters!), having higher government budgets, and investing more in infrastructure.
Surprise!
Surprise!
January 11, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Amazing to see how suddenly Republicans and conservatives are keen on hiring more government employees (firefighters!), having higher government budgets, and investing more in infrastructure.
Surprise!
Surprise!
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
Nice piece articulating the crazy market power of gas plants demanding prices *40 times* the official estimated running cost. Ofgem must take action to limit excess profits; & in the long run, gas shld be moved outside the wholesale market into a back-up reserve.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Why have Britain’s energy costs soared and what does it mean for Labour?
Claims that power plants are gaming the system to charge huge sums to switch on in the UK’s cold weather
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Nice piece articulating the crazy market power of gas plants demanding prices *40 times* the official estimated running cost. Ofgem must take action to limit excess profits; & in the long run, gas shld be moved outside the wholesale market into a back-up reserve.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
📣 New job alert! @e3g.bsky.social is looking for a Policy Advisor to work on steel decarbonisation in 🇪🇺 and beyond.
They'll campaign on steel decarb and co-convene the European Fossil Free Steel Network.
📆 Deadline: 28th Jan
🌎 Berlin
🤑 €45,000–€50,450pa
Apply now 👉 e3g.bamboohr.com/careers/201
They'll campaign on steel decarb and co-convene the European Fossil Free Steel Network.
📆 Deadline: 28th Jan
🌎 Berlin
🤑 €45,000–€50,450pa
Apply now 👉 e3g.bamboohr.com/careers/201
Policy Advisor, Steel Transition, Clean Economy, Berlin
POLICY ADVISOR, STEEL TRANSITION, CLEAN ECONOMY, BERLIN
E3G is looking for a Policy Advisor to support its Clean Economy Programme in driving our strategy on steel sector transition with a focus on co...
e3g.bamboohr.com
January 10, 2025 at 3:03 PM
📣 New job alert! @e3g.bsky.social is looking for a Policy Advisor to work on steel decarbonisation in 🇪🇺 and beyond.
They'll campaign on steel decarb and co-convene the European Fossil Free Steel Network.
📆 Deadline: 28th Jan
🌎 Berlin
🤑 €45,000–€50,450pa
Apply now 👉 e3g.bamboohr.com/careers/201
They'll campaign on steel decarb and co-convene the European Fossil Free Steel Network.
📆 Deadline: 28th Jan
🌎 Berlin
🤑 €45,000–€50,450pa
Apply now 👉 e3g.bamboohr.com/careers/201
Reposted by Laith Whitwham
Let’s make this a happy 2025 by being the first major nation to pass genuine science-led climate & nature legislation for real change.
UK targets are old & ineffective👇
Key vote for the Climate & Nature Bill on Fri 24th Jan. Will your MP be there to vote for our future? #CANBill
www.zerohour.uk
UK targets are old & ineffective👇
Key vote for the Climate & Nature Bill on Fri 24th Jan. Will your MP be there to vote for our future? #CANBill
www.zerohour.uk
January 1, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Let’s make this a happy 2025 by being the first major nation to pass genuine science-led climate & nature legislation for real change.
UK targets are old & ineffective👇
Key vote for the Climate & Nature Bill on Fri 24th Jan. Will your MP be there to vote for our future? #CANBill
www.zerohour.uk
UK targets are old & ineffective👇
Key vote for the Climate & Nature Bill on Fri 24th Jan. Will your MP be there to vote for our future? #CANBill
www.zerohour.uk