Vattenfall has issued a wish list for the next UK government ahead of June’s general election, including the provision of support for onshore and offshore wind.
The Swedish company said onshore wind is the cheapest form of any new electricity generation, and getting cheaper, while auctions are driving cost reductions for offshore wind.
“Not only are both essential to decarbonising at the lowest cost to the consumer, but this investment creates UK jobs for tens of thousands of people throughout the supply chain and in export opportunities,” Vattenfall said.
It also called for continued support for electricity interconnection with neighbouring countries, which it said will reduce consumer costs, support price stability, security of supply and carbon reduction for consumers.
Vattenfall would also like to see reinforced cross-party commitment to the low-carbon transition through the Climate Change Act, support for low carbon technologies and future policy like the long-awaited Clean Growth Plan.
In particular, the Clean Growth Plan should look at how wind and other low carbon technologies can help the transport and heat sectors decarbonize.
The company would also like to see what it calls “good” regulation of carbon, environmental standards and air quality, for example, by continuing the appropriate protection provided by the Birds and Habitats Directives once the country leaves the EU.
Image: Kentish Flats wind farm (Vattenfall)
Vattenfall UK election wish list
Swedes say support for on and offshore wind should be priority
By EBS