Government unveils future energy proposals

London — Measures to facilitate the construction of nuclear power stations as well as to promote coal-fired generation and the use of fuels based on renewable resources, are among a range of policy proposals in the Government Energy Review issued on 11 July.

The proposals for long-term UK energy policy carry the aim of reducing demand and securing a mix of low carbon energy sources, trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling said at a launch event.

According to Darling, the proposals will provide a framework for the operation of the energy market over the next 30 to 40 years. He highlighted climate change and the need for clean, affordable energy as the main challenges to be addressed.

“As our North Sea oil and gas production declines, our dependence on imports from the global energy market will increase. Our forecasts suggest that, over the next 20 years, up to a third of our existing generating capacity will reach the end of its life,” said Darling.

The nuclear industry is to benefit from a streamlining of the licensing process and clearer strategies for plant decommissioning and nuclear waste. The government also launched a consultation exercise on a policy framework, which is to lead to an Energy White Paper by early next year.

“Nuclear power already accounts for almost a fifth of our electricity but this is likely to drop to just 6% by 2020. Our analysis suggests that, alongside other low carbon generating options, a new generation of nuclear power stations could make a contribution to reducing carbon emissions and reducing our reliance on imported energy,” the secretary stated.

There will be "fundamental changes" to the planning system for all types of energy projects, and a series of measures to bring on more localised distributed generation.

The proposals also include a new ‘Coal Forum’ to help coal-fired generators, coal producers, power plant suppliers, unions and other stake holders to find solutions to securing the long-term future of coal-fired generation and UK coal production.

The proportion of electricity generated from renewables, meanwhile, is to be pushed towards 20% - five times the present level. There will also be steps to remove barriers to carbon capture to ensure cleaner coal and gas and to exploit remaining North Sea oil reserves.

The Government further aims to reduce annual carbon emissions by 19-25 million tonnes by 2020, towards a goal of cutting the UK's CO2 emissions by around 60% by about 2050.