Tag: terrorism

Net Zero Blamed for Heathrow Shutdown

Net Zero has been blamed for the complete shutdown of Heathrow after an aviation industry expert told Reform MP and Deputy Leader Richard Tice that Heathrow is moving from diesel back-up generators to biomass and the system failed “at the first time of asking” when a local electrical substation went up in flames. 

From The Daily Sceptic

by Will Jones

Net Zero has been blamed for the complete shutdown of Heathrow after an aviation industry expert told Reform MP and Deputy Leader Richard Tice that Heathrow is moving from diesel back-up generators to biomass and the system failed “at the first time of asking” when a local electrical substation went up in flames. The Mail has more.

At least 220,000 passengers have been left stranded in Britain and around the world after an electrical fire shut the airport for at least 24 hours – with the level of global travel chaos sparked by the outage being compared to 9/11. 

The UK’s busiest airport was forced to close on Friday after its main power substation exploded and set alight less than two miles away in the west London suburb of Hayes. 

The complete closure of Heathrow due to the loss of just one electrical substation is unprecedented and raises major questions for the airport and the Government. It has also left many stranded travellers raging and reduced to tears. 

Mr Tice said on GB News: “It appears that Heathrow had changed its backup systems in order to be, wait for it… Net Zero compliant.”

“They had got rid of their diesel generators and had moved towards a biomass generator that was designed not to completely replace the grid but work alongside it. Their Net Zero compliant backup system has completely failed in its core function at the first time of asking.

“We know diesel generators work as backup systems. If this is correct, and I have no reason to believe it’s not, they are guilty of gross negligence of the highest order.”

MailOnline has asked Heathrow to comment on Mr Tice’s claims. Its 2022 Net Zero plan confirms it is “investigating renewable-based alternatives that can still meet the stringent performance criteria” – but it is not clear how far along those plans are.

Senior sources at the airport have insisted that Heathrow does have back-up power systems but “activating contingencies for the whole airport requires some time” and “isn’t immediate”, one insider said to the Times. Bosses are expected to be hauled before Parliament to explain.

Julian Bray, one of the UK’s leading aviation experts said: “We are all amazed that Heathrow does not have a viable standby independent of the grid emergency power supply but relies on the National Grid. It’s not as if Heathrow is short of money – it has a substantial war chest for building the third runway.”

https://videopress.com/v/mxBLzO0i?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true
Heathrow will resume some flights ‘later today’ and prioritise…

Worth reading in full.

Stop Press: Counter terrorism police are leading the probe into the fire amid claims it could be a Russian sabotage attack.

Botched Green New Deal: Business Sentiment In Germany Is Now Free-Falling, “On The Brink”

Despite all the earlier rosy promises of a flourishing green economy by the Socialist-Green government led by Olaf Scholz and Robert Habeck – and those made by the earlier Merkel CDU-led government, sentiment among German companies continues to erode badly.

From NoTricksZone

By P Gosselin

Hat-tip: Blackout News

Despite all the earlier rosy promises of a flourishing green economy by the Socialist-Green government led by Olaf Scholz and Robert Habeck – and those made by the earlier Merkel CDU-led government, sentiment among German companies continues to erode badly.

Germany’s online FAZ here reports that Ifo Business Climate Index fell to 85.7 points in August 2024, down from 87.4 points in the previous month. Pessimism is spreading and deepening.

That’s the lowest level sentiment in 3 years

“The current economic slump is particularly evident in the renewed decline in the Ifo business climate index, which has left many economic experts downright perplexed. One thing is certain: the economy is in a serious crisis,” reports Blackout News. And: “no one can say exactly how far the German economy will fall.”

High energy prices, hostile business environment

The current socialist-green government has botched things so much, and now has no idea how to proceed further.

“The challenges are complex and a rapid improvement is not in sight,” comments Blackout News further. “In summary, it is clear that the German economy is currently in a serious crisis.”

Many factors are contributing to the pessimistic business sentiment. Foremost are the high energy costs, which are among the highest energy costs in the world – thanks to Germany’s botched attempt to move to green energies.

War and terrorism weighing down

Also the country’s massive regulation is hostile to free enterprise. Add to this the escalating Ukraine war, which is weighing down further on sentiment.

Another depressing factor: Germany’s uncontrolled flood of refugees from countries plagued by terrorism and war, all of which has led to rapidly rising violent crimes like the one recently witnessed in Solingen. Citizens fear for their safety, and have lost trust in the government’s ability and willingness to protect them.

Not only business sentiment is plummeting, but so is confidence in the government. Unfortunately, real change will remain elusive for the foreseeable future.

Germany is mired in pessimism and fear, with little hope in sight.