Today’s ESG Updates
- EU Revisits Nuclear Phase-Down: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warns that Europe’s retreat from nuclear power has increased reliance on imported fossil fuels and left the region exposed to energy price shocks.
- UK Launches Net-Zero Buildings Standard: Oil prices increase above US$100 per barrel could push up petrol and electricity prices in the city-state.
- Spain’s Repsol Weighs Investors for U.S. Renewables: The Spanish energy group is considering bringing in partners for its U.S. renewables platform as the business moves toward becoming self-financing.
- Denmark’s Vestas Wins UK Offshore Wind Order: The Danish turbine maker will supply 92 turbines for RWE’s Vanguard East project, supporting Britain’s push toward its 2030 clean power targets.
EU chief criticises Europe’s nuclear phase-down
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that Europe’s long-term retreat from nuclear power was a “strategic mistake,” arguing that it has left the region increasingly dependent on imported fossil fuels. Nuclear energy accounted for roughly one-third of EU electricity in 1990 but has fallen to around 15% today, exposing various member states to energy price shocks and supply disruptions. Speaking at an energy event in Paris, von der Leyen announced plans for a €200 million EU guarantee to support private investment in innovative nuclear technologies through the bloc’s carbon market. The comments have reignited debates among EU governments, with some countries supporting nuclear energy as a reliable low-carbon source. In contrast, others, such as Germany, have continued to oppose it in favour of renewable alternatives.
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Further reading: EU Chief Calls Europe’s Nuclear Phase-Down A Strategic Mistake
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The UK launches first national standard for net-zero carbon buildings
The United Kingdom has launched the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, a new industry framework designed to define and verify net-zero carbon claims across the property sector. The standard was developed with input from more than 350 industry experts and tested across 205 pilot projects. It sets out how carbon emissions from buildings should be measured, covering both everyday energy use and the emissions linked to construction materials. The aim is to prevent misleading net-zero claims by requiring developers to back them up with verified emissions data. Certification is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and will be based on real operational performance rather than projected figures. The initiative comes as pressure grows on the UK to accelerate emissions reductions in the built environment.
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Further reading: UK Launches Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard To Define Credible Climate Claims Across Property Sector
Related Articles
Here is a list of articles selected by our Editorial Board that have gained significant interest from the public:
Spanish company Repsol considers bringing new investors into U.S. renewables business
The Spanish energy company Repsol is considering bringing new investors into its renewable energy business in the United States as it reviews its strategy for expanding clean power generation. The company has built a portfolio of wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects since 2018 as part of its shift from a traditional oil and gas producer to a broader multi-energy company. The U.S., alongside Spain, is a key market for its low-carbon division, with about 2.8 gigawatts of renewable capacity operating or under construction and a development pipeline exceeding 15 GW. Chief Executive Josu Jon Imaz said the business is expected to become self-financing within three years as it moves from rapid expansion toward more disciplined growth.
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Further reading: Spain’s Repsol may bring new investors into US renewables unit
Denmark’s Vestas secures UK order for 92 turbines for RWE offshore wind project
Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has received an order to supply 92 turbines for German utility RWE’s 1.38 gigawatt Vanguard East offshore wind project in the United Kingdom. Located off the coast of Norfolk in East Anglia, the project is expected to support Britain’s push to reach its 2030 clean power targets and contribute to the wider energy transition across Europe. Vestas will supply, deliver, and commission its V236-15.0 megawatt turbines and provide servicing under an initial five-year agreement followed by long-term operational support. RWE aims to make a final investment decision in summer 2026, with turbine deliveries beginning in 2028 and commissioning expected in 2030.
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Further reading: Denmark’s Vestas receives UK order for 92 wind turbines
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Guillaume Périgois
