Achieving clean power by 2030 is central to energy plans detailed in the Labour Party’s manifesto released today ahead of the general election.
To deliver its “clean power mission”, Labour will work with the private sector to double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind by 2030, while also stating commitment to nuclear power.
A new Energy Independence Act will establish the framework for Labour’s energy and climate policies, according to the manifesto.
In its manifesto Labour stated that its planned company Great British Energy, which will be publicly owned, will partner with industry and trade unions, will help support capital-intensive projects and will deploy local energy production to benefit communities across the country.
To support this, Labour will capitalise Great British Energy with £8.3bn over the next parliament.
Local power generation is an “essential part of the energy mix” and reduces pressures on the transmission grid and so Labour will deploy more distributed production capacity through its Local Power Plan.
Great British Energy will partner with energy companies, local authorities, and co-operatives to “install thousands of clean power projects, through a combination of onshore wind, solar, and hydropower projects”.
The document also includes a pledge to maintain a “strategic reserve” of gas power stations to guarantee security of supply.
The opposition party has also stated it will ensure a “phased and responsible transition in the North Sea”.
New oil and gas licences to explore new fields will not be issued, nor will new coal licences and a ban on fracking for good will be introduced.
Nina Skorupska, CEO of the REA, said: “We’re pleased to see Labour committing to several policy steps to champion the renewable and clean technology sectors … It is good to see an explicit recognition of the need to speed up grid issues.
“Delving deeper, the REA will be seeking clarification on the steps for regulatory reform, including the establishment of a Regulatory Innovation Office, to understand how they will accelerate decision making, and help align the energy and environmental landscape that we desperately need for the future.
“The REA stands ready to support Labour during this election campaign and beyond, to ensure the substantial benefits of a well planned and executed energy transition are realised on behalf of the UK’s growth.”
Ross Driver, Fund Manager at Foresight Solar Fund Limited, added: “Renewables are arguably the most effective way to reduce electricity prices while ensuring energy security.
“We are pleased that Labour wants to make the country a clean energy superpower by 2030 but call on the next government – whichever party that may be – to listen to the concerns of renewable infrastructure providers and ensure a clear, stable and internationally competitive method for electricity pricing.
“Policy consistency would go a long way to help grow renewable capacity.”
Greenpeace UK’s head of politics, Rebecca Newsom, said: “Unlike the Tories, Labour will bring an end to climate-wrecking oil and gas and turbo-charge renewable power – delivering genuine energy security and lower bills.
She added: “But you can’t deliver real change with spare change.
“So, after the bold green pledges and fair tax reforms set out by the Lib Dems and Greens, it’s clear that Labour’s plans don’t go far enough.
“Repairing our crumbling public services, restoring nature and supporting vulnerable communities facing climate impacts is going to require government investment.
“So, instead of straight-jacketing the UK’s finances, Labour should tax the super-rich and polluting companies more so they pay their fair share towards fixing this broken country.”