This Week’s Top 5 Stories in Energy
AWS: Embracing Nuclear Energy for AI & Data Centre Growth
19 May
Matt Garman, CEO of AWS, has emphasised nuclear energy as a “great solution” to meet the power needs of data centres, describing it as “an excellent source of zero carbon, 24/7 power.”
As the UK accelerates its ambition to be at the forefront of AI technology, developing infrastructure like data centres is critical. The national initiative aims to establish AI Growth Zones (AIGZs), enhancing investment in AI data centres, with a focus on improving power accessibility and providing planning support.
Nonetheless, sustainability remains a pressing concern.
Leading technology companies are exploring advanced energy solutions to sustainably develop and deploy AI. In a conversation with the BBC, Matt outlines how these energy plans align with AWS's strategic vision.
“It's something we plan many years out,” he says. “We invest ahead. I think the world is going to have to build new technologies. I believe nuclear is a big part of that, particularly as we look 10 years out.”
23 May
Scotland-based energy company SSE has announced cuts to its renewable investment plans and says it is not likely to meet its 2030 goal of 50 TWh of renewable energy output a year.
The company plans to cut its investments by £3bn (US$4bn) over the next five years, including a £1.5bn (US$2bn) cut to its SSE Renewables business.
These strategic cutbacks are attributed to the "changing macroeconomic environment and wider delays to the planning processes" over the past year.
This follows an announcement in April 2025 that it would cut 200 jobs from its renewables business.
The investment plan was presented with its preliminary results for FY2024/25.
Alistair Phillips-Davies, CEO at SSE, said: “SSE continues to prove the benefits of a portfolio that is built to withstand risk and uncertainty and a strategy that is focused on creating sustainable value.
“We have met our financial goals for the year and evolved our investment plans to reflect the changing world around us – leaning into the opportunities presented in networks and redoubling our capital discipline across our energy businesses.”
20 May
The demand for smart buildings, especially in commercial settings, is on the rise.
Smart buildings offer a variety of benefits, including reduced energy consumption and improved operational efficiency.
With energy prices climbing and environmental regulations tightening, retailers are under mounting pressure to make their operations more sustainable and cost-effective.
Swedish multinational fashion brand H&M is adopting Honeywell cloud-based building automation technology across more than 90 of its stores in Southern Europe.
This deployment showcases the transformation of retail buildings into smart, efficient and resilient assets through advanced technology.
20 May
In 2024, global energy consumption surged, driven by the need for cooling during record heatwaves, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
This situation represents a concerning cycle, where higher temperatures demand more energy, consequently propelling climate change.
Mastercard is actively addressing this global issue by integrating sustainability into its business and transitioning to renewable energy.
Mastercard’s approach goes beyond emissions reduction, positioning environmental responsibility as a strategic pillar on par with finance and cybersecurity.
The approach is about future-proofing operations, strengthening communities and leading by example in the transition to a low-carbon economy – as recommended by the IEA.
“The IEA has long championed energy efficiency as the ‘first fuel’, as it is not only the most secure energy resource but also among the most cost-effective measures to cut energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director at IEA.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could play a pivotal role in aviation’s journey toward net zero, with the International Air Transport Association estimating SAF could provide around 65% of the sector’s required CO₂ reductions by 2050.
Two major players advancing SAF adoption from an energy standpoint are Neste, the global leader in renewable diesel and SAF production, and FedEx, the world’s largest express cargo airline.
The companies have entered a landmark agreement to supply 8,800 tonnes of blended SAF to FedEx at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), marking the largest SAF purchase by a US cargo airline at the airport to date.
The agreement centres around Neste’s blended SAF, which will include at least 30% neat Neste ‘MY SAF’.
As a “drop-in” fuel, neat SAF can be blended with traditional jet fuel and used seamlessly within existing aircraft engines and fuelling infrastructure.
This fuel is expected to comprise about 20% of FedEx’s total jet fuel consumption at LAX for FY25.
“As the world’s preeminent express transportation company, our initial US deployment of this fuel advances our sustainability goals and bolsters the aviation industry’s efforts to source and use more SAF,” says Richard Smith, Chief Operating Officer, International, and Chief Executive Officer, Airline, FedEx.
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