Energy expert responds to Amber Rudd’s speech
Dr Simon Harrison, Chair of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Energy Policy Panel, said:
“Closure of coal fired stations has long been seen as an important part to transitioning us to low carbon energy so today’s announcement should not come as a huge surprise to many in the industry. As fears about our tightening capacity margin and escalating energy costs grow, cost effective and secure energy should rightly stay as a priority alongside tackling climate change.”
“The challenge is to achieve a balance of all three of these energy policy goals – to do so it’s crucial that Britain establishes a long-term energy policy that accommodates a broad mix of capacity types including nuclear, gas, Carbon Capture Storage, renewables and new forms of capacity like storage, demand side response and smart meters which can help consumers control and reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills at an individual and community level.
“An adaptable and modern energy infrastructure is critical to achieving this broad mix of capacity. The recently announced National Infrastructure Commission is well placed to help deliver this long term energy policy and modern energy infrastructure. The Government must now build on today’s announcement by ensuring that this this Commission remains focused on these goals in the coming months.”
