Award-Winning Heal the Land Documentary Brings Inspiring Rewilding Story to London

Credit Tom Francome Sunrise

An inspiring documentary showcasing the remarkable transformation of a former intensive dairy farm into a flourishing wildlife haven is coming to London next month, offering audiences a powerful reminder that nature can recover when given the opportunity.

National charity Heal Rewilding will host a special screening of its award-winning documentary Heal the Land on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at the London offices of Slaughter and May. The evening promises to be an uplifting celebration of environmental restoration, biodiversity and hope for the future.

Guests will enjoy complimentary drinks and canapés before watching the 25-minute film, followed by a live question-and-answer session featuring members of the Heal Rewilding team alongside the documentary's director.

Filmed throughout 2024 at Heal Somerset, the documentary follows the early stages of the charity's ambitious project to restore a once ecologically depleted dairy farm into a thriving landscape for wildlife and people. Through breathtaking cinematography and intimate access to the site, viewers witness the challenges, successes and unexpected discoveries that come with allowing nature to reclaim the land.

The film highlights the rapid return of wildlife, the creation of diverse habitats and the resilience of natural ecosystems. At a time when England remains one of the world's most nature-depleted countries, Heal the Land offers compelling evidence that meaningful ecological recovery is achievable.

The documentary was produced by wildlife filmmakers Tom Francome of Planet House Productions and Hayley Smith of Pictus Productions, who volunteered more than 100 days of their time to create the film. 

Post-production was completed free of charge by Bristol-based Films@59, whose award-winning team has worked on celebrated Sir David Attenborough productions including Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II.

Following the screening, attendees will hear from Heal Rewilding CEO Jan Stannard, Rewilding Ranger Daniel Hill and director Tom Francome during a discussion hosted by Heal Rewilding Director Sarah Winchester. The panel will explore the opportunities and challenges facing rewilding projects across the UK and discuss the lessons emerging from Heal Somerset's ongoing transformation.

Sarah Winchester told That's Green: "Heal the Land is ultimately a story about hope. It shows what can happen when we give nature the chance to recover and demonstrates that meaningful change is possible, even in landscapes that have been intensively managed for decades."

The evening will also provide opportunities for networking with others passionate about biodiversity, climate action and nature recovery.

Tickets cost £18 per person, making this an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in seeing first-hand how rewilding is helping restore Britain's natural heritage.

What: Screening of Heal the Land and live Q&A

When: Wednesday 1 July 2026

Where: Slaughter and May, London, EC1Y 8YY

Tickets: £18

https://www.healrewilding.org.uk/

New Solar Technology Could Boost Household Savings by 41%, New Analysis Reveals

Homeowners considering solar energy could now save significantly more on their electricity bills than they would have just five years ago, according to new research from renewable energy specialist MakeMyHouseGreen.com

The company's latest modelling suggests a typical household installing solar panels today could save around £1,285 per year, compared with approximately £913 annually from an equivalent installation in 2021. 

That represents a substantial 41% increase in potential savings.

The findings come from a reassessment of 240 British homes originally analysed in 2021. Importantly, the roof size, orientation and pitch of each property remained unchanged, meaning the increase in projected savings comes primarily from advances in solar technology rather than larger installations.

Over the past five years, solar panels have become significantly more powerful. Typical panel output has increased from around 365 watts to 480 watts, enabling homeowners to generate far more electricity from the same roof space. Across the homes studied, average annual electricity generation rose from 4,851 kWh to 6,394 kWh.

At the same time, the value of that electricity has increased. Household energy prices remain considerably higher than they were before the energy crisis, meaning every unit of electricity generated and consumed at home delivers greater financial benefits.

Llewellyn Kinch, founder and CEO of MakeMyHouseGreen, says two major factors are driving the improvement. He told That's Green: "The panels are more powerful, so the same roof area delivers higher output. At the same time, the grid electricity that solar replaces costs more, so every unit you generate yourself is more valuable."

However, Kinch stresses that solar isn't automatically the right solution for every property. Installation costs have also risen, and factors including roof orientation, shading and household energy usage patterns can significantly affect the return on investment.

For most homeowners, the key question remains whether their property is suitable for solar generation. While south-facing roofs are often considered ideal, east and west-facing roofs can also perform well. Heavy shading from nearby trees or buildings, however, can reduce effectiveness.

The research highlights how rapidly solar technology continues to improve and reinforces the growing role renewable energy can play in reducing household energy bills. For homeowners with a suitable roof and sufficient daytime electricity usage, solar power may now offer better value than ever before, while also helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower household carbon emissions.

As energy prices remain unpredictable, generating your own electricity is becoming an increasingly attractive option for many UK households.

Friends continue to make a difference on the A82 in Scotland

Volunteers from JP Morgan & AECOM turned out on a rainy Wednesday 3rd of June morning to try to reduce the litter which continues to gather along the shores of Loch Lomond.

The event was organised by The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs (FOLLATT), a long established conservation charity which operates in and around Scotland’s busiest National Park, and was assisted by the Grab Trust who provided the litter picking equipment.

Their Chairman, John Urquhart, told That's Green: “This, our second Make a Difference (MAD) event of 2026, concentrated once again on tackling the ongoing problem of littering which blights the loch side along the busy A82 between Arden and Ardlui. 

"We were especially keen to see how the removal of our lay-by bins was impacting the situation and were initially heartened to note that the lay-bys and intervening verges were generally quite presentable. 

"However, as we feared, the cleanliness was only superficial, as it quickly became clear that a substantial number of people were once again disposing of litter by throwing it into the undergrowth.

"Enquiries revealed a workforce from Argyll and Bute had indeed carried out a litter clearance operation of the road a few weeks ago, as they normally do at the start of the tourist season, but it was obvious to us this had not been an in-depth operation.

"Sadly, this just reaffirms our view that the two responsible authorities, Argyll and Bute and The National Park are continuing to neglect their duty to tackle this important issue effectively.

Meanwhile it looks like our hard-working volunteers are going to have to keep turning out to do their best to keep the bonnie banks looking their best.”

Mr Urquhart added that he wished to thank the Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel for hosting the event and supplying FOLLAT’s somewhat damp volunteers with a delicious snack at the end of the event.

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Incidentally, That's Green has launched a nationwide initiative some under the title "Don't Be a Sinner, Be a Binner!"

It calls for everyone to do their part in helping to ensure that bins are used for rubbish and that our environment is kept clean. Discarded rubbish and trash can kill pets and wildlife so it's not merely a matter of discarded items looking a mess.  

If you follow this link to the blogpost you will find useful resources and advice on how to help to be a binner and not a sinner.

https://thatsgreen.blogspot.com/2026/03/dont-be-sinner-be-binner.html

Rewilding Britain Passes £1 Million Milestone as Nature Recovery Projects Gather Pace

Britain’s rewilding movement has just hit a major milestone, and it’s brilliant news for wildlife, coastal communities and the fight against climate change.

Rewilding Britain has now awarded more than £1 million in grants through its Rewilding Innovation Fund, helping ambitious projects across the country bring landscapes, coastlines and marine habitats back to life.

And the latest round of funding shows one thing loud and clear: working with nature is rapidly becoming one of Britain’s best defences against climate change.

From the shores of North Wales to the windswept islands of Orkney, communities are embracing rewilding not as a luxury, but as a practical solution to rising sea levels, habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.

Wales Looks Beneath the Waves

One of the standout projects is the Menai-Connecting Coasts initiative in North Wales, led by the Zoological Society of London and Bangor University.

The project aims to restore marine habitats across the Menai Strait and Conwy Bay, with a particular focus on reviving native oyster reefs.

That may sound niche, but oysters are environmental superheroes. Healthy oyster reefs can improve water quality, boost biodiversity and create thriving underwater habitats for marine life. They can even support local fishing and tourism economies.

The project will now explore where oyster recovery could successfully take place across North Wales, laying the foundations for large-scale marine restoration.

Orkney Fights Back Against Coastal Erosion

Meanwhile, in the Orkney Isles, the Growing Sanday Land & Sea project is tackling one of the biggest threats facing island communities: coastal erosion.

Parts of Sanday sit only a few metres above sea level, and some dunes have already retreated by an astonishing 37 metres.

Instead of relying purely on expensive man-made defences, the community is turning to nature itself.

The project plans to restore kelp forests, dunes and saltmarshes to create natural coastal protection systems capable of helping shield the island from storms and erosion.

It’s a powerful example of how rewilding is no longer just about “letting nature grow wild” — it’s increasingly about helping communities survive and thrive in a changing climate.

More Than Just Wildlife

Other projects receiving funding include river restoration work along Dorset’s River Char to reduce flooding and boost biodiversity, alongside habitat recovery efforts in the Cairngorms National Park, where degraded peatlands, woodlands and freshwater systems are being revived.

And that’s the key point here: rewilding benefits people as well as nature.

Healthier ecosystems can reduce flooding, store carbon, support wildlife, improve water quality and create greener local economies. In many cases, restoring nature is proving cheaper, and far more sustainable, than constantly battling environmental damage after it happens.

Rebecca Wrigley, CEO of Rewilding Britain, said the growing demand for funding reflects the rapid rise of rewilding projects across the country, with communities increasingly choosing long-term nature-based solutions over short-term fixes.

A Wilder Future?

Rewilding Britain wants to see at least 30% of Britain’s land and seas rewilded by 2030, an ambitious target, but one that feels increasingly achievable as projects like these gain momentum.

And perhaps most encouraging of all is the fact that many of these schemes are community-led. From Welsh coastlines to Scottish islands, ordinary people are helping shape a greener, wilder and more resilient future.

Nature, it seems, may finally be getting a fighting chance.

http://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk

Don’t Step On A Bee Day. Why Britain’s Buzziest Little Workers Deserve A Bit More Respect

Every now and then, a novelty awareness day pops up that sounds slightly silly at first glance, and then you realise there is actually a very important message behind it. 

That is certainly true of Don't Step on a Bee Day.

Yes, the title may raise a smile, but the idea behind it is serious. 

Bees are among the most important creatures on the planet, and without them our gardens, countryside, food production and ecosystems would look very different indeed.

Quite simply, bees help keep the world blooming.

Why Bees Matter So Much

Bees are vital pollinators. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen, they help plants reproduce. Many of the fruits, vegetables and crops we eat depend heavily on pollination.

Without bees, supermarket shelves would suddenly become a lot less colourful. Apples, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers and even coffee all rely, to varying degrees, on pollinators.

In the UK, bees are also essential for supporting wildflowers, hedgerows and natural habitats that countless other species depend upon.

Yet despite their importance, bee populations have faced increasing pressures over recent years due to habitat loss, pesticides, climate change and changing land use.

That is why awareness days like this matter.

The Problem With Panic

One of the biggest issues bees face is human fear.

Many people automatically panic when a bee buzzes nearby, waving their arms around wildly or trying to swat it away. In reality, most bees are not aggressive at all. They are busy gathering food and generally want to avoid trouble as much as we do.

Unlike wasps, bees are usually far more interested in flowers than fizzy drinks or sandwiches.

In fact, if a bee lands near you, the best thing to do is stay calm and let it continue on its way. Most of the time, it will lose interest within seconds.

And of course, literally not stepping on bees is also a very good idea.

Small Changes That Can Help Bees

The good news is that helping bees does not require enormous effort. Small changes can make a genuine difference.

Here are a few bee-friendly ideas:

Plant pollinator-friendly flowers such as lavender, foxgloves and wildflowers

Avoid excessive pesticide use in gardens

Leave parts of your garden slightly wild

Put out shallow water dishes during hot weather

Support local honey producers and bee-friendly farms

Allow dandelions and clover to grow naturally where possible

Even a window box filled with bee-friendly plants can become a valuable feeding stop.

The Bumblebee Bonus

Britain’s bumblebees are particularly fascinating. Their fuzzy appearance, loud buzzing and rather clumsy flying style make them oddly lovable little creatures.

There is also something reassuringly British about seeing a bumblebee slowly drifting around a summer garden while everyone debates whether it is warm enough for a barbecue yet.

A Day Worth Buzzing About

So yes, Don't Step on a Bee Day may sound light-hearted, but it carries an important reminder.

Bees are not just background noise to summer. They are essential workers quietly helping nature function every single day.

The least we can do is watch where we are putting our feet on July 10th and every other day, too!

https://beegood.co.uk

From Plantation Waste to Wardrobe: How Banana Farming Is Inspiring Sustainable Materials

Every year, millions of tonnes of bananas are harvested around the world. Yet few people realise that the fruit we eat represents only a tiny portion of the banana plant. 

Once a bunch of bananas is harvested, the rest of the plant, including the thick trunk-like pseudostem, leaves, and fibres, is often discarded. 

Traditionally, this agricultural waste has been left to rot in fields or burned, contributing little value and sometimes adding to environmental problems.

Today, however, a growing number of innovators, designers, and agricultural researchers are transforming this waste into something remarkable: sustainable materials that can be used for clothing, textiles, packaging, and even construction.

Turning Banana Waste into Fibre

Banana plants are rich in strong natural fibres. These fibres can be extracted from the plant’s pseudostem, the thick stalk that supports the fruit, after harvesting. 

Instead of being discarded, the stalk can be processed using mechanical decorticators that separate the fibres from the plant pulp.

The resulting banana fibre is surprisingly versatile. It is naturally biodegradable, strong, and breathable, making it suitable for a wide range of textile applications. 

In some regions, particularly in parts of Asia, banana fibre has been used traditionally for centuries to produce fabrics, ropes, and mats.

Modern technology is now taking this age-old material to a new level. Innovative start-ups are refining the fibre to create soft yarns that can be blended with cotton, hemp, or recycled textiles. 

The result is a durable and environmentally friendly fabric that requires far fewer resources than many conventional materials.

Fashion Meets Sustainability

Several sustainable fashion brands have begun experimenting with banana-based textiles. Designers are using banana fibre to produce clothing such as jackets, shirts, and accessories that combine durability with a low environmental footprint.

Unlike synthetic fabrics derived from petroleum, banana fibre is entirely plant-based and biodegradable. Using agricultural by-products rather than newly grown crops also reduces pressure on land and water resources.

Some textile innovators are even developing leather-like materials made from banana plant waste. These alternatives to animal leather are gaining attention from environmentally conscious designers who want cruelty-free, low-impact materials.

Benefits for Farmers and the Environment

Beyond sustainability, banana fibre production offers an important economic opportunity for farmers. Instead of throwing away plant residues, growers can sell banana stems to fibre processors or operate small-scale fibre extraction units themselves.

This additional income stream can help support rural farming communities while reducing agricultural waste.

From an environmental perspective, utilising banana plant waste helps reduce methane emissions that can occur when organic material decomposes in large quantities. It also cuts down on the need for synthetic fibres, which often release microplastics into waterways.

A Circular Future for Agriculture

The banana industry is beginning to embrace a circular economy approach, one where nothing is wasted and every part of the crop has value. Fruit feeds the world, while stems and fibres can clothe it.

As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and wasteful production systems, innovative materials like banana fibre offer a glimpse of a more sustainable future.

In the years ahead, the humble banana plant may not just be known for the fruit in your lunchbox — but also for the shirt on your back. 

Bluwater Solutions: Smart Water Innovation for a Greener Future

Water is one of our most precious natural resources, yet it’s often taken for granted.

 Across the UK and beyond, concerns around water quality, plastic waste, and sustainable infrastructure are growing louder. 

Enter Bluwater Solutions, a company at the forefront of clean water technology, offering innovative systems designed to reduce environmental impact while improving access to safe, great-tasting drinking water.

What is Bluwater?

Bluwater is a Swedish-based water technology company specialising in advanced purification and sustainable hydration solutions. Their mission is simple but powerful: eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles by delivering purified water wherever people need it, homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

The Problem: Plastic Bottles and Water Waste

The UK alone uses billions of plastic water bottles each year, many of which are not recycled. Add to that concerns about microplastics, contaminants, and ageing water infrastructure, and it becomes clear that a smarter solution is needed.

Bluwater tackles these issues head-on by:

Reducing reliance on bottled water

Cutting plastic waste at the source

Improving water purity beyond standard filtration

The Technology Behind Bluwater

At the heart of Bluwater’s systems is advanced reverse osmosis and membrane filtration technology. Unlike standard filters, which can miss microscopic contaminants, Bluwater systems remove:

Microplastics

Bacteria and viruses

Heavy metals

Chemical residues

The result? Water that is not only safer but often tastes significantly better, something that encourages people to ditch bottled alternatives altogether.

Real-World Applications

Bluwater’s solutions are already being used in a wide range of settings:

Airports and transport hubs , refill stations reducing traveller reliance on bottled water

Hotels and restaurants, offering premium still and sparkling water on-site

Offices and workplaces, improving sustainability credentials

Events and festivals, cutting down on plastic waste

This scalability makes Bluwater particularly attractive for businesses looking to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals while offering a practical benefit to customers and staff.

Why It Matters for Sustainability

Bluwater isn’t just about clean water, it’s about changing behaviour.

By making refill stations and purified water more accessible, the company helps normalise reusable bottles and reduce single-use plastics. This shift is crucial if the UK is to meet its environmental targets and reduce landfill and ocean pollution.

Key sustainability benefits include:

Significant reduction in plastic bottle usage

Lower carbon footprint from transport and manufacturing

Encouragement of reusable habits

Improved public access to clean drinking water

A Smarter Way Forward

As sustainability becomes a priority for individuals, businesses, and governments alike, solutions like Bluwater offer a glimpse into a more responsible future.

Rather than relying on disposable convenience, we’re seeing a shift towards infrastructure that supports sustainable living, and water is a perfect place to start.

For readers of That’s Green, the message is clear: small changes, like choosing refill over purchase, can have a big impact. And with companies like Bluwater leading the way, making that choice is becoming easier than ever.

Bluwater Solutions represents a powerful blend of technology, sustainability, and everyday practicality. By rethinking how we access and consume water, it’s helping to tackle one of the most visible environmental challenges of our time.

If the future is refillable, reusable, and responsible—Bluwater is already there.

https://www.bluewatergroup.com/en-gb

A Call for a National Clean-Up Campaign for Britain’s Roads and Railways

A call for a nationwide UK campaign to clean roadside and railway verges, bringing together councils, schools, businesses and charities to tackle litter and protect wildlife.

Across the UK, millions of people travel daily along our roads and railways. These routes form the arteries of the country, connecting communities, businesses and families. 

Yet many of the verges lining these vital corridors are increasingly blighted by litter. Plastic bottles, takeaway packaging, discarded cans, papers, boxes and other waste often accumulate in plain sight, creating an environmental and visual problem that affects both wildlife and national pride.

It is time for a coordinated nationwide campaign to clean up Britain’s roadside and railway verges, one that brings together local councils, schools, colleges, rail operators, businesses and charitable organisations in a shared mission to restore these spaces.

Why Verge Litter Matters

Roadside and railway litter is more than just unsightly. It poses real environmental risks.

Plastic and packaging can easily be blown or washed into waterways, contributing to the UK’s growing microplastic problem. 

Wildlife is also affected: birds, hedgehogs and other animals can become trapped in, injured or even killed by discarded waste. In agricultural areas, litter can even harm livestock when it ends up in fields.

Beyond environmental harm, litter also damages the perception of our communities. Visitors arriving by train or travelling along motorways should see the best of Britain, green landscapes, thriving nature and well-kept surroundings — not piles of waste.

A Nationwide Solution

Cleaning up roadside and railway verges cannot fall on one group alone. A nationally coordinated effort could transform the problem into an opportunity for community engagement and environmental education.

Local councils could organise scheduled verge clean-up days and provide equipment, waste collection and safety guidance. 

Schools and colleges could integrate clean-up activities into environmental education programmes, encouraging students to take pride in their local area while learning about sustainability.

Businesses could support the campaign through staff volunteering days, sponsorship of clean-up equipment or by “adopting” sections of roadside or railway verges (with co-ordination with rail authorities) near their premises. 

Charities and community organisations already experienced in environmental volunteering could help coordinate local events and recruit volunteers.

Education and Prevention

Cleaning up existing litter is only part of the solution. A successful campaign must also focus on prevention.

Public awareness campaigns, including signage along roads and stations, could highlight the environmental impact of littering. 

Schools and youth groups could play a key role in educating younger generations about responsible waste disposal and recycling.

When communities work together on visible projects like verge clean-ups, attitudes can change quickly. People are less likely to litter in areas that are clearly cared for.

A Greener Vision for Britain

Imagine travelling along Britain’s roads and railways and seeing clean, flourishing verges filled with wildflowers and wildlife habitats rather than discarded rubbish. With coordinated action, this vision is achievable.

A nationwide verge clean-up campaign would not only protect wildlife and improve landscapes, it would also strengthen community spirit and demonstrate a shared commitment to protecting the environment.

Britain’s roads and railways connect us all. By working together, we can ensure the land alongside them reflects the pride we have in the country we call home.

Organisations that you can contact are:-

https://www.keepbritaintidy.org

https://cleanupbritain.org

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/keep-it-bin-it-anti-littering-campaign

https://capstone-news.ghost.io/the-best-anti-littering-campaigns-science

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/environment/litter-resource

https://www.litternet.org.uk

https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk

https://kidsagainstplastic.co.uk/1millionlitterpick

Live Green launches, making sustainable living simpler for UK homes

Live Green officially announces the launch of its new website and sustainable living hub, bringing together expert-curated eco-friendly product recommendations, a comprehensive eBook and paperback, practical online training, and free resources to empower UK households to make greener choices, all in one accessible platform.

As part of the launch, everyone who subscribes to the Live Green mailing list will receive a free downloadable sustainability checklist for the home, making it easier to get started with practical, effective eco-improvements.

The "Sustainable Living Made Simple" eBook, normally priced at £6.99, is available for just £3.99 for a limited launch period, while Live Green’s new comprehensive online course is also reduced by 30%, making expert guidance and step-by-step support even more accessible.

Live Green’s launch delivers the UK’s most practical eco-home advice, trusted product picks, and actionable tools for every household ready to embrace a smarter, healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Additional courses and books will follow in the coming weeks.

https://www.livegreen.club

NFU Energy: Supporting the Farming Community Toward a More Sustainable, Cost-Effective Future

In a time when energy costs are rising, regulations are tightening, and pressures to decarbonise are increasing, UK farmers need more than general advice — they need tailored, practical support. 

That’s where NFU Energy steps in.

What is NFU Energy?

NFU Energy is an energy consultancy service under the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) that’s specifically geared towards agriculture and horticulture. 

It does several things:

Helps farmers buy and sell energy — securing competitive energy contracts, handling the paperwork, managing supplier issues. 

Offers support to generate their own energy — through renewables like solar PV, wind, anaerobic digestion, etc., and helping with subsidies and feasibility. 

Helps with using energy more efficiently — audits, feasibility studies, advice on saving methods. 

Helps farmers stay compliant with regulations and make the most of schemes/discounts like the Climate Change Levy (CCL), RHI, etc. 

Key Ways It Helps Farmers

Here are some of the concrete benefits that NFU Energy brings to farms and growers:

Cost savings

NFU Energy helps members secure better energy deals, often with less effort on the farmer’s part. This includes negotiating contracts and acting as part of buying groups. 

For many farms, energy is a significant fixed cost. Even marginal savings on electricity, gas or fuel can make a real difference to profitability.

Access to renewable generation and diversification

Farmers are increasingly looking to generate their own energy — solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage — both to reduce their bills and potentially earn income from selling back to the grid. NFU Energy helps assess feasibility, find installers, understand the returns. 

Also, by partnering with accredited renewable installers (e.g. YLEM Energy, Infinite Renewables) NFU Energy reduces some of the risk and complexity. 

Regulatory compliance and financial incentives

Staying on top of energy regulation is tricky. For certain sectors (pig, poultry, protected horticulture), there are specific schemes like CCL (Climate Change Levy) discounts, Climate Change Agreements, etc. NFU Energy helps members manage their compliance, returns, data reporting. 

Practical help with efficiency

On-site energy audits, renewables feasibility studies, recommendations such as switching to LED lighting, variable speed drives for pumps/fans, electric vehicle alternatives — these are real, tangible actions that farms can take. 

Decarbonisation & long-term resilience

With net zero goals looming, farmers are under pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. NFU Energy works with local authorities & schemes (for example the North Yorkshire fully-funded decarbonisation initiative) to give farmers the tools to reduce emissions and become more sustainable. 

Reducing administrative burden

Much of the complexity of energy contracts, regulatory reporting, subsidy applications, etc., is offloaded from farmers to NFU Energy. That frees up time and reduces risk of costly mistakes. 

Challenges & Considerations

While NFU Energy offers a lot, it's not a magic wand. Here are some challenges/limitations:

Upfront costs: Even when feasibility and subsidy help is available, installing renewable technologies or making major efficiency upgrades can require significant capital.

Complexity & bureaucracy: Regulations, schemes, compliance can still be confusing, and not all farms have the capacity to act quickly.

Suitability: Not all farms will have the right geography, scale or infrastructure for certain technologies (solar, wind, battery storage).

Long payoff periods: Some investments only pay off after many years; farmers under financial pressure may struggle to wait.

Why It Matters Now

A few reasons NFU Energy is especially relevant in the current climate:

Energy prices remain volatile. Farmers face rising costs for electricity, gas, fuel, and are exposed to global energy markets.

Environmental regulations are tightening, plus there is increasing pressure (from policy, from consumers) to reduce carbon emissions.

Government grants and “green” schemes are more available now, but navigating them effectively is tricky; having specialist support gives an advantage.

Diversification is increasingly important for farm income resilience. Generating energy or selling back to the grid can provide an alternative revenue stream.

Success Stories & Examples

Here are a few examples of what NFU Energy has already done:

A pilot scheme in the North of England where 16 farms received free energy audits and renewable feasibility assessments. The recommendations included standard measures (LED lighting, variable speed drives) and options for renewables. 

The North Yorkshire decarbonisation initiative: 30 farms will be chosen to receive fully funded assessments (energy audits, renewables feasibility, soil carbon testing etc.) to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving efficiency. 

What Could Be Improved / What to Watch For

To maximise the benefit of NFU Energy, here are some areas that might be looked at:

Ensuring that assistance reaches smaller farms, which may have less capacity or fewer resources.

Continuing to reduce paperwork, simplify applications, speed up decision-making for grants/subsidies.

More accessible financing options (loans, grants) so that farms don’t need to front large sums.

More regionally tailored advice, since what works (climate, grid access, planning permission etc.) can vary a lot.

Clear guidance and transparency around the payback times, risks, maintenance for renewable installations etc.

In Conclusion

NFU Energy represents a powerful resource for UK farmers and growers: helping reduce energy costs, improve efficiency, comply with regulations, and move toward more sustainable, resilient farming. Especially in times of rising costs and climate concern, having such specialist support is vital.

For those working in agriculture, keeping an eye on what NFU Energy offers — audits, renewable feasibility, compliance help — is more than just “nice to have”. It can make a material difference to the bottom line, to farm sustainability, and to future proofing operations.

To learn more visit https://nfuenergy.co.uk

Rooftop solar could cut global warming and provide 65% of the world’s electricity, new study finds

Covering the whole world’s rooftops with solar panels could provide the majority of global electricity, and even lower temperatures by 0.13 degrees according to some recent research by the University of Sussex.

Rooftops cover approximately 286,000 km² of the world, an area similar in size to Italy or New Zealand. If every suitable roof was used, the study found photovoltaic solar (rooftop PV) could generate 19,500 TWh of electricity per year. 

This would cover 65% of current global consumption and almost completely replace fossil fuel-based electricity, if coupled with load shifting and battery-electric storage.

The researchers used climate modelling techniques to simulate the impact of widespread solar deployment by 2050. 

When it comes to global warming 0.13 degrees Celsius is a significant fraction. A 2023 Nature study estimated that for every 0.1 degree of warming above current levels, another 140 million people will be exposed to dangerous heat levels.

Urging policymakers to prioritise this technology, the researchers argue that solar power offers taxpayers better value for money than nuclear. University of Sussex climate and policy researcher Prof Felix Creutzig said: “Solar is now outcompeting nuclear power in cost, deployment speed and environmental risks. 

"Given its immediate carbon reduction benefits governments should consider shifting incentives toward rooftop PV instead of nuclear. This goes for cooler countries like the UK as well as those with more obvious solar potential.”

Solar power costs have declined dramatically over the past decade. Data from the International Renewable Energy Agency suggests the levelised cost of electricity for solar is now in the range of £30 to £50 per MWh, while new nuclear projects such as Small Modular Reactors are estimated at between £100 and £150 per MWh.

Dr Creutzig adds: “Beyond carbon savings, reducing fossil fuel dependence also means cleaner air and better energy security. With so much untapped potential in solar it’s hard to see how governments can justify investing in nuclear, or as yet unproven carbon capture projects.”

Today’s paper advocates for global cooperation to deploy solar panels where they can be most powerfully used. 

Despite being the continent with the world’s highest solar energy resources, Africa accounts for only 1% of rooftop PV installations, highlighting the need for investment. High carbon intensity and large building stocks mean that East Asia has the highest potential in rooftop PV for climate change mitigation. Meanwhile, North America and Europe, despite lower solar intensity, have a high combined installation potential of over 4,300 GW or 25% of global capacity based on their high building stock.

https://www.sussex.ac.uk

Appeal to keep the Banks of Loch Lomond Looking Bonnie

Everyone loves Loch Lomond. Its principal access, the A82, is under huge pressure simply because the loch is so beautiful and because it's so accessible from Scotland’s Central belt. Annually, carrying six million vehicles, it's also the gateway to the country’s first and foremost National Park as well as to Argyll and the West Highlands.

In the spring of 2021, with the help of Green Recovery funding, the Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs co-ordinated a hugely successful visitor management project on a partnership basis with local community and tourism business groups and with the support of landowners and agencies. This project to promote more responsible tourism comprised of a seasonal village warden service covering Arrochar and Tarbet, temporary toilets at Duck Bay and Arrochar (supplied by Honeywagon Co) and the siting of 20 bins in laybys along the busy 13-mile tourist corridor between Arden and Tarbet. 

In May 2022 the “Adopt a Bonnie Banks Bin Scheme” was launched and this innovative scheme has continued throughout 2023, making a huge difference to the overall appearance of the busy stretch of the A82 with circa 20 tons of litter uplifted each year and the result being that people now treat the area with more respect.

The Friends would like to thank the National Park Authority, Luss Estates, and local businesses, specifically The Lodge on Loch Lomond, Duck Bay Hotel & Restaurant, Cruise Loch Lomond, Forest Holidays, Lochs & Glens Hotels, Sweeney’s Cruises and The Slanj Bar & Restaurant for sponsoring the Bonnie Banks Bin scheme this year.

The Friends are looking to assemble a funding package to continue the scheme during 2024 and are delighted that several of this year’s sponsors have already pledged support again. The cost to run the bin scheme is anticipated to be £35,000 - £40,000 and more sponsors are needed in order to reach this funding goal. 

The Friends would like to appeal to individuals and businesses who are interested in participating in the scheme by sponsoring a bin to contact them at info@lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk or by calling Jennifer, their Project Support Officer on 07496 433134. The Friends would be delighted to have your support in helping to keep the banks of Loch Lomond looking bonnie!

Green Metro-Campus in Zurich enters next stage of construction. Data centre will heat local homes

Construction work has commenced on two additional Green data centres on the Metro-Campus Zurich. Waste heat from the data centres will be used by Energie 360° for cooperative energy solutions. Construction is already underway on the heating centre and district heating network in Dielsdorf.

Leading Swiss data centre provider Green announces the next phase of the project. In Dielsdorf, building work on data centres N and O has commenced on the Metro-Campus Zurich. The two new high-performance data centres will provide room for around 4,000 server racks for up to 160,000 IT systems on an area of 11,600 m2.

Demand is high

With the Metro-Campus Zurich Green is increasing its data centre capacities by 35 megawatts for the operation of customer systems. The campus in Dielsdorf covers an area of 46,000 m2 and comprises high-performance and energy-efficient data centres, as well as a business park with office building. The first data centre was completed in December 2022. The modern office building is currently under construction and will be ready for occupation in the summer of 2024. Expansion phase three involving the addition of data centres N and O started earlier than planned as a result of the strong increase in demand for secure and high-performance data centres.

Data growth and digitalisation as drivers

As data growth increases, so too does the demand for computing power. However, fewer and fewer companies are sticking with their own server rooms or data centres; this is due to the high investment costs associated with modernization and sustainability. Instead, they are moving their systems to secure, efficient and more sustainable data centres or to the cloud. Given the fact that Green is a data centre provider both for companies and for leading cloud providers, demand is increasing extremely quickly. “Our growth reflects the rapid technology and digitalisation push,” explains Roger Süess, CEO of Green, adding: “Modern data centres are needed to ensure that this transformation can be realized in Switzerland quickly, securely and sustainably.”

Waste heat utilisation at data centres reduces CO2 emissions

The two new data centres will also feature waste heat extraction so that surrounding municipalities can benefit from CO2-neutral heating. Green is investing millions in waste heat extraction and working closely with Energie 360°, which is currently planning and implementing several cooperative district heating projects in the region. 

Thanks to the extraction process, data centre M will supply up to 3,500 households, as well as industry and commerce. The first district heating centre will be opened in the Metro-Campus area in 2024 and will supply up to 3,500 households in Dielsdorf. With the waste heat of the two new data centres, further households and industry will be supplied with district heating in the region. 

“We’re doing our bit for the circular economy and supporting the energy transition through the use of waste heat as well as a number of other measures. We are convinced that future-oriented digitalization can only be achieved through sustainable data centres,” explains Roger Süess.

Further information: www.green.ch

Conrad Energy kicks off new partnership with Harlequins

Harlequins are thrilled  to announce a new partnership with Conrad Energy which has today been unveiled as the Club’s Official Power Partner and Sleeve Sponsor.

In an exciting new partnership, the Conrad Energy logo will feature on the sleeves of the Harlequins Women’s and Men’s shirts for the 2023/24 season, commencing this weekend with matches against Gloucester-Hartpury and Exeter Chiefs. 

The partnership will also feature significant Conrad Energy branding throughout The Stoop, alongside a range of key initiatives, supporting the Club’s commitment to driving sustainable energy growth.

Formed in 2016, Conrad Energy are a leading energy producer with more than 70 sites throughout the UK. As an Independent Power Producer (IPP), Conrad Energy are at the forefront of the energy transition, helping the UK move towards a sustainable, net zero carbon electricity system by balancing the grid when renewables can’t meet demand.

Conrad Energy also work closely with businesses to help drive down their energy costs and carbon footprints through a variety of innovative products and services. With a pipeline of more than 1GW of their own projects and a growing base of business customers, Conrad Energy are powering a changing world.

Commenting on the new partnership, Conrad Energy’s CEO Steven Hardman said: “We’re delighted to partner with a world-famous club like Harlequins. The values they hold dear such as teamwork, commitment, performance and creativity are similar to our own, so it feels like a really great match. We look forward to a strong and successful relationship”.

Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple added: “We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Conrad Energy. Conrad Energy are leading the power transformation in the UK and their determination to improve efficiency aligns completely with the Club’s commitment to drive smarter and sustainable power solutions.

“We’re excited to form this new relationship with Conrad Energy and we’re looking forward to having their logo proudly displayed on our Harlequins Women’s and Men’s shirt for the season ahead.”

Both parties would like to thank Very Media for their support in developing this relationship.

To learn more about Conrad Energy visit: www.conradenergy.co.uk

LONGi Solar Modules Power Charging Hub for 180 Electric Vehicles at UK’s National Exhibition Centre

The charging hub of UK’s National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham is being powered by an 80 kWp solar carport.

The Gigahub can charge 180 electric vehicles simultaneously and is an example of producing clean energy for clean energy. 

The 80 kWp photovoltaic installation was accomplished by sustainable energy solutions expert Ineco Energy PV with modules from LONGi Solar, the world's largest manufacturer of PV modules and solar wafers. SolarEdge provided the smart energy solutions and Bluetop Solar Parking the solar carport installations for the charging hub.

“We're proud to support a project like this new Gigahub at the heart of the UK motorway grid at the NEC in Birmingham. At LONGi we follow the concept of “solar for solar”, meaning to produce clean energy with clean energy. Charging electric vehicles with solar energy thus corresponds to our DNA at LONGi", said Sean McSorley, Sales Manager UK at LONGi.

“With transport accounting for over 24% of total UK emissions, EV Infrastructure is an essential part of the UK's transition towards Net Zero. The NEC Gigahub is a flagship site that will showcase some of its 7m annual visitors and 60m traffic count what the forecourt of the future looks like, today. Powered by renewables including from the on-site solar canopy in the day and light up by LEDs at night, the charging hub provides clean and convenient EV charging infrastructure. LONGi Solar has been a reliable partner for us providing highly reliable and efficient modules,” said Angus Rose, Director of Ineco Energy.

www.longi.com

Who’s the Greenest of Them All? Green NCAP Launches New Life Cycle Assessment Award

Today, Green NCAP has launched the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) award to highlight five-star cars with the lowest impact on the climate over their complete vehicle life.  This is the first time that the organisation rewards cars based on their Life Cycle Assessment results.  

Four cars have been given the LCA Award: the Dacia Spring, the ORA Funky Cat, Renault’s electric Megane E-Tech, and the Tesla Model 3.  With this award, Green NCAP encourages consumers to make a ‘greener choice’ and consider a car’s entire life cycle, not just its powertrain.  A visual stamp is introduced to create a clear recognition of the environmental value that the award represents.

"Since 2019, Green NCAP’s star ratings have provided consumers with an easy way to compare the on-road environmental performance of new cars under identical driving conditions.  LCA information complements the rating as it assesses the vehicle’s complete environmental impact, taking into account factors like production, energy supply, and end-of-life.  We believe that this award helps consumers to make an informed and greener choice about the true sustainability of their cars – it will be a true differentiator for the wide choice of electric cars currently on offer on the forecourt.  Moreover, it is hoped that the award will act as a catalyst for the industry to innovate and accelerate its development of more sustainable cars," said Dr. Aleksandar Damyanov, Green NCAP Technical Manager

The LCA Award is given only to those five-star vehicles, tested since 2022, that are amongst the best performers for LCA.  Currently, these are vehicles with total life cycle greenhouse gas emissions equal to or less than 120 g CO2‑eq./km, based on the Green NCAP LCA methodology and set European average values.

Since 2022, Green NCAP has been conducting Life Cycle Assessment for each car tested, analysing its impact from ‘cradle to grave’ i.e., from when it was manufactured, through its lifetime of usage, and, finally, its destruction and end-of-life treatment, including some degree of recycling.  Lower emissions from production and maintenance, together with minimal output of climate-damaging emissions during use, significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment.  Past analyses by Green NCAP have shown that lighter vehicles with smaller batteries have a clear advantage in minimising environmental damage.

Green NCAP strongly encourages manufacturers to recognise the life cycle as a critical part of vehicle development and to share detailed information relating to their own vehicle production.

To see if your car has been assessed for its LCA performance, please visit here https://www.greenncap.com/european-lca-results

(Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

Brighton Sustainable Fashion Week - Ecommunity in Style!

Sustainable Fashion Week is more than just an event; it's a movement towards conscious consumption and more responsible fashion choices.

Sustainable Fashion Week (SFW) is coming to Brighton for the first time ever, taking place on Monday 25th September to Sunday 1st October 2023. With free events across the week, leading up to a two-day showcase at Brighton Dome, everyone is invited to celebrate sustainable style and join ‘The ReWear Revolution’!

The SFW hub in Brighton, organised by Brighton Peace and Environment Centre in collaboration with local community interest company Sew Fabulous Brighton and a network of passionate sustainable fashion advocates, is poised to revolutionise the way we perceive and engage with fashion. This committed team are working for free to make this event happen. With the support of The EcoSystem Incubator, Discarded Spirits, and Peper Harow, the week aims to invite everyone to enjoy conscious fashion, no matter their style.

"Brighton Peace and Environment Centre has been championing sustainability and combating climate change for over 25 years. We believe Sustainable Fashion Week is a genuinely fantastic event to be bringing for the first time to our city, it perfectly aligns with Brighton's trend setting attitude and the community's long-standing commitment to a more sustainable future. We can't believe that this is the first ever!" said Becca Freeman Centre Manager of Brighton Peace and Environment Centre.

The theme for this year is ‘The ReWear Revolution’, inviting anyone who wears clothes to consider how they can buy less and wear more, weaving together a passion for fashion with the fair treatment of people and planet. With a diverse line-up of free events including fashion film screenings, a sustainable fashion marketplace, flashmob catwalks, topical panel discussions, interesting creative workshops, and more, the SFW hub in Brighton promises to put style and sustainability on everybody’s radar.

Join us at The Brighton Dome on Saturday 30th Sep and Sunday 1st Oct for: Sustainable Fashion Marketplace: Discover an array of sustainably-made clothes and accessories from local makers, designers and brands at their free indoor marketplace.

Flashmob Catwalks: Get ready to experience the future of fashion with four themed catwalks taking place in and amongst the goings on at Brighton Dome, showcasing the vision of local designers, stylists, and fashion students.

Empowering Panel Discussions: Engage with thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of fashion, ethics, and innovation at our free panel talks. Industry experts, Remake Ambassadors, activists and entrepreneurs will be given a platform to discuss the issues of fast fashion, feminism, Brightonian style, and circularity.

Creative Workshops & Repair Café by Sew Fabulous Brighton: Dive into the world of sustainable fashion through interactive workshops that will give you the tools to upcycle, repair, and make more ethical fashion choices. The Repair Café, sponsored by the Accenture Sustainable Community Challenge, offers an opportunity to mend and breathe new life into your favourite pieces.

Fashion Film Screenings: Put yourself in the shoes of renowned sustainable fashion designer, Amy Powney, in a free film screening of Fashion Reimagined (2023), or get into fashion’s dirty secrets at the free screening of The True Cost (2015).

Sustainable Fashion Week is much more than a mere event; it's a movement towards conscious consumption and responsible fashion choices. As part of its commitment to accessibility, all SFW events are open to the public free of charge, with the aim to inspire a community of changemakers that look good and do good!

Follow @sfwhub.brighton for the latest updates and event announcements: https://www.instagram.com/sfwhub.brighton

Find out more about SFW Hub in Brighton: https://www.sustainablefashionweek.uk/brighton-hub

Main Event Details:

Date: September 30th - October 1st 2023

Location: The Brighton Dome

Tickets: https://bit.ly/sfwhubbrightontickets

Follow us on social media:

@sfwhub.brighton

@sustainablefashionweek_uk

@bpecfairplanet

@sewfabulousbrighton

To participate and/or host an activity, please get in touch via: hello@sustainablefashionweek.uk

About the Sustainable Fashion Week hub in Brighton:

Sustainable Fashion Week Brighton is a pioneering event that celebrates and promotes sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Through engaging events, discussions, and showcases, the event aims to inspire conscious fashion choices and contribute to a more ethical and eco-friendly fashion landscape.

Young people take action to tackle coastal environmental issues

Coastlines, estuaries and rivers. They are all facing challenges from pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate change.

Now a new scheme has been launched to create a national community of young people to help improve coastal, river and estuary environments, for their benefit and for the benefit of the people who live there.

The Blue Influencers Scheme is a ground-breaking project from UK outdoor education charity The Ernest Cook Trust, to support young people living in areas of deprivation in coastal and estuary locations, by empowering them to tackle environmental and climate issues.

The £2.25 million scheme is being co-funded by The Ernest Cook Trust and the #iwill Fund, and will run for three years. Its ambition is to engage over 4,000 young people as ‘Blue Influencers’, plus over 15,000 community volunteers across England.

The #iwill Fund is made possible thanks to £66 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support young people to access high quality social action opportunities. The Ernest Cook Trust is acting as a match funder and awarding grants on behalf of the #iwill Fund.

“Coastlines and waterways are often badly impacted by pollution and other environmental harms, and are vulnerable to climate change, increasing the risk of floods, raised sea levels and erosion. 

These threats to nature and the environment in turn create challenges for people, coastal economies and local industry,” said Dr Ian Gambles, Interim Chief Executive of The Ernest Cook Trust.

“At the same time, evidence suggests, despite living in proximity to water, many deprived coastal communities do not feel welcome in these blue spaces or feel connected to their immediate environments.

“The Blue Influencers Scheme aims to tackle both these issues, by empowering young people to take action to help their communities and at the same time become more connected to the environment where they live.”

The search is now on for 22 registered charities to become host organisations and receive funding that will enable them to each employ a Blue Mentor.

It’s the Blue Mentors’ task to enlist young people, targeting ten to 14-year-olds, to become Blue Influencers and create projects that improve their environment. The Blue Mentors will enable young people to gain skills and confidence to identify environmental issues in their communities and develop a social action project to tackle these. Extra funds will also be available to help the young people put their ideas into action.

The Blue Influencers Scheme is a successor to the Green Influencers Scheme, which was also a match funded project between The Ernest Cook Trust and the #iwill Fund and which finished delivery in July 2023.

Through the Green Influencers Scheme, some 7,000 Green Influencers were involved in activities, reaching more than 35,500 of their peers, families and communities. The young people took part in a whole range of initiatives, including seed swaps, hedgerow mapping, plastic reduction and litter clearance, with one group even building an eco-classroom using repurposed plastic bottles.

“Learning from the Green Influencers Scheme, this new scheme takes an even more ambitious youth-led approach to decision-making and will support and empower young people to develop skills, discover new career opportunities and engage communities through youth social action to address key environmental issues,” said Dr Gambles.

“We are really so excited to learn what the young Blue Influencers will decide to do. The role of the Blue Mentors is to guide them, but the activities are very much completely in their hands.”

What is The Ernest Cook Trust? It's a UK-wide educational charity, which creates Outdoor Learning experiences for children, youngsters and their families, on its own estates and with partner estates across the country. It also gives out some £2m in grants every year, to support Outdoor Learning activities.

The National Lottery Community Fund awards grants to strengthen society and improve lives across the UK. Thanks to National Lottery players, it will distribute at least £4 billion by 2030, supporting activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

For more information about the Blue Influencers Scheme you can visit https://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/ or if you'd rather, you can email them at blueinfluencers@ernestcooktrust.org.uk.

Jackery Reveals New Solar Power Stations at IFA Berlin

Jackery, world leading provider of portable and eco-friendly friendly power solutions, is expanding its flagship series.

To coincide with IFA 2023, Jackery is expanding its flagship series with two new power stations: the smallest, lightest member of the Plus family, the Explorer 300 Plus, including a mini-solar module, which is a handy solar generator for the bag. 

Also, its bigger brother, the Explorer 1000 Plus with modular expandable battery packs, completes the new product family of LiFePO4 power stations from Jackery. The official launch is at the consumer electronics fair (Hall 3.2, Stand 307), also the the sale date.

Explorer 300 Plus with SolarSaga 40 Mini

The solar generator for your backpack is ultra-portable, sustainable, and very safe. Smaller and, at 3.75 kg, lighter than devices with comparable capacity, the mini power station with 288 Wh and 300-Watt continuous power reliably supplies electrical consumers with electricity. Carried easily in a backpack, it really is the perfect companion for picnics, camping or for hill walking expeditions.

The smart rounded casing which has a retractable carrying handle measures just 23 x 15.5 x 16.7 cm and offers five connections on the front in addition to the clear display and LED light: two USB-C with 100 watts/ 15watts each, one USB-A with 15 watts, a 12-volt connection and an earthed socket. The innovative 40-watt mini solar module provides a free, environmentally friendly energy supply. 

Folded up, the 1.25 kg light photovoltaic pad measures only 25 x 30 cm, which when unfolded takes up 97 x 30 cm of solar radiation. As a waterproof module (IP68), it comes with IEC certification from TÜV-Rheinland and a 5-year guarantee.

Explorer 1000 Plus flexibly expandable thanks to battery packs

The new Explorer 1000 power station covers more energy needs with 1.26 kWh in a compact format. The capacity can be flexibly expanded to 5 kWh with up to three handy battery packs. The lithium iron phosphate battery with an output power of 2000 watts supplies electrical devices with power safely and reliably via a total of seven connections on the front - from sockets via USB-C and A to 12 volts. 

And it does so whisper-quietly with ≤30 decibels as well as enduringly, with 4,000 complete charge/discharge cycles (at 70 %), the power station has a service life of over 10 years with daily use. As a solar generator, the portable power station with dimensions of 35.6 x 26 x 28.3 cm and a weight of 14.5 kg comes with two efficient 100-watt solar modules, SolarSaga 100 W.

Transparent, safe, and sustainable

The new Plus series offers multiple protection mechanisms including 12 BMS algorithms and protection against overcurrent, short circuit, deep discharge, overload, overvoltage, and overheating.

Jackery's proprietary "ChargeShield" fast-charging technology not only ensures full batteries in the shortest possible time, even at higher temperatures up to 45 ℃ - but also protects the battery, too.

Staged charging algorithms with variable speed increase safety and help extend service life by up to 50%. Users can always keep an eye on the live status of the devices via the very handy and helpful app.

Availability and prices

Both new products are available for purchase now. 

RRP is £319 for the Explorer 300 Plus and £399 for the set up with mini solar panel. The Explorer 1000 Plus is available for £1,149, a Battery Pack 1000 Plus for £739 and the solar generator with power station plus two SolarSaga 100-Watt solar modules for £1,599.

Jackery has a pre-promotion: the Explorer 300 Plus is available in the Amazon shop at a reduced price of £279 with £40 off until 11 September 2023, while the solar generator can be added to the shopping basket for only £349. During the same period, the Jackery online shop is offering an 80-watt solar panel free of charge with the Explorer 1000 Plus, while the solar generator set also comes with a small Explorer 240 power station. For more information, please visit Jackery UK https://uk.jackery.com or Jackery’s Amazon presence. 

Jackery presents new solar generators at IFA 2023: New flagship for more freedom and energy independence

Jackery, a global leader in innovative portable power and green energy solutions, is presenting new solar generators and power stations at IFA 2023. From 1 to 5 September, the renowned expert for environmentally friendly outdoor energy solutions will showcase its new flagship series in Hall 3.2, Stand 307.

The new Solar Generator 300 Plus, a compact and handy LiFePO4 power station with a foldable 40-watt mini solar module, will be on display for the first time ever. Also, another highlight will be unveiled on the Friday of the fair, showcasing advances in portable power solutions.

"We're obviously very thrilled and excited to showcase our latest innovation at this year's IFA in Berlin. At Jackery, we strive to explore new territory in a sustainable way with users all over the world. Our ongoing technological innovations lay a solid foundation for this," said Lara Luo, who is the Head of Brand at Jackery.

Jackery is committed to empowering users to take control of their energy requirements on the go also, which is highlighted once again by the company's latest offerings, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. 

With the newly launched Solar Generator 2000 Plus, the company offers an optimised mobile power solution with first-class performance, reliability, and safety. The modular concept of the Plus series has been developed as a versatile, efficient solution for those who want more freedom and energy independence.

Jackery has a successful track record of technological innovation, launching the world's first portable lithium power station, the Explorer series, back in 2016 and the world's first portable solar panels, the SolarSaga series, two years later in 2018.

Since then, Jackery has become one of the best-selling portable power brands in the US and Japan, offering the powerful 1000 Pro and 2000 Pro solar generators since 2022. 

The SolarSaga 80W, also launched last year in 2022, became the world's first photovoltaic product to receive TUV SUD's prestigious certification. Earlier this year, Jackery completed its high-end solar generator Pro family with the launch of the 3000 Pro and the 1500 Pro at CES 2023.

At IFA 2023, the upcoming product launches will further expand the new Plus series. The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus will be on display at the show and will be launched on the official Amazon and Jackery websites in Europe as early as 1 September. The RRP is 319 GBP for the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus power station and 399 GBP for the 300 Plus 40W Mini solar generator including mobile solar panel.

https://uk.jackery.com.