The UK government has committed to supporting the building of new gas power stations, a decision aimed at ensuring the country’s energy supply as it transitions to net zero.
A statement from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said the Climate Change Committee recognised the UK will need unabated gas generation into the 2030s as a back-up to ensure energy security and reduce costs.
As part of the second consultation on the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has set out a plan to boost gas power capacity.
Firstly, by broadening existing laws requiring new gas plants to be built net-zero ready and able to convert to low carbon alternatives in the future such as carbon capture and hydrogen to power.
Secondly, these gas power plants will run less frequently as the UK rolls out other low carbon technologies.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Our record on net zero speaks for itself – the latest stats show that we’re already halfway there, with greenhouse gas emissions 50% lower than in 1990.
“But we need to reach our 2035 goals in a sustainable way that doesn’t leave people without energy on a cloudy, windless day.
“I will not gamble with our energy security. I will make the tough decisions so that no matter what scenario we face, we can always power Britain from Britain.”
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho added: “There are no two ways about it. Without gas backing up renewables, we face the genuine prospect of blackouts. Other countries in recent years have been so threatened by supply constraints that they have been forced back to coal.
“There are no easy solutions in energy, only trade-offs. If countries are forced to choose between clean energy and keeping citizens safe and warm, believe me they’ll choose to keep the lights on.
“We will not let ourselves be put in that position. And so, as we continue to move towards clean energy, we must be realistic.”
Reacting to the announcement, Kate Mulvany, Principal Consultant at Cornwall Insight said: “Today’s consultation gets the UK one step closer to a secure and future-proofed energy landscape. Bolstering national power infrastructure and ensuring energy security will not only help insulate future bill-payers from global uncertainties, but also foster a sustainable path towards net zero.
“We cannot achieve long-term reduction in energy prices or our net zero ambitions without the delivery of home-grown energy and it is good to see the Government prioritising this critical work.
“There’s still plenty to do and it’s crucial to move beyond just a statement of intentions. The energy industry stands ready to tackle these substantial issues, and we eagerly await more information, so we can get to work on fortifying our energy security, ensuring a stable present and a resilient future.”