The Government recently announced their new Energy Security Strategy, aiming to boost the UK’s energy independence while tackling rising costs. As energy prices rise around the world following the invasion of Ukraine, the Government wants to move away from reliance on external energy sources.
The strategy proposes the development of eight more nuclear reactors to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and gas. Nuclear is the only source of reliable, non-weather dependent clean energy, although it will be years before any new reactors start producing power. The nuclear projects will create thousands of highly skilled jobs and help boost the UK’s energy security.
As well as a focus on nuclear, the Government is seeking to reform planning laws to speed up approvals for offshore wind farms, in the hope of producing up to 50 gigawatts of energy – enough to power every home in the country.
However, the strategy fails to recognise the importance of reducing energy demands, with no new policies on energy saving and efficiency, which is key to reducing our reliance on oil and gas, and could see more immediate benefits than investment in building new developments.
David Ralph, Chief Executive at the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “The Energy Security Strategy makes clear that nuclear power has a crucial role to play in the UK’s transition to net zero. The South West’s natural resources, and legacy of strong working partnerships across the sector, makes us well placed to help deliver this as part of our region’s ambition to become the country’s natural powerhouse.
“Projects including Hinkley Point C and the Floating Offshore Wind turbines in the Celtic Sea are key examples of how the South West is becoming a catalyst for clean growth. Working with partners including EDF Energy, Nuclear South West, South West Net Zero Hub and others, we will continue to deliver on the Government’s clean growth ambitions.
“The increased supply of nuclear energy is a fantastic opportunity for the area’s economy, however, we would urge the Government to ensure we also focus on decreasing upfront energy use. We would like to see investment in a comprehensive retrofit programme which would reduce energy use, a vital step in our journey to net zero, as well as creating more highly skilled jobs.
“We welcome the new Energy Security Strategy, and look forward to working with Government, local authorities, and private sector partners to deliver on its ambitious goals.”
Read the Energy Security Strategy in full here.
Find out more about the Heart of the South West’s nuclear sector here.
