Chris Goggin observes and comments on the priorities of the new Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Enhancing renewable energy production is a key objective of the current government, as is the creation of a publicly owned Energy company that safeguards UK customers from external cost elevations. Additional insights into large solar and wind projects as well as information on further home heating plans will also be shared.
A list of national priorities has been drawn up by the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. These objectives include:
- taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy.
- upgrading Britain’s homes and cutting fuel poverty through our Warm Homes Plan.
- standing up for consumers by reforming our energy system.
- creating good jobs in Britain’s industrial heartlands, including a just transition for the industries based in the North Sea.
- leading on international climate action, based on our domestic achievements.
This article will concentrate on what these aims mean for UK customer energy options and cost. The first two bullet points regarding “Great British Energy” and “The Warm Homes Plan” will be discussed as key areas of interest within this article.
The current government hope to create a publicly owned energy company capable of delivering clean energy that bolsters domestic security at low cost. Great British Energy will be supported by £8.3 billion of subsidy and will assist national industry, local authorities and public sector organizations in pursuit of a fair, clean and cost-effective energy transition.
£3.3 billion will be directed towards the construction of localized smaller power projects whilst £5 billion will be invested into larger projects and supply chains. This money will be raised through the taxing of North Sea fossil fuel companies.
Great British Energy will generate and deploy clean renewable electricity to support all UK households that are currently being affected by exorbitant fossil fuel costs. The current government aims to completely decarbonize the UK electrical grid by 2030 to safeguard UK customers against external geopolitical influences that elevate costs.
A further move that highlights the government’s commitment towards renewable capacity enhancement is the uplifting of the onshore wind ban imposed by the former government. This move will assist in adding additional renewable energy capacity to the national grid once project connections are made.
Scottish based clean energy company SSE Renewables have begun operations at the £566 million Viking Wind Farm located on the Shetland Islands. Once fully operational 103 turbines will generate 443MW of clean power and provide energy to 475,000 homes. Viking Wind Farm will be the most productive onshore wind facility in the UK.
Alongside uplifting the onshore wind ban, the new Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has recently awarded planning permission for three large solar projects that will provide clean energy and offer stable national power security.
UK solar power companies PS Renewables and Tribus Clean Energy are collaborating to deliver a £600 million, 2,500-acre solar farm on the Suffolk Cambridgeshire border. Once operational power could be potentially distributed to 172,000 homes.
Clean energy company Low Carbon will construct and operate the Gate Burton Solar facility, Lincolnshire. The 500MW renewable installation will distribute green power to 160,000 homes once commercially viable.
The 350MW Mallard Pass solar farm is in Lincolnshire and Shetland will provide 92,000 households with green power and is expected to be operational for around 60 years. All three solar farms exemplify the intent to introduce cleaner energies into UK domiciles and commercial properties.
An additional government objective includes the £6.6 billion Warm Homes Plan that will work alongside local councils and authorities to deliver grants and low interest loans in supporting investments for insulation, solar and other low carbon methods of domestic building heat.
A new direction of energy policy is designed to rapidly increase renewable capacity into the UK electrical grid whilst reducing customer cost and carbon emissions. The creation of a publicly owned energy company - Great British Energy and adding objectives such as the Warm Homes Plan will help to deliver further improvements upon UK NetZero accomplishments. More details on the energy objectives of the new Labour government can be seen at Energy Secretary Ed Miliband sets out his priorities for the department - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Rinnai will continue to analyse all media reportage of energy matters and provide UK customers with information that affects fuel cost, supply and options. Further updates on energy policy, legislation and standards can be delivered direct to your mailbox with Rinnai’s monthly newsletter, simply sign up at www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/contact-us/newsletter-sign
