London’s main flood defence may require replacement earlier than planned. Officials warn the Thames Barrier could need major intervention by 2050-60, with costs potentially reaching £20bn as sea-level rise, ageing assets, and more demanding operating conditions reshape long-term resilience planning.

Households near new grid projects could receive ten-year bill discounts. The first transmission developments expected to qualify have been identified, with £250 annual payments planned to begin for eligible projects from 2027.

Repeated heatwaves cut estimated UK economic output by £4.4bn overall. Verdant’s model links extreme heat with lower productivity, while excluding several wider costs including wildfire damage and additional electricity consumption.

JCB has set a hydrogen land-speed record using production engines. Hydromax averaged 406.320mph at Bonneville with technology derived from engines now being deployed through the manufacturer’s £100m hydrogen programme.

Sumitomo has taken a third of Gwynt Glas offshore wind. The Japanese group’s first floating-wind investment gives it an equal stake alongside EDF power solutions and ESB in the proposed 1.5GW Celtic Sea project.

Drought now covers more than seven-tenths of England’s total area. Agriculture, water supplies, navigation, and businesses face increasing pressure after exceptionally dry conditions, with more than 27 million people already subject to water-use restrictions.