The UK government must not to let political issues overshadow the need for low-cost, low-carbon energy, a report from the Energy Institute has warned.
The institute’s annual ‘Barometer’ report highlighted the current minority government and ongoing Brexit negotiations as potential bumps in the road for the UK energy sector.
The report said industry professionals were ‘acutely concerned’ about whether the UK will have continued access to a skilled EU workforce following the country’s withdrawal from the 28-nation bloc.
The report also called on the UK government to maintain existing EU energy and climate change laws as part of any divorce settlement between London and Brussels.
Industry figures said they hoped the UK would retain close ties to the single energy market following Brexit.
Energy Institute vice president Steve Holliday said the government’s domestic political problems could lead to a weak policy environment for the energy industry.
“[The Report] reflects the need for ministers to bring forward a credible Clean Growth Plan to demonstrate how they intend to course-correct the UK’s emission reduction efforts,” he said.
The institute called on the government to take the lead on promoting greater energy efficiency across the sector.
“The potential is there for significant industrial benefit and emission reduction at least cost to consumers and taxpayers, but sound policy making should not be drowned out,” Holliday added.
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Political risk ‘grows’ in UK
Energy Institute flags industry concern over impact of minority government
By EBS