UK renewable energy trade bodies are urging the UK government to focus on clean power expansion to limit exposure to hikes in energy prices.
RenewableUK chief executive Dan McGrail (pictured) said the UK needs to phase out fossil fuels “as fast as possible”, in response to the energy price cap announced by Ofgem and the government’s plans to help consumers with the cost of energy bills.
He said that, while measures set out by the chancellor to provide support for those struggling to cope with the “eye-watering hike in international gas prices are very welcome”, the UK needs to phase out fossil fuels “as fast as possible to provide long-term energy security and certainty for consumers”.
He added: “Figures published today by Ofgem show that green levies are falling, so anyone attempting to blame renewables and net zero is seriously misinformed. Let’s be clear – this is a crisis caused by the soaring cost of gas.
“In the last three months of 2021, wind and solar power was so cheap that they actually paid back nearly £160m to consumers, reducing energy bills.
“The escape route from volatile and uncontrollable gas prices couldn’t be clearer – investing in our green future secures low-cost reliable power as well as getting the UK to net zero as fast as possible.”
Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett said the “short-term measures” announced by HM Treasury are not enough.
He added: “Government must implement long-term structural reforms to reduce the UK economy’s exposure to volatile and high cost fossil fuel markets by accelerating the growth of low cost domestic renewable energy, like solar. Greener is now cheaper.”